30 Nov The How Far From Home 2025 Gift Guide: Meaningful Gifts for Memory-Making Families
If you’ve been around here awhile, you’ll know our philosophy: we collect memories, not things…but the right things make the memories even sweeter.
Every year our travels introduce us to new artisans, family-owned brands, and small businesses quietly creating magic around the world. And so, what started as a single thought to spotlight my dad’s Etsy shop (and the cute leopard-print ring he designed earlier this year) has turned into one of our favourite traditions:
The (new) Annual How Far From Home Gift Guide; a handpicked, heart-led roundup designed for families who love travel, storytelling, craftsmanship, and beautiful objects that carry meaning.
This year’s edition is a globe-trotting collection of gifts that feel personal, thoughtful, and rooted in place – the kind of presents that turn into heirlooms, inside jokes, or core memories. Whether you’re shopping for your partner, your kids, your friends, or yourself (no judgement here), these gifts celebrate the spirit of exploration.
Let’s start with a country that always steals a little piece of our hearts…
ITALY-INSPIRED GIFTS – 2025 GIFT GUIDE
For Her – Illesteva Sunglasses
“Chic meets sunshine.”
Handmade in Italy (and France), these iconic Illesteva frames blend artisan craftsmanship with downtown New York cool. Timeless, durable, and designed to suit almost anyone, it’s the perfect pair for gelato days and golden-hour wandering.
For Him – Bialetti Moka Express + Dolce & Gabbana Coffee
“It doesn’t get more Italian than this.”
The legendary stovetop Moka pot paired with a Dolce & Gabbana–designed Sicilian coffee blend. Strong, stylish, and steeped in tradition – a ritual that turns every morning into a Mediterranean moment.
For Little Hands – Zipster Sicilian Summer Pyjamas
“Bedtime, but make it Mediterranean.”
Buttery-soft bamboo pyjamas with playful Sicilian prints, easy zippers, and matching family sets available. Cute, comfortable, and built for sweet summer dreams. Also worth mentioning that it’s Chanel and Elodie’s go-to sleepwear year-round.
For the Family – Alta Cucina Pasta Night Gift Set
“Your ticket to Italy, minus the flight.”
An artisan pasta-night box featuring basil-infused olive oil, slow-simmered tomato sauce, and authentic Italian pasta. Simple, natural, flavourful – a family dinner with big Italian heart.
JAPAN-INSPIRED GIFTS – 2025 GIFT GUIDE
For Her – Harmony Couple’s Bowl Set
“Minimalism meets meaning.”
Hand-painted Mino ware bowls celebrating harmony, craftsmanship, and everyday rituals. Each set arrives in a beautiful wooden box – a timeless gift with a touch of Japan’s serene artistry.
Side note: use code HOWFARFROMHOME for 15% off before 31 December 2025
For Him – Custom Japanese Calligraphy Art
“A single brushstroke with a world of meaning.”
Bespoke calligraphy created just for you, blending traditional Japanese brushwork with modern minimalist design. Elegant, personal, and deeply poetic.
Side note: use code HFFH15 for 15% off before 31 December 2025
For Little Hands – Pet Sculpture Chopsticks
“Mealtime magic for tiny hands.”
Lightweight wooden chopsticks topped with adorable animal sculptures, they’re playful, easy to grip, and perfect for little learners.
Side note: use code HOWFARFROMHOME for 15% off before 31 December 2025
For the Family – Imabari Waffle Towels
“Soft as a cloud, strong as tradition.”
Luxe, quick-dry waffle towels woven in Imabari, Japan – home of the world’s finest textiles. Crafted with century-old expertise for everyday indulgence.
SOUTH AFRICA-INSPIRED GIFTS – 2025 GIFT GUIDE
For Her – Fromborg Jewellery
“Born from leopard print and love.”
Handmade by Chanel’s dad, each piece features genuine leopard-print leather wrapped over sterling silver – a bold, meaningful statement with family roots. You can also check the entire Fromborg Etsy shop for other travel-inspired designs.
Side note: use code HFFH2025 for 30% off before 31 December 2025
For Him – Veldskoen Shoes
“The original ‘vellies,’ built to roam.”
South Africa’s iconic leather shoes – tough, comfortable, handcrafted, and (some of them) finished with vibrant signature soles. A modern classic with deep heritage.
For Little Hands – The Lion Inside
“A roaring reminder that even the tiniest voice can be mighty.”
A beloved story about courage and confidence, perfect for bedtime, big feelings, and little dreamers.
For the Family – Mungo “Vrou Vrou” Picnic Blanket
“Handwoven for adventures under African skies.”
A bold, heirloom-quality cotton blanket woven in Plettenberg Bay. Durable, colourful, ethical, and made to last a lifetime.
MEXICO-INSPIRED GIFTS – 2025 GIFT GUIDE
For Her: Assouline Tulum Gypset Book + Candle
“A sensory escape.”
Boho Tulum vibes in book and candle form. It’s style, scent, and storytelling for the wanderer at heart.
For Him: Mezcaleros Gradiva Marble Set
“Sculptural, soulful, mezcal-ready.”
Hand-carved marble mezcal shot glasses made in collaboration with Mexican artisans – modern, tactile, and beautifully timeless.
Side note: use code ‘HOME10’ at check-out to get 10% off
For Little Hands: Mini Alebrijes (Wooden Spirit Animals)
“Tiny, colourful creatures with big Mexican soul.”
A set of 20 hand-painted alebrijes from Oaxaca – whimsical, vibrant, and each completely unique.
For the Family: Molcajete & Tejolote + Guacamole Print
“Because guac is life.”
An heirloom volcanic-stone molcajete and tejolte (pestal and mortar) for authentic salsa and guacamole, paired with a playful guac-themed art print for the kitchen.
At the heart of How Far From Home has always been this: we collect memories, not things. But sometimes the right things help make the memories sweeter. If even one of these gifts finds its way into your family’s story this year… well, that makes our hearts very, very full.
Happy shopping and happy gifting <3
Chanel & Stevo
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