What to Give the Travelers on Your Holiday Gift List

I know how hard it can be to come up with just the right gift at just the right price, so I did a bit of research, and I’ve come up with 10 great gifts at a variety of price points and one great idea for the last minute shopper!

1. I love beautiful coffee table books, and perhaps it’s because I recently was in Rio de Janeiro that this book is especially alluring… Brazilian Style published by Assouline, is informative, inspiring, and visually stunning. It’s certain to have any armchair traveler wanting to fly down to Rio.

2. Grooming Lounge specializes in men’s grooming products, and “The Greatest Shave Ever” Try Me Kit includes four of their top-rated products—face wash, shave cream, shave oil, and aftershave—in small, TSA-approved sizes. A great gift for the traveling man in your life.

3. Winner of the 2011 Conde Nast Traveller “Favorite Travel Website” Mr & Mrs Smith are premiere bookers of boutique and luxury hotels. Now they’re offering a stylishly wrapped “Get a Room!” gift voucher sgood for use toward an accommodation at any of their more than 850 hotels around the world. Cards start at $50.00, and for $100.00 or more you’ll also get one of their best-selling travel guides of your choice. Add it to your gift to inspire the recipient to explore someplace new.

4. Road IDs are great gifts for athletes on the go. They come in wrist bands, ankle bands, and a version that can be strapped to your shoe. But there’s also a dog tag that you can put on your key chain, so you don’t have to be a runner, biker, or hiker to use it. I gave one to my mother for when she’s walking her dogs with only her keys in her pocket. The ID is made of stainless steel and is engraved with all your essential contact information. The blank side of the dog tag can even be customized with an image that suits your particular interests or personality, and the bands come in a variety of colors. If you give a Road ID gift card or eCard the recipient can customize it to his or her needs.

5. I don’t know about you, but I always take my favorite perfume along with me when I travel. These Travalo Perfume Atomizers are a great invention. Just take the spray top off your perfume bottle, insert the tip of the Travalo atomizer, and press the other end to pump in the perfume. It’s really simple, spill-proof, and approved for your carry-on luggage. I also pump some of my favorite room spray so that I can freshen up my hotel room and it smells just like home!

6. Chargepod by Callpod is something I don’t leave home without. It charges up to 6 devices in just one outlet, and I use it for my phone, my BlackBerry, iPad, iPod, and whatever else I happen to have with me.

7. Whether she’s going away for a week, a weekend, or just to the gym, a woman needs her makeup, and the Dior Holiday Deluxe Face Palette includes all the essentials, including eye shadows, powder, blusher, lip gloss, and brushes, all in a chic, compact tweed case that looks like it’s tied with a bow. Throw it in your purse and you’re ready to go.

8. United Airlines’ Premier Baggage membership lets up to 9 people check two standard bags each without paying a baggage fee for one year. You must be a Mileage Plus member and everyone using the service at any one time must be traveling under the same confirmation number. If you travel United as a family or you travel often, those baggage fees can add up, so this would be a great gift.

9. iHOME iHM60LT Rechargeable Mini Speaker has amazingly great sound and is small (and light) enough to pack in your luggage without taking up very much space. I have one with me whenever I travel.

10. Sometimes it’s the most practical gifts that are the most appreciated. The Starbuck’s eGift card is not only a great gift but a great convenience. There’s a Starbuck’s in every airport and on every corner, so anyone can use it any time. Once the app is on your phone, the barrista can simply scan your purchase. The amount will be deducted from your card and you’re good to go.

If you’re flying back from a trip or home for the holidays and still haven’t finished your shopping, all is not lost because you can shop at the airport. Airports these days look like upscale malls with many shops to choose from. The American Express Travel app will let you know what shops are located in the airport you’re flying from (or to) and where to find them.

Editors’ Note: Carolyn Paddock writes about products and services that are beneficial for travelers. The products and services mentioned are neither commissioned by nor written in cooperation with the product company or manufacturers.