Looking for the perfect gift for the avid traveler in your life? Get inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, crafts and traditions. From an Indian silk headscarf or a Japanese washi paper journal to an Italian leather camera bag or French travel skincare, here are some of the greatest travel gift ideas, inspired by our journeys.
1. Handmade stationary
Photo credit: @itoya_official
Inspired by: Japanese washi paper and Egyptian papyrus paper
Handmade stationery is the perfect travel gift inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage of Japan and Egypt. Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of washi paper making embodies simplicity and sustainability, while Egypt’s mastery of papyrus production dates back to ancient times. You can find beautiful journals to document your travels, notebooks to jot down important info, or even gorgeous artworks made on handmade canvases.
Where to buy: In Egypt, head to the local markets or visit shops like the Papyrus Institute in Cairo for sustainably made products. In Japan, you can find local artisans who sell their creations online, or explore specialty shops like Itoya, a 100-year-old stationary store in Tokyo.
Explore local Egyptian markets on: Elegance of the Nile
Shop for washi paper stationary on: Majestic Japan
2. Woollen knitwear
Photo credit: @daleofnorway
Inspired by: Norwegian, Scottish and Peruvian knitwear
High quality woollen knitwear is an essential travel item. A snug jumper, cosy scarf, or warm blanket are the ultimate comfort items to bring wherever you go, from winter destinations to chilly airplanes. Countries like Norway, Scotland and Peru are all famed for their woollen knitwear. Norway’s iconic woollen sweaters are famed for their unique patterns and durability. Scotland’s woollen tartan products are a symbol of its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Peru’s alpaca and llama wool products are not only super soft but often made by Indigenous communities using traditional weaving techniques.
Where to buy: Dale of Norway is an iconic Nordic knitwear brand, and you can find responsibly sourced woollen products at The Tartan Blanket Co (TBCO) in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Explore Scandinavian knitwear on: Timeless Scandinavia
Shop for tartan products in Edinburgh on: British Royale
When you travel to Peru with Luxury Gold, you’ll meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Learn about the center’s mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and watch local artisans creating beautiful handwoven pieces.
Learn about traditional weaving in Cusco on: Treasures of the Incas
3. Leather bags
Photo credit: @scuoladelcuoio
Inspired by: Italian and Spanish leather craftsmanship
Leather is known for its longevity and timeless style, and Italy and Spain are known for producing some of the most high quality leather products in the world. Whether you’re looking for a duffel bag, backpack, or camera bag, and Italian or Spanish leather bag is the perfect travel gift.
Where to buy: Go for leather products made from eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned leather and support artisans who follow ethical standards. In Spain, Ubrique is the most famous leather producing region, and Loewe and Castañer both create excellent leather goods. In Italy, Florence is the place to go for premium leather goods, and you’ll find luxury items at stores like Ferragamo and Gucci. You can also visit the historic Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) in Florence, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase handcrafted leather items.
Shop for leather products in Florence on: Ultimate Italy
Discover Spanish leather craftsmanship on: Spain & Portugal in Style
4. Slippers
Photo credit: @nootkas
Inspired by: Merino wool products in New Zealand
A quality pair of slippers are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it’s a true comfort while you’re traveling. If you’re looking for the cosiest slippers, you can’t go past pure Merino sheep wool. Soft and durable, it’s a gift your friends and family will adore.
Where to buy: Consider New Zealand brands that use ethically sourced sheepskin and sustainable production methods, like Cosy Toes, Nootkas and Glerups.
Shop for sheepskin slippers and other products on: The Long White Cloud
5. Silk scarf
Photo credit: @hermes
Inspired by: Silk products in France and India
Both India and France have centuries-old traditions of silk production and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you go for a silk headscarf, pyjamas, robes, eye masks, or pillowcases, be sure to look for silk items made using eco-friendly, ethical silk farming practices.
Where to buy: Consider supporting artisanal cooperatives like FabIndia for sustainable silk products or Hermès for luxury French silk products.
Shop for Indian silk on: Essence of India with Ranthambore
Discover French silk products on: Ultimate Southern France
6. Bamboo travel cutlery set
Photo credit: @mujiaus
Inspired by: Japan’s bamboo forests
This gift is the ultimate luxury sustainable travel product. You combine the sustainability of bamboo with reusable cutlery, so you can ditch the single-use plastic cutlery. Bamboo is naturally renewable as it regrows from its own roots and regenerates at a whopping speed of up to 90cm a day. When you explore the beautiful bamboo forests in Japan, you’ll really get an understanding of the magic of this plant.
Where to buy: Look for products made from sustainably harvested bamboo at stores like Muji.
Explore bamboo forests and shop for Japanese bamboo products on: Majestic Japan
7. Travel skincare
Photo credit: @biologique_recherche
Inspired by: French skincare
Good skincare is so important when you travel. Whether you experience dry skin after flying, irritated skin in cold weather, or need extra protection from the sun, you’ll likely find yourself needing extra skincare products when traveling. If you’re looking for iconic brands and soothing rituals, turn to French skincare. The top French beauty brands focus on preventative skincare and source the finest ingredients, having refined their products for decades or even centuries.
Where to buy: French brands like Lancôme, Clarins and Biologique Recherche stock a range of high quality beauty and skincare products. They offer many of their products in travel sizes and can even create a personalized skincare ritual for you.
Shop for French skincare in Paris on: Ultimate Southern France
8. Watches
Photo credit: @omega
Inspired by: Swiss watchmaking
Timekeeping is an essential part of travel for anyone and no one does timepieces better than Switzerland. Geneva has been the heart of the watchmaking industry since the 16th century and is renowned for its intricate designs, excellent craftsmanship and precise timekeeping.
Where to buy: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin are some of the most iconic Swiss watchmakers. You can also explore Swiss brands that use recycled materials and sustainable practices like Omega or Swatch.
Shop for Swiss watches in Geneva on: Majestic Switzerland
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