We all know that person. You know, the one who’s impossible to shop for, always on the go, or the one who’s just not into ‘stuff’. Christmas shopping can be a nightmare, especially when it comes to travel lovers who value experiences over things. But fear not! I’ve put together a list of travel-inspired gifts that will make even the pickiest wanderer smile, no matter their budget or travel style. Whether they’re a seasoned jet-setter, a first-time backpacker, or someone who’s constantly on the move for work, there’s something for everyone here.
Gifts for Business Travellers
Frequent flyers who travel for work live out of their suitcase, so practical gifts that can streamline their hectic lifestyle are always a winner.
Power Bank (£20-£50)
A dead phone battery in the middle of a work trip? Absolute disaster. A reliable power bank will be their lifesaver, ensuring they stay connected no matter where they are.
Pro tip: get a MagSafe or solar powered one.
Hard-shell suitcase with laptop sleeve (£80-£150)
Who needs the hassle of carrying both a briefcase and a suitcase? A quality suitcase with a built-in laptop sleeve offers convenience and style. Perfect for those flying in and out on a day trip.
Brands I recommend: American Tourister, IT, July
Multi-time zone watch (£50-£300)
With meetings across the globe, keeping track of time zones can be confusing. A sleek watch with dual time zones means they can manage both local time and the time back home—making those calls to loved ones much easier.
My tip: Apple Watches are GAME CHANGING travel essentials – not only can you see multiple time zones at once, you can control your phone camera to take solo photos, and you can get directions on Google maps without having to constantly get your phone out.
Minimalist passport holder (£10-£30)
No need for fancy, overcomplicated passport covers. A simple holder keeps essentials secure, without the faff. Business travellers will appreciate being able to grab their passport in a hurry.
My tip: personally I prefer a plain but bright case because it’s easy to spot when thrown in my bag haphazardly.
Noise-cancelling headphones (£100-£300)
Picture this: an overnight flight, a crying baby nearby, and an important meeting in a few hours. Noise-cancelling headphones are an absolute must for peace and quiet on long-haul flights.
Pro tip: these don’t have to be headphones for audio, they could be loops which I highly recommend (for any traveller).
Amazon Fire Stick (£40)
Stuck in a hotel with nothing to watch? A Fire Stick allows travellers to stream their favourite shows no matter where they are. Bonus points for being able to install a VPN and watch UK channels abroad.
Pro tip: if you use one at home and travel frequently, I suggest getting a second purely for travel to avoid the faff of constantly connecting and disconnecting it to your tv.
Loyalty points or air miles (Varies)
If you’re looking for something different, gifting airline loyalty points is a practical option. They can use them for lounge access, in-flight Wi-Fi, or even a free flight. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Pro tip: it might be silly, but just make sure to get airline miles for the airline they have loyalty with!
Gifts for Holidaymakers
Whether it’s a short weekend away, a family holiday, or a trip of a lifetime, these gifts will make their getaway more enjoyable and stress-free.
Carry-on luggage that meets airline standards (£40-£100)
We all know the dreaded moment at the airport when your bag doesn’t quite fit the airline’s size limits *cough* Ryanair *cough*. Help them avoid that drama with a versatile carry-on that fits under the harshest requirements, whether that be a personal item or cabin bag.
Brands I recommend: backpack – cotopaxi (allpa mini), general bag styles – TRIPP or BEIS
Multi-coloured packing cubes (£15-£30)
One of my favourite travel hacks! Packing cubes in different colours are great for family trips or group holidays. Everyone gets their own colour, so no more mix-ups in the suitcase.
My tip: get compression packing cubes, they save even more space.
Compression sacks (£10-£25)
Heading somewhere cold? These handy sacks help compress bulky winter coats and clothes, saving space in your suitcase. They’re a game-changer for anyone travelling to chilly destinations.
My tip: get a few different sizes so that they can be used for different items
Travel jewellery organiser (£15-£30)
Perfect for the holidaymaker who wants to accessorise while away. A compact travel jewellery box keeps everything safe and tangle-free, so they can focus on enjoying their trip in style.
My tip: get the flat designs over the boxes, they’re much easier to pack around other items in your luggage.
Tevas or Birkenstocks (£30-£80)
Footwear that’s both practical and stylish is a must for holidaymakers. Whether they’re wandering around a city or heading to the beach, a good pair of Tevas or Birks will have them sorted.
Pro tip: if getting Birkenstocks, I recommend getting the Arizona’s if they’re a more adventurous person. They’re more durable.
Gifts for Backpackers
Backpacking isn’t for the faint-hearted, but with the right gear, it becomes a whole lot easier. Here’s what every backpacker needs (or secretly wishes they had!).
Compression cubes (£15-£30)
Space is everything when you’re living out of a backpack for months on end. Compression cubes help make packing more efficient, allowing them to fit more into less space.
Pro tip: get a set that comes in lots of different shapes, sizes and colours. It makes organisation SO much easier.
Multi-plug adaptor (£10-£25)
Travelling with multiple gadgets? A multi-plug adaptor allows them to charge everything at once, saving time and space. Perfect for those bouncing between countries with different plug types.
My tip: get one with USB and USB C ports as well as regular plug sockets.
Scrubba wash bag (£40-£50)
When laundry facilities are scarce (or expensive), the Scrubba bag is a lifesaver. It’s a portable washing machine that lets backpackers do a quick wash of essentials on the go.
My tip: scrubba bags come in lots of different sizes. I recommend the smaller size for someone visiting Asia or South America and the larger size if visiting Europe, America or Australia.
Reversible clothing (£20-£50)
More outfits, less space—reversible clothing is the ultimate travel hack. Great for backpackers trying to maximise their wardrobe without carrying too much.
My tip: don’t choose crazy patterns and colours, it makes the items harder to pair into outfits.
Sleeping bag liner (£10-£50)
Perfect for hostels with questionable bedding or chilly nights. A sleeping bag liner is lightweight, easy to pack, and provides an extra layer of comfort.
Pro tip: personally I use a silk sleeping bag liner (they’re a lot more expensive) and I LOVE it.
Packable waterproof jacket (£20-£100+)
A compact, waterproof jacket is far better than the cheap plastic ponchos. It takes up minimal space and is perfect for unpredictable weather.
My tip: get a higher quality one that will last, personally I LOVE the TropicFeel ones
High-quality eye mask (£10-£25)
Sleeping in brightly lit dorm rooms or on long bus rides is tough. A soft, comfortable eye mask can make a world of difference.
My tip: I would also recommend making use of the free ones you might get provided on a plane, they’re perfect in an emergency.
Gifts for Every Budget
Here are a few general travel gifts that work across all types of travellers, from business trips to backpacking.
E-readers (Kindle) (£70-£150)
No more lugging around heavy books. An e-reader is the perfect way for travellers to bring their favourite reads without taking up precious luggage space.
My tip: make sure you get a case, it makes travelling with it SO much easier
Good neck pillow (£20-£50)
A good neck pillow is essential for long flights or bus journeys. Memory foam options provide the best support and can help travellers arrive feeling well-rested.
Brands I Recommend: the trtl pillows are a REALLY good option
Travel door lock (£15-£30)
A portable door lock is an extra level of security that’s perfect for solo travellers or anyone staying in hostels or questionable hotels.
Pro tip: no matter if they’re planning to stay in hostels or hotels, this is a MUST for safety
So, there you have it: a list of travel gift ideas to make any traveller’s holiday season extra special. From business execs jetting around the globe to backpackers living out of a bag, these gifts are practical, thoughtful, and sure to be appreciated.
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