Traveling Mom's Packing List: Gifts And Essentials

There are many great gift ideas for moms who love to travel. Here are some suggestions:

- Packing cubes and compression bags to help her stay organized and save space in her suitcase.

- A passport holder or cover to protect her passport and make it easier to locate. Look for one with an RFID blocker for added digital security.

- A travel pillow and sleep mask to ensure she gets some rest during long flights or journeys.

- A portable power bank to keep her devices charged on the go.

- Noise-canceling headphones or wireless earbuds for in-flight entertainment and a peaceful journey.

- A travel mug or bottle to keep her favourite beverages hot or cold while she's out and about.

- A crossbody bag or a SPIbelt (a modern take on the fanny pack) to keep her valuables secure and her hands free while exploring.

- A Kindle or e-reader so she can carry her favourite books and magazines without the bulk.

- A subscription to a travel magazine or an Audible subscription to fuel her wanderlust.

- A lightweight scarf or wrap that can double as a blanket on the plane.

Packing cubes and organisers

Packing cubes are a great way to stay organised and maximise space when travelling. They come in a variety of sizes and materials and can be purchased from a range of retailers. Here is a detailed overview of some of the best packing cubes and organisers for travelling moms.

Veken Packing Cubes

Veken offers an eight-piece set of packing cubes that includes four packing cubes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. The packing cubes are designed with a clear strip on top so you can easily see what's inside, and there are small graphics printed on each cube recommending what type of item should be stored inside. The set is made of durable nylon and polyester and features sturdy zippers and stitchwork. The cubes come in four different sizes, allowing you to pack a variety of items efficiently.

Shacke Pak 5-Set Packing Cubes

The Shacke Pak set includes four packing cubes and a laundry bag, perfect for trips up to 14 days long. The cubes come in extra-large, large, medium, and small sizes, providing ample space for clothing, toiletries, and other travel essentials. The mesh tops allow for easy visibility of the contents, but they are not waterproof. The Shacke Pak cubes are made of durable nylon and offer excellent value for money.

Peak Design Packing Cubes

For environmentally conscious travellers, Peak Design's packing cubes are made from 100% recycled materials. The set includes small and medium-sized cubes that are spacious, well-built, and water-resistant. While the "easy access" zipper feature may be unnecessary, these cubes are ideal for packing underwear, toiletries, and other small items.

Paravel Packing Cube Quad

This set of four packing cubes from Paravel can be personalised with monogramming of up to three letters for an additional fee. The set includes one large, one medium, and two small cubes, offering ample space for clothing and toiletries. The cubes are water-resistant and come in 11 colour options, making them a stylish and functional choice for travellers.

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set

If you're looking for a splurge-worthy set of packing cubes, Calpak offers a five-piece set that includes one large, one medium, two small cubes, and a water-resistant envelope for cosmetics. The cubes come in a variety of unique designs and colours, including solid pink, gold marble, retro sunset, and cheetah prints. The polyester material is well-made and built to last, and the set is perfect for frequent travellers who want to stay organised and stylish on their trips.

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes

BAGSMART's compression packing cubes are ideal for travellers looking to maximise their luggage space. The set includes five cubes in various sizes, allowing you to compress and organise your clothing efficiently. The cubes are well-constructed and durable, with sturdy zippers and compression capabilities that help reduce wrinkles in your clothes. This set is a great choice for those who want to pack a lot into a small space.

Travel-friendly beauty products and accessories

Packing for a trip can be daunting, but it's always a good idea to be prepared, especially when it comes to beauty products and accessories. To help your mom stay looking and feeling her best while travelling, here are some travel-friendly beauty essentials she might find useful:

Skincare

It's important to take care of your skin while travelling, especially if your mom is going to be exposed to different climates or spending a lot of time outdoors. Some skincare products that are easy to pack and use on-the-go include:

• Cleansers: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser is a gentle, creamy gel cleanser that's perfect for sensitive skin. Another option is the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, which can remove dirt, sweat and even waterproof mascara without drying out the skin.
• Moisturizers: For a rich, buttery cream that will nourish and hydrate the skin, your mom can try Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream, which is packed with omegas, seaberry oil and cranberry-seed oil. For the face, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is a lightweight, deeply moisturizing option that can be used as a regular moisturizer or sleeping mask.
• Sunscreen: It's important to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays, and there are a variety of travel-friendly sunscreen options available. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a clear, velvety gel that feels light on the skin. For something a little different, Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick is a convenient, ocean-friendly option that can be swiped all over the body. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ is a hypoallergenic formula that won't clog pores or sting sensitive eyes.
• Face Mist: A face mist is a great way to refresh and hydrate the skin on-the-go. Grown Alchemist Hydra-Mist+ Desert Lime & Amino-Peptide is a non-aerosol mist that calms inflammation and protects the skin with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate and bilberry-leaf extracts. Another option is the Lesse Regeneration Mist, which contains aloe, chamomile and jojoba to smooth and repair the skin.
• Face Masks: Face masks can be a great way to give the skin some extra TLC while travelling. Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask is an ultra-moisturizing sheet mask that can be used on the plane or in the hotel room to soothe and revive dry, dull skin. For an overnight option, Sisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask provides a radiant, dewy finish.
• Makeup Remover: It's important to remove your makeup at the end of the day, even when travelling. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes are individually wrapped and perfect for travel. Another option is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleansing Makeup Remover Wipes, which are biodegradable and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Hand Sanitizer: The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray not only kills germs but also smells great, with fragrances like lemongrass, lavender and oranges.

Hair Care

Taking care of your hair while travelling can be a challenge, but these products can help:

• Dry Shampoo: No one wants to waste precious vacation time washing and styling hair. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo is a travel-sized option that degreases strands and comes in two different tints to avoid any chalky residue.
• Hair Spray: Keep your hairstyle in place with COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, which helps to keep hair frizz-free and shiny.

Makeup

Some moms might want to pack light and keep their makeup routine simple while travelling. These multi-use products can help:

• BB Cream: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult favorite for a reason. It helps to keep lips soft and can also be layered over a lip color for a glossy finish.
• Concealer: Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer is a creamy, compact concealer that can be easily blended with your finger, so there's no need to pack a brush.
• Blush: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is a base makeup product that blends seamlessly into the skin and can be used on its own or under other makeup.

Tools and Accessories

In addition to skincare and makeup products, there are some tools and accessories that can be useful for beauty-conscious travelers:

• Jewelry Box: A travel jewelry box, such as the Samara Jewelry Box, can help keep your mom's precious baubles organized and safe from scratches while she's on the go.
• Tech Organizer: A tech organizer, like the CalPak Tech Organizer or the Dagne Dover Arlo Neoprene Tech Organizer, can help your mom keep her cables and cords corralled and tangle-free.
• Portable Charger: A portable charger, like the Iniu Portable Charger, can ensure your mom's phone stays charged while she's out exploring.
• Packing Cubes: Packing cubes, such as the Away The Insider Packing Cubes, can help your mom stay organized and maximize space in her suitcase.
• Travel Mirror: A travel mirror, like the Travel Mirror with Light, can be a handy addition to your mom's beauty arsenal, especially if she's sharing a room or staying in a hotel with poor lighting.

Travel-friendly tech

If you're looking for travel-friendly tech gifts for your mum, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Apple AirTags

Apple AirTags are a must-have for any traveller, especially mums who are always trying to keep track of everything. Once an AirTag is paired with an iPhone, your mum can stick one of the small devices in her checked luggage and track its location as it makes its way through the airport and onto the plane. This can help reduce the stress of travel by providing peace of mind that her suitcase has made it to her final destination.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

A Kindle is perfect for keeping your mum occupied during long train rides or waits at the airport. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offers 32GB of storage space, an auto-adjust light, and wireless charging. With a single charge, it can last up to 10 weeks, making it a great choice for avid readers on the go.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless Headphones

These elegant gold-tone headphones offer exceptional comfort with a lightweight build and touch controls. They feature powerful active noise cancellation for immersive sound experiences and provide up to 30 hours of battery life. With their timeless Scandinavian design, they blend style and performance seamlessly.

CalPak Tech Organizer

The CalPak Tech Organizer is perfect for keeping cables and cords organised while travelling. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns, so you can choose one that suits your mum's style. This highly reviewed organiser is a great option to help your mum stay neat and tidy while on the move.

Portable Charger

A portable charger is a must-have for any traveller, especially if your mum's phone is always running out of battery. Look for one with multiple USB ports and a high capacity to keep her devices charged during her travels. Some portable chargers even have a built-in flashlight, which can come in handy in emergencies.

Twelve South AirFly Duo

If your mum travels with a set of Bluetooth headphones, the AirFly Duo is a must-have accessory. It allows her to pair her favourite headphones with the seatback entertainment system, enabling her to enjoy audio seamlessly without having to use the provided airline headphones.

These tech gifts are sure to make your mum's travels more enjoyable and convenient. They are practical, useful, and will show her that you care about her comfort and entertainment while she's on the move.

Travel-inspired home decor

• Vintage Suitcases: These can be used as storage or as a unique end table. Stacking vintage suitcases of different colours and sizes can also create a rustic-chic look.
• Vintage Suitcase Shelves: If you don't have the floor space for vintage suitcases, these shelves are a great alternative. They create room for souvenirs and are extremely unique.
• Travel-themed Artwork: Photos and artwork can instantly set the tone for a room's theme. You can display travel photos, maps, and vintage postcards in frames, or hang them using photo-hanging kits.
• Vintage Postcards: Black-and-white postcards add a timeless touch to any home and can be easily framed or hung.
• Globes: Model globes are perfect as nightstand or desk toppers, or you can opt for a dual-purpose globe bar -- functionality and design!
• Vintage Map Canvases: For a more original look, opt for a set of map canvases instead of a standard world map.
• Ticket Stub Shadowbox: A travel-themed shadowbox is a great way to display mementos from your trips, such as ticket stubs.
• World Cities Time Zone Clock: You can purchase a timezone clock or create a more personalised set of individual clocks labelled with city names from around the world.
• Polaroid Photos: Polaroids are back in style and can be easily printed from your smartphone. They can be displayed using hanging photo organisers, hooks, or LED string lights.

Travel-friendly clothing and accessories

When it comes to travel-friendly clothing and accessories, comfort and style are key. Here are some ideas for pieces that will keep mom looking and feeling her best on her adventures:

Athleisure

Athleisure combines comfort and style, making it perfect for long travel days and busy moms on the go. Go for a long-sleeve top, a sherpa zip-up, flare leggings, and a pair of sneakers. Don't forget a duffel bag to carry all your essentials.

Classic Combination

For a timeless look, pair a boat-neck tee with a cashmere wrap and wide-leg jeans. Add a pair of Mary Jane flats and a leather tote bag for a touch of elegance. This outfit is comfortable yet polished, perfect for a mom who wants to exude quiet luxury.

Trendy and Casual

For a more casual look, opt for a baseball hat, a basic tee, a striped sweater, and wide-leg lounge pants. Complete the outfit with a quilted tote bag and a pair of sneakers. This ensemble is perfect for travel, as it is both trendy and comfortable.

Matching Sweat Set

You can never go wrong with a matching sweat set. Go for an oversized hoodie, noise-cancelling headphones, jogger sweatpants, and a pair of sneakers. Don't forget an expandable backpack to carry all your essentials. This outfit will keep you comfortable and stylish during your travels.

Dresses and Jumpsuits

For a effortless and versatile look, consider a dress or a jumpsuit. A maxi dress, such as the Karuki Casual Button Front Maxi Dress, can be dressed up or down and is perfect for various occasions. A jersey dress, like the H&M Draped Jersey Dress, is another great option as it is comfortable and wrinkle-resistant.

Jumpsuits, such as the Quince French Terry Modal Jumpsuit, are also a great choice for moms who want a stylish and comfortable option that is easy to toss on and get out the door.

Accessories

Complete your travel outfit with some stylish and functional accessories. A good pair of sunglasses, like the Allbirds Women's Wool Runners, will protect your eyes from the sun while adding a touch of elegance to your look. A comfortable scarf or wrap, such as the White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap, can be used as a cozy blanket during flights and a fashionable accessory when exploring your destination.

A sturdy and stylish bag is also a must-have for any travelling mom. The Paravel Weekender Set Plus is a comprehensive travel solution, offering ample space for all your essentials. For something more compact, the Madewell Transport Tote is a great option, with a zip pocket to store important items like your passport, phone, and wallet.

Frequently asked questions