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  4. 45 Holiday Gift Ideas from the Travel + Leisure Staff

45 Holiday Gift Ideas from the Travel + Leisure Staff

By Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff
November 20, 2015
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Credit: Clark's
This season, why not spread a little wanderlust in addition to holiday cheer?

Whether you’re shopping for veteran road warriors, armchair explorers, or first-time study-abroad students, travel gifts should have a prime place under the tree. More than just a coveted (or practical) object, a travel gift is a pathway towards an experience; a signifier of both the care put into the gift’s selection and of the adventure that lies ahead.

In fact, just the suggestion of a travel-related use can add a note of excitement to even the most mundane of gifts. (Consider: the difference between receiving a pair of socks for the holidays versus receiving a pair of waterproof, temperature-regulating, extra-cushioned trekking socks. Same basic idea, utterly different gift.)

But which of the latest and greatest airport fashions, vacation reads, and in-flight essentials should you get for the travellers in your life? The staff of Travel + Leisure has you covered.

Our collective wish list this year ranges from the best new travel technologies to TSA-approved beauty products to camping gear, with everything in between.

Take assistant managing editor Valbona Twerdahl, for example. She has her eye on a lightweight cashmere scarf from Burberry that would be perfect for the slopes or a red-eye to London.

Copy and research editor CB Owens, on the other hand, would love a copy of Assouline’s American Cities box edition, complete with rare or previously unpublished historic maps of metropolises from New York to San Francisco.

And digital travel editor Corina Quinn? She wants to upgrade her carry-on to a new four-wheeled bag from Tumi.

So whether you’re shopping for family and friends, or making up a wish list of your own, read on for the gifts Travel + Leisure editors hope to unwrap this year. And for those loved ones dutifully clicking through this slideshow, hint, hint.
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Delsey Titanium 19" Carry-On

Credit: Delsey

“I'm dreaming of a four-wheel ultralight carry-on, in any color but black. This one ($360) is small enough to weather the ever-smaller size restrictions carriers are imposing.” —Kathy Roberson, Research and Copy Chief

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Clare V Intersection Pouch

Credit: Anthropologie

“Lightweight clutches are perfect for a night out while traveling. This sleek, versatile pouch from Clare V ($225) won’t take up any room in your suitcase, but is still big enough to hold the basics. Before going out to dinner or to an event, I’ll leave my enormous everyday handbag in the hotel room; slip my room key, phone, wallet, and lip gloss in this clutch, and go.” —Anya Hoffman, Contributing Digital Editor

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Castelli Men's Senza Jacket

Credit: Castelli

“I am desperate for more two-wheeled adventures around the New York and New Jersey area, but I don't have anything to keep me warm in the cold months. So much technical gear looks overly technical, but with its throwback detailing, this Castelli jacket ($240) is just the ticket for staying both stylish and comfortable.” —Jesse Ashlock, Features Director

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Fornasetti Scimmie Lidded Candle

Credit: Barneys

“How the candle came to be considered the lazy-friend's present is a mystery to me. I love getting candles as gifts. Fornasetti's are among the best because they come in gorgeous, collectible vessels. This one with the monkeys popping champagne ($175) is my pick because it's outdoorsy-smelling (thyme, lavender, cedar wood), festive, and funny.” —Jane Bishop, Style Director

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Barena Wool Blazer

Credit: Mr. Porter

"My go-to for winter flights is a knit blazer: the dressiness and polish of a jacket, the comfort of a sweater—and no wrinkling. This unstructured wool blazer from Barena ($725) is both a cozy and super versatile choice." —Nathan Lump, Editor

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Cuyana Alpaca Cape

Credit: Cuyana

“Dressing in layers is key for a long-haul flight. For my next trip across the Atlantic—I’m thinking Iceland in February, to see the Northern Lights—I’d love to pair this classic alpaca cape from Cuyana ($195) with a sleek black t-shirt dress.” —Caroline Hallemann, Associate Digital Editor

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Polaroid Snap

Credit: Polaroid

“Like most people, I take a lot of photos when I travel. Unfortunately, though, that either means carrying around my big DSLR all day or succumbing to taking pictures with my phone. The Polaroid Snap ($100) is small (read: adorable), easy to use, and it fits in my pocket. Plus, I love the cool, classic look it gives your shots. And, since it immediately prints, you get the instant gratification of seeing your photo without experiencing your whole vacation through the viewfinder of your smartphone.” —Lindsey Campbell, Associate Audience Engagement Editor

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‘The Last Love Song,’ ‘My Life on the Road,’ ‘The Blue Touch Paper’

Credit: Amazon

“These three books—two memoirs and one biography—are about three of my favorite cultural figures: Joan Didion, Gloria Steinem, and David Hare. I love how a good book is the best way into another world, another life. Plus, I think all three of these would make for a terrific travel companion.” —Thessaly La Force, Senior Editor

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Saint Laurent Monogram Small Camera Bag

Credit: Barney's

“Cross-body bags are a saving grace when I travel. I love this one from Saint Laurent ($1,150), which has card slots and can double as a wallet. It's a small bag, but fits all the essentials for a day exploring, and the lipstick print makes it a fun choice for a night out.” —Stephanie Wu, Senior Editor

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The Row Sweater

Credit: Net-a-Porter

“The holidays are synonymous with sweater weather, true, but I find that when I travel, I'm always freezing on the plane. I love The Row because of how subtle and understated their pieces look.” —Thessaly La Force, Senior Editor

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Herschel Duffel Bag

Credit: Herschel

“I take a lot of weekend trips and have been using a sturdy but plain canvas tote bag for ages. For the holidays this season, I'd like to upgrade my weekender. This duffel bag by Herschel ($80) is durable and has a timeless design that will never go out of style.” —Laura Itzkowitz, Contributing Digital Editor

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Tumi TegraLite 26" Hardside Spinner Suitcase

Credit: Tumi

“I am an overpacker of the highest order, so I've been searching for a bullet of a suitcase ($795) to take with me on short trips either in the US or across the pond.” —Thessaly La Force, Senior Editor

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Simon Pearce Barre Goblet

Credit: Bloomingdale's

“Photographer Andrew Rowat shot the glassblowers of Simon Pearce for T+L's feature story on Vermont last year, and I’ve been a big fan of the brand’s handmade glassware ever since. My favorite is the all-purpose Barre goblet ($60)—a perfect, made-in-the-USA gift to give or get.” —Skye Senterfeit, Associate Photo Editor

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Canon 70D DSLR Camera

Credit: Canon

“I usually steer clear of buying souvenirs on my trips for the simple, lazy reason of not wanting to haul them around from city to city. I rely on pictures to remind me of my experiences, which is why my Canon 70D DSLR camera ($1,140) is the first thing I pack when heading out the door to catch a flight. I can take detailed photos and even short video clips that are perfect reminders of my vacations and I don’t have to worry about fitting anything extra in my bags when it's finally time to head home.” —Sean Flynn, Senior Editorial Producer

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3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Backpack

Credit: Philip Lim

“I’m not a much of a backpack person, but the sleek, soft lines and shine of this limited-edition Phillip Lim 3.1 bag ($1,250) make me want to tote it to work—and around the world.” —Sara Clemence, News Director

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Alexis Bittar Necklace

Credit: Alexis Bittar

“This necklace ($295) pairs my love of Alexis Bittar with a persistent desire to up my airport-outfit game. I could wear it on a flight as a means of elevating more casual clothes; it's also the perfect thing for dinners and evening events once I've arrived at the destination.” —Sarah Firshein, Digital Director

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Scratch-Off World Travel Map

Credit: Uncommon Goods

“Home décor has been on my mind a lot lately, with holiday parties right around the corner. This delightful world map ($36) has a fun scratch-off feature to indicate previous travel destinations. Combine that with the pleasing black-and-gold palette, and it’s sure to be an eye-catching conversation piece at any event!” —Pearly Huang, Associate Research Editor

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Brooks Brothers Tie Case

Credit: Brooks Brothers

“I travel a lot for business and find a good tie case to be invaluable. This one from Brooks Brothers ($148) replaces the usual black or brown leather case with an appealing tartan fabric.” —Nathan Lump, Editor

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Le Creuset Moroccan Tagine

Credit: Amazon

“I'm going to Morocco for the first time next month, and I'm pretty sure I'll be bringing home some spices. Once I've figured out how to make a Moroccan tagine, I'm going to need something to cook it in, which is why this lovely Le Creuset model is at the top of my gift list. And because it has a cool, 1960s look, it should live on as a display piece in my kitchen—long after the cinnamon sticks have passed their sell-by date.” —Flora Stubbs, Articles Editor

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American Cities: Historic Maps and Views

Credit: Amazon

“American Cities has all the fine hallmarks you’d expect from an $845 book—gold-foiled cover, oversize linen slipcase, hand-bound cotton-paper pages—but far more valuable are the vantage points it offers of your favorite domestic destinations. Illustrated urban landscapes and rare, historically important maps show off nine of this country’s great metropolises from an unusual angle; it’s an indispensable volume in every armchair traveler’s library.” — CB Owens, Copy and Research Editor

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3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel Bag

Credit: Phillip Lim

“Gold is my new nude! For all those times in the airport when I decide I must purchase a pair of Beats from those crazy vending machines along with a bottle of water and a (large) bag of Sour Patch Kids for the long flight, this gilded cross-body bag will expand to fit all my frivolous travel essentials.” —Heidi Mitchell, Special Correspondent

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Timbuk2 Femme Satchel Backpack

Credit: Femme

“Backpacks can be hard to factor into an outfit—especially if you plan on exploring a new city by bike. I love this convertible leather one ($398) from Timbuk2’s new Femme collection. It can be worn on your back or as a regular bag, making it easy to tote anywhere.” —Erika Owen, Audience Engagement Editor

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L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket

Credit: Lands End

“The key to loving winter is having the right outerwear. I'll be hitting the slopes out West this winter (El Niño, bring on the snow), and I have my regular snowboarding gear for that. But for the flight and aprés, I love a nice cozy down jacket parka. I'll wear it backwards—hood over face—on the plane for naptime.” —Laura Teusink, Managing Editor

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Czech & Speake Air Safe Travel Manicure Set

Credit: Mr. Porter

When you only carry on, as I do, you need everything to be security-gate friendly. This manicure set ($351) from venerable British grooming company Czech and Speake is a slim leather case with just the right essentials—and no sharp point or edges.” —Jeffries Blackerby, Executive Editor

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Molton Brown Travel-Size Toiletry Kit

Credit: Bloomingdale's

“I'm constantly on the hunt for a good travel-sized moisturizer, as flying makes my hands feel like alligator skin. Molton Brown lotions always do the trick, and they smell incredible!” —Kira Turnbull, Photo Assistant

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Moncler Swim Trunks

Credit: Farfetch

Men’s swimwear too often seems designed for either a surfer, an Olympic diver, or a child. Being none of those, I appreciate these for their mid length, narrow leg, forgiving waistband, and eye-catching, but still classic, print ($360).” —Jeffries Blackerby, Executive Editor

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Artifact Uprising Prints

Credit: Artifact Uprising

“Whether it's a print, a set of postcards or a large clothbound book, Artifact Uprising creates a streamlined way to print the photographs I've spent the last twelve months taking…and not sharing with family and friends on social media. The calendar and smaller book size are perfect for gifting. The best part of their product is the quality of the paper and the company’s commitment to tangible memories in the digital age.” —Mariah Tyler, Digital Photo Editor

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Club Monaco Wrap

Credit: Club Monaco

“During the winter months, I rarely ever leave the house before wrapping up in something soft and warm. This Club Monaco cashmere wrap ($398) strikes the perfect balance between a warm scarf and a lightweight blanket. You can cozy up with it on a long flight, and then wear it out into the cold as a poncho or an oversized scarf.” —Ellie Storck, Editorial Assistant

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Arbor Swoon Rocker Snowboard

Credit: Amazon

“I learned to shred on my best friend's brother's childhood board. I might be the size of an adolescent boy, but this year, I'm yearning for my own. Arbor handcrafts beautiful, artist-designed snowboards in sustainable materials—the Swoon Rocker ($449) is bamboo. Best of all, Arbor routinely donates to the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative as part of their "returning roots" program. I'd love to take one to the White Mountains this year, where I'll hopefully learn to stop falling.” —Melanie Lieberman, Assistant Digital Editor

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Tumi Alpha 2 International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Credit: Tumi

“My family and I are longtime fans of Tumi. Their luggage is smartly designed, lightweight, durable—all the things you want functional luggage to be—and yet it's also sleek and stylish. Sadly, the Tumi I own now, a very old predecessor of the expandable four-wheel carry-on, is more than a decade old and on its last legs. (It's a testament to the brand's quality that it looks as good as it does, considering what I've put it through.) I'd love to start off 2016 with a smart-looking upgrade like this one. Fingers crossed my family is reading this.” —Corina Quinn, Digital Travel Editor

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Kindle Voyage

Credit: Amazon

“As much a devotee of the printed page as I am, who can argue with having dozens of books in your hand at a time? Especially when you’re traveling. Plus, the glare-free screen is a must if you’re reading by the beach ($199).” —Jeffries Blackerby, Executive Editor

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Monogrammed Burberry Lightweight Cashmere Scarf

Credit: Burberry

“A scarf is always my go-to accessory when temperatures drop, and this holiday season I'm asking Santa for the ultimate one: Burberry's lightweight cashmere scarf in heart print, with my monogram on it ($995). It's a total indulgence–delicate without being flimsy, and so soft and versatile that I'll want to wear it all winter long. I would pair it with a dress to keep me cozy and fashionable at the office, wear it with jeans and a puffy vest on car trips to ski mountains across the Northeast, and wrap it around me on red-eye flights to London and beyond.” —Valbona Twerdahl, Assistant Managing Editor

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