Wandermelon's Global Gift Guide

For The Traveler

From the celebrated leather-bound travel wallet to the must-have passport cover, Smythson is the ultimate destination for the finest luxury travel accessories. Other travel-inspired range from notebooks and journals to chic ways to store your jewelry and photographs while en route.

For The Nomad

Gypset Style, published by Assouline (US$45), is about artists, surfers, designers, and bon vivants who live and work around the globe, from Ibiza to Montauk. Gypset Style
explores the unconventional, wanderlust lives of these high-low cultural nomads and the bohemian enclaves they inhabit, as well as their counterculture forebears, such as the Victorian explorers, the Lost Generation, the Beatniks, and the hippies.

For The Weary

Know someone who needs a well-deserved break? Why not give them the opportunity to restore, nourish and revive with a gift voucher for a Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat package. Let them enjoy Dreamtime at Gwinganna in Queensland, Australia–a destination that will soothe their soul and inspire them towards healthy living. A Spa weekend fully-inclusive package in twin/double Orchard Suite accommodation starts at AU$1140 per person. If a longer stay sounds more appealing, then choose from a range of retreats including three to seven day stays and save 20% off gift vouchers. (Valid for use from 17 January to 22 March 2010 only.) Relax knowing that you have given the ideal gift this Christmas.

For The Music Lover

A festive time of year merits an equally joyful soundtrack and we think we’ve found it in a compilation of traditional Christmas songs sizzled up with a contemporary twist. World music label Putumayo has brought it all home on A Family Christmas
(US$14.98), featuring 11 tracks riffing on classics such as “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” and “Let It Snow,” as well as rarities like “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” all served up by a stellar if unexpected roster that includes names like swingmeisters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, country star Deana Carter and quirky crooner Leon Redbone. Though Putumayo is best known for global grooves, home-grown styles pervade here, with “Is Zat You Santa Claus” getting a kitschy, boogie woogie send-up, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” goes bluegrass thanks to Johnny Bregar, and Martin Sexton re-imagines “Holly Jolly Christmas” with slick guitar-picking.  All in all, it’s tuneful good fun for family get-togethers this season.

For The Communicator

Is someone you know always losing his or her cell phone? Check out CellKeepers stylish solutions for all cell phone, PDA’s or hand held electronic devices that match the myriad of activities people participate in every day, from running and bike riding to walking pets, playing with kids and running errands. (Prices range from US14.95-$49.95). This innovative new form of wearable technology leaves the owner hands-free and able to move about, whether at work or play, while keeping the phone secure and easily accessible at all times to avoid missed calls, including that special one on Christmas day.

For the Techie

No more packing all those charge cords for battery-powered devices thanks to the Powermat Portable Mat Charger (US$100). Instead of fumbling with power cords and adapters, Powermat charges your mp3 player, phone, and other electronics wirelessly. Just plugs the mat into an electrical outlet, attach a rectangular receiver to the back of your cell phone or iPod, and place them on the mat. It even recharges most gadgets faster then the original chargers.

For the Conscious Traveler

Weighing in at only three pounds, the Dell Mini 10 (US$279-$449) makes the ideal travel companion. The lightweight, compact design does not detract from the features packed inside. This mini laptop has built-in Wi-Fi and an internal GPS card.  Choose the (PRODUCT) RED model to contribute to the Global Fund, which fights AIDS in Africa.

For the Organic Beauty Maven

Skin care enthusiast Katharine Phillips L’Heureux recently launched an organic skin care line called Kahina Giving Beauty. After traveling to Morocco, she discovered  the healing powers of the Argan tree, the source of argan oil,  known by many as “liquid gold.” Law dictates that Berber women, many of whom are illiterate, are the only ones who can extract the oil from the nuts of the trees, so cooperatives have been created to provide fair compensation and funding for literacy and women’s rights programs. Extremely high in Vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, argan oil is a rejuvenating, hydrating and anti-aging substance. L’Heureux combines the magical oil with complimentary natural and organic ingredients, thus creating the Kahina products for simple yet effective organic skin-care regimen, with 25% of profits going back to the Berber women. Based on the wishes of the local women, the money raised by Karina sales will build a preschool in a nearby village. Befittingly, L’Heureux named her line Kahina after the Jewish Berber queen, prophetess, and heroine, circa 700 AD, who is adored and revered by the local women.  Now you can luxuriate your skin and help a worthy cause.

For the Humanitarian

When Nelson Mandela served 18 years on Robben Island in a tiny cell off the coast of Cape Town, his prison number was 46664. Today, Mandela stands as a beloved icon for humanitarianism. As part of the 46664 Bangle Bracelet Project , copper, silver, gold and platinum bangles bearing the 46664 number (along with their packaging) are being produced by individuals with or affected by AIDS in South Africa. The jewelry also carries a deeper global message about prevention, social consciousness, and taking action in regard to AIDS. Prices start at US$19.99 for the copper bangle, $199 in pure silver, $5,900 for 18-carat gold, $6,400 for 24-carat gold and $12,900 for platinum. Four bangle factories and three packaging plants employ over 100 people, creating income for the needy, along with funds for AIDS prevention and awareness projects. Order online or call 1-866-984-6664.