T+L Editors Reveal Their Favorite Gifts to Give This Year
As editors, a big portion of our jobs at Travel + Leisure is — you guessed it — traveling, although that changed this year. And even though it might be a while before we return to our favorite destinations all over the globe, we are constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest goods to bring along that make the journey more comfortable, memorable, or enjoyable. Suffice it to say, we like to think of ourselves as experts when it comes to selecting practical yet meaningful gifts.
As part of this year’s gift guides — where you’ll find something for everyone on your list, from long-distance friends to your favorite dinner host — we made sure to recommend a few of our personal favorite picks too.
Below, you’ll find the gifts that are topping our shopping lists and wish lists this year, from a cozy pair of slipper booties your loved one can wear around the house to an inflatable kayak your family can take on your next camping trip.
Grown Alchemist Hand Care Kit
"Harsh winter weather wreaks havoc on skin in the best of times. Couple that with all the diligent sanitizing we've been doing, and our hands are in for a particularly tough few months. I'm obsessed with this Australian brand — the scents are dreamy without being overpowering — and this new set feels ultra luxe after spending months lathering up with whatever happens to be available at the grocery store. The silver packaging also makes it feel a little extra fancy." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor
To buy: credobeauty.com, $70
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Purple + Gravity Weighted Blanket
"I just got a weighted blanket, and now I have no idea why I waited so long to hop on this trend. This weighted blanket from Purple feels super heavy when you lift it, but that's exactly what makes it so good. 35 pounds seems like a lot, but spread across your bed, it gives the perfect amount of pressure while still feeling super cozy. Gift your loved ones (or yourself) something they really want this year — a great night's sleep." — Elizabeth Rhodes, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: purple.com, $299
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iPad Air
"Between reading, streaming TV, and playing games, my tech-loving husband has been spending a lot more time on his iPad, which (knowing how frugal he is) probably dates back to the first or second generation. Since it's way past time for an upgrade, I'm planning to spring for one of the newest Airs as a combo holiday-birthday gift. The larger display means he can soak up all the vibrant graphics — made even better by the super-fast A14 Bionic chip. Under normal circumstances, he travels often, so he'll appreciate its light weight and slim profile." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $599
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Marriott Terry Velour Bathrobe
"This holiday season, I’m giving the gift of an escape — only it will come in the form of a plush, ultra-luxurious bathrobe. This Marriott Terry Velour robe envelops you in soft, fluffy cotton, immediately transporting you to hotel life — you know, that heavenly moment when you slip into something cozy after a long day of exploring. It might be some time before we’re all being pampered at our favorite properties around the world, but that doesn't mean we can't bring that luxurious feeling home for now." — Alisha Prakash, Senior Digital Editor
To buy: shopmarriott.com, $80 (originally, $99); amazon.com, $99
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Chanel No. 5 Parfum
"I can't travel to Paris just yet — but a bottle of No. 5 is the next best thing, especially on days when I need a little glamorous pick me up. This iconic fragrance from the iconic fashion house also happens to celebrating its 100th anniversary," — Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief
To buy: chanel.com, from $130
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Kyrgies All Natural Molded Sole Slippers
"We might not be running around as much these days, but our feet still need some love — and a gift of slippers is always a hit. These are some of the best I've worn, with a good balance of support and softness. The brand partners with Tumar, a wool atelier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which produces each pair using traditional Central Asian felting techniques. The wool is sourced from rural Kyrgyz farmers and, as of this fall, the whole operation is fully carbon neutral." — Hannah Walhout, Associate Editor
To buy: kyrgies.com, $89
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CDLP Home Suit
"CDLP is famous for its luxury underwear and swimsuits, and now the Swedish brand is leaning into leisure (like us here at T+L) with this ultra luxurious pajama set. Made in Portugal with woven lyocell, this stunning 'home suit' has a drawstring waistband and is as comfortable as it is stylish. I’ll be gifting these luxe sets so our Christmas morning Zoom feels like a penthouse pajama party this year." — Tanner Saunders, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: ssense.com, $281 (originally $380)
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A Restaurant Meal at Home
"The pandemic has been hard on restaurants; gift-giving season is a great time to support them through merch, gift cards, and takeout. Some have even started shipping with services like Goldbelly. Chef Lisa Dahl has taken it a step further, launching an online marketplace called Dahl to Door and offering nationwide shipping for fresh and frozen dishes from her Sedona area restaurants. I now understand why visitors are so smitten with her cooking...I could eat these chorizo empanadas from here to eternity." — Hannah Walhout, Associate Editor
To buy: dahltodoor.com, prices vary
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Brooklyn Candle Studio Holiday Collection Candles
"To me, candles are kind of the perfect gift. I've always felt a little indulgent spending too much money on them for myself, but when you receive them from someone else, it's such a treat. Plus, with so much time spent at home this year, candles help make our spaces feel a little more zen — and I think it's safe to say we could all benefit from that. This local small business makes beautifully minimalist candles that smell incredible (Love Potion is a favorite), and their holiday collection in black matte and gold foil would make a chic addition to any home's holiday decor. I'm already dreaming of burning CYPRÈS (crisp notes of pine, cypress, and balsam) while decorating the Christmas tree this year.." — Karen Chen, Editorial Producer
To buy: brooklyncandlestudio.com, $38
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Belif Moisture Festival Set
"I'm a huge fan of belif's skincare products, so I was understandably excited (almost embarrassingly so) when I found out about this holiday set. It comes with a full-size version of my all-time favorite moisturizer, the True Cream, and mini sizes of belif's ultra-hydrating eye cream, toner, and cleansing balm. It's the ultimate winter skin survival kit, and after I pick up one for myself, I plan on gifting the set to my mom, sister, friends, and anyone else in my life whose skin could use a little extra love during the coldest months of the year. The best part? You can snag the whole set for the same price The True Cream alone normally goes for. Talk about a steal!" — Hillary Maglin, Assistant Digital Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $38
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Ghia Non-alcoholic Apéritif
"I think it's safe to say that the pandemic has caused many of us to turn to drink. I'd venture that I've tasted more wines, learned more cocktail recipes, this year than in my previous 28 combined. But for those who are starting to tire of that particular lockdown lifestyle, Ghia is a stylish and sophisticated gift. I've gotten more interested in non-alcoholic spirits lately —searching for the taste and feel of a post-work quaff, with none of the hangover — and this is by far my favorite. Bitter, vegetal, and herbal in all the right ways. Plus, who wouldn't want that dashing bottle on their bar cart?" — Hannah Walhout, Associate Editor
To buy: drinkghia.com, $33
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Parachute Cozy Booties
"Friends, family, and roommates have had their share of laughs over the years, but I stand by my belief that there's nothing cozier in this world than a good pair of slipper booties. They're considerably warmer than traditional backless slippers — not to mention, they stay on a lot better. This pair from Parachute is one of the best I've tried: they're sturdy without feeling too much like a shoe, they're reasonably priced, and they literally feel like wearing a tiny cloud on each of your feet. Funny to look at? Maybe. Comfy as can be? Absolutely." — Hillary Maglin, Assistant Digital Editor
To buy: parachutehome.com, $47 (originally $59)
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Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Inflatable Kayak
"There are few joys discovered this year, one of the big ones for me was a family kayak outing. My parents enjoyed it so much that I'm hoping to purchase a kayak for them to have for whenever they feel like they need a safe outdoor adventure." — Mariah Tyler, Visuals Editor
To buy: llbean.com, $430
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Leatherology Passport Cover + Luggage Tag Set
"Even though travel has been put on pause this year, I like to think that once we're able to, we'll be back exploring the world with even greater appreciation than ever before. As travel is so important to me, giving a passport holder feels like a token of hope in this unprecedented holiday season when a lot of us are grounded at home. I received my leather passport holder as a gift, and it's one of those timeless items that I might just use forever. I've taken it with me all around the world for the last decade and it still looks new. And, once it starts to look worn, it might just look even cooler. I love this set from Leatherology because it includes a matching luggage tag (never fill out a flimsy paper tag at the airport check-in counter again), and you can monogram them, which is always a great way to personalize a gift." — Karen Chen, Editorial Producer
To buy: leatherology.com, from $30 (originally $65)
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Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
"It may seem strange, but all the time spent at home this year has made me truly value my vacuum above nearly all else. And after many conversations with my friends and family, I've found they definitely feel the same way I do. I love a clean home, and with my cat and perpetually dusty Brooklyn brownstone apartment, Dyson's V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum is the only vacuum that's given me the clean I want in the least amount of time...while also taking up the least amount of space. The V8 cordless vacuum is such a valuable and thoughtful gift in 2020, but it's also one that will keep on giving for years to come." — Kendall Cornish, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $399
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Piecework Puzzles
"I highly recommend gifting a Pieceworks puzzle to any friends and family looking for a nice, cozy indoor activity for those lovely lazy days right after Christmas. The designs are bright and fun (and challenging enough, for sure), and the super chic box also looks great on your bookshelf long after you put the pieces away." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor
To buy: pieceworkpuzzles.com, from $26
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Tiffany Save the Wild Lion Brooch
"Timeless, elegant jewelry is a holiday classic — and when your investment piece also gives back to a worthy cause, it's even better. With Tiffany's Save the Wild collection, 100 percent of the proceeds go toward the Wildlife Conservation Network. There are many pieces in the collection, but I particularly love this lion brooch — a conversation starter, for sure, when you Zoom this season with friends and family." — Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief
To buy: tiffany.com, $650
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AirPods Pro & Misho Pebble Pods
"AirPods are already a great gift for the techie, traveler, or music lover in your life, but take it up a notch by pairing them with Misho's Pebble Pods, earrings meant to help secure the AirPods in the wearer's ears — and boost their style game in the process." — Nina Ruggiero, Deputy Digital Editor
To buy: AirPods Pro amazon.com, $199 (originally $249); Misho Pebble Pods, mishodesigns.com, $120
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Vegetable Kingdom Cookbook
"This superb veggie-focused cookbook from chef Bryant Terry is a great gift for anyone looking to up their vegetable-cooking game. Worth the cost of the book alone just for his insanely good Green Rice recipe, an easy-ish rice dish cooked in what's essentially a green juice. It packs more flavor than you can imagine! Each recipe is paired with an accompanying song recommendation to give you all the right vibes while you're working in the kitchen." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor
To buy: bookshop.org, $28
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The RealReal x Prounis Sapphire Syca Drop Earrings
"2020 has been a heck of a year. To reward myself for getting through it, I plan on blowing all my RealReal credits on something sparkly (and sustainably-sourced) from jewelry brand Prounis. The line was founded by New York-based designer Jean Prounis, whose great-grandfather co-founded NYC’s iconic Versailles Nightclub, where Dean Martin, Edith Piaf, and Perry Como performed in the 1930s and 40s. The glamour of old New York, coupled with Jean’s passion for ancient goldsmithing techniques, inspire the elegant, 22-karat gold pieces — including these dreamy drop earrings, which incorporate up-cycled sapphires. I may or may not have scooped them up on Black Friday (hey—Christmas came early this year!), but you can shop similar styles on Real Real's dedicated Prounis shopping page." — Siobhan Reid, Associate Editor
To buy: therealreal.com, from $1,100
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Drunk Elephant & Charlotte Tilbury Skincare
"From mask-induced breakouts to dry, stressed-out skin, 2020 has been hard on our faces. Since we started working from home, I've focused more on skincare and (a little bit) less on makeup, so I have tested tons of products. This year, I'll be gifting friends and family my tried-and-true, favorite skincare products. Drunk Elephant is one of my favorite skincare brands, and their holiday kits featuring full-size products offer great deals, so I always grab one for my mom and one for myself. I also love Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream for my friends dealing with dry skin — it's super rich (perfect for winter), and its luxe packaging makes it super giftable." — Elizabeth Rhodes, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: (left) sephora.com, $98; (right) sephora.com, from $29
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To Get: In Fiore Vis Claire Supreme Firming Eye Complex
"My friend Nicole Mann Novick started her jewelry brand, Garland Collection, over a decade ago. Inspired by vintage pieces from her family and current fashion trends, her jewelry always feels sentimental but not overly precious. Like this gorgeous 'Mom' charm — a great way to celebrate all the powerful women in your life, and all that they do." — Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief
To buy: garlandcollection.com, $780