Last-minute Holiday Gifts for the Travel Lover on Your List!
Christmas is just days away, so tis the season for the last minute annual scramble for the perfect gifts. Yes, you’ve had plenty of time to do it, but life happens and things get pushed to the last minute, but these are the days to lock in on holiday shopping!
This last minute holiday gift guide for the travel lover on your list is here to save Christmas! Whether you're shopping for the jet-setter, business traveler, or backpacker in your life, these last-minute travel gifts are sure to spark wanderlust and delight wanderers of all stripes.
The best part - everything on this list is budget friendly, with some things starting at just $10!
Last-minute Holiday Gifts for the Travel Lover on Your List!
Holiday Gifts For the Tech-Savvy Traveler:
Global E-Sim Plan: Forget scrambling for local SIM cards or racking up roaming charges. A global eSIM plan like those offered by Jetpac, Airalo or Nomad gives them seamless connectivity in over 100 countries. They can activate the plan instantly on their phone and stay connected for calls, texts, and data.
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: For groups traveling together or those who need a reliable connection for work on the go, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot like the Solis Lite can be a lifesaver. It creates a personal Wi-Fi network that can connect multiple devices, ensuring everyone stays connected and entertained during long journeys or downtime. This is the perfect gift for the digital nomad in your life, so help them stay connected without having to navigate unreliable Wi-Fi networks.
Tech Organizer: Help them keep their tech essentials tidy and protected with a stylish tech kit from Bellroy. These sleek organizers have compartments for everything from chargers and headphones to cables and memory cards, making it a breeze to stay organized on the go.
Air Tags: These are essential for frequent travelers, especially those that tend to travel heavy with multiple checked bags, or anyone moving abroad in 2025!
Holiday Gifts for the Organized Adventurer:
Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are the ultimate organizational tool for any traveler. Bag-All offer various sizes and configurations, allowing them to maximize their suitcase space and compartmentalize their belongings for easy access.
Compression Packing Bags: For travelers who love squeezing the most out of their luggage, compression packing bags are a game-changer. These bags use vacuum suction or rolling techniques to compress clothing and other soft goods, freeing up valuable suitcase space for souvenirs or extra outfits. These are ideal for long-trips or international moves when you really need to overstuff those bags!
Leak-Proof Toiletry Kit: No one wants a toiletries explosion in their luggage. Leak-proof toiletry kits with refillable bottles like those from Cadence Capsules keep spills contained and ensure your belongings stay safe and organized throughout your trip. Plus they are irresistibly chic!
Holiday Gifts For the Safety-Conscious Traveler:
Personal Safety Device: Give them peace of mind with a personal safety device like She's Birdie. These discreet devices connect to apps on their phone, allowing them to send alerts to designated contacts or emergency services in case of trouble.
Money Belt or RFID Blocking Wallet: Travel scams and pickpocketing are unfortunately a reality. Equipping them with a money belt from Pacsafe or an RFID-blocking wallet like Ekster can help protect their cash, credit cards, and passports from theft.
Holiday Gifts For the Comfort Seeker:
Travel Pillow: Traveling often means sacrificing neck and back support. A good travel pillow like the Trtl Pillow or the Cloud Nest can make all the difference for long flights or uncomfortable bus rides. Look for pillows with ergonomic designs and memory foam for maximum comfort.
Luxe in Flight Set: Airplane blankets leave MUCH to be desired. Grab a stylish and convenient travel set that will elevate their flight experience to first-class levels, even if they are flying economy.
Holiday Gifts For the Foodie on the Go:
Collapsible Water Bottle with Filter: Stay hydrated and environmentally conscious with a collapsible water bottle with a built-in filter like the LifeStraw Go. This convenient bottle allows them to filter water on the go, saving money on bottled water and reducing plastic waste.
An in-flight snack box: Airplane food is hit or miss, if it’s even served! Give the gift of a stylish carry-on friendly snack box so your traveling foodie can enjoy their own healthy snacks for the flight.
Holiday Gifts for When You Just Run Out of Ideas:
Travel Gift Card: Stuck on what to get the person who has everything? Sometimes, the best gift is the gift of opportunity. A travel gift card to a platform like Airbnb allows them to choose their next adventure, be it a cozy staycation, a weekend getaway, or an epic global exploration.
Gift Certificate for an Experience: Experiences are often more cherished than material possessions. Consider gifting them a certificate for a local experience like a cooking class, a hot air balloon ride, or a guided tour in a city they've always wanted to visit. Get Your Guide is an amazing resource for booking adventures all over the world.
And don't forget the power of a handwritten note, special card or gift wrap. A personal touch can make even the most practical gift extra meaningful. I love the prints from Black Paper Party, they are the perfect way to add extra excitement for the Black female traveler on your list.
With these last-minute travel gift ideas, you're sure to find the perfect present for the globe-trotting enthusiast in your life. Now, go forth and spread holiday cheer (and wanderlust)!
The Best Beauty and Self-Care Gifts of 2020
Wondering what to buy your skincare-obsessed BFF, gal pal with the great hair, or bearded beau this holiday season? There’s never been a better year for self-care gifts than 2020 when we’re all spending a lot of time solo at home. Pamper the people you love this year with these self-care gifts designed for 2020
The Best Beauty and Self-Care Gifts of 2020
For the girl obsessed with hair care
Silk pillowcase
Great hair starts with a great night’s sleep on a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases are gentler on your strands than standard cotton or polyester pillowcases, preventing frizz and bed head. Rumor has it, silk pillowcases also make great wrinkle prevention. For a high-quality product, look for 100 percent Grade A silk.
For the skincare addict
Collagen Supplements or Treatments
2020 feels like it’s lasted a decade, and the bags under our eyes are showing it. Give a girlfriend her glow back with anti-aging collagen. Collagen is a natural supplement that boosts skin elasticity and hydration by promoting natural collagen production. It’s basically superfood for your skin and with a flavorless powder like Vital Proteins, all you have to do is toss a scoop into your coffee or morning shake. Great skin has never been easier!
For the Sephora shopper
Sephora holiday gift sets
Sure, you could buy your Sephora-addicted friend a gift card, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, splurge on one of Sephora’s famous holiday gift sets. From the Lashstash set stocked with mascara, false lashes, and serums to haircare and skincare sets, you’ll find something for every kind of beauty lover.
For the bubble bath lover
Bathtub caddy
Nothing’s better than a long soak in the bathtub after a tough day of Zoom meetings. Now, with a bathtub tray complete with spots for devices and wine glasses, you can do both at once. There are some super chic caddies to find, and I’m linking a few of the best bath caddies of 2020 below. You can choose the perfect design for your giftee’s aesthetic. Pair this gift with a bath bomb and a bottle of wine for the ultimate bath experience.
For the manicure obsessed
At-home manicure kit
Nail salons and social distancing don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. If your friend is missing her favorite nail tech during the pandemic, gift a manicure-in-a-box that lets her take nail care into her own hands. Olive & June’s The System supplies everything you need to do an at-home manicure, or pedicure - or both! . I’m also linking a few of my favorite DIY mani kits below!
For the karaoke queen
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Everyone knows the shower is the best place to practice your karaoke tunes. Give your gal pal the gear she needs to belt it out with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It doesn’t get much better than the JBL Flip 5, a simple Bluetooth speaker with show-stopping sound quality and up to 12 hours of playtime. Throw in a silly, fun mic for extra dramatic effect!
For far-away folks
Travel-themed candles and accessories
Forget pine-scented candles this holiday season. Send a long-distance loved one the gift of home packaged in a classy little candle. The state candles from Homesick encapsulate familiar smells from every state in the U.S., from the sunny beaches of SoCal to the magnolias nestled in the Ozarks. And since we’re all missing travel a bit, why not throw in some travel essentials for when we’re able to get back to normal!
For the boyfriend or husband
Beard care kit
Forget No-Shave November! During quarantine, every month is a good time to grow your beard. If your beau is upping his facial hair game during the pandemic, lend a hand with a beard grooming kit. The best kits include beard oil, lotion, and brushes to keep your man’s facial hair looking fresh.
2020 has made everything harder, gift-giving included. Luckily, there are plenty of gift ideas that let your friends and family pamper themselves at home so you can make the holiday season a little bit more joyful for the people you love!
About the Contributor
Sheila Johnson once enjoyed a very successful career, but it came at a cost. Those long work weeks pulling overtime left her feeling stressed and burnt out. She left the corporate world to start her own business, on her own schedule.She’s seen so much personal success with her health and wellness routine that she wanted to share it. By creating wellsheila.net, she hopes that sharing her story will help others too.
20 Holiday Gift Ideas from Small Businesses You Need to Support Now!
It’s that time of year! Have you started holiday shopping yet? I’ve been organizing my list and thinking about how to get thoughtful gifts for everyone while staying on budget. I’ve also been thinking about the economic impact of the pandemic this year, and all the small businesses that have been affected. This holiday season I decided to throw my support to the businesses that need it most – small businesses! I scoured the internet for the must-have gifts for everyone on your list from small businesses, and most of my finds are from minority or women owned brands!
Keep reading for my Small Business Gift Guide!
The Small Business Gift Guide
Wellness Themed Gifts from Small Businesses
Wellness is one of the big words of 2020! This year has been absolutely insane, so we all need to be focused on how to stay healthy and sane. Candles are a no brainer, and I love Anecdote Candles for the stories behind each scent. This crystal and sage kit is a great idea for anyone looking to bring new, fresh energy into their home, and a guided journal will help with those moments of reflection.
Gifts for the Foodie on Your List from Small Businesses
Everyone has a foodie friend! They may have been a food lover for years, or just discovered their inner chef while in quarantine. Indulge their habit with some new kitchen gadgets or foodie essentials, while supporting small businesses. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of whiskey or set of artisanal coffee from a black owned brand. I also love Whisk, a small ecommerce site and shop owned and run by Brooklyn locals. They have a ton of kitchen gadgets for any aspiring home chef or entertaining lover.
Gifts For the Fitness Junkie on Your List
Nike and Adidas don’t need your coins this season! If you have a fitness lover on your list, check out these gift ideas from small businesses! I love these workout sets from Veer Active and Eithera makes cute sports bras and accessories for the yoga and wellness enthusiast in your life. For someone looking to add some extra intensity to their workouts, the RhinoRope is a badass addition to anyone’s at home gym.
Beauty Gifts from Small Businesses
Everyone can use a little TLC right now. If you are shopping for a beauty lover on your list, focus your search on self-care themed products from small businesses. Southern Hospitality has amazing gift sets to keep your feet in tip top shop, and I’m legit obsessed with Crazy Goat Lady body products! I discovered her soaps in Sedona, and she also makes a body butter that is just divine. And since our hands have been feeling extra dry thanks for all the extra washing and hand sanitizing, pick up an extra gentle, super hydrating hand wash to keep things cleansed and moisturized.
Fashionable Face Masks for Pretty Much Every Girl on Your List
We’ll be wearing face masks for awhile, so we may as well stock up on cute ones! I have a rotation of masks, most of them I found on Etsy. I can’t wait to rock the classic lace one on date nights, and the chain mail mask for New Years, or really any special occasion!
Hope you loved this list! I know Black Friday sales from big box retailers can be tempting, but just think about how big a difference your dollars can make to a small brand. Budgets are tight all around in this economy, so if you are even able to do holiday shopping, spend your money where it really counts!
Last Minute Gift Guide! Everything You Can Get in 3 Days or Less
So you procrastinated on holiday shopping! Here we are just a few days away from Christmas and it’s crunch time. If you slacked on your holiday shopping and are scrambling to get it all done, here are my picks for crowd pleasing items that can be at your door in 3 days or less. Between Amazon Prime, free express shipping, and click and collect, these guys have you covered. If like me, you hate shopping in store, these will be perfect for you and everyone on your list!
Essential Home Gifts with Rush Shipping
Give the gift of stylish home essentials! Think classic cookware, trendy hot sauce sets, or a boxed set of envy-inducing knives. I also recently bought an air fryer and it is the best thing in my kitchen! It’s so easy to use and clean, and it makes amazingly crispy food without all the grease. Check out this affordable one on Amazon! And everyone needs a cozy throw to get through winter! This red fleece is perfect for the season and will easily complement most holiday decorating themes.
Beauty Gifts With Rush Shipping
You guys know I’m a sucker for a good beauty set! They are easy, fun, and a great way to sample products. Sephora has great options that you can get rush shipped, and Amazon has a surpringly good assortment as well! If you are on the fence about colors or skin types, stick to generic skin care products, treatments that say for all skin types, neutral or classic colors, and cult beauty brands.
Gifts for the Guys with Rush Shipping
Can’t forget about the men on your list! If you are looking for the perfect gifts for the guys in your life and need them in hand fast, check out the goods below! The classic man will appreciate the timeless straight edge razor for the perfect shave. And for the gamer in your life, this wireless console makes it easy to play games on the go!
Hope this helps make your holiday shopping a breeze! Let me know in the comments what you are most looking forward to about the holiday season!
Last Minute Gift Ideas with No Shipping or Shopping Needed!
IMAGES BY OLIVIA KANG
Today is December 18th, which means Christmas is just 1 week away! If you were an early bird, you got all of your shopping out of the way by Black Friday. But if you, like me, were seriously slacking, you still have quite a bit of shopping left to do while stores are overcrowded and most websites will no longer guarantee delivery by the holiday. If you are in that jam, here are a few last minute gift ideas you can grab for pretty much anyone on your list, without worrying about shipping!
A virtual assistant
Everyone would appreciate having someone around to help them get things done. While you may not be able to send them a personal assistant IRL, virtual assistants can be amazing! Check out packages from Task Bullet and Zirtual, they are affordable and easily accessible from anywhere with internet access.
Spa or Beauty Gift Certificates
If there is a beauty lover in your life, or just someone who goes for the regular massage, look into a gift certificate to a spa or salon in their area. Red and White Spa is one of my faves in the city, and they have amazing Christmas specials that you can book or gift. I'm also stalking Noel New York's Instagram for their daily deals, so I can save some coin when I update my hairstyle next season. Check out options in each person's area and see what you can find!
A Online Language Course
Whether you know someone brushing up on a language before a trip or who just wants to learn something new, an online language course is unexpected, easy to use, and great for adults or kids on your list. I've got my eye on Babbel for a friend going to Spain this summer!
A Foodie Friendly Subscription Box
From Blue Apron to Hello Fresh, the options are endless! There are food subscription boxes for everyone from the indulgent foodie to the die-hard paleo dieter. Who wouldn't love the gift of an amazing meal that they can whip up in no time?
Good luck with your last minute shopping! Let me know if you have any great ideas for last minute gifts I missed!
