Gift Guides: The Explorer
For the frequent flyer or the outward bound, anyone you know who is constantly on the move - a series of useful gifts and gadgets to make travel easier so they can get back out there again and again. Need more for this recipient? Don’t miss these guides from years past:
For adventures in or on the water - a new water-repellant version of a Dan-favorite baseball hat that’s antimicrobial, floats, and has a hidden pocket for a few essentials. Whether he’s bound for Scotland, Hawaii, or a wet walk with the dog, this seems like something worth packing. Odyssey Hydro from Melin.
For keeping it together on the move - a sleek leather bifold that’s somewhere between a wallet and a clutch, large enough to full contain a printed boarding pass, passport, cell phone and handful of important documents without being bulky. Customization options go beyond the monogram to include hand painted flowers and metal embellishments. No. 29 The Travel Wallet from Neely and Chloe.
For campsites, cookouts, and maybe just the backyard - a rechargeable tape light for brightening up any environment. Only 3” wide and a run time of up to 36 hours, it easily clips to a bag for wherever they’re heading. Tape Light from Barebones Living.
For carrying on - even where carry-ons don’t go - a duffle/backpack mash up that’s unbelievably waterproof and comes in the most dazzling array of colors (including black, if what they do is black). Small (40L) Go-Bag from Baboon to the Moon.
For spraying off the dog, camp dishes, or themselves - the combined functionality of a garden hose, kitchen faucet and a water bottle all in one. Mist, stream or shower on the go. Hydration spray bottle bundle from Lunatec.
For movement, comfort, and custom fits - a belt that moves with them whether on long haul flights or more active pursuits. Splice Belt from Arcade. Don’t miss some of their other collaborations with Jimmy Chin or Hannah Eddy.
For hitting the trail or the gym - a lightweight quick-drying towel that is antimicrobial, super compact and made of recycled materials. Fitness Towel from Geometry.
For making their airpods inflight movie compatible - a small plug & play device to help them avoid a long haul flight in the freebie headphones. Twelve South Airfly Pro from Apple.
For turning any bag into a travel bag - a clip and go elasticized belt for hauling their tote, backpack or shopping bag on top of their wheeled luggage with ease. Travel Belt from Cincha.
For wherever their travels bring them, a super compact, smartly pocketed, hanging toiletry bag to keep all of their gear organized and their toothbrush away from their nail clippers. Explorer PLUS Toiletry bag from Gravel.
Or for the traveler who brings along a little more of a skincare routine - the supposedly bottomless capacity influencer pick that lays flat and makes it easy to spot the exact serum they are looking for. Mini Clear Cosmetics Case from CALPAK.
For inspiration, and probably not a bad choice for the flight. Let’s Take a Trip Sweatshirt from Yellow the Label.
For more inspiration and some armchair travel - a book that charts courses from barren deserts to bourbon trails all without requiring a passport. The Great American Road Trip available on Amazon.
For the ride to take them through the book - and because it’s a great dash of humor. Getaway Car Key Ring from Dear Keaton.
For never being under 10% battery - and although a frequent item on these guides, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one this small. Just the size of a few credit cards, with the charging cable attached, it’s probably worth stuffing into everyone’s stockings. Clutch Charger.
For more stocking stuffers - a series of award-winning sweet & savory snacks that are certainly better than what Hudson News or the truck stop is serving. Crispy brittle cookies (and savory crackers) from Brooklyn Brittle, Spicy Sprouted Almonds from Daily Crunch, perfectly packable hummus from Ithaca Hummus, Trail Mix where every morsel is carefully considered from Shār or seasonal sweets from Niagra Chocolates.
For explorations that are a little more business in nature - an extremely packable new spin on an iron - no board required. Press, steam & refresh with ease. The Nori Press.
For a new and improved take on a classic travel gear MVP - a headlamp that offers a full arc of light, no bouncing, and comfort for the wearer. Lightbar.
Finally, for commemorating a special trip, or collecting an armful - a series of luggage tag or passport stamp themed charms with plenty of bracelet, necklace and keychain bases to add to. Luggage Tag Charms from Jet Set Candy.