Ahead of the holidays, I’ve been brainstorming Christmas gift ideas for my travel-obsessed husband, friends and family this festive season – not to mention what to put on my own list! For those who are missing the road, here are a few gift ideas for travellers who can’t travel right now. This holiday season, transport your loved ones to…
The Himalayas
Known for its ethically produced botanical skincare and women’s empowerment projects in the Himalayas, Purearth is my go-to for facial oils and mists, body butters and soaps. The aromas of mandarin, apricot, honey, turmeric, saffron and wild rose will immerse you in the mountains and forests of the Himalayas.
Israel
If your loved one’s a bit of a book worm with a penchant for history, surprise them with “The Land Beyond: A Thousand Miles on Foot Through the Heart of the Middle East.” Author Leon McCarron explores ancient trade and pilgrimage routes, meeting fascinating people along the way.
Paris
Très chic and timeless, MISCHA’s weatherproof Overnighter canvas duffles make for a great gift. Go for the Hong Kong designer’s classic monochrome or rose-gold styles for a bag that won’t go out of style before flights finally resume.
Bali
Eco-friendly, anti-slip, and easy to carry, Sugarmat Travel Yoga Mats ensure the yogi in your life is already ready for his or her next adventure. Choose from gloriously tropical prints, abstract art and serene marbled designs – all of which fold up to fit inside a portable pouch.
Shangri-La
If your partner’s idea of the perfect vacation is a spa, robe, and total relaxation, then why not recreate the experience with a Spa Luxury Bathrobe from Shangri-La Hotels. Available in rose, aqua and cream, these luxuriously fluffy “lotus plush” robes will keep you warm all winter long.
Read more: check out these Christmas staycation deals in Hong Kong!
Japan
There is nothing I wouldn’t give right now to be soaking in a steamy, volcanic Japanese onsen (hot spring bath) this holiday. Start planning your next soak with “The Onsen Experience: A Guide to Japan’s Hot Spring Sanctuaries.” Intrepid author Iris Law crisscrosses Japan, dipping a toe into the history, traditions and beauty of onsen baths.
Arizona
Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright created “Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers”, a geometric stained glass mural for the Arizona Biltmore Resort in the 1970s. Replicas now grace everything from puzzles to travel journals, just like this one. Whether jotting down quarantine chronicles or post-pandemic plans, journalers will find inspiration in every entry when they write in this vegan-leather notebook.
Kyoto
Homegrown Hong Kong brand Matchali is devoted to all things matcha. The company sources its delicate tea powder from Uji, an ancient town south of Kyoto that just so happens to be the birthplace of matcha. Invest in the full matcha-making kit – tea powder, whisk and gorgeous ceramics – for a taste of Kyoto without leaving home.
Miami
For those who love to control the playlist, a Wonderboom 2 should keep the party going all holiday long. Best part? This mini speaker is water- and dust-proof, and has an “Outdoor Boost” mode for boat trips or beach parties. In other words: it’s ready to travel as soon as you are.
Wine Country
Hong Kong wine subscription service Toasst brings oenophiles hard-to-find boutique bottles from all over the world. This Christmas, unwrap the Adventure Toasst Pack, which features six bottles – two each of a French sparkling, South African Chenin Blanc and Australian Mataro – for a tasty trip around the world’s best wine countries.
