Finding the perfect gift can be a journey in itself, especially when searching for that special something for the travel enthusiast in your life. Whether they dream of exploring far-off lands or simply love the idea of experiencing new cultures from home, the right gift can fuel their wanderlust and enhance their adventures. This curated guide is packed with exceptional Gifts For Travel Lovers, going beyond the typical suitcase or travel pillow. Get ready to discover unique and thoughtful presents that will truly resonate with globetrotters and armchair travelers alike.
Indulgent Treats for the Traveling Foodie
For travel lovers, food is often an integral part of the journey. Bringing home local flavors or recreating dishes from their travels is a way to relive those cherished memories. These gourmet gifts are perfect for those who believe the best way to explore a culture is through its cuisine.
Valrhona Fèves for baking enthusiasts
Premium Baking Chocolate: Elevate their culinary creations with gourmet chocolate like Valrhona Fèves. These French chocolate “beans” are a baker’s dream, perfect for recreating decadent desserts inspired by Parisian patisseries or rich Italian treats they might have tasted on their travels. Consider gifting an assortment of bittersweet Guanaja, fruity Manjari, or creamy Jivara milk chocolate. Don’t forget Valrhona’s exquisite cocoa powder for truly exceptional chocolate baking. Guittard is another excellent choice, offering high-quality bittersweet and semisweet wafers readily available for online purchase, ideal for spontaneous baking adventures. For a budget-friendly yet delightful option, Trader Joe’s Pound Plus bars, as recommended by Mary Dodd, are a fantastic staple for any travel-loving baker’s pantry.
Exotic Spice Selections: Ignite their culinary wanderlust with Fly by Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp. This versatile condiment adds a flavorful kick to everything from noodles and rice dishes inspired by Asian street food markets to even more adventurous pairings like oatmeal or ice cream – mirroring global culinary fusion trends. For a comprehensive spice journey, the Lucky 88 spice pack or the Triple Threat set offers a curated collection of flavors to transport their taste buds.
Fly by Jing Lucky 88 spice pack, a perfect gift for adventurous foodies
Globally-Inspired Sweet Treats: Introduce them to the delights of Seed and Mill’s halva. This sesame seed-based sweet, popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, is a unique and delicious gift. Their seasonal halva mix offers a taste of different flavors, while their organic tahini, especially the za’atar variety, is essential for anyone exploring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking at home, allowing them to recreate authentic dips and sauces from their travels.
Seed and Mill Winter Specials Halva Box, a delicious and unique gift for travel lovers
Farm-to-Table Flavors from Afar: For a taste of Basque Country, consider Booneville Barn Collective’s Piment d’Ville. These chiles, grown from Espelette pepper seeds, offer a unique pungent, mildly hot, and slightly sweet flavor. Their Piment d’Ville collection is a perfect gift for those who appreciate regional specialties and want to add an authentic touch to their dishes, reminiscent of culinary discoveries made while traveling through France or Spain.
Boonville Barn Collective Piment d'Ville collection, bringing global flavors home
Tools for the Traveling Chef
For travel lovers who are also passionate about cooking, the right kitchen tools can be invaluable, whether they are preparing meals on the go or recreating global cuisines at home.
Shun Offset Serrated Knife, a high-quality tool for culinary enthusiasts
High-Quality Chef’s Knife: A good knife is essential for any cook, and for those who love to bake and cook inspired by their travels, a Shun Offset Serrated Knife is a luxurious yet practical gift. While perfect for bread, its scalloped serrations make it ideal for chopping chocolate for globally-inspired desserts or preparing ingredients for international dishes. For a more budget-friendly option, a reasonably priced offset serrated knife is a great alternative.
Experiential Gifts for the Cultured Traveler
Sometimes the best gifts are experiences, especially for travel lovers who value memories over material possessions. These experiential gifts offer a taste of travel from home or plan for future adventures.
Paris By Mouth Gift Certificates, perfect for a foodie adventure in Paris
Paris Food Tour Gift Certificate: Transport them to the streets of Paris with a gift certificate from Paris By Mouth. Known for their exceptional and knowledgeable guides, Paris By Mouth offers unforgettable food and wine tours, allowing them to experience the culinary heart of Paris. Whether it’s a cheese tour, a pastry walk, or a market exploration, it’s an ideal gift for anyone dreaming of a Parisian culinary adventure.
La Cuisine Paris Gift Certificates, for aspiring chefs with a love for French cuisine
French Cooking Class Gift Certificate: For the aspiring chef and Francophile, a gift certificate to La Cuisine Paris is a dream come true. This top-rated cooking school in Paris offers classes in English, taught by French chefs. From mastering croissants to perfecting classic French sauces, it’s a gift that combines travel dreams with culinary skills. Following La Cuisine Paris on Instagram can also provide daily inspiration and a virtual escape to Paris.
Books to Fuel Armchair Travel
For travel lovers who enjoy exploring the world from the comfort of their home, books are the perfect gateway to new destinations and cultures. These book recommendations cater to various travel interests, from mystery and intrigue to culinary journeys and cultural immersion.
Book covers of French mystery novels, perfect gifts for book-loving travelers
French Mystery Novels: Transport them to France with captivating mystery novels set in picturesque locations. Louise Penny’s “All The Devils Are Here” takes readers to Paris in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, offering suspense and Parisian ambiance. M.L. Longworth’s Provencal mystery series provides a delightful escape to Aix-en-Provence with Judge Verlaque and Marine Bonnet. For a journey to Brittany, Jean-Luc Bannalec’s Brittany mystery series follows Commissaire Dupin through the rugged coastal region.
Book covers of French memoirs and culinary explorations, ideal for armchair travelers
French Memoirs and Culinary Adventures: Immerse them in French culture and cuisine with these captivating memoirs and culinary explorations. Julia Child’s “My Life in France” is a charming account of her first year in France and her culinary awakening. “As Always, Julia: The Letters of Julia Child and Avis Devoto” offers an intimate look into Julia’s journey of mastering French cooking. Alexander Lobrano’s “My Place at the Table” tells a personal story of an American finding his place in French culinary world. Ann Mah’s “Mastering the Art of French Eating” explores French regional cuisine through personal anecdotes and recipes. David Lebovitz’s “Drinking French” provides a delightful guide to French cocktails and café culture, complete with stunning photography.
Book cover of Paris in Stride, a watercolor guide to Parisian favorites
Parisian Art and Inspiration: Jessie Kanelos Weiner’s “Paris in Stride” is a beautiful watercolor collection showcasing the artist’s favorite spots in Paris, serving as a visual walking tour and a source of inspiration. Her illustrations also grace The New Victory Garden calendar, bringing a touch of Parisian charm to the everyday.
Book covers of international cookbooks and memoirs, perfect for kitchen-counter travel
International Cookbooks and Culinary Memoirs for Kitchen-Counter Travel: For those who love to travel through food, these cookbooks and memoirs offer culinary journeys around the globe. Angela Dimayuga and Ligaya Mishan’s “Filipinx” explores Filipino heritage recipes from the diaspora. Kristina Cho’s “Mooncakes and Milk Bread” delves into Chinese bakery delights with stunning visuals. Carolyn Phillips’ “At the Chinese Table” is a memoir with recipes, offering a glimpse into life and food in Taiwan. Missy Robbins and Talia Baiocchi’s “Pasta: the Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food” is a comprehensive guide to Italian pasta and regional cuisine. Stanley Tucci’s “Taste: My Life Through Food” shares his personal culinary journey, inspired by his travels in Italy and beyond. Claudia Roden’s “Mediterranean: Treasured Recipes from a Lifetime of Travel” is a collection of recipes from a lifetime of exploring Mediterranean flavors.
These gifts for travel lovers are more than just presents; they are invitations to explore, discover, and relive the joy of travel, all while creating lasting memories. Whether it’s through taste, experience, or imagination, these thoughtful gifts are sure to delight any wanderluster.
