No mater how many incredibly scenic drives I experience around the world, there's always one…
2014 Top Gifts for Travelers
It’s that time again. Time to shop for the really unique and interesting gifts that will make your friends and family oooh and ahhh. Or you could make things really simple and get them a gift card, but that would show a shocking lack of imagination and personal warmth.
Here are some really great ideas to jump-start your holiday shopping. Gifts that will enhance any journey and simplify travel routines.
Samantha Brown Ornament $15
Is your travel nut also a holiday ornament collector? Great news, I worked with HSN to design this adorable tiny teddy bear ornament that sports a comfy travel sweater and logo airplane. It’s super cute and 100% of the profits (no less than 30%) is donated to advance the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can give a gift that gives back!
Update: My ornament sold out! Thanks for your support! Please click the link below to see the entire HSN designer bear collection and support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Buy at HSN
Wearable Charging Cables $45-69
When we travel, what is the one thing that terrifies us the most? Forget about tarmac delays, equipment failures, and potentially deadly viruses. What everyone fears is having left their charging cable at home or at their hotel. Thanks to this new, stylish and very practical invention, you never have to worry about leaving your cable behind. Just wear it! It comes in various colors and fits lightening and micro USB smart phones, tablets, etc.
Neutron S: Universal Phone and Tablet Mount $25
When we travel, we use our smartphones and connected tablets a lot. Looking up restaurants, find our way to the next big attraction, adding our favorite photos to Facebook, translating the menu, the list goes on and on. With the Neutron S you can safely mount your phone or tablet to a metallic surface or anywhere else with the supplied discs. Unlike a lot of other phone mounts out there, it takes up minimal space, is easily packable due to its small size and never loses its hold when affected by dirt or temperature changes. And when I say it has a firm grip on your phone, I mean a herculean grip!
Buy at Amazon: Neutron S
Cocoon Merino Wool-Blend Travel Blanket $119
We used to live in a world where travel blankets were provided by airlines and they seemed nice and relatively clean. Now, I have to ask, if you were given a blanket on a flight, would you really trust it? I didn’t think so. Everyone needs their own travel blanket that they know where it’s been and the last time it was really washed. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Crumpled City Maps ~$15
Why didn’t I come up with this years ago? It’s such an obvious and practical idea that it has my name written all over it. If you haven’t seen these light, wear-resistant and 100% waterproof maps, then you’ll soon be wanting a whole set. Available for 40 cities, it takes only seconds to open and fold these adorable and super soft maps. No more creases or folding, just wad it up and stick it in your purse or pocket. You can also buy a collection box with several city maps.
Buy at Palomar
PowerCube Portable Charging Solution $25
It’s pretty common to be traveling and find yourself at an airport or train station where you only have access to one plug. Or you want to charge your camera and devices at your hotel but the plugs are scattered all over the place. That’s where the small but versatile PowerCube can be very helpful. You can plug in 4 devices and 2 USB cables, all into one slot. Plus it only weighs 7.2 ounces so go ahead and throw it into any bag.
Buy at Amazon PowerCube
Samantha Brown RFID-Blocking Sleeve Set $20
There’s a new type of thief out there. One that wants to scan your passport’s or credit card’s Radio-Frequency Identification chip (RFID). These chips are being used more frequently in newer passports. Now you can stop or slow down these would-be scanners by using a RFID blocking sleeve or wallet. I designed these for HSN and they come with a 2-year guarantee warranty and decrease the range at which passports and cards can be scanned. Great stocking stuffer!
Buy at HSN
The OontZ Angle Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $39
I always like to travel with a speaker so I can enjoy music wherever I am. Aside from playing music, they can also be used for conference calls (depending on your smartphone). I got this one as a gift last year and I love it. Not only is it small and practical, but it holds a charge very well and puts out impressive sound. I just wish it came in multiple colors.
Buy at Amazon OontZ Angle
ViewSonic 8-Inch Digital Photo Frame $35
A few years ago you probably wouldn’t have considered a digital photo frame for the world traveler on your list. They were usually a hundred dollars or more and the picture quality left a lot to be desired. Fast forward to 2014 and you have the perfect gift idea for the person who has been everywhere and has more photos than they could ever Facebook or Instagram. Or better yet, if you traveled on an epic vacation with someone on your list, then wrap-up the frame fully loaded with photos from the journey. That’s a big winner for sure!
Buy at Amazon: ViewSonic 8-Inch Digital Photo Frame
Eton Boost Bloc $80
This was on my list last year and just in case you don’t have one yet, I will remind you again! I can’t tell you how many times this adorable little charger has saved me. If you cannot function without your smartphone then this is a must have. Order a few and give one away, or several. Small enough to fit in any purse or backpack, it charges your phone (up to 3 times) while you move about the planet. I have even used this while riding bike, it’s that small and convenient. Just plug it in and go! No waiting around for your phone to charge. It also holds a charge very well when not in use, so ready to go when you are.
Buy at Amazon Eton BoostBloc
Fold & Go Travel Slippers and Mask $30
Slippers are must-pack travel gear, especially as the temperatures grow colder outside. The challenge is that they are usually too big and clunky to take with you. With these adorable Fold & Go slippers, just throw them in your bag and you’re all set. Or pack them in your carry-on so you can wear them on a long flight along with the Lights Out mask. You’ll look all matchy-matchy and impress your fellow travelers.
Buy Slippers: Fold and Go Travel Slippers
Buy Mask: BUILT Lights Out Eye Mask
Samantha Brown Luggage $129
I hear a lot of happy stories from travelers who have received my luggage as a gift. Smiling ear-to-ear they tell me how the most thoughtful person gave them a piece or set and how thrilled they were to take it on their many journeys. So here’s your chance to put that smile on your mom, sister, aunt or grandma’s face. The hardest thing you’ll do is pick out the fabulous color! (Hint: go look in their closet and you’ll find their favorite color).
[Note: Due to my recent appearance on HSN, many styles, colors and sets may be sold out. Keep checking back for new inventory.]Buy at HSN
Stay tuned! I’ll be adding more gifts to the list throughout the season.
Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Samantha-Brown.com uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund site operations. Samantha-Brown.com stands behind all product recommendations.
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I have two sets of your luggage and fell in love with a third. The black/whit houndstooth. I bought a few pieces but missed out on two piece carry on set. Is there a way to get a heads up when you will have more?Will you have more? If not I will need to return the other pieces. Holding out hope!
Love it! They’re so cute. Especially like the slippers and eye mask set. It would be great if the eye mask was velcro strapped so that it doesn’t pinch the head
Happy holidays Samantha!
That power cube charger is sweet.
That PowerCube charger is sweet.
I recently bought your 28inch tweed and croc spinner. Any idea where I can find any other pieces to match?
I purchased the python rfid cross body wallet and it broke. I have the customer service number which HSN gave me and have left 3 messages with not one return call. Can someone please help me.
Grace Story