Ten holiday gifts to pick-up on your travels
Travelling, whether during the holiday season or any time of year, is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done. Family and friends, knowing they were thought of while you were far away and on vacation, will treasure your gift even more!
And whether you’re able to travel internationally this year or do all your travel domestically, by doing your holiday shopping while on your travels, you’re checking off two boxes at once: getting something that brings a loved one joy while also supporting local communities and economies.
Here are ten ideas for holiday gifts to pick-up on your travels..and a few tips, as well! Remember to support your local photographers this holiday season as well, and book them for your holiday photoshoots.
Art
Buying art as a gift doesn’t have to mean “large” or “expensive.”
Some of my favorite gifts from family members have been small watercolors of landmarks where they’ve traveled, usually painted by local street artists.
Pick out something that really captures the culture or the country and will genuinely please your loved one’s eye.
Beauty products
We all love to be pampered. Maybe there’s a friend or family member who’s been working extra hard and just needs a little extra TLC after this year.
Thankfully, most anywhere you travel will have locally sourced and made soaps, lotions, balms, or spa products. You can find them at markets or boutiques.
With this gift, not only are you sharing a piece of where you’ve traveled, but you’re also giving someone the gift of relaxation.
Books
The gift of a book is really three gifts in one!
First there’s the gift you give yourself as you visit delightful bookshops and pour over the selections. Then there’s the physical gift of the book you give your friend or family member as a token of where you’ve been. And finally there’s the gift of the book’s story, to be enjoyed again and again!
Your loved one can curl up with it, think of you, and then be whisked away to whatever world you’ve brought them.
(And books make a home look extra cozy!)
Clothing
Clothing is not only useful but a personal way to physically immerse oneself in a place.
If you travel to a place known for a particular garment...like Fair Isle sweaters in Scotland or silk saris in India or leather sandals in Italy...use it as an opportunity to get some holiday gifts bought!
A word of caution: make sure your gift is not only interesting but something your loved one will actually wear and not just hide in the closet.
Handicrafts
This is another way to support local artists on your travels while getting some decorative, unique holiday gifts.
Handicrafts can range from dolls to baskets to ceramics, the common factor being they are made (or mostly made) by the hands of talented locals. During the holiday season, this gives you a perfect excuse to visit local crafts fairs and Christmas markets.
Like art, handicraft gifts are visual reminders of your affection, while bringing beauty and culture to someone’s home!
Jewelry
It might be possible to have too much jewelry...but we haven’t met a woman yet who thought so!
And when that piece of jewelry comes from somewhere far away and was picked out especially for you it quickly becomes one of your most precious pieces.
Look for jewelry that uses local stones, shells, metals and the craft styles of the area. Take time to talk to the artists so you can share their stories when you give your gift.
Local foods
This is a fun option as it often means you’ve had to test the products yourself, just to insure they’re worth bringing back!
Every country has its specialities and delicacies. Choose items that won’t spoil and are easily transported: cheeses, chocolates, coffees, teas, wines, beers.
And if your family or friend loves to cook, consider local ingredients like salt, spices, and olive oils, along with a cookbook of the area’s specialties.
Photos
This is a very personal gift and one of our favorites!
Family and friends who love seeing your beautiful face or wish they could have been on that trip with you will treasure a framed photo or a scrapbook of you on your travels.
Take it to another level and hire one of our local travel photographers before you leave for a one, two, or three hour photoshoot. You’ll come back with Instagram worthy pics AND professional shots that will look stunning on any wall or shelf!
Ornaments
Ornaments aren’t for everyone, but we all have someone in our lives who loves decorating their tree with mementos of loved ones.
A special, hand-picked ornament from your travels to remind them of you can be the perfect gift for the right person.
Vintage goods
Wandering antique shops and markets abroad, you’re bound to come across the “unique” and “cool”. Oftentimes these items won’t be from the country you’re in, but some can be too good to resist...vinyl records, magazines, dishware, aprons, etc.
This is the one time it’s okay to break the “local” rule...IF you know your loved one will go crazy over it and you tell them the story of where you found it!
Shopping Tips:
Focus on where you’re at and what gift best captures the essence of that destination.
Steer clear of touristy shops; opt for local boutiques and markets, instead.
Always check the “made in” label! As a California girl, I’ll never forget the bracelet I bought at Camden Market in London that ended up being “Hecho en Mexico.” I still love it, but it wouldn’t do as an English gift!
Consider that you have to carry these gifts back. That vintage ashtray is super cool and your sister would love it, but will it be one pound too many for your suitcase or backpack? If you know you’ll be doing most of your holiday shopping while abroad and don’t want to give-up the cool ashtray, pack an extra bag just for gifts!
Don’t feel limited by a budget. Never underestimate something simple and pure...a pebble, leaf, seashell, even some coins of the country’s currency.