Vintage Holiday Shopping Guide: Gifts for Jewelry and Accessories Lovers

Ho-ho-holly and ivy, can you believe that we're precisely one month away from Christmas? That we are and with such a milestone countdown date being reached, it's time to kick your Christmas shopping and gift giving into high gear.

As such, my sweet friend, it means that it's time (yay!!!) for another fabulously fun and festive edition of Chronically Vintage's annual Vintage Holiday Shopping Guide. Past entries featured gifts for travel lovers, gifts for children, gifts for home decor lovers, and vintage stocking stuffers ideas.

{Vintage Christmas image source}

Just as I selected last year's travel theme based on an important aspect of my own life (that, in September 2013, I took my first vacation in several years), so too have I opted to base the theme of 2014's Vintage Holiday Gift Guide on an exciting new part of my life this year: opening my Etsy shop last May.

While you will definitely find a few items from the shop highlighted amongst the twenty-five entries in today's post, it is more the theme of what my store started out (and continues to, though other categories such as vintage clothing, hats, and ephemera have joined the team there in the months since May) selling: jewelry and accessories (including vintage gloves and hats) that are at the heart of this holiday gift giving idea filled post.

Like many people, I'm a huge fan of vintage jewelry and accessories. I almost never wear an ensemble - even when I'm taking Annie to the dog park - that doesn't include at least a couple of outfit "extras", which really, I adamantly believe, are integral to the success of most looks. Jewelry and accessories tie an outfit together. They can be subtle notes or bold expressions. They speak volumes about your tastes in fashion, are instant conversation starters, breath new life in tried and true outfits, can serve as the jumping off point for a whole ensemble itself, and are so easy to collect, wear and adore. Plus, most also have the added bonus of working still no matter if your size changes over the years, something that can rarely be said of most garments.

There are countless types and styles of vintage jewelry and accessories, and one post could never encompass all of them, but that isn't the point of today's festive entry. No, instead it is here to provide you with ideas spanning from the sophisticated to the adorable to the practical, all of which will appeal to a wide range of vintage and non-vintage jewelry and accessory lovers alike. As  always, I've kept an eye on budgeting here. The sky is the limit when it comes to what items in this vast category can cost (Cartier panther ring, Hermes scarf, Charlotte Olympia clutch, or Patek Philippe watch, anyone?), and while Christmas can be a time to be generous, it shouldn't break the bank for you, or anyone else, in the slightest.

In fact, as appealing as a mere list of gorgeous pieces of jewelry and great accessories would be, amongst such items in today's post, I've intentionally tried to source unique storage, cleaning and maintance, and display options that are the sort of thing any fashionista or collector is bound to adore and get practical use out of.

These ideas are very handy if you have to be pondering what to get your Vintage Secret Santa holiday gift exchange partner (note: I'll be starting to email out matches for this fabulously fun present swap today, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for my email), especially if you happen to know that they're a fan of old school jewelry and accessories (and really, who amongst us isn't?).

Grab a mug of your favourite roasty-toasty holiday beverage, a Christmas cookie or two, and a pen and paper (or note taking app) and get ready to add some great ideas to your holiday gift giving list this year - as well, perhaps, as your own Christmas wishlist! :)

1. Give the gift of Bakelite this holiday season in in a vibrant, beautiful hue that Santa himself would most definitely approve of. Solid crimson coloured and tested to be absolutely genuine, this beautiful vintage red Bakelite Bangle is just the thing to go with holiday outfits all season long, whether worn alone or as part of a daily stack. It's cheerful, classic and super Charismas appropriate. $34.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.





2. If like me, you go gaga for elegant shabby or glam chic decor, than this beautiful metal jewelry or coat rack is for your. Featuring five hooks and available in a wide range of colours, this timelessly lovely storage rack is ideal for everything from necklaces to scarves, belts to bracelets. $27.00 from Willow Grace.





3. A rare and immensely beautiful piece, this art deco era 1930s/1940s pave set clear rhinestone and silver tone metal vintage menorah brooch is truly the perfect Hanukkah (or Bat Mitzvah) gift for anyone on your list this holiday season. $44.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.





4. Make a beloved friend or relative’s holiday season extra fashionable with this awesome, and very beautiful, vintage style Winterwood Mini Top Hat that is handmade by Australian milliner Tanith Rowan. Her products are (I have the honour of owning one, so I can speak first hand here) superbly well crafted, highly detailed, and so very stylish! $85.00 from Tanith Rowan Designs.





5. What would a holiday gift guide full of vintage jewelry and accessories be without a super festive offering like this swoon-worthily lovely (and very well priced) 1950s green sparkle lucite Christmas tree earrings be? $11.00 from Sanne's Vintage Jools.


6. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful elements of the holiday season is making and/or purchasing homemade gifts to give and when they come from fellow members of our vintage loving community, this act becomes all the sweeter! If you're hunting for some seriously charming, affordable and entirely mid-century approved brooches, snoods, hair accessories and similar offerings, be sure to check out fellow vintage blogger Brittany's Etsy shop, Wacky Tuna Vintage, where she sells all kinds of great handmade accessories like the uber cute 1950s inspired blue chenille brooch shown here (which is a very wallet friendly $13.00)





7. Earrings are one of those fabulous accessories that most women adore and wear often (be they for pierced or non-pierced ears), yet housing them can be quite the quandary, especially as a person's collection grows. Enter one of the loveliest earring storage ideas I've ever come across: the Little Book of Earrings, which has multiple pages to efficiently wrangle dozens of different pairs of earrings into one spot. $36.99 for a large sized earring book from Amazon.



8. Cinch belts are a staple ingredient in nailing all kinds of great mid-century looks, yet finding genuine vintage ones from the era can be tricky. Fear not, Blue Velvet Vintage has come to the rescue and offers several different colours of vintage style stretch belts that any yesteryear fashion fan is sure to adore and wear often, all for just $12.99 each.





9. If you're looking to give a gift that is both deeply beautiful and immensely practical at the same time, than these enchantingly romantic 1940s reproduction hand knit gloves are just the ticket. They're expertly crafted, sweetly feminine, and perfect for the whole year 'round. $25.44 from Miss Beta Knits.





10. I'll never, so long as I live, fully get why detachable collars fell out of vogue. They're affordable, stylish and tons of fun, while - most importantly - giving you the ability to make one dress or blouse look like multiple garments. One of my favourite sources for vintage inspired detachable collars is Etsy shop Contrapunt, which is based out of Spain. They offer lots of great options on the detachable collar front, such as this nautical ensemble perfect navy blue and white rickrack sailor collar for $22.00.





11. Whether you're shopping for a vintage jewelry newbie or a long standing collector, Judith Miller's Costume Jewelry is a gorgeous, photo filled look at the some of the most popular styles and brands of the twentieth century. I own (an earlier edition of) this stellar vintage jewelry tome myself and it be my top choice to give, if I was shopping for someone else who also enjoyed books on the subject. $17.61 from Amazon.




12. This holiday season, bows don't have to just be on your gifts, they can also be on the ears of one of the lucky recipients on your holiday gift list care of this fabulously fun pair of vintage gold tone bow hoop earrings, that act as a celebratory note to any ensemble the whole year through. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.





13. If you've got jewelry fans on your holiday shopping list who love to travel, then the thoughtful gift of a jewelry roll like these lush, subtly belle époque looking beaded velvet beauties is sure to be a hugely appreciated present. $36.18 from Plum and Ivory.





14. A vintage or vintage reproduction (as is the case with this marvelous offering) lady tie is something that's been on my fashion wishlist for an age and a half now. Perhaps this year will be the one when Santa finally gets my memo. :D If you'd like to delight the vintage lover in your life with one of these great mid-century accessories, then pop on by Flapper's Girl's store and check out the lovely selection of handmade lady ties she has available, such as this Christmas perfect green and white polka dot version with lace heart appliqués. $22.00 from Flapper Girl.





15. Know a vintage lady who is planning a winter woodland wedding? How about a lover of nature, deer or wildlife in general? Than this fabulously elegant and charmingly lovely 1940s/1950s Melissa buck and faux bois vintage compact is for them. It is in stellar shape and comes complete with its original powder puff. $45.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.





16. If like me, you or your gift recipient has highly sensitive skin and/or prefers all-natural products, then Sparkle Bright's jewelry cleaning products are for yourself or them! Made from all-natural, non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable ingredients, this company's range of products is just what any jewelry fan needs to keep their skin, the environment and their jewelry all very happy. I'm personally a big fan of their All-In-One Jewelry Cleaner Kit, which includes six great products and a lovely carrying/tote bag, which sells for $37.95.





17. You've heard me speak highly of The Best Vintage Clothing in multiple posts over the years, but did you know that this leading independent vintage seller also has a fabulous Etsy shop? It's true, they do, and they've been upping their inventory game there this year with gorgeous old school offerings like this Christmas or New Year's Eve party perfect beaded gold 1920s Whiting and Davis evening bag that any fashion lover is sure to go weak in the knees for. $75.00 from Best Vintage Ever.





18. Perhaps it's just me, but I always associated monogrammed items like these sophisticatedly beautiful personalized metal purse hooks with the holiday season (I think it goes back to all their monogram-able items that appeared in the Sears Wish Book when I was a little girl). $13.98 from Gifts For You Now.





19. The gift wrapping is practically done for you when you give one lucky recipient on your holiday shopping checklist this wonderful pair of vintage deadstock stockings from (sadly now defunct) Canadian department store, Woodward's, which come in their original packaging. $18.00 (for both pairs and packaging) from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.





20. Even if the vintage glove fan in your life's collection exceeds what can be housed in one small receptacle, a timelessly beautiful antique wooden glove box like this carved version is still a fabulous decor piece that can be used to house a few particularly favourite and/or most frequently worn pairs. $24.00 from Ryoko's Vintages.





21. If ever there was a time of the year when we need the reminder that's front and center on this beautiful illustration by talented artist Lorena Balea-Raitz, the Christmas season is it. Featuring two of any stylish lady's favourite accessories, a tube of fire engine red lipstick and a classic pair of sunnies, this great print is just the thing to jazz up any wall - very much including one's closet, if so desired. $26.71 for a 5.8" x 8.3" print (larger sized available) from Lorena's Ink Designs.





22. Few items are more traditional or tied to Christmas than a beautiful wreath, be it in real pine, faux greenery or even jewelry form, as in the case of this timelessly pretty vintage rhinestone wreath brooch. $15.00 from Red Garnet Vintage.



23. Unlike quite a few books on the subject that have been penned over the years, The Bakelite Collection by Matthew L. Burkholz and John Hylton is still in publication. I don't own a copy yet myself, but it's very high up on my reading wish list and from what I've heard from other Bakelite fans, it's one of the best titles on the topic of vintage Bakelite jewelry around. $53.96 from Amazon.






24. Paging all art deco lovers and their friends, this show-stoppingly gorgeous, winter hued c. 1930s rhinestone, blue glass stone, and silver or rhodium plated bracelet is for you. Stunning as the day is long, perfect for all kinds of holiday seasons parties and year round glamorous wear, this is the kind of vintage verging on antique piece of jewelry that becomes an instant family heirloom and unendingly beloved treasure for any old school bracelet fan. $105.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.






25. If you want to ensure your place on someone special's "nice list" for a lonnnngggg time to come, then a pair of these vintage inspired, seriously awesome leather and fur fur trimmed Alpine winter booties from Miss L Fire is sure to the trick. Available in modern ladies sizes 36 to 41, and in four colours/colour combos. $210.00 from Miss L Fire.

{Please on the link in the description below a specific item to be taken to its photo's respective source.}

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Accessories and jewelry make for a perfect gift for someone who may just be starting out on their journey into vintage, every bit as much as for the wearer/collector who has been enjoying such items for years or decades already. Many styles - such as pearl jewelry, black patent purses, and solid coloured scarves, for example - are eternally classic and will find favour with folks who rarely, if ever, wear vintage as much as with those that live for it.

Though this post does focus mostly on items for women, this category is not restricted to us gals in the slightest. Vintage jewelry and accessories spanning the spectrum from cuff links to bow ties, hats to rings and and of course that most classic of Christmas present for Pop, ties, are all excellent choices for the chap in your life. Some of the sources in today's post stock items that geared to towards the Kris Kringles in your life, and on your holiday shopping list, as much as they are to the Mrs. Clauses out there, so be sure to click through on the links to find out what (some) of them have in that department.

Rarely does a holiday season roll by where I'm not hoping that I'll find a specific vintage accessory or piece of jewelry that I've been eyeing in my stocking and by the same token, I truly adore it when my friends and family send surprise vintage gifts my way. The same is apt to ring true for the vintage fans in your life, too, and I wholeheartedly hope that today's Vintage Holiday Shopping Guide post will help you find the ideal gift for every vintage jewelry and accessory fan on your list.

Which of these items would you most like to find under the Christmas tree or in the glow of the menorah this holiday season?

Vintage Holiday Shopping Guide: Gifts for travel lovers

As we kick off second week of December today, it seems like high time this year's edition of the vintage holiday shopping guide sprang to life. Okay, technically I began a running list of items I wanted to include here a few weeks ago, but the actual construction of the post, complete with whittling down the selection of entries to include, started a few hours ago.

This is the fourth vintage holiday shopping guide to appear here on Chronically Vintage over the years, with the past editions being gifts for children, gifts for home decor lovers, and last year's fun roundup of vintage stocking stuffers.

Every year I like to to assign a certain theme to the vintage holiday shopping guide and this winter, I didn't have to think twice about what 2013's was going to be. Spurred on by the awesomeness of our trip back in September to Calgary, it just seemed right to put the focus of this year's holiday gift giving guide on travel.

Though I know I won't be traipsing around the globe Lonely Planet Globe Trekker style anytime soon, my sense of wanderlust and desire to travel is stronger now after our wonderful travels to Alberta than it has ever been throughout the whole time I've been chronically ill. In fact, though nothing is written in stone (very far from it!), we're already giving thought to where we might venture next, if a trip is able to come to fruition in 2014.

One doesn't have to prance across all four corners of the earth to enjoy traveling though, in fact, they don't even have to leave the comfort of their own home sometimes. The term armchair traveler, a name I apply to myself often, wasn't invented for nothing! One can reminisce fondly about past trips, daydream of those yet to come, plan in the moment for a journey that's about to commence shortly, or simply love learning about other places near and far.

The world is both incredibly vast and wonderfully small, in the sense that we're each connected, with common threads, passions and sources of happiness central to just about every culture and country the world over. It is not our differences that divide us, insomuch as they draw us together. We seek familiarity with the strangers and foreign lands we encounter, while also delighting in experiencing the sights, places, faces, foods, sounds and events that are entirely new to us.

Travel has consumed mankind very nearly since day one, as we ventured forth as a population across the world, eventually settling on every continent (if you count the research stations and other related outposts in Antarctica). Not all who travel head for the opposite side of the planet, many prefer to stick close to home, perhaps hopping across state lines, visiting a new (to them) part of their province, or planning a trip to the far end of the country.

There is no right or wrong way to travel, so long as you're happy and safe. Some of us might amass so many stamps in our passports, they'll look like sleeves of tattoos, others may never even apply for a passport in the first place, but will instead traverse the width and breadth of their own country throughout their lifetime. Many of us with combine foreign travel with adventures closer to home, and others still may be more than content to just study, enjoy and find pleasure in learning about countries the world over from that aforementioned armchair of theirs.

Most of us though, if only once or twice in our lives, will try to make traveling beyond our own corner of the world a possibility, just as a good many of our friends and loved ones will as well. We all know - or have met - that person (or couple or family) who always seems to be on the road, in a plane, or on a cruise ship somewhere. They may couch surf or stay at the Ritz, they might prefer to return to the same destination time and time again, or to see a new spot on the map with each packing up of their luggage.

Many of our nearest and dearest love to embark on a new journey, whether it happens frequently or is a once a decade (or rarer) occurrence, and even those who may prefer to stick closer to home, often have a great interest in the subject and would appreciate and adore a gift or two relating to travel.

As with the items in past vintage holiday shopping guides here, the following selection of thirty entries is comprised of a blend of pieces that genuinely vintage, vintage appropriate, timelessly classic, and also more modern, but entirely related to the topic at hand. Happy shopping and traveling to one and all!

{Whether you use it to jet off to London for the weekend, carry your daily essentials in, or tuck inside of a bigger piece of luggage to bring out as a tote once you arrive at your destination, this immensely charming vintage inspired map design overnight bag (which measures 31cm x 53cm x 19cm) is far too beautiful not to reach for often. £75.00 from UK seller Not On The High Street.}



{Refined, elegant, and strikingly attractive, this vintage set of 1960s vintage globe bookends (which spin on their axes just like regular globes) would instantly inject a hefty dose of travel decor flare into any den, living room, man cave, library, or other room in the house. $58.00 for the pair from etsy seller Zu Hause Berlin.}




{Let this tiny, timelessly beautiful little handmade silver compass pendant charm on a delicate sterling silver chain keep the spirit of travel alive in the heart and wardrobe of your favourite globe trekker all year along. Pendant and chain, $28.00 from etsy seller Susi D Jewelry.}



{Instantly telegraphing the design of classic mid-century wood paneled vehicles, this sleek, handsome USA map phone case makes a great gift from those who call America home or hope to travel (or move) there one day, while lending a lovely dose of vintage looking charm into a very modern device. $31.00 from Uncommon Goods.}



{Taking the time honoured lottery ticket concept to a new level, the Scratch Map utilizes scratch off technology to enable users to customize their own map by removing the coating over different locations. Whether you choose to scratch off places you've been, ones you hope to see, or your favourite countries, this interactive map is so much fun, you may want to pick up one for yourself, too! Original Scratch Map, £15.95 from the Official Scratch Map Store (which offers other varieties such as the Gourmet Scratch Map and rather fittingly, the Travel Scratch Map, as well).}



{Whether you're a fan of traveling by automobile or bicycle, this whimsical, wonderfully wearable vintage inspired cotton summer Have Fun, Will Travel Dress is sure to be the first thing any recipient packs in her bag when headed for a sunny destination. Available in ladies modern sizes XS to XL, $89.99 from ModCloth.}




{Most vintage fans who aren't lucky enough to live in, or near, London, England dream of traveling there one day and experiencing the lively, diverse vintage scene of the city firsthand at least once in their life (I know that I certainly do!). Help your friend or relative get a little closer to making that dream a reality with The Rough Guide to Vintage London by Sam Cook. This splendidly handy, fully illustrated 224 page book is chalked full of information on some of the best and most interesting vintage related spots to visit, see, eat and shop at in London. $10.80 from Amazon.}



{Whether used to store items from the get-go, sort (for washing while away), or keep dirty items separate from clean clothes on the way home, this fun Where It's Atlas Laundry Bag is one of those "Gosh, that really came in handy!" items that every traveler is bound to appreciate. $9.99 from ModCloth.}



{Evoke the opulence and elegance of yesteryear trips around the world with the Cavallini 2014 Vintage Travel Wall Calendar featuring twelve different vintage travel posters, one each for every month, which work to create a piece that is equal parts useful day planner and gorgeous wall art. $21.95 from Amazon.}



{Though you may define where you journey in life, this charming typewriter font vintage map art print, quite literally defines the word travel and reminds all those who see it of just how marvelous it is to venture far from home. Print measures 8.5 x 11 inches (frame not included); $15.95 from etsy seller Print Press by Flea Market Trixie.}



{Travel, it is said, can illuminate the mind, and this case, planning for it can also help light up a room! Working Vintage Replogle World Horizon Series Illuminated Globe Lamp, $80.00 from etsy seller Maude and Lola.}



{This one is for all my fellow vintage fashion and road trip loving gals out there! Roadside Attraction Dress available in ladies sizes XS to 4XL, (currently on sale at the time of writing) for $79.99 from ModCloth.}



{When I travel, I love to be uber organized, and utilizing several small sized zippered pouches, such as this terrific Vintage Visa Stamp Travel Passport Bag, for everything from bobby pins and hair ties to medications, nail polish to vintage brooches, just as all those travel fans on your list are bound to have multiple uses for a great little bag like this, too. 7 x 4 x 3 inch zipper pouch, $11.95 from etsy seller Jordani Sarreal.)



 

{For all those on your holiday shopping list who break instantly for yard sales and the like (*shoots hand up in air*), Pamela Keech's newly released book, The Best Flea, Antique, Vintage, and New-Style Markets in America, is sure to provide countless hours of shopping trip planning and daydreaming enjoyment. $16.66 from Amazon.}



{Give a little reminder of your giftee's favourite travel destination or where they hope to visit next, and watch them make quite the lovely fashion statement in the process, with one of etsy seller World Treasure Collection's pieces of handmade jewelry featuring genuine coins from difference countries around the world, such as these beautiful Bahrain coin earrings, for $18.00.}



{The act of keeping a written record of one's travels stretches back in time just about as long as human's have been putting pen to paper (or chisel to stone), and is an important tradition that deserves to be kept alive in today's ever increasingly more technologically fuelled world. The Cargo for It Map Travel Journal, which retails for $12.99 from Modcloth, allows any holidaymaker, backpacker, weekend road warrior, globe trotter, or occasional trip taker to do just that.}



{Few sights instantly tell fellow travelers and passersby alike where you've been more quickly than a host of luggage stickers, yet with the days of ocean liner voyages now all but a relic of the past, such stickers can be mighty tricky to come by. Fear not, you can fake 'til you make it (to all those awesome destinations, that is!) by applying these great reproduction Exotic Destinations Luggage Labels to just about any suitcase or trunk that your heart desires (they're also the bee's knees for craft and decor projects). Twenty pack of label stickers, $8.76 from Amazon.}



{Ensure your travel loving friend sees the world - or at least a map of North America – every day with this elegant, ever-so-slightly quirky Pros and Continental Shower Curtain, featuring a classic map image in teal blue. $24.99 from ModCloth.}



{Quickly reattach lost buttons, fix fallen hems, shorter the length of a pair of pants, or any number of other day-to-day mending tasks while on the road with this cuter than cute Vintage Doily Travel Sewing Kit. £3.95 from DotComGiftShop.}



{Few foreign lands stirred up anywhere near the same interest and desire for Western travelers to make their way across the globe in the early decades of the last century quite like Egypt, with its stunning architecture and incredibly rich history did. Vintage Egypt: Cruising the Nile in the Golden Age of Travel by Alain Blottiere takes a photo filled look at the halcyon days of travel to this exotic land and leaves one longing to trek off in the direction of the pyramids themselves, too. $35.23 from Amazon.}



{Tooled leather is such a beautiful art form. Though most commonly seen on belts, purses, shoes and wallets, one can sometimes also find passport vintage covers, such as this elegant c.1970s one from the (then) USSR, that features it as as well. $24.00 from etsy seller Sugar and Chai Vintage.}



{It's been a long time since a piece of modern luggage made me go weak in the knees when I saw it, but this endlessly pretty, vintage inspired decorative floral print suitcase did just that, as I'm sure it would many of the shabby chic decor loving travel fans on your holiday shopping list. 38w x 25h x 10d cm suitcase, £35.99 from Not On The High Street.}



{Block out anything from the sun's tropical beach strength rays to your neighbour's overhead light on a long flight with this vintage sleep mask made by Lite-Foil. Mask, complete with original box, $12.00 from etsy seller Urban Renewal Designs.}



{While it might not be the first thing you'd want to tuck into your carryon bag before going through airport security these days, a small, multi-tool classic pocket knife such as this Wenger Pastel Pink Swiss Army Knife can be an immensely helpful thing to have with you while traveling. Over the years, I've used mine (which is no where near this pretty!) to do everything from peel an apple to cut scratchy tags out of clothing. $32.99 from Knife Depot.}



{Personalize a pair of these sophisticated custom map location cuff links to any location your heart desires for the dapperly attired world traveler on your Christmas shopping list. $19.77 per pair from etsy seller Kfiatek Gifted Hands.}



{Treat someone extra special to this stellar 1940s NOS vintage Dial Soap and Mayfair Cologne set in an overnight travel case, for the kind of gorgeous, thoughtful present they won't soon forget. $125.00 from etsy seller Fallaloft.}



{This darling little nylon ribbon 'What, Me Travel Light' Luggage Tag made me - someone who rarely packs light - grin ear-to-ear, thus earning it instant inclusion in this fun holiday travel gift guide. £5.95 from Not On The Highstreet.}



{What could be a more fitting - or stylish - gift for the 1940s fashion loving traveler on your list than this super charming vintage inspired Roseway Retro Aviation Blouse featuring a vivid pattern of mid-century airplanes from Jitterbuggin'? Available in ladies sizes 30 - 42 inch busts, $99.99.}



{No matter where your loved one roams, they'll be able to send you a good old-fashioned greeting thanks to this fantastic 32 piece set of retro WW2 postcards featuring an array of iconic 1940s images. $10.99 from Amazon.}


{As someone with two very inquisitive pets at home who are all too keen on investigating candles - a definite fire hazard if ever there was - I tend to reserve most of my candle burning for baths with the door closed and while I'm on holiday. There's something so posh and appealing about bringing your own candle to fill a hotel room with the aroma of your choice, though of course, your gift recipient could just as easily burn this beautiful citrus scented Anna Lou of London travel candle at home (or while camping), too. £14.00 from Not On The High Street.} 



{Bursting with an earthy palette and marvelous print featuring vintage suitcases, luggage stickers, keys and other travel related images, the Baggage Claim To Fame Dress is sure to be a huge hit with yesteryear fashion wearing travelers, quite fittingly, the world over. Available (at the time of writing) in lades sizes small, medium and large, $124.99 from ModCloth.}

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When I think on the subject of seeing the world, a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson often springs to mind. He said, quite beautifully, "For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.” This rings so tremendously true for me, just as I know it does for many others out there. I wouldn't discount the destination entirely of course, but certainly the journey, coupled with the mere act of leaving one's usual surroundings is an integral and magnificent element of travel, and a good part of the reason why so many of us feel pulled towards it.

As you set about - or continue on with - your holiday shopping this year, I hope that you'll find this guide helpful. Keep in mind that many people love to include travel related elements - from globes to old maps, vintage posters to items that look like they were hand culled from far flung destinations - in their home decor, too.

In fact, I'd venture to guess that most of us have at least one or two pieces out on display that we picked up on our trips over the years, or were given to us by someone who took an exciting journey and returned home to bestow a small memento of it onto us, a way of letting us that we were never far from there thoughts, no matter how many thousands of miles they may have been from home.

Just about everyone loves to travel, to learn more about different places around the world, or to bring elements of foreign lands into our home (and perhaps even wardrobe, too). We may yearn to return to the same familiar bed after a while, our usual four walls and world of our community when as all is said and done, but while we're out there on the road, in the sky, or on the sea, we are both ourselves and someone entirely different. We are travelers, wanders, seekers, pupils of life, and wanderlust explorers whose existences are, with any luck, enriched in countless ways by the journeys we've taken and the possibility of those still left to embark upon.

This holiday season, you don't have to hand your friends or relatives plane tickets (though that would certainly be one heck of an awesome present!). Instead, just let them know that you’re aware of how very important seeing the world is to their lives, in whatever capacity, but tucking one or more of these terrific travel related gifts into their stocking, under the tree, or atop their luggage before they embark on their next exciting adventure.