25 Travel Gifts for Wanderlusters
There are people who love to travel, and then there are people who love to travel. They plan their entire calendar year around their next great adventure, are constantly researching new far-off destinations to explore, and their Instagram feed is a blur of beaches, monuments, and airplane wings. But when it comes time to buy them a gift, it can be tough: How do you begin to select one special something for someone who lives so large? After all, it’s not like you’re going to fund an upcoming trip. Fear not: There are plenty of unique, functional, and fun things you can gift them. Here are 25 of our favorites.
Courtesy of So Pretty Cara Cotter1/25So Pretty Cara Cotter Wanderlust Jewelry Handbag
Every inch of a traveler’s luggage space is precious, so any item that can multitask is cause for celebration. This genius gift definitely fits the bill: It’s a travel jewelry case that will keep all types of jewels safe on any journey, but the five storage pages are removable, so the case can transform into a (very chic) handbag, with a removable cross-body strap to boot.
Shop Now: So Pretty Cara Cotter Wanderlust Jewelry Handbag, $298. soprettycaracotter.com
Courtesy of shop.nordstrom.com2/25slip for beauty sleep Slipsilk Pure Silk Pillowcase
Travelers may not be able to bring all creature comforts on their journeys, but an easy-to-pack silk pillowcase to protect hair from moisture-sucking cotton alternatives is totally doable.
Shop Now: slip for beauty sleep Slipsilk Pure Silk Pillowcase, $85-$105. shop.nordstrom.com
Courtesy of amazon.com3/25Reliable Ovo Portable Iron and Steamer
Most hotels and rentals have irons, but rarely steamers, which poses a dilemma for anyone who packs clothes that aren’t iron-friendly. For those people, this little device is a lifesaver: It’s an iron and a steamer in one, and so compact, it will take up minimal luggage space.
Shop Now: Reliable Ovo 150GT Portable Steam Iron and Garment Steamer, $49. amazon.com
Courtesy of Aaptiv4/25Aaptiv Audio Fitness App Subscription
It’s tough to stick to any sort of fitness routine while traveling, but this app — which includes more than 2,500 audio guided workouts (from yoga to running and strength training) led by 20 certified trainers — makes it a lot easier. The app offers a monthly and yearly subscription model (for unlimited on-demand classes). It’s available for iOS and Android devices, so grab an App Store or Google Play gift card and let your loved one know what it’s meant to go toward.
Shop Now: Aaptiv Audio Fitness App Subscription, $14.99/month or $99.99/year. aaptiv.com
Courtesy of amazon.com5/25Trtl Travel Pillow
Gone are the days when the only travel pillow option was the U-shaped version that creates more cricks than comfort. This one may look a little funny, but it has a loyal and enthusiastic fan base because it actually keeps travelers’ heads and necks in a comfortable position while in otherwise uncomfortable seats. Plus, it takes up far less space when not in use. Who wouldn’t love it?
Shop Now: Trtl Travel Pillow, $30. amazon.com
Courtesy of Calpak6/25Calpak Power Luggage Tag
No need to fight for airport outlets with this handy luggage tag. It includes a slim battery pack, so your traveling loved one can easily power up (and check in with you). Once at their destination, the battery can be removed and the tag can be carried to provide a charge throughout the days, too.
Shop Now: Calpak Power Luggage Tag, $32. calpaktravel.com
Courtesy of amazon.com7/25Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag
This bag is perfect for stashing wet bathing suits and sweaty gym clothes when there isn’t time to air them out (or wash) on the road. It's also great for protecting digital devices from the elements at the beach or pool. Add to the gift with a couple of Planet Wise’s Lite Mini Wet Bags as an alternative to disposable plastic snack bags.
Shop Now: Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag, $22. amazon.com
Courtesy of bestbuy.com8/25Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
Once upon a time, if someone wanted to move beyond smartphone snapshots for travel photography, they had to lug around a massive DSLR. But now, point-and-shoots like this Canon PowerShot are so advanced that your giftee can take incredible (dare we say, pro-level) photos and videos without having to use up half of their suitcase space for the equipment.
Shop Now: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II 20.1-Megapixel Digital Camera, $650. bestbuy.com
Courtesy of amazon.com9/25To-Go Ware Bamboo Travel Utensils
Reusable straws have taken center stage lately, but what about cutlery? While eating on the go, at airports and other restaurants, travelers are often forced to use plastic cutlery because they don’t have anything else. Enter: This compact and eco-friendly bamboo utensil set that includes a fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks — all of which come in a slim case made of recycled-plastic bottles.
Shop Now: To-Go Ware Bamboo Travel Utensils, $11-$12. amazon.com
Courtesy of amazon.com10/25Zoppen RFID Blocking Travel Passport Holder
Protecting important documents and credit cards doesn’t have to be expensive: This passport holder (which comes in lots of colors) is just the right price for a stylish and practical stocking stuffer.
Shop Now: Zoppen RFID Blocking Travel Passport Holder, $10. amazon.com
Courtesy of Away11/25Away Bigger Carry-On
Away’s sleek, smart luggage has become something of a cult favorite among travelers, and for good reason: It looks great, has a built-in battery (now easily ejectable and compliant with all airline policies), and comes in an extra-spacious carry-on size that’s bigger than many others but still fits in most overhead bins. The woman-run company occasionally debuts new limited-edition collaborations and collections, and this holiday season they have another one: The Solstice Collection includes two new iridescent colors inspired by the Northern Lights and the summer sun — both of which are bound to add a wow-factor to this already impressive gift.
Shop Now: Away The Bigger Carry-On, $245. awaytravel.com
Courtesy of amazon.com12/25Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Paper books are nice, but they can take up a lot of luggage space, especially for avid readers who plan to get through more than one on a trip. This e-reader is compact and can connect to WiFi or cellular data to download books on-the-go. But traveler benefits go far beyond that: The built-in light makes it easy to read on a dark plane or when about to doze off at night, while the lack of glare means it’s actually readable in the sun (no blue light here); it’s waterproof, so no need to worry about taking it to the pool or beach; and it can be paired with Bluetooth-enabled headphones (or speakers) for audio-book listening. Long story short: It’s a winner.
Shop Now: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, $130. amazon.com
Courtesy of uncommongoods.com13/25World Traveler’s Cork Globe
Buy a set of pretty push pins to go with this cork globe, so right away the recipient can start marking the memorable destinations they’ve visited so far.
Shop Now: World Traveler’s Cork Globe, $80-$140. uncommongoods.com
Courtesy of ebags.com14/25eBags Anti-Theft Backpack
Gift them extra peace of mind with this backpack, equipped with all sorts of anti-theft features, including RFID-blocking pockets, slash-resistant straps, and locking security hooks.
Shop Now: eBags Anti-Theft Backpack, $53. ebags.com
Courtesy of rei.com15/25Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash
One of the keys to packing light is bringing clothes that you’re willing to re-wear, and that’s much easier when you know you’ll be able to wash them. Those quart-size bags for small liquid containers fill up quickly, and actual laundry detergent isn’t exactly TSA-compliant, but this tiny pack of detergent leaves sure is.
Shop Now: Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash, $5. rei.com
Courtesy of Eagle Creek16/25Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Compression Cube Set
These cubes do such a good job of compressing clothes, it seems like magic. Bonus: The cubes are supremely lightweight.
Shop Now: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Compression Cube Set, $40. shop.eaglecreek.com
Courtesy of Paravel17/25Paravel Fold-Up Duffel Bag
We’ve all been there: We fill every inch of suitcase space on the way to a vacation, leaving no room to carry fun souvenirs on the way back. That’s why this bag is genius: It folds up flat, so it’s easy to toss into luggage on the way there, and expands to hold any extra goodies on the trip home.
Shop Now: Paravel Fold-Up Duffel Bag, $60. tourparavel.com
Courtesy of Rosetta Stone18/25Rosetta Stone Subscription
Get them ready for their international travels with a digital subscription to Rosetta Stone, which includes access to language lessons from any device — including a convenient mobile app.
Shop Now: Rosetta Stone Subscription, Starting at $8/month. rosettastone.com
Courtesy of Madewell19/25Madewell Windowpane Cape Scarf
Another multitasking product for the win: This scarf can serve as an airplane blanket while en route, and a chic top layer for the rest of the trip.
Shop Now: Madewell Windowpane Cape Scarf, $55. madewell.com
Courtesy of amazon.com20/25Brouk & Co. Travel Cord Roll
So many devices, so many cords to keep track of and untangled — make it easier with this vegan-leather organizer.
Shop Now: Brouk & Co. Travel Cord Roll, $20. amazon.com
Courtesy of containerstore.com21/25The Container Store Power Trip Travel Extension Cord
Freeing a traveler from the stress of finding enough outlets at a hotel or vacation rental (nevermind outlets that aren’t positioned halfway behind furniture) to charge all of their devices at once is a gift for which they’ll be eternally grateful.
Shop Now: The Container Store Power Trip Travel Extension Cord, $27. containerstore.com
Courtesy of etsy.com/LaSenada22/25LaSenada Personalized Compass Bracelet
This customizable bracelet is a thoughtful and dainty symbol of wanderlust that can be enjoyed between trips, too.
Shop Now: LaSenada Personalized Compass Bracelet, $14. etsy.com
Courtesy of amazon.com23/25Airbnb Gift Card
Want to buy a gift that will almost certainly go to good use? An Airbnb gift card is just the ticket.
Shop Now: Airbnb Gift Card, Starting at $25. amazon.com
Courtesy of target.com24/25Linum Home Textiles Sea Breeze Pestemal Beach Towel
This towel can double as a scarf, cover-up, or even a blanket. The best part? It dries faster and takes up less space than terrycloth.
Shop Now: Linum Home Textiles Sea Breeze Pestemal Beach Towel, $13. target.com
Courtesy of theethicalsilkcompany.com25/25The Ethical Silk Company Silk Eye Mask
Sleeping away from home can be a challenge for some, but this luxe eye mask may help make it a bit easier.
Shop Now The Ethical Silk Company Silk Eye Mask, $35. theethicalsilkcompany.com
