A few years ago I shared a list of travel gifts for men, and it was a huge hit. So today I’m back with a similar post! I’m going to walk through all of my favorite gifts for a traveler. As someone who always has jet setting on her mind, I love gifting little delights that others can enjoy during their adventures. I’ve rounded up the best travel gifts for everyone on your list. And I also made sure to include both a luxury and a more affordable option for each gift idea. Wheels up…let’s go!
Every Traveler’s Dream Gift
If I had to choose just one thing to give a traveler, it would be gifting them a trip! While this is without a doubt the most expensive gift you’ll find on this list, it will always be a hit. There is nothing more magical than making memories in new places with the people you love. If you’re wanting to plan a trip, but trying to budget, these tips on how to save while traveling might be helpful.
Best Gifts for a Traveler
I realize that gifting an entire trip is most likely not in many of our budgets, especially during the holiday season. But have no fear! There are tons of great options that are budget-friendly and wonderful.
I dug through my favorite travel essentials and narrowed it down to 13 gifts for a traveler that are sure to be a hit. These are all items that I own, love, and use when traveling. As I mentioned above, I’ll be sharing an affordable option for almost every category, so you’re sure to find something for every adventurer on your list!
Refresh Their Essentials
When it comes to the best travel gifts, a great place to start is with the essentials. These are items that travelers will use on every single trip. While your friends and family might already own similar pieces, I think it’s nice to refresh things like luggage, bags, etc. every now and then. We all know that the airport doesn’t always treat these things kindly, so it’s likely they’re banged up and bruised after a few years.
1. Nice Luggage
Nice luggage is always a treat. Here are some of my current favorites.
Luxury Options: I have been incredibly impressed with my Paravel carry-on. I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’m also now eyeing the checked luggage version. Additionally, I have heard great things about AWAY luggage. Friends rave about this expandable carry-on, which is on my wish list. I always seem to come home with a little more than I started with, so having that extra space would be nice!
Budget Option: We have these Hardside carry-on suitcases from Target for each of our boys. We bought them in 2022, and two years later they’re still going strong! I’m so impressed with how well they’ve held up through lots of travel!
2. Travel Backpack
It’s always nice to have your hands free when traveling. For this reason, a backpack suited for travel is great. It’s typically much easier and more comfortable to carry a backpack versus a heavy shoulder bag.
Luxury Option: I love this chic travel backpack from AWAY.
Budget Option: JB has used this affordable travel backpack from Target for years, and he’s a big fan!
3. Passport Cover
While using a passport cover is optional, I do think it would make a great gift for a traveler. I like using one because it helps differentiate passports, which is nice if you’re carrying multiple family member’s passports in your bag. Plus, having a cover helps to protect it from damage.
Luxury Option: These passport cases with matching luggage tags would be great. You could use different colors to differentiate between your family members.
Budget Option: We use these letter stickers to place our initials on our passports. This is an easy and affordable way to tell which passport belongs to each of us.
4. Toiletry Bag
Every traveler needs a great toiletry bag! I think this is one of the most fun travel gifts to give, as there are always new and pretty options.
Luxury Option: I gave JB this leather hanging toiletry kit, and the quality is wonderful. For myself, my most-used toiletry bag is a Calpak cosmetics case. I love that it’s clear, so I don’t have to go digging around to find what I need. Plus, some sizes are TSA-approved!
Budget Option: This quilted floral set from Amazon is so cute! I love that it includes three separate bag sizes, allowing you to easily keep your products organized.
Inside the Bags
Next up, let’s chat about travel gifts that go inside of these bags. Because after you find the perfect bag, it’s time to fill it up with goodies!
1. Jewelry Organizer
A jewelry organizer is one of those small gifts for a traveler that can have a big impact. Trust me, storing your jewelry inside of a dedicated container is much more reliable than using something such as a Ziplock bag. Nobody wants to deal with the dreaded untangling of necklaces upon arrival.
Luxury Option: This large jewelry case from Leatherology is beautiful and also functional. I’m partial to the croc leather, as it will always be in style.
Budget Option: For only $15, these travel jewelry organizers from Amazon are really cute!
2. Travel-Sized Toiletries
One of the trickiest parts of traveling is trying to squeeze all of your toiletries into a carry-on. The best way to do this is by condensing your products into much smaller containers.
Luxury Option: I’ve been a Cadence Capsule fan for a few years now, and I have also given them as gifts. They are so clever, and this brand has great customer service!
Budget Option: For my boys, I decant into this inexpensive toiletry set from Target.
3. Travel Skincare Set
Showing your skin some extra love while jet setting is one of my personal travel tips. It’s so easy to skip out on hydration or go to bed without your normal skincare routine. Therefore, this travel skincare set from Dermstore would make a great gift. The value is over $400, but with code TUCKER it’s only $85!
Airplane Essentials as Gifts for a Traveler
In addition to what I carry inside of my bags, there are a few items that I always bring on the plane with me. Each of these would make great gifts for a traveler!
1. Sleep Mask
This is a must for me! The darkness helps me relax and also assists in falling asleep.
Luxury Option: I use this DROWSY sleep mask every night, and I always bring it along when traveling. It gives you complete darkness.
Budget Option: This sleep mask provides a similar face hugging feel, for less.
2. Travel wrap
A travel wrap is hands-down one of the best travel gifts to give, in my opinion. They are so handy, especially with the constant temperature fluctuations both on and off the plane.
Luxury Option: A luxurious wrap from Alice Walk is a must, and they come in a variety of colors. They can warm you up in flight and cover you up if you enter a temple while traveling. Plus, they are a chic solution to throw on when there’s a little chill in the air.
Budget Option: The cashmere wraps from J.Crew make wonderful gifts for her. Since they are one-size-fits-all, you don’t need to know the recipient’s size. Plus, they are always going on sale. So, I would wait for the next sale before hitting purchase!
3. AirTags
AirTags make a wonderful gift for travelers, no matter the age or gender. They have been especially helpful for our family. I place them on the boys inside of these waterproof AirTag bracelets. I also tuck them into our luggage, and even use them on my keys when I’m back home!
Unique Gifts for a Traveler
If you’re looking for a travel gift that is a bit more personal, I have a few ideas for this as well. Again, these are all items that I own and love or have personally given as gifts.
1. Meaningful Jewelry
This Jane Win Wanderlust pendant is perfect for someone who loves both travel and beautiful jewelry! Their necklaces are some of my most-worn pieces, and I love the special meaning behind each of them.
2. Travel Books
A travel book about the recipient’s next destination is always a great gift for a traveler. And an added perk is that many of the best ones also make beautiful coffee table books!
The Glimpse Guides are ones that I’ve used and recommend. I always love their itineraries, and they are especially great if you are traveling with kids! If you’re looking for a very specific location, these Wildsam ones might be perfect for you.
3. Photo Album
Something I love to do after a trip with family or friends is make everyone a photo album. I think MPix is the best site for this! These make for such a sweet and sentimental gift.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Travelers
If you’re shopping for travel gifts this holiday season, I hope these ideas have been helpful. And for additional gift ideas, be sure to check out the guides below!
Shop gifts for a traveler
