Gift Guide: Traverse

When it comes to giving this year, I’ve been thinking of all of the things I/we have already done this year and how might those things be amplified and celebrated. Like many children all over the world, my children have not traveled beyond Maryland and New York for nearly two years. Initially it all felt painful and strange, “What do we do in February now?” the kids asked when the depths of a cold and grey winter loomed without sun and a beach to look to. Turns out, with remote school and purchasing a house, we had a lot to focus on. The absence of our vacation was felt in our bones, but not in a lack of things to do. 

This holiday season, we are moving from one corner to the next with two vaccinated kids and a boostered mom in tow. While not fail-proof, we feel inexplicably more safe. Which is to say, more normalized in our ability to move about. Maybe it is the same for you and your house. Perhaps, the idea of gifting a thing in an apartment that seems to burst at the seams during what scientists are describing as an endemic phase is daunting? No matter what it may be, I enjoyed these 13 tips from CNTaveler on how to travel more responsibly. The list included respecting local tribes, not visiting places experiencing over tourism, knowing the lingo, and of course, paying attention to who’s telling the story. 

In the spirit of all things merrier, brighter, and healthier, here’s a gift guide grounded in this new-found ability to move. Or at least dream of it.

A day trip with a girlfriend for just $25 to experience the recreated apartment of Carrie Bradshaw, or any staycation by feet or by train. Just purchase an Amtrak gift card for adventures near and far.

Coloring placemats made of recycled paper for nieces and nephews who are getting reacquainted with indoor eating and plane rides.

A book for solo days in for one in farm houses by the fire with nothing but the ice cracking on the river. “And when you place your hand on where it hurts, you know that it isn’t there, it’s nowhere because it is non-spatial and, although it has duration, it isn’t in time either, being only in a perpetual present tense.”

A collection of recycled pouches made in collaboration with the MOMA for closets in the spirt of a more organized luggage for your aunt who swears by carry-ons.

GO! An activity book for your curious daughter who are imagining where and how to go just about anywhere. And personal vaccine “wallets” to inspire them to save and explore now that they’re ready!

A beautiful print for your sister to announce a ladies getaway from an artist who is local to the area.

Coffee drip kit to bring along on camping dates for your partner who can have maybe one too many cups in one sitting.

A Keith Haring camera for your artistic child who wants to document each step on one single block.

A cozy popcorn sweater for your mom, because they practically last an entire lifetime.

Pretty compression socks for your friend who has been lovingly spending more days working on her novel than walking.

And a pick-me-up wherever you may be of custom pigments milled in castor seed oil for those that are celebrating a simple walk to their favorite restaurant without a mask these days.

And of course, the ability to move about is a privilege that we are in deep gratitude. You can donate to International Rescue Committee as a gift for those you know and those you do not know. The IRC states, “Your donation helps to provide food, medical care and emergency supplies to refugees in urgent need of aid in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Ethiopia.”

You can find last year’s guides right this way.

Top photograph James Barnor Archives. This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase something, we may earn a small commission. As always, thank you for supporting our small business