8 of the Best Shop Small Gifts for Travel Lovers This Year
These special gifts for travel lovers all support small business around the world.
This small business gift guide is packed with one-of-a-kind goodies that travelers will love. We’re talking eco-friendly bags, gorgeous watercolor maps, and decor and accessories handcrafted in Nicaragua, Mexico, Greece and the United States.
The best part? These are businesses you can feel good supporting. They’re small shops run by fellow travel lovers and passionate owners, many on a mission to reduce waste, support fair trade, and highlight talented artisans around the world. Some have found a lot of success and others are just starting their entrepreneurial journey.
We hope you’ll shop small with us this holiday season and support these makers and others in your local community.
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(Photo credit: Ignite Your Peace)
Soy Candles Hand-Poured in New Jersey
Based in New Jersey, Ignite Your Peace offers handcrafted soy candles with uplifting mantras and messages from shop owner Kierra.
We especially love the “Glass Half Full” candle with notes of frankincense and myrrh, perfect for the holidays. Other fun options include the “Breathe Queen Breathe” with a calming combo of eucalyptus, mint and lavender, and the “Love Thy Self” with a jasmine and vanilla scent.
We especially love the “Glass Half Full” candle with notes of frankincense and myrrh, perfect for the holidays. Other fun options include the “Breathe Queen Breathe” with a calming combo of eucalyptus, mint and lavender, and the “Love Thy Self” with a jasmine and vanilla scent.
SHOP HERE
(Photo credit: La Marcotterie)
French Inspired Natural Skin Care
Shop owner Elodie makes the skin care line for La Marcotterie in her studio in Quebec, Canada. The all-natural products are French-inspired and include bath salts, soaps, room sprays, lip balms and more.
The gift sets are perfect for the holidays, grouping together a few pampering items into a pretty self-care package for a sister or friend.
The gift sets are perfect for the holidays, grouping together a few pampering items into a pretty self-care package for a sister or friend.
SHOP HERE
(Photo credit: Canopy Verde)
Vegan Bags and Backpacks
The timeless design and multi-use functionality of the Canopy Verde bags recently ranked one of them an Etsy Design Awards finalist. Shop owner Linda is based in Brooklyn but produces her eco-friendly products in China, where her family lives. The backpacks and handbags are made with vegan leather and organic cotton and dyes.
The Greenpoint and Rockaway bags are especially useful for travelers since they can be worn as backpacks or shoulder bags. The store also has duffles, totes, clutches and wallets.
The Greenpoint and Rockaway bags are especially useful for travelers since they can be worn as backpacks or shoulder bags. The store also has duffles, totes, clutches and wallets.
SHOP HERE
(Photo credit: Kristin Douglas/Waypoint Wanders)
Watercolor Scratch Maps and Bucket Lists
The Utah-based artist and travel-lover behind Kristin Douglas Art produces gorgeous watercolors and maps for her shop.
Scratch maps, scratch journals and scratch bucket lists let you track and display your travels in a pretty way. You can select from U.S., world and national park options with gold and silver overlays and floral, topography and modern watercolor backgrounds.
Scratch maps, scratch journals and scratch bucket lists let you track and display your travels in a pretty way. You can select from U.S., world and national park options with gold and silver overlays and floral, topography and modern watercolor backgrounds.
SHOP HERE
(Photo credit: Manchester Woodcraft)
Cutting Boards Handmade in Vermont
Manchester Woodcraft has been in business for more than 60 years in Vermont. The family-owned shop is now run by sisters Jenny and Lauren and sells gorgeous handmade wood products.
We think their charcuterie and cutting boards would make beautiful and useful gifts — they come in clean and classic looks as well as fun animal shapes like whales, elephants and bears. Their Etsy store also has little wooden toys, wall shelves, coasters and utensils.
We think their charcuterie and cutting boards would make beautiful and useful gifts — they come in clean and classic looks as well as fun animal shapes like whales, elephants and bears. Their Etsy store also has little wooden toys, wall shelves, coasters and utensils.
SHOP HERE
(Photo credit: Harbors and Havens)
Jewelry Crafted in Greece
Jewelry from Tatiboo By The Sea is all made in Greece. Shop owner Orsalia from Piraeus hand-selects pendants and supplies locally to craft unique pieces.
We love the store’s dainty string bracelets, but there are also statement pieces made with gold coins, beads and charms. Jewelry options include earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets.
We love the store’s dainty string bracelets, but there are also statement pieces made with gold coins, beads and charms. Jewelry options include earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets.
SHOP HERE
(Photo credit: Curtin Creative Art)
Printable Travel Art and Quotes
Curtin Creative Art is run by a pair of sisters, one of whom also writes the blog GreatWideTravel.com. In their shop you’ll find hand-painted ornaments, fun animal drawings and printable art.
For travel-lovers, there's inspirational quotes, destination prints, and pretty watercolors of beaches and florals. The best part — the art is available as digital downloads, which means it’s quick for last-minute shoppers to buy, print and gift.
For travel-lovers, there's inspirational quotes, destination prints, and pretty watercolors of beaches and florals. The best part — the art is available as digital downloads, which means it’s quick for last-minute shoppers to buy, print and gift.
