15 Practical Gifts for Travelers They'll Actually Use

Finding the perfect gift for the adventure-lover in your life can be difficult, to say the least — you want to pick out something useful and practical without choosing something… well, boring. 

Maybe your traveler is always bouncing from hotel room to hotel room, is on a quest to see all of the national parks, or is gearing up for a two-week Airbnb stay in New York. Whatever the case may be, the right gift can really help elevate (or mellow out) their travel experience.

The good news? We have some suggestions, no matter what type of traveler you're buying for. Read on for the best travel gift ideas that they will actually use. 

How To Be Creative Yet Practical With Travel Gifts

Realistically, there’s a delicate balance between creativity and practicality when choosing travel gifts. Get too creative, and you’ll probably lose sight of practicality. Get too practical, and your gift might end up being real boring, real quick. 

While it's tempting to opt for quirky or thematic items that seem cute, taking the time to make sure your gift will genuinely enhance a travel lover’s experience is more important. 

Here are some of our top tips for meshing creativity and practicality:

Consider Travel Style

Everyone has different preferences and habits, especially when traveling. You might have the prepared “airport dad” who insists on arriving at the gate three hours before boarding, while your sister might put a bit too much trust in how fast the TSA pre-check moves. 

Before picking a gift, think about your loved one’s favorite activities when they’re away. Do they usually go backpacking overseas, or are they a lover of all things beach and luxury? Try to tailor your gift to their lifestyle.

Prioritize Utility

A practical gift should serve a real purpose on the trip — otherwise, it might end up getting shoved in the back of a drawer. Items like travel adapters, neck pillows, portable chargers, passport covers, or travel-sized toiletries are often appreciated and necessary. 

These might feel a little less exciting to give, but your loved one is sure to appreciate it when that portable charger saves them from a dead phone during a three-hour layover.

Add a Personal Touch

Creativity can really shine through personalization. Think about customizing your gift with your loved one’s name or initials to make it more special. Personalized luggage tags, passport holders, or a travel journal (if they keep one) can add a thoughtful touch. 

Go Compact and Lightweight

Travelers will almost always appreciate items that won't weigh down their suitcase and cause an overweight luggage fiasco at bag check. Compact, foldable, or collapsible gifts are often ideal, since they save space and make packing easier.

Find Innovative Travel Products

One of the best ways to get some inspo is to look up the latest travel gear and gadgets. Innovative products and travel accessories that solve common problems, like noise-canceling headphones or portable Bluetooth transmitters, are creative and helpful ideas — it’s a win-win.

What Are the Top Practical Gifts for Frequent Travelers? 

Now that we’ve outlined the criteria for a practical present, to make it even easier for you, here are 15 of the best travel-friendly gift ideas. 

1. Snif Mini Fragrances 

Who doesn't want to smell good everywhere they go? The right fragrance can serve as the finishing touch to an outfit, top off your confidence for the day, and overall help you feel like you. 

Snif Mini fragrances are the perfect option for a traveler looking to save space — our 10 ml travel-size bottles can easily be thrown in a carry-on or smaller bag, and they’re long-lasting, convenient, and all-inclusive with unisex scents. Plus, our mini case has a magnetic cap that ensures a spill-free travel day. 

If you’re hoping to bring a full bottle of your favorite fragrance, though, you’re still in luck. All of our full-sized, 30 ml bottles are also under the TSA requirement, meaning you can fly fully stocked with your signature scent.

Not sure what type of fragrance to choose? Gift them one of our bundle options, like our Bestseller Mini Bundle, that features a variety of fragrances. 

2. Reusable Water Bottle

Even if your loved one isn't going on a hiking or camping trip, a refillable water bottle can come in handy. They can fill it up at the airport instead of buying a bottle from an overpriced concession, or they can use it while exploring sites at their destination. 

3. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are an absolute must-have, and one of the best gifts you can give a traveler who doesn’t already own some. They make it a breeze to organize clothing, protect items, and generally keep belongings easily accessible. 

4. Toiletry Bag

Everyone needs a high-quality toiletry bag for their journey — it keeps all the essentials tidy and easy to find. Choose a water-resistant bag to store Snif fragrances, skincare, and shower products. 

5. Portable Charger

A portable charger can be a lifesaver to the traveler in your life. We all know the stress of your phone being at 5% with no outlet nearby in the airport, or ending up with a dead battery at the end of a long day of adventuring. A portable charger can take the stress out of finding an outlet and then waiting around for electronics to charge. 

6. RFID-Blocking Wallet

From jam-packed airports to crowded public transportation and busy streets, RFID-blocking wallets are essential for keeping credit cards safe from scammers. These wallets are made of a special material that blocks and interrupts radio waves, making it impossible to steal credit card data. It’s the gift they didn’t know they needed. 

7. Bluetooth Earbuds or Headphones

If the traveler in your life doesn't already own Bluetooth noise-canceling earbuds or headphones, they're a must. After all, travel days are full of noise — we’re talking screaming babies on airplanes, loud subway rides, and never-ending traffic noise in big cities. Pick a pair of headphones that comes with minimum parts and accessories, and has well-placed controls for ease of use on the go. 

8. Travel Journal

If your friend is all about the memories, a travel journal is the perfect way for them to keep their adventures close for years to come. Choose a high-quality travel journal in their favorite color, or a plain one that they can decorate and jazz up on their own. 

9. Luggage Tag

Luggage tags are a practical gift because everyone can use them. Whether your loved one is an every-once-in-a-while traveler or a total travel guru, luggage tags are a basic but crucial must-have. 

You can even take this idea up a notch by choosing high-tech luggage tags with tracking capabilities for the ultimate peace of mind.

10. Travel Backpack

If your traveler is packing light or needs an everyday bag to use once they get there, a travel backpack could be a great option. Look for a backpack made out of waterproof or semi-waterproof material, and choose one that is thick but lightweight. This way, it will be able to withstand all types of weather, and it won’t way down your loved one while they’re on the move. 

11. Eye Mask

Sleeping on a plane or in a new place can be pretty tough, and sometimes impossible. From noise to light to general nerves and excitement, it can be tough trying to get a good night’s sleep (or anything close to it) on a trip. 

Eye masks may not be a solution to all of these problems, but they can help create a more ideal sleeping environment by blocking out excess light. Look for a sleep mask made from soft, breathable material with contoured eyecups for comfort. 

12. Compression Socks

When people sit for a long-haul flight, it can cause swelling in the lower legs and feet. Compression socks help promote blood circulation by applying pressure to your ankles, decreasing swelling. The socks get looser as they go up your leg, and they may be the perfect gift for your loved one who takes long flights or road trips. 

13. Kindle

If the globetrotter in your life loves to read, consider getting them a Kindle. A book might take up too much space or be too heavy, but a Kindle or other e-reader is much lighter and more compact. Plus, they’re the perfect solution if your friend is heading on a longer trip and doesn’t want to pack multiple bulky hardcovers. 

14. Adapters and Converters

Adapters and converters can make a great gift — an adapter allows travelers to plug their gadgets into foreign outlets without a hassle, and converters enable them to adjust the voltage to coordinate with high-energy electronics, like blow dryers and straighteners. Without a converter, travelers risk frying their gadgets (or blowing a fuse and needing to call the hotel desk). 

15. Airbnb Gift Card

Help your traveler pay for future adventures by gifting them an Airbnb gift card. There are Airbnbs all over the world that they can choose from for their next trip, and the gift cards don't expire, so they can use them at their convenience.

On-the-Go Gifting 

Practicality should always be a priority when it comes to finding the best travel gift — but balancing practicality with creativity can be tricky. This gift guide helps you cater to travelers’ wants and needs while also keeping things fun and interesting. 

Whether your favorite traveler is exploring new destinations or heading on business trips, these gifts can help them make the most of their experience. 

Sources:

Do You Really Need a Skin Care Routine? | Northwestern Medicine

7 benefits of keeping a journal | Kaiser Permanente

The Importance of Sleep and How to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep | Operation Red Wings Foundation

Wearing Compression Socks While Flying: Benefits and Side Effects | Healthline