Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
10 Unique Gift Ideas for the Frequent Flyer in Your Life
Are there any business travelers or digital nomads in your life? Here are the best gifts for the frequent flyers in your life.
We all know that one person who jet sets around the country or the world for work and, sometimes, pleasure. So what better way to show how well you know them and their passions for travel than gifting them something unique that will make their travel life easier? Air travel isn't always comfortable, but there are plenty of unique products out there that can ease the pains of sitting on an airplane for hours on end. Here are some of the most unique gifts for frequent flyers at a range of prices from budget-friendly to luxury:
1. Calpak Evry Starter Bundle
There's something so comforting about knowing you have all the travel gear you need for a last-minute trip. A starter travel pack from Calpak has you covered, with large and carry-on size luggage plus three packing cubes and two easy-to-clean pouches for laundry and shoes. Calpak is famous for its 360-degree wheels and fun, bright colors.
2. CalPak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Whether or not someone is checking a bag, they almost always bring a carry-on as well. Only In Your State readers have agreed that the CalPak Hue Mini Carry-On is the way to go. With its sleek design, your favorite traveler will be the envy of all others on the plane. Aside from that, it also has a hard, durable exterior and a compression interior so that more than what you think can fit inside. It's also perfect for shorter trips when you just don't want to bother checking a bag. This is one of the best gifts for business travelers.
3. Osprey Travel Packs
Need a gift for a digital nomad in your life? A travel backpack complete with a laptop pocket is what you'll want to get. We can't recommend Osprey enough. Many of Osprey's backpacks come with an internal laptop compartment and several additional compartments that make it easy to organize.
As for gifts for travel photographers, you can also check out the Peak Design Travel Pack. Versatile and weatherproof, this 45-liter bag can hold camera gear and a laptop and can be used as a carry-on.
4. DIMJ Packing Cubes
A set of packing cubes is an affordable way to organize your luggage. Whether you're packing a large suitcase, a carry-on, or a backpack, staying organized is key to making travel less stressful. They also help maximize the space in your luggage. Our travel team editor swears by these packing cubes: "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!" They are also quite affordable.
5. Thule Subterra Powershuttle
Whether or not someone is a gearhead, chances are they are traveling with tech. From cell phones to Apple AirPods, from a cell phone power bank to a GoPro, we all need a way to organize chargers, card readers, etc. The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Travel Case is padded, durable, and can hold several cords, portable chargers, and other tech accessories.
6. Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow
Neck pillows are essential for anyone taking a long trip. But the Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow is a game changer. Not only does it provide neck support, but it can be adjusted in countless ways to give you more support while you rest. It can be arranged to cover your eyes or even give you enough cushion to rest your head against the window. It's perfect for long flights and road trips!
7. Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones
Another way to ease discomfort and block out noise while enjoying music, a show, a movie, or some rest is with a set of noise-canceling headphones. Only In Your State readers swear by Bose noise-cancelling headphones, which come in earbud and over-ear varieties.
8. Customizable Luggage Tags
Luggage tags come in all sorts of shapes and colors. But instead of buying from any store, help support a small business and order a customizable luggage tag on Etsy. Best of all, these acrylic tags come in a variety of colors so you can truly customize them for your favorite frequent flier.
9. Dr. Meter Travel Essentials Luggage Weight Scale
Let's face it, overweight bag fees aren't something anyone wants to pay. So, what's the best solution before getting to the airport? A luggage scale! First, check out the maximum weight allowance per bag on the airline's website, and then use a luggage scale to see if your bag is overweight or good to go!
10. Apple AirTags
We all love a bit of tech, especially when it can be helpful. Now, not one person loves getting to their destination only to find out that their luggage is MIA. To easily track bags, Apple AirTags are incredibly useful and give a person some peace of mind.
Need more stocking stuffer ideas? Gum and mints are always great, affordable options for the travelers in your life, and a reusable tote bag or a travel water bottle is as well.
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