Let’s find something special for that jet-setting loved one with this list of gifts for traveler lovers.
They’ll be so happy you thought of something that’s really unique to them. From helpful packaging gifts to exciting tech items, this list has something for every traveler.
Skip to a section:
- Beauty Gifts Under $25
- Fashion Gifts Under $75
- Tech Gifts Under $100
- Packing & Luggage Gifts Under $100
- Subscriptions & Experiences
Why thoughtful gifts matter for travel lovers
When you travel a lot, it’s easy to find yourself in a bind. Forgetting an important item or having something stolen can ruin a trip before it even starts. Luckily, you can help solve these annoyances with a thoughtful travel gift this season.
I’ll never forget receiving my first air tag at Christmas years ago from a family member. I had just lost my luggage at LAX which wound up being found months later. It was so sweet of them to think of a gift that helped me solve a problem!
Travel Gifts by Type
Check out these travel categories to find a gift that fits their needs.
Beauty Gifts Under $25
- Collapsible Light-up Mirror: Putting on makeup in a hotel room can go horribly wrong if the bathroom mirrors are crappy. Bad lighting makes things even worse. That’s why a light up travel mirror is the perfect travel gift for her. Pick one that folds up nicely and won’t break on the ride.
- Eye Mask for Sleeping: Any beauty lover knows sleep is essential for slow-aging and good skin. Gift them an eye mask so they can catch some Zs on the plane or road trip.
- Makeup Bag: Your giftee probably already has one of these, but she’ll definitely make use of a new one. Makeup bags get dirty over time and it’s probably not something she’s thought to buy herself. Go for a stain-resistant material or something with expansions and extra pockets.
- Travel-Size Makeup/Skincare: If you know what beauty products they use, gifting them a mini version is a great idea. Do they use a particular moisturizer every day? Find a travel gift set from the brand that includes the item they love.
Fashion Gifts Under $75
- Slip-on Shoes/Sandals: Footwear is a serious consideration when you going through TSA. No one wants their feet touching the ground, but socks usually go with shoes that are hard to get off. Slip-ons are a great alternative, whether it’s slide sandals or a closed-toe shoe. They can still wear socks without fumbling with shoe strings or zippers.
- High-Quality Leggings: Comfy airport clothes don’t have to look lazy. A nice pair of leggings is a great gift to help them balance comfort, function and fashion on their journey.
- Sturdy Tote Bag: A stylish tote bag is great for so many things. In the airport, it counts as a carry-on and I like to throw in everything I need to access easily. I throw in my phone, chargers, boarding pass, snacks and anything else I’ll need on the plane.
- Cozy Pullover Sweater: I feel like plane rides start off super hot then get really cold halfway through. Because of that, it helps having something you can easily pull on or off when needed. Try gifting a pull-over sweater or sweatshirt made of thick, soft material to help them stay comfortable.
- Polarized Sunglasses: I never take my nice sunglasses along with me on a trip. It’s way too easy to lose or break them so I prefer to bring a “cheapie” pair. Consider gifting your traveler a fun pair of sunglasses they can keep in their luggage. Make sure they’re polarized to give proper eye protection in sunny conditions.
Tech Gifts Under $100
- Instant Camera: Give them a nostalgic way to capture memories on their travels. Try to get an instant camera that comes with a starter kit so they don’t have to buy film on their own.
- GPS Tracker: Help them keep track of all their stuff with a GPS tracker like an AirTag or Tile device. They’ll be able to track their items with an app or even play a sound if needed.
- Portable Speaker: A portable speaker comes in handy for so many types of trips. Campfires, beach days and even group bike rides are always better with music.
- Power Bank: Save them the dread of seeing their battery dip below 50%. A power bank is a sure bet gift for a travel lover. Just make sure you know what phone they have and get one with the right connection.
Packing & Luggage Gifts Under $100
- Hard-Shell Suitcase: There are so many adorable hard-shell suitcases that would make an awesome travel gift. Try to find one that fits carry on specs for most airlines (usually 22 x 14 x 9).
- Packing Cubes: Help make packing a little easier with a handy set of packing cubes. These help keep everything compressed and protects clothes from stains and spills.
- Travel Jewelry Case: Here’s another great packing gift. A jewelry case is an easy pick to help them keep their gems and baubles organized.
- Passport Case: Do they love international travel? Give them a sturdy and stylish passport case to accompany their travels. Extra points if you get one that is RFID-resistant so it can’t be skimmed from afar.
- TSA-Approved Travel Containers: Extra containers always come in handy for packing toiletries for a plane ride. Throw a pack of these in your travel gift so they can bring along the liquids they need.
Subscriptions & Experiences
Gift a travel subscription:
- AllTrails: Made for hikers, bikers and explorers, the AllTrails app helps users map and track their routes. It offers tons of helpful features that come in handy when there’s no cell service.
- CLEAR: With CLEAR, your giftee can get through the airport faster than ever before. The program gives access to a special lane so they can skip the line at TSA. Learn about gifting a CLEAR subscription here.
Gift a travel experience:
- America the Beautiful Pass: This is the golden ticket for anyone who loves national parks. The pass covers standard entry to parks managed by the federal government. Passes are available to purchase from Recreation.gov. 2026 passes will be available in January.
- Uber Gift Card: Most travelers are forced to order a ride share at some point. Gift them an Uber gift card and put a little in their piggy bank.
- NordVPN Subscription: Using the internet while traveling can create security threats. Public WiFi is unsafe and new scams pop up every day. A gift like a NordVPN subscription will allow them to surf the web privately with a secured, encrypted connection.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a traveler, there are plenty of options to consider. Go big with a tech item or subscription or mix and match some of the smaller items. Either way, I’m sure your loved one will appreciate you thinking of their passion for traveling.
Want more? Read my latest guide on the best weekend trips in California.
