Traditionally, I love starting my annual travel holiday gift guide and giveaway with a sweet look back at the year… but 2020 has been anything but a Hallmark movie or a precious moment in a snow globe.
I actually considered skipping this edition of my holiday gift guide entirely, but you know what? Just because this year has been tough doesn’t mean we can’t shower each other with love and prezzies, even if it has to be from 6-feet (or more) away.
Some might say there’s no better year to love extravagantly, and I couldn’t agree more.
No matter how rough a year it’s been, I’m convinced we’re all on Santa’s Nice List. (And hey, even if Santa doesn’t like you anymore, I’ve got your Grinchy self covered with this year’s giveaway.)
Welcome to our 2020 travel lover’s gift guide!
This year, in addition to travel goodies, we’ve added in some of the items that got us through the hardest times of 2020. From helpful gadgets to soft blankets to books to gift certificates to get ready for the most epic adventure when all this is over, our little elves have kept an eye on the most wonderful goodies from around the world. We’re featuring several small businesses this year, too, so please click around and let them feel the love this holiday season.
The best part about my 9th Annual Holiday Travel Gift Guide and Giveaway is that every single item can be purchased online and shipped directly to your recipient. Because nothing says HAPPY HOLIDAYS like keeping your distance from friends and family so you don’t infect them with a horrible pandemic. Am I right?
This gift guide will keep you out of the mall and back where you belong, at home, on the couch and in your sweatpants! (Because what even are real clothes anymore?!)
Past Travel Gift Guides for Even More Ideas
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019
As always, we’re giving away a ton of items from this list, so don’t forget to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter our annual gift guide giveaway. Any item on the list with an asterisk is available to win!
Now, Alexa, play The Grinch soundtrack, order some shark wrapping paper and pour me some eggnog. Here we go, 2020!
Gift Ideas For Travelers
SELF CARE GIFTS
Sunday Citizen Crystal Weighted Blanket *
This year, I spent more hours than I care to admit watching The Office under my Sunday Citizen weighted blanket. And you know what? It was worth it. Quality rest is the key in stressful times. Did you know weighted blankets lower anxiety, lead to deeper sleep and may even alleviate chronic pain?
Sunday Citizen’s 15-lb., super soft weighted blanket is filled with thousands of pieces of clear quartz, rose quartz and amethyst, and might just be my favorite item on this year’s gift guide.
If you know someone who’s had a rough year – and who hasn’t?! – a weighted blanket is a super thoughtful gift. Use code ANGIEAWAY15 for 15% off your order.
**AMAZING DEAL: 30% off sitewide from 11/23 until Cyber Monday**
$259, SundayCitizen.com
Calm App Subscription
I’ve tried a bunch of meditation apps but Calm is the one I always come back to. It’s one of the most popular apps and an award-winner, and once you start to build the habit of checking in and slowing down every day, you’ll understand why. Now that I’ve been using it for more than a year, I can tell a real difference when I start my day with Calm vs. when I start my day doomscrolling on Twitter.
In addition to the Daily Calm, there are also Sleep Stories for those who have trouble shutting their minds down at night as well as nature sounds, programs and lessons on meditating. The app itself is free and there is some free content if you want to try before you buy, but at $60 for the year, it’s a steal. Know a loved one who needs a friendly, non-narcotic chill pill? Get a gift subscription!
$60, Calm
FabFitFun Subscription Box
Yes, every single contestant on the Bachelor eventually becomes an influencer and tries to sell you on this subscription box or that. So I was skeptical about the FabFitFun box until I tried it myself. It’s like Christmas morning on a quarterly basis – I’m a convert!
I love subscription boxes because it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year. And every FabFitFun box is filled with $200+ worth of customizable goodies, from beauty products to home decor. I get more compliments on the rollerball perfume I got from the summer box than I ever have on any fragrance, and more people have noticed the snappy bronze oil diffuser on my shelf. All from FabFitFun. Treat yourself… or you know, someone else is good, too. Use this link for $15 off your first box!
1st box $39, FabFitFun
Succulents Box*
If you haven’t turned into a plant fiend yet, what are you even doing in 2020? I was an avid gardener even before the pandemic, but being at home for months on end really kicked it up a notch. We have more plants in our backyard than ever before, and thanks to Succulents Box, we’re adding organically grown California succulents to the mix indoors. Tending to plants is a scientifically proven way to reduce stress, increase productivity and freshen up the air – win, win, win.
Succulents Box offers five monthly subscription plans and more than 300 varieties. Come on, get one so we can be #PlantParents together.
Starting at $5, SucculentsBox.com
DYLN Water Bottle
Do you ever go a whole day and then realize you haven’t had any water at all? This used to happen until I started carrying the insulated, stainless steel DYLN water bottle. Via replaceable VitaBead filters, the bottle alkalizes drinking water, which has been shown to kickstart metabolism and help with acid reflux. The bottle doesn’t sweat and it keeps water cold for 24 hours. I use mine every single day. Such a great way to reduce reliance on bottled water when you travel!
$50, DYLN
Crabtree & Evelyn Holiday Gift Sets
I love how Crabtree & Evelyn marries beauty and travel with every product line! The holiday gift sets are particularly delicious because you can customize what goes inside based on your explorer personality. Take the quiz here to find out if you’re a Jet Setter, Staycationist, Backpacker or Dreamer. There’s everything from indulgent body oils to lip scrubs and more. Just what a homebound traveler needs when spas are closed!
$30+, Crabtree & Evelyn
23andMe DNA Kit
Not only is it fun to find out where your ancestors come from, to visit your homeland and to imagine how great-great-great grandma Mildred’s choices brought you to where you are at this very moment, but it’s also an incredible way to gain insight into your health. A must for anyone who might want to take steps to prevent potential health issues where possible.
$99, 23andMe (Currently 50% off on Amazon!)
Travel-Sized Foam Roller*
When I was bouncing back and forth between Florida and California earlier this year, I never left home without my mini foam roller. I get by in life with my full-sized one at home, but this was the first year I really couldn’t do without it on my 2-week adventures in Cali. (Well, until March brought everything to a screeching halt.)
If you have back pain at all, don’t leave home without one of this little suckers! It’s worth the space it takes up in your bag… just leave a pair of shoes at home and you’ll never notice the difference. (If you really want to splash out, check out this set filled with back-appeasing goodies.)
$10, Amazon
Cozy Matching Pajamas
Don’t tell Rick, but I think we’re going to bite the bullet and do the matching Christmas pajama thing this year. I NEED THIS. Even if it’s silly, I’m ready for some cheer and nothing can give me that like getting my tough husband and the dog in matching buffalo check jammies on Christmas morning. Peep my Insta on Dec. 25 for proof.
Favorite options below:
- $18, 2020 Naughty List Pajamas, multiple sizes, Amazon
- $24, Family Grinch Pajamas, multiple sizes (including pets), Amazon
- $25, Elf Pajamas, Target
GEAR AND GADGET GIFTS
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush*
I just got the Revlon Hot Air Brush for my birthday and have been using it after every shampoo! It’s so easy to use and it feels almost as good as a professional blowout. Plus, it’s only one tool to handle instead of a brush and a hairdryer.
And for travelers? It does the job of a handful of hair products so you can save space when packing. It’s a hairdryer, smoothing brush, curling/flat iron. I absolutely love this thing and can’t wait to travel with it!
$29, Amazon.com
GoPro HERO 9
My favorite camera in the world! Last year, Rick got me the GoPro HERO 8, just in time for the worldwide pandemic and a shutdown of almost every reason I had to use it. Now, the GoPro HERO 9 is out and wouldn’t you know, it’s even better than the last model.
I always include the GoPro on my holiday gift guide and for good reason – aside from my iPhone, it’s the one piece of camera gear that goes with me everywhere, from scuba diving in Bonaire to camping at Ginnie Springs. Read more about my tips for scuba with a GoPro.
GoPro HERO 9, $399 | GoPro HERO 8, $299
Apple Watch
My trusty Apple Watch broke while I was with Rae for her Florida Keys bachelorette party, and I was lost without it until I got the new model for my birthday. It makes such a huge difference to me when it comes to workouts and daily meditation. An incredible gift for the traveler who likes to stay on track with fitness and whatnot even while on the go.
And speaking of workouts, when Apple Fitness debuts later this year, anyone who purchased a new Apple Watch gets 3 free months to experiment.
$349+, Apple
Ring Video Doorbell
The Ring Video Doorbell was the hottest commodity at last year’s family White Elephant gift exchange, so this little gadget has rightly earned a place on my holiday gift guide. It’s nice to know who’s at the door – especially this year when we’re all limiting contact with others as much as possible.
It’s also great for travelers because you always know when there’s a package on the doorstep, even if you’re away on grand adventure. I wish I’d had this last year when the Amazon delivery guy chucked all my birthday presents behind a pile of debris on the side of the house instead of on the front porch! By the time I realized what had happened, everything had been rained on for days. Ring doorbell prevents those shipping shenanigans, and if you saw my Instagram stories this week, you saw the Ring captured a hilarious moment between the Instacart shopper delivering groceries and our dog Leia. Priceless!
$99+, Amazon
LED Ring Light for Live Streaming & Zoom
Anyone else all Zoom-ed out? I never imagined that my whole life, business and personal, would turn virtual like it has this year, but here we are. Folks always compliment me on my bomb Zoom lighting so here’s the secret, I have a mini setup so I’m always looking my best whether live streaming for a TV show, hosting a bridal shower or just chatting with Granny on the other side of town. If you know anyone who is WFH like a champ, this is a great little setup to make work-home life less of a slog. It’s like an Instagram filter for Zoom!
$49, Walmart
TRAVEL GIFTS
Pakt One Lightweight Bag*
We may not be traveling as much this year, but a practical bag never goes out of style. The pocket-filled Pakt One is lightweight like a duffel but with a ton more space than you’d expect. It’s carry-on approved and the design makes it easy to access everything you need while en route, without having to unpack your whole bag. It was featured in Netflix documentary “Minimalism” as the ideal bag for minimalist travelers
I love that Pakt uses 100% plastic-free packaging and commits 10% of profits to support environmental issues caused by plastic product packaging.
**25% off through the holidays**
$275, Paktbags.com
Flytographer Photo Shoot
There’s no better souvenir from a big trip than gorgeous photos, and something tells me we’re all going to be planning epic post-pandemic trips once we can and wanting to remember every moment of getting back out there on the road.
Flytographer is our travel photo shoot of choice and a great way to celebrate a special occasion or the special occasion of going somewhere besides your own backyard! Flytographer gift cards also make amazing wedding shower gifts, too, especially if the honeymooners are going to one of Flytographer’s hundreds of locations.
Read our Flytographer review here, then get $25 your first shoot by clicking here.
$250+, Flytographer.com
Vintage Globe Bar
Yes, I have this at home! And it’s filled with mini bottles of booze so anytime I feel like recreating the air travel experience by sitting in the smallest chair in my house between my parents with some weird movie on, I can pour myself a little drinkie and it’s almost like the world is back to normal. Just kidding about normalcy… but the bar cart helps, and the globe helps me to imagine the day we can all get back out there again. Great gift for the grounded adventurer.
$89, Wayfair
Scott’s Cheap Flights Premium Membership*
Like the proverbial devil/angel on your shoulder, Scott’s Cheap Flights is the daily email that reminds you that there’s still a whole world out there to see. To save literally hundreds of dollars on flights, snag a premium membership for mucho deals on international and domestic travel.
Scott’s Cheap Flights tracks airfare prices and alerts 2 million members to exceptional deals. Check out the weeklong Black Friday sale beginning Nov. 24 with up to 25% off Premium memberships. It’s an amazing gift for a traveler – and this year they have gift cards! – but don’t forget to hook it up for yourself, too. Flight deals are gonna be off the chain once the vaccines are in place.
Mixtiles
So these aren’t a gift to use during travel, but they are an excellent way to remember your adventures after the fact. We redecorated our dining room with travel photos this summer and it makes the whole house feel cozier and homier, AND it’s nice to be reminded of happier days when we could road trip around Ireland any old time we wanted. We’ll be there again, I hope, but in the meantime, Mixtiles are an excellent gift for the traveler who has everything (except the freedom to go anywhere they want this year)!
Mixtiles stick to the wall and don’t require any drilling or nails, and you can restick multiple times without losing stickiness. Stay tuned for a peek at the new dining room just as soon as we install the last few pieces.
Use code ANGIEAWAY for 15% off your Mixtiles purchase!
$12, Mixtiles
Roadtrippers*
Road trips in the USA have skyrocketed in popularity in this time of travel uncertainty, as have revamped Sprinter vans and RVs. If you aren’t ready to gift your loved one a $100,000 driving bunk bed, consider instead a yearlong subscription to Roadtrippers.com, the world’s No. 1 road trip planning app.
For anyone getting out there on the open road in 2021, you can gift an annual subscription to the website for just $29.99, which gives users the tools to plan epic road trips with up to 150 stops. Roadtrippers was instrumental in planning our awesome road trip out West.
Get $5 off your gift subscription using this link.
$30, Roadtrippers.com
GRAYL Water Purifier
Whether you’re shopping for that friend who is always tromping around in the woods, your doomsday prepper parents or a cautious traveler visiting Mexico for the first time and avoiding Montezuma’s revenge at all costs, the GRAYL water purifier is an excellent gift. The GRAYL’s incredible filter allows you to drink from hotel sinks in any country, dodgy food trucks, public bathrooms and freshwater rivers and lakes. How cool is that?
It looks like a regular water bottle and works a bit like a French press, ridding water of 99.99% of bacteria, protozoa and viruses, along with metals, chemicals and particulates. Let’s just say you don’t want to be caught without a GRAYL in a zombie apocalypse.
$70, GRAYL
Audible subscription
Thanks to COVID, I’ve read more this year than I have in ages – so there’s at least one upside! I added Audible to my repertoire and am loving always having something to listen to while I’m cleaning our Airbnb or driving to Orlando to visit @ShebaAway.
Looking for book suggestions for stocking stuffers? Here are some of my favorite reads this year, Audible or otherwise. (Spot my real life pals in this list for extra credit!)
- Children of Grass, B.A. Van Sise (Gorgeous visuals – not an audiobook!)
- The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk
- The F*** It Diet, Caroline Dooner
- Atomic Habits, James Clear
- 100 Things to Do in Jacksonville Before You Die, Amy West
- Open Book, Jessica Simpson
- Boundaries, Henry Cloud
- The Mindbody Prescription, John Sarno
- Kind is the New Classy, Candace Cameron Bure
- Searching for Sunday, Rachel Held Evans
$150 for 12 months, Audible
Travel Map Mask
Masks are here to stay, so we might as well make them fashion, right? Travelers can find all sorts of unique, handmade masks on Etsy, from vintage maps to passport stamps to iconic destinations. I know as a traveler who’s been stuck at home far too long, I would love one of these. Hint, hint.
$13, Etsy
PIN ME FOR LATER
That’s a wrap on my 2020 holiday travel gift guide. Want a virtual visit from Angie Claus? Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below for the chance to win some of our favorite gift guide goodies.
a Rafflecopter giveawayThis is one of our most popular giveaways every year, so enter early, enter often and keep an eye out to see if you’re a winner in December.
