We all have someone special in our lives who is absolutely smitten with the magic of travel. From outdoor enthusiasts and budget travelers to road trippers, frequent flyers, and luxury travelers, finding memorable gifts for travelers can be both exciting and challenging.
Curated by our team of local travel experts with help from our readers, Only In Your State is excited to present our 2024 holiday gift guide for travelers. Featuring both budget selections and splurges, we hope to make your holiday gift-giving a breeze this year, bringing wanderlust to your loved ones with more than 75 unique gifts for travelers – many of which are easily considered the best gifts for frequent travelers under $50. Check out our favorite travel gifts for your Christmas and holiday gift-giving this year.
Gift Ideas For The Family Traveler
Traveling with a family can often feel like anything *but* a vacation. Luckily, with a little planning and some key must-haves hand-picked by Only In Your State family traveling pros, you can not only arrive at your destination sans headache, but even enjoy the journey with these travel necessities and gifts for families.
Whether Grandma and Grandpa live in another state or you're on a mission to visit all of the national parks with your kids, car travel remains the most popular (ahem) vehicle for family trips – more than 80% of all family trips are taken by car, in fact! And we have several travel gift ideas for the family traveler in your life.
Car Trip Entertainment
A Disney Gift Card opens up the wide and wonderful world of Disney, whether it's used for a car-sized LEGO set or a Baby Yoga stuffie. These travel gifts for kids are sure to impress.
For artistically inclined kiddos, a journal is a wonderful way to document the journey. We love Adventure Challenge, which has some of the most creative and engaging car ride activities around.
Staff Pick: Prefer to go screen-free on your trip? Only In Your State Editor Sarah McCosham loves the Guess In 10 games from Skillmatics. "The games come in a variety of topics -- marine life, U.S. states, global cuisine -- and it's fun to pick a theme that works with where you're going!"
A Kindle Paperwhite also makes a great gift - for car trips or any type of travel. This is one of those travel accessories you didn't know you needed until you have one! The newest version of this waterproof and water-resistant Kindle has a battery life of up to 10 weeks!
Gifts to Make Your Home Away From Home More Like Home
If your kid (or, ahem, you) needs a specific pillow, temperature, pair of PJs, and pre-bed ritual that involves snacks, stories, potty breaks, and favorite stuffed animals, sleeping at a hotel or relative's house can be difficult. Keep organized with a hanging toiletry bag that's big enough to hold everyone's must-haves. If you have little ones, a travel sleeping cot can double as a space for nap time and contained play.
Shop the Toiletry Bag on Amazon
Road Trip Must Haves + Stocking Stuffers
Set yourself up for success with these portable, packable travel gear must-haves from OIYS travelers just like you. Bonus: these budget-friendly family travel gifts make great stocking stuffers, too!
- Packable Snacks: Keep the "hangries" at bay with fruit snacks by Bear Snacks, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, and fun-sized granola clusters from Made Good.
- First Aid Kit: Don't leave home without a first aid kit -- we love this kit by Welly, which has all the essentials and a bevy of latex-free bandages in fun and funky prints.
- Nausea Bands: It's bound to happen to every family at least once -- car sickness. If your kids are carsick-prone, don't forget the Nausea Bands!
- Sanitizing Wipes: Between public bathrooms and general kid stickiness (why?), keep plenty of Honest Hand Sanitizer on hand.
Staff Pick: Consider gifting a membership to Thrive Market. This online market makes organic groceries affordable and convenient, and has lots of healthy options for on-the-go families!
Gift Ideas For The Budget Traveler
The benefits of travel are well-known, but wanderlust can be quite pricey! Fortunately, some of the best travel products we've found are also the most budget-friendly -- these are the kind of high-quality "musts" every traveler needs in their carry-on suitcase or minivan console!
For The Traveler With Champagne Tastes On A Beer Budget
No offense to beer lovers, but if you appreciate the finer things in life, you'll love a ResortPass! Get pool, spa, and amenity access at the best hotels and resorts with a ResortPass, a travel site that lets users book experiences at some of the country's top destination resorts.
A winter staycation relaxing poolside at the JW Marriott Phoenix? Done and done. Wondering where to stay while you're away? Book a vacation home or villa through Marriott. You'll enjoy the comforts and luxuries of a hotel with the charm – and price tag – of a homeaway rental. Win, win!
Looking to ditch the car and travel in style? A Rail Pass from Amtrak lets folks sit back and enjoy the ride while soaking up some of the country's best scenery. Another one of our favorite travel gifts for practically anyone in your life with an Apple product is an Apple Adapter. This 2-pack magnetic wireless charger works with so many gadgets and would be ideal to have while traveling.
Budget Picks For The Thrill-Seeking Adventurer
If you value experience over "stuff," getting gift vouchers for bucket-list-worthy adventures is awesome. Virgin Experience Gifts put once-in-a-lifetime experiences within reach -- and budget -- offering everything from GoCar tours to tickets to popular attractions to sunset kayak tours.
Looking to be a tourist in your hometown? What a budget-friendly way to "staycation!" City Experience makes a perfect gift for local adventures; and with city cruises, tours, guide-led excursions, and more, you'll discover a whole new side to your city. (Traveling cross-country? Book a City Experience in a different town or city!)
Budget-Friendly Gear For The Globe Trotter
One of the best ways to save money on traveling is with gear that serves a dual purpose. One of our favorite budget-friendly must-haves is an all-in-one charger that works for iPhones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and more. The Belkin BoostCharge Plus is a staff favorite that's small in size, but big in functionality.
Shop Belkin BoostCharge Plus On Amazon
Another travel must-have is a portable water bottle or thermos; Editor Sarah McCosham loves Hydroflask for its durability and functionality.
Budget-Friendly Honorable Mentions And Stocking Stuffers
In addition to the gifts and gear outlined above, the following make for fun "under $25" splurges perfect for stocking stuffers or hostess gifts:
- Coffee cards: Make sure you arrive at your destination fully caffeinated with a Starbucks card. While we're all for finding a local coffee shop on vacation, Starbucks is a ubiquitous and reliable spot for "fueling up," no matter what city or airport you find yourself in.
- Laundry bag: You won't regret having a dedicated laundry bag; fill it up as you travel and – if you're feeling ambitious – haul it to the local laundromat for a quick load (sans suitcase)!
Staff Pick: Only In Your State Editor Sarah McCosham loves her Patagonia Sling Bag, the ideal travel backpack: "This bag fits everything you need, and I love how easy it is to access."
Shop Patagonia Atom Sling Bag On REI
Gift Ideas For The Road Trip Enthusiast
From unique gifts for solo travelers to gifts for retirees who travel full-time, the road trip enthusiast in your life is sure to love these one-of-a-kind gifts for road trip lovers.
Essential Gifts For Road Trips
Every road trip enthusiast – or anyone who owns a car, in our opinion – needs a car emergency kit. This is the perfect gift for an adult child or even a grandchild who just got their driver's license, but it's also one of the best overall gifts for travelers.
Staff Pick: Staying hydrated on the road is crucial. Operations Manager Andrea Limke loves her Stanley Stainless Steel Tumbler. This leakproof, BPA-free cup has a straw and keeps liquids chilled for 12 hours or iced for up to two days.
Experience Gifts: Know someone who dreams of one day owning an RV? Why not gift a stay with RVShare, where you can rent RVs of all sizes across the country? For a more affordable non-material gift for road trip lovers, consider an Audible membership.
No matter what type of vehicle is being driven, these practical gifts for road trips are must-haves most people wouldn't want to buy for themselves, like this car trash can or this seat-back organizer.
Stocking Stuffers For Road Trip Enthusiasts
If you’re looking for inexpensive gifts for stockings or even road trip gift basket ideas for adults, these gifts under $20 are sure to please.
- Travel Journal: Documenting your travels is key, and a travel journal like this leather refillable one from Amazon is a perfect gift idea for road trip lovers.
- Road Map: Anyone traveling in a remote area needs a paper map. Better yet, make it a road atlas.
- Air Freshener: These vent clips are not only stylish, but they'll have your car smelling incredible.
Gift Ideas For The Beach Lover
If you're shopping for gifts for the beach lover in your life, there are so many fun options at every price point. From large investment pieces for days in the sand to beach-themed stocking stuffers, we have the perfect gift for those who call the beach their happy place.
So many families love the idea of experience-based gifts for the holidays. Many even choose to forgo traditional, wrapped gifts and go on a vacation instead. If this sounds appealing, and you love the beach, there's no better place to start planning than Beachbound Vacations. This site will help you plan your ideal beach vacation. And what makes a better gift for a traveler than actual travel?!
Shade is a must when visiting the beach, but it can be difficult to travel with a big umbrella. If you want to give the gift of shade to a beach lover, the Shibumi shade is a wonderful option. Shown above, as used by our Sr. Manager of Content, it's perfect for her family of four. It also packs down into a bag that weighs only four pounds and easily fits into a suitcase. The standard size is an investment, but they also have a mini version!
Next up, we have the Ozark Trail All-Terrain Big Bucket Cart Wagon, which we love for its versatility. Whether you're packing up a picnic for two, an afternoon's worth of gear for the fam, or your favorite bucketball and corn hole sets, this wagon makes hauling everything down to the beach easy!
If you’re looking for inexpensive gifts for the beach lover in your life, these affordable items are staff favorites:
- Mesh Bags for the Beach: This colorful set of mesh bags would make a great gift on their own, or fill them with beach toys, swimsuits, and goggles for a truly unique surprise.
- Clip-On Bluetooth Speaker: The sound of the waves may be all the soundtrack you need at the beach, but some people also enjoy a little music. A wireless, Bluetooth speaker is an excellent gift for a multitude of reasons, but add a clip to it, and it's perfect for the beach. This JBL speaker is more of an investment, but it is a trusted, highly-rated brand. This budget-friendly speaker is also worthy of being wrapped up as a holiday gift this season. Clip either option on the top of a chair, umbrella, or shade, and keep the music sand-free!
Gift Ideas For The Outdoor Adventurer
Here at Only In Your State, we love little more than exploring the great outdoors. Whether your close friend is planning a bucket-list camping trip to a national park or you have a family member who enjoys weekly hiking excursions close to home, your favorite Outdoor Adventurer is sure to love these unique gifts for outdoor lovers.
Gift Ideas For National Park Enthusiasts
We love experience gifts, which is why our No. 1 gift for outdoors lovers is a National Parks Pass. Available for purchase online at REI and L.L. Bean, National Parks Passes cost just $80 per year. Providing access to national parks across America is truly the gift that keeps on giving, especially if you purchase from REI, as the company donates 10% of pass proceeds to organizations devoted to the outdoors. The pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase, so purchase the pass within the month you plan to gift it.
Shop National Parks Pass On REI
Does the outdoor adventurer already have an annual national park pass? For more gift ideas for hikers and campers, consider state park passes or a parks-themed gift from Parks Project, from apparel and accessories to outdoor gear, books, and more. Use the Gift Finder tool to filter gifts by type of outdoor lover and price range.
Gift Ideas For Hikers
It seems everyone is water bottle obsessed these days, but the LifeStraw Water Bottle is awesome for outdoor adventurers. The BPA-free bottle is made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic and features a two-stage filter that improves taste and protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and more. No more worrying about water sources on the go!
Shop LifeStraw Water Bottle on REI
Looking for small gifts for hikers? An annual membership to AllTrails+ is an excellent small gift for hikers. Whether your sister is new to hiking or you have a cousin looking to tackle one of America’s most iconic hiking trails, AllTrails+ features more than 400,000 hiking trails and is sure to help along the way, with real user reviews, downloadable offline maps, and more. [alltrails_promo_v2]
Gift Ideas For Campers
We love camping, and if there's one thing that makes any camping trip more enjoyable, it's a hammock. This Eno Travel Hammock is easy to set up anywhere, so you can relax in comfort and soak in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Staff Pick: Editor Sarah McCosham swears by this Luno gear and shoe storage bag: “This is awesome for camping trips – it keeps the funk out of the car!”
Shop Gear Bag Now On Luno Life
Experience-Based Gifts For Outdoors People
For those who love the great outdoors but aren't experienced campers, consider a gift card for Postcard Cabins. Offering tiny cabins available for rent across America within easy driving distance of major cities, Postcard Cabins offers one of the coolest ways to enjoy a weekend off the grid and one of the best gift cards for travelers you could purchase.
Check Out Postcard Cabins Locations
Stocking Stuffers For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Searching for inexpensive gifts for hikers and campers? What about small gift ideas for backpackers? These gifts under $20 are perfect stocking stuffers:
- Portable Fan: Every outdoor adventurer should have a portable fan, like this PANERGY stroller-friendly fan or this heavy-duty fan from Ryobi that's perfect for camping trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Don't let the rain ruin your plans! This travel umbrella from The Container Store is lightweight and easy to pack.
- Headlamp: For an inexpensive gift for hikers and campers, consider this headlamp from REI with three light settings to choose from.
Gift Ideas For The Frequent Flyer
Whether you have a jet-setting friend or are searching for the best gifts for business travelers, frequent flyers require the right gear, organization, and comfort during those long hours in the air.
Luggage For Frequent Flyers
Reader Pick: Every frequent flyer needs a reliable carry-on, whether they refuse to check luggage or are chronic over-packers. Only In Your State readers swear by the Away carry-on and believe it's one of the best gifts for travelers. It’s sleek, durable, and lightweight, plus has compressive technology that helps you pack more and stay organized.
Maintaining routines is key for frequent flyers, and Cadence Capsules help you do just that. Leakproof and TSA-compliant, these magnetic containers are designed to elevate your hygiene and skincare game while away from home.
Comfort Gifts For Flying
Looking for gifts for business travelers that make flying more comfortable? We’ve got you covered. Many frequent flyers like myself won’t buy comfort items for themselves but would love to receive them as gifts.
A good neck pillow is essential for comfort on long flights, and this memory foam travel pillow has more than 13,000 reviews and provides chin, lumbar, and leg support thanks to its adjustable and bendable design.
Reader Pick: Only In Your State readers swear by Bose noise-cancelling headphones, which come in both earbud and over-ear varieties.
Give Back: Another key comfort item – especially for long-haul flights – are compression socks. We love Bombas because they come in different compression varieties and donate one pair of socks for every pair purchased.
Shop Compression Socks On Bombas
Stocking Stuffers For Frequent Flyers
While the frequent flyer in your life will always appreciate discovering a stocking full of gums and mints to throw in their carry-on, here are a few other gifts under $20:
- Luggage Tags: These luggage tags from Etsy come in more than 20 acrylic colors and are fully customizable with your name and address. We love a personalized gift for digital nomads – especially when it comes from a small business!
- Luggage Scale: Know someone who struggles with overpacking? This luggage scaleis less than $10 at the time of publication and helps you maximize your luggage weight.
Staff Pick: Only In Your State Social Media Coordinator Madison Silveira swears by these packing cubes that were listed at $19.99 at the time of publication: "As a chronic over-packer who prepares for all situations, these packing cubes are a lifesaver and a great way to save space and plan ahead!"
Gift Ideas For The Luxury Traveler
If you're the type whose wanderlust leads to the world's most exotic locales, who likes to travel in style, and who appreciates high-thread-count sheets and bespoke concierge services, the following luxury travel gifts for her and luxury travel gifts for him are sure to please – and just might inspire you to book your next trip!
Accommodations For The Luxury Traveler
For many travelers, the accommodations are just as important as the locale. Staying at a high-end boutique hotel or beautiful resort can take a regular vacation and turn it into a memorable getaway. This is certainly the experience offered through Kimpton, a line of luxury hotels and restaurants across the world that our Manager of Editorial loves splurging on when she can! This is one gift card for travelers we can't recommend enough!
Shop Kimpton Hotel Stays Across The World
Wellness Must-Haves For The Luxury Traveler
Jet lag, airports, car trips... travel can often feel anything but relaxing! Make sure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and rested with these luxury travel gifts for her:
- Eye Masks: Puffy eyes aren't anybody's favorite look, and these Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks are a cult favorite that feels like a mini spa treatment!
- Coop Travel Pillow: If, like Editor Sarah McCosham, you simply *must* bring your own pillow on vacation, make it the best pillow, which, according to Sarah, is the Coop Original Travel Pillow. Stuffed with firm memory foam and microfiber fill, it can compress to half its size, and, as a bonus: it's the perfect camp pillow! Because camping should be luxurious, too.
- Travel-Size Hydration Packs: Hydration is key when you're traveling, and if you're looking to upgrade your H2O with something a bit more fun, the Liquid I.V. Hydration Mocktails do just that! Cheers!
Budget Pick: The Smooth + FAB Travel Size Duo packs a big punch in a tiny (TSA) friendly package. An exfoliating body scrub and rich moisturizer are a cure-all for dry, stressed-out skin. This duo was $20 at Sephora at the time of publication.
Luxury Accommodations... 24/7/365!
If you love hotel sheets as much as we do, stock up on your favorites at Marriott Bonvoy. From plush robes and crisp sheets to portable diffusers (shown above) that smell like your favorite Westin Resort, this is the perfect way to treat yourself at home.
Shop Home Favorites On Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
Luxury Stocking Stuffers: Whether you're on a plane or sleeping in the passenger seat, you're all but guaranteed restorative shut-eye with a Silk Eye Mask. Wearing an eye mask not only promotes deeper sleep, but silk fiber is great for the skin, hypo-allergenic, and naturally thermoregulating. We also love the products from Quince; they feel like butter on the skin! And in terms of skincare, the Chakra™ 3 Mist from Aveda will put you in the "vacation" mindset with just one spray!
Travel Luxuries Worth The Splurge
Travel Luxuries Worth The Splurge
Make someone feel very special with these travel luxuries that are perfect for each and every person on your gift list! Or, you know, treat yourself... you're worth it!
Best Tech Splurge: Take the jams wherever you go with the Sonos Roam. Portable, waterproof, and with the best sound quality money can buy, it's the perfect travel gift for pretty much anyone!
Luxury Travel Gift For Him: A high-quality leather dopp bag is a classic luxury that never goes out of style. We love the Logan Travel Dopp from Frye -- it's a handcrafted, heirloom-level accessory he'll have forever.
Travel Splurge For Her: Bedhead, begone! The Dyson Supersonic™ is, hands down, the best hair dryer money can buy, and comes with multiple attachments and a compact case that makes it all too easy to pack.
Honorable Mentions
Don't see a gift suitable for the travel enthusiast in your life above? What about the weekend warrior? What about the best gifts for travel photographers, digital nomads, or solo travelers in your life? Read on for our gift selections for all of these travelers and more.
Gifts For Weekend Warriors: If you need a gift for someone who loves to escape for the weekend, what could be better than a bag called, The Weekender?! The Beis Weekender bag is owned and loved by our Manager of Editorial, Megan Shute. She says The Weekender is "perfect for short car trips or flying! The bottom shoe compartment keeps everything organized, and it features padded laptop storage and a trolley sleeve for your rolling luggage. It also fits a ton – my family of three can comfortably pack for a two-night trip using this single bag!"
Gifts For Travel Photographers: Photographers of all ages would love to receive the INSTAX camera as a gift. In addition to being adorable and coming in so many fun colors, it's a great thing to stick in your bag while traveling – or stick in a stocking as a gift!
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Gifts For Snow Lovers: Know someone traveling to a snowy destination? This affordable, packable puffer jacket should be on your list. It comes in eight beautiful colors and is perfectly made to keep you warm, while also being easy to pack in any size bag. This is bound to be a best-selling gift this holiday season.
Gifts For Wellness Fanatics: Travel should be relaxing and rejuvenating, so a wellness-related gift for a traveler makes a lot of sense. BlendJet makes a giftable portable blender for endless, healthy snacks and meals on the go. Be sure to check out all of the fun styles - there is bound to be one of these gadgets that's perfect for your traveler friend! Also, be sure to check out this travel yoga mat as another wellness gift idea.
Gifts For Solo Travelers: If you have a friend who tends to travel solo, safety is always something to keep in mind. This door-stop alarm is easy to take along on any trip for added security. It's wireless, works with any door, and is a truly thoughtful gift for a traveler.
Gifts For Pet Owners: More and more people are traveling with their pets, and there are so many great options for gifts for pet lovers. Have you heard of the Spleash? This is more than a leash attachment. It does attach to any leash, but it turns that leash into a water bottle for your dog. Take a closer look at this game changer for any dog owner who loves to experience the world with their furry friend.
So, tell us, who are you most excited to shop for this year? Do you need even more help finding the best travel gifts for everyone on your list, or do you have a few travel essentials you think everyone should own? Whether it’s for a quick trip to New York or an adventure in Europe, share your recommendations in the comments, and we might add your gift idea to our next gift guide!
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