Whether you’ve got a globetrotter, a wanderlust trekker or an armchair traveller on your list (or you’re looking to pack your own suitcase soon), here are a few gifts with that added bit of high performance we need when we’re on the move. They all work very well at home, too, if we do say so ourselves.
For the Active Trekker
For her
This lightweight hooded jacket is rain and wind-resistant – and it looks pretty good in a rain forest or the urban jungle. Stina jacket, $235, Fjällräven. https://fjallraven.ca/
Who says hiking socks have to boring black? These moisture-wicking, breathable, Merino wool hiking socks add a bit of colour and fun to the trek. Women’s Hike Light Margarity Crew, $24.95, Smartwool, available in various performance retail stores across Canada; www.smartwool.com
For him
Sometimes a good black tee is all you really need. This lightweight Merino wool T-shirt designed in Canada resists odours and wrinkles for an extra day’s wear, and looks good on its own or layered under a jacket. (Short sleeve, $65; long sleeve, $78), Unbound Merino, unboundmerino.com/
The made-in-Canada, water-repellent, certified UPF 50+ cotton duck fabric Iconic hat, guaranteed for life, in a remastered bucket style (this would also work for her), $85, Tilley, www.tilley.com/ca_en/
For the Destination Diva
The Canadian brand Cilque’s eye mask and pillowcase, both made from 100 per cent mulberry silk, can help reduce wrinkles and protect hair. In seven colours, $45 to $99, Cilque, Hudson’s Bay or cilque.com.
Bright Eyes Treatment set, with Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream and six Eye Revive Cooling Masks, will help soothe and brighten eyes after long flight – and it’s safe for contact-lens wearers, too. $119, BeautyCounter; Beautycounter.com
For the Pack-it-and-Go Kinda Guy
Every man needs a flannel shirt, but give it an update with a tailored, lightweight version of the classic. Cotton-blend Bernal shirt, $130, Arc’teryx. arcteryx.com/ca/en/
The old-school snowflake-patterned sweater meets Japanese modern in this half-zip, knit collab with a Tokyo-based sock company. Merino wool Hansker sweater, $180, Chup x Smartwool, www.smartwool.com
For the One Who Travels for Wine
A waiter-approved, multi-tool corkscrew for the oenophile in your life. Just make sure this gets packed in your checked luggage before you head to the vineyards. Dishwasher-safe stainless steel, $75, All-Clad, Hudson’s Bay. www.thebay.com/all-clad-waiter-stainless-steel-corkscrew-wine-opener-tool/
For the One Who Insists on Hands-Free Functionality
Yes, the hip pack is back. But the longer adjustable strap allows this one to be worn cross-body or over the shoulder as well, with multiple pockets to keep all his stuff organized. Maka 2 waistpack, $60, Arc’teryx, arcteryx.com/ca/en/
For the One Who Can Sleep on a Plane
A soft, breathable and removable Merino wool washable cover, a memory foam filler and magnets at the neck rather than pinching snaps makes this Canadian brand’s neck pillow the next level for on-board snoozing. Luna travel pillow (comes in a reusable compression bag), $99, Vol Privé, volprive.ca
And For the One Who Can’t Sleep on the Plane
According to a survey of Canadians who were asked about their favourite travel games by blog.rubyfortune.com/game-play-canada/, Monopoly is No. 1. Try Yahtzee for longer flights and train rides and the millennial favourite Uno, both for their easy-packing capabilities in a carry-on. Monopoly, Hasbro Gaming Road Trip Series (other games in the series include Sorry! Battleship and Clue), $15 – $20; Amazon.ca; Walmart; Toys R Us, The Real Canadian Superstore; Atlantic Superstore, shop.hasbro.com/en-ca/