50 Unique Travel Gifts for Every Type of Traveller in Your Life
Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! It’s the holiday season soon and you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet. Or maybe your anniversary is coming up in less than two weeks and you totally forgot. Now what!? Before you start panicking, channel your inner yogi and breathe in and breathe out. Whether your significant other is a serious foodie or your bff enjoys exploring the great outdoors, here are some unique travel gifts for every type of traveller in your life.
Table of Contents
The Stylish Jetsetter
Is your girlfriend or gal pal a fashionista? Check out these trendy travel gift ideas for her.
1. Mime et Moi Interchangeable Heels
If you’ve had enough of her whining about how uncomfortable her heels are, Mime et Moi is your hero in a red cape. Founded in Munich, Germany, this European brand combines long-lasting comfort with beauty and style. All of their shoes feature a removable, interchangeable heel and can be switched out with 3cm flat heels, 7cm block heels, 10cm stiletto heels, and much, much more. Before you think this sounds too good to be true or they must have a limited selection… You are absolutely wrong! From everyday neutral tones like black, white, and tan to animal prints like snake and leopard, they have a heel for every girl, every mood, and every occasion. Shop their collection here.
2. Mejuri Travel Case
Is she always misplacing her rings in the suitcase or constantly trying to detangle a ridiculous pile of necklaces? Save her the trouble by staying stylishly organized with Mejuri’s Travel Case. Shop here.
3. STEAMERY Pilo Fabric Shaver
Get rid of those pesky lint balls and make any outfit look brand new with STEAMERY Pilo Fabric Shaver. Despite its size and minimalistic design, this little guy’s engine is twice as powerful as most fabric shavers on the market and can handle all kinds of fabrics such as wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
4. The Laundress Travel Kit
We have all had that “oh shit” moment in life when we’ve spilled red wine on a white shirt or got lipstick on a cream sweater. Stop panicking in such situations with The Laundress Travel Kit to the rescue! Comes with four 2-fluid-ounce travel size solution bottles including Fabric Fresh, Delicate Wash, Crease Release and Stain Solution.
5. Slip Sleep Mask
Make sleeping on long-haul flights more enjoyable with a sleep mask! When it comes to luxurious silk masks, you can’t go wrong with Slip. All masks are made using Slipsilk™ technology with the highest grade of mulberry silk and non-toxic dyes. There are several colors to choose from, but their horoscope patterns are a sure way to jazz things up. And who knows, it might spark some conversation with the seat mate beside. Shop their sleep masks here.
6. Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set
Flying can be brutal on the skin. Improve circulation and sooth any inflammation with this Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set.
7. innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask
Stay hydrated on the plane with moisturizing sheet masks. innisfree is a brand originating from South Korea and we all know Koreans don’t mess around when it comes to skincare. Shop for all beauty products here.
The Photo Junkie
If your boyfriend is a photographer or he simply loves taking pictures, here are some travel gift ideas for him that will make your boo fall even more head over heels in love with ya.
8. DJI Mavic Mini
Aerial photography is becoming more and more popular these days and DJI is no doubt the number one consumer choice when it comes to drones. They recently introduced a brand new Mavic Mini weighing a total of 249 grams. That’s essentially as heavy as the smartphone sitting in your pocket right now. In other words, say buh-bye to heavy equipment bags!
Since the Mini is just under 250 grams, it is exempt from certain regulations in various countries. Drone laws are getting stricter and stricter by the day so this is a sneaky method to get around them. More importantly, this is the drone that won’t make your wallet bleed. The bundle package (which comes with the drone itself, a 64GB MicroSD card, and other accessories) only retails for $450 on Amazon.
2020 Update
Have you heard? The new and improved DJI Mavic Mini 2 is out! It now shoots 4K at 30fps and has a 4x zoom feature. If you’re shopping for a first-time pilot, the Mini 2 has added intelligent functions for ease of flight/shooting.
9. DJI Osmo Pocket
In this day and age, who doesn’t want to be a YouTube star and get paid to film videos about travelling around the world?! Although the DJI Osmo Pocket is extremely portable and lightweight, it surprisingly shoots in 4K at 60fps. Additionally, its 3-axis gimbal also ensures stabilized video footage. I guess big things really do come in small packages.
2020 Update
On October 20th, 2020, DJI released the brand new Osmo Pocket 2.
So what’s new? The Pocket 2 has an upgraded 1/1.7-inch sensor, meaning better image and video quality during the day and at night. Additionally, it now supports 8x zoom for photos and 4x zoom for vidoes!
10. Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
Polaroid cameras have been around for almost a century. With technological enhancements, you no longer have to worry about wasting films because someone’s eyes were closed or you accidentally pressed the shutter button. The newest Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay allows you to preview pictures before printing them and you can even turn regular photos on your phone into polaroids too.
11. Camera Lens Coffee Mug
Camera equipment is expensive. While not everyone can afford a $5,000 lens, a lens mug is a pretty close dupe.
Warning: not responsible for any hurt feelings when the receiving party learns that they’ve been gifted a fake lens.
12. Moment 18mm Wide Lens
If you have a little more money to splurge on an actual lens, Moment’s 18mm Wide Lens is a fantastic accessory for phone photography. Compatible with latest Apple, Google, Samsung and OnePlus devices. Note that it only works with Moment-specific phone cases, purchased separately.
13. WANDRD PRVKE Camera Backpack
A WANDRD PRVKE backpack is probably on every photographer’s wish list. From quick side camera access to waterproof Rainfly cover, its innovative design and durability make it a highly functional bag. No wonder it’s been recommended by Forbes, USA Today, and National Geographic!
14. Kelly Moore Woodstock 2.0 Vegan Backpack
For the ladies out there, Kelly Moore’s Woodstock 2.0 Vegan Backpack is a chic alternative. As its name suggests, it is vegan-friendly and comes in two colorblock tones to match any outfit. There are 19 different pockets (crazy, I know!) and features a padded removable divider that can be readjusted to fit various cameras and lenses. There is a slot for laptop storage and the entire bag is water resistant as well.
In addition to the Woodstock 2.0, Kelly Moore has a wide selection of other camera bags on their site. Get shopping here.
15. Hiptipico Embroidered Camera Strap
Camera straps are usually black and plain, and scream “I’m boring”. Perhaps the men photographers don’t care as much, but us ladies do fancy a cute design or pop of color.
Hiptipico is a Guatemalan brand showcasing Mayan art in the form of beautifully handmade bags, wallets, and straps (for backpacks, guitars, and cameras). Every piece is thoughtfully crafted and made out of high-quality sustainable materials. For a complete list of their products, head on to their site.
16. Lensball
I’m not gonna lie… When I first saw a Lensball, I was skeptical and didn’t think much of it. Fast forward a year later, I’ve seen quite a few mind-blowing captures on IG and damn! What a creative way to make photo-taking extra fun!
17. Ricoh Theta SC
The Ricoh Theta SC is a 360° camera that takes videos and photos to the next level. Pair it with VR goggles for an increased sense of realism.
The Soloist
So your friend prefers to travel solo. She has backpacked through Europe and sailed the seas of Southeast Asia. Why not consider these practical travel gifts for her.
18. UBeesize 51″ Extendable Tripod Stand
One of the hardest things about travelling alone is getting fire decent shots of yourself. Owning a tripod is super useful because you no longer have to ask others for help. The UBeesize 51″ Extendable Tripod Stand holds iPhones/Androids and also comes with a Bluetooth remote + carrying bag.
19. TYCKA Rangers 56” Compact Travel Tripod
It doesn’t matter if your bestie owns a Sony A6000 or a Canon 5D Mark III, the TYCKA Rangers 56” Compact Travel Tripod can handle the heaviest of cameras with a maximum load of up to 26.5 pounds.
I’d recently lost my eight-year-old tripod on a connecting flight to New York. Having heard countless positive reviews about Rangers, I decided to switch over and I couldn’t be happier! It is light like a feather and so compact that it easily fits into any backpack or carryon luggage. Highly recommended!
20. B A S U eAlarm
Being a (female) solo traveller can be dangerous at times. Whether it is walking back to the hotel at night or hiking in the woods during summer, a B A S U eAlarm can come in handy.
It is TSA-approved and can sound a 30-minute continuous alarm at 130 decibels repelling beasts both humans and animal alike. I’ve been lucky enough not to use mine, but even after two years, the battery is still going strong. Comes with batteries and can be hooked onto backpacks or carried in purses.
The Business Traveller
Is your other half constantly on the road travelling for business trips? These gifts for people who travel will make sure that they have a pleasant voyage.
21. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Medium Duffel
This one is no doubt a luxurious splurge. But hey, sometimes you gotta look the part to play the part. Even though BV’s online product listing categorizes this as a women’s bag, it is indeed unisex and comes in three universal colors. If you navigate the men’s duffle bag section, the site links you right back to the exact same page. Comes with detachable shoulder straps and a functional lock.
22. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Forget getting any work done on the plane when there’s a crying baby. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones offers three levels of world-class noise cancellation and comes with Alexa voice control. Talk about an ideal work companion!
23. Roku Premiere 4K Streaming Media Player
The best way to unwind after a work conference is to cuddle up in bed and put on a favorite Netflix show. Work hard play hard with Roku Premier 4K Streaming Media Player. This portable device allows on-the-go streaming for movies and series on Netflix, Apple TV, Prime Video, and even the newest Disney+.
The Tech-Savvy Millennial
Does your hubby or brother have the latest iPhone, Macbook, Apple Watch, Google Home Mini, Oculus Quest or… gosh the list never ends and you almost don’t know what to get him. Worry not because these unique travel gifts will be sure to make him smile from ear to ear.
24. Aura Digital Frames
Long gone are the days where you need to print out physical copies of your precious travel memories. As recommended by over 130+ gift guides by Forbes, BuzzFeed, Refinery 29, Business Insider, Popsugar, and more, Aura’s digital frames allow you to easily switch up your pictures instantaneously. Just connect the frame to your home Wi-Fi, download the Aura mobile app, and start adding to your collection. It’s as easy as that. You can invite friends and family to add to your album or like your pictures as well. It will be like they were right there along on the trip!
25. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof!
The Kindle Paperwhite is Amazon’s thinnest and lightest e-reader. A single battery charge lasts weeks, and its glare-free display + built-in adjustable light allows you to read outdoors without blinding your eyes. Comes with Audible and is waterproof. Great for a day at the pool or even in the bath!
26. Fitbit Inspire Fitness Tracker
27. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Never run out of juice again with Anker PowerCore Portable Charger. It features two USB ports for high-speed charging and can charge the iPhone 8 up to almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, or the iPad mini 4 twice.
28. Omni 20+ Bundle AC/DC/USB-C Power Bank
One step up from the Anker PowerCore is Omni’s 20+ Bundle AC/DC/USB-C Power Bank. In addition to phone charing, this portable power bank also charges laptops, cameras, tablets, and various other smart devices. Yes, you read that right. Omnicharge is actually the first smart power bank with AC/DC outlets for laptops and DSLR cameras!
29. Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adaptor
I personally always forget to pack an adapter when travelling and end up having to borrow from hotels, but not every accommodation will have them or have enough to lend out. That said, trust me when I say this would be a lifesaving present. Give the gift of practicality with MINGTONG’s Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adaptor. It comes with four international plug adapters and can cover more than 150 countries with US/Eu/UK/AU plugs.
The Outdoorsy Explorer
Sometimes you gotta disconnect to reconnect. Here are some of the best gifts for travellers to get lost in nature.
30. Glamping Hub Gift Card
Git cards can be seen as thoughtless, effortless gifts, but that’s not necessarily the case here! Glamping Hub is a third-party online booking platform that provides unique outdoor accommodation rentals all over the world by connecting hosts with travellers. Think of it like an Airbnb for luxurious camping. Treat that special someone to this awesome outdoor experience by purchasing a Glamping Hub gift card.
Still not convinced? Read all about my first glamping adventure.
31. Columbia Gift Card
Columbia is a popular brand that outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with. Instead of buying a jacket from there that might not necessarily match your receiver’s style, a gift card is a much safer bet. I swear I’m not getting lazy and just including gift cards to fill the list.
32. GoPro HERO8
The latest GoPro HERO8 is smoother than ever with three levels of stabilization. It has a reimagined design to allow quicker swapping of mounts and is more pocket-friendly than before.
2020 Update
As we all know, technology is ever-changing. The biggest difference between 2020’s new GoPro Hero 9 versus the 8 is its 23.6 MP sensor. This means higher resolution videos. Plus, you can shoot 5K footage at 30fps at a bitrate of 100 Mbps. That’s 7x more detailed than regular HD!
33. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Lugging a huge water bottle around can be a little inconvenient at times. What’s worse is getting thirsty when you realize you’ve already finished every last drop. Stay hydrated with LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. It filters up to 1,000 liters of water and can safely eliminate harmful bacteria. It’s staple in any emergency kit and a must-have for hiking + camping.
34. HotHands Hand & Toe Warmers
In my “Packing for Banff in January“ and “Visiting Iceland in September“ guides, I’ve mentioned that I absolutely love hand warmers. To be completely honest, I am not 100% sure how environmental these are. I wouldn’t recommend relying on these long-term, but HotHands Hand & Toe Warmers do come in handy when in a pinch.
35. Kikkerland Glow in the Dark Playing Cards
These glow in the dark playing cards are a sure way to make camping trips more fun.
The Eco-Conscious Traveller
Check out these unique travel gifts that are perfect for all the environmentalists in your life.
36. Youngever Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
It’s the 21st century and plastic straws are an obvious no no. Youngever Reusable Stainless Steel Straws comes with 12 straws from bent to straight and extra long to extra wide for smoothies and bubble teas. The set includes two additional brushes for cleaning and one carrying bag.
37. Devico Portable Utensils
Devico Portable Utensils aren’t just eco-friendly. They are a safe and sanitary must-have when eating out in. (This one comes with straws as well, but no wide ones like the Youngever set mentioned above.)
38. J.R. Liggett’s Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar
Due to the fact that not everyone has the same hair type or preference for scents or functions, etc., gifting someone shampoo bars can be a hit or miss. However, we all know that shampoo bottles are made out of plastic, which are terrible for the environment. Not to mention, they can take up a lot of luggage space. J.R. Liggett’s Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar is a crowd favorite and the variety pack comes with three different scents. There’s gotta be a chance that one of them will be a hit.
39. Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush
Another big plastic monster in bathrooms is toothbrushes. Isshah’s Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush features a smooth, water resistant bamboo handle with soft bristles that are guaranteed to keep one’s mouth fresh the ecological way. (It may be worth noting that bamboo toothbrushes take some getting used to.)
40. Reusable Canvas Tote
Heading to the beach or going grocery shopping? Or is your suitcase perhaps overweight and you need to take some of its contents out? You’d be amazed at how a tote bag can come in handy. Shop here.
The Adventurous Foodie
People who love to eat are always the best people. These following travel gift ideas will make any foodie excited for their next trip!
41. Sriracha Keychain
Know someone who puts sriracha on everything? This Sriracha Keychain Combo Pack now allows them to bring their favorite hot sauce everywhere.
42. Custom Map Coasters with Stand
These marble coasters can commemorate special places whether it is a honeymoon location or a beloved destination. Unfortunately, it is only customizable for maps in the United States. Shop here.
43. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
If you grew up in an Asian household, you’ve probably used a Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug your entire life. I remember the OG color being that boring silver metal. Luckily, it now comes in multiple colors and three different sizes: 12, 16, and 20-ounce.
44. Gold Armour 17Pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit
This Gold Armour 17Pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit is fantastic for cooking outdoors during camping trips or any picnics really. It comes with a pot and a non-stick pan + cutlery. Best part is it’s super compact and saves space!
The Everyday Tourist
To wrap up this “unique travel gifts” list, here are some general gift ideas that any kind of traveller will adore.
45. Scratch the World Travel Map
A Scratch the World Travel Map is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a scratch map! A close friend actually gifted this to me one year and I was ecstatic when I opened it. I couldn’t wait to start scratching off countries I’ve been to and it’s quite the satisfying feeling if you ask me!
46. Love & Lore Croc Passport Cover and Luggage Tag Set
I’m a sucker when it comes to matching accessories. If your friend is like me, Love & Lore’s set makes a perfect gift. These are available at Indigo Books and Music.
47. Fosmon Digital Luggage Scale
Paying overweight baggage fees is the worst. Make packing stress-free with the Fosmon Digital Luggage Scale. This lightweight scale can switch measurement units between grams, ounces, pounds, and kilograms. It is easy to use and can measure up to 110 pounds or 50 kilograms.
48. PON Memory Foam Travel Pillow
This isn’t just your ordinary neck pillow. What’s special about PON’s Memory Foam Travel Pillow is that it is made out of an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic memory foam material. It provides strong support for the head and neck, and can keep its shape even after being rolled up into a small pouch.
49. TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag
I used to grab a bunch of clear plastic baggies at airport security and would keep reusing them until they ripped. That was until I discovered a greener alternative – the TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag. First of all, it is TSA approved so you know you won’t be stopped and questioned. Secondly, it is made out of a durable premier strength PVC. You know it’s waterproof and can last a long time. Lastly, it surprisingly fits a lot! There hasn’t been a time when I’ve fully filled the bag to the brim or to the point I couldn’t zip it up. Now it’s become a staple in my suitcase that I can’t live without!
50. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Waist Wallet
What do you know! Fanny packs are back in style! Stay safe and trendy with Pacsafe’s Coversafe X100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Waist Wallet. The adjustable waist strap is wire-reinforced, making it impossible for thieves to cut through. More importantly, its Rfidsafe blocking material prevents IDs and credit cards from being scanned by hackers. Fits passports, credit cars, and other small daily necessities.
And there you have it! 50 unique travel gifts for every traveller in your life.
I know some of these suggestions might seem a little insubstantial as a standalone gift, which is why a genius idea would be to create a care package. That way you can bundle say the shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, personal water filter, and hand warmers all together. At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts and I’m certain that no matter the gift, your loved ones would appreciate them. Happy gifting!
It is that time of the year to be thinking about shopping for gifts. Always looking for unique ideas. I like the idea of the hard sided jewellery case to protect the jeweller better. Someone on my holiday list would definitely like the DJII Oslo Pocket camera. If I buy a gift for myself, it might be a Moment lens. And some of my travel blogger friends might like the Lensball. Thanks for a few gift ideas!
I really like the Oslo Pocket too and am debating getting one for myself. You’re most welcome, Linda!
Apart from the latest techy stuff which can be useful whilst on the road, I need to get bamboo toothbrushes and get rid of the plastic out of my life for good. Great range of gifts here and I am pretty sure I could make use of most of them, if I don’t, I think the wife will!
Glad to hear, Danik! Hope you got all your gift shopping done now and happy holidays!
BRB – buying it all for myself, lol. Seriously, so much great stuff. I love the little jewelry organizer… the necklace/dangly earring tangle monster is pretty much the worst part of every trip. And I never would have thought of Glamping Hub gift certificates, even though I love the site myself. What a novel idea!
This is just in time as I haven’t started ANY of my holiday shopping yet.
Hahahaa honestly, I want everything on this list too! I included a lot of Amazon products here so you can get in on that free two-day Prime shipping. It’s not too late yet 😉
I am getting a DJI Mavic Mini for Christmas!!! I love so many things on this list.
WOW! I’m jealous! Let me know how you like it!!!
It’s nice to see a list that isn’t just the usual things – packing cubes etc…
You got my attention immediately with those shoes! I’m quite interested in them but I can’t help but fell changing the height of the heel all the time will compromise the arch in the sole?
The shoes are beautifully made and so far I’ve had no problems! 🙂
If anyone who loves me is reading this, may I recommend either those delicious-looking face masks or the super cute camera lens coffee mug for my stocking? 🙂
Hahaa well I hope you got just that in your Christmas stocking this year!
Some great ideas here. I might have to pop this post under a few noses for inspiration 🙂
Glad to hear you enjoyed the guide, Annette!
All these things as such essentials for travellers! I want them all. I love my jade roller and would 100% recommend this as a gift for someone.
That’s awesome to hear!!!!! I still need to invest in my very own jade roller hahaa.
Some fab ideas. I love the look of that Hiptipico camera strap. 🙂 Although if I am totally honest, I prefer doing something together as gifts, rather than *things.*
I like doing things together too and sharing new experiences, but a gift or two that I ACTUALLY need never hurts! 😀
Heaps of fabulous travel accessories here to choose from. I want about half of this list for myself for Christmas. Might have to splurge.
Sometimes you just gotta treat yourself 😉
You’ve packed in some great ideas here. I really love the look of the Mejuri Case. Trying to store jewellery in an organised manner when travelling is tricky and I do like to take a few pieces with me. I’ll have to look into those, thanks.
Oh you’ll be so happy with the Mejuri Case! It saves a lot of trouble and keeps your jewelry in their best conditions 🙂
I love everything you listed here! I’ll surely get some of these. Thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome, April!
There are a few gadgets in this list I wouldn’t think of but I’m very keen on the drone. I know you can’t use them just everywhere but it’s such a great way to get beautiful visuals! I do use a charger pack and it’s a life saver sometimes! Great list!
Thanks Delphine! And yes, I totally agree. Drones take such beautiful visuals and it’s a shame that a lot of places ban them, but I can understand why.
This is such a great list and I’ve found several items that are now on my Christmas wish list – I love that camera strap!
Isn’t it super cute!? Hope you got what you wished for for Christmas!
I’m very keen on the drone. I know you can’t use them just everywhere but it’s such a great way to get beautiful visuals. I like doing things together too and sharing new experiences, but a gift or two that I ACTUALLY need never hurts. All these things as such essentials for travelers! I want them all. There are a few gadgets in this list I wouldn’t think of but I’m very keen on the drone.