EZ GIFT PICKS: A Travel Editor’s Picks

Vivian Vassos | December 10th, 2013

For snowbirds, snow-bunnies and just about any globetrotter in your life (including yourself!), here are 5 surefire Santa-friendly picks this season

DOUBLE DUTY STOCKING STUFFERS

For the Minimalist
Lighten her makeup bag with a double-barreled lipstick – two colours, two moods, one holder. Lipstick duo in Berry/Fig, Classic Red/Nude Shimmer or Mauve/Clear Lip Balm, $8 each, Joe Fresh across Canada.

For the Fashionista
For the style-ophile in your life, stuff their stocking with a moisturizing Lip Balm that doubles as a fashion statement. From a limited edition collection, these tubes feature packaging that will please just about any style personality, with such looks as Chic (houndstooth), Adventurous (leopard print) and Fab (retro orbit dots). Bonus: their loaded with vitamin E and Aloe, and protect their pucker with an SPF 15. Clear satin gloss finish ultra hydrating lip balm, $4.99, Carmex Moisture Plus; at drugstores and pharmacies across Canada.

INVESTMENTS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME OF TRAVEL

For the Cool Factor
This easily packable, waterproof jacket slips over a down coat to protect it getting soaked on the slopes – or wear it on its own in the city. Ridge Shell, $650, Canada Goose; www.canada-goose.com

For the Snowbird
Be prepared for any weather. A water-resistant jacket that’s lightweight, made with breathable, natural merino wool (which also carries an SPF factor for added protection, and works well for warding off the chill on airplanes), can work for a dewy morning jog or a sunny afternoon stroll. Water-resistant Stealth hood jacket, $350, Icebreaker; icebreaker.com

FOR THE STAYCATION SPECIALISTS

For the Weekend Trippers
We all have a homebody on our list, so why not inspire a bit wanderlust without the airport fuss? Ontario’s Finest Hotels, Inns & Spas now offer gift cards in any denomination – and they never expire. You can choose from more than 30 properties across the province of Ontario (with three in Quebec), so why not give the gift of a spa treatment at the historic Millcroft Inn & Spa in the quaint village of Alton-Caledon, dinner and wine tastings at The Oban Inn, Spa & Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake or an overnight at The Westover Inn in St. Mary’s, just down the road from Stratford and its world-famous theatre and cuisine? All the world’s a stage, after all, and we are merely players, so play on! www.ontariosfinest.ca; 1(800) 340-4667.

For the Armchair Travellers
Give books that will help them dream, or inspire taking a greater interest in pastimes:

Lonely Planet’s Beautiful World features 224 full-colour pages, from the fierce landscapes of the Antarctic to the wilds of Wyoming (think Yellowstone) and beyond. $46.99

World Beer: Outstanding Classic and Craft Beers from the Greatest Breweries, by Tim Hampson, features more than 800 of the world’s most interesting brews, including a section of Canadian beers that are making a mark in this libation’s ever-evolving history. $40