16 Unique Gifts TravelAwaits Readers Love

“I always said that if I was rich, I’d have fresh flowers delivered every week. My daughter-in-law made my wish blossom with BloomsyBox. Each week, a hand-picked, hand-tied bouquet of seasonal, sustainably sourced flowers from around the world comes to my door.

Bi-weekly and monthly subscriptions are also available. In addition to bouquets, BloomsyBox has roses, plants, eucalyptus, and pet-safe blooms. They cut out the middle man by sourcing flowers directly from eco-friendly farms in Holland, South America, and California, so you don’t have to be made out of money to send beautiful blooms.” — Marilyn Ray

“Mixbook is the perfect gift to enjoy all year long, seriously! You can easily create great photo books online or with the app. My aging eyes prefer creating on my computer. I made two books: one for my goddaughter’s first trip to the beach and one for my daughter’s girls’ trip to Branson. There are so many design options and everything is customizable. I like the hardcover options and glossy pages. A 25-page 8.5×8.5” book costs around $30 right now with Mixbook’s awesome sale.

“One of the best parts about Mixbook is that your family and friends can add to the book with just a link. However, only one person can edit at a time. But this is a great way to streamline the process and get the photos you really want. The app would be a wonderful option for creating a book as you go while on a trip. You could upload your photos daily and then journal a little bit about what you did so you don’t forget when you get home. This will be the best souvenir you can buy! The editor function is very intuitive and offers tips if you need them. The best tool is the undo button. I used it often. Now, I just have to wait until Christmas to see the joy on their faces!” — Michelle M. Shockley, Retirement Awaits Project Lead

“Access to cellular data while traveling has become a necessity. For one, it allows family and friends to reach us in case of an emergency. It also enables us to stay connected to family and friends; search for restaurants and attractions; use map, translation, car-sharing, and even emergency apps; and capture and store location information when we take photos.

“No matter how many or few of these features you rely on, you need a SIM card, which is why we’re recommending TravelSim for all the international travelers on your gifting list this holiday season.” — Sue Davies and Regina Ang

“I was very excited about a bucket list trip to Hawaii, but was concerned about the amount of walking and hiking I was planning to do. I have a bunion and some knee issues and I was determined not to let those things get in the way of exploring the islands.

My daughter gifted me a pair of Kuru shoes based on the great reviews and I was not disappointed!  I found them to be a bit sturdier than the usual “comfy” shoes I was used to and wore them at home first to break them in. I was thrilled with the results.

They were just what I needed for the many miles of walking I did. They were very comfortable and fully supportive even of the many steps walking in Kilauea Volcano National Park. Definitely recommended them for travel and for everyday use!” — Julie Hederman

This is not your ordinary, boring gift card. This is the ultimate gift for your favorite avid traveler, or really anyone that cherishes experiences over things. GetYourGuide offers over 60,000 guided tours, attraction tickets, and authentic experiences in 3,600 destinations around the world. Whether your giftee is the adventurous type and would love to dive with sharks (in a cage) off the coast of Oahu or prefers to be wined and dined while touring the Chianti wineries in Florence, GetYourGuide offers it.

These gift cards are available in any amount that you choose and can be used for up to three years after purchase. This year, skip the stuff, and gift your loved ones a memory they’ll never forget!

“I received this custom Paint Your Life portrait of the “Merry Band of Idiots”, the affectionate name for our pack of dogs, in 2020. It has since been one of my most prized possessions and hangs as the focal point in my office. Their team of extremely talented artists transforms treasured photos into beautiful paintings and forever keepsakes. The details included truly brings these pets to life.

Paint Your Life will recreate cherished family memories, weddings, homes, and can even paint loved ones that have passed into family portraits. As Paint Your Life says, tears of joy are guaranteed with this gift!” — Allison Weston

“I received these iLive wireless earbuds as a gift from my husband to replace the Bose headphones I’d sweated through at the gym. I fell in love immediately! The crisp sound quality matched my overpriced broken Bose pair and provided much better noise-canceling against the loud gym chatter and rap music. Plus, they are so comfortable that I have begun wearing them while listening to audiobooks before bed and have slept many nights in them. They promise to be sweatproof, and after four months of testing, I have had zero issues.

I have always been nervous about spending too much money on earbuds, because I am slightly (ahem) forgetful. He finally reluctantly told me how much he spent on them — under $50(!) — and I loved him even more for that. At this price, I plan to gift them to all my family members (maybe they’ll come in handy if a holiday conversation goes rogue?).” — Allison Weston

Give them the gift of warmth and comfort with Everlane’s cute and cozy Felted Merino Half-Zip Sweater. As Cindy Barks points out, “Merino wool products are soft, comfortable, and versatile, and can be worn again and again without laundering.” Made from 100 percent wool, this oversized pullover will keep them nice and warm this holiday season.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports. It’s so popular that Steven Colbert is hosting a celebrity pickleball tournament. As with any sport, the right gear makes all the difference. The right paddle could mean the difference between going to the winner’s bracket or heading home. This beginner set includes two paddles, balls, and a carrying case.

Protective eyewear is another important part of playing pickleball. You want to make sure your eyes are protected from any of those hard hits. Plus, you’ll need a good pair of court shoes — something with stability that’s flexible enough to support those quick shots. Now you’re ready to hit the court like a pro!

“From the backyard to the beach, iLive’s Outdoor Dual Bluetooth Speakers allow you to always be surrounded with great-sounding music. They’re perfect for a friendly get-together or while manning the grill to listen to your favorite tunes. The included stakes allow the 360-degree sound speakers to blend in with your landscaping, so your guests will think you have an expensive outdoor sound system. The speakers are light enough to take with you on your travels and while they’re solar powered, they do include a rechargeable battery.” — Missy Glassmaker