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Tired of boring travel gift ideas? Here’s an awesome list of unique gifts for travelers they’ll actually use. Warning: you may end up shopping for yourself!
Unique Gifts for Travelers
Table Of Contents
Finding a unique travel gift can prove to be a challenge, especially when it seems that your frequent flyer has all the essentials they need. Whether you’re looking to save or splurge, you’re sure to find the perfect item for every jet setter on your holiday gift list!
Tip: If you need a gift quickly, email or print an Amazon or Nordstrom Gift Card!
Please note: the prices listed below are based on the retail price when this article was published. Retailers may change the price at their discretion. Also, you may have heard that retailers are possibly facing supply chain challenges; so be aware of this and try to grab your item(s) now.
Most Unique Travel Gifts According to Our Readers
Apple AirTag
The TFG community are abuzz about Apple AirTags calling them the No.1 must have travel essential for everyone!
What is it exactly? It’s a mini-tracker for all your items and works with the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Readers say it’s an amazing way to keep track of or locate lost luggage in an airport! There is even a popular AirTag keychain that fits perfectly so you don’t lose it!
Just place the AirtTag in your suitcase and set it up on your Find My app, and search for your things via Siri, or a sound will play from your speaker. In fact, this little device works for anything you might want to track, be it your car in a parkade or your gym bag!
You can choose the 4-pack, which is the most popular, or just buy one a piece.
Besides the Apple Air Tags, these non-iPhone luggage trackers are also reader recommended!
- Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, Bluetooth Tracker
- Tile Mate 3-Pack Bluetooth Tracker
- eufy Security by Anker SmartTrack Link
Compact Electronic Cord Cable Organizer
Keep messy cables at bay with this compact cable organizer bag. This holds your gear so that everything, including electronics and cords, is accessible in one location, but all totally organized so you can find anything you need at a glance!
The Bagsmart electronic cable organizer is noted for its “perfectly slim size for a backpack or bag” and is the #1 most popular travel gift. Many agree that this makes packing so much easier.
FERYES Travel Makeup Brush Holder
Portable Silicone Holder
This cool silicone organizer is sleek and compact, made with silicone that’s flexible yet strong and cleans up really easily. While marketed for makeup tools, this holder can be used for all kinds of travel essentials, even for things like reusable utensils. It won’t take up much space in your bag, and you can toss it in knowing your things will be safe inside!
Face Shadow Double Eyeglasses Pouch
Versatile Double Eyeglass Pouch
Travelers adores this little eyeglass pouch! It’s not only compact and efficient but super cute, with plenty of colors and patterns to pick from.
The soft, microfiber material has sponge padding to prevent any scratching or crushing, and there’s space for two pairs of glasses! Readers have been seriously loving this handy pouch.
Portable Charger for Devices
Both practical and fun, this Anker Portable Battery Charger is the perfect gift for avid travelers! It’ll keep everything charged while on-the-go, especially useful in situations where a changing station isn’t readily available.
It’s slim, lightweight, and works with all kinds of phones. Not to mention it’s SUPER popular with readers!
Sony Wireless Portable Compact Speaker
Waterproof Mini Travel Speaker
Carting around audio accessories is now a way of life, and the Sony mini bluetooth speaker is terrific to bring on overseas travel, local road trips, or to use outdoors since it’s waterproof and dustproof.
At a 1.8” size, it’s compact and has up to 16 hours of battery life, and can be used to take calls as well. Fully USB supported, too, so a breeze to recharge,
Lightweight Travel Backpack With Trolley Sleeve
This Matein backpack is a reader favorite for travel. It couldn’t be more functional, offering a 15.6” laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets, and even a USB charging port! This awesome backpack will make for smooth and organized travels, plus it’s durable, water-resistant, simple in style, and comfortable on your shoulders!
LifeStraw Go Water Bottle 2-Stage Integrated Filter
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Using filtered water bottles is all the rage and the LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle is highly popular with travelers and for good reason!
It’s BPA free, super durable, and more importantly, filters out 99.99% of microbes, parasites, and even micro plastics. It holds 650 ml of water; simply fill up, wait for a few minutes, and then drink away!
Check out their newest water bottle LifeStraw Go Series which is available up to 1L.
Carry Case for LifeStraw | LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw Water Filter + Carrying Case
If you’re choosing to forgo gifting the LifeStraw filtered water bottle, consider the LifeStraw water filter instead and use whatever container you wish.
If you aren’t aware of the LifeStraw, it purifies water by blocking 99.9% of bacteria and contaminants. Fill your water bottle or glass with water and use the straw to drink.
And you can create a doubly amazing gift by buying one of these LifeStaw carrying cases and presenting both together! The case is sturdy with a hand strap and carabiner, it’s made from scratch-resistant and shock proof materials. It comes in several other colors too.
Bandolier Hailey Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet
Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet in One
Not only sleek and pretty but mega useful, this Bandolier crossbody phone case and wallet make such a lovely gift! Travelers adore this phone case, which allows them to keep their phone, ID, and other cards safe and on-hand at all times. Another bonus is the easy accessibility to your phone’s camera, so you’ll never miss a shot!
Both the case and strap are made of pretty pebble leather, and the strap is adjustable.
Mini Humidifier to Sleep Better In Hotels
Humidifiers are a topic that TFG readers have been asking about lately, as dealing with air-conditioned air or dry air when traveling is a real concern. Perhaps gift the Genianin humidifier. It’s compact at 3.43″ x 6″ x 3.43″, so can fit into carry-on luggage, and it’s not noisy when operated.
It has two modes of mist, an auto shut-off, and while you are sound asleep, the humidifiers for bedrooms moisturize the room at the 38dB noise level.
Small Portable Charger for Phones
If you’re shopping for a heavy phone user, they’ll love this INIU portable charger. This reader fave is super convenient, as it plugs straight into phone, no extra cords needed!
It’s small and lightweight yet holds 1-1.5 full charges, and has a sleek design that comes in a variety of cute colors.
Mregb Solar-Charger-Power-Bank
Solar Portable Charger for the Adventure Traveler
If you’ll even be somewhere more remote and need to charge anything, this Solar Charger Power Bank is an excellent self-gift or for the adventure traveler in your life. It even has a built-in flashlight if a power outage should occur.
While it’s mainly charged via USB, the solar panels can do the trick, albeit a little slower which makes this perfect for hiking or short camping trips.
Kitsch 11pc Ultimate Travel Containers
Refillable Travel Size Toiletry Containers
An easy, yet useful gift is a set of refillable travel bottles. Compact and lightweight to pack in a purse, suitcase or overnight bag, the Kitsch travel bottles for toiletries comes in a reusable travel pouch for easy storage to keep your beauty products located in an easily accessible and convenient place.
These are also TSA approved and we love that they’re made in the USA.
Mini Electric Travel Toothbrush
Perfect for any traveler, the Pop Sonic slim toothbrush is sonic-powered, portable, and delivers a sparkling smile with 15,000 to 30,000 brush strokes per minute. The slim, mascara-style, vented cap design is ideal for your handbag or suitcase.
As a plus, it has 2 speed level and is available in a wide variety of colors just for fun!
Water-Resistant Laptop Sleeve for Business Travel
Nowadays, working remotely is becoming more of the norm, so this cute laptop sleeve will make any digital worker or business traveler happy. Even if you want to bring a device to stay connected or the kids entertained, it’s a good idea to keep your laptop protected.
This puppy is made of durable water-resistant neoprene and is a simple design that’s lightweight to slide into any laptop bag compartment. It also has sizes for different laptops, from 11”-17”.
Lightweight, Foldable Duffle Bag
Here’s a versatile gift! The Wandf is a popular lightweight duffle bag packable in your carry-on that many readers and travelers love. It weighs just over 1 lb and is wearproof, waterproof, tear-resistant, and it comes in various sizes (20L, 30L, 40L, 50L) which is handy if you need a smaller or larger bag.
And not just for overseas travel, it can be used for weekender trips, camping, or overnights—even for storage use at home.
Duffle bags are so popular that TFG readers shared their favorites for best duffle bag!
ACdream Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo
Passport Card Holder With RFID Protection
If you’re shopping for a traveler who loves to stay super organized, this handy passport holder is a great option! In addition to being able to show an immunization card, it also has slots for ID and credit cards, keeping everything in one place. As a bonus, it has RFID-blocking technology and is made of scratch-resistant, waterproof faux leather.
It’s offered in a range of colors and patterns, and it comes with a handy little pen, too! Overall, it’s a cute, simple gift that’ll get tons of use!
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places
National Geographic Destinations of a Lifetime: Coffee Table Book
Known for documenting adventures far and wide, travelers always get excited over a National Geographic book, and this one takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization’s world-class photographers.
From city to exotic, you’ll surely be inspired to plan your own trip!
Compass Rose Universal Travel Adapter
Universal Adapter for International Travel
This universal travel adapter will definitely come in handy for the globetrotter in your life, no matter where they’re headed. Tiny yet mighty, this adapter covers 150 countries and can simultaneously charge up to five devices! It’s easy to use, takes up little space, and is overall a must-have that any traveler will love!
Portable Travel Wash Bag
Backpackers, budget travelers, and long term wanderers love the Scrubba Wash Bag. It saves you money by allowing you to efficiently and effectively wash your clothes anytime, anywhere. This works especially well for adventurers getting off the beaten path with limited access to laundry facilities or those that would prefer the convenience of doing it themselves.
Handheld Mini Fan
Little gadgets are stellar gifts and this portable hand fan is SO useful. Whether you want a bit more air on a flight, need some relief while visiting a humid destination, or looking to cut through stifling heat at an event, this is a perfect way to get cool instantly!
The fan also has a flashlight featured on the end, so it’s quite useful if you come across a dark area, just grab it from your bag. Totally USB supported and guess what? You can use the 5V/1A USB port as a mini power bank, and recharge your phone in an emergency! Comes in some fun shades.
Relaxing Shower Steamer Bombs
This shower bombs from Body Restore makes such a unique and definitely handy little stocking stuffer gift! Wash away all day’s stress and fatigue with this aromatherapy shower steamers. Infused with natural essential oils, their heavenly Eucalyptus scent will give you a great relaxing night of well rest after a tiring day. Dissolve it in your bathtub and release potent aromatherapy essential oils that will help you immerse in deep relaxation.
As a plus, they are individually packed making it perfect for traveling.
Bombas Holiday Ankle Sock 3-Pack Gift Box
Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper
Readers have raved about Bombas socks forever! They’re great for travelers because they’re durable and don’t slip down (and feel good in walking shoes). Not only are they soft and comfortable, but they also actively protect your feet as you’re walking, by preventing slips, blisters, and rubbing.
Since their socks are awesome for travel, they are the perfect travel gift, too!
Reviews say over and over again that these are “very comfortable,” and one reader, in particular, had this cute thing to say, “I love Bombas, they are like a little hug for my feet.”
Stojo Collapsible Coffee Cup 16 oz
Collapsible Drinking Cup
A handy thing to own, either for international travel, camping, or road tripping, the Stojo collapsible cup with a straw can accommodate hot or cold liquids, and yet folds down small, and can be stored in your day bag or suitcase.
Reviews say this doesn’t leak, can hold hot liquids and the exterior feels cool, and breaks down easily for washing. Perfect for coffee, tea, or other types of drinks. Available in a bunch of colors.
Smyrna Original Turkish Beach Towel
Lightweight Turkish Towel for Travel, Outdoor Use, or the Spa
Travel towels make excellent gifts, and a unique choice that mixes in a little luxury is a plush Turkish cotton towel. They’re incredibly light, soft, and dry a lot faster than typical cotton towels.
These towels have become very popular, as they’re SO versatile. They can be used for travel, the beach/pool, hitting the spa, showering at the gym, a picnic towel, or even as a cover when it’s cold. Choose from a range of pretty colors
To find more of these, check out our roundup of the best Turkish towels for travel!
JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
Universal Waterproof Phone Case
Wonderful for water lovers or anyone traveling to wet destinations, this universal waterproof case for protecting phones is an awesome stocking stuffer. The durable vinyl material is also snowproof and dirtproof, and the clear view allows one to take pics, see emails, or record vids.
Easy to lock and with it being able to hold a variety of smartphones, it’s a no-brainer due to the budget price.
Trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow
Foldable Neck Pillow for Planes, Buses, or Trains
For travelers that prefer to travel lighter, the Trtl Travel Neck Pillow offers head support without the bulk. It has been strategically designed to prevent a stiff neck while trying to sleep when traveling and stops the need for you to lean against the airplane for head support.
To learn more, read our full review, which includes feedback from our readers.
RENPHO Eye Massager with Heat, Bluetooth Music Heated Massager
Heated Travel Eye Massager With Bluetooth
Frequent flyers will be SO excited to receive this fun gift! This eye massager has gentle oscillating pressure, built-in heating pads, and Bluetooth to play relaxing music, offering the most tranquil experience! It’s perfect for eye strain from working or looking at screens, freshening your eyes on a long flight, or simply kicking back and relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
This gift will no doubt be a big hit.
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What do you think are the most unique gifts for travelers? Comment below!
Here are all our holiday gift guides:
- The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Travel Gifts: 30 Top Picks!
- 19 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas for Women
- Best Travel Gifts for Men (He’ll Actually Like!)
I hope you liked these unique gifts for travelers! Please share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Can’t wait to gift a few of these items to my traveling son. Great ideas!
So glad you found this helpful Amy!
I LOVE the idea of the Bandolier, but I have a Samsung and they only make iPhone cases. Would love to find a similar thing for a Samsung that’s good quality. So many options on Amazon that it’s impossible to know what’s going to last!
Love these ideas. Just revisited this list again and realized I am now using several of these items already due to them being shared over and over in both the blogs and on the FB group. Still live my compass rose bags! ❤️
Every single one of these items are enormously helpful! The JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan is perfect and would fit great in the Nomad Lane Bento Bag! Thank you so much for all the suggestions!!
Great ideas! Love them all. I’ll definitely use this list. It has a bit of everything.
Great list! Love the Compass Rose Travel Cubes. Dissolvable laundry sheets were our best travel item! A foldable cosmetic hanging bag would be another great addition to the list.
Hi Stacy, thank you for your feedback, so pleased you love your CR packing cubes. Thank you so much for all your support we really appreciate it!!! ? Happy travels! ❤️
Nice list you made there! It might be missing a portable translator like Travis or Pocketalk for people that want to understand the languages in the country they’re going to 🙂
Hi Patricia, so glad you liked the post! Thank you for taking the time to share your great idea for a travel gift with us! Happy travels! ?
The radius travel toothbrush is also available on Amazon for the US readers!
Hi Kaylie, thank you for sharing your suggestion for a travel toothbrush with us!! 🙂
The Scrubba, packing cubes, and massager all sound great to me! But my favorite gift is experience. I started giving these a few years ago and have come up with creative ways to still have a package under the tree for the recipient. It started when I put admission tickets in a box, put that box in a box, and put that box in a box for my sister to unwrap. Last year I gave a “family trip in a box”, which had a Groupon for family admission and a gift card for gas and snacks for the way there. This year, I shouldn’t share all my gift-giving yet, but a pilot I babysit for is giving me standby tickets to Maui! I am passing one of those tickets on to my sister, and I’ve come up with a great idea for how she can unwrap it on Christmas morning!
That sounds like the perfect gift!
Some nifty items on this list! Would LOVE to have YOUR packing cubes.
Thanks Sherry ?
Great list here! I’ve got quite a few of the items you mention packed in my backpack. The Scrubba is great, I always carry a neck warmer (the thin variety too to use as a bandana) and scarf bags are a great thing for solo female travellers like me to stash their stuff!
Oh that’s a great idea with the neck warmer! Thanks for sharing Alice!