Holiday Shopping Series, Part 4: Gifts for the Chic Traveler

Living overseas for 7 years, resulted in a lot of travel all over the planet both pre and post La Jolla Girl. I’ve made a list of some of my favorite travel companions. Believe me, I’ve cycled through a lot of travel related stuff and I have personally purchased everything on the list below.

LUXE City Guides:  Most people I know in Asia don’t travel without these. They are witty, small (6″ x 3″ x 1/2″), accordion pamphlets that pack everything you need to know about major cities around the world. They started 7 years ago (based in Hong Kong) with Asian cities and now have guides for New York, Istanbul and other cities. I will say that these are for the fabulously chic traveler, not necessarily for grandma (though she’ll get a laugh out of the cheeky phrases). They are updated frequently. I’ve got tons in the La Jolla Mom Boutique and I know it’s a matter of time before they really catch on here in the USA. It’s so awesome to be able to tuck these in your purse or pocket. Also, do use the Luxe website as a resource. Here is a link to the London page where it always cracks me up to read “On a budget? Don’t come to London. In London on a budget? Start crying”. I lived  there for 2 years, and that is so true. However, I do know people with various budgets that have used Luxe guides successfully. Like they say, if it’s not in the Luxe Guide, then you’re not missing anything. They retail for about $9.99. www.luxecityguides.com

Envirosax Bags:  With your Luxe Guide in hand, you’re no doubt going shopping. I always take lightweight Envirosax bags with me. They roll up tightly (3.5″ x 1.5″) and can be tucked in your purse. I love hitting outdoor markets when I travel and hate the flimsy, wasteful plastic bags they give out. Plus juggling all those bags in your hangs can be a hassle. Envirosax hang from your shoulder which is miles easier. There are so many fabulous prints (Mikado is pictured) that you can purchase in sets of 5 or individually. Natural Kidz has the adorable panda kids version. A set of 5 Envirosax bags retails for about $38 and the kids versions retail for about $8.00 (Natural Kidz is having an extra 10% off promotion right now!).

Popout Maps by Compass Maps:  I used these extensively during my travel in Europe. The London one is particularly good. It even has some of the smallest streets on it. I carried this popout map in my purse everywhere I went, for the entire time that I lived there.  It has a handy Tube map on the back. I noticed these maps at a Hong Kong bookstore right before I left, otherwise I would have tested out the Asian cities too. They have maps for many major cities, but it’s just a matter of finding the city you’re looking for. These maps take some effort to seek out online, so keep an eye out at your local bookstore.  Amazon.com has a slim selection, but they do have Barcelona, Stockholm, and a few other cities in stock as of this writing. Here is a link to the Compass Maps website where they have American cities for sale. These popout maps are roughly the size of a 4″x6″ photograph and about 1/2″ thick when folded up. I think you would be totally prepared arriving in a city with just the Luxe Guide and Compass Popout Map, totally eliminating heavy travel books. These maps retail for $6.95 on Amazon.com. 

iPod Touch:  I know you’re going to think I’m out of my mind, but I would consider getting an iPod touch for your traveling preschooler. Load it up with educational games, music and/or movies, relax and enjoy the flight. Make sure it’s got protective skins on it. Either that or do the same with your iPhone. This gift idea is just as much for the parent as it is for the child. You can search the internet for a refurbished or prior models and save some $$$.  I can’t handle the toddler fingers on my iPhone so La Jolla Girl is getting an iPod Touch for Christmas.  I’ve heard from other parents that the iPod Touch saved their vacations.  Prices vary but the Apple iPod touch 8 GB (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL is about $181 new on Amazon.com and for a prior model or refurbished one you can knock off about $50 at the moment.

I’ve said this before in my Traveling Beauty Secrets post, but I’ll say it again…I love the Bliss Triple Oxygen mask and Guerlain Midnight Secret for long haul flight skin recovery. These would be great gifts even for a non traveler.

All of these items would make excellent stocking stuffers!!!

Here’s the link to the rest of the Holiday Shopping Series. Prior posts includes gift ideas for kids by Geppettos Toys, cool gifts that support charities and contemporary gift ideas from www.allmodern.com.

*La Jolla Mom is an affiliate of Amazon.com

Tagged as: Airplane, Christmas, Holiday Shopping, Shopping, Travel