Dinogo’s Guide to Supporting Small Businesses

If you want to uplift local artisans in your community or your favorite travel spots instead of shopping on Amazon this holiday season—you’re in good company.

This October, American Express conducted a survey of 8,000 adults across seven countries and discovered that 72 percent prefer to shop at small businesses during the holidays for more personalized and distinctive gifts. Looking for inspiration? We’ve curated 23 travel gifts from some of our favorite small businesses and e-commerce startups worldwide. Whether you’re searching for items that can transport your loved ones to far-off places or travel essentials for their next adventure, we have something for every kind of traveler.

1. Monterey Sling Bag by Long Weekend

Founded by two photographers in 2021, Long Weekend creates bags that are perfect for carrying cameras but also appeal to anyone who loves their outdoor-inspired, urban aesthetic. Crafted from recycled nylon, this sling bag has ample space for a wallet, phone, and even a compact camera. It also features smaller cargo pockets for essentials like AirPods and lip balm.

2. Travel Strap by Cincha

Founded and run by a BIPOC couple from their Oakland, California home, Cincha creates vibrant travel straps that attach any personal item to a suitcase handle, preventing it from sliding off while navigating through the airport. Here’s how it works: just loop the elastic strap over your carry-on handle and snap the buckle around your personal item. Made with vegan leather details, it adjusts up to 45 inches to fit even the bulkiest tote bags. Additionally, for every strap sold, Cincha donates 100 airline miles to Miles4Migrants to help reunite migrant families.

3. Cold Brew Gift Set by Explorer Cold Brew

Airplane coffee is often a letdown, thanks to bitter beans and questionable water. Luckily, LGBTQ-owned Explorer Cold Brew has created travel-sized bottles of single-origin cold brew coffee concentrate, available in gift packs of 4 or 12. To savor great coffee at 30,000 feet, simply mix a two-ounce bottle of concentrate with water (or milk) over ice and enjoy. Plus, with every cold brew box sold, Explorer Cold Brew supports clean water access for someone in need through Charity: Water for an entire month.

4. Vaccination Card Holder by Pelle Leather Design

Although many countries have lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions, some still ask for proof of vaccination for entry, so it's wise to keep your vaccination card accessible during your journeys. We adore this rugged leather vaccine card holder from Ukraine-based Etsy artisan Pelle Leather Design. Its innovative design also functions beautifully as a travel wallet: store your vaccine card on one side, while the other features multiple slots for your passport, credit cards, and IDs.

5. Men’s Waterproof Mesa Moc Toe Boot by Manitobah Mukluks

Crafted by Canada’s Indigenous-founded Manitobah Mukluks, these lightweight leather and suede boots were designed by Diné artist Dewayne Dale Jr., drawing inspiration from the four sacred mountains surrounding the Dinétah (Navajo homeland).

6. The Mug by East Fork

For travelers who appreciate locally crafted ceramics, these handmade mugs from Asheville’s East Fork, made with locally sourced clay, are a perfect choice. The company is run by Alex Matisse, great-grandson of the renowned French artist Henri Matisse, and his wife Connie. East Fork also contributes to the community by supporting various racial equity organizations in western North Carolina through its “Spread Wealth, Shop Seconds” program.

7. Rutherford Beanie by Sht That I Knit

Sh*t That I Knit is a woman-owned business that employs over 400 artisans in Lima, Peru, who receive fair wages for hand-knitting these stylish winter beanies. Crafted from 100 percent Peruvian merino wool, these hats are available in 14 vibrant colors and feature a detachable faux fur pom-pom.

8. Shorty Spice Set by Fly By Jing

Inspired by her hometown of Chengdu, China, Jing Gao launched a collection of pantry essentials in 2018. The Fly By Jing Shorty Spice Set features TSA-approved two-ounce bottles of her beloved Sichuan Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce, and Mala Spice Mix, making it an ideal stocking stuffer for travelers who love to bring their own hot sauce.

9. Portable Solar Lamp by Little Sun

10. Beaded Earrings by Lillie Nell Beadworks

Holly Nolan founded Lillie Nell Beadworks—named in honor of her grandmother—to reconnect with her Indigenous heritage. Each pair of earrings features approximately 1,200 beads and takes Holly two to four hours to create in her Minneapolis studio. While some designs incorporate traditional Choctaw patterns, she notes that since the earrings are not considered regalia, people from all backgrounds can wear them.

11. Taste of Memphis by Phillip Ashley Chocolates

Experience a taste of Tennessee with these 12 hand-painted chocolates from Black-owned Phillip Ashley Chocolates in Memphis. The “Beale St. Margarita” chocolate is infused with Honeybell Vodka and barrel-aged honey lime salt, while the “King Me” chocolate combines flavors of peanut butter and banana. Elvis would definitely approve.

12. Jackson Pollock Studio Floor Mat by Yoga Zeal

Yoga Zeal, a woman-owned business based in L.A., offers a limited edition Jackson Pollock yoga mat that will make you long for your next visit to MoMA during your downward dog. These luxurious mats feature a soft, suede-like surface to keep you steady while you sweat. Even better, they're eco-friendly, composed of 99 percent natural rubber and 1 percent polyester. And yes, they're machine washable!

13. Pine Needle Baskets by Mayan Hands

Crafted by artisans in Guatemala, the baskets offered by Mayan Hands are made from sustainably sourced longleaf pine needles and pajón, a wild grass native to the Guatemalan Highlands. While these baskets can certainly serve as fruit holders on your dining table, their stunning design may inspire you to display them as wall art instead.

14. Cadence Capsules

Crafted from recycled ocean-bound plastic, these capsules from the AAPI-owned brand Cadence help you avoid the hassle of buying miniature versions of your favorite travel toiletries. Just fill each capsule with up to 0.56 ounces of your go-to face wash, moisturizer, or other products from the larger bottle at home. They’re completely leak-proof, too! Sold individually or in sets, each capsule easily connects magnetically to create a honeycomb-like arrangement.

15. Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum by Everyday Humans

Founded by Charlotte Chen Pienaar in 2018, Everyday Humans is a Climate Neutral Certified sunscreen brand. For those who appreciate a clever pun along with effective skincare, Resting Beach Face SPF30 makes a fantastic gift for anyone who plans to soak up some sun this winter. Made in Australia, this sunscreen is free from parabens, sulfates, and animal testing, and it goes on invisibly for all skin tones while containing hyaluronic acid for added moisture—essential during the dry winter months.

16. Out of Office Pet Carrier by Roverlund

This stylish yet robust soft-sided pet carrier from LGBTQ-founded Roverlund serves as a car seat during road trips and meets airline regulations. Upon arrival, the shoulder strap transforms into a leash, allowing the bag to double as a mobile pet bed. Ideal for both dogs and cats, the small size accommodates pets up to 15 pounds, while the large version is perfect for those up to 25 pounds.

17. Trtl Travel Pillow

Eliminate the discomfort of long flights or drives with this Dinogo-approved travel pillow from Trtl, a travel company based in Scotland. It resembles a soft fleece scarf, but inside it features a slim neck-support frame that keeps your head stable while you sleep upright. Plus, the Trtl is machine washable, so you can avoid worrying about germs.

18. Collagen-Infused Lip Masks by KNC Beauty

KNC Beauty, a Black-owned skincare brand founded by Kristen Noel Crawley, offers these rejuvenating lip masks that combat chapped lips and provide an instant spa-like experience. Each mask is packed with glycerin, collagen, bitter cherry extract, hyaluronic acid, rose flower oil, and vitamin E. They make great stocking stuffers or can be included in a dopp kit alongside other travel essentials.

19. Rico Travel Candle by Vela Negra

Is someone you know struggling with a stressful work-from-home setup? Help them escape to the Caribbean with a touch of aromatherapy. Aisha Cort, the founder of Vela Negra, draws inspiration from her Afro Cuban and Guyanese roots for her candle fragrances. The Rico candle features a blend of wild cassis, rhubarb, and sweet jasmine, complemented by top notes of almond, cocoa, and vanilla. Handcrafted in Washington, D.C., using 100% vegan coconut soy wax and wooden wicks, this travel-friendly 4-ounce candle makes a perfect stocking stuffer and can accompany them on future adventures, with larger 10- and 20-ounce options available too.

20. Yellowstone Geysers Intarsia Beanie by Parks Project

The Yellowstone-inspired beanie from Parks Project is not only a cozy campside essential but also stylish enough for everyday wear. Plus, your purchase supports a good cause, as a portion of the proceeds is donated to public land initiatives like the Yellowstone Forever Cougar Project and the National Park Foundation.

21. Golden Hour Bug Repellent by Kinfield

Nichole Powell established Kinfield after facing challenges in finding clean skincare options for her camping adventures. The result is a highly effective, DEET-free bug repellent. Kinfield's Golden Hour formula combines citronella, lemongrass, and cloves to keep pesky insects at bay while leaving you smelling fantastic. Additionally, the three-ounce spray is TSA compliant.

22. Geo Pour Over Coffee by Treeline Coffee Roasters

Tired of enduring instant coffee during your summer camping trips or cabin escapes? Meet the Geo from Treeline Coffee Roasters in Bozeman, Montana. These convenient single-serving pour overs are filled with premium single-origin coffee, ready for brewing—just grab a mug and boiling water; no filters or extra gadgets required.

23. Bertie Baby Blanket by Block Shop

Established in 2013 by two artist sisters, Block Shop is an L.A.-based brand that honors and promotes traditional Indian hand-block printing. These baby blankets, crafted by WomenWeave in Maheshwar, India, using organic cotton, can also serve as a lovely picnic blanket or a cozy throw for your sofa, perfect for those without little ones.

This article was first published in 2020 and was updated on November 3, 2022, to include new information.