For your mom

I usually forgo gift recommendations based on specific relationships or holidays in favor of suggestions based on personalities and recurring social events. But with Mother's Day right around the corner (May 8 - don't forget!), I am making an exception. You can't go wrong giving a gift based on your mom's personality, but there are several gifts to consider that are better suited to moms than other recipients on your list (like a house cleaning or laundry service). 

Although most people associate Mother's Day strictly with mothers and grandmothers (not surprising, given the day's name), don't forget about those other women who have been influential in your life and helped guide you to become the person you are today. Consider surprising an aunt, friend, mentor, or any other woman who has impacted your life with a little token of your affection. I guarantee that, regardless of what you give her, the fact that you thought of her on Mother's Day will mean the world.

Here are some suggestions that are sure to delight your mom or mother figure:

Flowers: It's hard to go wrong with flowers. Whether you send them alone or along with another gift, flowers are a visual reminder that Mom is brings light and beauty to your life. Send her favorite kind if you know it; otherwise, choose something bright and cheery like daisies (regular or gerbera), lilies, or sunflowers. Also consider giving her a plant for her garden or a potted plant in a fun container so she can enjoy the gift even longer.

Time: Ask any mother what her perfect gift would be and she will probably answer "spending time with my family." Make her wish come true with the gift of quality time or a visit home. Schedule a family outing, a lazy day by the pool, or even a nice meal together for a gift she will never want to exchange.

Chore Service: Moms of any age have those "maternal" responsibilities like laundry, cooking, and cleaning (if dad takes care of these duties in your family, just ignore this recommendation until Father's Day). Give her a day or two off by outsourcing these tasks to someone in her area, either by giving her a gift certificate for the service or making arrangements with the vendor directly.

Spa Treatment: Moms seem to have an ingrained work ethic that is second to none, and most of them find it hard to take a break and relax. Pamper her with a spa treatment, such as a massage, manicure/pedicure, or facial. For extra points, schedule a spa day for the two of you, or for her and Dad together.

Portrait: I've never met a mother who doesn't love pictures of her family. If it's been awhile since your last family portrait, this would be a great gift for Mother's Day. You could have a portrait of the kids and grandkids made in advance, or schedule a session for the entire family (plan it for after Mother's Day if you want it to be a surprise). For a less formal gift, consider a photo book from Shutterfly - they look polished and allow you to customize the whole thing. You could memorialize your (or your child's) childhood, a special family trip, or visits to Grandma's house.

Jewelry: Jewelry is a great gift for some moms but a horrible one for others. If you know your mom likes jewelry, feel free to give her a new piece. However, if she wears the same thing every day and you don't have a clue what kind of jewelry she would appreciate, steer clear. If you decide to go with jewelry, remember to choose a classic piece and stay away from anything cheesy.

Coffee/Tea: If there's one thing most moms need, it's caffeine. Get Mom her favorite blend of liquid energy or pick up a gift card to Starbucks or another coffee shop. If she prefers tea, treat her to a gourmet blend from Teavana or Harney & Sons. Another great choice is a coffee or tea of the month club subscription, like the Kona Hawaiian Organic Coffee Club, Caribou Coffee of the Month Club, or Teavana Tea of the Month Club (12 Months). Also consider an accessory like a new tea or coffee pot, mug, or storage canister.

Tickets: Treat mom to a night on the town with tickets to a movie or show you know she'll enjoy. If you live close enough or can schedule it, go with her for a double gift of the outing and quality time together! 

Gift Basket: If you can't decide on a single gift, give mom a gift basket full of her favorite goodies. You could include lotion, muffins, coffee, tea, perfume, popcorn and a movie or rental voucher, her favorite candy, a restaurant gift certificate, body wash, candle, or bottle of wine. Put the items in a nice basket she can reuse and finish it off with a colorful spring bow. If you need a ready-made basket, Gourmet Gift Baskets offers a wide selection that's sure to please even the pickiest mom.

What are you giving your Mom this Mother's Day?

For the globetrotter (memories)

By this time, you have equipped your globetrotter with everything he needs for his next trip - essentials, gadgets, and miscellaneous items. But what about those travelers who already have all of these things, or who aren't traveling anytime soon? For them, consider items that commemorate their travels and bring back memories of their world jaunts.

Although you don't have to worry as much about space constraints here as you do with other travel items, make sure your recipient has the space to display your gift and the desire to have it. That is, don't give cufflinks to a man who doesn't own a suit and avoid a large map or piece of art for someone in a rented space who can't put anything on the walls. Other than these considerations, use your imagination - it's hard to go wrong with anything that reminds your globetrotter of his trips or favorite destinations.

Here are some final (for awhile) suggestions for the traveler on your list:

• Traveler Map: This product is listed first for a reason - it is the perfect gift for any and every traveler. I received this map a few years ago and it has been one of my favorite possessions ever since. The original version (and the one I have) is a world map, but there are also US, kid's US, and European editions (along with maps for US golf courses, national parks, and baseball stadiums and country maps for France, Germany, Italy, and the UK). Each map comes with a personalized nameplate and pins to mark past travels, dream destinations, favorite spots, and the next planned trip. There are plenty of other maps you can personalize, but this is my favorite by far. For any serious traveler, buy an extra set or two of pins so she doesn't run out. You can buy from the original manufacturer, Stone Arch Merchants, but a number of other stores sell them as well. This world map mural (wall sized and laminated for easy writing and erasing) and scratch off world map (a colorful world map covered with scratch-off foil) are also neat options.

World Traveler Map (photo courtesy of Stone Arch Merchants)

Jewelry: For a globetrotter who regularly wears jewelry and accessories, an upcycled or original piece is a great travel memento. For women, look for rings and necklaces; for men, consider cufflinks or a tie clip. Repurposed transit tokens from major cities make unique gifts - you can find them fashioned into cufflinks (link: choice of Boston, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, or Chicago), rings (link: Boston), and necklaces (link: Philadelphia). Many stores also offer cufflinks made from original (link: Vatican) and handpainted (link: South Korea) coins or featuring city manhole covers (link: various locations), flags (link: South Africa), and signature items (link: UK red phonebooth). Many tie bars also feature country flags, like these Irish and UK versions. For a personalized option, consider cufflinks or a necklace with a custom map location. Choose one of your traveler's favorite destinations or special places, such as a honeymoon spot or vacation home. You can find pre-made and custom pieces in several Etsy stores - my favorites are this cufflink and necklace set (perfect for newlyweds with their honeymoon destination) and these custom black and white cufflinks.

Handpainted bronze Australian coins - many of these coins were removed from circulation and used in the bronze medals for the 2000 Sydney Olympics (photo courtesy of Cufflinks Depot)

Collectibles: For a traveler with space to display items, think about giving a small decoration or two that reminds her of a favorite destination or spot. Consider country or city symbols or mottos, famous landmarks, and classic representations of a place (like a double decker bus or red phone booth for London). I like this Arc de Triomphe stamp, New York map handkerchief, and these Paris map playing cards. One of my favorite products is the city-in-a-bag series, shown below, that includes several miniature representations of the city. Check out MUJI for more great selections and ideas.

City in a Bag Tokyo (also available in New York, Paris, and London) (photo courtesy of MUJI)

Replica double decker bus (photo courtesy of London Transport Museum)

Photos: Travelers always have lots of pictures from their travels and would love some help getting them into a tangible format. For globetrotters using digital cameras, give credits or a gift card that allows him to print out his photos. I use Shutterfly for my travel pics, which offers three prepaid plans of 4x6 prints - $54 for 600 prints, $44 for 400 prints, and $20 for 200 prints. They also offer other products made from your traveler's photos, including books, coasters, calendars, and puzzles. If he uses a film camera, give him a gift certificate to get his film developed. If he already has his pictures printed but needs a way to display them, give him a gift certificate for a local craft store where he can get frames, such as Hobby Lobby.

Art and Maps: An interesting and quality piece of art is a great reminder of traveling. Think framed pictures (like this Eiffel Tower construction progression), paintings (maybe a reproduction print of a piece he saw during his travels), or sketches (a favorite city landmark is nice). Also consider maps of a favorite destination - you could get a modern version or find an antique map of the area, or frame a map of the city's subway. Etsy sellers bananastrudel and OldMapsandPrints have some great authentic vintage maps at very reasonable prices. For a unique twist on a traditional map, I love Etsy seller studiokmo's handmade city maps - especially her original mapcuts (link: various cities including Singapore, London, Paris, Berlin, and Sydney), original ink drawings (link: Melbourne), and mapcut designs printed on stretched canvas (link: Dublin) and heavyweight paper (link: Amsterdam). Here are some more of my favorites: London and Paris paper cut prints, framed original London Tube and bus destination blinds, world map memo board, city map plates, and country dish towels.

Original 1902 map of western Austria-Hungary (photo courtesy of Etsy seller bananastrudel)

Globe: Every globetrotter needs a nice globe for reminders of her travels and quick reference when planning future trips. You can find globes all across the price spectrum, but don't feel like you have to spend big for a quality globe. National Geographic has a classic quality version for $99, and Amazon has lots of great globes for much less (search "desk globe"), including perpetual motion globes in a variety of colors (they complete a full rotation every 18 seconds, powered by a hidden battery) for as low as $17.77. Of course, you could go for a more expensive model like this Frank Lloyd Wright floor globe ($800) designed by the architect himself or this Lead Crystal Everest Globe made from crystal and billed as "the world's finest globe" ($8000).

National Geographic's classic non-illuminated desk globe (photo courtesy of National Geographic)

Shower Curtain: This suggestion may seem somewhat random, but I have long been a fan of these shower curtains that help you learn a new language. Each curtain includes 100 English words and their translations (and pronunciations for Japanese and Chinese) and comes in Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, German, and Chinese). You might also consider this world map shower curtain or this photo shower curtain with pockets for photos, cards, and small trinkets - what great way for your traveler to start every morning!

Spanish shower curtain with English and Spanish words (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Dining Experience: One of the best ways to recreate a travel experience at home is through food. Take your globetrotter to a local restaurant that serves cuisine from one of her favorite destinations or make her an authentic meal at home. Check out Saveur and the World Hearth Recipe Collection for recipe ideas and Urban Spoon for nearby restaurants.

Travel Box: Serious travelers have lots of mementos from past adventures and inspirations for future journeys, and these items deserve a place of their own. Also called a hope/dream chest or memory/keepsake/heirloom box, this provides a special (and organized) place for your globetrotter to keep ticket stubs, old passports, postcards, brochures, and travel articles. You can go as large or small as you want, but remember that a tiny box isn't going to allow much room for dreaming. Find any kind of box you think will inspire your recipient - my favorites are wooden, but you can get any material with as little or as much decoration and color as you see fit. Take a look at this heirloom box made of reclaimed wood, vintage wooden travel box with leather strap closure, and custom heirloom chest with your choice of calligraphy text to get you started.

Reclaimed wood heirloom box (it reminds me of a treasure chest!) (photo courtesy of Etsy seller artisanwoodcraft)

Map Chair: I've featured this product before but it is well-worth mentioning again. This decoupage chair is custom-made by Etsy seller Bombus (who also makes the atlas journal mentioned in the previous post) in your choice of map - choose a city, country, or the world! It is a true piece of art and makes a great conversation piece for any devoted traveler.

Map chair featuring London (photo courtesy of Bombus)

What are your favorite items to remind you of traveling?

For the globetrotter (basics)

To some people, travel is an activity - it's what happens on their annual two weeks of vacation and provides a nice break from everyday life. For others, travel is a passion. It's what gets their blood flowing, occupies their daydreams, and tempts them to quit their day jobs. If they aren't traveling, they are researching destinations and planning their next trip. Many of their conversations mention travel and they are the unofficial travel agent for their friends who are planning a trip. These hardcore globetrotters are easy to identify and even easier to buy for - that is, once you get inside their minds.

That's where the Gift Guru comes in. I am an unabashed travel-oholic and am here to help you shop for your recipients who share my disease. Rule #1: no matter what gadget or luggage you find, there is no better gift than travel itself. Travel is what we crave, and if you have the means to make it happen, please do. Travel is a great gift for a graduates (especially from college or post-graduate school), newlyweds, retirees, and those celebrating anniversaries. If you can't give a whole trip (which is very understandable), consider giving something toward their next adventure (see below for specific ideas).

When giving to globetrotters, there are a few things to be aware of. First, if you are giving all or part of a trip, make sure it is something your recipient will enjoy and can actually use. If she is planning a trip to a remote part of Africa, a voucher for a week at the Ritz won't help much. Second, assess your traveler's personal inclinations and habits when traveling. Does he follow his guidebook and stay on the tourist path or explore the area on his own to discover local gems? Does she spend time with locals and try signature dishes or find the most American food in town and sit alone at the bar? Does he party all night and sleep until noon, or rise at dawn and go for a run? Does she take hundreds of photographs a day or spend the afternoon reading in the park? Answering these kind of questions will help point you to the perfect gift and keep you away from a largely useless one. Finally, no matter how cool you think it would be to arrange all of her travel tickets and luggage tags into a collage, make sure you have her permission to use her stuff before you do anything with it. Travelers are very picky about their gear and mementos, and what you think would be a great surprise could turn out to be a gift fiasco for the ages. I don't say that to imply that travelers are hard to please (just the opposite actually), but to caution you against using your recipient's personal property without his permission (this is a good rule for all gift-giving, not just globetrotters).

Because there are so many great gifts for travelers, I will do several travel posts, each focused on different types of travel presents. Today we will look at basic travel gifts, followed later by gadgets, home mementos, and miscellaneous (but tres fabulous) items. Whether you are shopping for a twenty-something backpacker or a VIP octogenarian, here are some ideas to help you make their next trip unforgettable:

• Trip or credit: As I said, the best gift for a traveler is travel itself. If you can't give the whole trip, consider giving a gift certificate or voucher for a hotel or a booking site like Expedia or Travelocity. Frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards points that your recipient could use would also make a great gift. Another great gift is a nice meal or activity at their destination. Many major restaurants and museums allow you to buy entrance tickets or meal credit online. Just ask your recipient about his plans for his next trip or search for activities or restaurants for a known destination to get some ideas. Finally, if he is a first-time traveler or visiting a destination that requires additional entrance documents, you could give cash or a voucher to allow him to purchase a passport or visa.
• Luggage: Most seasoned travelers already have luggage but may be in the market for a new or replacement piece, and new travelers probably need some durable and reliable gear. The type of travel is key here - rolling suitcases are great for more stationary trips, whereas backpacks are better for younger travelers who frequently move around. I prefer Kelty bags, and own the Red Cloud 6650 and Kelty Hawkeye Pack (I swear by them both). If it's a carry-on suitcase you need, consider the Balanzza Truco Carry-on, which separates into 3 compartments to allow you to fit it into whatever space you have (specifically, into airplane carry-on compartments). For a traveler with lots of waiting time, take a look at Zuca Sport Wheeled Luggage that includes a seat on top capable of holding 300 pounds.



Balanzza Truco carry-on (photo courtesy of TechnaBob.com)



Zuca Sport Pro (photo courtesy of Overstock)

• Camera and/or accessories: A good camera is essential for documenting travels and preserving memories. Most travelers choose to go digital - instant pictures, no film to worry about, and much easier to carry around. If your recipient already has a camera she likes, you could get accessories like extra batteries or chargers, bigger memory cards, a carrying case, or a different lens (like wide-angle or fisheye). A tripod is also a great gift - you could get a traditional three-legged model, but there are also plenty of smaller, more travel-friendly options. Some of my favorites are the original Gorillapod, the magnetic Gorillapod, and the water bottle tripod. If your recipient likes to video her travels, consider a video camera or a digital camera with video capabilities (most have the capacity for short video, but quality and length of recording time vary).

Original Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (photo courtesy of Think Geek)

Water bottle tripod (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Guidebooks: Most travelers (except the most hardcore ones) usually consult a guidebook when visiting a new place, but guidebooks aren't cheap when you're buying ten a year. A print version like a Lonely Planet guide is useful for everyone, but travelers with smartphones or e-readers can also use electronic guides like apps or e-books. If you want to give a guidebook but don't know your traveler's personal preferences (or even her next destination), you can always give a gift card and let her buy her own.
• iPod touch: Some people might not consider this a travel basic, but I will never again leave home without mine. The iPod touch is essentially an iPhone without the phone or worldwide internet access. However, it has Wi-Fi, so you can use it anywhere there is an internet connection. It also has access to Apple apps (including many of the guidebooks mentioned above, city guides, and even subway and bus maps), a camera, a translator, a calculator, music, videos, and games. The new versions are capable of video chat, making a quick call home very simple and cheap. It comes in 8GB ($209.99), 32GB ($274.99), and 64GB ($364.95) models.
• Passport cover/travel wallet: Nice versions of these aren't cheap, but they are nowhere near as expensive as replacing a passport abroad. Leather versions are classic and provide the best combination of protection and style. But be aware that US passports and many new credit cards have RFID electronic chips in them, which thieves can skim through your wallet. Many new wallets and passport covers have incorporated RFID blockers to prevent skimming; make sure that any wallet you buy includes this protection.

Leather passport travel wallet that can be monogrammed (photo courtesy of Comfort House)

Basic RFID blocking leather passport case from Amazon (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Power source: In this electronic age, powering gadgets on the road is of great importance, third only to having a passport and currency. Your traveler needs the correct plug, voltage, and plug availability, and this is where you can help out. I love Belkin's surge protector that plugs into an outlet, providing three AC plugs and 2 USB connections (USB connections are especially important for travelers who don't take laptops with them but have devices, like iPods, that charge through USB plugs). Pair it with an international plug adapter and a voltage adapter (if necessary) and you have a great gift to keep your traveler at full power at all times.

Belkin Mini Surge 3OUT Wall Mount 75K 918J with USB Charger ($13.49) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug ($0.99) includes plugs for North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Travel wrap: Finally, every traveler needs a multifunctional item to keep her warm and cozy during her adventures. A great choice is something like White + Warren's cashmere travel wrap, supposedly a favorite of Angelina Jolie, which can be used as a scarf, a wrap, and a blanket. Look for an item that does double or triple duty, comes in a color that your traveler can combine with lots of outfits (but also won't be ruined if they spill something on it), and isn't too bulky. I would buy this for either a male or female, though I would choose a neutral color for a man.

Cashmere travel wrap by White + Warren (photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

Coupons

• Magellan's, one of my favorite sites for travel gear and products, is offering 25% off their adventure travel clothing until January 30, 2011.
• Samsonite will take $30 off every $150 you spend online through January 30, 2011 with this code.

Readers, what are your favorite travel-related gifts? What is your favorite destination and where have you always wanted to visit? (Mine are the iPod Touch, Paris, and Jerusalem, respectively.) Share your answers in the comments below!