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Update October 2023
We all aspire to find the perfect gift for a loved one. While some people have a special gift (no pun intended) for always finding the best ideas, it can be challenging for many. It can bring added stress to your life and be quite frustrating. Well, if the recipient loves to travel, I have you covered. This article is about unique travel gifts that will please every globe-trotter.
Unique travel gifts
Tech travel gift ideas
Bluetooth headphones
Bluetooth and noise-canceling headphones are highly desirable for those traveling by plane more than a few times a year. If the traveler does any overnight travel, they are a must! They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods than earbuds, and the noise-canceling property can make or break your ability to sleep on the plane.
While Bluetooth isn’t 100% necessary, it is nice not having to take them off when going to the bathroom. Additionally, your neighbor won’t risk getting tangled when they try to pass by you.
Recommendation: Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
The Bose has earned this winning position due to many unique features such as:
- 2 modes of noise covering: complete and partial
- adjustable equalizer
- 15 minutes of charge for 3 hours of listening (total charge lasts for up to 24 hours)
Battery pack
Because travel days are full of unexpected situations and delays, a battery pack is something we should never travel without. I have seen people unable to find their hotel because their phone has died and everything, including the hotel name and address, was only on the phone. A battery pack doesn’t take much space in a carry-on and take my word, is unlikely to remain unused.
Recommendation: INIU Portable Charger.
The INIU took the lead based on the following features:
- Compact (just under 6 inches and a little over 7 ounces)
- Fast charging (get to about 54% charge in 25 minutes)
- triple outputs / USB C in and out ports
- Phone holder
- 3 years warranty
Charging station
Most people have multiple devices to charge each day. If you are traveling with others, there are even more devices involved. Many hotel rooms and airport waiting areas are not equipped to charge a large number of electronic items. Therefore, the charging station has quickly become a must-have for frequent travelers or families.
Recommendation: Slitinto 8-Port USB Charging Station
This charging station is a fantastic option if these features are important to you:
- 8 Ports USB Charger Station for USB C
- 60 watts of power equipped with auto-detect technology
- LCD Digital Display screen, to visually monitor the current and the charging status
- Compact Size & Portable (4.9*2.7*1 inches)
AirTag
An AirTag is extremely useful when trying to keep track of your belongings. You can confirm that your bag made it on the plane, arrived at your destination, and easily locate it in busy luggage terminals. Alternatively, if you accidentally pick up someone’s else bag that happens to have an AirTag, your phone tells you there is an unrecognizable AirTag with you.
AirTag is compatible with all Apple products and can be located using the “find my” app. I’ve even heard people putting them on young children in busy areas.
The AirTag does not come with a holder. Therefore you will need to purchase an accessory to put your airTag in, such as this one.
Tech accessories organizer
I don’t think this one needs much explanation. Electronic items likely make up the majority of your carry-on. Having a system to organize all the cables, chargers, and small devices is very much required. An organizer will make it easier to find what you need during your travel journey. It will also help you confirm you’ve packed everything you came with before returning home.
Recommendation: Bellroy Tech Kit
This tech organizer will make the perfect unique travel gift due to the:
- Water-resistant fabric with 3 years warranty
- Zippered pouch to keep everything contained
- Lay flat when open for easy access
- Compact yet spacious (5 inches x 9 inches x 2.8 inches) with room for a mouse, e-pen, Apple TV or charging station, several cables, and charger blocks.
Universal travel adapter
If you are planning to travel outside of your country of origin, it’s a smart idea to get a universal travel adapter. The last thing you want is to be stuck overseas, unable to charge or use electric items you brought with you. Sure, you can probably buy one once at your destination but you’ll almost always pay more.
Recommendation: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
This universal travel adapter offers the following benefits:
- Compact
- Covers over 150 countries
- Can support up to 6 devices simultaneously
- Safety certified
Note that this is NOT a power converter.
Best packing and organizing travel gifts
Document organizer
Any frequent traveler would tell you that keeping your travel documents organized together isn’t only a wise idea but a necessary one. For example, an organizer to keep your passports, visas, plane tickets, and copies of reservations will make your trip less stressful.
Recommendation: Zoppen RFID Travel Passport Wallet & Documents Organizer
Here is why the Zoppen organizer rose to the top of this list.
- Zipper closure to ensure nothing falls out
- Rfid Blocking to protect your personal information
- Roomy with space for several passports and cards, a pen, boarding passes, a zippered money pouch, and removable key chains
- Removable wristlet for easy carry
Money belt
One of the worst situations a traveler can encounter is to lose important personal documents or money or get rubbed. Therefore, I cannot stress enough the importance of a money belt. No, they aren’t the “sometimes tacky” fanny packs you’ve seen your parents wear. Money belts are discrete and will give you great peace of mind.
Recommendation: Alpha keeper money belt
This fantastic must-have travel item earned my recommendation with features such as:
- Rfid protection
- 2 separate zippered enclosures with plenty of space (fits 2-3 passports)
- Extra thin (fits under your clothes) and comfortable to wear
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable elastic waist strap
- Lifetime warranty
Suitcase
I don’t think much explanation is needed. Travelers need good sturdy and roomy suitcases. Even good brands will eventually wear and globe-trotters will need to replace their luggage. In the last 10 years, we have seen the emergence of the hard shell clam suitcase. This type of suitcase is not the most convenient when you want to live out of your suitcase because it doesn’t fit flat on the hotel’s suitcase rack however, its sturdiness raises it to the top.
Recommendation: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
I have linked to a Samsonite trio, but it is key to understand the traveler’s needs to pick the correct suitcase size. I don’t think you can go wrong with a Samsonite. We have owned at least 4 of them; they last a long time. Here are the main features making them a top choice.
- Sturdy with a scratch-resistant finish
- TSA approved lock
- Multi-directional spinner wheels
- Expandable
Packing cubes
Packing cubes became popular in the last 5-10 years. They are a clever invention helping the most experienced traveler revolutionize how they pack their luggage. Instead of trying to create some sort of structure in one large compartment, you can use packing cubes to organize and make it much easier to unpack or find items when you arrive at your destination.
Recommendation: JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes
While it is true that you have countless options when it comes to packing cubes, JJ Power won a top stop with features such as:
- Affordable
- High-quality nylon fabric
- Multiple colors and sizes
- Compact and easy to store
Hanging toiletry bag
Let’s be honest most hotel rooms’ bathrooms are small with little counter or drawer space. The best way to maximize this space while keeping convenience is to purchase a good quality hanging toiletry bag. You’ll want something with enough room for all of your items that fit well into your luggage.
Recommendation: Unbranded Extra Large Capacity Hanging Toiletry Bag
This toiletry bag offers so much room and will fit nicely in a medium or large Samsonite suitcase. Below are the winning features.
- Durable material with multiple compartments all with zipper closure
- Large capacity 11″x 6.2″ x 8.8″
- Wipe clean and quickly dry
- Heavy-duty metal hanging hook
Lay and go make-up bag
These are unique travel gifts for the women traveler in your life. Because the one make-up item needed is always at the bottom of the bag, consider this lay-flat and go make-up bag.
Best comfort travel gifts
Travel pillow
I would not bother with a travel pillow for daytime flights. However, they are a must if you are traveling on an overnight flight. Unless you are flying first or business class, airplanes are loud and uncomfortable. Therefore, anything you can do to increase your level of comfort is positive. Giving your traveler’s loved one a very nice travel pillow is a fantastic gift.
Recommendation: Trtl Pillow
This pillow truly falls in the unique travel gifts category. It offers:
- scientifically proven better head position while sleeping
- soft fleece material
- lightweight and easily attaches to your carry-on
- machine washable
Footrest/holder
Long flights can leave you with swollen feet and general discomfort. Companies go out of their way to find new innovative items to improve your experience. As a result, I have to recommend this genius gadget that will make a traveler’s time on a plane much more enjoyable.
Recommendation: Sleepy ride.
The sleepy ride offers the following features:
- thick memory foam for superior comfort
- easy of use (hangs around tray table)
- Adjustable straps/length
- lightweight and compact
Comfortable shoes
Most travel days are long and include lots of walking. A pair of comfortable shoes is critical. Because of limited space in your luggage, it’s a good idea to restrict the number of shoes you bring with you. Having a pair of shoes that you can wear during travel and for most of your walking at your destination is a good idea.
Recommendation: On shoes.
On shoes are super comfortable and meant for lots of walking. The company has several models with different features that you should review to pick the best option to gift a traveler.
Travel items gift basket
If none of these appeals to you, why not put together a custom gift basket full of items travelers need? Gift baskets are easy to put together and so fun to receive. You can organize the gifts in a traditional basket, a decorative box, or even a stocking. Here are ideas for items to include:
- Tide to go
- Lip balm
- Ear plugs
- Travel-size toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, lotion, etc.
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Compression socks
- AirPods
- Pillbox
- Travel straw
- Chewing gum
- Sleep mask
- Silk pillowcase
- Reusable water bottle (collapsible ones are great for travelers)
- Leather luggage tags
- Digital luggage scale
In conclusion
Finding the ideal gift can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to travel enthusiasts. The following article provides a list of several unique travel gifts that you can choose from. I hope that this list will be useful to you the next time you want to purchase a present for someone who loves to travel.
Happy shopping or happy travel!
Cat xx
