Gift Guide: Was 2021 Better Or...?
Look, I could quippily remark for the 8,000th time how weird time is when you’re living through a pandemic, because truly it hasn’t ceased to be weird, despite the fact that “lockdowns” have been over here for ages. It feels like the two longest years of my life and the shortest. I’d like to use that as an excuse for why I’m woefully behind on my holiday shopping, but let’s be real, I think I white-knuckle it right until the end every year. And does it really matter? Seems like ye olde sUpPlY cHaIn gives me all the excuses I need anyway.
Are you like me? Are you a last-minute shopper? Do you have travelers in your life who are scared of omicron like we are but itching to get traveling as soon as it’s safe? Well, let’s give this capitalism thing a whirl together then, shall we?
Let’s Eat France, $55.20, Bookshop.org I gifted this book and then promptly put it on my wedding registry because it’s SO COOL. It’s a deep dive into French cuisine, and you know Paris holds a special place in the Jetlag Hags’ hearts. And when it is safe to travel again, Scott and I are taking our honeymoon throughout France. Any francophiles in your life will be well prepared for a French getaway!
Washable silk sleep mask $48, Lunya I have had this Lunya sleep mask on my wish list for literal years. Honestly, I should have just bought it for myself at some point, but I did in fact receive one for Hanukkah this year! It’s smooth and silky but also blocks the light without crunching your ears. Perfect for planes, hotel rooms, and city destinations that never get completely dark at night.
Euka on-the-go wellness kit $37.99, Uncommon Goods This travel-sized wellness kit bills itself as a “bag of bliss” and RIGHTLY SO. You know that even in the Before Times air travel = a recipe for getting sick. Too much stress, shared air, and lack of sleep. This kit addresses all of that with an immune-boosting multivitamin, antiseptic spray and wipes, aromatherapy rollerball, saline spray, and an aromatherapeutic shower bomb. THE DREAM!
Travel challenges game Etsy, $23.54 If traveling on its own is not enough to get you out of your comfort zone in the best possible way, try this deck of cards with “challenges” like eating something new or taking a digital detox day.
Stainless steel water bottle $33.71, Hydro Flask Another key to feeling good while traveling is making sure you stay hydrated. Bring your empty Hydro Flask to the airport, buy a couple bottles of ice cold SmartWater, and keep your electrolyte-laden water cold for the whole trip. Then do the same every day throughout your trip. If you’re in a place like Stockholm, the airport literally boasts that their *free* water fountains pour the freshest, cleanest water in the world. My Hydro Flask is always with me, travel or not, and right now Hydro Flask has some 32-oz colors on sale. Take advantage!
Soap sheets $4.95 for 40, Grove Co. Have you ever used a public bathroom only to discover the soap pumps are all out of soap? Keep these earth-friendly natural soap sheets on you to whip one out and wash your hands with when the public bathrooms fail you!
Packing cubes $54.95 for three, Eagle Creek Ever since I spied Jen’s packing cubes on our first trip together to Paris and Barcelona, I’ve been a fan of packing cubes. They keep your suitcase from turning into chaos by creating compartments within your luggage. This keeps me organized AND keeps me from overpacking.
Gel sheet masks $35 for five, Loops I will never forget when Jen donned a sheet mask on an overnight flight. You KNOW these make you look insane, so they kill two birds with one stone — fresh skin + your strange seatmates will leave you alone! Sure you can only use these on half of your face if you’re flying right now, but here’s hoping for brighter days in 2022!
What are you giving and wishing for this holiday season? Happy holidays!
Stay safe, stay warm,
-S
