The Loaded Trunk was founded by Jonna Robison, an interior designer with a deep curiosity and passion for traveling the world, connecting with artisans in different cultures and sourcing unique and beautiful objets d’art.
TLT features a curated collection of travel, lifestyle, nature, art and design inspiration for a life well lived.
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The Beautiful Beaches of Laguna
A Luxurious Escape to the Sahara Desert
Swedish Strawberry Cake
Welcome to our thoughtfully curated Holiday Gift Guide—a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and the joy of giving. Whether you’re shopping for the adventurous traveler, the culinary aficionado, the design enthusiast, or the outdoorsy soul, we’ve gathered an exceptional selection of gifts to inspire and delight.
From handcrafted treasures and globally sourced decor to practical luxuries and whimsical indulgences, each item tells a story. Our guide is designed to make holiday shopping simple, personal, and memorable, with gifts as unique as the loved ones you’re shopping for.
Discover curated picks for every passion, from the Travel Aficionado who finds inspiration in every journey to the Armchair Traveler who dreams of exploring from the comfort of home. Treat the Foodie in your life to artisanal delights, or help the Outdoor Enthusiast gear up for their next adventure. For the Design Lover, we’ve included pieces that blend form and function to elevate any space.
Browse our guide, and make this holiday season one of connection and joy with gifts that reflect your thoughtfulness and their individuality.
Happy Holidays!
I love the handsome bags at Will Leather Goods, a family-owned brand celebrated for its craftsmanship, offers this leather and canvas duffle, a rugged yet refined bag crafted to age beautifully. Spacious enough for weekend essentials, it’s a durable, handsome carryall for any traveler seeking a timeless look.
These boiled wool clogs by Haflinger are so cozy and warm in the winter… I wear them all day when I’m working from home. With a comfortable cork footbed, they are ideal for travel because they’re easy to slip off at security and double as cozy hotel slippers.
For the artistic traveler, this leather-bound travel journal is a luxurious and thoughtful gift. With thick watercolor paper and a durable buffalo leather cover, it’s designed to capture memories in vivid detail, inspiring creativity on every journey.
This Winsor & Newton compact watercolor set is perfect for artists on the go, featuring vibrant pigments in a portable case. Ideal for pairing with a travel journal, it allows for capturing landscapes, city scenes, or everyday moments wherever inspiration strikes.
The beautiful Los Poblanos Farm Shop (always the first thing on my itinerary after landing in Albuquerque!) delivers New Mexico’s flavors with this unique popcorn set, infused with regional spices and lavender honey. A gourmet twist on classic popcorn, it’s perfect for those who enjoy artisanal, locally-inspired treats.
New West Knifeworks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, forges this gorgeous 6” petty knife, blending art and precision. Versatile and durable, it’s perfect for paring, filleting, and slicing with ease (it truIy cuts through anything like butter… I love mine!)
Is there a chocolate lover in your life with a taste for adventure? Gift the ultimate chocolate tasting journey with a curated set of artisanal bars from world-renowned chocolatiers. Each bar captures the unique flavors of its origin, from earthy richness to fruity brightness.
I discovered these gorgeous jewel-toned glasses from Dutch brand Polspotten while eating a Christmastime lunch at The Pig at Combe in Devon (one of my favorite places!) With a sandblasted blossom pattern, they catch the light beautifully, bringing color and sophistication to any setting. I have a hunch I might find these under my tree Christmas morning.
This handmade ceramic frog from my favorite potter in Portland (I enjoy using everything she creates!). Designed to hold a few foraged stems, it becomes a wabi-sabi sculpture that celebrates simplicity and imperfection. A sweet gift for lovers of organic, minimalist decor, it brings an artful, Japanese-inspired charm to the home.
Handcrafted in New York, these paper potted narcissus flowers are a unique, everlasting gift that captures the beauty of real blooms. Perfect for adding color and charm to any space year-round, they offer the elegance of fresh flowers with the longevity of art and a touch of design whimsy I adore.
I discovered the Akari light sculptures by Japanese sculptor Isamu Noguchi at the fabulous Noguchi Museum in Queens, NY. Blending art and function, they bring warmth and character to any space with soft, ambient light that creates a cozy atmosphere. I keep one lit in the evening in our hallway for a gentle glow.
A Kiondo floor basket to hold cozy throws throughout the winter is a useful item to have around the house. This one, handwoven in Kenya, is attractive and beautifully made. I love that this Finnish design company is fair trade and the products benefit the rural African women who craft them.
Designed for gardeners, craftsmen, and busy doers, the Steele Utility Tote combines style and function with nine pockets, leather grip handles, and a hands-free shoulder strap. Durable, versatile, and ready for any task, it’s the perfect gift for those always on the go.
I am a big fan of Snow Peak’s unique line (I could spend hours browsing their wonderfully staged store!). The teppanyaki burner brings innovation and style to outdoor cooking, combining high-quality design with functionality. It’s an ideal gift for camp chefs who enjoy cooking outdoors with a touch of Japanese elegance and ingenuity.
I love my silky soft Frauenschuh Austrian-crafted women’s vest. It’s ptimal for layering for winter strolls, après-ski, or adding chic warmth to any outfit. This lightweight vest is a timeless gift for the holiday season.
I bought this rugged waxed trucker jacket, lined with soft flannel, for my husband. Made from durable waxed sailcloth, it withstands the elements while offering comfort and warmth. The fabric develops a unique patina over time, adding character and storytelling to each journey.
Taschen’s Great Escapes series offers a passport to the world’s most extraordinary hotels through stunning photography. Featuring hand picked retreats from hidden gems to iconic resorts, each volume is a visual escape for travel enthusiasts and dreamers, inviting adventure from the comfort of home.
For the friend or loved one who adores all things luxurious and cozy, a sheepskin hot water bottle cover is the perfect holiday gift. Crafted from soft, premium-quality sheepskin, this indulgent accessory transforms an ordinary hot water bottle into a soothing, spa-like experience.
I discovered this historic weaving mill while roadtripping through Ireland. The Donegal Days Throw captures the warmth and heritage of Ireland with authentic Irish wool and a design inspired by its rugged landscapes. This cozy throw is perfect for keeping warm all winter.
Gift the magic of wanderlust with Voyage et Cie’s 100% organic candles, each crafted to evoke dreamy destinations through scent. With a diverse selection, each candle offers a sensory journey. My husband gifted me the Oud Tabac sent—a rich, earthy blend of wood and spice that transports me to Morocco.
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The Loaded Trunk is a travel, design and lifestyle brand founded by Jonna Robison, an interior designer with a deep curiosity and passion for traveling the world, connecting with artisans in different cultures and sourcing unique and beautiful objets d’art. Discover and experience a curated collection of travel, lifestyle, nature, art and design inspiration that lead to a life well lived.
THE
LOADED
TRUNK
I think this is marvelous Jonna. Can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeves. Love you to pieces!
G-Daddy
Beautiful gift guide! I want them all for myself! Thanks for sharing. Lots of great gift here.