Thoughtful Gifts for the Traveler Who Packs with Purpose

We believe the best gift is an investment in quality. It’s a conscious effort to avoid fast fashion, knick-knacks, and choose pieces that can withstand years of adventure. That’s why this guide is dedicated to durable, sustainable gear and gifts that truly deliver the long-lasting results of mindful gifting, both for the planet and the person wearing it.

You know the drill: we research, test, research more, and launch our traveling gift guides every year on Pure Wander. It’s not strictly for commissions or sales: it’s for YOU. Gifting and being conscious of our consumption is so tricky during the holidays, so we want to make it a little easier. Think outside the box with us and have a peek at some of our favorite finds this year that you can give to your loved ones to make memories and tickle your taste buds too!

Happy happy holidays from me (Eileen) and the small yet mighty Pure Wander crew. Cheers to adventure!

Quick picks

• Under $20: JR Liggett’s Mini Traveler shampoo bars ($15.99) and Stream2Sea’s Leave-In Conditioner ($18.95)
• For sun protection: Stream2Sea reef safer sunscreens ($24.95 to $26.95)
• For better sleep on the road: Manta Sleep Mask ($39)
• For cold-weather travelers: Quince Eco-Knit hoodie ($49.90) or Manitobah Street Mocs ($110)
• For memories over things: Flytographer gift cards (from $325) or an AllTrails+ membership ($35.99/year)
• For giving back: donations in someone’s name (any amount) to the Loveland Foundation, Project HOPE, Education for All: Morocco and more

Jump to

• Outerwear and Layers
• Everyday Clothing
• Footwear
• Accessories and Repair
• Bags and Luggage
• Home and Personal Care
• Travel Gear and Tech
• Experiences and Services
• Giving Back and Donations

Outerwear and Layers

Quince Eco-Knit Milano Stitch Pullover Hoodie

Price: $49.90

Quince first caught my eye last year with its gorgeously soft cashmere sweaters. Not only is the material ethically sourced, but the apparel is offered at a fraction of the cost for normal elevated brands. I’ve slowly added pieces to my wardrobe as I work hard to eliminate fast fashion from my closet.

My new eco-knit hoodie is ideal for a dinner out locally or feeling cozy at the airport. The basics are met by Quince, so you can dress them up or down.

Where to buy: Quince

Akova Women’s Legacy Bib / Pant 3L

Price: $615

The cold weather season is all about getting back out on the mountain, but quality gear can come with a staggering price tag. I was thrilled to discover the Akova Women’s Legacy Bib, which offers the performance and durability we look for in ski gear, and Akova sells direct, so you skip the usual retail markup.

For me, just getting back into skiing after having children, I especially appreciate that they offer sizes up to XXL, which is a great, inclusive feature for moms who are hitting the slopes again and want something comfortable and functional.

Akova started with kid’s gear, and their focus on getting families outdoors is clear in their foundational commitments. They work with the Share Winter Foundation and other initiatives aimed at getting more kids outside and into winter sports.

Where to buy: Akova -Eileen

Everyday Clothing

Royal Robbins Women’s Spotless Traveler Tank Dress

Price: $115 on the Royal Robbins site, $104.95 on Amazon

Finding the perfect travel dress is a lifelong quest for anyone who values packing light, and the Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Tank Dress continues to be one of my favorites. I wore it on a trip to Hawaii and loved how lightweight, flattering, and wrinkle-resistant it was. It’s perfect for that one dressier dinner while traveling without taking up much space in your suitcase.

It’s also a gift you can feel good about giving. Royal Robbins continues to prioritize sustainability, with the vast majority of its current collection meeting the brand’s highest sustainability standard by incorporating lower-impact materials.

• Four-way stretch.
• Quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
• Stain-release technology.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Footwear

Manitobah Street Moc

Price: $110

As soon as I found out about Manitobah last year, I knew this Métis Indigenous-founded brand and team were something special. While I still adore the Woodland Waterproof Boots I picked up last year for our long New England winters, I am ready to cozy up with the Street Moc. They are the perfect indoor/outdoor slipper for running quick errands, grabbing the mail, or just lounging after a snowy day.

As the company states, “By purchasing from us, you are participating in cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation.” When you purchase from Manitobah, you are directly supporting Indigenous people and celebrating Indigenous culture in an authentic, meaningful way that supports their vision to create positive impact. To ensure your dollars go the furthest, you can also shop directly through the Indigenous Market on the Manitobah website, where 100% of the profits go back to the artisans. This is a gift that keeps feet warm and hearts full.

Where to buy: Manitobah -Eileen

Accessories and Repair

NoSo Patches

Price: Merino Patch It Yourself Kit $29.99

Last time I sewed anything together was a whale-shaped pillow I made in 8th grade. I wish I remembered how to, because my outdoor gear and my kids’ jackets sometimes get damaged. A small hole or tear shouldn’t mean I throw the whole thing out, though!

NoSo offers a solution that is beautiful and eco-conscious. Instead of getting rid of that favorite jacket, you can use these special patches. You simply apply them like a sticker to make repairs and keep those clothes in use for years. My husband used one of the NoSo Smokey Bear patches to add a unique detail to his gear.

There are tons of designs to choose from, and some are made specifically for certain fabrics, including Merino wool. It’s such a simple way to extend the life of clothing you already love instead of replacing it.

• The Merino kit includes three patches.
• The patches are made in the USA.

Where to buy: Amazon

Bags and Luggage

Syzy Foldable Tetra Bags

Price: $25

I bought a couple of apples at a market in Romania once. They wrapped each apple in paper, then put them into a small plastic bag, which went into another bigger plastic bag. I told myself after that I would always try to travel with my own bag to avoid the single-use plastic waste.

But space is precious in my suitcase. So, I needed something super compact that could fit easily in my carry-on. The Tetra bags by Syzy fold up SO small in a little drawstring carrier and come in a variety of colors. I brought my Tetra Bag to Mexico City to avoid plastic bags and bring back tasty ingredients to amp up my holiday cooking.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Home and Personal Care

Manta Sleep Mask

Price: $39

I’m always in a less-than-ideal sleep situation while traveling: bright hotel rooms, overnight flights, or sharing a room with someone who stays up later. I recently traveled with a friend who loves to read late into the night, and the Manta Sleep Mask was an absolute lifesaver. Unlike flat, flimsy masks, this one has patented eye cups that conform perfectly to your face, blocking out all light without putting pressure directly on your eyes.

For parent travelers, this mask is particularly brilliant. It can be a great gift that ensures that when they finally get a moment to themselves, that rest is deep and complete. It signals to your body that it’s time to wind down, making it an essential piece of travel gear for managing jet lag and maximizing rest.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Price: Signature hammocks from about $229; stands and hangers sold separately

I will never lounge around my home the same way again. As a bigger sized person, I usually steer clear of hammocks because I never know the weight limit. I worry it won’t be comfortable.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks makes a Classic that holds 400 lbs and a Family size that can manage 550 lbs. Despite these impressive stats, the hammock itself is super lightweight and can be fastened to almost anything. Or, get the whole system with a support frame and be able to lounge just about anywhere.

But the best thing about Yellow Leaf is the commitment to marginalized communities and the environment. Each hammock is handwoven by artisan mothers in hill-tribe communities in Northern Thailand, a project that started with the Mlabri Tribe, “the people of the yellow leaves.” The company is also a certified B Corp so you can feel good about your own wise choices when it comes to quality gifts that can change your lifestyle and help others.

• Each hammock is 100% handwoven and signed by the artisan who made it.
• The VISTA is a portable stand that sets up in under 60 seconds, and the “Go Anywhere” straps hang with no knots.
• Yellow Leaf offers a hammock gift card and 30-day returns.

Where to buy: Yellow Leaf Hammocks -Eileen

Stream2Sea Reef Safer Sunscreens

Price: Coral Care SPF 30 $26.95, Every Day Mineral Sunscreen 4 Kids $26.95, SPF 40 Zinc Balm $24.95, Leave-In Conditioner $18.95

We wanted to triple check all reef-safe sunscreen rules before our trip to Maui and Kauai, and Stream2Sea really stepped up to the plate. It did take a second to perfect the application, but it worked wonderfully once we got going.

• Stream2Sea calls its formulas “reef safer,” and says it tests them in fresh and salt water.
• Coral Care SPF 30 uses 8.8% non-nano titanium dioxide, comes fragrance-free in an aluminum tin, and is water resistant for 80 minutes.
• The Every Day Mineral Sunscreen 4 Kids uses 19% non-nano zinc oxide, and the brand labels it pediatrician approved and EWG Verified.
• The SPF 40 Zinc Balm comes in a plastic-free aluminum tin, which is easy to pack in a carry-on.
• The Leave-In Conditioner is biodegradable in fresh and salt water, and did wonders preserving the curls in my daughter’s hair while traveling in Hawai’i.
• Stream2Sea products never contain oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene.

Where to buy: Stream2Sea

JR Liggett’s Mini Traveler

Price: $15.99 for a 4-pack

When packing space is a concern, especially on long trips into the outdoors or backpacking, having a swiss army knife-type product can save valuable space inside your backpack. Enter JR Liggett’s Mini Traveler. On the surface, these mini shampoo bars are perfect for your hair, but they also double as body soap. Even more impressively, they can be used as detergent to wash your socks and undies! They’re also solid bars, so there’s no worrying about liquids in your bag when going through security.

My favorite part though is the “bar saver.” This little piece attaches to the shampoo bar and keeps it off dirty surfaces, like when using a communal shower whilst backpacking through Europe or at an airport lounge.

Where to buy: Amazon

Travel Gear and Tech

1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones

Price: $69.99

When I’m traveling, I need to zone out. It’s so important I stay away from the noise, the chaos and focus getting to my destination. This goes for work and play too, as I’ve always had trouble focusing and getting the task done to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones from 1MORE helps me reach my goals, stay calm and get focused, as they provide a wonderful cushion of sound and silence when needed on the road.

Each pair comes with several ear pieces so you can find the perfect fit. The sound itself is possibly the best I’ve ever experienced with earbuds, using tuning technology designed by award-winning sound engineers.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Experiences and Services

Flytographer Gift Cards for Vacation Photoshoots

Price: Gift cards start at $325 for a 30-minute session

Do you know any newlyweds going on a honeymoon, a family taking a big vacation, or a friend embarking on a big solo trip soon? Gifting your loved ones a professional photoshoot abroad is an amazing gift of memories and fun that’s outside the box. Flytographer offers gift cards for a photo session in more than 350 destinations worldwide. And this November, you can save 20% on Flytographer gift cards through my link (or 25% if you spend more than $1,000), so you can offer a shoot as a holiday present for less. It’s the ultimate experience over things and a way to support a woman-owned business, too.

Where to buy: Flytographer -Eileen

Tours and Experiences with Viator

Price: Varies by tour

I think tours sometimes can have a bad reputation. Many think they’re big crowds of people following a guy with a flag around overcrowded points of interest. But traveling “tour” experiences can include things like a homestay meal with a local family, an immersion into a colorful festival, a behind-the-scenes look at how artisans create master crafts, or a cooking class that incorporates the freshest, local ingredients.

All these experiences can be booked through Viator, which offers tours and trips for all types of travelers. You can book an experience as a gift for your favorite traveler this holiday season. And don’t worry, there are tours of the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, too.

Where to buy: Viator -Eileen

AllTrails+ Membership

Price: $35.99/year after a 7-day free trial

Our busy lives mean that we take every opportunity at hand to get out into the great outdoors. That can mean dog walks between video calls, or utilizing a business trip to squeeze in a longer hike. That’s where the AllTrails+ membership comes in.

First, you can find hikes and running routes near you, even searching and sorting for trails close to you by a specific distance. Second, you can download maps offline. This means that if you’re in a foreign country or in the remote backcountry and won’t have phone service, you can still navigate without a worry. There’s also a great additional feature here: live sharing activities. This is pure peace of mind: it allows others to check on your progress.

On a recent conference trip to Las Vegas, I used this feature to let my wife know about a little side trip I’d made to Red Rock Canyon. The live stream allowed her to make sure I got back to the car safely, even without having mobile service to be able to call her.

Where to buy: AllTrails -Christian

Giving Back and Donations

The Loveland Foundation

Price: Any amount

If you’ve done it all and seen it all, consider giving back. You don’t need a special occasion to make a donation, but contributing to an organization in someone’s name can make an especially meaningful gift.

The Loveland Foundation is one organization worth considering. Its work focuses on supporting the well-being and mental health of Black women and girls and expanding access to resources and care.

Giving back can also become a family tradition. Every year, my family and I sponsor children through our local YMCA to help provide holiday gifts and clothing. We make it an experience with our kids, too, so they can learn the value of caring for and supporting others.

You can also choose an organization connected to a place that has meaning for you. After an especially memorable visit to Oahu, I began making regular donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii. Whether you give once or set up recurring support, donating in honor of a loved one is a thoughtful way to make a difference.

Where to buy: The Loveland Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii -Eileen

Project HOPE

Price: Any amount

Working towards alleviating the devastation from natural disasters, Project HOPE assists through funding, training and humanitarian relief for local healthcare workers.

Where to buy: Project HOPE

Education for All: Morocco

Price: Any amount

This boarding school supports young girls through graduation to university in Morocco. We had the pleasure of visiting the school in person and they do wonderful work providing countless opportunities to rural women.

Where to buy: Education for All: Morocco

The Nathan Hale Foundation / Three Harts Veterans Farm

Price: Any amount

This one happens to be in Massachusetts, but many towns have organizations like it that welcome donations and volunteers.

• The foundation runs a veterans farm in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• Per the foundation, it is a registered 501(c)(3) that takes no state or federal funding.

Where to buy: The Nathan Hale Foundation

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