T+L Editors Reveal Their Favorite Gifts to Give (and Get) This Year

"I will maintain it until the day I die or lose my earlobes in a freak accident: statement earrings are the easiest way to convince people you have great style. Wearing jeans and a T-shirt? Pop on a pair of monstrous tassels or a conglomerate of shoulder-sweeping shapes and voila, you're instantly more interesting. Etsy is currently my favorite place to find out-of-the-ordinary styles and let's just say CraftverkStudio, which is run by a husband and wife in Stockholm, will be getting a large portion of my holiday shopping budget as I stock up on their colorful polymer clay earrings for my friends." — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor

To buy: etsy.com, from $17

"I thought I was holding out on getting any sort of smartwatch in the name of not becoming a tech-dependent cyborg, but it turns out I was just waiting for Apple to release the Series 3. I love the idea of leaving my phone at home without missing anything too, too important. It's an activity tracker, personal assistant, directional consultant, and more — and have you seen the gorgeous Hermès-designed collection?" — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor

To buy: apple.com, from $329

"I’m a huge fan of outdoor scents in inside places, so when I found out Brooklyn Candle Studio made travel sized versions of their Fern + Moss candle, I ordered a bunch! They’re perfectly sized for on-the-go aromatherapy and make the best small gift." — Chelsea Schiff, Senior Designer

To buy: etsy.com, $14

"Facial oils have been in the spotlight for a while now and their moisture-rich properties tend to make them a go-to when traveling. I’m currently lusting after Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Oil, a fragrance- and synthetic-free formula that’s super pure and hypo-allergenic." — Chelsea Schiff, Senior Designer

To buy: sephora.com, $40

"I've always loved scripted nameplate necklaces (à la Carrie of 'Sex and the City' fame), but those feel a bit dated now. This is a more modern, sophisticated take on the personalized necklace — you can't go wrong with this pick for a friend, sister, or in-laws. The delicate chain and simple design matches any outfit, whether it's activewear or a cocktail dress, which makes it a great piece for travel as well. And, as it's made of 14-karat gold, you can wear it every day without fear of tarnishing or dulling." — Karen I. Chen, Digital Producer

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $300

"Smartphones make it super easy to snap endless high-quality photos when you travel, but I also like to take video, as I think that's an even better way to capture the sights and sounds of a place. So, as this is a wish list, the item that's going to the top of mine is the Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless camera. The X-T2 bests practically every list of cameras for serious photography enthusiasts, with a 24.3-megapixel sensor; the ability to shoot vibrant, crystal-clear 4K digital video; and stellar performance capturing subjects in motion and in low light. Its compact body makes it the obvious choice to take traveling over heavier, bulkier full-frame DLSRs, and with its dual SD card slots I can (hopefully) make it through a vacation without worrying about running out of memory." — Karen I. Chen, Digital Producer

To buy: amazon.com, $1,800 (originally $1,900)

"This AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker is a must have for anyone who can't go a day without a good cup of coffee. Not only is it simple to use, it makes up to 2 1/2 cups of rich, smooth, and grit-free coffee (or 4 shots of espresso) in just one minute. The coffee and espresso can be enjoyed as is, used to make lattes or cappucinos, or stored for cold brew concentrate later. Most importantly, this nifty machine is travel-sized, so the best coffee afficionados in my life can take it to work, or pack it along with their favorite ground coffee beans for their next camping or cross-country road trip." — Elizabeth Preske, Digital Editorial Assistant

To buy: amazon.com, $32

"Anyone who knows me knows how much I detest cold weather, so to survive this New York City winter, I'm going to need a heavy duty coat. Insulated with the 'world's finest down,' this Lodge Down Duffle Coat will keep me warm even at -60°F. Its adjustable waist and fleece-lined upper body, cuffs, and collar ensure additional protection against the biting cold, giving me no reason to fear trekking through frigid temperatures and missing out on fun wintertime activities." — Elizabeth Preske, Digital Editorial Assistant

To buy: eddiebauer.com, $269

"My boyfriend got his first ever passport this year (they do say opposites attract), so now is my opportunity to make sure he has a safe place to carry it. This Jack Spade travel wallet comes with a passport slot, currency compartment — perfect for euros when I inevitably drag him through my favorite parts of Italy — plus credit card slots and a vertical zip pocket. The design is simple and discreet, but the pebbled leather gives it some style. Even if they're not new to crossing international borders, a quality travel wallet or fun passport cover is a great way to hint at someone on your list that you'd like to book a trip together in 2018." — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: katespade.com, $198

"I'm starting to feel like the only travel editor who doesn't own an Away suitcase — so when the brand came out with a cool new collaboration right before the holiday season, you better believe I added it to my wish list. Travel photographer Gray Malin's aerial shots are so fun and colorful, and the carry-on size is perfect for the weekend trips I'm known for squeezing in whenever I can. There's only one problem: I can't decide between the two beachy prints! Please send help." — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: away.com, $225

"Several of my best friends have finalized adoptions this year, so I will be getting cozy winter coats for my new nephews — Hobbes, Hank, Cornelius Pudge, and Kermit the Dog — who are all very good boys. I will also be getting a gift for my human nephew, but I didn’t think this jacket would fit him very well." — Lila Battis, Food & Travel Editor

To buy: petco.com, $10

"If I had a very wealthy friend, I'd ask for a Coravin. It's a fancy gadget made for wine professionals that lets you pour just a glass or two without opening a whole bottle — you inject a needle through the cork, and it fills the empty space with argon gas so the rest of the wine doesn't oxidize. Their target audience is probably people with stocked cellars, deep pockets, and an ability to sip cabernet while wearing white, but it also seems ideal for those of us who are total lightweights with a nightly cheese plate habit and an almost pathological inability to let even a splash of grüner go to waste." — Lila Battis, Food & Travel Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $350

"A state-themed, state-scented candle makes a fun gift for anyone you know who might be missing home, somebody who can’t stop thinking about their last vacation, or that friend who has a lot of home-state pride (my family back home in South Carolina will love the hint-of-sweet-tea scent of that state’s candle). There’s a small collection of country-themed candles on offer too, and I’m still deciding whether to pick up a France candle (with notes of croissant and tobacco) for my Frenchie husband, or to transport him back to where we met with the Australia candle’s eucalyptus-and-saltwater scent." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

To buy: homesickcandles.com, $30

"I’m one of the few people I know who can’t really trace my family tree beyond U.S. borders, but I’ve always been curious about where my deeper roots might lie. While I’m waiting for a call from 'Who Do You Think You Are?' — a show where a team of experts leads guests on an ancestral fact-finding mission — I’d love to give this at-home DNA testing kit a try. I'm hoping my genes might guide me toward a travel destination I’ve never considered before but that just might have been home to my forebearers." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, from $69

"Kachka, a Russian restaurant with a heavy dose of Portland, OR is one of the best restaurants in the country — not to mention my favorite. I want to bring everyone I know and love for a meal there; after all, what deepens relationships better than caviar and flights of vodka? For those of us not in a position to give out flights to PDX, though, there’s 'Kachka: A Return to Russian Cooking' by chef-owner Bonnie Frumkin Morales. Giving this cookbook is like giving the gift of zakuski — think Russian tapas, but with way more herring — to everyone on your list." — Hannah Walhout, Editorial Assistant

To buy: barnesandnoble.com, $24

"This riff on the Negroni might be one of the most perfect cocktails — sophisticated, but super boozy, with a winning 1:1:1 ratio swapping in bitter-savory Cynar for the usual cloying Campari. (Side note: Cynar is made from artichokes, which makes the whole thing feel healthier somehow). I love to mix this with Fords Gin — created by bartender Simon Ford’s industry darling 86 Co. — and an off-the-wall blend from Brooklyn's Uncouth Vermouth." — Hannah Walhout, Editorial Assistant

To buy: Fords Gin 1L, drizly.com, $45; Cynar 1L, drizly.com, $29; Uncouth Vermouth Apple Mint 500ml, mouth.com, $39

"A compact camera with an awesome lens, it's great for when you want the highest-quality images but not the bulk of a DSLR. The incredible zoom makes it perfect for safaris or other wildlife-focused trips. Plus, it transfers your photos automatically to your smartphone for easy posting to social media." — Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief

To buy: amazon.com, $500

"Unstructured jackets in sweater-like fabrics are great for travel — comfortable enough for the plane, but you can dress them up for business meetings, and they don't wrinkle. This camel version from Eidos is a nice alternative to the more usual navy or gray blazer." — Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief

To buy: nordstrom.com, $650

"My recently retired parents have dedicated their newfound freedom to travel, but unfortunately, their luggage is from the early stages of their careers. This spring, they're going to China, and since they instilled a 'pack light' mentality in their children, the Away Luggage Set is the perfect way for them to tag-team the narrow pathways of 'to check bags or not to check bags?' The Bigger Carry-on is sure to hold all of their international purchases, while the Large Checked Bag makes sure they have everything else they'll need. With family on the go so much, this gift is a no-brainer." — Emma Stoneall, Editorial Operations Assistant

To buy: awaytravel.com, from $450

"I've hit a New York City wall with head-to-toe black, but I'm not a big color person either. Introducing patterns into my wardrobe helps me feel fresh and different while also staying true to my style identity. Plus, with the '90s back in full swing, how can I not buy leopard pants? I'm one trapper-keeper away from my Lisa Frank paradise." — Emma Stoneall, Editorial Operations Assistant

To buy: thereformation.com, $178

"I spend most of the year photographing events and travels with family and friends but do a terrible job of sending them to the people I've shared fun and special moments with. These AU prints are the perfect way to give them something deeply personal and of nicer quality than a drugstor photo kiosk. The thickness allows for easy framing or leaving as a standalone on a shelf or leaning against a wall." — Mariah Tyler, Associate Digital Photo Editor

To buy: artifactuprising.com, $30

"In the recent cold weather, I have discovered that the regular earbuds (yes, with a cord) I use create an intense electric shock in my ears amongst my sweaters, scarfs, and winter coats — a far from pleasant listening experience. So these B&O Play by Bang & Olufsen wireless headphones are a practical and desirable gift I would love to get this year. The high-quality sound is impeccably paired with a minimal design making for a truly dreamy set of headphones." — Mariah Tyler, Associate Digital Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $291

"Being a transplant myself, I love bringing a little bit of home to the new places I live. I have the same mentality when finding gifts for my friends who also find themselves far from home. What better way to do that than through sports? These vintage MLB stadium blueprints are perfect. They can be displayed in the living room or at the office, and can bring a little bit of hometown pride to a new city." — John Scarpinato, Assistant Editor

To buy: uncommongoods.com; $185

"I am still one of those people at the gym running with an annoying headphone cord slapping against my chest. So, this year, I’d love to upgrade to a Bluetooth pair. The Powerbeats3, Beats' newest iteration of their in-ear Bluetooth headphones, have sweat-resistant earpieces that wrap around the ear to ensure they won’t pop out while exercising. Plus, the battery lasts for 12 hours." — John Scarpinato, Assistant Editor

To buy: amazon.com; $134

"Inspired by the OneStep from 1977, the Polaroid OneStep 2 Camera is a fun way to collect life’s memories. The camera is compatible with 600 film. It has a 60-day battery life and a self-timer for when you want to step into the frame too." — Mary Robnett, Associate Photo Editor

To buy: bestbuy.com, $100

"The New Wide Lens by Moment is a great accessory to add to any mobile photographer’s arsenal. Its new glass and wide-angle design allow for more of your subject to fill the frame, leaving your photos crisp and without fisheye distortion. Perfect for travel, landscape, and architecture, it’s an easy way to elevate your mobile photography." — Mary Robnett, Associate Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $100

"My new year's resolution for 2018? Spend more time outdoors. To kick-start that project, I'll need these sturdy boots from classic Maine shoemaker G.H. Bass & Co., in collaboration with Madewell. I'm pretty sure they'll be indispendible — even if I don't end up making it to Yellowstone next year." — Flora Stubbs, Features Director

To buy: madewell.com, $148

"This is a bag made to last. It’s understated and timeless — the perfect travel essential to hold on to and pass down." — Melissa Ventosa Martin, Fashion Director

To buy: bottegaveneta.com, $3,870

"Sweaters are definitely a holiday season gift cliché, but as a knitwear obsessive I’ll take as many as I can get. I love this modern update of the classic crewneck by Raf Simons for Calvin Klein." — Melissa Ventosa Martin, Fashion Director

To buy: calvinklein.com, $825

To buy: nordstrom.com, $175

"Admittedly, this is more of a fantasy wish-list item. But after replacing my mediocre winter jackets every year for the last three years — loose down, broken zippers, matted faux fur hoods — I am dreaming of a cozy holiday season spent bundled up inside this jacket. Based on a design fit for Toronto police officers enforcing the law in the middle of Great North winters, this jacket is really like three incredible (and timeless) items folded into one. There's the down puffer vest, which zips away from the waterproof shell, and the two combined, with a removable shearling-lined hood."— Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $1,495