I love creating my annual gift guide around this time each year because I get to not only share some of the best products for travel lovers I’ve come across in the year prior, but also help you find items that I know the female traveler in your life will LOVE. I focus these guides each year on the best travel gifts for women because a) I’m a woman, duh — and b) women can be hard to shop for, even if it’s your best friend!
This year looks a little different than last year however, as much of our travel lives have been put on hold. While I’ve kept some of the old gift ideas from last year in here that can help recipients dream of future travels, I’ve also added in some gifts that will help bring the spirit of travel into your home.
There really is a little something for everyone in here — whether it’s your Mom who’s dreaming about that 60th birthday trip to Europe or your best friend who loves exploring in the great outdoors.
This list of 50+ items below features a mix of items that I either own myself or am obsessed with and would want to personally receive. I hope you enjoy and find something great for that special adventure woman in your life–or get some ideas for your own wishlist.
If you want even more ideas, feel free to check out my past gift guides below for stylish female travelers. I can’t ensure everything will still be available, but many items are evergreen or at least will get your wheels spinning with ideas.
I’ve also included a special section at the bottom of this post with a list of small businesses I love to shop with. Small businesses need our help more than ever this year, so if you can find great gifts you love with independent businesses I encourage you to do so! Happy gifting!
33 Gift Ideas Stylish Female Travelers Will Love (2016)
31 Stylish Gift Ideas for Female Travelers (2017)
47 Holiday Gift Ideas for Stylish Female Travelers (2018)
50+ Stylish Travel Gifts For Women
Travel Prints to Transport You
If you’re looking for ways to bring more wanderlust into your home this year, Idyll Collective has incredible high quality prints by a range of artists. This curated selection will instantly transport you to places like the beaches of California and mountains of Slovenia to the arid desert of Death Valley and turquoise waters of Croatia. I’m honored to be part of their of their curated gallery of artists, which means you can shop my photography prints from some of my favorite travels and decorate your home with them! Michelle Halpern prints (prices vary) at Idyll Collective
Chic Carry-On Backpack
For those local weekend adventures when you can leave the laptop at home, the Kaya Backpack is the cutest accessory to transition from adventure-filled days to nights out in your new destination. It’s lightweight and features a strap that easily fits over luggage handles too for when it’s easier to hope flights next year. Kaya Travel Backpack, $75 at Calpak
Noise Cancelling Headphones
I’ve been eyeing these for years and finally pulled the trigger on my own set of top notch Bose headphones. Not only do they deliver the most high quality sound and noise cancellation for flights, but they’re great for blocking out sound during those long work days from home too. Bose Wireless Quiet Comfort Noise Cancelling Headphones, $349.99 at Best Buy
23 and Me Ancestry Test Kit
A well traversed traveler is one that’s curious about where they came from, and there’s nothing that can provide more accurate information on ancestry than a kit by 23 and Me. This is a really unique and interactive gift and I actually bought this for myself and some family members last year. 23 and Me Health and Ancestry Testing, $199 at 23 and Me
Books The Bring the Global Flavors Home
Cooking is one of the best ways to transport us to places far far away. These are some of my favorite books to cook up recipes from around the world. The Blue Zones Kitchen shares stories and recipes from communities around the world that have the longest life spans. Wine Folly is an educational book for wine lovers looking to expand their global wine knowledge. Kintsugi Wellness is both a memoir and cookbook of Japanese-inspired recipes by my dear friend Candice Kumai. And Global Vegan shares plant-based recipes from Ellie Bullen’s travels all over the globe.
Sleek Leather AirPods Case
This AirPods case is not only sleek but super functional as well. With its pretty gold clasp, you can attach it to yourself or bag for hands-free ease. Elago Leather AirPods Case, $20 at Anthropologie
Luxurious Hotel Style Robe
If your loved one can’t check in to a luxury hotel this season, bring the 5-star service to them. Everyone needs a super cozy robe in their life, and this super soft version from Pottery Barn comes in four different colors so you can find one that best fits her style. Teddy Bear Robe, $79 at Pottery Barn.
Protective Camera Layer for Travel
This little accessory by Matador is genius for keeping your camera gear dry and protected during long adventures out in nature. For the photography lover in your life. Camera Base Layer, $59.99 at Matador
Picnic Basket for Local Adventures
As we try to make the most of being home more this year, finding fun things to do at the local park, beach or hiking overlook is essential. This fully insulated picnic basket is the perfect accessory to have along on those adventures so you can bring the dinner party to wherever you are in the present. Insulated Picnic Basket, $149 at The Beach People
Oaxacan Wall Hanging Set
If you know someone who loves to bring a little piece of their travels home with them, these beautiful Oaxacan textile wall hangings from Mexico might just be the unique piece they’ll love. Each Zapotec textile is handwoven by a cooperative of sixty female weavers in Oaxaca and takes one week to complete! Handmade Oaxacan Wall Hanging Set, $450 at The Citizenry
Travel Steamer
One of the more practical items on the list, a travel steamer is a must for anyone who travels frequently for work or despises that fresh-out-of-the-suitcase crumbled appearance of their clothes. Cirrus No. 2 Travel Steamer, $130 at Bloomingdales
Chic Beach Towels
You can never go wrong with gifting a great beach towel, and these two are a couple of my current favorites. Forever Sea Towel, $66.75 at The Beach People // The Kai Beach Towel, $48 at Fair Seas Supply Co.
Desert Inspired Pool Accessories
Have a loved one that’s always escaping to the desert? Give them a few fun gifts that will jive with their preferred travel style. This cactus floatie is perfect for pool days in Palm Springs. Pair it as a gift with this beautiful ceramic cactus mug and some fresh beans from The Joshua Tree Coffee Co. Sunnylife Luxe Cactus Float, $60 at Trouva
A Self-Cleaning, Filtering Water Bottle
I’ve owned this water bottle for a few years now and can attest to its greatness. It’s slightly heavier than your average reusable bottle but worth its weight in gold — literally. Using UV-C LED light technology, this bottle eliminates 99.9999% of bacteria so you can drink clean water anywhere you go around the world. LARQ Self-Cleaning and Filtering Water Bottle, $95 at Live Larq
DIY Instagram Photo Book
For those who want to get a little more creative with gift giving this year, curate a photo book that brings those social media pics into physical reality. The best kind of coffee table book in my opinion! Instagram Photo Books, from $15 at Artifact Uprising
The Ultimate Weekender Bag
I’m obsessed with this sleek overnight bag that comes in three different neutral color combos. It features 3 separate zippered sections for maximum organization as you head out on those local spontaneous getaways. Triple Zipper Overnight bag, $245 at Cuyana
Travel Inspired Puzzles
If you can’t physically be out exploring, then bring the travel inspo back home. Lantern Press Artwork takes gorgeous vintage travel prints and turns them into epic puzzles that you can enjoy with your family or partner while you count down the days til your next flight. Lantern Press Artworks Puzzles, prices vary at Etsy
Travel Pouch Set
For the disorganized traveler in your life, these clear organizational pouches will be a godsend for finding things quickly and efficiently while on the road. Wind Blows Pouch Set, $8.95 at Mochi Things
A Cashmere Travel Wrap
If you really want to treat someone this season, splurge a little on this cozy cashmere travel wrap by White + Warren. They make the most luxurious cashmere knits in the biz and I’m dying to add one to my in-flight attire. White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap, $315 at Shopbop
Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads
To achieve glowing skin without taking up your entire suitcase with your 7-step skincare process, all you need are these easily-packable Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel pads. They’re truly one of my favorite beauty products of all time, delivering the softest, freshest skin with just 2 minutes of use. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Peel Pads, $88 at Dermstore.
Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
I bought this neck pillow on a whim last year at the airport after forgetting mine back home before a long-haul. Turns out, it’s the best one I’ve owned yet–and many of my other travel friends have confirmed that fact. I’ve finally started sleeping on planes (a bit) and I can thank this design, which allows for optimal neck support and can even be hooked to your seat so it stays in one place. Cabeau Memory Foam Neck Pillow, $39.99 at Amazon
The Essential Road Trip Journal
Have a friend that’s moving cross country this year or driving through all the US National Parks? Give them this fun road trip journal which features inspiring images and prompts to help you memorialize your adventures. “Life’s a Road Trip” Journal, $27.88 at Amazon
GoPro’s Latest Model: The Hero 9
While I haven’t tested this new model out for myself yet, the footage I have seen from friends shooting with the Hero 9 is truly incredible. If you don’t want to lug around a big DSLR camera on your next trip or want to do some fun underwater video, this is the camera you need right now. GoPro Hero 9, $449 at Amazon
Travel Sized Essential Oil Diffuser
Bring a little slice of calm to your next destination with this sea foam green essential oil diffuser and then use it daily at home to calm yourself until you can travel again. Serene House Travel Sized Essential Oil Diffuser, $25 at Urban Outfitters
Cashmere Travel Slippers
These super soft cashmere slippers are easily packable so that you can bump up the cozy factor on your next flight or for that future hotel stay. Ribbed cashmere slippers, $89 at Cos
A Lightweight, Packable Yoga Towel
For the yogi on the go. This Grand Canyon themed yoga towel is lightweight and easily packable so there’s no excuse to skip your next flow. Grand Canyon Yoga Towel, $39.95 at REI
Reusable and Spill-Resistant Coffee Mug
I’m a huge fan of Ellie Bullen and her sustainable, health-focused brand The Wholesome Store, and I’ve been eyeing these chic reusable mugs from her shop lately. With a spill-resistant design, they’re ideal for travel and you can literally throw them in your bag and bring them along on any adventure. Reusable Spill-Resistant Coffee Mug, $22 at The Wholesome Store
Arctic Faux Fur Lined Mittens
The best mittens I’ve ever owned, hands down. I purchased this faux-fur pair prior to my Norway trip last December and they were a game-changer for keeping my fingers toasty throughout the trip’s many outdoor activities. If you’re headed to any winter destinations in 2021, make sure to check these out. 66 Degrees North Arctic Mittens, $65 at 66 Degrees North
Fingerprint Technology Padlock
Padlocks can come in very handy during travel, whether it’s keeping your items safe in a hostel or just securing your luggage. This ultra secure fingerprint lock system might just be the best padlock invention yet. Benjilock Fingerprint Padlock, $69.99 at Best Buy
Eye Gel Rescue Patches
There’s nothing that says “I just came off a long flight” than dark circles under the eyes. These gel rescue patches will have you returning to your normal glow in no time. Flashpatch 5 Minute Rejuvenating Eye Gels by Patchology, $15 at Nordstrom
Personalized USA Map
As you’ve likely been sticking to more local travel this year, why not document your adventures with your loved one to make those memories close to home even more special? This map can be personalized to make it an especially unique gift for those close to you. Personalized Pushpin USA Map, $149 at Uncommon Goods.
The Ultimate Comfy Walking Shoes
The current industry go-to for comfy walking shoes, Allbirds has hit the nail on the head with their wool runners, available in a slew of neutral and fun colors. Wool Runner Mizzles, $95 at Allbirds
An In-Flight Seatback Organizer
OCD germaphobes rejoice! This genius concept from Shay Mitchell’s brand Béis allows you more organization in-flight without having to go fishing in the seatback pocket in front of you. The Seatback Organizer in Beige, $34 at Béis
A Great Travel Read
There’s nothing like a great travel read to keep you dreaming while at home. These three are a few of my favorites that I’ve devoured over the years. If you’re planning an American West trip, start with the classic “Into the Wild.” For South American adventures, go with brand new NYTimes Bestseller “To Shake the Sleeping Self.” And for anyone headed on a Euro adventure in 2021, Bill Bryson’s classic “Neither Here Nor There” will have you chuckling your way through every European mishap. From Left to Right: “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer, $15 // “To Shake the Sleeping Self” by Jedidiah Jenkins, $11.90 // “Neither Here Nor There” by Bill Bryson, $15.99 all at Barnes & Noble
A Professional Camera For Your Next Adventure
This is the camera body I personally shoot with and I can’t say enough good things about it. Sony’s mirrorless cameras are incredible for travel photography and are wonderfully compact–perfect for upping your photography game whether you’re exploring near or far. Shop the most updated model in the Sony A7 series, the A7RIV, $2998 at Amazon.
Beautiful Luggage Sets by Douchebags
The Douchebags brand was started by travel influencers, which means they’ve put thought into what today’s modern day entrepreneurial travelers need most. I love the unique design of these bags that don’t just look like another Away replica and they come in beautiful neutral colors. Bonus: Luggage always looks more impressive under the Christmas tree. Douchebags Desert Khaki Luggage Collection, from $99 at Douchebags
The Best Light-Blocking Sleep Mask Ever
I’ve tried a lot of sleep masks in my day and this super affordable one from Alaska Bear is the surprising winner! With many other sleep masks I’ve found that they’re either uncomfortable or don’t block enough light. This one gets 10/10 for both comfort and function and the fact that it’s under $10 makes it a no brainer. Alaska Bear Sleep Mask, $9.99 at Amazon
Shop More of the Most Stylish Luggage Brands Here
Mini Sized Travel Beauty Products
Packing all the full-sized beauty products is mega annoying, so a few minis of favorite products is a great gift — especially as a stocking stuffer. From Left to Right: Thayers Natural Witch Hazel Toner, $5 // Frank Bod Mini Body Scrub, $10 // Gourmand Hand Cream Mini, $5 all at Urban Outfitters
A Bag For All That Wet Beach Stuff
This clever pouch is a great giftable for anyone with a tropical trip on the horizon and they’ll love bringing it along to keep all their sandy gear separate from the rest. Wet Stuff Bag, $35 at Shopbop
National Park Themed Candles
Not only are these candles meant to bring back the aromas of each of our beloved National Parks, but a portion of all proceeds will go to the National Parks Foundation to help preserve our beautiful natural spaces. Good & Well Supply Co Candles, $39 each at Santa Ynez General
A Cozy Set to Sleep or Relax In
Cozy is the name of the game this season, and you’ll want this Free People set on hand for all those ski cabin getaways and nights spent by the fireplace. Picnic Sweater Set, $128 at Free People
Your New Language Learning Tutor
Rosetta Stone is one of the best programs out there for learning a new language, whether you’re trying to become fluent or just pick up a few phrases before a trip. With more time on our hands at home, this is a great time to add a new skillset to your repertoire and Rosetta Stone has 24 different languages available. Rosetta Stone Language Learning Programs (pricing varies), at Rosetta Stone
Powerful Wide Angle Attachment Lens for iPhone
Can’t bother bringing a big camera along on your adventures? No worries. Just attach Moment’s high quality iPhone lenses to upgrade your photos in an instant, without the extra weight. Moment Wide Angle Lens for iPhone, $119.99 at Amazon
Travel Coffee Table Books
You can’t go wrong with a great coffee table tome as a gift to bring a bit of wanderlust back home. These three are some of my personal favorites. “Travel Home: Design With a Global Spirit” by Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel, $26.88 at Amazon // “Italy” by Gray Malin, $26 at Amazon // My Tiny Atlas by Emily Nathan, $30 at West Elm
Aesop’s Departures Beauty Kit
Give the gift of beautiful skin from take-off to landing with this Departures kit from beloved skincare brand, Aesop. If anyone knows how to make a woman feel refreshed after a long-haul, it’s them. Aesop Departures Travel Kit, $53 at Nordstrom
A Compact Travel Jewelry Case
Jewelry might be one of the most annoying things to pack on any trip, but luckily Mejuri is here to save the day. This compact jewelry case makes it easy to pack everything from necklaces and stud earrings to stackable rings. Travel Jewelry Case, $85 at Mejuri
Artistic Camera Strap
Personalize your camera accessories with this beautiful strap depicting a mountain desert scene. Perfect for documenting those hiking adventures, or wherever your curiosity takes you. Camera Strap, $27 at Etsy
A Silk Travel Pillowcase
The benefits of the silk pillowcase are many: from reducing wrinkles and frizz to keeping skin more hydrated. So why not pack one for your travels that you can also use at home? This one by Slip is a favorite and will make a world of difference next time you wake up in a new timezone. Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, $85 at Nordstrom
Cute AND Functional Hiking Boots
I bought these hiking boots prior to a National Park road trip two years ago and they’ve been my favorite boots that I’ve owned. I love that they’re actually cute–I find that most hiking boots aren’t–and the stretchy material at the back provides maximum comfort and less chafing to the back of the foot. Women’s Ontario Waterproof Hiking Boots, $170 at Merrell
A Worldwide Travel Adapter
Another item I recently picked up on my travels, this worldwide travel adapter comes in a cute little carrying case so you always have somewhere to put it when it’s not getting regular use. Uniq World Travel Adapter, $36.90 at Uniq
A Foldable Travel Hair Blowdryer
No one wants their hairdryer taking up half their luggage. Which is why this folding version by T3 is an essential item for any jetsetting girl boss. T3 Folding Compact Hairdryer, $150 at Nordstrom
A Glamping Gift Card
Have a friend or loved one that is obsessed with glamping? Glamping gives you all the benefits of camping without all the annoyances that come with it. Glamping Hub, the go-to search and booking engine for the best glamping experiences now allows you to purchase gift cards on their site so you can let your loved one get excited about planning out a fun new adventure. Glamping Hub Gift Card at Glamping Hub
Le Labo’s Fragrance Discovery Set
Full-sized fragrances are an impractical item to put on the packing list, but with Le Labo’s trial sized discovery set, you can find the fragrance you love most and pack it easily for your next trip. Le Labo Fragrance Discovery Set, $89 at Nordstrom
Wallpaper Pocket-Sized City Guides
Brought to you by Wallpaper* magazine, these pocket-sized city guides curate the best of the best when it comes to architecture, design, luxury and style in the top destinations around the world. Wallpaper Pocket Size City Guides, $11.95 each at Amazon
The Go-To Down Sweater Jacket for Cold Weather Travel
This is an essential closet staple for anyone traveling to cold weather destinations. I’ve worn mine everywhere around the world from LA to Norway to Prague, and it continues to be one of my go-to layers in the winter season. Patagonia Down Sweater Zip-Up Jacket, starting at $195 at Backcountry
Reusable Makeup Containers
These chic marbled silicone containers from Kitsch are my new favorite staples for packing makeup and skincare products. In TSA-approved volumes, these are great for packing products that don’t come in small sizes. The best part is they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleanup once you return home. Kitsch Silicone Travel Jar Set, $19 at Shopbop
Small Businesses and Artists I Love
Over the years, I’ve discovered a lot of incredible small businesses and artists via Instagram and my travels. I wanted to share them here as these businesses need our help and support more than ever this year. If you can find great gifts for the people in your life from the small businesses you love, I highly encourage you to do so this year!
What are some of your favorite travel gifts for her? Would love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
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