GIFT GUIDE
Gift ideas for Mother’s Day or any day, for the special “travel moms” in your life
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We may not be traveling yet, but if the travel mom in your life is anything like me, she will be thrilled with a Mother’s Day gift that gets her dreaming and planning for a future adventure. This list of “Gift’s For Moms Who Travel” are a round-up of my favourite things; the travel essentials that I currently use and love. And a couple of things on my wishlist.
Mother's Day Gifts for Moms Who Travel
I’ve tried to include ideas for every budget, gifts from as little as $15, because you know that Mom will appreciate any gift – it’s the thought that counts. Even better, many of these gifts, such as the Kindle E-reader, and the national parks mugs, are things that your travel Mom will enjoy just as much while she’s home.
Travel Jewelry Box by Samara
The Samara Jewelry Box will keep Mom’s precious baubles organized and safe from scratches, while she explores the world. A zip closure, multiple compartments, ring mounds and an elastic pocket create a safe place for everything. And every Samara purchase supports their Soular Backpack project, which provides light to children in East Africa. The Jewelry Box comes in tan or black and is made of premium vegan leather. $65
Straw Sun Hat by Gigi Pip
I needed a wide-brim hat for summer travel, so was happy to find a lovely selection of straw hats by GiGi Pip, and just ordered the Isla Straw Fedora (pictured below). I love that the angled sides give me extra sun protection.
GiGi Pip straw hats are a bit of an investment, but they are made to keep pace with our epic travel adventures – definitely a step-up from an inexpensive hat that will lose its shape after one trip.
Hats are great for travel. Beyond the obvious that they shield our skin from the sun, a priority for me as I’ve had basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) on my forehead, they are a fun way to add flair to a simple outfit. And they are a handy camouflage, on the days your hair isn’t cooperating. GiGi Pip is currently holding a Mother’s Day sale on certain hats: Buy one hat and get the second for 50% off. (Isla Straw is excluded from this so try the code: FIRST15 to get 15% off, if it’s your first purchase.) $63 and up.
Jewelry from Threads Worldwide
Denver-based Threads Worldwide sells affordable jewelry made by women artisans from around the world. Each piece comes with a little card telling you where the item was made and by who: The silver hoops pictured above were made in India by Sofiya (also pictured). With every purchase, you are empowering a women to support herself and her family. For example, Sofiya’s work with Threads Worldwide has enabled her to add direct water access to her home.
I try to travel with minimal jewelry, but love having one or two special items to bring along for the evening. And jewelry is perfect for almost any travel mom; it’s a gift she can enjoy at home and away.
Kindle E-reader
I’ve always taken physical books along on my travels but I am committed to travelling lighter, so recently got my first Kindle E-reader. I purchased the Kindle Oasis and realized I could use it in the bath at home – it’s waterproof! But this beauty is also ideal for travel. I took my first trip with it to Hawaii and loved being able to read in the pool, and not worry about splashes. It’s so thin and lightweight, I didn’t even notice I was carrying it around. I also love that the light can be adjusted to a warmer tone for reading before bed.
The less expensive Kindle Paperwhite is also now waterproof. $130 – $240
Subscription to AFAR Magazine
Reading AFAR Travel Magazine is one of my favourite ways of dreaming about travel. They believe that travel can change the world and so do I. I love giving magazine subscriptions as gifts because they are enjoyed throughout the year. A single issue of AFAR is $6.99, and a one-year subscription (6 issues) is $14. What a deal! Better still, get your travel mom a 2-year subscription for $24.
Luggage for Travel Moms
Carry-On Bag by Monos
After lots of research, I recently bought myself a new Carry-On bag by a luggage company called Monos. I love it; it is well designed, beautifully made and comes in an array of gorgeous colours. It also happens to be Canadian, like me. (Monos is based in Vancouver; I’m based in Denver but from Toronto.) Monos luggage is guaranteed for life and you have 100 days to try it and return it if you don’t like it. They regularly offer at least 25% off and sometimes 35% off, so you can watch for a sale.
I’ve written a complete review of my Monos Carry-On; you can read that here: Monos Luggage Review.
Claremont Camera Bag by Lo & Sons
I love the Claremont Camera Bag by Lo & Sons. It’s attractive, great quality and the crossbody style is ideal for carrying and for when you are actually taking photos. It padded interior safely stores a DSLR camera and it big enough to hold a small wallet and my phone (or an extra lens). It comes in three colours: tan (shown), black and a very pretty grey. Currently 40% off for Mother’s Day.
Allbirds Sustainable Wool Runners
I recently got my first pair of Allbirds runners and I love them even more than I expected. They are sustainably crafted with natural and renewable materials, like merino wool and eucalyptus trees. The wool makes them water-resistant and washable and they are soft and comfy. The insole is also wool so it is moisture wicking, and odor reducing – you can wear them with or without socks.
They come in lots of colour options and most importantly, since these are a travel gift, they are super lightweight. To quote Allbirds: “Light on our feet, light on the planet”. $95
Exercise for Travel Moms: Yoga Mat / Exercise Bands
Some moms like to keep up their fitness routine on their travels and these travel gifts make it easy to do so.
The Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat weighs just over two pounds and folds to fit easily in luggage. It’s made from Phthalate-free PVC. Keep in mind this is thinner than a standard yoga mat. $70
I use resistance bands when I travel and love that the exercises can be done in a small space, such as a hotel room. This set of three Pro-Tec Athletics Resistance Bands are ideal for packing. They are small and light and come with a carry-bag and instructions. $15
National Park Mug by McGovern Outdoor
If your special Mom is anything like me, she loves exploring America’s beautiful protected places. The perfect Mother’s Day gift might just be a mug that reminds her of her favorite national park – and reminds her that she should put her feet up more often, with a cup of tea.
McGovern Outdoor is a woman-owned business based in Denver, Colorado, with products that honor America’s most special places; 10% of profits go toward national park conservation.
I’ve added the “Inside Out Map Mug” of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (pictured above), to my own wishlist. $16
Waterproof Camera by GoPro
If your favourite travel mom likes photography, active travel or beach holidays, a waterproof/adventure camera is a wonderful gift. I recently got my first one, the GoPro Hero 9 Black, and while it was pricey, the quality of the photos and video is amazing. I also found it easy to use. (The photo above of my hubby on the surfboard was one of the first I took, as I was learning how to use it.) If the GoPro Hero 9 Black is out of your budget, consider buying an older model, such as the GoPro Hero 7, a great quality camera for half the price. $199 – $449.
I hope one of these travel-inspired gifts will be just the thing for the extra-special Mom in your life. Speaking from experience, what Mom will enjoy most is time spent with her favourite people. I hope you are able to gather together this year, at least over video. (My own Mom is in Toronto so we will be celebrating remotely).
I know I will be taking some time on Mother’s Day to dream about my next travel adventure. I hope that you, and your Mom, will do the same.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms. 🌸
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