holiday gifts - Pitstops for Kids

Stocking ideas for families who travel

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Need help filling those Christmas stockings this year? We’re back with this year’s 10 stocking ideas for families who travel! Whether you have small children who need entertainment on long road trips or teens who love the outdoors, the following holiday stocking stuffers will fit the bill!

1. United by Blue Utensil Kit:

United by Blue has made a commitment to reusable products and the clean up of our planet. Their utensil kit includes two stainless steel straws, one silicone straw tip, one straw cleaner, one stainless steel spork, and one pair of stainless steel chopsticks. Mine fits perfectly in my tote or backpack to be at the ready for any on-the-go meal. The case it comes in is 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a water-resistant finish and velcro closure. Pick one up for anyone on your list for $24!

2. Haiku RFID Mini Wallet:

This tiny wallet packs a powerful punch, ready for any international adventure. You can fit your state ID and 3-4 credit cards in this slim wallet, which closes quickly with an elastic band. You get RFID-blocking technology in an CyclePET fabric made from plastic water bottles. Get one for $15.

3. North Drinkware tumblers, pint glasses, and coasters

An Oregon company, North Drinkware creates beautiful pint glasses, tumblers, coasters, blankets, and more inspired by Northwest mountains. Their handblown beer tumblers and pint glasses have the raised imprints of iconic peaks on the interior bottom, such as Mt. Rainer, Mt. Hood, etc. The perfect gift for the outdoorsy NW traveler! We love displaying our Mt. Hood coasters, too. See all their offerings here.

4. Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear:

Yes, it’s as cute as it sounds…a Buff for your dog! We love the reflective strip that keeps him or her safe on those nighttime walks or early morning jogs, and these Buffs come in multiple sizes and patterns, just like the human version. Pick one up for your pet for $12. Need one for your dog’s human, too? We love Buff’s new InsectShield line that protects everyone from ticks and mosquitoes.

5. Tesalate ultimate beach towel:

These beach towels fold down small for road trips, car rides, and camping trips, yet absorb so much water! (Great for pets, too!). They do not allow sand to cling whatsoever, so you don’t get pesky sand in your car, van, or RV. We can’t get enough of these, so we got the XL, which is big enough to work as a picnic blanket, too! Check out all the fun colors and patterns.

6. Juniper Ridge essential oils:

Can’t get out into the wilderness this holiday season? Bring the outdoors to you with Juniper Ridge’s set of essential oils, ready for any diffuser in your home. From Sierra Forest to Christmas Fir, you’ll be invigorated with the scents of the forest, helping with a sense of calm and relaxation when you can’t be outside.

7. Alpine Start instant coffee

Instant coffee that still tastes good? Yep! Alpine Start is the coffee pack to pick up for your next #vanlife adventure, camping trip, road trip, or socially distant travels. They come in a variety of flavors and pack sizes, including original or a super yummy dirty Chai. Packs are $8.99.

8. GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Cup:

The perfect stocking stuffer for the camper or outdoor adventurer who has everything! This stainless steel camp cup has double-wall insulation and a snug-fitting lid, and is light enough to easily attach to any backpack for carrying from campsite to campsite. It comes in multiple colors so you can be sure you always know which cup of coffee (or whiskey) is yours. Pick one up on GSI Outdoors for $15.

9. Avana insulated water bottle:

These beautiful and functional water bottles are leak-proof, spill-proof, and come with a built-in straw. You get a triple layer of insulation and a cool carry loop on the lid. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

10. Six Moon pack pods:

Can you have enough packing cubes? Never. Six Moon Designs is a company we have long-trusted for their backpacks and shelters, and now their pack pods come in three size options for just $30. Ideal for storing miscellaneous camping gear, road trip snacks, or clothing. We like to keep some on-hand in every car and in our backpacks. Pick them up here!

Need more ideas? Check out more holiday gift picks from Pit Stops for Kids!

Photo credit: Flickr/popofatticus

Holiday stocking stuffers for family and outdoor travel lovers.

Outdoor gear brands that give back

October 1, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

As a gear reviewer and travel writer, I am familiar with many travel brands and outdoor gear companies. As we head into this year’s ‘giving season’, I’d like to highlight just a few that donate significantly to a charitable cause or program…not just during the holidays but all year long!

Outdoor gear brands that give back:

Lifestraw:

Lifestraw makes filtered straws that make contaminated water safe to drink. You can buy them solo, or as part of a full water bottle in the Lifestraw GO. They’re great for travel to countries where the water is not potable, or for backcountry hiking and camping trips.

How Lifestraw gives back: For every LifeStraw sold, one school child in a developing community also receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. So far 1,015,652 students have been given safe water. 1621 schools reached. The LifeStraw Safe Water Fund is also working in Haiti, Kenya and India. More information of the Follow the Liters program can be found here.

Cotopaxi:

Utah-based Cotopaxi makes one of our favorite backpacking packs, the Taboche. I love the bright colors and flare they bring to all their backpacks, totes, and outdoor clothing. This season, their new day pack, the Luzen, is perfect for every type of traveler…and perfect for under the tree.

How Cotopaxi gives back: Cotopaxi and the Utah Refugee Services Office have come together to launch a skills-based volunteer program in Utah called the Refugee Coding Project. Started in partnership with the Bhutanese refugee community, the coding program has been so successful, community leaders and youth from five other key refugee communities in Salt Lake City requested the program and Cotopaxi met that demand.

Aventura Clothing:

Aventura Clothing is a lifestyle and travel brand for women. You can see us review many of Aventura’s organic cotton pieces here.

How Aventura gives back: They give back to Uncommon Threads, a boutique-style clothing program where survivors of domestic violence receive styling services and new clothes. Aventura donates new clothing quarterly, which enables women in need to feel the self confidence and empowerment they need in their daily lives.

Toad & Co:

Toad&Co is a lifestyle brand inspired by a love of the outdoors. I have loved them for years, especially their travel and hiking pants that flex, resist stains, and fit my body in a way that makes me feel good about myself.

How Toad & Co gives back: As of this fall, 98 percent of the line is sustainably-made with at least 80 percent sustainable fibers and/or fabrics that are third-party certified for responsible manufacturing. And as always, a portion of every Toad&Co purchase goes toward supporting people with disabilities.

GoLite:

This brand makes exercise and outdoor clothing that’s breathable and practical for travel, the outdoors and running (including trail running).

How GoLite gives back: GoAid is a program that promotes health support and community empowerment, while sister pillar GoResponsibly commits to ensuring that 80% of the introductory GoLite product line is developed from environmentally preferred and low energy production materials. What does this mean? For example, their ReGreen Windshell is made of 100% recycled green bottles, in partnership with eco-organization Tzu Chi.

Costa:

Long loved for their high-quality sunglasses, we love to travel with Costa during both beach season and ski season. These sunglasses wear well, don’t break easily, and always come with protective bags and cases so we can protect our investments.

How Costa gives back: TheirUntangled Collection is created by recycling fishing nets that are at the end of their lives. These nets go into each pair of the polarizes sunglasses in this line.

Ecoths:

The men’s line of Aventura Clothing, Ecoths makes organic cotton and lifestyle pieces ideal for men who are active and busy…both at home and while traveling. The Pit Stops men in my life love the Xavier Shirt for warm-weather travel destinations, and they now also offer travel-ready pants and hoodies.

How Ecoths gives back: When you purchase clothing from Ecōths, you feed the hungry. As part of their Good Sam program, Ecōths feeds one person for one day with each garment sold. In just over two years, they have donated over 200,000 meals across the US.

DownTek:

You may have heard or seen the name DownTek in regard to your outdoor gear: this sustainable, water-repellant down company is the supplier of choice for big names in the gear industry, including L.L. Bean, Big Agnes, and more. One of my favorite travel products with DownTek is the Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded jacket, which is extremely lightweight but warm enough for deep winter adventures.

How DownTek gives back: Sustainable Down Source, creator of DownTek, participates in three programs that give back to children including, Ronald McDonald House Quilts for Kids, Parks4Kids and K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers. Down pillows created by SDS have been provided to K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers, and SDS has also donated to outdoors programs through Parks4Kids, encouraging exploration, appreciation and understanding of natural environments and resources.

Mountain Khakis:

Mountain Khakis is one of our favorite travel wear brands for outdoorsy men and women. Their khakis are their signature pant, but we find we love their sweaters and pullovers most. This year, MK is debuting a new line of luggage, which will compliment their canvas totes and bags.

How MK gives back: Each year, Mountain Khakis offers a limited-edition design which supports the mission of Protect Our Winters (POW), the leading climate advocacy group for the winter sports community founded by professional athlete/artist/environmentalist, Jeremy Jones. This year’s offering is the Men’s POW XVI Sweater.

Parks Project:

Parks Project is an outdoor lifestyle brand that funds various national park projects through their apparel and accessories. Parks Project is an official partner to the National Park Service, serves as a supporting business partner to the National Parks Foundation and is carried in over 100 retailers around the nation. We especially love their tees that serve as reminders of our trips to favorite national parks.

How Parks Project gives back: As a for-profit business, Parks Project supports 22 individual park groups around the nation. Every product sold carries a story and contributes to habitat restoration, animal conservation, educational initiatives and visitor services across America’s parks, promoting Parks Project’s ethos, Leave It Better Than You Found It.

Five holiday gifts for travelers who have everything

November 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Have an avid traveler on your gift list this year? It’s a no-brainer to pick up something travel-related, but what if she already owns all the latest travel gear, or you have no idea where he’s planning to vacation next? No worries: the following five epic holiday gifts for travelers will make any jet-setter happy.

1. Give the gift of connection:

Fly with WiFi, photo by Glen Fleishman

A subscription or gift card to GoGo inflight internet service is appreciated by any traveler who needs to get work done inflight. Buy a $5 one-hour pass as a stocking stuffer, or splurge on an unlimited monthly pass for your loved one. Now he has no excuse not to stay connected! Have an international traveler? Buy a prepaid 3G data SIM card!

2. Give the gift of a good (and free!) night’s sleep:

Marriott Vacation Club, Oceana Palms

Everyone can use a gift card to their favorite hotel chain. We love Marriott’s gift card options, which allow recipients to choose among thousands of hotels. Are you a Marriott Vacation Club owner? If so, you can gift points for an epic gift to a loved one! Same goes for membership in hotel loyalty programs like iPrefer (which is free to join). Think outside the box to stretch your existing memberships into gifts.

3. Give the gift of experiences:

Snorkeling in Laguna Beach, CA

This is our favorite gift to give! Instead of opening more ‘stuff’ on Christmas morning, treat your favorite traveler with the gift of new experiences. The options are endless of course, but if you’re not sure where in the world your loved one will be traveling next, buy a gift card to Cloud9Living, which showcases over 1800 experiences ranging from sky diving trips to snorkeling excursions.

Know your traveler’s destination? Consider buying a CityPass or GoSelect card, which gets your traveler into the best museums, tours, and attractions in cities across the US and Canada.

4. Give the gift of compliments and family stories:

Create a box of memories, compliments, and inspiration.

Create a box of awesome with AwesomeBox. This innovative gift allows families, parents, groups, or teammates to add custom photos, stories, and messages to special cards for a lucky recipient. This can be done online; then the cards are created at AwesomeBox and placed in a memory box that’s shipped to the receiver. This is the gift for the person who truly has everything, or to share as a family. We plan to create an AwesomeBox of family memories, which we’ll open during the holidays as a family gift!

5. Give the gift of travel-day comfort:

Airports are friendlier places with lounge privileges

The traveler on your list may have every airline pillow and eye mask on the market, but if he or she does not have access to a luxury airport lounge, true comfort and relaxation is still at bay. Give the gift of an airport lounge membership. Our favorite is Alaska Airlines’ Board Room, but you’ll want to purchase a membership through the airline your traveler uses most often. Remember, most airlines enjoy access at partner airline lounges, giving members more options with every flight.

Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook

December 13, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we’re reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler’s Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn’t geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it’s your new bible for family travel inspiration and how-to. Whether you love camping, road tripping, luxury travel, international travel, or any other sort, the Family Traveler’s Handbook helps you get started. Once you’ve targeted a destination, the book also carries you through your trip, with practical sections on making the most of your trip and traveling smarter.

What’s between the covers:

The Family Traveler’s Handbook answers the big questions first: where should you go on your annual family vacation? Should you fly or drive? How can you book hotel rooms or vacation homes smarter? I know from experience as a family travel expert that many parents get stuck right here. Travel can feel overwhelming–after all, it’s a big expense and you don’t want to mess it up! The Family Traveler’s Handbook offers answers that help parents identify what type of vacation would work best for them, and how to go about planning it.

Of course, you need the nitty-gritty, too. The subsequent sections of the book cover all those details you might not even think about, but make any family travel experience richer: how to keep your kid napping on the road. How to save money on food. Should you use public transit? Why or why not? How about public parks or local restaurants? How to know which are worth your time? All ages of kids are covered, helping parents plan whether they have toddlers or teens.

What sets The Family Traveler’s Handbook apart:

See these kids? You’re going to get to know them. And if you read author Mara Gorman’s blog, The Mother of All Trips, you already do. Let’s be honest here: even the most travel-crazy among us get bogged down reading a highly technical or practical travel guide. Instead, we want real, from-the-road stories, and in Mara’s book, you get just that. The practical information is there, don’t worry, but it’s peppered throughout with real-life anecdotes about real family travel…the good, the bad, and the hilariously funny. In other words, you’ll learn all you need to know about planning a family trip without even realizing it, you’ll be so entertained.

Read more testimonials, from additional family travel experts I know and trust, on the Traveler’s Handbook website. Pick up your copy on Amazon for just $15 or at Barnes and Noble or in ebook format. You have plenty of time to get one for the holidays!

In full disclosure, Pit Stops for Kids and yours truly are quoted in The Family Traveler’s Handbook, as we offer camping and outdoor adventure advice. However, I’d recommend the book regardless and was not compensated in any way to promote it. You can be sure it will be under our own tree this holiday season.

Follow our year-round Travel Gear We Use series, as well as our current Travel Gifts for Kids posts throughout December!