
I feel like a child. I truly get so giddy when the holiday season rolls around and I get to make my list. No, it’s no longer Barbies and dress up that I’m looking forward to finding under the tree. Instead, it’s a picnic backpack for charcuterie nights at the park and travel-themed art prints. The holiday season is the perfect time to not only treat yo’ loved ones (and yourself) but also to stock up on practical purchases, too. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite buys, wish list items and gift ideas for wanderlust lovers.
This post may include affiliate links. Disclaimer.
Best shopping tools
Before we dive into all the amazing gift ideas for wanderlust lovers, I wanted to share some of my favorite shopping tools, which can save you hundreds of dollars this holiday season. First and foremost, you aboslutely must download Rakuten. It’s a free plugin that gives you a percentage cash back at thousands of stores including Disney, Adidas, Ulta, Shutterfly, Nike, Anthropologie. Sign up this month and get $30 in cash back.
Another great way you can earn as you spend is through Acorns, an app that rounds up your purchases and puts it into a mutual fund. If I buy a coffee for $3.65, it puts the 35 cents into my investment account. But even more, they offer bonus investments with certain business partners. For example, 4% of my Macy’s order invested in my account or a direct $36 after signing up with GreenChef. So easy!
And for you expat folk, you cannot do life without TransferWise. This third-party service helps you transfer in between foreign bank accounts at mega low rates. I haven’t found any lower transfer rates than through TransferWise. Truly a game changer. Get your first transfer free of fees.
Okay, now to the good stuff with my best gift ideas for wanderlust lovers.
Gift ideas for the home
Anthropologie Bonjour Sign ($48): This “bonjour” sign is so delicate and the perfect accent for the France lover in your life.
Anthropologie City Wall Art ($98): These wall hangings are so classy and are the perfect gift ideas for wanderlust lovers in your life.
Rifle Paper Co. City-Inspired Candles ($48): From Marrakech to the Amalfi Coast, pamper the wanderlust lover in your life with a candle evoking all the feels from their favorite spots.
The Map City Globes (from 65 euros): From Paris to New York, these glass-covered dioramas of cities around the world are the perfect gift idea for the traveler in your life. Last Christmas, I received a globe of Marseille, and it’s truly one of the coolest travel knickknicks I have.
Round Trip: The Magazine ($37): Looking for that perfect publication to grace your coffee table? Not only is Round Trip: The Magazine sure to wow your living room with its southern French photography but it also will also inspire and prepare you for your next travel adventure. Articles include best French villages to visit, how I saved $7,000 to move abroad, what teaching abroad is really like, beginner French phrases + slang, and more. Available in physical or digital versions.



Rifle Paper Co. City Maps Puzzle ($34): My family loves spending Christmas Day around the dining table working on a puzzle. And this puzzle is sure to woo the wanderlust lovers in your life.
Push Pin Travel Maps from Trip Map World (from $59): You cannot go wrong with maps as gift ideas for wanderlust lovers in your life. I love my pink world map from Trip Map World and love showing off my post cards on it.



Rifle Paper Co. Art Prints (from $24): Deck your halls with the artsy-est wall hangings of your favorite cities, states and countries.
Rifle Paper Co. Wallpaper (from $65): Can’t decide on one location to show off in your home? Gift stick-and-peel or traditional wallpaper with a handful of destinations to display.
Gift ideas $20 and under
L’Occitane en Provence Cherry Blossom Hand Cream ($12): Get a taste of Provence, France, wherever you may be in the world. This is my absolute favorite scent and lotion. I’ve been buying this lotion for years and am obsessed.
ban.do Travel Planner ($20): Give your Type A travel friends the gift of organization and cute stickers. This ban.do planner has all you need to plan your upcoming vacation, plus postcards, packing lists and four pages of stickers.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish ($18): Let’s be real: many times we do things just for the ‘gram. And listen, you gotta have gorgeous nails in your Insta photos. I love my Essie Gel Couture set because it lasts longer than normal polish and is way cheaper than a mani.
Rifle Paper Co. Desk Calendar ($16): Think about travel all year long while you’re hard at work, making the dollars to take you on your next travel adventure.
Rifle Paper Co. Travel Notebook ($18): I’m in love with these Rifle Paper Co. travel designs — this notebook is tickling my wanderlust.
Vacuum compression bags (from $11): This is definitely for the travel lover or expat in your life who enjoys practical gifts, but they are literally a lifesaver for any friends or family who may be moving overseas (or anywhere!).
ExpressVPN (from $8 per month): When you move to a new country, all the TV options change, even on Netflix. So the shows that I’m able to watch on Netflix in the United States may not be available in France and vice versa. For example, I wasn’t able to access The Bachelor once I moved to France. But with ExpressVPN, I’m able to change my computer’s location so that I can access the shows I watched back home. You’re also able to find cheaper flight prices through VPNs. I’ve had my ExpressVPN subscription for a year now and can’t imagine life without it. It’s super easy to use, and ExpressVPN walks you through it step by step.
ban.do Passport Cover (from $16): Passport covers are one of the simplest yet best gift ideas for wanderlust lovers. I love my ban.do one, which says “I’ve Been to Paris.” And it’s true!
ban.do Luggage Tag ($10): Here’s a two-in-one: don’t lost your luggage and be the most stylish person in the airport.
Blurb Photo Book (from $15): Reminisce on your favorite travel memories by creating your own photo book through Blurb. Create your first photo book with Blurb and enjoy 35% off!
Gift ideas on Amazon
Sunflora Picnic Backpack on Amazon ($80): This insulated backpack comes with plates, wine glasses, cutting board, cutlery and a picnic blanket. It’s perfect for any charcuterie night, perhaps in the backyard or maybe in front of the Eiffel Tower. My friend Tori received this as a gift, and I immediately put it on my wishlist.
Joie Collapsible Water Bottle ($11): I recently bought this water bottle contraption, and I am obsessed. It’s so easy to travel with and is the perfect travel gift idea for your active friend or family member.
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 (from $60): I just got these shoes and absolutely love how light yet supportive they are. Every traveler needs good walking shoes, and these fit the bill. Also available at Famous Footwear.
Anker Portable Chargers (from $22): One of the best and most practical gift ideas for travelers is a portable charger. I’ve had my Anker portable charger for years, and it has saved my life on multiple occasions.
Gift ideas for the closet
Quality black yoga pants (from $30): I am always putting solid black yoga pants on my wishlist because they’re so practical. I can exercise in them but also wear them as leggings or under jeans if it’s cold. I am obsessed with my Athleta yoga pants, and I put the same pair on my wishlist again because I love them so much. Gap’s athletic line is also a favorite.
Dr. Martens Airwair Chelsea Boots ($100): Looking for sturdy yet chic gift ideas for wanderlust lovers? These Dr. Martens boots fit the bill and have served me well on rainy France days.
Dr. Scholl’s Hi Wedge Sneaker Bootie (from $65): I have two pairs of these shoes because they’re so comfy and cute.
What did I miss? Share your best gift ideas for wanderlust lovers in the comments. And happy shopping!