Gifting is hard work, but we’re here to help you give meaningful items to ensure that you win Christmas the recipient delights in your thoughtful present. That’s why we curated a holiday travel gift guide just for you.
The idea: Buy gifts that are iconic to or come from a place you’ve visited with your partner, friend, or family member.
Iconic Gift Ideas from Popular Destinations
New Orleans
Relive that quintessential New Orleans breakfast by ordering Café Du Monde coffee and beignet mix. The tempting smells will transport your loved one right to Decatur Street. It says, “Remember those Hurricanes and flying beads? Me neither. Let’s not talk about that anymore.”
Philly
Been to Philadelphia lately? I’m sure you had your fill of the Liberty Bell and brotherly love. Give these Philly pint glasses to your travel companion, and over a drink, reminisce about yelling “Yo Adrian!” much to the dismay of the leering locals. Bonus: They’re from the lesbian-owned We Heart Philly line.
New York City
Forget the kitschy candles and subway-map tote bags. Bring home the real spirit of New York by gifting a little piece of queer culture. Consider a bold Broadway-themed Playbill display frame or a digital gift card for future shows—because nothing says “I love you” like letting someone belt Defying Gravity in their living room. It’s stylish, meaningful, and doesn’t require navigating Times Square crowds again. A true NYC win.
Santa Fe
Art thrives in Santa Fe, where ancient and edgy blend to create a colorful community. Browse Santa Fe’s Ventana Fine Art and choose a print, sculpture, poster, or book from the 20-year-old gallery, located on the city’s famed and art-heavy Canyon Road.
Portland
Want to evoke high-quality craft lifestyle? Look to Portland’s Tanner Goods for beautiful, made-to-order leather items. No, not that kind of leather. Think seasonal gifts, such as deerskin leather gloves, and travel must-haves (or, want-to-haves) like luggage tags, camera straps and hiking boot bags.
All Over
My favorite travel-related gift: more travel! On December 25, my partner and I give each other nothing, which is really the promise of something great to come. Instead of dropping money on each other now, we plan a winter escape for two. I need a tan, not another sweater.
So there you have it – a holiday gift guide filled with travel memories and unique ideas to make new ones. Whether it’s reliving the flavors of New Orleans, toasting to brotherly love in Philadelphia, supporting a worthy cause with a limited-edition bottle, embracing the art scene in Santa Fe, or indulging in high-quality leather goods from Portland, there’s something for everyone on your list.
And if all else fails, remember that the greatest gift of all is the promise of future adventures. So ditch the traditional presents and plan a winter escape for two, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Happy gifting and happy travels!