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Jabra Sports Coach earbuds media photoJabra Sports Coach Wireless Headset

My iPhone earbuds just are not cutting it these days. If I’m on the plane or simply walking through London parks in the afternoon, I grew tired of constantly adjusting them and having buds fall out of my ears. I also have a few New Year goals about getting more active and exploring every neighborhood in London. These Jabra Sports Coach earbuds have been a game changer. Not only are they wireless, Bluetooth compatible and easy to wear, they are equipped with incredible Dolby sound quality and optional fitness audio coaching. Think that means I have to start running now? Yikes.

Airline Gift Cards

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.

Art of Football Shirts

I’m working hard to get into football (or soccer) while living in London. The countless tournaments, championships and even just pick up games in the park do make it pretty easy to stay pumped. I even bought England vs Austria Women’s tickets so I can watch a live football match. But I will say, the traditional jerseys aren’t often very stylish, especially for women. So when I found out about the Art of Football I was hooked. They take legendary moment in football history then make them eternal emblazoned on great clothing and gear. I think it’s fantastic that many of the women’s t-shirt feature Women’s World Cup plays too, not just the guys.

Alcohol Subscriptions and Deliveries

Sorry Boston, London has you wicked beat when it comes to booze. I get restrictions are good, but the fact that I can have wine and alcohol delivered to my house at all hours is amazing. Not to mention, it’s an easy way to armchair travel to try varieties from all over the world. So far, I really liked bubbly from Virgin wines that comes in a pretty crate, and even Amazon Prime Now that’s a miracle in a big city like London – you can have beer and wine delivered within an hour. Crazy. When I’m ready to get super fancy, I’ve had my eye on The Sampler that send six bottles to your place every month.

TOMs Shoes

I love TOMs. I’ve worn these comfy kicks at music festivals, at the beach and walking through urban landscapes all over the world. Their message of sustainability and giving back is clutch – I don’t know many other companies that give away one of their products for every one pair that’s bought. They have great styles now beyond their classics, but I’ll keep my beige ones with a pop of color for next summer!

KIVA Gift Card

Speaking on gifts that give back, this is always a winner to give to those who are globally conscious. You can buy gift cards in $25 dollar increments. These can be used on the KIVA site to help people worldwide with microloans to improve their businesses and lives. The funds are actually paid back over time so you can withdraw your funds or keep on lending them. It’s interactive and a feel-good way to get involved in changing the world.

Also, I can’t forget my husband, who has been my travel companion to some incredible destinations this year – Miami, England, Wales, New Zealand and Australia, to name a few. He deserves some travel-themed goodies as well to make our journeys easier and a little more stylish! Here’s a few:

Thrashion Jewlery media photo tie clipThrashion Jewelry and Accessories

So his wardrobe is often pretty classic for work. I wanted to find a way to jazz it up plus support some local UK businesses to commemorate our new expat move this year. Thrashion is a really cool concept, making high-end products from recycled skateboard materials. They’re colorful, expertly crafted and can be a perfect fit for a variety of styles. Personally one of my favorite pieces is the tie clip – it features bars of colored wood to give a little pop to any suit and tie. And for some timeless classic jewelry collections, you can check out this cuban link from statementcollective here for your best preferences.

The Bluebeards Revenge Shaving and Grooming Products

Since our honeymoon and being three weeks away from work, my husband has grown a big ginger beard. His skin is sensitive as well and is always on the hunt for top quality grooming products he can take on the road too. He went mad over the Bluebeards Revenge Body Kit that comes in a durable travel case. Complete with soap, comb, deodorant, shave towel and moisturizer, the pack works well on flights without liquids. He liked it so much we got the Classic Gift Kit as well to give to his brother as well.

What’s in your travel-themed gift guide this year?

Eileen Cotter Wright

Author Eileen Cotter Wright

Eileen Cotter is a freelance travel journalist and owner of Pure Wander. She's our resident expat extraordinaire and falls down a lot in yoga class. Follow her on Instagram @Pure_Wander.

More posts by Eileen Cotter Wright

Join the discussion 2 Comments

  • Saad says:

    dear Eileen,
    just wanted to clarify the meaning of the Haitian proverb you quoted in the Huffington Post travel article” do not insult the mother alligator until after you have crossed the river”
    Actually, it is a hypocritical and cowardly, albeit wise advice meaning literally don’t spit or laugh at danger until you are out of the reach of danger, in this case, the mother alligator, your interpretation in the article is more empathic and in line with the saying:: “don’t judge a man until you walk in his shoes”, at any rate , your interpretation reflects your kind and compassionate worldview, it is true , ultimately, perception is reality, I am glad I stumbled on your website, it is very informative and you seem to be a lovely person.
    regards,
    Saad
    New York City

    • EileenC says:

      Saad, thanks so much for clarification on the quote. I see what you’re saying and that definitely makes sense. I did consider the ‘walk a mile in their shoes’ quote and was looking for something a little funkier, but it seems my interpretation was a bit off. Thanks for stopping by!

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