Do you know someone who compares the cost of everything to how many nights they could spend at a hostel in Rome? Or someone who spends more money on flights than they do on groceries?
It can be hard to shop for people who enjoy traveling more than staying in one place. They tend to collect memories instead of things, and so finding that perfect gift that they will actually use can be tough.
Well, this list is a good place to start! These are the gifts that I wish someone would buy for me, or that I’ve bought for fellow travelers!
Indulgent gifts for travelers
When you are traveling (especially on a budget), you tend not to splurge on things that are a little pricey or indulgent. But, sometimes you want what you want, not what you need! Here are some fun gifts to buy the explorer in your life.
Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit
While a lot of people still use actual cameras while they travel, everyone takes photos on their phones! This kit comes with four lenses: 12x Zoom Telephoto Lens, 0.63 Degrees Macro Lens, 138 Degrees Wide Angle Lens, and a 198 Degrees Fisheye Lens. And, the lenses are compatible with any smartphone.
The Combo Yoga Mat
This eco-friendly yoga mat is gorgeous. It is designed in Bali and is a 2-in-1 mat and towel, which means that if you get sweaty during yoga (like I do) you won’t end up slipping. I always travel with a yoga mat so that I can stretch out after a long flight or find a class at a nearby studio. The mat comes with a carrying strap and is machine washable which is AMAZING! Available in multiple colors and prints (but this is my fave!)
Watercolor Paint Set
Art supplies can take up a lot of valuable space if you don’t have a travel set of paints and brushes. This set is made specifically for travel and contains 42 colors, three brushes, and is foldable for easy transportation.
The Travel Atlas
This is the first atlas that Lonely Planet has ever created and is the perfect all-in-one resource to plan your next adventure! According to the book description, “Each large page of mapping is accompanied with the area’s top sights and activities, while our themed itineraries, ranging from two days to two weeks, will ensure you don’t miss the best sights. You’ll also find trip planning tools like climate information and transport hubs to help you get there and away.” It’s definitely on my list!
Gifts for avid flyers
These are the perfect, practical gifts for people who are taking lots of flights, especially longer flights, throughout the year.
Cashmere Travel Set
Okay, so maybe this one is a little more on the indulgent side than the “practical” side, but who doesn’t want a cashmere travel set?! This set comes with a blanket, eye mask, socks, and carry/pillow case that will make even the most cramped coach section of a plane feel luxurious! (It’s also available in black and a sandy tone.)
Carry on Cocktail Kit
A champagne cocktail on my long-haul flight? Ummmm, yes please! This TSA approved travel kit allows you to make in-flight cocktails from the safety of your seat! The champagne cocktail version contains elderflower syrup, 1/2 oz jigger, bar spoon, recipe card, and a linen coaster (fancy!). It also comes in versions for a bloody mary, gin and tonic, hot toddy, margarita, moscow mule, and an old fashioned.
Marble Passport Cover
I LOVE having a passport cover. It keeps my passport dry, safe, and tucked away. These cases come in multiple colors and patterns (I like the marble version best) and they have an interior pocket perfect for tucking away other travel documents or cash that you might need to access quickly.
Classic Passport Cover
Palm Fronds Passport Cover
Reusable Memory Foam Earplugs
Anyone who has taken a red-eye flight, stayed in a hostel, or slept in a hotel room with thin walls knows the importance of good earplugs. But, standard ear plugs can hurt or not actually block sound well. These actually have a noise certification rating with an average of 37dB and the memory foam in them means that they fit to the exact shape of your ear!
Luggage Locks
These TSA approved luggage locks are incredibly strong and are ideal for use on flights or if you are worried about your bags in the hostel or hotel where you are staying. The locks also come with a lifetime guarantee — if you can break them the company will replace them or give you a full refund.
Gifts for practical packers
These are practical items that I add to my packing list on every trip I take. They may not be fun and flashy, but I guarantee they will be welcomed by any traveler you’re buying for.
Mini Travel Steam Iron
Having a mini steamer that you can use to make yourself look presentable after a long flight or when your clothes are all wrinkled after being packed for hours is every traveler’s dream. And, this one is only $17 and heats up in 15 seconds!
Travel Storage Bags
These sorting pouches are an awesome way to keep track of clothing that you will need for different parts of your trip or different times of day. I always like to make sure I have at least a few pouches to use for dirty shoes or clothing as well.
Waterproof Phone Case
Not just for the beach, these waterproof cases are perfect to use if you are traveling in London during the rainy season or wandering around canals in Amsterdam. It never hurts to protect your phone from water!
Mini Umbrella
I never seem to have an umbrella when I need it. This one is not only perfect for protection from the rain but also blocks UV rays to protect you from the sun. It weighs only 8 oz and is 6.7 inches long!
Must-pack toiletries for any traveler
TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag
I love that these are TSA compliant. I HATE having to put all my gels and liquids in separate clear bags when flying, and this makes traveling through security SO MUCH EASIER. Plus, it keeps your carry-on bag organized and you can quickly find what you need when you need it.
Microfiber Towel Set
I truly believe that everyone should travel with a microfiber towel. They are antibacterial, quick drying and perfect when you need to wash and dry your hands or face, if you stay somewhere that doesn’t provide towels, or need to dry off quickly after skinny dipping!
Aveda Travel Set
Aveda products smell SO good, and this travel set is ideal to have at-the-ready for a spontaneous trip. It contains two bottles each of Rosemary Mint Shampoo & Conditioner, Rosemary Mint Hand & Body Wash, All Sensitive Creme Moisturizer Lotion, and two bars of Refreshing Bath Soap.
Burt's Bees Mini's Travel Set
Another awesome travel set to have at-the-ready, this contains six travel size products — cream cleanser, day lotion, deep cleansing cream, body lotion, foot cream, and hand repair cream
Leakproof Silicone Refillable Travel Containers
These squeezable travel tubes are always in my toiletry bag. They don’t leak ever, are easy to fill, and come in plane-friendly sizes.
Mini First Aid Kit
This first aid kit may be mini, but it is definitely mighty! I usually create my own first aid kit out of whatever I have in my medicine cabinet when I travel, but would love to have this one handy — it contains 92 useful and valuable hospital grade medical supplies.
Purell Hand and Face Sanitizing Wipes
I always carry hand sanitizer when I travel — it’s perfect for when you want to wash your hands before grabbing a snack from a street vendor or end up using a public washroom that has no soap in sight. The only problem is that, without fail, the bottle seems to leak all over by bag at some point. These wipes eliminate the chance of a spill and, though they may seem like a small gift, they will be appreciated by any avid traveler.
