17 Actually Useful Gifts for the Travelers in Your Life

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I travel full time and live out of my backpack for the majority of the year. So, I made this holiday guide to help you find useful gifts for the travelers on your list this year.

I know they’re hard to buy for because you don’t want your gift thrown in storage, and of course, you want to give them something they’ll actually use!

This holiday gift guide for travelers is a combination of things I’m asking for this year, things I can’t live without, and things I found myself wishing I had as I traveled.

I promise – if you have an avid traveler on your list, this list of 17 useful gifts for travelers will have something for everyone!

 

Travel Gifts Under $10

1. Waterproof Cell Phone Case

Love it because: I’m always super careful and concerned with my phone on dive trips, during boat tours, and even when I’m just chillin’ at the beach.

These waterproof cell phone cases protect the phone from water while still keeping it easy to snap photos of your trip.

 

2. Spotify Premium Subscription

Love it because: I can’t live without music. However, both the free versions of Pandora and Spotify limit international listening.

Spotify Premium lands on my holiday gift guide for travelers because you can listen as much as you want to their extensive music collection ad-free, and best of all, download music for offline play on long bus or plane rides. As an avid traveler who gets motion sickness from reading, music is everything on those trips.

Plus, right now you can get the first three months of premium for only 99 cents! Buy it here.

3. Vintage Travel Wall Posters

Love it because: This classic look never goes out of style. Buy a vintage travel wall poster as a thoughtful gift to commemorate
a meaningful city or trip abroad.

4. Universal 3 in 1 Camera Lens Kit for Smartphones

Love it because: It’s an easy and small kit for a beginner photographer to experiment with.

This camera lens kit for smartphones makes my holiday gift guide for travelers because I can take a few cool photos without lugging around a giant camera bag.

5. The Geography of Bliss

Love it because: The Geography of Bliss is one of my favorite books ever. The thoughtful writing is funny and insightful and it was an awesome read. Any travel lover (and book worm) will enjoy this.

 

Travel Gifts from $10 to $25

6. Jackbox PartyPack

Love it because: These games are just fun as hell.

They also load directly on a computer and are played with smartphones, so they require zero additional packing for a heavy traveler.

7. World Scratch Off Travel Map

Love it because: The travel scratch off map is beautiful, and a super fun way to scratch countries off the bucket list… literally.

8. Anker Portable Charger

Love it because: Portable chargers are one of the most practical gifts on the holiday gift guide for travelers and they’ll think of you each time they use it.

No more worries about a dying phone on that long layover or bus ride. Now they can listen to music and stream movies to their heart’s content, and charge on every trip to make sure they always have power for more photos.

9. Sterling Silver Mini State Pendant Necklace

Love it because: These state necklaces are small, delicate, and a great way for a traveler to bring a little piece of home with them wherever they go. Just click the drop down to see any US state! 

10. Wise Owl Outfitters Portable Hammock

Love it because: It’s the perfect gift for any outdoor lover or camper on your travel gift list.

These hammocks are lightweight and great to put up and relax in anywhere, making the view even more enjoyable on every hike.

11. Vibrant All-In-One Travel Mug

Love it because: It’s a tea infuser, hot coffee thermos, and so much more.

A great water bottle becomes a beloved family member to any traveler who spends months on the road and this one definitely stands up to the challenge!

 

Travel Gifts from $25 and up

12. Eye Love Polarized Wood Sunglasses

Love it because: Travelers are always on the move, and that means small things like sunglasses get broken or left behind a lot. I’m always replacing mine, so getting an extra pair of sunglasses as a stocking stuffer would be amazing!

13. AKASO EK7000 4K WIFI Sports Action Camera

Love it because: I’ve been blogging for almost a year and have been dying for an action cam to add better videos to my site.

Unfortunately a Go Pro was out of my price range, but after extensive research Daniel found this well reviewed and waterproof camera… for only $74.99. I’m super excited to unwrap it on Christmas and try it out in Mexico!

14. Trtl Pillow – Scientifically Proven Super Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow

Love it because: I suck at sleeping on long bus and plane rides, and I’ll try anything new that may help. This compact travel pillow is small and super supportive… definitely looking forward to giving it a try!

15. Kindle E-Reader

Love it because: When I’m abroad, my choices are to either lug around heavy books in my small backpack or search in vain to find bookstores with overpriced books in English.

Kindles are truly one of the most useful gifts for travelers because with a library card they have instant access to ebooks no matter where they are in the world. 

 

16. Airbnb Gift Card

Love it because: Everyone knows experiences are better than things. Give the gift of a stress-free holiday or weekend away. Buy it here

17. Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

Love it because: I. LOVE. THIS. BAG.

Seriously, any traveler or backpacker in your life would swoon to unwrap this on Christmas day. The Osprey Farpoint is super high quality, opens easy, and has a smaller day pack attached as well.

I’ll never go back to a rolling suitcase and no one else should have to either. If you have the budget… this is the best gift on the holiday gift guide for travelers this year.

 

Buy These 17 Useful Gifts for the Travelers in Your Life!

No more fretting searching for the perfect gift this Christmas – instead, bookmark these fun gift ideas to use not only during the holidays but all year around!

Everything on my holiday gift guide of useful gifts for travelers is tailor-made to be small, useful, and perfect for every traveler in your life and I guarantee they’ll be delighted to discover these under the tree. 

Happy holidays!

 

This article is part of the Timeless Travel Gifts series. Read the rest below:

20 Perfect Going Away Gifts for Travelers

9 Small Two-Person Games Perfect for Your Next Trip

The Gold Travel Jewelry Every Girl Should Be Wearing

8 Adventure Books You Need to Read in 2020

Then, explore the complete Gifts and Gear series for more reviews and roundups of the travel products I can’t live without.