If I champion anything, it’s that women need to travel: whether it’s with girlfriends, meeting up with a tour group, or even taking the kids along! I was fortunate enough to experience so many travel memories over the decades, and my passion for adventure hasn’t stopped now that I’m ‘seasoned’. With this, I’ve tested and reviewed lots of great gifts to grab for women who also love trips and traveling in packs!
And spouses/partners: Don’t you dare leave her stocking empty this year! Here are some great ideas if your lady loves an adventure and definitely deserves a little break.
Have a wonderful holiday season from all of us at Pure Wander!
Quick picks
- For easy travel days: Kizik Athens 2 slip-on sneakers ($139.95)
- For a cashmere treat: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck ($50) or Turtleneck ($89.90)
- For flights: Unbound Merino wool basics (tanks from $55)
- For a spa day anywhere: a ResortPass gift card (any amount)
- For gifts that give back: a Kiva gift card (in $25 increments)
- For traveling moms: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal cubes ($59) or an Osprey Tempest 11 hiking pack ($155)
- For a holiday party outfit: Universal Standard Delilah dress ($148) and festive Zenni frames (from $32.95)
- Splurge: Thule Subterra rolling duffel ($449.95)
Jump to
- Apparel and Accessories
- Bags and Luggage
- Beauty and Self-Care
- Gift Cards and Experiences
- For Traveling Moms
Apparel and Accessories
Unbound Merino Wool Apparel for Flights
Price: Tanks from $55, tees $98
Sometimes it’s breezy, other times it’s hot as Hades on my flights. I never know how the plane is going to feel at any given time. To combat this hot mess style of traveling, my to-go basics for the plane come from Unbound. These are some of the features of this magic material:
- Shirts, pants, and skirts/dresses dry fast if they get wet.
- Antibacterial, which means no odor for weeks without washing.
- Minimal wrinkles and stretch.
Wool might make you think of scratchy sweaters, but Unbound’s pieces are buttery soft. I personally like my muscle tank under everything to provide a protective layer and offer a basic if I need to shed a jacket or sweatshirt. I’ve worn the shirts on several international flights (and the long-sleeve one skiing!) without fuss.
Sustainability is more important to me than ever. I used to shop for all my clothes at fast fashion stores, drawn in by sales and low prices. But those clothes rarely lasted and I found myself shopping every few months. Investing in basics made from high quality materials is my new traveler era and I’m never going back. Bundle and save to start your travel capsule wardrobe.
Where to buy: Unbound Merino
Quince Cashmere Sweater and Other Apparel
Price: Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck $50, Turtleneck $89.90
Quince rebranded back in 2020 and is one of the biggest sustainable, affordable players in the game. They’re famous for their $50 cashmere sweaters. I love mine in the navy, and have recently bought some clothes for the kids too.
Where to buy: Quince
Toad and Co. Clothing
Price: Prices vary by item
This is another company I found flying under the radar a bit, but I love their message and their style. Laidback, hipster-y and cozy, they have some pieces great for the transition from winter to spring. I have the Heartfelt Hoodie and it’s wonderful to wrap with just leggings or jeans. It has pockets and it’s great for baby wearing too! I’m obsessed with the look of this fleece dress too, it might be my next splurge. Markedly, Toad and Co. has a great thrifting program as well where they’ll buy back old pieces for someone else to love at lower costs.
Where to buy: Toad and Co.
Kizik Athens 2 Slip-On Sneakers
Price: $139.95
Half of my trips are solo or with my spouse these days, and the other half are with my two children, both under four years old. This means I have to make every step of the journey as simple as possible so I can stay focused. Early in my mom’s journey, I discovered Kizik sneakers, which you can slip on without bending over or tying your shoes. Game changer.
I wouldn’t necessarily choose these as my first option for intense workouts or very long walks, but they’re great for errands, travel days, and everyday wear. Another plane bonus? You can easily slip them on and off during a flight when you want a little extra room for your feet.
Kizik’s patented hands-free technology uses an internal heel cage that compresses as you step in and then springs back into place, so you don’t have to bend down or use your hands.
Where to buy: Amazon
Universal Standard Geneva and Delilah Dresses
Price: Iconic Geneva Dress $128, Delilah Liquid Jersey Dress $148
Finding a Christmas party dress that fits and packs well is tricky, which is why Universal Standard is high on my list, with sizes from 00 to 40. My Geneva dress is my go-to for long-haul flights, and it turns into an easy holiday party outfit with heels and a bold lip. For something more festive, I have my eye on the Delilah Liquid Jersey Dress in New York Red, a soft wrap style with built-in ties, and it’s Fit Liberty eligible, so if your size changes within a year you can swap it for free.
Where to buy: Universal Standard (Geneva), Universal Standard (Delilah) -Eileen
Holiday-Festive Frames by Zenni
Price: Good to Be Square in Emerald from $32.95, Cat-Eye in Brown Topaz $39.95
I’ve been wearing Zenni frames for more than 15 years! A second pair of glasses is my favorite way to finish a holiday party outfit, and Zenni makes it easy to go festive. The chunky Good to Be Square frames in Emerald make a bold, merry statement next to a red Christmas party dress, while the cat-eye frames in Brown Topaz are a softer pick that weighs just 27 grams, so they’re easy to pack for holiday travel. Both are acetate with spring hinges and budget-friendly enough to keep as a fun second pair.
- Good to Be Square frame #4452924 in Emerald.
- Cat-Eye frame #4451815 in Brown Topaz.
Where to buy: Zenni (Good to Be Square), Zenni (Cat-Eye) -Eileen
Bags and Luggage
Thule Subterra Rolling Duffel
Price: $449.95
Every time we’re on a trip overseas, like many people, we fight with luggage. We like being able to transport our whole style from one country to another without compromising comfort. Yes, we do like to have most of our wardrobe on two wheels, but we also don’t want to carry too much weight. This can be a difficult goal to achieve, but the Thule Subterra 2 rolling duffel makes it easier with plenty of space and a smart, adaptable interior.
The checked duffel has a zippered divider that can split the interior into two packing areas or fold away when you need the full space, plus compression straps to keep everything in place. It still has that minimal, stylish look I loved about the original Subterra, with black and dark slate options.
- The Subterra 2 holds 90 liters and measures about 28 inches tall.
Where to buy: Thule
Beauty and Self-Care
Rituals Hammam Collection
Price: Hammam small gift set $40, medium gift set $61; Ritual of Sakura medium gift box $99.99 on Amazon
While I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy spa treatments all over the world with my girls, my favorite experience was in Morocco. We had spent the day getting to the top of the Atlas Mountains to stay at the beautiful Kasbah du Toukal. On site, there was a traditional hammam: a steam bath where you scrub and exfoliate your skin with black mud and minerals.
To carry on this wonderful feeling, I fell in love with Rituals beauty products and their Hammam-inspired bath line. Scrubs, gels and creams all offer the gorgeous scent of invigorating eucalyptus and rosemary. This particular scent line is a rare find in the US, but others are just as lovely, like the Ritual of Sakura gift set, inspired by Japanese cherry blossoms.
Where to buy: Rituals (Hammam), Amazon (Sakura)
Gift Cards and Experiences
Airline Gift Cards
Price: Varies by airline and denomination
I really, really wish more airlines worldwide would get on board with gift cards. I love receiving Delta, Southwest and United cards for future flights. Come on British Airways, get on it! But these can be wonderful to give for anyone who takes trips during the year, in many different denominations. It’s always good to have these on hand stuffed in stockings to shave off a few bucks for holiday flights.
Where to buy: Delta, Southwest and United all sell gift cards on their websites.
Kiva Gift Card
Price: Any amount in $25 increments
Speaking on gifts that give back, this is always a winner to give to those who are globally conscious. You can buy Kiva gift cards in $25 increments, which can be used on the Kiva site to help people worldwide through microloans that support their businesses and livelihoods. The funds are paid back over time, allowing the money to be lent again and again to help more people. It’s interactive and a feel-good way to get involved in changing the world.
Just be sure the recipient redeems the card within 12 months, as unused Kiva Card funds automatically become a donation to Kiva’s operating expenses after that period.
Where to buy: Kiva
ResortPass Gift Cards
Price: Choose a preset or custom amount
Traveling with kids is a lot, we all know this. One time we were flying out of Phoenix, driving originally from Tucson, and had a whole day to fill: but our toddler was TIRED. So we grabbed a ResortPass day pass to a chic hotel in Phoenix with a pool and spent the whole day swimming, napping, and getting ready for the journey home to Boston.
- Day access to pools, cabanas and spas at hotels and resorts, with no overnight stay needed.
- The recipient picks the property and the date, so it works for a girls weekend or a solo reset.
- The gift card arrives by email or you can print it, and you can schedule when it’s delivered.
- Per ResortPass, gift cards don’t expire and carry no fees.
Where to buy: ResortPass
For Traveling Moms
Now all women could probably use these great gifts (personally, I travel with my ‘diaper bag’ backpack even when I’m not with the kids!). But I did want to make a little section for moms holding it down on every trip to make it either a little easier, or a little more indulgent.
Haiku RFID Mini Wallet
Price: $13
I don’t care what kind of mom you are, you want a nice bag, and there’s a good chance that the diaper bag isn’t always going to cut it. For stylish moms who like quality and a bit of bohemian style, I’d suggest a wallet from Haiku. It’s compact enough to slip into a larger bag or carry on its own, while still giving you room for cards and ID.
- RFID-blocking protection and a secure elastic closure.
- Water-resistant fabric.
- Made with recycled materials, a thoughtful choice for travelers who value sustainability.
Where to buy: Amazon
Osprey Women’s Tempest 11 Backpack
Price: $155
This hiking pack is a great option for moms who like to stay active and it comes in a variety of colors. It’s lightweight and compact, ideal for day hikes and other adventures while still leaving room for everyday essentials like water, snacks and a phone. It’s versatile enough for everything from hiking and biking to exploring a park, zoo or other family-friendly destination.
- Designed specifically for a women’s fit, with a body-responsive design that keeps the pack stable and comfortable as you move.
Where to buy: Amazon
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Packing Cube Set
Price: $59
If your mom or wife is obsessed with keeping things organized, it might be time to hop on the packing cube train. Yes, she can be a good packer without them, but imagine how efficient she’ll be with them! There are plenty of packing cubes out there, but Eagle Creek’s set stands out for its quality, practical design and variety of sizes.
- Three pieces: extra-small, small and medium.
- Mesh tops make it easy to see what’s inside without rummaging through your luggage.
- A structured design helps maximize space, and the water-resistant fabric is recycled.
Where to buy: Amazon
Brio SmartClean Sonic Toothbrush
Price: $69.95
Those sad little travel toothbrushes just don’t cut it. I’ve often considered bringing a sonic brush with me when on a trip, but it seemed like a bulky or inconvenient option. I also know my mom missed her own toothbrush when she traveled. Brio’s SmartClean Sonic Toothbrush is pretty perfect for travelers.
- Compact, with a battery that lasts up to six weeks, so there’s no need to pack the charger.
- More than 30,000 brush oscillations per second.
- A two-year warranty, in case Mom does happen to drop it in the ocean on her Caribbean getaway.
Where to buy: Amazon
Ready to start planning?
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