Holiday Gift Guide: Travel Memories (Or Make New Ones)

Gifting is hard work, but we’re here to help you give meaningful items to ensure that you win Christmas the recipient delights in your thoughtful present. That’s why we curated a holiday travel gift guide just for you.

The idea: Buy gifts that are iconic to or come from a place you’ve visited with your partner, friend, or family member.

Iconic Gift Ideas from Popular Destinations

New Orleans

Relive that quintessential New Orleans breakfast by ordering Café Du Monde coffee and beignet mix. The tempting smells will transport your loved one right to Decatur Street. It says, “Remember those Hurricanes and flying beads? Me neither. Let’s not talk about that anymore.”

Philly

Been to Philadelphia lately? I’m sure you had your fill of the Liberty Bell and brotherly love. Give these Philly pint glasses to your travel companion, and over a drink, reminisce about yelling “Yo Adrian!” much to the dismay of the leering locals. Bonus: They’re from the lesbian-owned We Heart Philly line.

New York City

Share the spirit of the season by heading to your local liquor store to purchase Stoli’s special limited-edition bottle commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and how the bravery to take a stand has evolved into the Pride movement and celebrations of today. Through this commemorative release, Stoli supports the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative and its powerful mission to eliminate the social intolerances that profoundly impact the lives of LGBTQ citizens in America and abroad. Win-win.

Santa Fe

Art thrives in Santa Fe, where ancient and edgy blend to create a colorful community. Browse Santa Fe’s Ventana Fine Art and choose a print, sculpture, poster, or book from the 20-year-old gallery, located on the city’s famed and art-heavy Canyon Road.

Portland

Want to evoke high-quality craft lifestyle? Look to Portland’s Tanner Goods for beautiful, made-to-order leather items. No, not that kind of leather. Think seasonal gifts, such as deerskin leather gloves, and travel must-haves (or, want-to-haves) like luggage tags, camera straps and hiking boot bags.

Venice Beach courtesy of LACVB

All Over

My favorite travel-related gift: more travel! On December 25, my partner and I give each other nothing, which is really the promise of something great to come. Instead of dropping money on each other now, we plan a winter escape for two. I need a tan, not another sweater.

So there you have it – a holiday gift guide filled with travel memories and unique ideas to make new ones. Whether it’s reliving the flavors of New Orleans, toasting to brotherly love in Philadelphia, supporting a worthy cause with a limited-edition bottle, embracing the art scene in Santa Fe, or indulging in high-quality leather goods from Portland, there’s something for everyone on your list.

And if all else fails, remember that the greatest gift of all is the promise of future adventures. So ditch the traditional presents and plan a winter escape for two, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Happy gifting and happy travels!