This is a little different than my usual Holiday guides with ideas for travelers and gifts that give back. This is a practical guide based off of what I’m actually giving, what I’ve found most useful, and what I have on my own list. I’m not huge into stuff that’s going to end up taking floor space in the playroom, but I do have some books and a few items that I know the family will get a kick out of. My favorites are gifts that give back. Specific items are linked for convenience (and some of those are affiliate), but feel free to shop local or find a deal!
For the Kids
One-on-One Experiences
This is a favorite for both parents and kids – an opportunity to connect over something fun. This can be anything from a meal out to a weekend away. My kids especially enjoy the bounce place or arcade. Groupon is always a great way to find fun deals near you or on a trip. Great Wolf Lodge is our most recent favorite, and they almost always have deals up to 80% off on Groupon!
Backpacks with wheels are my current favorite – fast rolling through the airport, and easy carrying boarding a plane or navigating public transportation.
I love consumables as gifts. No waste, and we can make it something they wouldn’t normally get – like a case of Doritos or gummies.
I’m still researching this one, so I’d love to hear if you have something you love. I love the idea of packing 30 books for a trip… without packing 30 books.
Not only are these fun shirts to show your love of adventure, but the proceeds go to help kids with special needs to find their own adventure.
I don’t even know. BUT, the kids get a kick out of it, so there will be a Skibidi plush heading this way.
Our absolute favorite jokes, and proceeds go to entertain kids in the hospital – everybody wins!
A fantastic pre-teen/teen mystery. This was my favorite read with kids this year.
This is my favorite Bible story book for any age. It reads like poetry and prose, with an engaging rhythm, tying each story back to Jesus.
If it’s got to be stuff, at least make it travel stuff! Neck pillows, eye masks, and blankets that can travel small make sleeping on planes easier, and more “fun.” We just tried this sleep nest that inflates in just a few breaths and can be used multiple ways – great for getting comfy on a long flight.
You know they’re going to need them, why not make it fun? These are significantly cheaper at Walmart or the Dollar Tree.
For Dad
This is a must for adventuring families. No more worrying about getting stuck, or accidentally draining your battery while van camping. This one’s small enough to bring in a carry on or stash in your glove box.
Find new trails both at home and on the go with the AllTrails app. Filter by accessibility and download maps for offline.
Back to consumables… DELICIOUS coffee in a variety of flavors from quality beans from around the globe. Make it a subscription and have it sent monthly! 100% of profits go to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Which means every purchase you make is helping change a life!
Gifts for the Family
A Trip
From a day trip to the best Christmas tree around to a week away somewhere warm, time spent together is never wasted.
This is how we convert our minivan into a camper van! $300 for endless new adventures.
If you’re a more hardcore adventurer than us, the Plus would be worth it for the extras of a utility tool, duct tape, and matches. We stick with the Pro because it packs up small and still has everything we could need in a basic emergency.
Admission Tickets or Memberships
We usually stay away from memberships because we’re never in one place long enough, but many science centers and aquariums have partnerships around the U.S.. We lean more towards admission tickets for places we’re visiting. Go City can be a good way to book a few options at once and save money.
Gifts to Add to Your Mom List
I know, I’ve put some kind of trip in every category, but could someone just send me away?? We had an epic time doing a surprise trip as a family. It’s incredible to be able to have someone else map the fully accessible trip. I would also be up for it as a girl’s weekend, or a romantic getaway!
Travel up to 365 days for the price of one night in a hotel by leveraging your home. I already have this, but I’m looking at gifting it to my sister because it’s life changing in being able to travel more.
This has been my favorite travel discovery over the past couple of years, and now I want my own to bring with me. Small, easy to travel, easy to use, espresso maker. I discovered them for camping, but they’re perfect for anywhere – including a quick espresso at home without the bulky machine.
Apparently I’m just looking for ways to keep my coffee standards high. My kids can use this to make my latte, without burning themselves – at home or on the go.
My husband has bought me so many nice tea pots over the years, but they just never stay nice. I’m ready to upgrade to something pretty that I can stash in the cupboard when it’s not in use.
We’re getting REALLY exciting, now. But, seriously, I got an egg in Spring of 2022 and haven’t bought detergent since. It’s good for the clothes, and great for the planet and your budget.
This is another gift that keeps giving. I’m only through the first two levels of the course so far, but it’s going to be years of free travel for the family. (affiliate link)
This app is a yearly subscription that shows you the best mom-rated attractions around the world. Great for finding road trip stops, planning vacation, or looking for something to do near home on a rainy day.
Gear to Get Out There (Disability Edition)
This stroller wagon is what started it all for us. The rugged wheels can cover most terrain, and it seats all three kids.
Hit the most rugged of trails with the whole family with this carrier. Designed for kids up to 80 lbs.
This is what I want, if someone wants to get me something nice! It’s a fifth wheel that attaches to the front of your wheelchair to shift the balance and turn a regular chair into an all terrain chair.
We discovered these from a young lady with warm hands at a very cold Christmas market. Worth it.