PRESENTS OF MIND
Spotting just the right gift can be a daunting task, so we’ve put a little thought into it for you
Business Traveler’s guide to spotting just the right gift
It’s that time of the year when the holiday season beckons and the search for that perfect last-minute gift is on, whether you’re looking for something to surprise your family and friends or perhaps a road-warrior gift to reward yourself for a year well done. Whatever the reason, here’s a diverse – but by no means exhaustive –string of festive gifts from the thoughtful and delightful to the must-haves and oh-you-shouldn’t-haves.
EDDIE BAUER VOYAGER 2.0 30 BACKPACK $99.00
Looking to travel light but still have all your gear organized and easily accessible? The Voyager 2.0 backpack goes from what they call “tarmac to trail.” This spacious backpack measuring 18 inches X 11.5 inches X 10.5 inches has a 30-litre capacity with an expanding overflow front pocket, interior mesh storage pockets, laptop compatibility, and a Nylex-lined pocket for your large smartphone – an essential amenity in the digital age.
Weighing just 2 lbs. 5 oz., comfort is also a top design priority with contoured and padded shoulder straps, as well as an adjustable waist belt and a removable sternum strap. The U-shaped zip opening to the pack’s main compartment makes packing and retrieving items a snap. The best feature of this backpack? A padded back with a sleeve to slide onto the trolley handle of your rolling carry-on luggage to keep your pack secure. Not easy to find a backpack with this feature in the market. Thank you Eddie Bauer! eddiebauer.com
J-PILLOW J-PILLOW TRAVEL PILLOW $33.73
If you’re fortunate enough to fly Business or First Class and be able to fully recline in a seat that transforms into a flat bed, then read no further. However, if you have ever tried to catch some sleep while sitting up, then you’re probably still looking for that perfect travel pillow which allows you to fall asleep quickly and doesn’t leave you waking up with a stiff neck or some other kind of discomfort due to poor support. As a frequent traveler, I have thoroughly tested virtually every travel pillow out there in the market and this is the Holy Grail: the J-Pillow.
Developed by a former flight attendant Gemma Jenson, the J-Pillow Travel Pillow (shaped like the letter “J”) uses a 3-way support system that cradles your neck, head and chin. Unlike the typical horseshoe-shaped pillow which tends to push the neck forward resulting in bad posture and strain, the J-Pillow cushions the gap between your head and shoulders so your head stays upright while you sleep, while the trunk part of the pillow curls under the chin. Particular good for window seats, it is also versatile enough to use in different positions such as sleeping on your side lying down. Machine-washable, the J-Pillow has a snap loop that allows you to attach it onto your carry-on bag. Can’t wait for my next flight! jpillow.com