Another coffee table book is about to lure you in. With it’s glossy pages and high quality photos, who could resist? Conde Nast Traveler’s Room with a View is a collection of the best hotel room views around the world. After all, it really is all about the view. E.M. Forster would be proud.

More map decor is always a score, and being just a bit map-obsessed, (okay…a lot obsessed) finding the artwork of These Are Things was pretty major.

Their travel-inspired artwork is modern, fresh and unique. My personal favorite is this colorfully cheerful map of Europe.

If you aren’t convinced yet, be inspired by their words: “We’re exploring the world, starting from our tiny apartment in the middle of Ohio. These Are Things is a celebration of where we’ve been, where we’re from, and where we dream of going. Inspired by the many adventures that our planet holds, we hope to share a little bit of our wanderlust with you.”

They’ve also gotten some well-deserved press lately including being featured on Design*Sponge, Expedia, Apartment Therapy, Marie Claire, GQ and more.

This digital era, while sometimes overwhelming, really does help out travelers! Take, for instance, the new trend in digital travel: a personal guide book on your phone. Now you can figure out your itinerary without the bulk of travel guides in your luggage.

Why we like the mTrip Travel Guide series:

• A travel guide with substance: attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping destinations and more with ratings, reviews and image galleries.

• Trip planner: Trip itineraries are automatically built based on your trip dates, accommodation, travel preferences (attractions, religious sights, parks and monuments), trip pace preference and traveler ratings.

• Offline Maps & Directions: Get directions everywhere, offline with no roaming fees.

• Traveler-generated updates – Take the advice of those who know first hand. Travelers can update the guide with their own ratings, reviews & pictures. Updates are made daily and free to all users

• Sharing postcards: Use mTrip’s sharing feature to send your friends and family electronic postcards via Facebook & email. Do it on the go while you travel!

• And the best part: no Internet required and no roaming fee!

mTrip Travel Guides are available for twenty US, European and Asian cities: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, Moscow, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Istanbul, Dublin, Shanghai, Tokyo and Singapore. The guide is available in five languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Italian).

mTrip works with Android and iPhones.

A Beloved Classic that will make the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite Diva – a sister, mother, daughter… or dear friend.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh shares her deepest intimate insights into life, relationships, marriage, aging and so much more in this powerful life changing little book – Gift from the Sea: 50th Anniversary Edition. She teaches us to find solace and inspiration in the simplicity of nature. All our answers to those countless questions can be found through clarity and self examination – as easy as picking up shells at the seashore.

I love this book and it never fails to draw me in for another read. A jolt of enlightenment.

An incredible way to ring in the New Year of Positive Change! Happy New Year & Happy Reading!

Gift from the Sea: 50th Anniversary Edition from Random House.

Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me: A Guide to Living with Impeccable Grace and Style. A perfect holiday gift for every aspiring Diva — both young and mature. A handbook to living with impeccable style and grace!

Style columnist for The Times of London and Godparent to Prince William, Lucia Van Der Post, shares her years of wisdom and insight from across the pond.

Topics & Tips Include:

• How to Dress & How to DeStress
• Looking Great & Staying Young
• Mastering Make-Up & Accessories

A warm engaging memoir-like guide dedicated to mastering and enjoying the journey called life.

Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me is available on Amazon

Curly Girl Designs will Capture your Heart this Holiday Season

Creatively Fresh and Funky themes guaranteed to inspire and delight…are core to the Curly Girl gift line. Curly Girl Creator, Leigh Standley’s whimsical artwork graces eco-friendly greeting cards, writing journals, wall decor, t-shirts, and more. 

You will absolutely crave one of everything! And, don’t miss the perfect diva stocking stuffer - a cute mini snow globe ornament honoring Leigh’s magical mantra ” I am fairly certain given a cape and a nice tiara.. .I could save the world”. You Go-Girl! We Divas are right behind you … ready to share the love with some retail therapy. 

More Curly Girl Designs and Travel Gift Books to Peruse

This season give the gift of deep sleep or at least some quiet time with Sleep Pretty In Pink (for her) and HEAROS Xtreme (for him) premium earplugs!

Sleep Pretty In Pink earplugs reduce noise by 32 decibels, providing relief from any distractions like snoring seat partners, airline engines, chattering teens, etc. Super comfy and soft. And they help relieve ear popping and reduce ear pressure! Nice!

Sleep Pretty In Pink – 7 Pack ~ $5.49 Get the one with the travel case included!

Check our their new app for recording, play back and measuring of his snoring!
www.sleepprettyinpink.com

For his stocking HEAROS Xtreme – 7 Pack ~ $5.49

RENEGADE HANDMADE is a crazy cool one-stop shop for handmade crafts for EVERYbody! Located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood they have housewares, jewelry, posters + prints, plush items, clothing, stationery + more! Owls are hot hot at this crafty store. Check out the daily blog for new items or shop online if you must.

PLUS – put the next RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR on your 2010 calendar!

Brooklyn, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles!

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has got the cutest colored counter set of Warm Winter Cocoas – a gift trio featuring White Chocolate Dream Powder, Deluxe Hazelnut Powder, and Special Dutch Chocolate Powder, plus a darling mini whisk all wrapped up in snowflakes and color coordinated ribbon.

Grab ‘n Go directly to the party for $17.95!
Available at participating Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations and online at: www.CoffeeBean.com  

In general, she’s fascinated by the secret histories of everyday objects and people. I was wondering what books would appeal to her in the same way that those offbeat doc films do?

What secret admirer of mine is trying to decide on the ideal present for me? Really, they’re all perfect. Thank you.

xoxo Christina

more Travel Gift Books