Do you like buying presents for frequent travelers that will actually get used? Are you a travel lover whose friends and family have asked you for gift ideas? Here's a practical-minded travel gift guide ranging from stocking stuffers to splurges, based on my experiences as an avid traveler.
This isn't a sponsored post, and it doesn't contain affiliate links—I've purchased all of these products out-of-pocket or have received them as gifts from loved ones, and I genuinely think they're awesome.
This post was originally published on November 29, 2023 and was most recently updated on November 22, 2024.
Under $25
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Under Eye Hydrogels ($5.99) These under eye masks erase all signs of insomnia and jet lag, and the sparkly gold hue makes them feel like a special occasion. I used them before my vacation photo shoot in Helsinki and looked more well-rested than I had in years.
Scrappy Products Utility Bag ($18.00) Scrappy Products is a Minnesota-based company that uses recycled and upcycled materials like eco-canvas made from recycled plastic bottles to create their sturdy pouches. The utility bag is the perfect size to use as a makeup bag or to keep your phone charger, ear buds, and other small electronic items corralled. The particular pattern I purchased is no longer available, but they have a wide range of geometric, Minnesota-themed, and dog breed designs.
Stasher Reusable Bags (from $12.99) You know the drill—all the liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage need to be in 3-ounce or smaller containers and fit in a quart-sized bag. After years of dealing with plastic zip top bags that ripped in transit or wouldn't stay closed, I switched to a reusable silicon Stasher and have never looked back. It's incredibly sturdy, easy to wash (you can send it through the dishwasher), closes securely, and feels nicer than cramming all my stuff into a disposable plastic bag. The 28-ounce sandwich bag ($12.99) works well for corralling liquids in your carry-on, and I use a 4-cup bowl ($23.99) as a makeup bag since the stand up design makes it easy to access my items. If you want something a little fancier, the essentials bag ($26.99) was designed for use as a beauty bag and has faux quilted pattern.
Under $50
L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag-Medium ($34.95) I got this as a Christmas gift from my parents several years ago and it's still going strong (if you have an L.L. Bean credit card, you can get it monogrammed for free). The 10-plus separate pockets keep all my toiletries organized and it's large enough to accommodate everything I need for a two-week trip.
S'well Original Bottle 17-ounce ($35.00) This is another gift from my parents—this stainless steel water bottle is amazingly well-insulated and keeps liquids cool for hours. The sleek design means that it easily fits in the side pocket of my travel purse or in a vehicle cup holder. Even more importantly, the screw top is leak-proof. I have the rose agate pattern, but there are over 30 color options to choose from, whether you want a more subtle solid or bold nature-inspired pattern.
Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarf (from $44.99) If you're concerned about pickpockets, Speakeasy Travel Supply infinity scarves are a fashionable way to conceal your valuables—they have a hidden zipper pocket big enough to stash your passport, cash, credit cards, and even your cell phone. There are a wide range of fabrics and patterns available, from cozy flannel for cooler climates to lightweight scarves that are comfortable on hot summer days. I have the Thea Scarf ($56.99) which is made of lightweight rayon and worked well on my Mediterranean cruise.
Under $100
Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat ($52) I've taken this full-size yoga mat to Finland, Ireland, Japan, on my Mediterranean cruise, and all over the United States. It folds up small enough to fit in a backpack or carry-on, but is grippy enough to provide traction for downward dog and any other yoga pose you want to practice on the road.
Over $100
Solis Lite Hotspot & Power Bank ($159.99) Navigation, translation, purchasing admission tickets, ordering food: it's increasingly crucial to have cell data when you travel, and this hotspot makes it simple and relatively affordable to use your cell phone abroad. On our Mediterranean cruise and trip to Japan, we found it to be more reliable than e-sims (which we previously used when we traveled in Europe) and it's far cheaper than paying for an international plan from our cell phone provider. You can also use it as a power bank, which is a nice bonus.
Further reading: Made in Minnesota Holiday Gift Guide
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