If you are in need of a gift for a mom who likes to travel, or if you are a mom who likes to travel and need some suggestions to give your family, I’ve got my 5 favorite travel items for you. At a variety of price points, these are all things that I take on every plane trip. I’ve recommended some of them in the past but given they are still my staples I’ve included them again.
MerSea Charleston Travel Wrap: This wrap/blanket/pillow goes with me on every trip as it is my blanket for the plane when I’m cold, a pillow on the plane when needed (the wrap stores in a little drawstring bag of the same material that makes it into a little pillow) and a wrap for wearing out when I’m at my destination. They are not too bulky to put in your carry-on, and are washable as well. I’ve had two (navy and beige) for years and love them.
Away Bigger Carry On Flex Bag This is slightly different/improved from the earlier model I have (mine isn’t a hard shell) but the same concept – a great bag that can fit tons of stuff given that it’s bigger than a normal carry on but still fits in every overhead compartment I’ve put it into. And then it has the option to expand larger in case you are leaving your trip with more than you arrived with (in which case you may need to check it). Love this bag – everyone in my family now has one. And you can give packing cubes to go with it (don’t give cheap ones – the zippers tend to break).
Turtl Travel ‘Pillow’ This is a savior on flights where I want to sleep, especially if I have a middle or aisle seat. It is designed so that when you wrap it around your neck (soft fleece wrap) there is an interior curved piece on one side that supports your neck. You choose which side of your neck you want to ‘lean on’ for support. Unlike a ‘donut’ pillow that you have to really bend your head down for, the support on this goes from your shoulder to around your ear so that it’s like leaning against a soft wall, providing a super comfortable and natural way to sleep while on a plane.
Aloha Waterproof Pouches These pouches come in all different sizes and designs and are great for carrying your cords, backup battery, and headphones while flying. I also use one of the larger pouches as my main toiletries/cosmetics bag and a medium one to carry all my things than can leak (shampoo, conditioner, etc) given how easy they are to wash. Throw in a jar of this Lineige Lip Mask for her as well as it is a great product to have on a flight as well as to use daily at your destination for dry lips (I like the Berry version).
North Face Glacier Full-Zip Jacket My friend Joanne introduced me to this jacket (I now have 2) and it’s great for travel because it’s a warm, soft fleece but it’s not too bulky. You can wear it the whole flight to keep the perfect temperature (it zips up to just under your chin and is super cozy) and then when you are on your trip it’s great for workouts/walks and can even be worn to dinner without looking ‘too sporty’ as needed. 10 out of 10.
And of course, a wonderful gift for any mom is an outing or trip to somewhere fabulous. If you live in the Bay Area check out my blog on the hidden gems between Half Moon Bay and Watsonville on Highway 1 to get some fun ideas for a Mother’s Day getaway excursion.