It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s also time to purchase Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Everyone that you know has their own distinctive taste. So a one-size-fits-all approach won’t fly this holiday season. That is particularly and clearly the case for friends and family that travel a great deal – whether for work or leisure. And if you’ve waited until the last minute to shop, no worries!
Leslie E. Royal, international product review expert and the creator of the Leslie’s Lane consumer information brand, has unearthed great products that you can still purchase this holiday season. From a big ticket item like the Volkswagen Atlas and traditional household name items you know to new, innovative and revolutionary products, expressly for you, she has created this EXCLUSIVE guide of favorite gifts that she has road tested (literally and figuratively) throughout this year.
#1 – Volkswagen Atlas
If you are looking to make a statement by giving that special someone a big ticket item this year, this midsize, family-friendly SUV fits the bill. Moreover, if you’ve been thinking of purchasing a new whip for yourself over the last few months, the Atlas is more than worth a test drive. This vehicle is great for traveling whether near or far. Seating up to seven adults in comfort and style, the auto features a digital cockpit, premium audio system, automatic post-collision braking system and panoramic sunroof. The largest vehicle in the Volkswagen fleet, it is available in five trim levels – S, SE, Sew/Technology, SEL and SEL Premium.
#2 – Travelpro Crew 11 21” Expandable Spinner Suiter
Travel like a pro! This is the perfect gift for those on your Nice List that travel a great deal. It is used by many flight attendants. Innovative features include: an external USB port, patented contour grip, two-inch expansion capability, 360-degree dual spinner wheels, deluxe suiter, interior full length lid pocket, limited lifetime warranty and oh-so-much more!
#3 – Sound Oasis Go to Sleep Therapy Mask
For the person needing a really good night’s sleep while away from home, this mask is designed to help focus the mind on the process of relaxation and sleep. Combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, individuals can sleep naturally and effectively. Use it on planes, in hotels and definitely at home.
#4 – Vaya Tyffyn
This revolutionary, striking, and gorgeous lunchbox will make for a spectacular gift. This stunning, stainless steel container uses vacuum insulation technology to keep your hot food hot and your cold food cold for up to five hours. They are even made for kids. Place this one in the gifts they’ll love column!
#5 – Case + Drift Byron Towel
This multi-use towel can be used as a picnic blanket, bath or beach towel, scarf or baby blanket. This 100% cotton blanket comes in many bright and fun colors and can be used by men, women and children.
#6 – Lifesaver Liberty Water Bottle
Have fresh clean water to sip in seconds with the world’s first and only portable water filter bottle containing an inline pump. Now you’re ready for biking, day hikes, the gym and even your office. The 14-ounce bottle, in varying colors, provides 530 gallons of drinkable water and removes 99.9999% of bacteria and cysts.
#7 – Tranquilo Mat
For the new parents traveling with their new bundle of joy, this mat helps keep the child calm. Mimicking the mom’s heartbeat and movements in the womb, the baby is soothed while on the winding roads. The portable mat can even be placed in strollers, cribs and carriers. Compact, you can just roll up the map and place it in the diaper bag.
#8 – Gadgets Connect Pro
These cool headphones, created especially for children, will keep them busy during flights and long drives. Wired for children ages six and up, the headphones feature a shareport allowing them to share with other kids. The volume is set at a safe level for youth.
#9 – Fischer & Wieser Holiday Preserves Gift Pack
This is the perfect gift to give to the person that has everything! The holiday preserves are a tasty, tantalizing delight. They are great to place in gift bags. Once you reach your destination, serve these jams at a Christmas Eve reception. And if you just can’t wait, dine on the preserves and cheese as you travel by car or train. Pair the Smokey Plum Jam, Bourbon Cranberry Preserves and Toasted Cinnamon Pear Preserves with charcuterie and cheese as well as the holiday turkey and ham.
#10 – Pieces to Peaces Head Wrap
Working out just got even more stylish with these sassy wraps. When you’re heading out of town and still want to be super cute, grab a few of these fashion accessories. If you enjoy yoga, indoor cycling or are a crossfitter, these functional, handcrafted wraps will be perfect.
#11 – Portable Hand Warmer Phone Charger
Made by Everything Tech Gear, this three-in-one portable USB battery charger is also a hand warmer and flashlight. Ergonomically designed to fit in your hands, there are three warming setting from which to choose.
#12 – ECOlunchbox
Perfect for the individuals that travel for a living, the ECOlunchbox is a plastic-free container that allows you to manage portion size. The reusable, stainless steel gift is ideal for health-conscience, environmentally-conscience people. Try the Seal Cup Trio Set too. The non-toxic, stainless steel containers have ocean-inspired designs.
#13 – Stirrings Cocktail Mixers
There’s a mixologist in you. When traveling with these mixers, creating drinks once you’ve reached your destination just got easier! Entertain guests at the wet bar of your hotel room or add your Stirrings cocktail mixers to the bar at the home of your loved one. Made with real juice, your amazing choices are cosmopolitan, margarita, martini, bloody mary, lemon drop, peach bellini and mojito. Just add two parts Stirrings, one part spirits and rimmer garnishes of your choice and Voila!
#14 – P-touch Embellish
This is a wonderful gift for the person who travels near and far promoting crafts, arts and personalizing most everything. Customize your presents by having your choice of over 14 fonts, 400 symbols and 25 patterns that can print directly on satin ribbons. It’s ideal for putting your unique imprint on party favors too.
#15 – The PodPocket
The millennial techie in your life will really like this item. The pocket was designed with the Apple enthusiast in mind. Just store your AirPods inside. Having a premium key ring, attach it to your backpack or tote bag and you well are on your way.
#16 – Astrnəmē
Your favorite guy will love this outerwear. We know it can be difficult to make purchases for men. But astrnəmē makes it so easy with their fashionable, forward-thinking, hand-crafted, contemporary apparel. Perfect for the world traveler, he’ll look super sophisticated from coast-to-coast in the Stoke Hoodie, Old Timer Jacket or the Ballistic Woven.
#17 – Girlactik
She’s got Star Power. Yes she does. Emphasize that in your gift of Girlactik to the ladies in your life. Get the Hollywood makeover look with this radiant line of shimmer makeup including invisible primer eraser liner, matte lip paint liquid lipstick, luminous face powder, matte bronzer, face glimmer, loose sparkles for eyes and more.
#18 – Purequosa
No worries about staying under the liquid limit while flying with travel size Purequosa products. For those on-the-go, frequent travelers, it serves as a temporary shower replacement. The hydrating formula, is as an organic cleansing spray. Just pop it into your carryon and spray the alcohol and chemical-free product when necessary. It fights odor-causing bacteria while nourishing the skin.
#19 – Catalina Porous Tip Pen
For the pen lover in your set, get this modern, stylish, elegantly designed ink pen. The bleed resistant, quality ink pen, with really unique designs, gives the pen aficionado a positively wonderful writing experience.
#20 – Naked Truth Beauty
Of course there are plenty of au naturale ladies on your list. These biodegradable, nourishing, glow inducing lip and cheek formulas as well as bath products are sure to be a hit. Show your love for your body, community and the environment. Read and recognize every single toxic-free ingredient in the lip colors like carrie, as if, wednesdays and promise me,rose.
#21 – Flexi Lexi
For the athlete or dancer in your family, get flexible, chic and comfy sports bralettes, yoga pants, dancer leggings, scrunchy shorts, mermaid tails and ballerina tutus. Whether they are exercising or just lounging around the house, these products really work.
#22 – Nuts About Savannah
Get this company’s signature cinnamon roasted nuts and gourmet popcorn as well as chocolate covered nuts and fresh roasted nuts. These tasty items are perfect to store in backpacks and eat on-the-go. Be sure to order gift tins to complement your thoughtful gift.
#23 – Stand Corrected
Give the gift of better health this year. This product is designed to reverse the damage of poor posture caused by individuals spending hours upon hours hunched over electronic devices. This harness-like, portable lightweight stretching tool can align the spine and correct the posture of your loved ones.
#24 – Matador Daylite16 Backpack
Oh yes! The traveler in your family loves backpacks. But he or she needs more storage space. This ultralight, versatile, weatherproof backpack would be a great choice. Featuring two water resistant zipper compartments, it’s great for long term travel, day trips and certainly hiking.
#25 – From My Big Eyes Tumbler
This 16-ounce insulated, uniquely-designed tumbler is created to keep beverages either hot or cold. The colorful From My Big Eyes cup is the ideal gift for traveling on the road. It’s shatter proof, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and freezer safe.
#26 – Arden Cove
The Full CrossBody is the perfect bag to give to the woman of substance. It’s both elegant and functional at the same time. The purse is waterproof and features a built-in wallet, two wall pockets, cut-proof, detachable strap, interior D-ring to attach a keychain and will hold a Kindle or small book. That’s just perfect for traveling.
#27 – Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International Carry-On
This will be a great gift for the millennial that travels frequently. It can be carried as a backpack or traditional luggage that can roll on the floor. The backpack straps and adjustable suspension allow you to be hands free. An external pocket allows you to add a tablet for a small laptop. Latch purses and water bottles outside and notice the lockable zippers.
#28 – Cork Pops
Several great items from Cork Pops will be perfect for the wine or cocktail enthusiast in your life. Begin with the HERmixer Concentrated Cocktail Mini-Mixer. It’s in a portable size that can fit into a small purse or your pocket. The cocktail flavors include berry, apple, citrus and ginger. While you are at it, make it a trilogy gift. Add the Vino 911 Red Wine Stain Remover and VinoGo – a bendable, collapsible container which holds a full bottle of wine.
#29 – Sanaia Applesauce
For the foodie in the family, order this applesauce. Blended with exotic, island-inspired fruits, spices and botanicals, they will enjoy this handcrafted treat that is available in single-serve jars. As they are traveling, they can top it with granola, fruits or muesli. Flavors include Hibiscus, Sweet Ginger, Tamarind, Guava, Lavender and Lychee.
#30 – Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Smoothing Body Butter
This internationally renowned brand has introduced its new 100% cocoa and shea butter product. Having four times more emollients than other lotions, allowing for an enhanced moisturizing experience, your loved ones will delight in special holiday gift packs that are available in stores.
#31 – Delectable Destinations: A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Missouri
For that person with a sweet tooth and loves to travel, this book serves as a considerate, well thought out gift. Author Deborah Reinhardt takes us on winding trip through Missouri as she shares delectable chocolate creations from delightfully-designed truffles to chocolate candy recipes dating back to the 1870s.
#32 – Knomo
For the discerning, discriminating person in your life, the Knomo backpack strikes just the right chord. Get the leather backpacks like the Dales and Beaux. Or opt for the ultra-lightweight, polyester Berlin backpack. The latter features a padded laptop section, internal mesh pockets, splash-resistant material, a spacious main compartment and lots of sections to store so many essentials.
#33 – Rudela Makeup Sponge
Create a cosmetic gift set and add a Rudela Makeup Sponge. Made from nonporous silicone, it stops the spread of bacteria that can cause acne and other skin ailments. The egg-shaped sponge smoothly applies cream blush, foundation and tinted moisturizer.
#34 – Cougar Boots
Making stylish, comfortable boots for over 65 years, Cougar has a sizable selection of boots in which you can choose as gifts. The chic, trendy boots are 100% waterproof. The suedes and leathers are treated prior to assembly to allow for extra comfort and style.
#35 – Becker Vineyards
As you are visiting friends and loved ones for the holidays, be sure and take a bottle of wine. Having an impressive selection, you won’t go wrong in choosing many of their award-winning wines. Consider favorites such as the Reserve Viognier Farmhouse Vineyard, Jolie Rose, Culinaria, Fleur Sauvange and Vintage Port. And for the Lavender Lover in your life, order the room spray, satchet, shower gel, salve, soap and lip balm.