The Perfect Gifts for the Mom (or Anyone) Who Loves to Travel
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. And while we can’t roll out the red carpets our moms deserve -- seriously, my mother deserves a ticker-tape parade for raising two teenage daughters -- a little token of appreciation during these crazy times is all that is needed. Whether it be a FaceTime chat, an old-school phone call or a present to open, your mom will love it. If your mother happens to love travel, these gifts will help her prepare for a post-social-distancing vacation or reminisce over a past trip she’d like to repeat one day. Whatever the case, these gifts will surely put a smile on her face.
Pottery Barn “Quinn Leather Travel Case” (starting at $89): There is nothing worse than packing jewelry for a trip only to get to a destination and have it knotted and tangled and strewn about your luggage. This travel case by Pottery Barn is the solution. It comes with separate compartments to organize jewelry and comes in three classic colors (gray, black and white) and can be monogrammed with a name or initials for a personalized touch.
Jet Set Candy’s Travel Charms (starting at $68): I came across this brand a few years ago and I am obsessed. Does your mom talk about a past trip to Paris or a future visit to the beaches of Italy? This travel-inspired jewelry line has charms for most destinations you can think of; their mantra is “Wear where you've been or where you're going!” They make for cute keepsakes (I just may just order a Paris charm for myself).
Leatherology “Top Handle Train Case” (starting at $135): I was introduced to this brand by my friend who used their pouches as a “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” gift. Since then I have spent countless hours scrolling their website. I am a sucker for anything classic, leather and monogrammed and have been eyeing this cosmetics case for future travels. It makes packing a breeze and the personalized case will be the envy of all your friends. Get your mother one of these and throw some in-flight beauty products inside to ensure she has the trip of a lifetime.
Homesick Candles ($30): Relive a favorite trip, breathe in the scents of your home state and/or transport yourself to a country you’d love to visit. If your mom is dying to visit France, a candle with notes of butter, coffee and red wine will prep her for croissants, cafe au lait and bordeaux. If she is dreaming of a trip to the Big Apple, the New York City candle has the distinctive scent of Central Park blooming on a spring day. For Mother’s Day Homesick is offering a “Thank You, Mom” candle. These candles are a mainstay in my gift-giving repertoire because one can never have too many candles (no, really, I have like six of these alone).
White + Warren “Cashmere Travel Wrap ($315)”: Nothing says soft like cashmere, and when traveling the temperature on an airplane can go from sweltering to the arctic in a matter of minutes. This wrap is so versatile -- it can be used as a scarf to ward off frigid winter air, as a blanket on your red-eye flight and as a chic summer night accessory if vacationing in a warmer climate. Get your mom one and you’ll sure be her favorite child for a few months.
Coffee Table Books: Add some adventure to your mom’s coffee table while providing both decoration and entertainment. You’ll have your mom taking a trip around the world from the comforts of her couch (with a Homesick candle burning on the table beside her). Some of my favorites are Italy by Gray Malin; Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places by National Geographic; Door J'Adore by Nick Rowell; and Food Trails by Lonely Planet.