The Perfect Gift Guide for Seasoned Travelers: 10 Destination-Inspired Presents

In a season of gift-giving, finding the perfect present is a challenge, especially if the recipient is a seasoned traveler. To wow the special people in your life this holiday season, find unexpected gifts that are connected to global destinations. For travelers, the greatest gift may just be a story they’ll never forget — and the stories behind these regional finds may just inspire a global adventure to collect some of their (or your) own.

Here are 10 gift recommendations for that special traveler in your life.

1. Montreal’s Premium Bean-to-Bar Chocolate

Based in Montreal, Chocolat Éclat is a premium chocolatier that controls all stages of production from bean to bar, with a focus on sustainably sourced raw ingredients, making it the perfect gift of holiday indulgence. The brand’s star product is the signature Jaguar Spread. Awarded the silver medal at the 2019 International Chocolate Competition in Italy, it features the “jaguar” cocoa bean, which was originally cultivated in forest gardens in ancient Mexico. The nondairy spread is a harmonious blend of dark chocolate and hazelnut.

2. Hawaiian Artisan Chocolate

Share some tropical flavors of chocolate with a gift from Aloha Cacao, an artisan chocolatier focusing on ethically sourced bean-to-bar chocolate. These chocolatiers on Oahu lean into sustainable business practices and respect for the land when creating their chocolates. Inspired by the flavors of the local farmers market, the Island Bliss Bar combines the finest chocolate with quintessential flavors of Hawaii. Discover chocolate flavored with passion fruit, mango, guava, banana, and more.

3. Vietnamese Beaded Sunglasses Case

Holiday mornings or hotel stays get a little more glamorous with the Avana Beaded Sunglasses Case from Hoi An, Vietnam. Inspired by the mesmerizing bead-weaving techniques of the Cotu weavers in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Belgian-born designers launched Avana and partnered with Cotu artisans to marry traditional techniques with conceptual designs. These cases use recycled materials, including silk and glass beading.

4. Barcelona’s Chic Handmade Handbags

The designers of Vida Leatherworks have a real mixed bag of inspiration: roots in the vibrant countries of Columbia and Venezuela, formal training in architecture and product design, and the Mediterranean sophistication of Barcelona, where the brand is based. These chic handmade handbags are made primarily from Spanish leather. The brand’s tote bags and VIMI Collection bags are perfectly neutral and ready to travel, with a heavy dose of original style that will complement any outfit. Try the Surarquía Gift-Wrap Tote that channels the look of exquisitely wrapped gifts.

5. Charleston’s Functional Travel Tote

Ask any frequent traveler and they’ll tell you that a suitcase is never fully packed without a tote inside to capture the come-what-may on the road. Charleston, South Carolina’s J. Stark creates the ideal travel totes, as well as backpacks, wallets, duffels, and crossbody bags — perfect companions for your handy travel planner. J. Stark produces streamlined, functional goods that “never have a pocket where a pocket isn’t needed,” made by hand in the brand’s South Carolina factory. Check out the Wanderer Tote, which is flexible, sturdy, has three interior pockets, and is always available in a variety of colors.

6. Texas Leather Passport Holder and Luggage Tag

Nothing says “let’s get going somewhere” like a Passport Holder and a Luggage Tag by Texas Trails Leather Co. Crafted in Texas, these items are made of fine leather and ready for any adventure. You might want to snag one for yourself and one for a travel companion so as to set your travel intentions clearly before you’re even on your way.

7. Handblown Glass Lavender Candle

There’s something extra soothing about lighting a lavender candle, and the candles from Lumen Essence are no exception. They’re made with handblown glass, vegan wax, and natural essential oils — and they’re beautiful, to boot. The Citrus Lavender Glow combines calming lavender with lime, mandarin, and vanilla for a uniquely enticing aroma.

8. Parisian Eau de Parfum

There’s a whole range of eau de parfum with original signature scents from the award-winning Parisian-based Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur. The family-owned business originated in 1989 and stands out from the conglomerate houses of France with its artful and independent spirit. The brainchild of accomplished perfumer Patricia de Nicolaï and her husband, Jean-Louis Michau, Nicolaï focuses on creative blends and sustainable practices. Try the Bois Citrus Elixir, a scent in the woody citrus family that sweeps you away with notes of smoked tea, an assortment of woods, citrus bergamot, mate leaves, rose, cardamom, and clove.

9. Indigenous Art-Inspired Jewelry

Eighth Generation is a Snoqualmie Tribe–owned brand based in Seattle that features work produced by Indigenous artists. With a tagline of “Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired,” this shop centers around Indigenous artists and sells only products that are wholly designed by Indigenous peoples. Find works by artists like world-renowned tattoo artist Lena Pierce, of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe. Designed with mother-of-pearl inlay, her Regalia-Inspired Necklace is inspired by her community’s beadwork and regalia.

10. Midwest American Timepiece

For the traveler who appreciates craftsmanship and history, consider a timepiece from Oak and Oscar. This independent American maker is part of a select group that is reviving the art of fine watchmaking in the Midwest. Oak and Oscar watches feature leather straps sourced from the historic Horween Leather Company. The Olmsted Watch, named after renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, is a standout choice for those who appreciate both design and journey.

This article was originally published by R FINDS by Renaissance Hotels, an editorially driven global digital marketplace where consumers can discover destination-inspired content and shop curated local goods from 175+ destinations worldwide, all available in one place. Discover more at