24 Actually Useful Gifts for Travelers, According to a Professional Gear Reviewer
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If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves to travel, it may seem like a no brainer to get them something they can use on their adventures. Naturally, I have a few ideas for you.
Why should you trust me? In addition to being a frequent traveler and working in the travel industry, I’ve also been testing and reviewing travel gear for over a decade—from packing cubes to travel clothing, and everything in between. My work keeps me on top of new products and I have a good understanding of what’s actually useful and what’s likely to just sit on a shelf. I’ve seen some lists (from large magazines!) with portable red lights and alarm clocks that, to be totally honest, I’d return right away if gifted. Big ticket items, like suitcases or luggage, are risky too. Unless this person has explicitly mentioned needing a new one, if they travel a lot, they likely have one they like already.
So, without further ado, here are 24 gift ideas for the traveler in your life—fellow traveler tested and approved.
✺ Travel gifts under $50 ✺
Compression socks by Comrad or Bombas
Buy now: from $32, comradsocks, amazon
Buy now: from $30, bombas
We all know the reputation socks have as a gift, but these are not your average socks. Compression socks, like the ones by Comrad or Bombas help reduce achy legs, risk of blood clots, and improve circulation during long flights—something any frequent traveler will appreciate. When in doubt, opt for the merino wool, a fabric that’s naturally temperature regulating, soft, and breathable.
Airfly Pro by Twelve South
Buy now: from $42, amazon
Although bluetooth connectivity on in-flight entertainment devices is becoming increasingly common, there are still some planes that don’t yet have the technology. To solve for this, I’ve started traveling with the AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter, which connects bluetooth headphones to any device with a headphone jack. I don’t always use it, but it’s a tiny, nice to have item in my in-flight kit.
For a gift, go with the Airfly Duo, which allows two headphones to connect to one device at the same time. Perfect as a travel gift for couples.
Silk eye mask by Brooklinen
Buy now: $23-35, brooklinen, amazon
For a lot of travelers, a nice eye mask is an essential to help get a good night’s sleep—and also makes for an affordable yet luxe gift. There are a lot of great options on the market but I’d most recommend the silk eye mask by Brooklinen, which is soft, cooling, and machine washable.
World travel adapter kit by Ceptics
Buy now: $13 amazon
If the person in you’re shopping for is new to international travel, a travel adapter kit makes for a nice gift. I’d avoid buying it for anyone who already travels abroad often (unless they’ve hinted that they’re due for an upgrade). My go-to is the Ceptics International World Plug Kit (also a Wirecutter top pick) because I can pack just the one or two adaptors I’ll need for the whole trip.
Pocket blanket by Matador
Matador is one of my favorite travel gear brands and you really can’t go wrong with any of their accessories, but the Pocket Blanket is an unexpectedly useful piece of travel gear that most people don’t already own.
It’s a water resistant beach and picnic blanket that’s large enough to lay out on at the beach but packs down to the size of your palm. It’s one of the things I always pack for beach vacations.
Compression packing cubes by Thule
Buy now: $25+ for one; $37 for set, amazon, backcountry, thule, REI
You’ll only see one packing cube on my list because this compression cube by Thule is hands down the best I’ve ever tested (and I’ve tried many!). It’s waterproof, sturdy, and compress down the clothes you put in them. Yes, there are cheaper options on the market but these will last years—if not decades—and are worth the price tag for the quality alone.
It’s also one of my favorite things to gift, since a lot of friends feel like packing cubes are just an unnecessary thing to buy… until they try them. I once sent a set to a friend as a wedding present and she said “I didn’t think I needed these but it totally transformed how I pack. Love!”
City guidebook by LOST iN
Buy now: $20-$29, lostin
In today’s digital era, physical guidebooks are no longer a necessity. However, I love LOST iN’s collection of slim, packable, city and neighborhood guidebooks. Part practical list of recommendations, part hyper-local magazine, they read like getting the inside scoop from the coolest friend you know—the one who always knows the best natural wine bar or secret patio worth crossing town for.
In the Brooklyn guidebook, a list of the best rooftop bars sits alongside one for best bodega snacks. There’s an interview with a local chef, a photo essay, and a love letter to Brooklyn’s summer concerts. All of it is anti-mass tourism and very design forward.
If your intrepid giftee is also an avid reader, this makes for a fun gift for an upcoming trip or a design-forward addition to their library or coffee table.
✺ Travel gifts under $150 ✺
Cloud Bag by Baggu
The Cloud Bag by Baggu is my favorite personal item bag. It’s the perfect size as a carry on or personal item. It’s large enough for a 13” laptop or iPad, but small enough to fit under your seat. It zips shut (not always a guarantee on a tote bag) and the outside pocket is great for taking my phone in/out easily.
I normally travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase, so I personally don’t care that it doesn’t have a sleeve to attach to suitcase handles (that makes it more versatile for everyday use too), but I know that’s a deal breaker for some.
Travel wallet by Bellroy
Buy now: $89, bellyroy
In my opinion, the Folio Mini wallet by Bellroy is the perfect travel wallet. So good, in fact, it’s become my every day wallet. It’s compact, stylish, and has a zip-up closure that allows you to stash coins in it—all for under $100. It’s also well-made. I’ve had it for two years and despite some light scuffing from everyday use, it’s still in near perfect condition.
Reusable toiletry bottles by Cadence
Cadence: starting around $78 for a set, keepyourcadence; amazon
The reusable toiletry bottles by Cadence Capsules are a bit spendy—which makes them a nice item to receive as a gift. They come in 3 sizes but, honestly, I only ever really use the small, 0.56 ounces option. I find their large version, designed for shampoo and conditioner, too bulky.
However! I love Cadence for beauty and skincare products. If I were gifting for a friend, I’d buy a set of 4 small capsules (for your toner, cleanser, face lotion, and something else) or 4 smalls and 2 mediums. If you’re uncertain, they also have gift cards.
Iconic foods from your travels from Goldbelly
Buy now: price varies, goldbelly
Most travelers explore the world to try new things—and food is a big part of that. Personally, I also love gifting food, especially when I’m worried about sending a present they won’t ever use. I always use Goldbelly to send fun food gifts to family. I live in a different state, so this makes the whole process super easy too. Some of my top picks include:
A bit of NYC: Bagel brunch from H&H bagels
A bit of California: Cowgirl Creamery cheese
A bit of New England: Eventide lobster rolls
Japanese snack box subscription from Bokksu
Buy now: $90 for 3-month subscription, bokksu
A similar concept to a Goldbelly delivery, for the Japan-loving traveler, send them a 3- or 6- month subscription to Bokksu, a snack box with about 20-22 Japanese snacks delivered to your door each month. There are a few other options on the market but Bokksu is best for adults.
Travel clothes by Aday
Buy now: $150+, Aday
Clothing is always a little risky to gift, but if you know a lady traveler in your life who is on the lookout for great travel clothes, I can’t recommend the products by Aday more highly.
Yes, they’re a splurge but they’re well-made, last for years, and live up to the rigor of travel (odor, wrinkle, and pill resistant; comfortable; breathable; and stylish). My favorite items from them are the Like a Boss Sweatshirt and the Up in Air Jacket (currently out of stock) and any of their pants. When in doubt, gift cards are an option too.
Sock gift box by PAKA
Buy now: $65, PAKA
Yes, yes, yes, more socks. But I’m making the case for PAKA’s cozy, baby alpaca socks because they’re so soft and comfy and unlike a lot of fluffy, cozy socks (i.e. the cashmere sets often listed in luxury travel magazines), they’re functional too. Thanks to the sweat-wicking and naturally odor-resistant baby alpaca blend, they’re just as great for keeping your feet warm in a chilly hotel as they are at keeping them comfortable on a long hike.
Plus, the designs are very winter and holiday-ready and 5% of sales go back to support the weavers and their families.
Jewelry travel case by Mejuri
Buy now: $88, mejuri
File this under travel accessory you’re not likely to buy for yourself… but would use all the time if someone gifted it to you. I love how this jewelry case has room for earrings, rings, and necklaces. It’s been a huge upgrade from my previous, “toss it in my change purse pouch and hope for the best” system.
MagGo power bank by Anker
Buy now: $90, amazon
We use our phones a lot when we travel. It’s our boarding pass, in-flight entertainment, map, guidebook, and camera—so having a full battery is essential.
I always travel with a lightweight powerbank and Anker is my go-to brand for this. If you know the person you’re gifting this to will mostly use it for their phone, then I’d recommend the Anker MagGo series. It’s powerful for its size and doubles as a phone stand—handy for reading or watching videos while in-flight, dining solo, etc.
✺ Gift cards and virtual gifts ✺
When shopping for travelers, don’t write off a gift card option. Although many of these physical gifts are helpful and appreciated, most world travelers would very much appreciate a gift card that helps fund some of the more costly parts of their adventures, like hotels, flights, and on-the-ground activities. Plus, gift cards are a great way to give a gift that matches your budget. Some of the most useful gift cards for travelers I’d recommend are:
Airbnb, for home rentals and experiences.
Kindle, for downloading books on the go.
Hotels.com, for booking hotels around the world.
A specific hotel near where your giftee lives for a weekend getaway. Here are some of my favorites in California.
Airline gift card, like Southwest or Delta. Try to find out what airline they fly most often before buying.
Uber, for on-the-ground transportation in most major cities around the world.
Away, if you know they’ve hinted at new luggage but you don’t know what to get.
A Lounge Pass, if you know of a specific trip they’re taking (and their flight info) OR if they’re a loyalist to a specific airline, like United. I would not recommend a Priority Pass membership.
This article was originally published in 2024 and is updated annually. It was most recently updated on November 29, 2025. Bookmark me + come back next year :)
