It's Giving Gifts - Been's Version

Is your inbox drowning in gift guides yet? Personally, I’m a sucker for a gift guide and thought it fitting to give you Been’s version of gift-worthy tchotchkes and travel ephemera. Remember, magic is in the moment and embracing the slow down, focusing on the little things is where the joy hides.

This list price averages under $30 and is sourced from small shops, local purveyors for almost everyone you’ll be shopping for (including yourself).

Been is not going to profit from any of these links (no affiliate links were made in this gift guide). Been will profit a bit if you purchase the exciting and exclusive Been-branded products below! This is all a labor of love, consider supporting this work.

If you purchase any of these gifts, please let us know. We’d love to hear what you choose!

For the loyal and coolest of readers, these stickers designed by Geena Sisomphou (an Asheville, NC based artist and designer) are the epitome of cheeky chic. Put ‘em on your vehicle, slap ‘em on your suitcase or sport ‘em on your water bottle. Tell the world you’ve been!

MORE FUN BEEN THINGS ON THE WAY. STAY TUNED. 🫣

For the past six years or so, I’ve been obsessed with this soap brand from Marfa. If you’re into earthy fragrances and quality soaps, this purchase will be one you won’t regret. Thank me later.

This brand is the in-house amenity at San Antonio’s Hotel Emma. Los Poblanos is both a historic inn and an organic farm located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Meow Wolf is a world in and of itself. If you’ve had the privilege to visit one of their locations, then you know. These double-duty deck of cards are a fun gift idea for those in our lives who have caught both the Western and Spiritual trends of the past few years.

You are either very into puzzles or you loathe them. This is for the puzzle fiend in your life. The gold-foil bit seems fun.

For the map and public transit nerds in your life. We are out here and we love this type of thing. Earlier this year, I saw a woman wearing a Paris metro map printed as a button-down shirt, and it inspired me to reconsider maps as design.

Hear me out, this is good salmon and its shelf life is actually pretty long. A friend in Seattle gifted us these boxes and I’ve really grown fond of having this on hand.

Chocolate as luxury. Chocolate bars as art objects. This Los Angeles-based chocolatier is the opposite of boring. Their flavors are experimental and the packaging is a delight (like you wouldn’t need to wrap this gift). I came across the brand in Marfa and am very intrigued by their selection. For example, what does a tomato chocolate bar taste like? Get The White Lotus Aperitif Spritz or the classic Beverly Hills Hotel dark chocolate bar with salted caramel.

Last year I attended a talk and tasting by Fawn Weaver, and learned the story of why she co-founded this storied Tennessee whiskey brand. If you’re shopping for a whiskey person, this bottle is an easy-sipper and is surprisingly affordable given how good it tastes.

We saw these at a wine bar in Barcelona and I still think of them. (FYI: they are sold out, but maybe join the waitlist?!)

Jeremy recommends cheeseball magnets in his Phoenix guide, I can’t agree more. These are fun and easy gifts to give someone.

If you’re lucky to be in a friend group or if you like your coworkers enough to give them something this time of year, these vintage matchbook lots on Etsy are a fun, low-cost way to give a little piece of the world.

For anyone following along with my personal favorite things, I’ve been really into these mini Mercado bags as a daily carry. It’s hassle-free, fun and perfect for carrying just the essentials. These small versions of the traditional bolsa are made in Mexico City.

Not sure if it’s the former Girl Scout in me, but I love these as a concept and as a gift. Created by a creative agency, made for those who’ve really been to New York.

We love a pet-friendly hotel! We also love the Carpenter Hotel in Austin, Texas. While your dog may not be able to read what’s on the ball, they’ll love having a new toy. Get your dog a ball, or if you’re into weird knick-knacks, this could look fun on a bookshelf.

The 1 Hotel was the first hotel where I experienced the immersive luxury of hotel signature scents. These room sprays are worth the indulgence of making your space smell like a luxe hotel.

Proceeds go towards supplying free fresh fruits and vegetables to Brooklyn neighbors.

Protect our public lands while staying cute and cozy this winter.

WCK is one of my personal favorite organizations, constantly doing impressive amounts of good in the world. The recipes and stories in this book are sure to warm your heart and feed your soul.

Public libraries are critical third spaces in our world. Give this tote to your bookish friend and support this Philadelphia-based, Black-owned company. PPW is committed to donating profits to good causes.

The Los Angeles-based streetwear brand is selling a collection of t-shirts supporting street vendors in LA. If you’ve been to the City of Angels, then you know how vital street vendors are to the local culture.

For the next dinner party, a deck of conversation starters around the topic of food is likely to encourage everyone to forget their phones and be in the moment together. This one gives internally amongst your community. 

It is like the original Farmer’s version except adapted to our wild modern times. Be Prepared.

Airo Skincare is a woman-owned brand focusing on travel and environmentally friendly skincare. Easy to pack in a carry-on, these gel eye masks are ideal for brightening and hydrating a post-flight face.

Travel with your stamps! There is nothing sweeter than mailing someone a postcard. These USPS stamp designs caught my eye recently. Goodnight Moon seems to be having a moment and here at Been we can’t help but love the color palette. These illustrated street scenes for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service are collectible-worthy.

If you have not heard of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, then consider this link a gift from me to you. It’s one of my favorite go-to hotel browsing tools when planning a trip.

Going is another great travel planning app and newsletter. Subscriptions can be free but if you know a serious traveler, the premium subscription would make a great gift. Set your home airport and watch the deals arrive directly to your phone. Warning this type of information could be dangerous for your bank account.

For eligible citizens, it’s high time to get your passport whether that is for yourself or someone you know. If you have a passport, make sure it is not expired. Expediting a renewal costs more and why do we need that kind of stress in our life?