Holiday Gift Guide Part 2, Plus Saltete in the New York Times!
Hi, and thank you for reading The Carry On!
Today I’m sharing part two of the Holiday Gift Guide, but fun news to share first: I was interviewed for a piece in the New York Times about how to choose a restaurant when you’re traveling. Writer Nikita Richardson rounds up the best advice for finding great places to eat, including why you should book a food tour early on in the trip, and how to seek out picks from the local experts before you go. Gift link to read the story here, and read on for a handful of last-minute gifts to give the traveler in your life.
A Swiss Army Knife turtleneck
This Uniqlo Heattech cashmere blend turtleneck ($29.90) is one of those magical basics that take up virtually zero space in your bag but can be worn with virtually anything. (See: Jo Piazza pairing one with this glittery Anthopologie skirt, on sale for $90.) Another turtleneck option that’s made from merino wool (i.e., a super warm, thin layer that’s also moisture-wicking and, ahem, odor-resistant) is this Uniqlo Merino ribbed turtleneck (49.90).
The world’s best bath salt
Listen, if you’ve read this newsletter for any length of time you know I can’t stop yapping about how much I love this Kneipp Arnica Bath Salt (normally around $22) for a post-flight soak. They also make these Effervescent Bath Pebbles ($2.40) in a range of scents (lavender, arnica, and eucalyptus, which is great for when you’re feeling a cold coming on) and they’re easy to stash in your dopp kit and pray your hotel has a bathtub.
Did someone you love book a flight to Paris, Venice, Rome, Florence, London, or Genoa? Are they planning a trip to Disney World or the Catskills or Little Italy in the Bronx or Brooklyn? Give them the gift of a FOMO-free trip with all the best recommendations from a true local expert. (Tiny Table Tours founder Maddy Sweitzer Lamme breaks down why Saltete guides help you have a better trip, here.)
Post-flight skin hydration
Post, or, depending on your comfort level with public beauty masks, in-flight. Summer Fridays set ($34) with a hydrating mist, a mask, serum, and under eye patches. This adorable Patchology On The Fly travel facial kit ($22) also makes a great gift.
The goat travel pillow
Since the last time I wrote about this Trtl Travel Pillow (on sale for $45) I’ve used it on a 16 hour flight in which did not have a lie-flat seat and I firmly believe it single-handedly helped me sleep for 6 straight hours, a personal best on any flight, even in BC.
A forever toiletry bag
This Kusshi Vacation Bag ($89) is roomy and super cute. I’ve had mine for years, and love all its little pockets, and the fact that the I can unzip the liner and throw it in the wash to clean out the foundation I accidentally dripped inside.
Great stocking stuffers they’ll actually use
Compression Socks, Comrad and Bombas make my favorite pairs. Mack’s earplugs are my go-to ever since I was kept awake by college kids partying in the hallway at a Days Inn in Kentucky. Never again.
I LOVE this!