gift guide: travel

GROWING UP in Boulder was super dreamy for so many reasons, but they don’t call it ‘The Bubble’ for nothing. Suffice it to say, it’s not the most diverse place on the planet. So to counter this shortcoming, my parents always felt super passionately about getting my sister and me out traveling into the big world to see all of the beauty that exists outside our little slice of municipal heaven. Plus they both just have CRAZY wanderlust, so… We traveled by car A LOT and later on by plane, too, in the days when we would have to get gussied up to fly. We were lucky enough to see some truly spectacular things and a few that are less noteworthy, but the experiences we had and the family memories we made were all invaluable. We still have a running family joke 30 years later, ribbing my mom for making us drive for hours to slowly pass by what seemed at the time like a very lackluster statue of King Kamehameha. My sister and I were like ‘wah?’ Though in all seriousness, my sweet mom can build an itinerary like nobody’s business and we have had some extraordinary trips because of it. So, thanks, mom.

TRAVEL opens your eyes, tests your limits, forces you outside of your comfort zone, digs into those wells of resourcefulness, inspires curiosity and refreshes your soul like nothing else. I have [temporarily] conquered my fear of heights on countless adventures after my big sister dragged me [usually against my will] up some crazy old clock tower or ancient ruin or wobbly bridge. And I’m so glad she did. It builds character and opens your eyes to the world outside of your ‘bubble.’ It’s an invaluable gift to give a child [or anyone]; a gift I hope to continue sharing with my own boys as they grow, even if the adventure is just a few miles from our own backyard.

BECAUSE there are so many passionate globetrotters in the world, there are also countless products designed to make travel a bit more comfortable and fun. Let’s face it, air travel generally is NOT what it used to be, so anything you can do to enhance the experience is a huge bonus. If you’re traveling with kiddos, check out my post on Road Trippin’ for some advice and ideas that apply no matter what mode of transport you choose. And drop a comment to tell me where you’re headed next, lovelies. It’s so fun to daydream about the next destination. xo

Gifts for Travelers

>> This is one of the greatest marriages of form + function I’ve found in a while. I’ve been searching for YEARS for good travel containers. Most reusable kinds are impossible to clean and I’m left with half a wee bottle of old, yellowing body lotion that’s nearly impossible to clean out. And if I’m lucky enough to find a travel-sized tube of something I actually use, I often end up only getting through half of it before it gets yuck and I feel doubly guilty about chucking both product and plastic. Sound familiar? Then you’ll love Cadence. These gorgeous little containers are made from ocean-bound plastic and come in different sizes and pretty colors so YOU get to decide how much stuff to put inside and how to organize them. They’re an absolute breeze to clean out between trips and are totally leak-proof, so you can put ANYthing in there. I use them for skincare, supplements, jewelry, hair goo… really, ALL the stuff. And you can customize the labels so you always know what’s inside [I chose to leave mine blank and use color to know what’s inside]. THEN they all magnet together. If I’m getting on a plane, I plop them all into a Stasher Stand-Up Mid and I’m ready to GO. I have placed two more orders after my initial purchase because I’ve found so many uses for them and I can’t get enough of the gorgeous colors. They’re magic, LOVE THEM. From $14 >>>

>> I love this Baggu Travel Cloud Bag for little weekend getaways with the girls. It’s lightweight when it’s empty and super roomy. I can fit all of my stuff, including shoes and toiletries in there. It has both handles and a shoulder strap for easy carrying. And the whole thing folds up into a petite little pouch [which doubles as an inside pocket], so it’s easy to chuck into a larger bag to use as a beach bag or to drag home souvenirs. They also have a Cloud Carry-On that has a trolly sleeve for slipping over your roller and a smaller Cloud Bag that I love to use as my ‘personal item.’ $78 >>>

>> Help relieve stress, tension and tightness and foster muscle recovery on the go with the Theragun Mini. It’s quiet and powerful and super portable for on-the-road games, matches, races or training. And it comes in 4 perfect colors. $199 >>>

>> Don’t get caught with a dead battery while trying to pull up your boarding pass or find that hot new restaurant. This Anker PowerCore Slim Power Bank provides 2+ charges for your iPhone 12 and is super lightweight and portable. It’s also really easy to charge back up when you get to a power source. I always bring one or two into the backcountry with us so my camera doesn’t die. Anker makes a ton of options depending on your device and needs. $29.99 >>>

>> Listen to your favorite audiobook, podcast or movie for the duration of your journey without that awful throbbing pain in your ears with super innovative Buderflys’ Earbuds. They’re purpose-built to flex and form to your ears for settling into long listening sessions of your favorite content with super high audio quality, but without that overuse pain. So you can totally binge all of your favorites the whole way there. Plus the unique tether ensures you won’t lose one of your loose earbuds in the seat crack. Save 20% off your purchase using code SuperComfyBuds at checkout. $329 >>>

>> Ok, I’ve been kinda obsessing over this Tobiq Zion Travel Duffel or a bit now. Designed by a fellow Colorado mama, it has 4 separate zippered compartments for maximum streamlined organization. There are even pockets inside the pockets. WHOA. Whether you’re sharing space with a little or hoarding the whole thing for yourself, every darn thing can have its own place in this genius bag. It can be carried with the shoulder strap, handles or the stowed backpack straps and is totally MACHINE washable. It comes in this 60L or a 30L ‘Tiny’ size depending on your needs and both are TSA approved to carry on most airlines. Plus it comes in a bunch of really cute colors [part of the reason I haven’t ordered yet, I can’t decide which I love most…] They also make a Toiletry Bag, which I own and love for all of its clever little compartments. If you love to organize the pants off your stuff while on the road, this bag may be your new favorite travel buddy. From $199 >>>

>> Wherever your adventures take you, The James Brand has the knife or multi tool that you’re going to need. They make a huge variety of really beautiful, impeccably crafted ‘everyday carry’ tools for home and travel. Read more about why I love The James Brand here. From $59 >>>

>> I drag this awesome 6L Patagonia Black Hole Cube with us on every out-of-the-way adventure. It’s my ‘doctor bag,’ filled with ALL the things we ‘might’ need for minor illness or injury, from ibuprofen to calendula for scrapes and sunburns to poison ivy scrub. We go to a lot of remote places where you can’t just pop into a CVS, so this is the next best thing. Its DWR finish means that nothing’s getting in or out of it, which is handy in inclement weather or if something leaks inside. Two zippered mesh compartments make it easy for me to see what’s in there. And it’s totally indestructible. It also makes a fantastic cosmetic bag for anyone who likes to carry a bunch. Love this thing. $39 >>>

>> A good laptop bag is essential for any business traveler and my husband loves this Thule Convertible Laptop Bag. It keeps all of his devices super secure and is very durable, but sleek enough for business travel. It converts easily from a shoulder bag to a backpack for comfort in any situation. And it has lots of good little pockets and compartments for keeping organized. $104.95 >>>

>> My husband likes to keep notes while he travels, so I got him one of these pretty Leuchtturm 1917 Notebooks for a recent adventure. It’s substantial, but compact and has nice paper inside. The elastic band will keep it shut and store leaves, ticket stubs or any other little mementos you want to bring home from your journey. They come in a bunch of sizes, tons of colors and a variety of paper options depending on what you like to document in your journal. From $10.95 >>>

>> This Cotopaxi Allpa Del Dia Travel Pack has been on my wish list for a while now. I have a similar version, but this one is just so cool. It converts from a backpack to a side carry with the simple tuck of the padded straps. The full-wrap opening reveals several compartments for organizing all of your stuff. It’s carry-on compatible and comes with a rain fly to keep everything dry on the go. As part of Cotopaxi’s ‘Gear for Good’ promise to sustainability and improving the human condition, all of the pieces in their bright ‘Del Dia’ Collection are made from industry excess fabric and the individual maker that sews each piece has full creative control over the colors they choose, so each bag is truly unique. On Cotopaxi’s website, you can either choose to be ‘surprised’ by the Del Dia colors they send or choose your own from their stash. LOVE their Hip Packs, too. $200 >>

>> My globe-trotting parents hooked us on these Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes years ago and we now have a massive pile of them in every size, shape and color. We color code our boys’ stuff in Cubes so everyone knows whose gear is whose at a glance. I pack their outfits in one Cube and their PJs, undies, swimsuits and other ‘stuff’ in another so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. They’re essential for keeping organized. From $8.95>>>

>> There’s no need to drag a big ol’ mom wallet traveling, so I put just the essentials in a By Elke Card Case. It holds everything I need and can easily be swapped from purse to hip pack to beach bag as needed. They’re handmade of gorgeous veg-tanned leather and come in a bunch of really pretty colors. They’ll patina so nicely with use and will last a lifetime. $30 >>>

>> Can’t live without your weighted blanket when you travel? No problem. Bearaby’s Travel Napper is designed to ease your anxiety and comfort you while on-the-go and even comes in a little duffle for easy carrying. It’s super soft 100% organic cotton and can be machine washed when you get back. Aah, that’s better. From $149 >>>

>> There’s nothing greater for travel than a wardrobe piece that does double [or triple] duty. Skivvys Femme Lounge Dresses are designed to take you flawlessly from sleep to chilling [or working] to dinner without anyone knowing you’re technically wearing your PJs. A a specially-designed built-in bra that’s made for both comfort and function leaves you looking put together and ready for the day while still feeling really comfy. Then the super pretty feminine styling pairs perfectly with some jewelry and sandals so you’re all set for dinner out. It’s just the perfect travel companion. Use code AFLUTTER15 for 15% off your order. From $68 >>>

>> There’s nothing better than do-it-all pieces for travel. My husband loves Faherty clothing [and the family-owned business’s philosophy], especially these All Day Shorts that can take anything you throw at them. Made from recycled bottles, they’re equally comfortable in the surf, the jungle, the city or at dinner. $98 >>>

>> Friends don’t let friends pay extra for overweight bags. Gift your favorite traveler this Hanging Luggage Scale so they know for certain whether they should jam that 4th pair of shoes in there or take the 3rd pair out. It’s super compact, lightweight and easy to tote along so there are no surprises at baggage check either on the way there or back. $16.99 >>>

>> This Topo Designs Tech Case is an organized traveler’s dream come true, elegantly stowing all of the loose bits for travel or even just in your office. Plus it’s bomber and perfectly exemplifies Topo’s signature clean, cool styling. I gave one to my husband for his birthday and he loves it for keeping all of his cords wrangled. $59 >>>

>> If you want some good ol’ analog fun for your kiddos on the plane, these little 50 Fun Things to do on a Plane Cards have lots [well, 50] of ideas. The tin is teeny tiny so it won’t take up too much space in your bag and you can use it in restaurants and other places once you reach your destination, too. $8.95 >>>

>> by elke’s pretty Leather Passport Cover will protect your essential documents with super gorgeous style. It’s made from Italian veg-tanned leather that will patina beautifully with use, getting more and more rich with each point of entry you pass through. It comes in several perfect colors, too. $48 >>>

>> If you’re planning on bringing your cutie lil’ fur baby with you to your next destination, Wild One’s Travel Carrier will help make it easy and comfortable. This airline-compliant carrier has super breathable mesh sides, a shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a squishy cushion inside that folds out into a bed. It’s suitable for dogs up to 16 lbs. They also have an Everyday Carrier for more terrestrial outings. $125 >>>

>> Going on a girl’s trip? Pack the Rabble Travel Edition for hours of extra giggles. It’s a travel version of the popular adult party game and will pack up small but add big laughs. $14.99 >>>

>> Birdie is a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It’s designed to be cute, compact and lightweight so it can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag whether you’re in the woods or the city. Read more about why I love Birdie here. $29.95 >>> Use code AFLUTTER10 at checkout to save 10%

>> My husband does a lot of work on airplanes and doesn’t need the curious dude next to him checking out his spreadsheets, so he added one of these Privacy Screens to his laptop. Problem solved. It’s kind of like magic, it just snaps on to any size laptop magnetically and then you really just can’t see anything on the screen unless you’re right in front of it. Pure genius. From $21.99 >>>

>> I get a bit grossed out walking barefoot on hotel and Airbnb floors, so I bring these Topdrawer House Shoes everywhere we go. They’re super compact, so you can jam them in any little nook in your bag or wear them on the plane for long hauls. They’re totally machine washable, so you can just chuck them in the laundry with everything else when you get back. They’re super comfy, totally reversible, unisex, come in a bunch of different color/pattern combos and are a fantastic gift. Topdrawer also now makes a suede version for more grip. I love them. From $59 >>>

>> On-the-go spontaneity is all yours with an awesome Nomadix Festival Blanket. They’re super durable, sand-proof, lightweight and compact for chucking in your travel pack or beach bag. The base is water resistant, so you can set it on wet grass or sand while keeping yourself dry and has anchoring corners so it doesn’t flap around while you’re trying to enjoy your charcuterie. It’s just perfect for picnics, camping, beach days, outdoor concerts and kiddo sporting events. Plus it comes in a bunch of awesome prints and is made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic. I LOVE their towels for adventuring, too, and now they have an ultralight version. $69.95 >>>

>> Keep track of all of your meds and supplements while you’re on the go in this sleek, stylish Port and Polish Pill Box. It’s compact and comes in 4 different pretty colors so everyone in the family knows whose is whose. I have one for morning supplements and one for night and they make a perfect [and cute] system. $20 >>>

>> Letterfolk makes a whole series of ‘Passports’ to help you document all of your passions, from Trips to Running Races to Wine to Concerts. There are some prompts and some blank pages for drawings or mementos, plus some useful tips. They make special versions for kiddos, too. I gave my little adventurer the Kids’ Hike Passport and it’s so adorable. $10 >>>

>> Keep yourself cozy and warm on the go with Zestt Organics’ Cotton Dreamsoft Travel Scarf. This versatile, comfy 100% organic cotton scarf doubles as a blanket, makeshift pillow, shawl or impromptu picnic blanket and is SO so soft. I gave one to my mom for the holidays and she loves it. It comes in a bunch of different colors and is totally machine washable. $68 >>>

>> So… apparently the headrest on an airplane is even more germy than the lock on the lavatory. Um, so gross. NiceSeats are reusable, washable seat covers that universally fit all types of airplane, bus, train and theater seats to protect you from all of those nasty germs. The compact little carrying case doubles as a seat pocket [yep, also SUPER yuck] and makes it so easy to stash when you arrive at your destination. It comes in several sizes and a bunch of colors, even cute prints for kiddos. From $59 >>>

>> Stasher Bags are endlessly useful reusable bags in a ton of sizes for wrangling just about everything you need to drag around while you’re traveling. I use them for snacks, vitamins, chargers, cosmetics, extra clothes, art supplies, toys… really anything you need to keep together. And they’re super easy to clean, so if your shampoo explodes on the plane, it’s no problem. From $7.99 >>>

>> Avoid wasting a bunch of crappy plastic straws while you’re on the go with GIR’s Ultimate Straws. They come with a wee little travel case for easy transport and a ‘squeegee’ for easy cleaning. They also make a fat straw for Smoothies + Boba Tea and a petite size for cocktails or kiddos. And there are lots of pretty colors. From $7.95 >>>

>> Keep your skin fresh and glowing on the move with Ursa Major’s super popular Essential Face Wipes. These unassuming little bamboo babies work overtime cleansing, exfoliating, soothing and hydrating on the go so you can keep on keepin’ on [but with clean, glowing skin]. They’re awesome mid-flight, post-workout, in the backcountry or any other time your face just needs a little refresh. And it’s Ursa Major, so you know there’s no grody chemicals in there. These are awesome for low-maintenance teens, too. From $6.50 >>>

>> You already know I love a Rumpl, but these Nanoloft Travel Blankets are extra awesome for traveling. They have all of the same comfy qualities of an Original Puffy, but stuff into a wee little sack the size of a water bottle for easy transport [and clipping onto your backpack or roller]. They’re just perfect for kiddos, the airplane, the car or snuggling up on those airport seats when your flight gets delayed [oh, you just know it will]. And when you get home, just chuck it in the washing machine for a refresh and it’s all ready for the next adventure. This is such a fantastic gift. $99 >>>

>> This Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet is more than meets the eye. It’s minimalist, yet super clever design allows you to safely carry all that you might need without any bulk and has RFID protection for when you’re on the go. It also has a secret bill section for stashing cash. It comes in 5 really handsome colors, too. $89 >>>

>> I love my Aloha Collection Holo Holo Tote. It’s ‘splashproof,’ so you don’t have to worry about those wet towels and suits. It’s carry-on approved, so you can just bring it on with you or pack it up super small to jam into your luggage. If the one cute print wasn’t enough, it also reverses to another and it just holds a ton of stuff. There are SO many cute prints to choose from. And if you prefer a tote that zips closed, the Day Tripper has you covered. I LOVE Aloha’s Hip Packs, too, and their Pouches for organizing my unmentionables and little bits inside my luggage. $64 >>>

>> This little Cocofloss Sampler [Minis] includes mini versions of my favorite Cocofloss that are just perfect for travel. Plus you get to try the 4 most popular flavors so you’ll know which one you love best. Keep them all for yourself or tuck one into each family member’s dopp kit so nobody is left with grody teeth on the go. Read more about why I nerd out hard on Cocofloss. $12 >>>

>> These bright little babies are one of my mom secret weapons and they are THE best travel toy for littles of all ages. Plus Plus is a totally open-ended toy that keeps kids entertained for hours. My boys have been using them for years and have never made the same thing twice. Chuck them all in a reusable bag and you have instant fun at any restaurant you hit along the way. Read ALL about why I love these things. From $7.99 >>>

>> If you need a bit of inspiration for your next adventure, The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s Most Colorful Places will take you on a tour of the most colorful natural wonders, art installations and architectural landmarks in the world. You’ll learn a bit about each destination, including the best time to visit, so you can start planning and plotting. It looks super inspiring for lovers of both travel and color. $30 >>>

>> This super versatile Infinity Pillow has your back [and neck] no matter how or where you’re trying to rest. Its unique design allows you to put it around your neck, jam it against a window, use it as a lumbar pillow, set it on your tray table or desk or even your bed and it won’t leave you bobbling. It’s made of soft bamboo, can be machine washed and comes in 9 pretty colors. $39 >>>

>> A lint roller is a good thing to have on hand whether you’re traveling with your beloved pooch or not. Flint Retractable Lint Rollers are super compact so you can tuck them into a briefcase or purse and because they retract, they don’t get all dusty and mucky in transit and waste those sticky little sheets. $16.99 >>>

>> Sarongs are such versatile travel companions. Wear it as a beach cover-up, use it as a blanket or towel, change underneath it, wrap your chilly kiddos in it…. you get the idea. This one is block printed by hand in India and is made of thin cotton voile. It’s super pretty and comes in a bunch of gorgeous prints. They’re lightweight, dry super fast and pack up super small. $34 >>>

>> If your adventure calls for toting lunch, snacks or cold drinks around with you, then Hydro Flask’s Insulated Tote is your new BFF. It’s lightweight and collapsible enough to toss in your luggage, but keeps stuff chill for 4+ hours [or longer with a few ice packs]. It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about splashes and the inside has welded seams, so clean up is a breeze. The exterior pocket holds utensils or napkins or any other essentials you need to have on hand. $64.95 >>>

>> If you don't want to chance the hotel shampoo, bring along one of Briogeo’s Hair Care Minis sets. They’re perfect for travel and come in several different options depending on what your hair needs, from frizz to volume. I love the Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask that comes in this little set. It’s also a great way to ‘try before you buy’ if you’re interested in a new haircare routine. From $20 >>>

>> Boo boos can happen in some pretty unexpected places when you have littles, so be Boy Scout prepared no matter where you’re going with a Keep>Going First Aid GoKit. It’s a cute, super organized kit with 130 different items to treat anything from cuts to burns and it’ll tuck perfectly into your travel bag. It’s TSA approved and waterproof, too. There are a zillion prints to choose from and they also have a Mini or Super size depending on your needs. Super cute. $39.95 >>>

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