Taking the Kids: Sustainable gifts for your favorite travelers of all ages

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Dec 2, 2021

FOR THOSE TRAVELERS SEEKING WARMTH. REI Co-op’s Trailsmith Fleece (they come as pullovers or zipper jackets) are made of cozy microfleece with 80 percent recycled content ($79.95 for men and women).

If that is too pricey, consider REI’s Merino Wool liner gloves ($29.9.9) that are great on their own except in most frigid climes and are made with recycled polyester.

A new waterproof rain jacket that fits into a pocket or lightweight puffy jacket that compresses is always a welcome gift for a traveler. You can layer the puffy under the rain jacket in rain or snow and the puffy can double as an airplane or car pillow. The Torrentshell, one of Patagonia’s most popular rain jackets, is made from ECONYL 100 percent recycled nylon face fabric. Patagonia’s Nano Puff jackets and vests are produced with a reduced carbon footprint and with recycled materials. Get them for babies, ($79) kids ($99) or adults. ($99 to $249) Trade in Patagonia gear you no longer need (or no longer fits the kids) and get a credit!

FOR THE WINE LOVER. The Joyful Heart Wine Company, founded by actress Chrissy Metz and winemaker Nicole Walsh, donates a portion of every bottle sold to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit organization that provides food in crisis situations. (Starting at $16 for red and white blends.) Buy Sonoma County Batholomew Estate Wines and a portion of the profits support the popular Bartholomew Estate Park not far from the Sonoma Plaza. Pour the wine (or your favorite cocktail or mocktail) into Highball and Lowball Tumblers from MiiR that feature a double-wall construction and weighted bases (to prevent spills) that are made from reclaimed materials. (Starting at $24.95.)

Happy shopping!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)