I know firsthand that having the right travel essentials can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a chaotic one. With work trips, weddings, long-distance friend visits, and the occasional vacation, I find myself at the airport every few weeks. Because of this frequent travel, I’ve gotten really strategic about what and how I pack. I carefully select practical travel accessories and portable items to ensure every trip is enjoyable and stress-free. These thoroughly tested items also happen to make the best travel gifts.
From handy organizers that keep all my essentials easily accessible to gadgets that make airplane travel so much more convenient, I’ve got a recommendation for every leg of a journey. These thoughtfully chosen items not only enhance comfort but will also streamline packing and organization. If you’re shopping for a jetsetter who seems to be out of town every weekend, I’ve rounded up the most useful travel essentials that would make fantastic gifts for any frequent traveler. Here are the best travel gifts for the loved one who’s always itching to head to a new destination.
Want even more gifts? Check out our complete holiday gift guide with over 600 affordable gifts for everyone on your list.
With a slim profile and multiple zippered compartments, this backpack was tailor-made for the traveler who can’t live without their laptop.
No more knotted necklaces or misplaced earrings: This organizer keeps all your jewelry safe and tangle-free in transit.
Say goodbye to overstuffed suitcases with packing cubes that keep all your items neatly contained. These ones come with a secondary zipper that helps compress the contents down to half the size.
It’s called the “jet lag mask” for good reason. This ultra-hydrating formula makes dry airplane skin a thing of the past.
I’m famously terrible at sleeping while I travel, but this weighted sleep mask is my secret weapon for restful sleep in hotel rooms and on airplanes.
If you’re sick of stuffing your laptop into your carry-on and hoping for the best, protect it with this padded, water-resistant sleeve that slips over the handle of your suitcase.
Protect your phone from drops, theft, and forgetfulness with a case that includes a detachable crossbody strap. The leather design also features a hidden back pocket where you can store cards or cash.
The next best thing to taking your dream trip with your gal pals? Spending the following weeks and months sorting through photos and living vicariously through your past self. To help your favorite jet setter take a trip down memory lane, gift this custom photo book from CVS Photo which will help bring their travel photos into the physical world (and look stunning on their coffee table).
Say goodbye to packing a clunky “travel friendly” tripod or propping your phone up on your airplane pretzels to watch your in-flight entertainment. This origami-inspired phone stand is sleek, quick to set up, and discrete, making it the perfect tech accessory for your travels. Use code THEEVERYGIRL for $10 off!
Dry skin and jet setting on airplanes go hand-in-hand so gift them this Jet Set Hydration Kit from e.l.f. Cosmetics that’s TSA-friendly and will bring their skin back to life. With a cleanser, day cream, night cream, eye cream, and balm, this kit is will check “skincare” off of their packing list in one fell swoop. Use code EVERYGIRL20 to get 20% off $45+ from now until 12/31!
Leave your full-size products at home and only bring what you need with these leakproof capsules. The magnetic containers connect together to make organizing your toiletries easier than ever.
Designed for women by women, this personal safety alarm offers peace of mind wherever you are in the world. With an incredibly loud siren and a flashing light, it’s basically a personal fire alarm that you can attach to your purse or key ring.
READ: I Only Packed 9 Pieces for a Trip to Europe
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I wear these joggers on every single flight. The fit is so comfortable and the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric ensures I’m unbothered by any fluctuating temperatures on the plane.
If you’ve ever fallen victim to having to check a bag just for the hair products alone, this travel kit from R+Co will come in handy. With a flexible hairspray, dry shampoo, anti-humidity spray, and dry volume spray, they’ll be able to achieve flawless hair on the go.
I swear by this hanging organizer to keep all my toiletries contained without the worry of leaks or spills. It’s large enough that I can also fit a curling iron, makeup brushes, and all my other personal-care essentials inside.
About the size of a credit card and nearly as thin, this portable charging bank is as compact as it gets. The magnetic design snaps to the back of your phone so you can easily charge on the go.
This gadget attachs to the tray table to keep your phone steady for in-flight movies without having to hold it.
Don’t let lost belongings ruin your trip. Pop one of these smart trackers into your purse or suitcase to ensure the only thing you have to worry about is making your flight.
Keep your AirTag secure and protected with a leather holder you can attach to your luggage, purse, or key ring.
Meet your new travel must-have: RIES’s top five refillable travel bottles, all in one convenient set! These bottles are not only leak-proof with a smart dual-lock system but also come with an airless pump to keep everything mess-free.
Over-ear headphones are like a universal “do not disturb” sign when you travel. These offer similar sound quality and noise-cancelling capabilities as more expensive brands but at a fraction of the price.
For your loved one who could use a little help with organization, this case is a must-have for all their tech necessities.
With a zippered shoe compartment and an extra-wide opening, this travel bag can fit everything you need for a weekend away. Plus, the miniature version is the perfect size for a personal item without skimping on packing space.
READ: I Just Traveled to Europe for 10 Days: Here’s How I Fit Everything in a Carry-On
This insulated water bottle has a fully leak-proof lid, so you can toss it into your personal item without worrying about spills.
This beautiful passport case and luggage tag set makes a thoughtful gift they’ll use every time they travel.
For the person who never travels without their entire skincare routine, this toiletry case keeps full-size products upright and organized for mess-free travel.
An elevated take on your basic belt bag, this high-quality leather version provides hands-free organization for all your essentials.
This travel cosmetics case opens like a book to reveal clear, zippered compartments that let you easily see and access your favorite products.
Twist or fold this travel pillow into any shape you want to help you find the perfect sleeping position anywhere. When you get home, toss the whole thing in the washing machine to get rid of any airplane germs.
Compression socks are one of those unsexy essentials that truly make a huge difference on long flights. By improving blood flow, they’ll help you avoid swollen, achy legs mid-flight.
Slip this deck of cards into your suitcase to pull out when you have a quiet moment to yourself or with your travel buddies. Each card features thoughtful questions that prompt you to reflect on your trip in a more meaningful way.
Made from buttery-soft leather with a lightweight, flexible sole, these flats are designed to collapse flat or fold up so you can easily pack them in a suitcase.
This slouchy shoulderbag is easy to tuck into a suitcase, and the whole thing is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
No more asking random strangers to take your picture. This adjustable phone tripod includes a wireless remote and folds up to about the size of a hair straightener so it won’t take up too much suitcase space.
Never go over the weight limit again with a digital scale that tells you exactly how much your suitcase weighs.
Skip the cheap airline headphones and wirelessly connect to in-flight entertainment using your own headphones.
Commemorate their favorite travel destination with a coffee table book that captures the essence of the place through hundreds of beautiful photos and anecdotes.
A Kindle is any book-lover’s ultimate travel essential, and this embroidered cover will keep it protected from the plane to the hotel and home again.
iPhone snaps are great, but there’s nothing like being able to print out your travel memories as you capture them. I particularly love the vintage-inspired design of this instant film camera.
Ornaments make fantastic last-minute gifts that still feel special, and this passport one is perfect for the person who’s always stamping theirs.
Meet our new favorite pullover—casual yet undeniably stylish with its edgy details. Crafted from an ultra-cozy vello-sherpa blend, it’s as comfortable as it is chic.
Shop All of The Everygirl’s Holiday Gift Guides
- Gifts for The Quiet Luxury Girl
- Gifts for The Homebody
- Gifts for The Traveler
- Gifts for The Wellness Expert
- Gifts for The Classic Femme
- Gifts for The Cool Girl
- Gifts for The Corporate Girlie
- Gifts for The Coastal Grandma
- Gifts for The Person Who Has It All
- Gifts for Guys
- Gifts for Moms
- Gifts for Dads
- Stocking Stuffers for Women
- Stocking Stuffers for Men
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has published our beloved gift guides for 12+ years. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for your work wife, an insanely cool cousin, or your significant other’s dad (why are dads so hard?!), we have an idea they’ll love. The Everygirl editorial team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible and affordable list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Additionally, The Everygirl is committed to highlighting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned brands as well as environmentally conscious companies and small businesses. Our gift guides bring value and variety to our readership by supporting brands that celebrate this diversity. We pledge that half of the products in our gift guide fit the above categories, with an added commitment that 15% of the products will be from BIPOC-owned businesses. If you see a label next to a product, that means it is a business owned by, a product produced by, or a brand that has an initiative associated with these core values.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She has nearly seven years of experience reviewing products, covering trends, and creating inspiring content around all things home.