In a season of gift giving, finding meaning amongst the endless options to express your gratitude can be a challenge.  And yet, when someone gets it right, it can be the stuff of legend.  Think about Richard Burton’s 68-carat Harry Winston diamond for Elizabeth Taylor?  Or maybe Beyonce’s Father’s Day Bombardier Challenger jet for the husband that’s always on the go? Maybe that simple 305-foot copper statue France bestowed upon the USA for its friendiversary which still stands on display in New York’s harbor?  But you don’t have to be a celebrity or nation state to make a lasting impression on a loved one.  Some might say it’s the thought that counts – but we suggest it’s the story.

For travelers, the greatest gift may just be a story they’ll never forget.  So this holiday season, we’ve uncovered some unexpected gifts with a great backstory to wow your special someone.  Moreover, we hope the surprising stories behind these local finds will inspire your next global adventure to collect some of your own.  Here are 10 finds to get you started on your shopping - or travel -  wish list.  You can work your way up to the Taylor-Burton Diamond.

For the Chocolate Indulger

From Montreal, Allo Simmone is a sumptuous new-world interpretation of old-world classics.  The premium chocolatier controls all stages of production from bean-to-bar, and surprisingly focuses on healthy, refined ingredients making it the perfect gift of holiday indulgence.

Their star product is the signature Noisettes & Chocolat Jaguar spread. Having won the silver medal at the 2019 International Chocolate Competition in Italy, it features the “jaguar” cocoa bean which was originally cultivated in the Mexican forest gardens where jaguars lived (hence the name).  The non-dairy spread is sprinkled with a blend of Thai spices and is a harmonious blend of dark chocolate and hazelnut. 

Elsewhere in the world, the chocolatiers of Mānoa in Hawaiʻi are sustainably creating their products in one of the most isolated places on the planet.  Acting a bit like a bridge between the East and the West, the local farmers market of O’ahu was the inspiration for the The Manoa Chocolate Flavors of Hawai’i Mini Box.

This set is a celebration of classic Hawaiʻi flavors married with the finest cacao, whereby each flavor connects your taste buds to the stories of ancient Polynesian settlers and commodity traders that define their diverse society and cuisine.

For your Fashionista Under the Tree

Holiday mornings or hotel stays get a little more glamorous with the Avana collection from Hoi An Vietnam.  Having  witnessed the mesmerizing bead weaving techniques of the COTU weavers in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, the Belgian-born designers launched Avana in 2012 declaring the collection “hand-crafted with a free spirit in mind.” Sustainably made by the COTU artisans using recycled materials including silk and glass beading, each item tells an individual story, with no two pieces being exactly the same. We think the Zebra edition  is the perfect way to say “I’m here for the unwrapping.”

The designers of Surarquía have a real mixed bag of inspiration: roots in the vibrancy of their Caribbean homes of Columbia and Venezuela, formal architectural-training, and the Mediterranean sophistication of Barcelona – where the brand is based. 

Look again on your wishlist and somebody needs a bag.  Their tote bags and VIMI collection bags are perfectly neutral and ready to travel with a heavy dose of original charm.  Try these charming bucket bags from Surarquía that look like gifts themselves.  You might not even have to wrap them.

For the Travel Utilitarian

Ask any frequent traveler, and they’ll tell you that a suitcase is never packed without a tote inside to capture the come-what-may on the road.  Charleston’s J. Stark is a wife-and-husband-led team of makers and craftspeople who create timeless, beautiful carry goods.  Their clean, sturdy items never have a pocket where a pocket isn’t needed and are hand made in the South Carolina factory ensuring the promise of simple yet functional goods, is just perfect.  We suggest the Woodbine tote bag – which is always available in a variety of colors.

And nothing says let’s get going somewhere like a dopp kit – and the customizable Ox & Pine Leather Goods Co editions from Texas are made of fine leather and ready for any adventure.  We suggest one for you, and one for your companion, so as to set your travel intentions clearly – and it makes it easier to decide which color is the cutest (hint: it’s Rustic Gray).

For the Fragrance Flaneur  

We’re pretty sure you can find a luxury lavender candle no matter where you live these days, so we found you a pure, natural, handmade and exotic one – from Eira India.  The Eira Lila candle combines calming lavender with the fresh lime, playful mandarin,  with a touch of vanillin for some understated sensuality. 

There’s a whole range of Eau de Parfum with original signatures from the award-winning Parisian-based Nicolaï Parfumeur.  The 30-year old, family-owned business stands out from the conglomerate houses of France with it’s artful and independent spirit.  So loved is the female co-founder Patricia, she was made a Chevalier in France’s Legion of Honor. 

We suggest Bois Bélize Intense - a smoked tea wrapped in an assortment of precious woods: guaiac, patchouli and vetiver, and ending in citrus bergamot, mate leaves, and rose for an exotic bittersweet note.

For the Traveler Seeking Some Sparkle

Eighth Generation is a Snoqualmie Tribe-owned shop featuring the works of tribally designed artisans.  Perhaps your new year’s celebrations would benefit from the work of world-renowned tattoo artist Kira Murillo, of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe.  Her River of Flowers Earrings are waves of mother-of-pearl inlay to geometric golden blossoms inspired by her community's beadwork and regalia.

It’s rare to find watches made by independent makers, but Oak and Oscar has been part of a small contingent of American makers bringing the art of fine timepieces back to the Midwest of America which includes leather straps from America’s oldest tannery, the Horween Leather Company.

Check out The Olmsted 38 which takes its namesake from conservationist and founder of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted is responsible for designing many of the public parks in the United States; notably, Central Park in New York City, and Jackson Park in Chicago.