This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more
Looking for the best gift ideas for a beloved friend, family member, or significant other that loves to travel, but you don’t know where to begin?
Conjuring up the perfect gift idea for a traveler is no mean feat. Some travelers are constantly jet-setting all over the world, with nothing more than essentials in a carry-on.
Some travelers still want the luxury of home when they visit exotic places. And some travelers would give anything just to get a good few hours of sleep on a long-haul flight!
Knowing the type of travel your gift recipient does is key to selecting the right gift for them.
Especially if you’re shopping for the holidays, what better time than now to sit down and get them something you know they’ll love?
Best Gift Ideas for Travelers
Whatever your needs, I’m confident there’s a gift on this list that will light up the face of the person you’re buying it for once they’ve unwrapped it.
To make this list much easier to digest, I’ve assigned the products to the following categories:
- Budget Gifts for Travelers
- Gifts for Frequent Travelers
- Gifts for Business Travelers
- Gifts for Men
- Gifts for Women
- Unique Gifts for Travelers
Budget Gifts for Travelers
Shopping for a beloved traveler, but you’re on a budget? Fear not, as there is an incredible range of fun, practical, and gift-worthy products on the market that won’t need you to break the bank.
All the gifts listed in this section are under or around $25.
1 – Scratch Off Map of the World
Check Price on Amazon
You’ll know that anyone who travels frequently loves to share and talk about all the places they’ve been. This scratch-off map is great for those who have traveled extensively to many countries.
It looks great pinned to a wall or framed in an apartment, and as a gift, it can be a great talking point for a frequent traveler both for when they have friends over and to document their lifelong journey.
2 – Travel Pillow
Check Price on Amazon
Making long-haul flights comfortable is something all frequent travelers are looking for. Hence, a travel pillow like this one that can help them sleep on flights could be a real game-changer for them.
Travel pillows come in all shapes and sizes, and while there are plenty of budget options on the market, take a look at our guide below to some of the best travel pillows if you want to find out more.
Read more: Best Travel Pillows
3 – Carry-On Cocktail Kit
Check Price on Amazon
We all need to take the edge off during a long flight. For someone who drinks, what better way than their very own cocktail-making kit?
Compact and stylishly designed, the kit comes with a holding tin, recipe card depending on the cocktail, spoon, 1/2 ounce jigger, a bottle of syrup, and a linen coaster.
Moscow Mule is just one of the eleven cocktails you can make (alcohol not included), making for a quirky, fun purchase for a traveling friend.
4 – RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Holder
Check Price on Amazon
A passport holder like this one is a great way to organize important documents when traveling. It’s slim and lightweight and comes in a wide range of colors.
RFID block is a welcome addition and will stop scammers and thieves at airports from using card readers to obtain valuable information.
Read more: Top Passport Holders and Wallets
5 – Tactical Pen Multi-Tool
Check Price on Amazon
With this multi-tool, the pen, quite literally, is mightier than the sword. Anyone who travels will tell you of the frustration of not traveling with certain items, only to then end up needing them at some point.
This multi-tool is a dynamic ballpoint pen that also includes a glass-breaker tip for emergencies.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have both a bottle opener and a flashlight built-in. Sporting so many practical uses, and vital for emergencies, it’s a great little item to have on you during your travels.
6 – Travel-Size Laundry Bag
Check Price on Amazon
Both doing and carrying laundry around when traveling does come with their challenges. For the practical traveler in your friendship group, consider a fun and stylish travel-size laundry bag like this one to help them keep their clean and dirty clothes separate.
Gifts for Frequent Travelers
If your recipient is a frequent traveler, you need to think a little more practically about matters.
Frequent travelers and digital nomads pride themselves on traveling with little luggage, so novelty items are simply not going to make the grade.
Solving paint points, or giving them a little reminder of home, is the best way to approach gift finding. My picks should give you plenty of inspiration.
7 – Portable Luggage Scale
Check Price on Amazon
An ingenious little tool that frequent travelers will wish they’d had since the moment they started traveling. The portable luggage scale you simply grip between your fingers, attach to the luggage in question, and gently lift.
Quite simply, with this little gem, your gift-receiver will never need to worry about overweight baggage fees at airports ever again. It’s also lightweight, durable, and will fit easily into a carry-on.
8 – Cable Organizer
Check Price on Amazon
With all the tech people travel with, a durable organizer could be the perfect gift to solve their tangled wire problems in their rucksacks.
For photographers, videographers, and anyone that travels with phones and tablets, just the mere sight of this case will quell their wire-tangled rage.
9 – Airplane Footrest
Check Price on Amazon
A great little piece of engineering that any long-haul flyer will gladly accept with open arms. All they have to do is hang the hammock from the tray table in front of them and place their legs or feet inside.
The memory foam helps keep legs and feet soft and comfortable, while the elevation allows them to move their legs and feet.
Excellent at preventing stiffness, lower back pain, and leg swelling, it’s a great gift to give any frequent flyer who you know suffers on long-haul flights.
10 – Travel Adapter
Check Price on Amazon
A travel adapter is a thoughtful and practical gift to give any frequent traveler. With a multi-hole socket and USB ports, the ability to charge more than one device at a time is enough to get any seasoned traveler breathing a sigh of relief.
11 – Mini Tripod
Check Price on Amazon
No doubt your frequent flyer friends have already got themselves a high-end camera and are busy snapping all the wonderful places they go to.
This mini tripod, complete with 360 degrees panoramic rotation, 35 degrees plus and minus lateral tilt, and a comfortable handgrip, is ideal for taking great-looking photographs on the go.
Read more: Top Travel Photography Accessories and Gadgets
12 – Underseat Carry-On Tote
Check Price on Amazon
For frequent travelers, their carry-on luggage can arguably be their most important piece of travel gear. This stylish underseat tote is designed to be compact enough to fit underneath an airplane seat on some airplanes, meaning they won’t need to worry about storing it in the overhead compartment.
There are many quality totes, backpacks, and other carry-on gear that fit beneath airplane seats, so take a look at our underseat luggage guide if you’d like to find out more.
Gifts for Business Travelers
Need a gift for someone who constantly travels globally for work? Even more so than frequent travelers, business travelers need products that are going to complement their ‘on-the-go’ lifestyle and make it easier.
No one wants a torrid eleven flight to ruin their performance at a thousand-attendee marketing conference. Hence, have a look at some of these gift ideas that would make any business traveler smile.
13 – Travel Mug
Check Price on Amazon
Many business travelers will travel with their own coffee and beverages. A travel mug like this one is a great way for them to enjoy their favorite beverages without a wince-inducing temperature change.
The lid is magnetic, so the seal is tight, keeping the liquid safe inside. Its double-wall insulated, stainless steel body will keep the liquid inside either hot or cold, meaning they can enjoy their favorite beverages the way they like them.
14 – Sleep Eye Mask with Built-In Bluetooth Headset
Check Price on Amazon
This eye mask with a built-in Bluetooth headset will have even the most agitated of flyers calm and sleepy within a few minutes.
The built-in speakers allow you to connect a device and listen to music. Not accessible on all flights, but also great in hotel rooms.
15 – Pocket Portable Charger
Check Price on Amazon
Any business traveler will stress the importance of keeping all your devices alive, particularly during a flight. A portable charger like this one can be a total lifesaver for people who find themselves without power for hours at a time.
16 – Anti-Theft Backpack
Check Price on Amazon
Whether your friend or gift recipient travels a lot for business or loves to film and photograph their adventures, keeping their valuables safe needs to be a top priority when abroad.
An anti-theft backpack, such as the revolutionary XD Design Bobby pack, gives you the space and comfort of a conventional backpack with some innovative anti-theft features.
If you want to learn more about anti-theft backpacks, take a look at our in-depth guide of some of the best anti-theft backpacks on the market.
17 – Zippered Portfolio Organizer
Check Price on Amazon
A serial organizer’s dream, this zippered portfolio organizer comes with plenty of padded pockets to store everything from business cards to brochures.
18 – Travel Steamer for Clothes
Check Price on Amazon
No one wants to turn up to a conference or pitch with creased shirts and suits. Yet, for many who travel, folding your delicate business attire into a small carry-on alone is enough to induce a cold sweat.
A travel steamer is an inventive, great gift to give in such a case. You simply plug it in, fill it with water from a tap or kettle, and let the steaming do the rest.
Gifts for Male Travelers
Despite the fact pretty much all the items on this list are unisex, if you are looking for gift ideas for specifically male travelers, the following products are marketed to align more so with a male audience.
19 – Hanging Toiletry Bag
Check Price on Amazon
For a man on the go who needs to look good and keep his toiletries and accessories safe and accounted for, look no further than this gorgeous and luxurious leather toiletry bag, that can be hung in bathrooms and toilets across the globe.
20 – Money Clip Wallet with RFID Block
Check Price on Amazon
Great if your male gift recipient is traveling to cash-economy countries, a money clip wallet like this one is easy on the eye and slim in the pocket.
21 – Beard Care Grooming Kit
Check Price on Amazon
If your male traveler recipient is a passionate beard sporter, a beard grooming kit is an excellent way for them to keep their beard groomed and smooth while they travel.
This compact canvas bag will fit nicely into checked luggage and can be a great way for a man to keep his beard in check away from his favorite barbers when traveling.
22 – Multitool Card
Check Price on Amazon
How does 46 tools all in one compact credit-card-sized sheet sound? This impressive multitool is a great gift for any male traveler who is going to be spending some time away from home with his favorite kitchen gadgets and practical tools.
23 – Rolling Garment Bag
Check Price on Amazon
Whether the male traveler you’re buying for is a frequent business traveler or is traveling with a suit for a wedding, gala, or awards ceremony, a rolling garment bag could be a great gift for him.
A bag like this one will allow him to pack a suit and accessories with confidence in a piece of carry-on sized luggage so that it can come on the plane with him.
If you’d like to learn more about garment bags designed specifically for people on the go, our guide to some of the best garment bags for travel is worth taking a look at.
24 – Portable Electric Razor
Check Price on Amazon
Shaving is always a frustrating issue for male travelers to deal with. Hence, a quality electric razor could be the perfect give for a well-groomed male traveler to keep their facial hair trimmed and in check, so they look sharp for whatever event, gala, or conference they’re going to.
This travel gift is a welcome relief for any male traveler who shudders at the thought of disposable razors!
Gifts for Women
As mentioned earlier, although nearly all of the items on this list are unisex, if you are looking for gift ideas for women who like to travel, the following products are good choices.
25 – Travel Jewelry Organizer
Check Price on Amazon
Traveling with jewelry can always be problematic, particularly if the jewelry is expensive or has great sentimental value.
An organizer case, designed especially for travel, is a great gift for any woman who wants to travel but is worried about the safety of her jewelry.
26 – Vintage Travel Pack
Check Price on Amazon
If your gift receiver is looking to travel with elegance, then a vintage backpack like this one could very quickly become a beloved travel companion.
Adorned with a beautiful, vibrant floral design, the bag has all the hallmarks of a hand-crafted gift while serving a multitude of purposes.
This gift can help a traveler look and feel fantastic while keeping her items inside safe and snug.
27 – Leakproof Travel Bottles
Check Price on Amazon
For a woman who likes to travel with her makeup, a set of leakproof travel bottles like this one can be a really helpful gift.
The containers meet carry-on liquid restrictions, so you’ll not need to worry about having your expensive perfume and makeup confiscated at check-in. However, as with many travel accessories, be sure to double-check specifications and restrictions before you travel.
28 – Wine Tote Bag with Stainless Steel Glasses
Check Price on Amazon
Anyone who travels to great wine countries will know the pain of traveling with wine bottles, nervous that they’ll get damaged or break in their luggage. Cue a wine tote bag and stainless steel glass set like this one to solve the problem.
If the person you are buying for often talks about the difficulty of bringing wine back from their favorite destinations, take a look at our guide to packing wine in a suitcase for potentially more gift ideas.
29 – Vintage Writing Journal
Check Price on Amazon
If your recipient likes to journal, then a vintage writing journal could be a perfect gift for them to take on their travels with them.
With a brand new journal, they can doodle, journal, and jot down all their thoughts, insights, and discoveries in the fun and exciting places they are visiting.
Unique Gifts for Travelers
Our last stop on our list of gift ideas for travelers takes us to some truly unique and memorable products.
If you know the person you’re buying for loves more than a little novelty, then look no further than these top picks.
30 – Camera Lens Coffee Mug
Check Price on Amazon
Great fun for a friend or family member who travels and loves photography, this camera lens coffee mug has a screw-on lid, meaning you won’t have to worry about any spillage when you’re on the move with your coffee.
The camera lens design makes for some fantastic conversation starters, and with room for up to 13.5floz of delicious coffee, your trusted caffeinated drink will always be hot and waiting by your side.
31 – Keychain Bottle Opener and iPhone Charger
Check Price on Amazon
For seasoned travelers, multi-function products are always looked upon desirably. Anything that can save space while remaining practical on several levels, more often than not, makes the cut when it comes to packing.
This shiny little gadget is an iPhone charger, keychain, and bottle opener, all in one. With an additional carabiner, it can also be easily connected to any bag or rucksack strap, for good measure.
Miniature, lightweight, and great to have on you for those moments your phone battery is going low, you’re looking forward to sipping on a crisp beer, or you need to keep your keys all in one place.
32 – Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Check Price on Amazon
Know some who travels but still loves to fill their bellies up every morning with a hearty breakfast? If so, this beach breakfast sandwich maker is the dream product to add to their luggage before they set off for exotic lands.
The compact three-layer system allows your hungry traveler recipient to add plenty of different foods to their sandwich.
You simply add bread and cooked meats or cheese to the bottom layer, egg in the center, bread at the top, and pull down for some serious toasting. Great for a hearty little slice of home, no matter how far away the user finds themselves in the world.
33 – Neck Massage Pillow
Check Price on Amazon
Now here’s a unique travel gift that will ease the tension from the shoulders of even the most stressed of travelers!
The pillow, which can be strapped to the back of a chair, consists of 3D rotating massage nodes that help dig into those tight muscles and really loosen them up. It can also be used on other body parts, such as the lower back, calves, and thighs.
34 – Personalized Passport Holder
Check Price on Amazon
This gorgeous passport holder, made from scratch-resistant faux leather, can be personalized to include their name and their favorite travel quote, making for a really unique and personal gift they will love.
Best Gifts for Travelers Summary
Whoever you’re shopping for, our list of gift ideas should give you plenty of ideas for a fun, practical, and memorable.
You Might Also Like to Read
- Cool Wine Gadgets, Accessories, and Gifts for Wine Lovers
- Best Tea Gadgets & Gifts for Tea Lovers
- Cool Picnic Gadgets and Accessories
- Cool Van Life Gadgets, Gear, Accessories, and Essentials
- Cool Hiking Gadgets, Gear, and Hiking Essentials
Save and Pin for Later
Are you looking for inspiration for travel gifts? Pin this article to one of your Pinterest boards, ready for when you’d like to start looking for gifts for travelers and beloved friends and family.
Author: Dale Johnson is a content writer, creator, and full-time digital nomad as of 2016. He is passionate about the newest and latest travel tech and gear and is constantly improving his nomadic setup and gear.
Non-product images licensed via Shutterstock