Mother's Day Travel Gift List 2020

The last 4-6 weeks have all seemed like the same day over and over, unless you're working and/or trying to make days special in some way. (We do a weekly virtual brunch and play D&D each weekend and have regular Friday date nights, since movie theaters are closed for our normal Saturday mornings/afternoons.) That said, time has actually passed and Mother's Day is coming up soon - May 10. Just because the world feels like it's on fire (not physically, thank goodness), doesn't mean you should skip getting something fun for your mom. 

Now, more than ever, we need things to make life a little more bearable. Gifts can make the days at home a bit brighter and a way to give your mom (or other moms you know and love) something to lift her spirits. Here are my top picks for Mother's Day in a variety of price points.

Budget - under $50

1. SpectraSpray

There are natural sprays for everything, including those to make your travels way better. Purchase sprays individually, or ones that go together in a Jet Lag Kit or Stay Well Kit. $19.95+ on SpectraSpray - my review is here

2. AeroPress Go

Does your mom love coffee? Is she always jetting off somewhere? Even if she just enjoys camping or needs to free up some space in her home, the AeroPress Go is perfect for those that just want a good cup of Joe at home. It makes amazing coffee, is super easy to use and clean, and fits inside its own mug. $31.95 from AeroPress or Amazon - my review is here

3. Travel Pakt Toiletries

Give them a leg up on packing their carry-on bag and toiletry bag with awesome natural products. Travel Pakt lets you hand-pick toiletries from a great list of amazing companies that make good products and also do good, then ships them in a TSA-compliant zip-top bag that can be packed right away. $5+ on Travel Pakt - my review is here

4. Airplane Pockets

I really hate the airplane seat pocket. Mostly because they aren't large enough for things I want to have during my flight, but also because I've found so much trash in them when I've flown. Get your mom a set of Airplane Pockets that slip over the tray table (covering it with an anti-bacterial fabric) and give them 4 pockets to hold their phone, glasses, pen, snacks, book and whatever else. If you follow me on IG, you've seen these in action on my trips. $29 on Amazon

5. Well Told drinkware

Since no one's going anywhere for the foreseeable future, why not give them something to remind them of a favorite trip or destination, or a big trip they have hopes of. Well Told Design makes beautiful drinkware with etched maps and more. I have a pair of London pint glasses, but I'm hoping to add to the collection soon. $18+ on Well Told - my review is here

6. Belkin Mini Surge Protector

We have several of these - one for travel and some for our house. These surge protectors are so useful, because you can turn one outlet into three sockets and two USB ports. the back swivels, so you can fit it anywhere and then plug in all your gadgets. It has come in handy in those rooms that have maybe one free outlet (read: 95% of hotel rooms) that isn't at the bathroom vanity. Give your mom the convenience of always having enough power outlets. $16.89 on Amazon

7. Bamboo utensils from The Other Straw
When we all start traveling again, even if it's just around town, we're especially going to want to eat out, even if that's just at food trucks. I'm really loving these great bamboo utensils from The Other Straw. Not only are they eco-friendly and nice to look at, but they come in their own pouch for keeping them clean in between uses and TOS donates 50% of their profits to fund ocean cleanups. $9.56 on The Other Straw

Moderate - $50-100

1. Pang Wangle Essential Wrap
Your mom is going to look chic everywhere she goes with this wrap that has an odorless bug repellent woven into its sustainable, impossibly soft, recycled cotton and Tencel fabric. She can use it as a wrap, a sarong, a scarf, a blanket, and more wherever she goes. $58 on Pang Wangle - my review is here

2. Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote
This is a bag I purchased myself for a personal item size bag for the plane. It's cute and fits in under the seat, but I also was able to pack 4 days of clothes and toiletries in it, along with my iPad, snacks and cords. If your mom commutes and also travels, this is a fantastic bag. It fits a laptop, all their goodies and even a water bottle. You can carry it as a tote or you can attach the hidden backpack straps. It's so comfortable and really good looking. $99 on Amazon

3. Barrier Method Winged Mask

Everyone's got a mask or two right now, but Barrier Method was selling theirs before they were all the rage. I always get comments on mine. This anti-bacterial mask is both healthy and pretty and can be used to stay well, reduce your allergens, keep your neck warm, among other things. Gift your mom the gift of health and wellness with one of these. She can wear it to the grocery store and on the plane. $60 from The Barrier Method - my review is here

4. FaceCradle

There are so many travel pillows to choose from, but one of the best I've tried is the FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it. We have the regular version and the lite version, and we sleep like babies on the plane. $49.99 on Amazon - my review is here

5. Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody 

The Parkview collection from Travelon is classy and comes in classic colors. Not only is it anti-theft, but it has an RFID-blocking pocket and tons of room. It will never make you stick out as a tourist, and can hold all your things and probably some of your purchases. Mom's have to carry all the things, and this bag can do it, while looking great. $89.25 from Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% 

Splurge - $100+

1. Arcopedico footwear

I love these shoes. They have dual arch support, meaning you stand the correct way to align your body in a way that takes the stress off your soles, calves and lower back. I have walked all day in my booties while in Scotland and England and my feet never hurt at all. $100+ on Arcopedico or Amazon - my review of Mary Janes here | My review of booties here

2. GlobeIn monthly travel box

If your mom doesn't quite have the funds to travel (or just misses traveling during Lockdown), but loves cool stuff from other countries anyway. Give her the gift of stuff from around the world with the GlobeIn box. Each box contains at least 4 goodies from other countries and they all center around a story. $144 for a 3-month subscription. (The price per box goes down with longer subscriptions)

3. CityPASS

I'm sure your mom already has her next trip planned. Why not help her make it more affordable by giving her most or all of her activities for free? You'll be able to find a lot of participating cities. $50+ on CityPASS website

4. Anatomie Style Women's Clothing

Just because you're not at home and trying to pack light doesn't mean you want to look like a schlub. Stock your carry-on with upscale pieces that are classic and versatile. Anatomie isn't cheap, but it's guaranteed to look good for years to come and help you blend in on city travels and cruise ships. Pieces are also lightweight, so they won't take up more space in your luggage than necessary. Your mom will get use out of these pieces at home and on vacation. $45+ on Anatomie

5. Travelon Heritage Carry-All Weekender

This wide-mouth weekender has so much room in it for a weekend or a week or a two-week trip. It's true! I packed two people's clothing in it for a week in Vegas. Not only is it spacious, but it's also super good looking. Your mom will get so much use from this bag and get all the compliments as well. $115 on Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% - my review is here


I hope this helps you find something cool and special for your mom on her special day. Where's your mom's favorite or dream travel destination?


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I will be monetarily compensated should you make a purchase through any of those links. Thanks in advance!

Staying Well + Prepared with Welly

If you're like me, you probably always keep a first aid kit or just a stash of bandages in your toiletry bag, just in case. You never know when you're going to need something on vacation and it's always nice to have things with you than to have to run out and buy a whole box of bandages when you only need one or two. Welly makes carrying a simple first aid kit in your bag easy and also cool.

You know when you buy adhesive bandages that claim to be flesh tone, but then they don't actually match anyone's actual flesh? Are you jealous of the fun bandages kids have a choice of, even though they don't actually stick to anything for more than ten minutes? Sick of buying packs of having to buy two different kinds of bandages depending on if you need them to be waterproof or not? Welly addresses all these problems. 

First of all, the bandages come in awesome colors, so it doesn't matter what color you skin is. They don't have cartoons on them, but isn't a blue or orange bandage better than a weird peach one? If it's going to stand out anyway, it might as well look neat. Welly bandages stick really well, so you're not going to go through 17 of them by lunch time tomorrow or find one circling the drain after your shower. 

I did the science for you. While in New Orleans, my shoes gave me a terrible blister on the back of my one foot. I slapped a Welly bandage on it, and even though my sandals rubbed that spot all day while I was walking around, it stayed put for two full days until I changed it. Even then, that was just personal preference. It hadn't moved, come un-sticky, or frayed in that time. 

The Quick Fix Kit is an ideal travel companion. It comes in a metal tin, so you won't have sad crumpled up bandages when you finally need them. Inside you'll find 3 packets of hand sanitizer (for when you can't get anywhere with soap and water), 3 packets of triple antibiotic cream (to keep nasty cuts and scrapes from getting infected and help them heal faster), and 18 bandages (9 large: 3/4" x 3" and 9 small: 5/8" x 2 1/4") in 3 different colors. This one I picked up the Travel Goods Show has orange, blue, and forest green. 

You can buy kits and refill packs that come in other colors or patterns. I've seen one with polka dots, stripes, and geometric shapes. They even have children's patterns, like unicorns. While they aren't quite Dora the Explorer, they will last much longer and protect their wounds better, while still being fun and whimsical. If you don't want to be super obvious, they do have transparent bandages. 

Got a larger travel party? Get the Human Repair Kit for your bag. It's twice as big and also includes anti-itch cream for bug bites, rashes and other annoying things. Got a ton of bandages? Pick up the Superhero Supplies tin, which includes 9 Hand Sanitizer, 9 Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 9 1% Hydrocortisone Cream, and 9 Burn Gel packets or the Travel Medicine Kit with 8 motion sickness tablets, 16 pain relief tablets, 12 anti-diarrheal tabs, 12 anti-gas tabs, and 8 sleep aid tabs.  There's nothing you won't be prepared for. 

Welly products can be found at Target, and you'll be surprised by how many different kinds of products they sell. You may have seen their bright, pretty packaging already and wondered about them. They appear to be expensive, but if you think about how much you use bandages and the high quality of Welly compared to some others, you'll realize that the price is definitely worth it, since you won't go through as many for each wound.

If you've got a graduate that's planning to travel or move out, get them started with something they'll always forget to buy for their toiletry bag or new apartment. Add one of these Quick Fix Kits to a new toiletry bag you're giving as a gift Mother's Day, Father's Day, a birthday or graduation. They may be picky about the other items they fill it with, but everyone needs bandages at some point, and these are chic, fun, and über useful.

More details: 

Where can I buy it? On their website or your local Target store/online

How much is it? $6.99 for the Quick Fix Kit

Other specs: Easy to open metal tin that also won't accidentally open while being jostled in your bag.

If you like what Welly is doing, support them by joining them on your favorite social media platform:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Have you ever had to spend too much money buying first aid supplies on vacation?

Disclaimer: I was provided with a Quick Fix Kit to share with my readers, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Review: Pang Wangle Essential Wrap

Whenever I travel, I have at least one wrap with  me. I find I get cold indoors and sometimes in the evening, so it's nice to have an easy layer to throw on. It's also perfect for using several different ways on the plane. I hear you saying "but travel is cancelled!" First of all, it's not cancelled, just postponed, but Pang Wangle has a great wrap that you can use wherever you go, even if it's just your backyard for the next month or so.

The Essential Wrap is created by a woman-owned company based out of New Orleans, where you get a lot of humidity. With these warm, wet weather conditions, you often get mosquitoes and other bugs, making hanging out outside a literal pain sometimes. Pang Wangle knows you want to look good, and also be bug-free. The Essential Wrap has Insect Shield Bug Repellent bound to their lightweight, soft fabric, meaning you never have to carry bug spray with you again.

The meaning of Pang Wangle is “To live or go along cheerfully in spite of minor misfortunes.” Bugs are a natural part of the outdoors, but now you don't have to worry about them when you have your Essential Wrap. You're wearing a product made of eco-friendly fabrics, plus you're saving the environment in a second way by doing away with poisons that you leave behind when you spray repellent. These sprays aren't good for your skin either, and they always smell, even the natural ones. 

Save space in your liquids bag for the essentials and leave the bug repellent where it belongs: at the store. Pang Wangle only uses natural and renewable fabrics, making this the ultimate green travel accessory. 

Apparently, these are what pics look like when the sun is directly in your eyes.

The Essential Wrap is large (a full 6-feet long), giving you a multitude of ways to wear it. I love a versatile item and this is definitely it. I tried it several different ways and there are even more ways to style it. Wear it as a traditional scarf, a wrap, a head cover (for those churches you might be entering), a hair scarf, a sarong, and even a crop top. It has no odor, but the bugs will still stay away. Not just mosquitoes, but also ticks, flies, fleas, chiggers, ants and midges, so you're protected anywhere you go. 

If you're wearing it in a hot and/or muggy climate, the fabric is both breathable and moisture-wicking, so you won't find it sticking to you when you're sweaty and hot. That's really the worst part about trying to wear a scarf or long sleeves while you're out in less-than-favorable weather conditions. This means anywhere from a swamp tour in Louisiana to a tromp through the rainforest in South America to a safari trip in Africa.

I adore companies that are trying to make the world a better place, and Pang Wangle is doing more than their part. Not only are they using the best fabrics, but they're also using eco-friendly practices on them. You're also keeping unwanted chemicals out of our environment, which is especially important in struggling ecosystems, where they ask that you only use reef-safe sunscreens and other important things you need for your trip. While there are all-natural forms of bug repellents, wouldn't it be even better to not have to bring any at all? 

I apologize for the general awkwardness and quality of this pic

If you go to outdoor concerts, you're covered. If you're sitting outside watching a movie in your backyard, you're covered. If you're roasting marshmallows while out camping, you're covered. Not only that, but you're going to look stylish, and you're also going to feel good too. I'm excited to use this on my next trip to Orlando, but I'm also thrilled to wear it in the chilly movie theater. 

The fabric is lightweight, meaning you can totally wear it in the summer without adding a heavy protective layer. Then in the winter or cooler temps, you can double up the length to create a more substantial scarf to keep you warm. It's a fantastic wrap that looks effortlessly chic that you can just as easily wear with a dress as you can with a pair of shorts. It'll fit in your carry-on without taking up too much space, or you can wear it instead of packing it and not feel weighed down with extra stuff.

Not only does this wrap have no detectable odor (and I would be the first to pick up on it, as I have a pretty sensitive nose), but it also lasts 70 or more washes, so you're going to have bug repellency for quite a long time, especially when you think about how much you wash your current wraps/scarves. And when it loses its magic, it's still going to be one of the best looking wraps you own that you'll keep coming back to. 

I love this wrap so much, that it's going to be one of my new go-to gifts for ladies I know. Mother's Day is coming up, and even if travel isn't happening right now, it will be in the future (probably sooner than we expect) and it can be worn to the farmers' market and while out doing yard work in the meantime. Graduations are coming up soon, and there are other scarves that are more suitable for men to rock, too, so everyone is (literally) covered.

More details:

Where can I buy it? On the Pang Wangle website

How much is it? $58

What colors does it come in? Sandshell (shown) | Rust | Black | Faded Denim

Other details: 29" wide, 55% recycled cotton & 45% tencel fabric, hypoallergenic. Packaging is made of 100% recycled materials, poly bags are biodegradable, made in the USA. 

Love Pang Wangle's vibe and how they're saving you and the environment? Follow them on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

What's the "buggiest" place you've ever visited where this would have come in super handy?

Disclaimer: I was provided with the Essential Scarf for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.