A First Class Gift List
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. And for those of you who pack for your trip at the last minute, we know you’ve also waited to wrap up your holiday shopping just the same.
Sometimes, we all wish time would slow down like it does on a red-eye. But, alas, what seems like tomorrow, many of us will be mounting up to travel to be with loved ones for the holidays—and showing up with the proper gifts in your luggage is something we can certainly help with.
We’re breaking down a simple list of our favorites for the travelers in your life—first class jerks, or not! Five (5) categories covering the travel essentials to the unique and obscure (but oh so distinguished!). And we’re keeping it brief, because nobody really needs more crap. We’re only sharing things that can really make the difference. If you really want our advice…skip this list all together and give the gift of travel.
- The FCJ Team
1. Travel Literature
Because the genre of travel writing—NOT film—is about as close as you can get to really going there. Immerse your loved one (or yourself!) in travels through Nigeria by way of Noo Saro Wiwa’s Looking for Transwonderland. Or perhaps the vast eastern province of Russia via Sophy Roberts’ The Lost Pianos of Siberia. If it just has to be fiction, or you prefer a more “classic” destination, you can’t beat The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.
Pictured: Looking for Transwonderland, Noo Saro Wiwa ($17.95)
2. Personal Care
Can this category get a bit boring? It can. But it’s also where serious travel efficiency gains in comfort can be made. And they’re all great stocking stuffers - from Keepyourcadence’s terrific leak-proof capsules to some favorite follower-recommended staples to fill them up. We’re always hearing praise for hydrating Copper Firming Mist to use on long haul flights and why not consider sun protection in-destination from Vacation INC? What you seek is in the name, for God’s sake!
Pictured: Keepyourcadence Capsules, Set of 7 ($136)
3. Luggage & Organization
Optimizing credit cards and points stacking is important, sure—but more important are the tools that keep you organized when you’re actually on the road. Our favorite pick for all your in-flight essentials is the Civic Access Pouch from Evergoods (just don’t leave it in the seatback pocket). For proper luggage, a North Face duffel is a serious value play. And while a Rimowa Classic Cabin is a serious splurge, it just might be worth it when considering cost-per-use justifications and that lifetime warranty. Finally, is there a wine or cigar connoisseur in your family? Hunt down a limited, specialized Rimowa case like this one. We’ll be at your gift exchange.
Pictured: Evergoods Civic Access Pouch 1L ($75)
4. Travel Tech
We tend to gripe a bit about movies on the plane—but in the end, a film a 30,000 feet with a cocktail on the tray table is cinema at its finest. Is there a better place to be inspired? Hook up your loved one with an Airfly bluetooth transmitter, because it’s going to be a while before bluetooth is ubiquitous on planes. Other honorable mentions here are a USB and USB-C combination block (technology clearly moves fast AND slow) or a splurge in the category: a compact camera. Trust us, the Q series of Leica cameras might be the best offering of anything on the market from novice to professionals. And what a way to learn!
Pictured: Airfly SE Bluetooth Adaptor ($34.99)
5. For At Home
This is where things get quite fun. Gifts that give the feeling of being transported to another world while in the comforts of one’s own home! Our advice? Go vintage. Maybe a lighter with a PanAm insignia (try eBay) or a vintage travel advertisement from our friend Nick at @adpatina. Culinary savant in the family? Snow Peak has you covered with titanium dinnerware or a camping mug with the highest level of Japanese craftsmanship. These things are infinitely light and ready for at home or travel!
Pictured: Windproof PanAm Lighter by Penguin (price unknown)
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