With the holidays nearly here, you’re likely making your list and checking it twice. To help you find the perfect present for the traveler in your life, U.S. News found the best travel gifts on the market. Grandma, Fido and everyone in between (yourself included) will be happy with something from this list.
The Top Travel Gifts by Category
Travel essentials
Touchland hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a must-have travel accessory. Touchland’s hand sanitizer spray is formulated with 70% alcohol (to comply with the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and ingredients to keep hands moisturized. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Each bottle has 500 sprays and it comes in many scents. Reviewers love Touchland, particularly the delicious scents. Most bottles cost $10, but you can build your own sets to get freebies such as a keyring case.
Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler
(Courtesy of Toadfish Outfitters)
High-speed thrill-seekers – or those who have high-speed kids and pets – will love Toadfish’s can cooler. It features the company’s SmartGrip technology (a souped-up suction cup) that keeps the koozie and beverage upright on smooth surfaces or when it’s knocked by wayward elbows. Overall, reviewers say the product works well and keeps drinks chilled; others say their can coolers would sometimes lose suction mid-use. The standard can cooler holds 12-ounce cans and comes with an adapter to fit slim cans.
SCOTTeVEST Essential Jacket 2.0
If your globetrotter prefers exploring with as little luggage as possible, this jacket could be the perfect gift. SCOTTeVEST’s essential jacket boasts 24 pockets that fit everything from glasses to smartphones to tablets. The jacket can become a vest thanks to zip-off sleeves. Both men and women rave about the jacket, calling out its craftsmanship and storage. Jackets come in beige or black and are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
PETKIT Dog Water Bottle
Whether you take your pup on a hike or to a dog-friendly beach, they’ll need a drink. PETKIT’s water bottle provides a compact solution. The bottle’s cap doubles as a water bowl for your pet, and its button allows you to control the flow of the water. As an added bonus, this dog water bottle has a built-in water filter. Pet owners say the bottle is great to have, though a few said their bottle leaked occasionally. Bottles hold 14 ounces and come in several colors.
Price: $19.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Carry-on luggage
(Courtesy of Samsonite)
Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
Scrubba’s wash bag is a boon for campers on dayslong outings. To clean clothes, add water and liquid detergent to the bag, seal it, and rub it from the outside to agitate. Tiny scrubbers inside help clean the clothes. Travelers generally give the product positive reviews, though some say the bags can leak. They also note it works best with small loads of lightweight items. When rolled out, the bag is approximately a foot wide and 2 feet long.
Price: $57 or less
Shop now: Amazon
HiBAR Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set
Shampoo and conditioner bars are not only eco-friendly, but they also help travelers circumvent the Transportation Security Administration’s pesky 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on luggage. HiBAR offers hair care bars in different formulas to accommodate all hair types. Reviewers say the bars smell wonderful and work well for their hair type. An added bonus? The bars last for months, according to customers (though this may vary depending on the length and thickness of the user’s hair).
Teamoy Travel Hanging Wet Dry Bag Organizer
This bag has two different compartments to keep dirty and clean items separate as well as handles for hanging. There are two different sizes to choose from: medium or large. When travelers return home to do laundry, they can throw this bag right in the washer. The manufacturer notes that the fabric is water-resistant but not waterproof, meaning it’s not designed to hold sopping items. The laundry bag comes in a variety of patterns.
Price: $16.99 or less for medium bag; $19.99 or less for large bag
Shop now: Amazon
Packing cube
(Courtesy of EzPacking)
Packing cubes are a must-have accessory for organized travelers. Shop the top U.S. News picks here.
Guava Lotus Bassinet Kit & Travel Crib
Parents say you can’t go wrong with this packable bassinet and crib set. The bassinet sits at bed height – perfect for babies less than 18 pounds – then converts into a crib for larger babies and toddlers. In the crib setup, parents have the option to lift kids from the top or have them crawl in from the zippered side. Plus, there’s a breathable mattress to ensure infant comfort. The Essentials Set comes with the crib, bassinet, an airplane-friendly backpack for either the crib or the bassinet, and sheets. You can also purchase the crib by itself.
Price: $493.80 or less for the Essentials Set
Shop now: Travel Kit at Lotus | Crib-only option at Amazon
Termichy Travel Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Parents say this little drying rack is a must when traveling with a baby, noting that it’s easy to clean and that it is perfect for both bottles and pump parts. It comes with detachable drying arms, a drip tray and a bottle brush (complete with a nipple brush). Termichy notes that there is also space for a small bottle of soap. This drying rack comes in white, gray or pink.
Price: $20.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Passport holder
(Getty Images)
Help your traveler keep cards, cash, vaccine cards and their passport all in one place with a single wallet. Shop the top passport wallets.
LifeStraw Go
This water bottle and water filter combo not only helps your water taste better but also prevents bacteria, sand, debris, parasites and more from entering your body. Both the membrane microfilter and the carbon filter are replaceable; they should last you about 4,000 and 100 liters, respectively. Reviewers – especially outdoorsy travelers – say the water bottle is a great buy. It comes in multiple colors in both 22-ounce and 1-liter sizes.
Gift card
If your traveler has everything they need, why not help fund their next trip? Popular travel brands like AirBnb, Hotels.com, Delta, United, Lyft and more offer gift cards.
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody
For hands-free travel, get your globetrotter this crossbody bag from Travelon. It blocks RFID, is made of slash-resistant materials and has locking compartments. Users typically say the security features are a huge plus for travel and compliment the bag on being lightweight. It comes in a few neutral color options.
Price: $60 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Comfort items
Homesick Road Trip candle
Homesick is often lauded for its scented candles that remind customers of states, cities and countries. However, the company’s Road Trip candle is ideal for true wanderers. Fragrance notes include lime and leather with hints of fresh air and jasmine – which travelers say smell exactly like the open road. Each candle is made from soy wax and cotton wicks; it typically burns for up to 80 hours.
Travel pillow
(Courtesy of BCOZZY)
Travel pillows are a must for any traveler, whether they prefer jet-setting, road trips or train excursions. To help you pick the best pillow for your loved one, check out the U.S. News list of best travel pillows.
Matador Pocket Blanket
When hikers need a break on the trail, they’ll be thankful for a clean place to sit. This blanket is 63 inches long and 44 inches wide, which Matador says can fit up to four adults. It weighs slightly less than 4 ounces and folds down to fit in your palm. The ripstop nylon is puncture- and water-resistant, plus it has weighted corners and built-in stakes. Reviewers appreciate the blanket’s portability, but warn that the material isn’t padded. Blankets come in a handful of colors and patterns.
Sunski Topeka Sunglasses
Sunski’s sunglasses are made from recycled plastic and are so lightweight that wearers say they hardly feel them. The brand’s Topeka shades are a unisex style with wide, polarized lenses for maximum coverage, a slight curvature to better fit your face and nose pads to ensure the glasses stay put. Reviewers not only praise the frame’s style, but also appreciate that they don’t move during active pursuits. The glasses are available in two different colors and have a lifetime warranty.
Price: $68 or less
Shop now: Sunski
Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine
This white noise machine may be a good buy for globetrotters who have trouble sleeping in new places. This 3.5-inch device reaches up to 85 decibels: the same noise level as city traffic from inside a car. It’s rechargeable via an included USB cord; the manufacturer says one charge will last all night. Overall, owners say the machine works well and love the portability, though some found the sounds a little irritating and the construction unreliable.
TUSHY Travel
(Courtesy of TUSHY)
Reviewers appreciate this travel bidet for both its function and the fact that it’s a discreet design (it looks like a collapsible water bottle). After filling the bidet with water, you will angle the device however you need to clean yourself thoroughly. The bottle holds up to 11 ounces and comes in teal, black or pink.
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
Thousands of reviewers rave about this dryer/hairbrush hybrid that gives them a salon-quality blow out at home (or on the road). The oval brush head uses ionic and ceramic technology to keep hair frizz-free while also providing volume. This product has three heat settings.
Price: $60 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Manta Sleep Mask
(Courtesy of Manta Sleep)
Getting shut-eye on a red-eye is crucial. Reviewers say you cannot go wrong with Manta Sleep’s sleep mask. The mask has adjustable eye cups and a headband to customize it to your needs. Because of the deep cups, there will be no pressure on your eyes. It is made of cotton and fleece, which means the mask is machine-washable.
Price: $35 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Vonovo Mini Refillable Perfume Atomizer
These atomizers hold 5 milliliters of perfume or cologne and measure less than 4 inches long. The outer casing is made of aluminum to limit damage and leaking from falls. Though most users compliment the atomizers, several do note problems with filling them and leaking. The atomizers come in a multicolor pack of five.
Price: $14.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Enso Rings
Reviewers rave about these silicone rings, particularly as a travel- and active-friendly replacement for precious wedding and engagement rings. Enso Rings come in an array of colors, patterns, finishes and motifs (think: Harry Potter and Disney). Plus, there are varying widths to suit any style. Prices vary depending on the ring you select.
Electronics and entertainment
SublimeWare Power Plug Adapter
According to the company, this adapter works in more than 150 countries and fits plugs in the United States, Europe and Asia. It features multiple USB ports to charge several devices at the same time. Travelers are complimentary of the adapter, saying they’ve used it across the globe with success. Others note a few issues of their adapters not working and wish it were less bulky. The device comes in colors like rose gold, gray and blue.
Price: $24.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
The Wordy Traveler
(Courtesy of The Wordy Traveler)
The Wordy Traveler is designed for book-loving globetrotters. Each quarterly box focuses on one destination and contains a book (or up to six books) plus goodies like tea, coffee, jewelry or art. When you purchase, you can select whether titles will be fiction or nonfiction. Bibliophiles love their boxes, particularly the extra trinkets. The cost varies depending on the subscription length and number of books. Prices start at $54.99 for a single quarter with one book and go up to $685.84 for a four-quarter subscription with six books each quarter.
Price: Ranges from $54.99 to $171.46 per quarter
Shop now: Wordy Traveler
Flex Flap
The Flex Flap seeks to make viewing shows and movies on a smartphone easier with its compact product, coming in at 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The aluminum core is covered in leather and is moldable to prop up any device in multiple scenarios. It’s decorated with cameras, suitcases and other travel-related imagery. Reviewers praise the product, saying it’s perfect for both cellphones and tablets.
Price: $14.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Brand Q Ultra Slim Power Bank
This battery bank has attached micro USB, lightning and USB C cords as well as an integrated AC plug, which means you won’t need to worry about carrying additional cords or adapters. There’s also a traditional USB port on the device to plug in other cables. Reviewers agree that this is a convenient device for recharging phones while out and about. Others say the product is a bit heavy, given that it’s about 6 inches by 3 inches.
Price: $39.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Tile Pro tracker
Never lose your backpack, keys or luggage while traveling with this Apple- and Android-compatible tracker. The Bluetooth device has a 400-foot range and a replaceable battery. It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google and Siri. Users say the gadget is useful (particularly for finding keys) and the customer service is top-notch. Tile Pro comes in four colors. Using Tile is free; fee-based plans including upgrades like free battery replacement and item reimbursement are also available.
Bellroy Tech Kit Compact
(Courtesy of Bellroy)
Bellroy is a certified B Corporation that uses environmentally friendly materials. Its stylish Tech Kit Compact features a soft, recycled body fabric that’s water-resistant. Inside, you’ll find compartments for a wireless mouse and a power bank as well as elastic loops to corral charging cords or headphones. It also zips closed to ensure nothing will slip out in transit. Reviewers are pleased with their purchases, saying the kit has both style and substance. The kit is available in a variety of colors, including blue and black.
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case
This pouch protects devices 7 inches or less (when measured diagonally). It is waterproof up to 100 feet, and the company says it is dustproof and snowproof as well. Reviewers say the transparent pouch does its job well; a few note they can take photos underwater. It comes in packs of two in different color combinations.
Price: $15.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Twelve South AirFly Pro
If your traveler wants to use their AirPods on long flights, this device is a must. The transmitter plugs into audio jacks so users can listen to in-flight movies with the hassle of cords. Plus, the company says AirFly Pro has at least 16 hours of battery life. Many users say the device is excellent, but others complain of dropped connections and poor sound quality.
Price: $54.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Hooga Amber LED Book Light
Readers generally rave about this amber-hued book light, saying it is great for bedtime reading or reading when a partner is trying to sleep. The amber light is more than 99% free of blue light, according to the company. It also weighs just 2.5 ounces, so it won’t take up much-needed space in a carry-on. There are three brightness levels. It also comes in a red light version or a light that switches between white and amber.
Price: $13.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Hasbro Family Grab and Go Variety Pack
Hasbro offers four of its best games – Connect4, Monopoly, Hungry Hungry Hippos and Clue – in a miniature version so travelers can play on the road. Though some say the games are exceptionally small (with tiny pieces to boot), most enjoy playing on a smaller scale.
Price: $35.66 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Fun for kids
Peter Pauper Press Kids’ Travel Journal
(Courtesy of Peter Pauper Press)
This 96-page book not only includes pages and prompts for children to write down their vacation’s events, but also has activities like puzzles and blank spaces to paste ticket stubs and maps. Parents say their kids really enjoyed keeping the journal during trips, though some wish there were fewer activities to allow their kids to record more of their own thoughts. The book is recommended for kids 6 and older.
Price: $12.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Kindle Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, 32 GB
Parents of travelers-in-training appreciate the variety of content available on Amazon’s latest iteration of its Fire HD tablet. The tablet comes with a sturdy case in purple or blue, or with a Mickey Mouse or Disney princess motif. Through Amazon Kids+, parents can control what their children interact with on the web, provide access to top apps like Netflix and Disney+, and set time limits. One drawback? After your free yearlong subscription with the purchase of this Kindle, to access the full range of precurated content – think games, videos and books – you’ll have to pay $4.99 per month for Amazon Kids+.
Price: $149.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
CozyPhones Kids Headphones
These over-ear headphones have a volume limit to help protect little ears from loud sounds. Additionally, they are made of a stretchy fabric for comfort and are not bulky like traditional headphones. Parents say they’re handy to have for travel but warn that they fit best on toddlers. Some note the speakers can be hard to position. These headphones come in several animal motifs in both corded and wireless models.
Little Passports: World Edition
This subscription box for ages 6 to 10 lets kids explore a new country every month. Inside each box, they’ll find a variety of activities, a toy, maps and more. Plus, they’ll be able to access even more fun online. Reviewers say their kids love getting the boxes and learning about the world from home. Subscriptions fees vary depending on how you wish to pay (monthly or yearly).
