It’s tiiiiiiiiiime! (In the words of Mariah Carey)
The leaves are turning, halloween has passed and bonfire night has been celebrated, which can only mean one thing…it’s time to start prepping for Christmas! And with small business Saturday coming up I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of my favourite travel related small businesses.
For me the perfect holiday gifts are unique, personal and make a difference. What better way to do that than to support a small business on Small Business Saturday! Some of these are businesses I have already bought from whose products I love, and some are businesses that I follow and whose products are on my Christmas wish list for this year. So without further ado, here’s a list of some of my favourite unique travel gifts from small businesses this Christmas.
Travel gifts for her this Christmas
Monica from The Travel Hack has created her own range of luggage in partnership with Cabin Max and I’m not kidding when I say I have used her backpack constantly over the past 7 years. I initially used it as a carry on for weekends away. Then when I had my son it became a change bag (and was used daily because it fits EVERYTHING). Now it’s used for days out, picnics, weekends away, as a beach bag and so much more. Plus I always get complimented on it because it’s so stylish.
It has a laptop pocket at the back (which doubles as storage for travel changing mats), pockets on each side for drinks bottles and other bits that you need close to hand. On the front is a smaller zipped compartment which is perfect for passports, Kindles etc, and a smaller zipped pocket on top for keys and smaller items. Inside is a large compartment as well as two zipped mesh compartments that are perfect for toiletries, snacks or smaller items of clothing.
Monica has extended her range so as well as the Travel Hack backpack you can also get a matching Pro Cabin Case and the hybrid bag. She even has compression packing cubes if you’re that kind of family (I’m not that organised to be honest).
The backpack is the perfect Christmas gift for a Mum who loves to travel and wants to look stylish on the go.
The Travelista Personalised Travel Journal
I’ve followed Jessica from the Travelista for years and she has recently opened an online shop selling gorgeous personalised stationery and desk wear. The colourways are inspired by destinations from around the world and are just beautiful. Each product can be personalised by hand, for free with gold foiling and has a matching ribbon bookmark.
I’ve definitely got my eye on one of the lined notebooks in the colour ‘Paris’ with the Kirstine Travels logo on the front. The perfect travel journal or notebook for business plans and reminders.
If you’re a paper diary sort of person, Jessica also has a range of diaries with a week-to-week layout. It’s the ideal Christmas gift for travellers who are planning out their 2026 adventures.
Simply Katy’s Travel Prints, Bookmarks and Stationery
Katy is an artist who has been inspired by her own travels to create wall prints and matching stationery. Her prints show her love for the intricate details of architecture and exploring colourful, vibrant cities. I love the idea of practical gifts that are also beautiful and inspire you to see more of the world. A cosy Christmas read with her Northern Lights bookmark would make the perfect holiday gift.
Millie Illustrates Cards, Prints and Homeware
Millie is an Illustrator who started her business in lockdown and since then has gone from strength to strength. Her bold and colourful work is available as wall prints, tea towels, cards and even jigsaw puzzles. I’ve bought greeting cards from her in the past and everyone who has received them has loved them and kept them on display because they are just too pretty to be temporary.
Best travel gifts for families who love adventure
Augusta, founder of Canvas and Cubs, has created everything you need to have amazing outdoor adventures in the UK, with kids of all ages. You’ll find travel gear kit lists, destination guides, and an adventure map ready for you to plan your next trip, amongst other resources. A subscription to Canvas and Cubs would be a really unique gift for a family who love being outside together, spending time in nature and exploring. It’s a great experience gift that they can use all year round to create lasting memories.
I started following Amy and her family on Instagram when we started planning our own two month road trip through Europe. Amy and her family have had some epic van life adventures and now have a whole host of comprehensive road trip guides to help you plan your own van life adventures. These would be an amazing gift for families who already love road trips and want to explore somewhere new, or who want to start having more road trips but need help getting started.
Best travel gifts for kids who love to explore
Future Explorers Club Subscription
My kids love nothing more than to receive snail mail so if you’re child is the same, check out the Future Explorers Club which is a subscriptions services sending educational letters from around the world. Each month you will get an illustrated letter, a craft activity card, a recipe card, a map, facts and an activity sheet, all about that months destination. What I like most about this is that it gives kids the excitement of receiving post as well as activities to do throughout the month. This would really appeal to my son who loves facts and learning about new places.
Van Life Family Travel Journals
I’m going to give another shout out here to Amy for her kids travel journals. She created them for her own children who have used them on all of their adventures. They are well thought through and give kids the opportunity to keep a record of their travels that they will be able to look back on in years to come.
Will you be supporting small business Saturday?
Leave a Reply