19 Actually Useful Gifts for Travelers, According to a Professional Gear Reviewer
In this Article…
→ Travel gifts under $50
→ Travel gifts under $150
→ Gift cards and virtual gifts
When it comes to finding a gift for a traveler, there’s a lot of, well, gimmicky products out there. And if you don’t travel much, it can be difficult to figure out what’s actually useful vs. useful in theory.
I travel a lot and work in the industry, but I’ve also been testing and reviewing travel gear for over a decade—from packing cubes to travel clothing, and everything in between—which has helped me keep on top of new products, while also having a good understanding of what’s actually useful and well-made.
So, without further ado, here are 19 gift ideas for the traveler in your life—fellow traveler tested and approved.
✺ Travel gifts under $50 ✺
Compression socks by Comrad
Buy now: from $32, comradsocks, amazon
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.
Airfly Duo by Twelve South
Buy now: from $42, amazon
Bluetooth headphones can’t always connect to personal entertainment devices on airplanes (though this is changing). To solve for this, I’ve started traveling with the Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter, which connects bluetooth headphones to any device with a headphone jack—including TVs on airplanes. For gifts, 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: $23-29, 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).
Pocket blanket by Matador
Buy now: $30, amazon, matador, backcountry
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: from $25 for one; $37 for set, amazon, backcountry, thule
I’ve tested dozens of packing cubes over my career and Thule’s are hands down my favorite. They’re waterproof, sturdily made, and compress down the clothes you put in them. It’s also one of my favorite things to gift, since a lot of folks feel like packing cubes are just an unnecessary thing to buy… until they try them. I once sent them to a friend as a wedding present and she said “didn’t think I needed these but it totally transformed how I pack. Love!”
✺ Travel gifts under $150 ✺
Cloud Bag by Baggu
The Cloud Bag by Baggu is my favorite personal item bag. It’s the perfect size (fits a laptop, but also fits under your seat), 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, 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. 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 nearly a year and it’s still in near perfect condition.
Reusable toiletry bottles by Cadence
Cadence: starting around $78 for a set, keepyourcadence; amazon
My favorite reusable toiletry bottles for travel, the Cadence Capsules, are also 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. It’s a great size for most 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
A bit of Austin: Tiny Pies gift boxes
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. 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. As always, gift cards are an option too.
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.
✺ 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.
Away, if you know they’ve hinted at new luggage but you don’t know what to get.
