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Destinations, like people, each have their own quirks and personalities. They change and grow through the years, and the experience they offer can sometimes be so elusive it's hard to describe—one of those you-had-to-be-there feelings. Still, when someone tells you about their favorite destination, it can reveal a lot about their personality. This year, as the holiday season comes around, consider shopping for your friends and family based on the destination they can’t stop talking about (or are dreaming of visiting next). The funds to sponsor a whole trip may not be in this year’s Christmas budget, but these gifts will temporarily transport them to those beloved places.
India
The seventh-largest and second-most populous country in the world, India has many subcultures, languages, and traditions in its different regions. The vast country is known for its historic wellness practices, rich art history, spices, and ornate temples. Those who love India will appreciate the craft that goes into a silk carpet from Kashmir or the good luck of a gold Eternity bangle from San Francisco–based Indian designer Subikksha Balaje. Skincare aficionados will also enjoy creating a beauty routine with products inspired by ancient Ayurveda, such as the Ranavat Brightening Saffron serum. An off-white organic throw is another way to bring a spark of Indian influence into their home design.
Istanbul
Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a major city where you can enjoy haggling in open-air markets, easing travel tensions in a hammam, or wandering among iconic historical sites. And of course, is any trip to Istanbul complete without a persuasive carpet seller inviting you in for Turkish tea? Your well-traveled friend can recreate the experience at home with a Turkish tea set. A handmade ceramic olive oil bottle from Istanbul Art Workshop is an artistic and useful gift for olive oil connoisseurs, while this hammam set—including a Turkish towel, mitts, and soap—will have your loved ones enjoying their own mini spa day at home. If they’re good at directions, they might even be able to retrace their steps with this classic black-and-white Istanbul map.
Morocco
The North African country, with its colorful riads serving as an eye-catching backdrop for Instagram influencers, has grown in popularity over the past five years. However, the country offers much more than social media clout, starting with over half a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites. Morocco is also known for its luxurious argan oil, which can be used in skincare and haircare routines as well as in the kitchen. Lovers of Morocco will be brought back by the fragrant representation of Marrakech in Robert Piguet’s Casbah Eau de Parfum. For the worldly foodie, this cookbook by Moroccan chef Nargisse Benkabbou offers plenty of cooking projects for the new year. A pendant lampshade handcrafted by Moroccan artisans will add richness to any room.
Montreal
This UNESCO City of Design is the artistic Canadian rendition of a European city. Although French influences can be found throughout Montreal, the city has a casual informality that permeates its rooftop patios and bike-friendly streets, a sharp contrast to the rigidity of French society. Montreal has built up a strong hub in the arts, evident by all the small businesses and their creative offerings. Gifts such as Raplapla’s iconic Monsieur Tsé-Tsé highlight the lighthearted quirk of the city, while bkind’s algae face masks allow for a more luxurious way to enjoy the city’s artisan crafts. The coffee cardamom syrup from Les Charlatans is great for mixology enthusiasts who like to spice things up in the kitchen. And since Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world, this Escuminac maple syrup gift set is an easy win—it will create a maple specialist out of any giftee.
New York City
Few cities have held on to their iconic status as firmly as New York City. Memorialized through pop culture, the city is known worldwide for fashion, skyscrapers, and the buzzy essence of metropolitan living. Marei 1998’s faux fur bag is an ode to the luxurious Art Deco era of NYC while Homesick attempts to capture the scent of spring in Central Park through the NYC candle, mixed with oakmoss, jasmine, and bergamot scents. Bookworms will enjoy the powerful BX Writers Anthology, a collection of poetry from the Bronx. For those who are part of the recent resurgence of chess, this black-and-white chessboard creatively incorporates the city’s famous skyline.
Peru
This South American country is perhaps best known for Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Near the Inca Trail is where the famous Peruvian pink salt is harvested, a fitting gift for cooks and mixologists alike. Sandoval Studio’s aromatic incense is made from Palo Santo plants harvested in the Andes mountains, perfect for setting the mood or starting a ritual. For the friend who’s always cold? An alpaca scarf made from sustainably sourced baby alpaca wool.
Tokyo
Neon signage, high-tech design, and ancient temples coexist in Tokyo, the ultimate futuristic cool-girl city. Tokyo fanatics will appreciate adding urban touches such as this neon koi fish sign to their home. Japan’s borders have recently opened, but if you’re not ready to splurge on a roundtrip ticket to gift the experience of cherry blossoms, this sakura sake set will take you two steps closer. A classic sencha green tea blend from Ippodo Tea pairs well with a Bokksu-curated snack box subscription.
