Now that we’ve planned a few short trips with Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday online deals, we are turning our attention to some practical Christmas gifts to surprise family travellers by making their travels more fun. Here’s a quick guide to gifting that may surprise you!
Keep Baby Safely in his Seat
The AirTushi, an inflatable portable high chair or booster from Roamwild, gets an overall A from me. It folds down in the storage bag provided and fits comfortably in luggage, a large diaper bag or stroller basket. Blows up easily (didn’t make me feel faint) and was simple to attach to various style chairs — pretty securely. Was comfortable for baby’s tushi and kept our super wiggly 9-month-old in safely in place for mealtimes. (Even entertained him since he enjoyed squishing and banging on the sides of the seat.) Very easy to wipe down or dunk in water to clean. Of course, do not leave baby unattended! With any lightweightt highchair, you must also be careful not to place the chair too close to anything baby can use their legs or arms to push against (e.g. the table edge) and tip the chair backwards. Overall, it’s convenient for traveling near or far. Could also be a good option for in-home use for those with limited space or not wanting large furniture in the dining space. Great product! Retails for $24.99. (This review contributed by FTF reader Maria U.)
For FOMO-afflicted Friends and Family
So, you travel for experiences? No need to fear missing out with Rough Guide’s latest “Make the Most of Your Time on Earth,” the easy-to-love paperback with 1,000 suggestions for don’t miss activities and adventures. This fourth edition ranges from getting up close with orangutans in Sumatra to exploring Quichua culture in Ecuador’s volcanic highlands and dining with Maori locals in New Zealand. The inspiring experiences on seven continents — perfect Christmas gifts for travelers — have been hand-picked by Rough Guides’ own travel writers and can be booked through the company, making the steps from inspiration to sensation to transformation very tiny indeed.
Watch Baby Love those Road Trips
Parents who are out with baby alone know the anxiety of wondering if she’s okay in the back seat. Never take your eyes off the road again with the clever Shynerk Baby Car Mirror. It attaches to the backseat for a great view of baby in a rear-facing car seat and, with a little adjustment, you can create the perfect view of baby from the driver’s seat. Crashproof and shatterproof, it’s a great safety device and fun present. Retails for $17.99.
Sunblock to Protect all Creatures
It’s a given that sunblock is essential on all our travels, but we rarely consider what its use does to others. Destinations such as Hawai’i, Key West, and Bonaire have already banned the sale of sunscreens (starting in 2021) that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals proven to damage coral reefs. Instead, wear tried n’ true zinc oxide, an FDA-rated mineral sun filtration used in Caribbean Sol products. It’s 100% naturally biodegradable, chemical-free and does go on white but blends into your skin tone. We first tried this all-natural sunscreen at the amazing Xcaret eco-theme park in Mexico with so many water activities right outside Cancun and Riviera Maya. It works! Sol Guard from Caribbean Sol comes in SPF 8, 15 or 30 strength, plus there’s Caribbean Sol Kid Kare 30 that users love because it smells so good. Flaunt the whitish glaze on your nose; it’s a great cold weather Christmas gift for travelers dreaming of the tropics and you will be protecting other creatures as well.
Packable and Stylish Rain Coat, True!
Every traveler needs portable raingear with style like Uniqlo’s Block Tech Coat. It’s made from proprietary Block Tech fabric which is a stretchy, lightweight, all-weather synthetic that looks sleek while being waterproof and windproof with moisture-permeable features. Since this garment is so breathable, you can wear it on hot rainy days and never break a sweat. Available in several colors for men, women and teens, in full or short parka lengths; retails for $99.90.
Adventure Stroller You Don’t Have to Lug
The Mountain Buggy Nano Travel Stroller is another cool travel option and a Christmas gift you can fit under any tree. It’s lightweight at 13 lbs yet this super-sturdy umbrella-style stroller folds down to fit in an overhead bin. While not the easiest to fold up if you have a squirming child in your arms, when it pops open and baby is nestled inside, it delivers a comfortable and smooth ride. Also has a grab bar plus portable tray table for on-the-go snacking. Perfect if you’re planning to tackle the cobblestones of Prague or hutongs of Beijing. Retails for $199.99 and comes in black, blue or red.
Parents who are out with baby alone know the anxiety of wondering if she’s okay in the back seat. Never take your eyes off the road again with the clever Shynerk Baby Car Mirror. It attaches to the backseat for a great view of baby in a rear-facing car seat and, with a little adjustment, you can create the perfect view of baby from the driver’s seat. Crashproof and shatterproof, it’s a great safety device and fun present. Retails for $17.99.
Tread Lightly with Comfy Shoes
What mom traveler does not want comfortable shoes that are easy to pack, versatile and have a stealthy footfall that won’t wake baby? Enter Arcopedico Shoes, women’s shoes that are designed to fully support the arch with a plump innersole that makes them super comfy. Traveler pluses: they weigh less than a pound, can be crushed into your luggage and come in a variety of simple styles and colors that go from playground to party. We think they’ll always be one of the pairs in your suitcase. Retail from $70.00 and up.
Stow Away App Makes Luggage Storage Easy
Any traveler in the family can use Bounce, the new app that connects travelers with luggage with places to easily store it in several cities (now 29 and counting…) across America. Whether you’re on a long layover or waiting to catch a Chinatown bus, just check the Bounce City Guide directory and you’ll find restaurants, dry cleaners and hotels that will hold your things so you can go about your day without the hassle of extra stuff. Gift the free download then guarantee a few months’ of use by covering the modest charge of $5.90/item.
Portable Lounger, Couch Potato’s Best Friend
We love the Mock One compact folding hammock which can be set up anywhere to facilitate hanging out indoors, at the beach or at an outdoor concert. (At 15 lbs, it’s a bit too cumbersome to hike with for any distance.) Once you get into the swing of it, it’s easy to assemble and extremely well made and comfortable. It will also fit a few small kids and is endless fun for them. There are couples’ hammocks, sun shades, bug nets and lots of other accessories available too. Retails for $179.99.
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