24 gift ideas for the friend who’s always planning a holiday
It's time to start shopping
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Need a leg-up with your shopping this festive season? Say no more. Here is our ultimate gift guide for the holiday lover in your life.
As the festive season draws ever closer, it’s time to start making some serious headway on those present shopping lists. Or, if you’re anything like some of the Body+Soul team, writing those lists in the first place.
This year, we’re breaking down our gift guides by the type of person you’re shopping for – be it your friend obsessed with the best in beauty, a sibling who is all about sprucing up their home, or the hottest buys in wellness to start 2024 off right.
First up? Our top picks for the friend who’s always planning a holiday. Surfing, skiing, hiking, biking, shopping or road tripping, whatever kind of holiday floats their boat, you’re sure to find something they’ll love.
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July Carry On, $325 from july.com.au
July’s luggage is at the forefront of travel tech, and they’re as gorgeous to look at as they are to use. The shells are hard without being heavy, which is always a bonus if you’re flying carry-on only, and there are built-in packing straps and laundry bags so there’s no need to BYO. If you needed any more convincing, the wheels run smoother than any suitcase that’s ever graced the airport’s hallowed halls, and there’s a removable phone charger, too.
Emma Mulholland on Holiday cap, $50 from emonholiday.com
Nothing is better for covering up gross second-day hair, or dressing down a cute outfit for a walk about town than a quality cap. Let your tresses flow or opt for two plaits à la Taylor Swift, a fail-safe look for any day spent off-duty. This cap from Emma Mulholland is literally made for holidays, so pop this one in your cart and prepare for that annual leave.
Nagnata Rib Mini Short, $210 from nagnata.com
A great pair of bike shorts is a must-pack item for any holiday. Wear them with an oversized tee and a pair of chunky sneakers, then whack a puffer on top if you need to. They're cute enough to wear out for brunch but crafted for mobility, so you could safely wear them for Pilates, a jog or a bushwalk too.
The Emma Lewisham Essentials, $145 from emmalewisham.com.au
Emma Lewisham’s skincare products need no introduction – their natural, sustainable, highly effective formulas have reputations so good, you’d be silly not to invest. For those on the go, travel-sized skincare is a must, and this full-service set of 55ml products is perfect for domestic or international trips. Not to mention, they look plenty cute on any hotel mantlepiece.
Les Specs Unreal! Sunglasses in Toffee Tort, $79 from eyewearindex.com
Any holiday warrants a solid pair of sunglasses, to protect your eyes, keep your hair out of your eyes, and, if we’re being honest, complete every outfit. This timeless, rectangular pair from Les Specs are inexpensive and will go with everything.
Basil Bangs The Weekend Rug, $125 from theiconic.com.au
Picnic rugs are always good to have, and these ones that double at mega beach towels tick both boxes. Lined with a durable waterproof backing and with a smooth, spill-proof canvas, these rugs are made for living and looking gorgeous, as all great investments should.
Glasshouse Fragrances Car Diffuser, $49.95 from glasshousefragrances.com
Setting off on a road trip is fun until you can’t work out where that weird fried food smell is coming from, or someone’s damp shoes stink out the vehicle for the next week. Skip the misery and panicked deodorant sprays and opt for a purpose-built car diffuser, from Glasshouse Fragrances no less.
Alana Maria Jewellery Forever Bracelet or Anklet, $100-120 from alanamariajewellery.com
Taking jewellery on holiday can be a massive pain – no one wants to spend time detangling necklace chains from their earrings when they could be out and about. The beauty of forever jewellery is that you never have to take it off, meaning no tangling disasters and taking a hint of glam with you wherever you go. Buy a gift card from Alana Maria then head in store with your loved one to get the bracelet or anklet soldered on for life.
Blunt Metro Umbrella, $129 from bluntumbrella.com.au
Not just any umbrella, Blunt's umbrellas are pretty much the apex of chic wet weather gear. Not only will they not poke someone's eye out with the curved edges, but their innovative and robust design means they can withstand even the most intense rainstorm, without weighing a ton. The best bit? There's a two-year warranty in case of any manufacturer's errors (unlikely), but even beyond that period, Blunt will fix your umbrella for a small repair and shipping charge – so it truly will last you for life.
Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Camera, $84.48 from amazon.com.au
Film cameras are a must-pack these days, and this Kodak half-frame gets my pick. It's inexpensive and lightweight, and takes photos vertically rather than horizontally, which means – in layman's terms – you get two photos per frame, i.e. 70 photos instead of 35. You want your purchases to work hard for you on hols, so this is a definite winner.
Helly Hansen W Aden Down Parka, $400 from hellyhansen.com.au
If you’re going anywhere cold a puffer jacket should be at the absolute top of your list, shortly followed by heattech thermals from Uniqlo. This Helly Hansen parka is perfect for snowy days and icy winds, be it in the middle of a ski village or on the Champs-Élysées as it covers your legs and butt too – important for insulation and très chic to boot.
Ultra Violette Vi's Faves sunscreen minis, $30 from adorebeauty.com.au
Sunscreen is a must every day, no matter where you are in the world, and this new seasonal set from Ultra Violette has two of their cult-favourite Skin Screens in one. Fave Fluid is an ultra-light everyday sunscreen and Extreme Screen is designed for body and hands, making this two-piece set a no-brainer for your travel toiletries. As always, reapply sunscreen as directed and remember SPF is only one part of a sun-smart safety strategy.
Form and Fold The Crop Black Top and The 90s Rise Black Bottom, $130-$170 from formandfold.com
Form and Fold make swimwear for people with bigger busts – a category that's notoriously hard to shop for. Unlike some other brands, they don't relegate those with D+ boobs to naff or matronly designs, instead, they use the same fun colours, eye-catching materials and flattering cuts that those with smaller busts have on offer. We love this classic black set or the wasabi green.
Ficifolia Out of Office Extrait De Parfum, $189.99 from ficifolia.com
There's surely no better way to prepare for a trip abroad than by getting in a holiday mood, so this Out of Office fragrance well and truly fits the bill. Made by Melbourne-based boutique fragrance house Ficifolia, it's a little bit citrus, a little bit cotton candy, and a whole lot of escapism. Smell is strongly linked to memory we suggest tossing a bottle of this EDP in your bag and then revelling in the refreshed memories every time you spritz. Alternatively, buy your mate a Flight Deck of all the fragrances in the range – perfect for carry-on luggage and handbags alike.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, $24.90 from uniqlo.com/au
This #uniqlobag has over 63 million views on TikTok, and for good reason. The simple design makes it the perfect bag for a holiday anywhere in the world, with ample space and a minimalist, sleek exterior. Not to mention it's the safest option if you're somewhere with a big pickpocketing culture, as the zip is right on your chest. The bag comes in a range of colours and the best part? It's under $25.
Maison de Sabre The Sling Phone Case, $119 from maisondesabre.com
If you hate carrying a bag then you need your phone to be doing the heavy lifting. This sling phone case is practical if you need to be hands-free, and you can clip keys onto it and insert a card if you need a wallet on the go.
Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle, $55 from lululemon.com.au
A good water bottle is key for a holiday on wheels or any sort of active adventure, and this one is as good as it gets. At 710ml capacity, it’s not too heavy nor too small, and the hook makes it easy to carry. It’s the twist lid that gets this one over the line for me – great if you have an aversion to nozzles or like to use a straw.
Slip Silk Sleep Mask, $55 from sephora.com.au
Holidays mean new bedrooms and varying levels of light, which if you’re a light sleeper, isn’t a comforting thought. That makes an eye mask a must-have, and if you’re going to get one, you may as well get the best of the bunch. Slip’s sleep masks are made from long fibre mulberry silk which means they won’t make you sweat, nor will it itch your face while you’re nodding off.
July Everyday Large Tote, $175 from july.com
Any sort of interstate or overseas trip demands a great carry-on bag, and this tote from July fits the bill. Its robust material makes it great for packing into the overhead lockers, and the fact that it has a zip means your belongs won't end up rolling all over the plane if you opt to keep the tote at your feet. It also comes with a laptop sleeve, drink bottle holder and luggage pass-through band, so you can pop it on top of your suitcase and roll out of the airport with ease.
Rip Curl The "One" One Piece Swimsuit, $89.99 from ripcurl.com/au
When we hear the term one-size-fits-all we’re usually pretty dubious, but Rip Curl's one-size-fits-most swimsuit blows all our doubts out of the water. This meticulously-crafted one-piece took three years to perfect, and is made from a seamless polyamide fabric that melds to bodies of all shapes and sizes. The high neck is super flattering, and straps on the open back are adjustable to fit.
Oroton Fife Passport Sleeve, $100 from oroton.com
Need we say more? Well-constructed leather goods are worth their weight in gold, and these passport holders will stand the test of time. With a stud closure, this holder won’t fly open in the middle of the customs queue, and its slimline design means it’ll fit perfectly in your handbag.
Salt by Hendrix Eye Babe Under Eye Masks, $29.95 from theiconic.com.au
You want to feel – and look – your best on holiday, especially when you may not be getting much sleep, so these reusable under-eye gel masks are the ticket. Add any moisturiser or serum to lock in max hydration, then pop back into the tin for next time.
Nikon Z fc Mirrorless Camera Kit, $1,629 from camerapro.com.au
For someone really special, this Nikon camera is a serious treat. This camera is lightweight and easy to carry around, with a lens that suits landscapes, portraits, spontaneous snaps and tabletop photos – great for a diverse holiday. If your loved one is big into photography, this is a gift they’ll treasure for life.
Fella x Maggie Marilyn Hunter swim top and Hubert swim bottom, $120-160 from maggiemarilyn.com/au
Fella and Maggie Marilyn’s recent swimwear collab is to die for and this red-striped print just screams Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re heading to the beach at home, or jetting to other shores, a swimsuit like this is worth every penny.
Sheila Mina One Piece, $350 from sheilathelabel.com
Aussie brand Sheila’s one pieces are made to withstand sweat and salt water, so you can run, swim and go about your day all in the same ‘fit. When you’re packing for a trip, space is a big concern, so finding pieces that work for their keep goes a long way. Don these one pieces with a pair of sneakers, sunglasses and an oversized crew neck or a trench, and layer gold jewellery for easy beach to brunch style.
Sunday Supply Co Vista Beach Umbrella, $279 from sundaysupply.co
A beach umbrella is a staple for any holiday spent on local shores, and if you ask us, it’s worth investing in a goodie. This soon-to-be-released design of a cult-favourite umbrella looks as good as the shade you’ll hide under will feel.
Jace Banu Cyla Bucket Hat, $249 from jacebanu.com
These bucket hats are handwoven in Madagascar from raffia straw, and are a match made in heaven for days spent by the beach or traipsing through cultural centres. Given their flexible make, these hats can easily be tossed in a bag without warping their shape, which is always a win when you’re on the move.
For more top picks and favourites head to bodyandsoul.com.au/shop
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