These Gifts for Travelers Will Add a Bit of Fun to Every Journey
These Gifts for Travelers Will Add a Bit of Fun to Every Journey
It’s been said that “not all who wander are lost.” After all, we all know someone whose wanderlust has led them on some incredible journeys — the kind of experiences that make you feel more enriched just by hearing them recount them.
So how do you give a gift to a person who's always on the go? Gifts for travelers can be a great way, not just to aid their intrepid lifestyle, but to let them know that you're still with them, even when you're continents apart. Travel gifts can serve different purposes for the globetrotter in your life. Some, like travel guides, can help them plan their next adventure. Practical gifts, like travel backpacks or packing cubes, will be the kind they'll be thanking you for mid-trip, as their prized possessions survive the perilous journey unscathed. While others, like photo displays or maps, can help them chronicle their past travels in a meaningful way they'll remember forever.
The best gift that traveling gives all of us is the memories we take home with us. Your gift to the traveler in your life is to help them make the best memories they possibly can so that, in some small way, you're a part of that journey too.
1) Scratch Map
UncommonGoods
uncommongoods.com
$26.00
Looking for a creative way for your friend to track their travels from around the world? This scratch-off map doubles as a piece of artwork that’ll show off all the places they’ve visited, whether it’s Seattle or Singapore. Plus, if they're a completionist, seeing those unscratched countries may get them to explore new places they'd never thought to go!
Read More: 30 Travel Essentials For Your Long-Awaited Summer Getaway
2) Harper Crossbody Bag
K. Carroll
amazon.com
$24.99
This adorable (and affordable!) small purse, named one of Oprah's Favorite Things, is perfect for traveling. Made of vegan leather, it holds all the essentials, such as your phone, credit cards, and cash. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors and patterns, and can be worn across the body or on your belt.
3) Universal Travel Adapter
Epicka
amazon.com
$22.99
It may not be the most romantic travel gift, but frequent travelers definitely are always in need of a good adapter.
This all-in-one model works in almost every country (you can easily change prongs with a flip of a switch), charges up to five devices at once, has a built-in safety fuse, and comes in shades like grey, rose gold, or white.
4) Hyper-Lite Travel Packing Cubes (5pc Set)
eBags
amazon.com
$41.99
For the traveler in your life who just can't seem to keep their suitcase in order, gift them a set of these durable yet lightweight nylon packing cubes. Their spring-loaded frames help the cubes keep their shape when they inevitably fill their luggage to the brim, all while keeping their newly organized contents safe.
5) Tassels Jewelry Box
Vlando
amazon.com
$15.99
Which jewelry-loving travel-mad gal wouldn't appreciate this super portable jewelry box from Vlando? She can keep all her favorite rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings organized and in one handy place. Plus, there's a small mirror, so she can check out her look.
Whether stored in a glove compartment, handbag, or hotel safe, it's a great way to keep valuables in one place.
6) Black Cat Luggage Tag
Kate Spade New York
amazon.com
$14.70
Lost luggage is a terrible way to start or end a trip. Make sure they never mistake their bag for another again by adding a luggage tag to make it stand out. Sure, a quick ribbon tied to a handle could work in a pinch, but this cute Kate Spade tag can add a touch of class to the trips where they're stuck in coach.
7) The Collapsible Bottle
Que Bottle
quebottle.com
$19.95
Staying hydrated during travel is pretty darn important, you guys. This water bottle is the absolute best for traveling because it collapses super small to fit easily into your carry-on.
Head to the water fountain after you're through security, expand it out to full size, and make sure to drink up!
8) Gray Ballistic Garment Weekender Bag
Hook & Albert
hookandalbert.com
$485.00
This big-ticket item could be a dream gift for anyone who travels a lot for work. The bag can store an outfit that needs to be transported with care and then folds up to pack away anything else you might need for a few days of travel.
The cost might really dig into your gift budget, but finding the perfect gift is priceless.
9) 100 Places That Will Change Your Life
National Geographic
amazon.com
$14.99
For over a century, the pages of National Geographic have provided stories and images about the far reaches of the globe, allowing readers to visit new regions, if just in their minds.
Now, your intrepid traveler friend can use those same pages to inspire their next real-life trip, in this sprawling collection of life-changing destinations, from the iconic to the hidden gems.
10) Wunderlust Belt Bag
lululemon
lululemon.com
$58.00
Look, you certainly don't need us to explain why a Lululemon bag is a notable gift to give. But in this case, it's more than just stylish. This Wunderlust bag is designed for those who embrace their wanderlust, with a comfortable design that's contoured to their body, whether worn cross-body or around the waist.
Plus, its waterproof material means it's great for adventures or just a night out.
11) Custom Cityscape Ring
AnaviaDesign
etsy.com
$29.69
Does your traveling giftee have a special city that, though they left years ago, has never truly left their hearts? This custom-made ring recreates the iconic skyline of their favorite destination in silver, gold, or rose gold for a truly unique travel gift that they'll treasure.
There are options for 32 different U.S. cities, as well as 38 other destinations from around the world, from Sao Paulo to St. Petersburg.
12) USA Photo Map
ThunderBunnyLabs
etsy.com
$89.00
With 50 different states currently part of the United States, encompassing a rich array of ecological, sociological, and cultural diversity.
Here's a way for those travelers working their way through the USA to display their favorite photos from every state, highlighting what landmarks and hidden gems made each location stand out.
13) ‘Between Meals: An Appetite for Paris’ by A.J. Liebling
North Point Press
amazon.com
$11.99
For the travel enthusiast who knows tastebuds are just as crucial as eyes and ears when making memories, this French food memoir is a delicious recollection of meals in one of the food capitols of the world.
14) Passport & Vaccination Card Holder
JMTcollectionsByMary
etsy.com
$8.99
Travel in the modern world, particularly international travel, requires its fair share of crucial documentation. Yet, for some reason, the most crucial of those documents, passports and vaccine cards, are prone to damage and displacement.
Help ensure your giftee isn't stranded without the paperwork they need with this simple, colorful passport and vaccine card holder, which help keep their documents safe, secure, and easily accessible.
15) 'Down and Out in Paris and London' by George Orwell
Collins Classics
amazon.com
$7.22
Celebrated food and travel writer Anthony Bourdain once dubbed Orwell “the font of all wisdom.” In Down and Out in Paris and London, Orwell wrote about his experiences in a life of poverty.
Masterfully realized and beautifully written, Orwell's work serves as an important reminder to those who travel that even the most shining cities are homes to real people with real struggles every day.
16) Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles
All Birds
allbirds.com
$145.00
Whether their travels take them to unpaved paths, busy city sidewalks, or endless queues in theme parks, there's always a lot of walking and standing around involved. Make sure their feet are fully prepared to withstand the journey with these comfortable wool kicks from Allbirds.
Designed with wet weather in mind, they feature a bio-based water repellent shield to keep feet dry in damp conditions. Plus, they're so comfy that your giftee may not even bother with the traditional "kick off your shoes as soon as you walk in the hotel room" this time.
17) Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
Amazon
amazon.com
$69.99
Having a few good books to read is an essential part of travel, so the Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect gift. A single battery charge lasts for weeks, and there's a built-in adjustable light and no screen glare — even in bright sunlight.
No matter where they are, whether it's the beach or the mountains, they'll be able to catch up on reading.
18) Professional Weekender Carry-On Backpack
eBags
amazon.com
$89.99
Here's something for those hyper-organized travelers. This backpack has a compartment for pretty much everything you need in your carry-on.
The best part just might be the TSA-approved ScanSmart lay-flat technology that lets you avoid having to remove your laptop or other electronic devices from the bag to get through security — a definite game-changer!
19) SRS-XB33 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Sony
amazon.com
$128.00
It's always nice to be able to listen to your favorite tunes during your travels, making a portable speaker the perfect gift for music-loving travelers.
We spent weeks testing the best waterproof bluetooth speakers on the market, and our top pick is absolutely the Sony SRS-XB33. With a robust, 24-hour battery life and a durable, waterproof build, this will keep them rocking, wherever their travels take them.
20) Wonderboom Waterproof Speaker
Ultimate Ears
amazon.com
$90.00
It's always nice to be able to listen to your favorite tunes during your travels, so this Ultimate Ears Wonderboom portable speaker is the ideal gift for music lovers. This must-have packing list item comes in bold colors, has a 10-hour battery life, and its circular design allows for 360-degree sound.
Plus, it's waterproof — making it the perfect gift for travelers about to embark on a pool or beach vacation.
21) The Carry-On Cocktail Kit
W&P
amazon.com
$20.84
Go ahead, take the edge off! For a boozy boost, this carry-on cocktail kit is the perfect gift for travelers. It comes in a variety of classic cocktail flavors and can be used to really kick the mini bottles of alcohol you can purchase on the plane up a notch.
22) National Parks Explorer Map
Uncommon Goods
uncommongoods.com
$40.00
Calling all nature lovers! This awesome map allows you to chart every national park you've visited using the included tree sticker kit and a corresponding list of parks at the bottom. Place a tree on the map after you visit for a creative way of charting and tracking all your adventures.
23) Pack This! Pad
Knock Knock
amazon.com
7.00
Eliminate the stress of packing with a thorough list that will help every traveler keep track of everything in their suitcase (or everything they always forget). The list is insanely extensive, so they can get as thorough as humanly possible as they plan for practically any trip and leave fully prepared.
24) eAlarm Plus 130db Emergency Alarm
Basu
amazon.com
$24.18
If you or a friend happen to be traveling somewhere that could be unsafe for any reason (be it because of people or wild animals), this little personal alarm is a smart thing to have with you.
When activated, it makes an insanely loud noise, scaring off potential danger, and is much more effective — and easier to travel with — than pepper spray. It's TSA-approved as well, so don't worry about bringing it through security.
25) ‘Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders’ by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
Workman Publishing Company
amazon.com
$23.80
There are a million and one travel blogs out there trying to tell you where to go and what to do there. It's hard to sift through it all. The first edition of Atlas Obscura was a best-seller, and it's only gotten better. The book includes 12 city guides, including a map and info on everything you should be doing when you get to your destination.
26) Jet Lag Remedy Pills
Jet Set Natural
amazon.com
$13.46
Pills might not seem like the most appropriate gift for someone, but anyone who has experienced jet lag knows it's no joke.
This convenient little package can even be wrapped up with tickets to a faraway destination where the time-zone change can really get to a person!
Whether they travel frequently for work or for pleasure, these gifts for travelers will make your friends’ trips a little easier and their memories a bit brighter.