After many requests for a holiday gift guide, I’m pulling in what is on my lists for friends, family, and a few personal favorites. This year, I’ve broken it out into several categories, from gifts for travelers to littles to gifts for the home.
My main underlying theme this year is gifts that inspire and take care of oneself. From a new recipe book to a fun crayon set for littles, that gives a little insight into what I’m after. Read on for my selects for this year’s gift guide.
Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas That Inspire
Gifts for The Traveler
I had to include one travel gift and a favorite of mine to give is an Airbnb gift card. It’s perfect for future planning and since they don’t expire, can be used whenever.
Things That Hold Things
A round-up of some elevated travel essentials, perfect for those who are on the move a lot. Cannot recommend enough the Away luggage line as my preferred luggage brand.
In-Flight Essentials
Gifts for Littles
A Maileg Christmas
Our Household Tradition
I am all in on Maileg for my toddler. We started the Maileg Christmas tradition 2 years ago, and it has become a family favorite. They release “gingerbread” houses that the “Christmas Mice” come to live in each winter, and as a thank you the mice bring a gift every Sunday leading up to Christmas (a spin on the Danish pixies tradition, more here). Think of it as a much more approachable advent calendar, our 4 Sunday gifts are things like books, an outing, and small things.
Creative Play for Littles
Some of the things I’ve purchased for our three-year-old this year for creative play.
Travel Blocks
(Our #1 Travel Toy!)
We do no screens at home, and the Tonie Box has been an absolute game-changer. It has become our daughter’s favorite to listen to stories and music. Can’t recommend it enough.
One of our household favorites is the play kit from Lovevery. Besides the incredible science and research that goes into each kit, the toys are beautifully created from good materials and built to last.
Gifts for The Foodie
The Market Tote by William Sonoma
For the one who loves a farmer’s market run with all the pockets and organization you could love.
Japanese-Inspired Cooking Essentials
These are quite possibly some of my most-used items in the kitchen. For the adventurous cook in your home, cooking essentials from Japan are a sure hit. There is a style of cooking called “donabe” which is based around one-pot dishes like stews, soups, and rice pots. If you’re looking for more Japanese-inspired kitchen accessories for gifts, check out this blog post. My go-to store for all things Japan is Jinen Store.
Elevated Pantry Selects for A Curated Gift Box
One of my go-to gifts is an elevated pantry box. I find staples from olive oil to salt, to some other indulgent favorites. I feel like for a foodie, this is such a treat to get and have things that you may not buy every day.
Gifts for The Kitchen from Amber Interiors
A few favorite finds that would elevate any kitchen, alongside some cookbooks I’ve loved over the years.
P.S. use my code “bontraveler15” for 15% off at Amber Interiors
Gifts for Self-Care
The Oura Ring—an all-encompassing health monitor to optimize fitness tracking is at the top of my list.
Cloud Cotton Robe by Parachute Home
If there is one thing that transports me to a hotel stay, it is a plush robe. This beautiful one by Parachute Home is the perfect robe for those who love a leisurely morning cozied up in a robe. It comes in several colors, and you may even consider pairing it with these slippers.
Beauty Favorites
A collection of favorite beauty finds that would work well for a friend, a loved one, and even yourself. My favorite beauty purchase this year is undoubtedly the Shark Hairdryer. I didn’t have it in me to get the Dyson Hairdryer, and after much research pulled the trigger on a Shark. Can very much attest it’s an incredible gift, for a loved one or you.
Everyday Luxuries
Elevated Scents
My go-to gift is always a candle or scent — something that I know I don’t buy for myself every day. These are my favorites…
A Picture Perfect Coffee Table Book
For years we have been gifting beautiful coffee books to our family. Ones that are based on topics they’re interested in, or ones that are just a must-have. It’s a simple, understated gift that can transport someone. We flip through our coffee table books regularly. I even wrote a whole guide on coffee table books I love.
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone
(My top choice for a design lover who is inspired by travel.)
Wabi-Sabi Welcome
(For those who entertain and design with thoughtfulness. The book we’ve gifted to everyone.)
My Tiny Atlas
(For the traveler)
From the Land
(For the architecture-lover)
More Fun Finds for All
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
