If you missed Part 1 – here are the gifts under $25 for travelers and wanderlusters!
Now that it is after Thanksgiving, Christmas is only a short month away. To make it even shorter, after the Thanksgiving trip to upstate NY, we are headed to Sanibel Island for 4 days (where we got married and go every year), and then I’m off to Copenhagen to check out Christmas-time in Denmark with my mom!
I think I’m all shopped out–or should I say purchased out. I still love to shop and find unique and useful gifts! As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m a total sucker for knick-knacks, but after seeing how much stuff we have in our house, I’m re-focusing on buying gifts that can be used, not just looked at. So that’s where I’m headed with this round of gifts! I love these items, and hope you do too.
1. Southern Hospitality Company Personalized Map Cards ($27 with lined envelopes)
Remember when it was impossible to get personalized stationary at anywhere other than a print shop 10 years ago? Now it is everywhere, and these cards are thick and just beautiful. I know that no one does it anymore, but I’m still a firm believer in handwritten thank you notes. Southern Hospitality also has lots of other options (like New York print, pagoda print, etc) that are perfect for every traveler.
2. Women’s Gibson Fleece Twist Front Sweater ($49)
I’ve professed my love of Gibson Fleece before, and I’ll do so again. I think wool and cashmere are sooo itchy, and absolutely require multiple layers to keep it away from my skin (nope, does not matter the quality!). These sweaters are so soft, but nice enough that you can wear them to work or out to dinner. I love the twist front as it adds a nice detail to the shirt. Trust me, it’s as soft as fleece. Because these are hand and machine washable, they are the perfect attire for an airplane. I’ve worn them on my last 3 trips.
3. Lands End Plaid Squall Dog Jacket ($34, on sale for $17)
Sorry, but my first gift guide didn’t include anything for the 4 legged kind, and considering I’m about as obsessed with my dog as obsessed dog lovers can get, I thought I’d include this jacket on this list (also 50% off right now!). We have last year’s version of this jacket, and it is warm but really packable, with just a thin layer of thinsulate. It also is easy to clean. It’s the first coat we grab when we take the pup on a road trip.
4. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Foster an Orphan Elephant ($50)
I’ve got to be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of donating in someone’s name for Christmas unless that is what they specifically asked for. That said, the one organization I follow earnestly and with great admiration is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The work they do is just amazing, and I love hearing and seeing the stories of the elephants and other cast of characters they rescue AND rehab back into the wild. You can foster an elephant for $50, with lots of fun drawings and communication, or just donate to the U.S. chapter of the trust for a tax-deductible donation (here). I rarely discuss donations on here, and I’m incredibly picky about where I donate my money, but the Trust is just amazing. If you don’t believe me, just go read their website.
5. Sugarfina The Vice Collection ($65, on sale for $45)
Depending on your level of interest in candy, Sugarfina is either a huge waste of money or the best thing ever. Since I’m a gummy candy aficionado (known to spend more than a lunch on fancy gummy candy), and I love things like this, Sugarfina is the bomb. For those that have everything, Sugarfina candy is a great gift that is edible and packable–so great for those that aren’t in one place very long or don’t want to collect “things”. This Vice Collection is pretty darn awesome, with all kinds of interesting treats like bourbon bears and stout pints. Ordering. Now. UPDATE: I think this is sold out at L&T, but here it is for $52.
6. Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf ($48)
Yes, I know these were all the rage a few years ago, and I have the collection of them to prove it. But these are by far the best travel scarf that I’ve come across. They are super soft, big enough to be a scarf and a wrap, machine washable, and oh so practical. I almost always carry one when I travel and I’ve used it as a pillow on planes, a cover for a disgusting seat, a wrap in a freezing restaurant…the list goes on. I just love these.
Raise your hand if you are always losing lids or can simply not get coffee/tea cups and mugs clean? Yea, me. I can’t. I seem to have the most impossible time with keeping lids clean so they don’t smell like sour milk in a few months. This one, though, looks intriguing. I had a different hydroflask I loved (but with the same lid problem). This lid looks simple with far less nooks and crannies. Because was is worse than smelling sour milk every time you raise your cup to take a sip? Nothing. That’s what.
8. Patagonia Black Hole Cube ($29-$49)
I can’t live without my Patagonia Black Hole Bag (read more here), and these Black Hole Cubes are pretty much the miniature bomb of the big bag. They fit so.much.stuff. I have a small, and it is the perfect size to toss in chargers, sunglasses, some snacks, etc. all that need to go into my carry-on. There are also medium and large sizes. Plus, they are water resistant and built to the same quality standards of all Patagonia stuff. Love.
