IT’S CHRISTMAS! IT’S CHRISTMAS! IT’S CHRISTMAS!!! Anyone else get this excited for the holiday season? Every year for my level of holiday excitement, there is an equal level of confusion and slight panic when it comes to buying presents. After so many years I just plain run out of ideas! So this year I thought about some of my favorite, and most used gifts over the past few years and put together a list of 10 great gift ideas for the traveler in your life.

1. LIFEPROOF PHONE CASE

One thing I have learned the hard way this year is to PROTECT YOUR GEAR! Not only do I highly recommend insurance for any camera gear or electronics but also taking care of them on the go. I knew the second they made the new iPhones with a glass front AND back I was in trouble! After shattering both sides more times than I’d like to admit, I now rely on my Lifeproof case to protect my phone on adventures. It’s drop proof AND waterproof!!! With the Lifeproof case, you can submerge your phone for 2 meters for up to an hour! Meaning, not only do I not have to worry about it if it falls out of my kayak, but I can also take epic underwater photos! To learn more click below.

2. TRAVEL CLOTHES

Clothes are always an easy go-to gift option but clothes with purpose are TOTALLY different! As a beginning traveler and adventurer I have learned the difference between functional and non-functional clothing. Take it from a girl who used to hike in jeans! Over the past year I’ve come across some really great brands.

My Stio Sweetwater Fleece Hoodie is a game-changer for colder weather. It’s so cozy and perfect for days when you don’t feel like a coat but really need to keep warm. Plus, you win me over any time you add thumb holes to a shirt! Click the link below for more information.

I am also a HUGE fan of my Sherpa Adventure Gear Leggings for a few reasons; I normally HATE wearing anything tight and just assume it will be unflattering and/or ride up or down. These leggings stay in place and are super flattering! They’re also great in any temperature. When I wore them backpacking I thought I would immediately regret the decision since it was 85 degrees but I stayed cool the whole time. But, my FAVORITE part of these leggings…they have POCKETS! The main reason I don’t wear yoga pants is that there is nowhere to put my phone. These leggings fit my giant iPhone 10+ and it’s super sturdy and comfortable in there! Its been so convenient to be able to grab my phone and snap a pic while on adventures! Sherpa Adventure Gear is also an amazing company that creates jobs for women in Nepal! To learn more click here.

Two other great clothing brands I’ve fallen in love with this year are Carve Designs and Aventura Clothing. Both are incredibly high quality clothing, super comfy, and flexible for travel. Carve Designs was created to make clothes for women, by women and it’s just that. Everything I’ve tried from this company is flattering and comfortable! Aventura is all about sustainability and fair trade and make clothes for the traveler in mind.

3. THE GRAYL WATER PURIFIER

One of the hard things when traveling to some areas is making sure that you have access to clean water. Whether it’s on the trail or in a developing country, clean water is ESSENTIAL! I take my Grayl water Purifier with me EVERYWHERE. It comes in handy more times than I can count when I run out of water on the trail. No waiting for special tablets to work or sucking out of a muddy straw, Grayl is quick and easy to use. And after drinking the LA river with it, I’d trust it anywhere! To get your own Check out my product review (and drinking sewage) below!

4. JETBOIL FLASH COOKING SYSTEM

The one thing I needed before I could venture out on a backpacking excursion was a compact camping stove. What I didn’t realize is that I would end up using my Jetboil on ALL of my camping trips! It boils water in less than two minutes and is super easy and convenient to use. I also love that the sides turn orange when the water is boiling so there’s no guessing. For anyone who is even considering backpacking this is an AMAZING gift!

5. SHERPA ADVENTURE GEAR YATRA EVERYDAY PACK

I have a TON of backpacks in every shape and size so I was hesitant as to why I needed the Yatra pack…and then I tried it…The biggest plus to this pack is the laptop slot! I have been traveling with my laptop everywhere I go for the past 5 years and I always either had my laptop bag which hurt my shoulder or a giant hiking backpack which was unnecessary. The Sherpa Yatra pack has the perfect padded area for my laptop and a TON of room up front! I also love the unique clasp and the two front pockets. I am constantly getting asked about the bag. And for every bag sold the company donates a book to a child in Nepal.

6. THE JOBY GORILLAPOD

When I began filming Monica Goes, it was a one-woman show. It started out with just me and my iPhone. I was determined NOT to make selfie-style vlogs so I had to get creative with filming. I’ve tried many full size tripods but there is nothing better than my Joby GorillaPod! I have two sizes; a smaller one that’s great for my phone or action camera and a larger one for my Canon camera. Both wrap around trees, handlebars, you name it! They’re lightweight and flexible as well, so they fit perfectly in my backpack and go wherever I go. Whether you know someone who films and vlogs as they travel or just likes to take photos, time lapses, and post to social media, the Joby GorillaPod is an amazing gift idea! Click below for more details.

7. A GOOD CAMPING CHAIR

For car campers like myself, having a good chair for the campfire is crucial! Up until now I’ve always just grabbed the cheapest one I can find, and then ended up playing musical chairs trying to steal my friends more comfy ones! This Coleman camping chair is so amazing! It’s not only super durable and comfortable, but also has coolers attached to the arms so you can have your beverages right there with you and never have to move! Retailing under $40 this is a great bargain gift!

8. A DURABLE SUITCASE

Speaking of durable travel gear…this past year I have gone through THREE suitcases! Between handles getting stuck, wheels jamming up, and zippers breaking off it’s led to some interesting travel experiences! I just recently got the Granite Gear Cross Trek 2 suitcase/backpack and can’t wait to test it out over the holidays! Not only is it big enough for EVERYTHING I need but it moves so easily and appears to be incredibly durable! Leave it to an outdoors company to create a suitcase that can withstand anything!

9. AN ECO FRIENDLY FOOD CARRIER

I love learning about companies that do their part to help the environment. Eco Lunchboxes were created to replace the damaging plastic lunch containers that are used everyday and hurt our environment as well as create an on-the-go portion controlled lunchbox. I love that they stack up as well so I don’t have three separate containers for my snacks or meals. Convenient, and good for the earth!

10. NATURE-INSPIRED JEWELRY

Anyone who know me knows I don’t wear a lot of jewelry. Growing up I was allergic to metal so I never wore watches, necklaces, or earrings. Also being adventurous, I never want to inhibit my movement. But I do love anything mountain-inspired! When I was first introduced to Daphne Lorna - a jewelry company run by two sisters who create each piece by hand, I fell in love! I wear my leather cuff and mountain ring all the time and they create custom designs around nature themes as well. Really well crafted and beautiful stuff!

As an added bonus, here are a few stocking stuffers!

1. GOOD HIKING SOCKS

Ok, ok, I know we all make jokes about the annual sock gifts…but if they’re something I want and will use anyway, bring em on! And anyone who spends time outdoors in hiking boots knows the value of a good pair of hiking socks! Wigwam socks won me over the first time I hiked 8 miles and felt completely comfortable and blister free in them! I’ve been wearing them for the past 4 years and they haven’t let me down yet!

2. WAYS TO GO…ON THE GO…

Look, no one wants to talk about the uncomfortable part of outdoor adventures…going to the bathroom…or I guess, squatting behind the nearest bush. Anything to make these moments less awkward is always a win in my book! I recommend the Tinkle Belle and Butt Valet Wipes. So, whether you give these as a “dirty santa” gift or as a serious stocking stuff, I’d be willing to bet that they get used! I’m sure there’s a “Monica Goes” joke in there somewhere but I’ll leave that up to you guys!

3. KATE’S REAL FOOD BARS

This year at Outdoor Retailer I felt like I tried HUNDREDS of nutrition bars (ok maybe only 20), but Kate’s Real Food Bars stuck with me. Most nutrition bars seem either too chewy or too chalky, and they rarely keep me full or taste good. But Kate’s Real Food Bars are delicious and filling! I’ve tried almost every flavor offered and I truly do love these bars!

Well, there you have it! A few holiday gift ideas for the traveler or outdoorsy person in your life…or just for yourself! Happy holidays everyone and enjoy this amazing season! And since I’m always needing ideas as well, leave me a comment. What are some of your favorite travel gifts?