I gear test products for travel and the outdoors throughout year. Anything that makes my annual holiday gift guide is thoroughly road tested. It also includes a few gifts I’ve received and loved. This year’s gift guide is a bit shorter than usual thanks to my hectic travel schedule that’s taken me to Africa twice, Asia, South America, and beyond this year. For more ideas including seasonal fit kits, check out the Go Gear section. Happy holidays and happy shopping!
Lanzom Wide Brim Hat ($24.99) – This is the perfect packable hat and it’s only $25. I’ve packed mine in my carry-on and even shoved into checked bag or safari duffel. It always bounces back. I’ve worn mine for everything from wine tasting to the African bush. It comes with a chin strap, which I use to fold it taco style for travel.
Toumett Long Sleeve Safari Shirt ($39.99) – A dear friend gave me one of these last Christmas for our safari in May. I’ve since ordered several more. These shirts have UPF 50 and are great for safari, hiking, fishing, and boating. They’re lightweight and quick drying. I love the option of long sleeve or three-quarters sleeves. Plus, the price point can’t be beat for an outdoors shirt!
Xero Shoes H-Trail Sandals ($79.99) – I took these on my first trip to Africa in May and instantly fell in love with them. They ultra-lightweight sandals are flexible, versatile, and durable. They give you the benefits of barefoot movement, but the sole is rugged enough to stand up to various terrains from urban streets to rocky beaches.
Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L Metal Hardware ($78) – This crossbody is slightly different from the rectangle bag everyone seems to be carrying these days. This one is sleeker than its ultra-popular mate. The fabric is water-repellent. I really like the exterior zippered pocket to safety store items that need or little more protection or that I don’t readily need access to. On the back is a pocket for your phone and my iPhone 15 Max Pro easily fits in it.
Courtesy Lululemon
100 Things to Do in San Antonio Before You Die (3rd Edition) ($18) – Had to include the book I co-authored that hit stands on September 1st. If you know someone heading to the Alamo City for the holidays or Alamo Bowl or in 2025 for San Antonio Rodeo, NCAA Final Four, or Fiesta, this is a great gift!
Global Rescue (Starting at $139) – Being prepared for the what ifs is important. I’ve carried a Global Rescue annual policy for years. They have multiple options for coverage including extraction for medical, civil unrest, or natural disasters. Prepared for the worst isn’t something you want to think about, but you need to. Give the gift of being prepared with Global Rescue to cover one trip or for a year.
Tech Gadgets:
EUCOS 62” Phone Tripod ($23) – This is one piece of my travel gear I get asked about the most. I searched for and gear tested multiple styles of tripods to find the lightest and most compact one. This tripod collapses down into a cylinder making it easy for travel.
Courtesy Amazon
Osprey Medium Camera Cube ($84.98) – I love that Opsrey’s photo accessories are super versatile. This 11-liter cube fits most packs over 38L. It has a padded web grab handle and loops if you want to add a shoulder strap. It holds 11 liters and is 1.29 pounds. It has molded EVA foam to protect your gear. It’s great for organizing and storing camera gear too. The flip top zipper design makes it easy see your camera gear.
For the National Parks Fan:
Cavallini Papers & Co. Vintage National Parks Puzzle ($23.77) – A friend gave me this puzzle last Christmas. This 1000-piece puzzle of a collage of vintage park posters is a great gift for any national parks fan. Inside the cool canister, the pieces are stashed in a muslin drawstring bag. They also have a second version of National Parks Posters ($29.97) and a National Parks Map puzzle ($21.69).
Pop Chart National Parks Scratch-Off Poster ($24.99) – This is a fun way to commemorate visits to national parks. It’s especially fun for someone who is trying to visit all the national parks. A friend gave me one when I first started going for all the parks. I love using the guitar that comes with it to scratch off the gray top layer to reveal the colorful illustrations for each park beneath. The small business designs and prints in the USA on 100-pound archival card stock making these durable and colorful 12”by 16” posters.
Stocking Stuffers:
Makeup Eraser 7-Day Set ($20) – Looking for an alternative to single use makeup wipes, I tried these and couldn’t believe how well they work with just warm water. They even remove waterproof mascara! I’m a fan of the 7-day set because they’re a little smaller than the original washcloth size. I also prefer the black or darker colors. You get a small mesh bag with the set to make it easy to keep them together in the washing machine. You can also get single mini makeup erasers. I’m partial to the black and camo versions. I always have at least 1 in my toiletries bag.
Courtesy Amazon
Apple AirTags ($29) and Belkin Secure Holder ($19.99) – I’ve used AirTags since I had to check my trek bag for Everest Base Camp trek in April 2022. Being able to watch my bag move through the Delhi Airport and know immediately after landing in Kathmandu that my bag made was a huge relief on that trip and sold me on using AirTags while travel. I now use them with my backpack and in my carry-on roller. I’ve tried a variety of cases of my AirTags and have found the Belkin Secure Holder with Wire Cable to be my favorite. The flexible wire cable is durable and easily attaches to zippers inside bags. The wire locks into place inside the case making it a little more difficult for someone to remove it from your bag. The plastic part of the case is made entirely from recycled water bottles.
Modgy Expandable Vase ($9.95) – A friend gave me one of these in Vincent van Gogh Café Terrace at Night print and told me to throw the expandable vase in my bag so I could have fresh flowers in any hotel room. The reusable vases come in a wide array of designs. Just add water to expand the vase, add flowers, and voila! You have fresh flowers in an artsy vase. This would also make a great hostess gift. They have multiple options for holiday themed vases and luminary lanterns ($14.95). The vases fold flat for easy storage.
Courtesy Modgy