Dashing Towards Christmas
If you celebrate Christmas, like me, you’re spending the last couple of days before the big day trying to make sure you bought all the gifts you intended to.
If you’re also like me, you’re also struggling to pick gifts that will hopefully show up before Christmas. To help out, I’ve compiled a list of stuff I use on my travels and at home (I’m a sucker for multipurpose things), and inspired by questions I’ve gotten about things I use. All of these are available on Amazon Prime at the time publication and I would 100% recommend to a friend, no matter what time of year. This isn’t a sponsored post— Amazon is just the most ubiquitous online retailer with 2 Day (and in some cases 1 Day) shipping and all of the products I’m going to share are available there. That being said, this post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. There’s no extra cost to you, but it may pay for my next museum admission!
For the Perpetual Reader
This is a great, detailed overview of maritime history written by a board member of the Maine Maritime Museum. Also available in Kindle and Audio formats, save time an the environment!
For the Cautious Traveler
I absolutely love this bag! I have had the older model since 2014 and it has been a faithful travel partner since. It feels like the Mary Poppins bag, I’ve carried anything from a 6 pack of Heineken on the back of a bike to a laptop//iPad and everyday purse items and it still holds up. I love this bag, not only because of all the anti-theft features, but it is sleek, durable, and the logo isn’t huge—it looks like an everyday crossbody bag and doesn’t scream “HEY! I’M A TOURIST”. I’ve used this in pickpocket haven Montmartre//Paris and at major music festivals and have managed to never fall prey to any theft. I cannot recommend this enough, it’s also long-torso friendly! Pacsafe also makes tons of other styles. I may have just talked myself into a bag upgrade. Buy, give, fall in love.
For Those Who Love a Caffeine Fix
I originally bought this instead of a Chemex because it has a reusable stainless steel mesh filter rather than disposable paper filters. I still find this to be one of the most desirable parts of this product; the other is that I stan a good cup of pour-over coffee and this allows me to get one at all hours of the night. Also, the use of steel mesh over paper means no flavorful oils are absorbed while brewing—the downside is that finely ground coffee grounds sometimes slip through into the final cup… but it’s never bothered me.
For Those With a Sweet Tooth
Shortbread is in every store (yes, even in the States) during the holidays and even though Walker’s brand is a solid choice… Shortbread House of Edinburgh is AMAZING. Even my good friend who can whip up a batch of seriously addictive shortbread was impressed by these. The options available on Amazon are limited but you really can’t go wrong with any of their varieties. Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh practically has an entire wall with options — maybe one day Amazon will offer the same. Until then, start with the basics.
For Those Who Are Always Plugged In
Buying a 10 foot phone charger is probably the best thing I’ve ever done. Whether you are at home or in a hostel//hotel room with an inhumane amount of plugs, this will give you the extra distance you need to be comfortable while juicing up your devices. Despite having my fair share of cords (somehow I find them after I replace them), making sure I have this cord where ever I go has essentially become pre-travel obsession. The convenience is amazing. Ten foot cords for everyone!
For the Super Streamers
I don’t personally use this as much at home as I used to, I have a smart TV that lets me stream without as many cords hanging on my shelf BUT, these things are pretty awesome on the road. They are usable with any HDMI + WiFI hookups so you can plug them into a hotel//friend’s television and even spare computer monitors. Many hotels (at least in the Marriott family) are making streaming services accessible on their TV’s but using your own Fire Stick lets you stream from more platforms than what hotels may offer; think Disney+, the Criterion Collection, etc. With this, Baby Yoda will follow you everywhere!
For the Audiophile
(part one)
I have the previous model but these are the best noise-cancelling headphones ever. I use these from gate-to-gate//station-to-station and in every conceivable place. I love them. A lot.
For Those With The Messy Laptop Chargers
I spend a lot of time on my laptop and much of it is away from my desk. I bought this a few years ago on a whim and oh my gosh, it makes me very happy. Since I spend so much time moving my laptop and charger from libraries to coffee shops and archives to hotels; this keeps my charger from becoming a tangled mess, and thus preventing unnecessary wear on my cords.
For the Organizational Nerd
I may have an unhealthy love for these things. I always store my electronics in this when traveling and not only does it keep things organized, but it makes it easy to store in a carry-on when you’re running through an airport. A TSA agent even asked what it was and where she could find one for her husband, “since he can’t keep his stuff organized to save his life,” while she was searching my bags. When I’m not traveling, I still use these to store my European//British cords and adapters on my tech shelf. They’re awesome. Someone will love you for this gift.
For Those Who REALLY Love Getting Socks as Gifts
These socks are Made in the USA and a favorite of thru hikers. They are thick enough for intense hiking adventures and comfortable to wear around with your everyday shoe. I use them for both; I don’t think I’ve had a the misfortune of a blister since I started wearing them. They are also warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm. I love them.
For the Audiophile
(part two)
I was first introduced to JBL speakers last year on the Draken Harald Hårfagre expedition and fell in love. This model is super portable and waterproof, which is nice for a beach day or sailing around a harbor. I also use this speaker all the time in the morning and while cleaning my room. The battery lasts forever and the sound quality is so so awesome. I love it so much I bought a smaller version for a cabin I’m helping renovate in Sweden.
For the Person You’re Splurging On.
I.LOVE.THIS.COOLER. I did a bunch of research on different brands of coolers and gave this a whirl. I don’t regret it one bit. This cooler keeps stuff cold for days—in the bed of a truck and in the back seat in Death Valley (not in summer) for over a week. I keep everything from water to camera film inside. It’s awesome. I love it. I even use it at home to transport cold//frozen food back from Houston. It also comes with a mesh pocket attached to back and a basket inside to keep food (and for me, film) dry. It’s also great for someone who has tons of stickers and needs places to put them.
For the skincare loveR
(part one)
I’m obsessed with Algenist as a whole. All of their products work really well with my skin. This cleanser is definitely a holy grail product for me—it cuts down my whole routine time because you can use it first without water as a makeup remover, then add water to turn it into a face wash. Because I don’t often wear heavy makeup, if at all, I can get two steps done in about a minute and a half and it cuts down on having to use disposable makeup wipes or tissue—and I only have to carry one tube of product when I travel. It also makes my skin feel really soft afterwards.
For the skincare lover
(part two)
Keeping on the Algenist trend, I love this mask especially when I travel. After a long flight//spending an eternity in airports, this mask is a nice refresher when you finally get to your accommodation and takes all of 5 minutes. This gives your face a recharge and leaves you feeling fresh before your impatient, tired butt wants to pass out. It’s also great when you want to take care of your skin but want to put in minimal to no effort into it. Plus: it goes from bright teal to pink!
FOR THE SKINCARE LOVER
(part three)
Sunscreen is integral to anyone’s skincare routine (remember: skincare is genderless… start one). This is all the good things: Vegan, Cruelty free, Reef Safe, Paraben free & broad spectrum. I wear it everywhere and the Zinc Oxide doesn’t leave you with a white sheen. Sunscreen is a gift that anyone can use. White Elephant gift approved!
For Those Who Love the Rugged Life
I may love Pelican cases more than I love those GridIt cases. I have Pelicans in multiple sizes but this is definitely the most versatile. I use these to store rolls of film (with silica packs to absorb any moisture) and the smaller version for my GoPro and its accessories. They are waterproof, can survive anything I put it through, and they sit really nicely in my Orca cooler basket; the cold helps keep film in better condition. For technical gear, you can get foam blocks for each case size to keep everything snug and secure.
For Anyone Who Wanted New Kicks
These are great shoes for everyday use and for travel. You can literally go the gym to the water without changing shoes. They have saved my feet more than once walking along a rocky coast//falling out of a kayak on a rocky shoal. The fact you can go from land to water with one pair of shoes is pretty awesome when you’re trying to cut down on space in your travel bag. The black ones are especially sleek looking.
For Those That Love Lighthearted Gifts
Funko Pop figurines are bizarrely the most entertaining things imaginable. They recreate characters from pretty much any fandom you can think of; I chose to use Freddie for the purposes of this post—anyone who knows me fairly well will tell you that I love Queen. This may have to be a Christmas gift to myself.
For Your Favorite Vegan, or Not, Traveler.
*As of Jan 10, this is unavailable on Amazon
I found this in a shop in Antwerp this summer and really love it. Not only is the outside made of vegan leather, the inner lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s sleek, durable, flexible for when you have to remove your passport at a border, and is minimally elegant. I love mine. I would definitely gift this to someone whose passport is super important to them.
For Absolutely Everyone
Buy one for everyone you know, for yourself, for your pet, EVERYONE, for any occasion. Got an “A” on that brutal exam? Here’s a reusable water bottle for your next cramming session. You woke up and went outside today? Here’s a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated on your adventure. These keep beverages cold or hot and it means you don’t use single-use plastics. Also, water used in single use plastic bottles already have thousands of micro plastics and related chemicals in them, are usually bottled from municipal water, and many are owned by Nestle. Please buy one. If you have one, you need another. For the sake of the oceans and planet. For the sake of Greta Thunberg’s young, empathetic heart. Airports now even have bottle stations; many hotels have some kind of fruited water situation. DO IT.
I hope this list gives you some ideas on your search for any last minute holiday gifts. Remember, these are some of the products I use all the time and would be excited to receive on any occasion. I hope you all have been having and will continue to have wonderful holidays, no matter what you are celebrating.