45 Holiday Gift Ideas from the Travel + Leisure Staff

“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

“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

“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

“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

"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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

“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

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“When it rains, it pours (sweat from my body): I have a massive, marshmallow-puff ski jacket and a warm Barbour as my only water-resistant gear at the moment. I need something lightweight to keep me cool and dry, and this waterproof Patagonia rain shell ($129) is unlined and has heat-releasing vents. If Santa brings it to me, maybe my rainy-day subway rides can be a little less sweaty.” —Chris Abell, Editorial Producer

“My handbags really double as extra pieces of luggage: I tend to abuse them with the weight of a laptop or tablet, a couple of magazines or books, extra chargers, a thick alpaca scarf, and whatever else I might need on a long flight. My current favorite is really showing its wear, so it's time for a replacement. This bag from MZ Wallace ($365) is polished but super sturdy, with tons of compartments to keep things organized. It goes with absolutely anything (a big plus, as switching bags is the bane of my existence). And it's big enough to fit the essentials without being so massive that it encourages my pack-it-all problems.” —Nikki Ekstein, Travel News Editor

“Up next on my travel bucket list is a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, and I can’t think of a better tool to pack than this Roo hammock ($100) from Kammock. It’s compact enough to fit in a carry-on. Plus, taking a snooze between two trees on the beach doesn’t sound too shabby.” —John Scarpinato, Editorial Assistant

“I'm a huge fan of the cat-eye liner, but sometimes a perfect flick takes more time than you have (read: when you're minutes away from stepping off a flight). Roller Lash by Benefit ($24) is my all-time favorite mascara, and it gives you plenty of curl in a pinch. Plus, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer.” —Erika Owen, Audience Engagement Editor

“I love cold weather activities like skiing and skating but can’t handle the frigid temperatures. A down jacket, like this Mackage one ($950), is the perfect companion when trekking through the wintry tundra.” —Kira Turnbull, Photo Assistant

“In keeping with the longstanding tradition in my household of gifting and receiving calendars, I'm longing for this adorable Rifle Paper Co. travel-themed variety ($20). I don't get to travel as much as I’d like, but staring at beautifully illustrated destinations pinned up on my cubicle definitely satisfies the wanderlust.” —Danielle Berman, Senior Digital Producer

“This rechargeable, portable battery pack ($30) has saved my life (okay, okay… my phone's life) on multiple occasions. It charges super quickly and can even be plugged into a car outlet. It'd be the perfect gift for any tech-obsessed traveler while they're on the go!” —Danica Jorge, Digital Photo Editor

“I am guilty of hoarding photos on my phone, and the turquoise Polaroid Zip Mobile Photo Printer ($130) would let me show off my snaps in the real world. The best part? It’s easily transportable, so bring it along on road-trips or to holiday parties for a fun way to share memories!” —Dani Vernon, Assistant Photo Editor

“I am always cold, whether it’s in the office or on a flight, and this amazingly soft and snuggly oversized cashmere-and-silk sweater from The Row ($1,690) is something I always have with me. On a long-haul flight it doubles as a blanket and looks equally chic (and unwrinkled!) upon arrival to my destination. The grey is also the perfect neutral color that I can throw over any outfit for day or evening without feeling mismatched. It’s a must-have for travel, for layering, and for day-to-night dressing.” —Gretchen Smelter, Creative Director

“I am resolved to hang more of my personal travel photography at home. West Elm has a great selection of frames ($10-179) in all sizes, so I can show off my travels in style.” —Alex Arnold, Photo Editor

“Ankle boots are classic and easy to pull off—I wear them on a daily basis during the colder months. You can match a basic Chelsea boot with almost anything (perfect for packing!) but I love a pair with a bit of flair. This cut-out boot from Alexander Wang is the kind of thing that makes my holiday list year after year.” —Erika Owen, Audience Engagement Editor

“An amazing leather jacket is one piece that I'm missing from my wardrobe. This Rag & Bone leather moto jacket ($995) would be the perfect clothing item to travel with. It can be worn draped over the shoulders on a cool summer night in the city and also look equally chic layered under a coat during a winter trip to the mountains. This versatile wardrobe staple is on the top of my wish list!” —Katie Fish, Fashion Assistant

The perfect men’s travel shoe needs a thick rubber sole for negotiating cobbled streets (think Bruges), sandy lanes (think Bahamas), or Cornish footpaths (think… well, footpaths in Cornwall), and be sufficiently comfy for long-distance walks yet presentable enough to wear in a hard-to-book restaurant. And it must be waterproof, because as a carry-on traveler I bring only the shoes I’m wearing, and don’t have time to let a wet pair dry out. And now the “Aha!” moment: Clark’s Chilver Hi Gore-Tex ($160), with a shape reminiscent of the company’s iconic Desert Boot but updated for a more contemporary look. I could almost kick myself for not buying a pair before now.

—Mark Orwoll, International Editor