As a frequent shopper myself, I feel it is my duty to share what I find.
Your in-house TPG shopper is back with her favorites in this curated holiday gift guide.
This guide includes our top 30 picks for travel tech, luggage, gear and more. Through personal and business travel, the TPG team has tested and approved many of the items on this list.
From Apple AirPods and AirTags to my most worn Alo products, here are our favorite products to shop this holiday season.
Apple Airtags
These coin-sized item trackers are a lifesaver for those traveling with checked baggage. Just pop one in your bag and track your luggage directly on your iOS device.
Buy: Apple AirTag (Pack of Four) — $72.99 (usually $99); Apple AirTag (personal tag) — $24 (normally $29)
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro is the only one I wear noise-canceling headphones for several reasons. Most importantly, they are the easiest to travel with given their compact size. Despite their small footprint, their noise-canceling capabilities stand up to over-the-ear headphones.
Buy: Apple AirPods Pro — $189.99 (regularly $249)
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LuluSilk Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
An eye mask is my favorite sleep item, whether I’m trying to sleep at home or on a flight.
This LuluSilk Mulberry Silk Eye Mask is simple, with an elastic head strap design that prevents tangled hair.
To buy: Lulusilk Eye Mask – $9.99
Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask
If you don’t do in-flight skincare, I invite you to do so using the Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask. With niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, your skin will feel hydrated, nourished and soothed, all before stepping off the plane.
Buy: Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask – $26
Q Portable charger
A portable power bank is another must-have travel item, whether you’re heading out for a trip or just starting your morning commute.
This model has a built-in charging cable for added convenience.
Buy: Q Portable charger – $33.99
Dagne Dover Dakota neoprene backpack
Dagne Dover is one of my favorite brands, and its Dakota Neoprene Backpack is one of my favorite backpacks for everyday and travel needs.
The water-resistant neoprene fabric is not only practical but also vegan friendly for my fellow eco-conscious girls.
Plus, each backpack comes with a shoe bag, which we love to see.
Buy: Dagne Dover Dakota neoprene backpack – $195
Summer Friday Lip Butter Balm
As a non-lipstick wearer, the Summer Friday Lip Balm is my go-to product; I love both vanilla and vanilla beige. This silky smooth lip balm hydrates while providing the perfect touch of color.
Buy: Summer Friday Lip Butter Balm – $24
Calpak packing cubes
Packing cubes must travel, and These cubes from Calpak are a TPG favourite. Whether you’re packing for a ski trip, hike, or cruise, they feature durable polyester materials.
Also, they are washable and retain their shape.
Buy: Calpak Five-Piece Packing Cube Set – $68
Away the bigger carry-on
As a carry-on-only traveler, TPG managing editor Ellie Nan Stork has used Away’s The Bigger Carry-On for nearly a decade.
“Over the years, I’ve found hardshell cases durable, wheels simple and efficient, and I always manage to pack everything I need,” she said. “I also like the addition of the laundry bag.”
I have to agree with Ellie and myself Away carry-on I have a suitcase.
Buy: Away the bigger carry-on – $295
July Juliet Work Tote
Ellie’s other favorite item is July’s Juliette Work Tote, which she loves because it’s invisible. Like a traditional tour.
“Equal parts roomy and chic, it slides seamlessly into the back of a suitcase and has all sorts of convenient features, like a 14-inch laptop sleeve, removable bottle holder, plenty of pocket space and a removable cross-body. Strap,” Eli noted.
Color whiskey is my favorite since I’m in my brown era, but you can’t go wrong with black.
Buy: July’s Juliet Work Tote – $245
Dagne Dover Nora shoulder bag
If you don’t carry a purse every day, this shoulder bag from Dagne Dover is small enough to be convenient but still fits travel essentials and then some.
Buy: Dagne Dover Nora shoulder bag – $110
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
Yes, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are expensive, but Ellie is so glad she finally decided to invest in a pair. She said it’s all in the name: calm and relaxing.
“As someone who struggles to sleep on planes (something tells me I’m not unique in that sense), this is a lifesaver on packed, long-haul flights,” she said. “I find them comfortable to wear for hours and the noise canceling component is simply hard to beat.”
Buy: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones – $199
Ries the best sellers refillable travel bottles
If you’re new to the world of refillable travel bottles, Eli said Reese’s is a great place to start.
Many travelers understand the pain of not being able to leave home without a complete multi-step skincare routine (face wash, toner, serums, moisturizer and more).
“These little travel bottles are a sustainable and convenient way to carry what I need every time I go to the airport without using (and wasting!) single-use plastic bottles,” said Ally. “Plus, they’re TSA-compliant.”
Buy: Ries the best sellers refillable travel bottles – $70
Hydro flask bottle
As a girl on the go, I have tried many reusable water bottles, and I have yet to find the best one from the Hydro Flask. This 24-ounce bottle is large enough to keep you hydrated yet compact enough to travel with. It’s really the only bottle I’ve ever tried that keeps my water cold (up to 24 hours) while providing pure flavor without transferring the flavor.
As someone who adds ice to my bottles, the wide mouth version is preferable, and the straw makes for an ideal drinking experience. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.
Buy: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle — $29.96 (regularly $39.95)
Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag
Dagne Dover’s Neoprene Toiletry Bag is my favorite toiletry bag that I own. I love water-resistant neoprene for its design and durability. It is easy to clean with water.
Buy: Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag – $65
Alo Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpants
I’ve been living in these Alo sweatpants since I bought them on Black Friday. I can confirm that my purchase was worth it, and they will be part of my go-to sweatsuit this winter.
They’re super soft and comfortable but stay in place during low-impact workouts — especially if you like to layer under biker shorts (see below). With a matching sweatshirt (see also below), I instantly feel more put together wearing this sweatsuit.
Buy: Alo Accolade Sweatpants – $128
Alo Accolade crew-neck pullover
What are sweatpants without a matching sweatshirt? This Accolade crew-neck pullover pairs perfectly with the straight-leg sweatpants above.
This is a classic French terry fabric sweatshirt, with ribbed cuffs and hem and a drop-shoulder fit.
Buy: Alo Accolade pullover – $128
Alo Accolade Sweatpants
If you prefer the classic sweatpants look, these are Alo’s most classic sweatpants. They have an elastic waistband and cuffs at the bottom.
Buy: Alo Accolade Sweatpants – $128
Alo Accolade hoodie
This is the hoodie version of the Accolade crew-neck pullover and is basically the same thing with the addition of a hood. I own both the crew neck and the hoodie and recommend both equally.
Buy: Alo Accolade hoodie – $138
Alo Airbrush High-Waist Biker Short
As mentioned, these are biker shorts that I layer under my Accolade sweatpants. Whether as a base layer or on its own, I’ve worn these shorts through a variety of climates and will continue to do so. If you’re looking for the longer version, give it a try 7-inch version.
Buy: Alo Airbrush High-Waist Biker Short – $68
Fellow Carter Tumblr
If you’re like me and drink iced coffee year-round, this Carter Tumbler is the most aesthetically pleasing tumbler you’ll ever find. Even better, it will keep your cold drinks cold too.
If you’re the on-the-go type who only drinks iced coffee, this is for you.
Buy: Fellow Carter Tumblr – $35
Rag and Bone Black Wool-Blend Beanie
I bought this beanie on Black Friday, and now I can recommend it after wearing it a few times. The 97% wool blend has kept me warm so far during Chicago winters.
Buy: Rag and Bone Black Wool-Blend Beanie – $95
LMNT zero-sugar electrolytes
One of my favorite additions to water (when I travel or otherwise) is a zero-sugar electrolyte pack. These guys from LMNT do the trick. Lemon-lime is the first LMNT flavor I tried, and it remains my favorite.
With 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium and 60 mg of magnesium, this packet is perfect for use on the go.
Buy: LMNT zero-sugar electrolytes – $45
FreeCity Cotton Logo Joggers
FreeCity’s cotton logo joggers are making their way among Instagram influencers this year, the “coolest girl working out.”
If you also enjoy working out, these sweatpants are currently on sale for just over $100.
Buy: FreeCity Cotton Logo Joggers — $100.80 (normally $168)
Serengeti Sunglasses
If you’re looking for a new pair of sunglasses, Serengeti is offering an exclusive deal to TPG readers. By using the code “THEPOINTSGUY” on North American orders by December 31 at 11:59 PST, you can get 20% off sitewide, excluding sale items.
My personal favorite is the style Loy in shiny chocolate brown.
Buy: Serengeti Sunglasses – 20% off sitewide, excluding sale items, with code “THEPOINTSGUY”.
Global access, TSA Precheck and Clear
It should come as no surprise TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is in this list.
TSA PreCheck offers expedited airport security through a separate line where travelers do not need to take off their shoes, belts or light jackets, or take out their laptops and liquids.
Global Entry provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers with expedited clearance through entry at more than 75 airports upon arrival in the US from abroad.
TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, while five years of Global Entry costs $120. However, various credit cards offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees.
This credit is usually available every four to five years, although you should check the terms of your specific card for the exact frequency.
If you have one of the following cards that offer free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry membership, consider gifting it to one of your loved ones:
Fewer cards cover Clear because a third-party Quick Protection program costs $199 per year. However, you have a few options if you want your travel credit card to pay for your Clear Plus membership. Options include:
*Registration required; Subject to automatic renewal.
Information for Centurion, Amex Green and Hilton Honors Aspire cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Register: TSA PreCheck
Register: Global access
Register: Clean up
The bottom line
If you buy this gift guide, use it A credit card that rewards online shopping. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, I hope this list makes your holiday shopping a little easier.
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