Shopping + Fashion

Holiday Shopping for a Traveler? Elevate Gift-Giving with These Top Travel Gear Ideas

by Janine Clements

Photograph by Janine Clements

woman packing sneakers into bag

Organize your gear with proper packing cubes. (Photo: Courtesy of AWAY)

Whether you’re hunting for holiday gifts for a frequent flyer, weekend tripster or even yourself, there are endless accessories, gadgets and essentials out there to wow every traveler.

From a seriously stylish carry-on to a self-cleaning water bottle, we’ve rounded up a host of cool and — most importantly — useful gift ideas for gear-loving travelers.

Packing Cubes

These handy cubes make keeping organized on the go a whole lot easier, and they also maximize space, meaning you can squeeze more into your luggage.

Make someone’s day with this stylish Mark & Graham 6 Piece Packing Cube Set, which comes with a laundry bag and shoe bag. Add a monogram for a personalized touch.

Briggs & Riley Large Travel Packing Cubes are ideal for larger items, or for a fun combo that’s better for the environment, choose this colorful, sustainably designed Del Día Cubos Travel Cube Bundle from Cotopaxi.

Backpacks

man with backpack in front of arc de triumph
A good backpack is a traveler’s best friend. (Photo: Getty Images)

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, a backpack makes the handiest gift.

Treat a loved one to this Nordace Siena Smart Backpack, which comes with all sorts of clever extras, including a USB charging port, laptop compartment and bottle pocket. The ultralight Metro Convertible Backpack from MZ Wallace, which converts to a tote, is a match made in heaven for those who love to travel in style.

The Columbia Lightweight Packable Backpack collapses into an interior pocket, so you can stash it in your luggage and bring it out when you need more space for all of your vacation purchases.

Carry-On Luggage

two people wheeling carry on bags
Travel smarter with a carry on. (Photo: Getty Images)

‘Tis the season to be jolly … and upgrade your carry-on luggage.

The head-turning Carry-On from Away is the ultimate airport accessory. Not only does it look stunning, but it’s also durable and comes with a nifty USB charger.

Travel is easy with Hue Carry-On Luggage as it has a hard-shell compartment for laptops and tablets. For domestic travel, consider the Maxlite Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard, a soft, hard-wearing case that can add up to 2 inches more capacity.

Travel Pillows

Give the gift of sleep with one of these practical yet far-from-boring travel pillows.

Enjoy a restful slumber with the highly rated Trtl Pillow Plus, which looks like a scarf but provides plenty of support, while it’s easy to sleep upright with the super-cozy Go Neck Pillow from Ostrichpillow. If you’re planning on spoiling someone special (or yourself), select this luxurious Calpak Silk Neck Pillow and Eye Mask.

Toiletry Kit

For those who love to travel, why not get them a toiletry kit? Keep essentials organized while on the move with the unique Paravel Cabana See-All Bundle, which includes two cases with transparent panels so you can see what’s inside.

The eco-friendly canvas Contemporary Travel Kit from ethical brand ShoreBags is the perfect travel companion, and the Briggs & Riley Hanging Toiletry Kit offers extra space for everything from your hairbrushes to your shower gel.

Tech Organizers

Put an end to rummaging in travel bags for chargers, cubes and headphones by gifting one of these handy tech kits, such as the Bellroy Tech Kit Compact, which is ideal for storing larger accessories, including a mouse. Alternatively, the sophisticated Zippered Tech Cord Accessory Case by Royce New York will appeal to the discerning travelers on your list.

Surprise travelers who love gadgets with a Nimble Wireless Travel Kit that offers an all-in-one wireless charging solution in a tiny box.

Reusable Water Bottles

red water bottle in front of canyon
Be eco-friendly with a reusable water bottle. (Photo: Getty Images)

A reusable water bottle makes a neat stocking filler for your favorite globetrotter. The Collapsible Bottle from Que can go from big to small in an instant, or you could go all out and get the innovative LARQ Bottle PureVis, the first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. It kills germs using UV light and keeps liquid hot for 12 hours or cold for 24.

Travel Wallets

A top gift for globetrotters who like to stay organized is a travel wallet. Keep passports, boarding passes and even a copy of your COVID vaccine status in one place with the cleverly designed Leatherology Slim Zip Travel Wallet, which comes in an array of colors and arrives beautifully packaged.

If you feel like splurging, then the sleek Panama Pocket Tab Wallet from Smythson is a perfect choice. For security-conscious travelers, choose the Pacsafe RFIDsafe Tec Passport Wallet. Thanks to RFID-blocking material, it protects all of your personal details from identity theft.