Finding a great gift for a traveller can be tricky, so this 2025 guide focuses on items they’ll actually use. To make it easy, gifts are grouped by value: cheap for smart little essentials, mid for solid everyday upgrades, and major for premium or splurge-worthy presents. From smart luggage and eco essentials to creative tech and experience gifts, every item here makes travel smoother, lighter or more inspiring. Whether you’re buying for a frequent flyer, a backpacker or a weekend adventurer, these gifts cover practical tools, stylish accessories and thoughtful ideas that fit in any suitcase.
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Saily
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Solid perfume balm – Lush solid perfume tins smell divine and won’t leak in luggage. One swipe and they’re holiday-ready again. (cheap)
Trtl travel pillow – The Trtl pillow supports your head like a soft neck brace instead of an awkward doughnut, which means fewer drool disasters on long flights. It’s compact, washable and perfect for anyone who treats napping like a competitive sport. (mid)
Gift Card Store E-Gift card – The ultimate no-fuss gift for travellers who know exactly what they like. Delivered straight to their inbox and ready to use instantly, the Gift Card Store E-Gift Card works wherever Mastercard is accepted—online or in-store, at home or abroad. It’s thoughtful, flexible and guaranteed to fit in every suitcase (and budget). It’s the perfect “I care, but I respect your taste” present. (mid)

Sony ZV-1 II compact camera – Sony’s vlog camera offers DSLR quality in pocket size with auto-focus that tracks even when you’re jet-lagged. It’s ideal for travellers who want their memories sharp and share-ready. (major)
Gorilla Grip luggage straps – Gorilla Grip straps grip your suitcase to help keep luggage securely fastened even if zipper fails. Also makes it much easier to ID your bag, grab it and run to avoid elbowing your way through the customs lineup (cheap)
Tesalate sand-repellent towel – Tesalate’s quick-dry towel is renowned for its sand-free weave, lightweight pack weight, and vibrant prints that turn any beach day into an instant photo moment. It folds small, dries fast and is one of those gifts that travellers actually brag about using. (mid)

EveEco Bamboo cutlery set – EveEco’s bamboo travel kit includes spoon, fork, knife, toothbrush, straw, and straw cleaner in a washable pouch. It’s a small step toward sustainable snacking on the road. (cheap)
Bose SleepBuds II – These wireless buds play soothing sounds instead of music, masking snorers and street noise so travellers actually sleep. It’s the quietest gift you can wrap. (major)
Bagsmart compression packing cubes – Bagsmart’s cubes turn chaotic suitcases into a neat grid of calm. Each zip compresses bulky clothes down, so packing feels a bit like winning Tetris. (mid)

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AllClear travel insurance policy – AllClear covers older travellers and those with pre-existing conditions, removing the stress from overseas adventures. It’s one of those major grown-up gifts that actually saves the day when flights get cancelled. (major)
Anker portable power bank – An Anker charger keeps phones, cameras and earbuds alive long after the airport outlets run out. The gift of power is basically the gift of sanity. (mid)
Bambaw reusable stainless-steel water bottle – The Bambaw water bottle keeps your h20 cold and you hydrated in style during your next flight delay. Hydration and sustainability never looked this sleek. (cheap)

Skross universal travel adapter – Skross make global adapters that work in over 220 countries and charge multiple devices at once. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the unsung hero of any carry-on. (mid)
Bose noise-cancelling headphones – Bose QC Ultra cut the roar of jet engines and crying babies down to blissful silence. Peace and quiet might be the best Christmas gift on earth. (major)
Wendy Wu Tours travel experience – Wendy Wu’s guided tours are for travellers who want real culture with zero logistics stress. Think bucket-list Asia and Europe trips that arrive wrapped in professional planning and a Christmas bow. (major)

JBL compact Bluetooth speaker – JBL Go delivers crisp sound in a palm-sized body. It turns any hotel room into a mini holiday party, preferably before quiet hours. (mid)
Mon Pur personalised passport holder – A Mon Pur leather case keeps passports safe while adding a touch of class. Add initials so they look like they’ve got their life together at customs. (cheap)
Non-alcoholic Christmas beer advent calendar – This clever advent calendar by Sans Drinks swaps standard booze for 24 days of craft non-alcoholic beers, perfect for travellers who’d rather sip than stumble. It’s festive, flight-friendly and a brilliant way to count down to Christmas wherever they are. (mid)

Bellroy slim RFID travel wallet – Bellroy’s RFID wallet blocks digital pickpockets while staying slim enough for a jeans pocket. It’s like security, but stylish. (mid)
Etekcity digital luggage scale – The Etekcity handheld scale weighs bags accurately so travellers can avoid the awkward airport repack at check-in. It’s small, cheap and saves you from standing on hotel bathroom scales. (cheap)
Audible subscription – An Audible membership lets travellers swap bad inflight movies for incredible audiobooks. It’s light, lasts all year and suits every attention span from thrillers to travel memoirs. (cheap)

Sea to Summit foldable daypack – Sea to Summit and Naturehike make lightweight backpacks that fold into a pocket until needed. Perfect for spontaneous hikes, shopping runs or escaping duty-free temptation. (mid)
Reusable silicone toiletry bottles – Humangear GoToob+ bottles are leak-proof and TSA-approved for endless refills. The planet and your wallet both win. (cheap)
DJI Mini 5 drone – The Mini’s under-250-gram frame makes it flight-friendly worldwide, and its 4K video captures jaw-dropping aerials. It’s proof that big travel stories now come from tiny packages. (major)

GoPro Hero 12 action camera – GoPro’s latest model shoots 5.3K footage, stabilises every jump and is waterproof straight out of the box. It’s the ultimate toy for anyone who calls a cliff dive “content.” (major)
Convertible travel backpack – Bellroy Transit Backpack converts from work bag to weekend pack in seconds. It’s the Swiss Army knife of luggage. (major)
Lightweight linen shirt or dress – Uniqlo linen pieces stay cool, crease lightly and look polished from beach to bar. Travellers love clothes that survive both climates and selfies. (mid)

Packing cube laundry set – July packing cubes keep clean and dirty clothes separate so unpacking takes seconds, not hours. They’re addictive once you start using them. (mid)
Travel-sized skincare kit – The Ordinary minis fit carry-on limits and keep skin calm through cabin air. A little self-care goes a long way at 38,000 feet. (mid)
High-quality walking sneakers – Adidas Ultraboost shoes give day-long comfort and style. They’re proof that functional footwear can look good in photos. (major)

Thermal base-layer set – Icebreaker Merino thermals trap warmth without bulk and never smell, even after questionable hostel laundry schedules. They’re a lifesaver for winter adventures. (mid)
Subscription snack box – Sakuraco deliver global flavours to the doorstep each month. Great for anyone whose idea of travel is mostly eating. (mid)
Montblanc journal – Montblanc’s stunning journals are perfect for taking travel notes, sketching or making overly ambitious itineraries. Pen not included—because they’ll probably lose it anyway. (cheap)

Compression socks for flights – Sockwell compression socks reduce swelling and jet-lag feet. Not glamorous, but pure bliss on long hauls. (cheap)
Bluetooth tracker tag – Apple AirTag attaches to keys or luggage and pings a phone if lost. It’s the modern miracle for forgetful travellers. (mid)
Luxury silk sleep mask – Lunya silk masks block light and feel ridiculously soft. It’s like wrapping their eyes in a five-star hotel. (mid)
Vintage-art travel prints – unframed prints of iconic landscapes, turning wanderlust into wall art. It’s a thoughtful keepsake long after the passport stamps fade. (cheap)

Best travel resources for your trip!
If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information. Thanks for your support! – Matt.
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Rideshare: DiDi
Tours: TourRadar
Travel eSIM: Saily

