The Best Packable & Portable Holiday Gifts

Carry a literally lighter load this holiday season

From the LifeMinute Team

December 8, 2014

Whether you're home for the holidays or planning to travel, no doubt you've at some point had a "How are we going to fit all of this in the car?" moment. And as we creep closer to Christmas, it becomes easier to think Gift before Lift as you rush around doing last-minute shopping and next thing you know you're literally overloaded. So we brought in Market Director of Redbook Magazine Cris Pearlstein who has made some fabulous finds that will wow everyone on your list and leave you feeling a little lighter.

For starters, Cris is particularly charmed by the Pandora for Disney collection. "I love this; it's for all ages," she tells us, "You know, women find it nostalgic but girls really think it's a lot of fun. ... Pandora is really known for their quality and craftsmanship, but Disney is known for their fun and whimsical designs, so I really think it's the perfect marriage." The Minnie Mouse Murano Glass Charm -- red with white polka dots, natch -- adds an adorable pop of color to your bracelet. And for less-color-more-sparkle, Cris recommends the super cute Cinderella Glass Slipper Charm. Cris says, "You can really get someone going on a Pandora collection for as little as $40, but as you know, they're all about customization, so you can add as many or few [charms] as you want to make it your own."

As for gifts of the perfectly portable variety, Rosetti handbags are made to be toted around town -- all are under $100, making them easy on the wallet as well. Cris, a fan of the current color blocking trend, loves the Jolene Tote. "Color blocking is huge for Winter but black and white are two colors that you know are going to be timeless and last you for seasons to come. ... Rosetti really prides itself on functionality, and they prove it," says Cris. To see for yourself, check out the bags' double zipper closures and pockets galore.

As for what to tote in your tote, makeup that helps you make that day-to-night transition isn't just a smart choice, it's also a great gift. Cris suggests Mary Kay Cosmetics for those who like to mix the practical with the fabulous. Mary Kay has added 7 new shades to its NouriShine Lip Gloss collection this season (for a grand total of 21, but who's counting?) "You know that means no matter what color you're looking for, they're going to have it," says Cris, adding, "It has a unique formula of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Aloe Extract to leave your lips feeling super soft, conditioned and moisturized, not dry and chap[ped] the way a lot of other lip glosses can leave your lips feeling after a long day." And to complete your daily mini makeover, Cris recommends Mary Kay's mineral eye shadow quad. "They take the thinking out of it for you; they've combined four beautiful colors that work really well together and can take you from day to night," Cris explains, "So let's say you're starting out the morning going to work. You want to start with the more neutral, lighter shades. Then, if you find you're having drinks after work, maybe meeting some friends, even going on a date, you start building over with your darker shimmery colors to create a more dramatic effect."

As for pack-and-go gifts for the whole family, Cris suggests you hit-up-or-click-on Walmart or Walmart.com and check out Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. jeans for men, women and kids, just $20 each. And if you rank clothes among the least portable and packable of holiday gifts, Cris has news for you: the material here is something special. "It promises to keep its shape all day long," she explains, of the jeans' wonderful wear, "It's not going to stretch out, but it's still going to be really comfortable and it's really flattering, no matter your body type."

Fragrance is also a totally tote-able gift for gift-givers wanting to pop a present in a gift bag and be good to go. "We also have this beautiful fragrance here, Georgia by Robin McGraw," says Cris, "It's $60...and combines beautiful botanic scents like Pink Freesia, Soft Rose, Patchouli and Amber. It has that elegant yet sensual feel, and it's sure to become her signature scent for 2015."

Lastly, what might be the trickiest of all gift-giving: the holiday host or hostess gift. A fun portable pick for either guys or gals is the wine sack from the NFL shop. Cris says, "You can customize it with the team of your choice. It's fully insulated, has a customizable strap and even comes with its own corkscrew inside, all for just 25 bucks. They really thought of everything for this one." Cheers to that!

And one last portable pick, easy to slide into any seat or suitcase pocket: the December copy of Redbook Magazine; it's where you'll find even more super gift ideas. Or, learn more online at RedbookMag.com.

Sponsored