Gift Ideas for the Traveler In Your Life
It’s that time of the year and you’re wondering about gifts for the traveler in your life. I’ve got you covered. This list is good for christmas, birthdays, ‘just because’ and everything in between. I’ve organized this list of 25 ideas into price buckets so there’s something for EVERY budget with ideas starting at $12! Here are 25 gift ideas for travelers.
‘LET’S NOT BLOW THE BUDGET’ GIFTS – ($1- $50)
- Travel pillow -I’ve heard great things about this Trtl Neck Support Travel Pillow. It comes in several colours, looks like a scarf, and retails for $29.99 here on Amazon.
- Lounge access on a long trip with layovers: the prices differ but they would be worth it on a long layover. Examples of prices are- $59 (Delta Sky Club) to $40 in Dubai Airport lounges.
- Gift card for a tank of gas for a road trip – you decide how much to spend!
- A scratch-able map or photo book gift card: I received this map ($25) as a gift and I love it!! See this on Groupon for $13.99.
- Travel Guide : ebook or paper back prints of a travel guide to a destination they’re looking to visit. Some of my favourite travel guides are Lonely Planet’s and they can be purchased on Amazon.
- Passport Cover: My sister gifted me a leather passport cover a few years ago and I love it. I love more that it was made by women in India and proceeds went back to their cooperative. Passport covers are great conversation starters. I love the customizable options by this amazon vendor here for $15.99.
- Luggage tags: Personalized luggage tags like this and this can be found on Etsy ($12).
- A collapsible water bottle: It’s better for the environment, and for your pocket. I’m investing in one of these before the end of the year. See one on amazon here.
‘Taking It Up A Notch’ Gifts – ($50-$100)
9. In-town experience – tickets to a show, curating a day of trying appetizers across town ( a food tour). Local adventures are fun too!
10. An experience on a trip (i.e. a spa day, cooking class, city tour, or food tour at vacation destination)
11. A travel-related coffee table book. See several options here
12. Airbnb Gift-card in any amount but starting at $25 but I think $50 is a good starting point. See here for more information on how they work (certain limitations apply)
13. Travel Magazine Subscription: Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure, and AFAR are some of my favorites
14. Good Ol’ Cash Gift: I’m not big on cash gifts but I’m also practical enough to know that sometimes this is what is best to help fund a travel dream. Paypal, Zelle, Venmo, Bank transfers or a good old envelope will do!
Healthy Budget Gifts ($101-$250)
15. Airline gift card – Find out your loved one’s preferred airline and get them a gift card. American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Ryanair, Air Canada, and United Airlines offer gift cards.
16. New Luggage: Good luggage doesn’t come cheap. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Costco are great starting points. Feeling generous? I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t want a piece of the beauty and durability that an Away luggage piece represents.
17. Backpack or camping gear (or gift card) from REI
18. TSA precheck/Clear/ global entry membership for a year to allow them skip the long lines (for US-based travelers)
19. Flytographer Experience: Yup, vacation photographers are a thing. I’ve seen them used for proposals abroad, solo trips, etc. Gift cards are also available, click here for more.
20. An upgrade to premium economy on a long haul flight: your tall friends will love you and thank you for the extra legroom.
21. Noise–canceling headphones. This is especially handy for all travelers but for frequent travelers especially. I have owned these headphones for two years (thanks to a Black Friday Deal) and I have certainly gotten my money’s worth
Going Big – $250 and above
22. Business class upgrade on a long haul flight – someone might fall in love with you for this, but if you have the means, why not? I’d like to do this for my parents sometime. Yup, still saving!
23. An all expense paid trip (need I say more?)
24. Trip Planning services: For the traveler on the go, this is a life SAVER!
25. Gift Of Miles/Hotel Points: For frequent travelers with a decent amount of accumulated miles, you can gift miles to loved ones to help them travel further for less! Check your airline’s gifting conditions for details.
BONUS Gift – The Gift Of Time (Priceless): I’m a firm believer that the gift of your (quality) time is the single best thing to give a loved one. So while these lists are great, consider being intentional about being fully present with loved ones during the holidays and beyond.It can be going on a trip with someone but it need not be. It’s taking time to share a meal, to just chat, to have a drink, to just listen and be. Time is such a finite resource and it is THE most beautiful gift. We should be fiercely protective of our time and give it to those that won’t abuse it. Make a list of people you want to spend time with and get it on the Calendar ASAP (and don’t cancel at the slightest inconvenience 😉 ).
I’m certain these gifts for the traveler in your life will make someone happy. Which of these gifts would you love to give, and which would you love to receive? What other gift ideas do you have in mind? Let me know!! Oh, and yes, please share the list!
P.S. No, this is not a sponsored post!
Till next time,
Dee (Ms. Heels)
I would like to give a free trip to a friend and her family. They’ve nof been on vacation in years and i believe it will be something nice for them as a family. To receive; an upgrade would be nice, especially on long haul flights.
BTW, your sister sounds so cool. I particularly like her gift.
Thats very generous of you, hope you;ll be able to do that soon for your friend. No, my sister is not thaaattt cool!