Stocking stuffers are supposed to be fun and inexpensive. But, let’s also through useful into the mix. If you’re searching for items that fit all three of those for the adventurer, road tripper, and traveler, here’s my list for 2023. Most of these you’ll find in my toiletry bag or backpack on every trip. If you need ideas for bigger gifts, check out my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.
My Favorite:
Blue Q Bags “Drink Money” Pouch – I found this cute little bag made from 95% recycled material while traveling. It’s my travel “kitty” for coins and money while traveling abroad. I started using it while in Croatia in September. It was perfect to slip into a zippered pocket on leggings for workouts and holding my cash on day trips. Blue Q Bags has several options for bags, but I love the “Drink Money” because of the bright colors and the frog sipping a tropical drink while in a hammock is funny. Some friends and family are getting one of these this holiday season with three of my favorite travel goodies inside – Aquaphor lip repair, L’Occitane hand lotion, and Patchology eye gels. It would also be a great gift card holder or put some foreign currency in it if you’re going on an international trip during the holidays. The bags are made from recycled rice sacks making them durable.
Tech Gadget:
Lifeproof Apple Airpods Pro Case ($18.51) – As someone who has dropped her airpods more than once, a scuff protection case is a necessity. Lifeproof is a tried-and-true brand when it comes to cases to protect your electronics. This case is made from 75% ocean-based plastic. There are multiple color options. Mine is the green color called Down Under. The case is also available for 1st and 2nd generation airpods. You can easily charge through the case either with plug or putting the orange dot on the back on a magsafe charger.
Beauty Buys:
Kit-sch 3-Pack Travel Bottles ($10) – Not only are these black and ivory pouches cute, but they also work well for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, and bug repellent. I first tested them when I went to the Marshall Islands in July and needed to take extra sunscreen and bug repellent. These are not only non-toxic and environmentally friendly since they’re reusable, but they didn’t leak or caps pop open. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe! They also have an 11-piece set with a couple of mini bottles and jars for $14.
Patchology Patching All the Way Eye Gels 5-Pack ($15) – This 5-pack is a sample of Patchology’s eye gels. The rejuvenating eye gels are my secret weapon against tired, puffy eyes from jetlag. I also use them before television appearances. I always have at least 1 pair of individually wrapped gel pad in my toiletry bag and 1 in my luggage. The cooling effect is an instant eye opener in just five minutes. They also contain caffeine and green tea to boost micro-circulation to decrease puffiness and reduce dark circles and hydrolyzed collagen to boost hydration and elasticity. At home or on extended road trips, I use the larger container with 30 pairs of patches ($50). This variety pack is a great way to sample Patchology’s array of eye gels.
L’Occitane Holiday Hand Trio ($33) – I love L’Occitane’s travel size hand lotions. There’s always one in my backpack or carry-on on bag. While my favorite for travel is their original Shea Butter Hand Cream in 1 oz size, partly because of the packaging, these are a cute set to add to a stocking. L’Occitane lotions are ultra-creamy but not greasy, don’t have overpowering scents like some lotions, and made from clean ingredients. The 1 oz size is perfect travel or to keep in your purse. Since the scents are subtle, your neighbors on a plane won’t be overpowered with the smell if you use during a flight. This year’s holiday hand trio was inspired by the olive tree and has three hand creams infused with olive oil.
Ursa Major Apres-Anything Skincare Kit ($34) – I love the concept of this post adventure skincare recovery set. It has everything you need to clean, refresh, repair, and nourish your face after a day on the slopes, on the trail, or whatever outdoor adventure you’re on. It has two Ursa Major 4-in-1 bamboo face wipes which clean, exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate. You also get a 0.5-ounce size of their nourishing and fast-absorbing golden hour recovery cream, and their Going Places Lip Balm with scents of black currant and balsam packaged in a super cute box. Plus, 5% of your purchase of this kit goes to Protect Our Winters.
For Game Time:
USAopoly Trivial Pursuit National Parks Travel Edition ($20) – Any National Parks fan will love testing their knowledge in this game’s 600 trivia questions and fun facts. The game comes in a cute carrying case for fun on a national park road trip.
My Favorite Road Trip Snack of the Year
Shameless Snacks ($19.03 for a 6-pack) – My friend Adeina introduced me to these chewy sour treats on our road trip from St. Louis, Missouri, to Lake Placid, New York, in October. They fit the bill when you’re craving something sweet, chewy, or tangy as you’re driving down the road. These have low sugar and low net carbs. My favorites are the peach and green apple. The variety pack is a great way to sample multiple flavors. These are great snacks for road trippers, hikers, and backpackers.
Author Jennifer Broome spent most of 2023 on planes, on the road, on trails, and in National Park Service sites. For more gift ideas of items she gear tested throughout the year, check out the 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.