At a friend’s party last week, I was discussing how- when on vacation- all I’m interested in is eating. While I can appreciate a good ruin like the next chick, my main focus is on where and when I’m going to eat. Whole trips have been planned around food. So, I thought I would share my Best Gift list for the Traveling Foodies in your life. The title of “Best Gift” is relative, of course. My list simply contains things that make eating “all the food” easier and more convenient, no matter where in the world you are.
Share in the comments below which gifts you really think are “the best”.
Best Gift for Dining Out while Traveling:
ThermoWorks Fun-Size Thermometer
Okay, besides being the most precious little thermometer you have ever seen, this is actually one of the most functional gifts! It’s not as accurate as a full-size thermometer, but in an “on-the-go” pinch- it’s a great substitute.
Nothing will ruin your vacation like eating undercooked food. I often find myself BBQing at our AirBnB or cooking in my hotel room. This mini-thermometer helps assure me that I’m not taking my family out with food poisoning. It’s small design makes it handy as well as efficient.
Collapsible Reusable Silicone Straws
I have a thing about drinking from glasses in restaurants. In most European countries, straws aren’t a thing. I’m finding the same to be true in some parts of the States these days as well. Because I will probably never get over my neurosis, I like traveling with these reusable, portable silicone straws.
Pack them in your travel bag and you need not fuss with asking for a straw.
Portable Flatware Stainless Set
Along the same lines as my need for straws, sometimes I find myself in need of utensils. A quick, unplanned pit-stop at a kiosk on the side of the road has often left me wanting for a fork or spoon.
When it comes to these portable utensil sets you’ll never worry about soiled hands, just whip out your own eating tools. This set comes with a pair of chopsticks and a reusable straw with a cleaning brush. Buy one for each member of your recipients family so no one fights over whose is whose.
Swiss Army Knife
Always be prepared to slice off a hunk of jamón in Spain, or fermented shark in Iceland. The Swiss Army knife is a traveler’s faithful companion and provides you with every tool you’ll ever need.
Best Gift to Spice things up:
Sriracha Keychain Gift Pack
When we were stationed in Germany, we had a friend named Carlton. Carlton traveled everywhere with a small bottle of Tabasco hot sauce in his hip holster. I kid you not. Whenever we needed a hit of flavor on our European dish, we’d ask Carlton to pass the hot sauce. He never disappointed us.
I knew I wanted to be like Carlton and be every one’s go-to for hot sauce. Tabasco isn’t my preferred hot sauce,though, Sriracha is. My sriracha keychain is a godsend for dishes that need a little pick-me-up. I avoid offending the cook, while at the same time, avoiding disappointment with what I’ve ordered.
Best Gift for your Booze-Loving Travelers:
Carry On Cocktail Kit
I hate flying. If you’ve ever wondered what a hyperventilating, panic-stricken woman losing her ever-loving mind on the plane looks like, just check out my bio pic. It’s me.
I am she.
My fear of heights- coupled with my irrational need to be in control- place flying high on my list of “Things I Don’t Want to Do- Ever”. But, sometimes you just can’t avoid it.
My Carry On Cocktail Kit makes flying bearable. Order the booze during the in-flight service and mix up your own signature cocktail. The Moscow Mule is my go-to libation.
Wine Wings Reusable Bottle Protectors
On our next trip to Europe you can best believe I’m stocking up on my favorite European wines. That said, I need something to protect them from those rogue TSA agents and potentially disgruntled baggage handlers.
These reusable bottle protectors make packing my wine bottle less stressful.
Best Gift for on-the-go Meals
Portable Espresso Maker
I need coffee. Period. It doesn’t matter if I’m camping in Texas or sunning in Puerto Rico. I need my coffee in any way, shape, or form. This portable espresso maker keeps me stable and people-friendly because it allows me to caffeinate and be social on the go.
Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar
We are “leftovers for lunch” adherents. We prefer eating food that came from home over take-out or fast food. This stackable wonder- known as the Bento box- is gaining traction here in the West. Our Far East friends have been using them for years to transport their precious vittles to and fro.
Gift your favorite foodie with their very own Bento jar and help the save money.
Personalized Recipe Binder
Because I love the idea of documenting memories- I try to give gifts that remember them. So, instead of a travel journal, I like to gift my favorite foodies recipe journals. They can jot down recipes collected during their travels and reminisce on flavors and dishes, as well as, experiences. A personalized journal from Enjoy the Wood makes it even more sentimental.
Which of these gifts was your favorite? Any you think I should include? Let me know below, then be sure to pin this for all of your gifting this year.
As a food travel writer, I fully endorse this gift list! The wine wings are so helpful when traveling back from wine country, and I love your recipe journal idea. I hadn’t ever thought about a portable thermometer for my key chain, but that seems like an essential item if you are interested in eating street food or cooking for yourself when traveling. You’re so right that nothing will ruin a trip like a bout of food poisoning from undercooked meat!
I’m so glad to have the approval of an expert! I live right down the road from Texas Wine Country and thought the wine bags essential to our wine trips.
Ok, I’m gonna need your Texas Hill Country recommendations. 😉 Wine tasting there is on my bucket list!
I’m going to do a few rounds of wine tastings. I’ll keep you posted on my findings, Erin!
These are all fun. I dont think I have ever seen a portable espresso machine either! I think I need one.
Don’t we all! They should be standard traveling equipment.
I love unique gift guides like this because it’s so hard to get things for people when it seems like they have everything! The traveling thermometer is pretty ingenious!
I thought so too, Adriane!
These are some great recommendations. Those wine wings look like a great idea for our cruises! We can take wine on the ship as long as it is in our carry on bag. Protecting them without taking up half the space in my bag is always a challenge. I will have to check them out for our family cruise in 2020.
Well, you know that I’m petrified of cruises, but if I ever get the courage, I’ll be sure to bring them, LOL!!
I despise flying too! That cocktail kit sounds perfect for me! The mini thermometer is cute and would definitely be handy to have. Such great gift ideas!
Right!??! Anything to help be come to grips with being tens of thousands of feet in the air!
These are some really great gift ideas. I love a a good keep set!
Me too!