Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Travelers

Stressing over what to buy your jet-setting friends or globetrotting family members this holiday season? Don't worry, we got you.

Behold, our annual Holiday Gift Guide. We've rounded up our favorite travel gear, technology, and wanderlust-worthy gifts for travelers that will improve anyone's adventures. Give the gift of better travel at any price point with these favorites, spanning from under $10 to $399.

We've personally tried and love almost every single product below – and in many cases, our team uses them on each trip we take. We've divvied up our master shopping list into these categories:

 

 

Prices and availability may change slightly over time! All deals and prices are current as of publication.

 

Give the Gift of Travel: Cheap Flight Alerts

We saved the best for first.

Sure, you could give your favorite travel companion some luggage or travel gear this year. But why not give the travelers in your life the gift of cheap travel next year with Thrifty Traveler Premium, our flight deal alert service?

We'll send them alerts for the cheapest domestic and international fares for 2026 and beyond straight to their inbox – with up to $250 (or much, much more) off normal prices on each and every flight! It's the gift that keeps on giving and the best way to travel more for even less.

With our Thrifty Traveler Gift Cards, you can gift your favorite traveler a full year of cheap flight alerts. That includes dirt-cheap domestic and international deals, discounted business class tickets, and even award alerts to use your points and miles – from 200-plus U.S. and Canadian airports!

 

 

Heads up, current Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers: You can't apply these promo codes to your existing membership (but remember: your annual fee is locked in for life!)

You can either schedule an email to send their gift automatically or print out a code for them to enter when you're ready for the big reveal! Click the image below so you can print something out for a card or stocking!

 

 

Luggage, Bags & Gear for the Frequent Flyer

Away Carry-On Luggage

Almost every member of the Thrifty Traveler team is a proud owner of an Away carry-on bag for a reason. Tons of flashy new luggage companies have hit the market, but Away remains our favorite. 

It's sleek, durable and functional. These carry-ons have an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, a TSA-approved combination lock, and a hidden laundry bag. 

Pick from the Carry-On, the Bigger Carry-On, the Expandable Bigger Carry-On, and more. Select from several classic and sleek limited edition colors. My personal favorite bag – the Away Carry-On Flex with an expander – is even on sale in select colors for $292.

Away allows you to test the piece for up to 100 days with a money-back guarantee. And best of all, the bags have a lifetime warranty. If you're looking for a big-ticket item for a loved one this year, make it an Away bag!

 

 

Buy one from Away from $247
 

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Calpak may not have the same explosive brand power as Away, but their luggage is just as stylish. The internal organizing system is perfect for any trip, the wheels glide like butter, and the four aluminum corners on the suitcase make it look far more pricey than its actual cost. The Ambeur carry-on comes in five colors: Rose Gold, Gold, Silver, Black, and a few special editions like Metallic Red, Gunmetal, and Copper (though those are all currently out of stock).

 

 

Buy it from Calpak for $245
 

Delsey Aero 25” Expandable Rolling Luggage

We encourage all travelers to fly with just a carry-on bag, but sometimes you just need some checked luggage.

The Aero 25” Expandable Roller is made from 100% polycarbonate which makes it lightweight yet durable. Within the suitcase, there are two full packing compartments with a handy divider to avoid your items moving around. There are also tie-down straps and a smaller pocket for safe storage of your accessories.

This is the only checked bag my wife and I ever use, and it's held up great through a few transatlantic trips. Best of all, it's currently on sale on Amazon for just $128 and change.

 

 

Buy it on Amazon from $128

 

4monster Packable Daypack

This packable bag from 4monster is another perfect way to bring the necessities without weighing you down at a much cheaper price point.

This 4monster Packable DayPack is made of some magical, stretchy and water-resistant fabric that is up for any job. But the best part is that it folds into itself, stuffing into a tiny, fist-sized pouch. That means you or your favorite traveler can throw it into your luggage and break it out only when you need it. It’s available in two sizes and many colors.

 

 

Buy it on Amazon from $19.99

 

MUMI Travel Laundry Bag

Keep your dirty and clean clothes separated when you travel with this handy, packable travel laundry bag.

It's a portable and lightweight travel bag that you can easily use throughout your trip – complete with a packable hanger. Most importantly, it's a smell-proof bag.

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $19.99

 

BagSmart Electronics Cable Organizer

Nothing clutters up luggage quite like a tangled mess of cords. This bag is the perfect stocking stuffer and helps travelers keep their electronic chargers and cords organized. It comes in three colors and can hold just about any cord, battery or electronic accessory you can think of. And best of all, it's currently on sale for as low as $13.59!

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $13.59
 

Electronics & Gadgets for Techy Travelers

4 Pack of Apple AirTags for $74.98

Concerned about your luggage getting lost? Apple AirTags are a must-have travel accessory, and they're on sale!

You can buy a four-pack of AirTags for $74.98 – down from the $99.00 list price. Give all four to your favorite, forgetful traveler, or throw each one in a stocking for the family.
 

 

 

Buy them on Amazon for $74.98 

 

Anker Bank Portable Chargers

Talk to any frequent traveler, and odds are they have an Anker portable charger – or need one. Anker portable chargers are a lifesaver and a mainstay in all of our backpacks.

There are a metric ton of them to choose from, but our personal favorite is the Anker MagGo Power Bank, whose 10,000 mAh battery is enough for almost two full charges of a modern iPhone. Plus, it's got a magnetic wireless charging pad and a handy kickstand to prop your phone up on a table or plane tray. 

Every member of the Thrifty Traveler team has one of these in their backpack.

 

Buy it on Amazon for $89.99

 

Anker Universal Power Adapter

Long gone are the days when you needed a four-piece system to stay plugged in across the globe. There are plenty of single-unit options that allow you to charge your devices no matter where you rest your head. Our new favorite is the Anker Nano Travel Adapter, which is on sale for just $19.99 – 23% off. 

This brand new adapter is a fraction of the size of even some of the best models on the market. Yet it's still got plenty of ports to keep you charged: Two USB-A slots, two fast-charging USB-C sockets, plus a standard AC outlet to plug in bigger devices.

Unless if you’re traveling with heavy-duty electronics, this can be the one-and-done solution for staying powered up on international travels. 

 

Buy it on Amazon from $25.99

 

Anker USB-C Power Strip

Traveling with lots of electronics? You'll need something a bit more heavy duty.

This Anker USB-C Power Strip get a lot done, with – count them – six electrical sockets, two USB-A ports and one USB-C socket, too. 

 

 

Get it on Amazon for $15.99!

 

Kindle Paperwhite

Even book lovers have to admit it’s not always practical to schlep around books in your suitcase. The Kindle is the perfect solution. And the Paperwhite is the best, as the adjustable backlight allows you to read in any condition. This version is waterproof and comes with at least 8GB of storage. 

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $159.99

 

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Generation) 

Give your favorite travel a pair of Apple's brand-new, third-generation AirPod Pros. These have better noise cancellation and longer battery life than their predecessors.

 

 

Buy them on Amazon for $249 

If you're aiming for something cheaper, you can also grab a pair of AirPods 4 – still with active noise cancellation – for just $99!

 

AirPods Case That Looks Like a Suitcase

This is just fun. Check out the Rimowa luggage-inspired Koreda suitcase design AirPods case cover. The case comes complete with a set of luggage stickers to help you personalize your case as well.

Just keep in mind you'll need to select a different model based upon which AirPods you have

 

 

Buy it on Amazon starting at $13.98 

 

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones

There’s simply no better travel accessory than a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. And for over-ear headphones, nobody does it better than Bose. These are perfect to shut out the world – and drown out engine noise – during a long-haul flight.

Lucky you, they're on sale for as low as $179 – that's $180 off the normal retail price and one of the lowest prices we've seen for our favorite travel headphones. You can buy it at that price in several colors as of publication including Moonlight Gray, Sandstone, and Petal Pink – plus, other colors are available for $199.

 

 

Buy them on Amazon from $179.00

 

Bluetooth Transmitter for Wireless Headphones

Want to use those new Bluetooth headphones on the plane? Here’s the solution. Twelve South's AirFly Pro will allow you to connect up to two Bluetooth headphones to the seatback entertainment.
 

 

Buy it on Amazon from $34.79

 

Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

This great little Bluetooth speaker is perfect for travel. It's fully waterproof with a rugged exterior that resists dents, cracks, and scratches.

That makes it the perfect speaker to throw in your bag for a day at the beach or at the pool. Oh yeah, and it sounds great, too!

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $89.00
  

Family Travel Essentials

J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Padded Car Seat Travel Bag

Here's another favorite for the traveling parents out there. It’s no breeze bringing a car seat with on your travels, but this bag makes it easier. When it comes time to haul the seat around or check it, this bag is a lifesaver.

Be sure to click the coupon to knock another $5 off your price!

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $49.99

 

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet in Kid-Proof Case for $104.99

Need to keep your kiddo entertained? Amazon is selling its Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet for $189.99. These can be a lifesaver on your next trip, whether by air or car.

 

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $189.99

 

Must-Haves for the Adventurer

Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

Okay, this is a fun one! Get the most packable little espresso maker for that loved one on the go.

This is perfect for campers and off-the-grid travelers who love their morning routine. No battery or plug-in needed: this bad boy is manually operated! Yes, you can expect a hot shot with a crema top from it. This hot new item is sure to wow your gift recipient!

 

 

Get it on Amazon for $51.92

 

MOFT Phone Tripod Stand

Whether you're trying to film some footage or just watch something on the plane, this tripod could come in handy. 

The MOFT Phone Tripod Stand works with any iPhone from the iPhone 12 and up. You can fold it in many ways to suit your needs – and best of all, collapse it all the way down and throw it in your bag!

 

Buy it on Amazon for $39.99

 

Our Favorite Trip Accessories

TRTL Travel Pillow

This goofy travel pillow might look more like a turtleneck or neck brace, but it’s truly a godsend. There’s no better way to help someone survive a long flight in economy than this travel pillow, which the Thrifty Traveler team swears by.

In our minds, no other travel pillow comes even close.

 

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $64.99

 

Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow

Not everyone can get behind the Trtl trend. Another go-to travel pillow is actually this infinity pillow. It's made of bamboo fabric that somehow stays cool and fresh even when it's a bit too warm on the plane. You can finagle this loop pillow into so many configurations: figure eight for your arms, double up for a supportive neck pillow, around the ears to cancel out noise, and more. Unlike most other travel pillows, you can support your arms with it. Oh, and it's machine washable!

Some travelers I know are hooked on this pillow. Trust me: It won't disappoint!

 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $54.40

 

GoToob Reusable 3.4-oz Bottles

Never have a bottle of shampoo or body wash leak in a bag again. I've got these and will never go back to those cheap 99-cent ones. Rather than hard plastic that cracks, these rubbery silicon toiletry tubes will withstand whatever you throw at them. Plus, these 3oz bottles are well under the TSA carry-on requirements, so you’ll be set.

 

 

Buy a set on Amazon from $28.99
 

Travel Pill Case

Whether you’ve got prescriptions to bring on the road or just want to be prepared with a mini-emergency kit of painkillers and antacid, you shouldn’t be bringing full medicine bottles on your trip. These travel cases are perfect because they're compact yet have 10 separate compartments to store your pills.

 

 

Buy it on Amazon from $8.99

 

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Travel Towels

Packing a full-size towel is a traveling sin. Your favorite traveler needs a compact microfiber towel instead … or a few of them. 

This three-piece set of microfiber towels from OlimpiaFit rolls up into a single, hand-size pouch – but will dry you off like the plushest hotel towel you’ve ever used. Plus, these travel towels dry fast, too. There's a body towel, a hair towel, and a face towel in this set. 

It’s the perfect solution for travel when you can’t count on having a towel readily available, like camping and impromptu trips to the beach. Some colors are under $10!

 

 

Buy it on Amazon starting at $9.99

 

Mack’s Ultra Soft Earplugs

A good pair of earplugs is a must for any long-haul flight. Planes are loud, neighbors can be louder. But not all earplugs are created equal.

We’ve found none better than the Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, which are insanely comfortable while remaining effective at cutting out excess noise. A container of 50 will last any traveler a while. I always bring a few pairs for my flights and hotel or Airbnb stays – you never know when you'll need them!

 

 

Buy them on Amazon for $9.89

 

JOTO Waterproof Underwater Phone Case

Your travel buddy will thank you for saving him or her from having to buy a new cell phone. This pouch from JOTO comes in several colors and seals watertight. You can even take underwater photos and videos with this case: it's that good. Perfect for the clumsy friend in your life with some wanderlust and a beach, pool, or boat in their future.

 

 

Buy it on Amazon starting at $8.99
 

Memberships & Experiences

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Tired of waiting for your travel buddy on the other side of security? Or just want to improve the airport experience for a loved one?

There's truly no better gift than speeding through airport security. And while there's no “formal” way to gift this, you could offer to pay for a loved one's TSA PreCheck for $78 or Global Entry for $120 (which includes PreCheck) for a five-year membership. Or better yet, use one of your travel rewards credit card perks for it and don't pay a dime! Here's how to use your credit on someone else.

This gift keeps on giving for years! Once you've got PreCheck or Global Entry, it's good for five years.

 

CLEAR

Have a frequent traveler that's already got Global Entry or PreCheck, and want to make their airport time even smoother? Get them a year of CLEAR® Plus to speed through airport security!

It's far more spendy at $209 a year and isn't available in as many airports, but can be a huge time-saver when paired with PreCheck.

Plus, there's an easy way to drop that cost to just $179: Anyone with a United MileagePlus or Delta SkyMiles account can get that price! Better yet: There are a handful of premium travel credit cards that will cover the cost of CLEAR altogether.

 

 

 

Read our full review of CLEAR!

 

Airline & Airbnb Gift Cards

If you know someone in your life is planning a big trip in the coming year, there's no better gift than to contribute to those travel costs. If you know what airline they plan to – or always – fly, an airline gift card can be a welcome surprise for the holidays. Or, send them an Airbnb gift card for a trip or staycation!

Not only are gift cards easy and always in stock (no shipping delays here!), but they can help you meet a minimum spend requirement on a new travel credit card, too.

 

Airbnb Experience

If you have a trip coming up with a partner, family or friends, why not surprise them with a fun excursion? Airbnb Experiences are a great way to book a day trip, tour, and pretty much any activity you can imagine in your destination. They've got everything from walking tours to tea tastings to cliff jumping.

Thrifty Tip: Charge your Airbnb experience to a Capital One card like the *venture x*, then go back and use your Venture Miles to cover the purchase!

 

Memorabilia & Stocking Stuffers for Your Travel Buddy

A Travel Photobook

Travel memories are priceless. Give your travel buddy a lifetime's worth with a custom-made photo book from a service like Mixbook or Artifact Uprising. 

 

 

Order yours via Mixbook or Artifact Uprising!

 

Personalized Adventure Map Print

How cool is this? There's no better way to memorialize an epic trip (and remember it) than a thoughtful, personalized map print like this. Pick three to eight maps to include, and your “mountains” will be on display as a memory of that adventure! Perfect for your favorite travel buddy.
 

 

Order it on Etsy from $34

 

Anywhere Travel Guide Cards

These travel cards are the cutest way to enhance a fellow traveler's next trip! Pull out a card during your travels and do or ponder what the prompt suggests. Step outside your typical travel ways and make lasting memories with these fun and thought-provoking suggestions.
 

 

Buy it on Amazon for $12.04
 

City Map Coasters

Celebrate your favorite city with these impeccably designed coasters. Each set of coasters is made of Sapele wood. Pick from a seat of four all the way up to 24 coasters, let the artist know which city (or cities) you want, and you're done.
 

 

Buy them on Etsy starting at $23.90

 

World Bucket List Scratch-Off Print

Which U.S. cities, national parks, or global destinations have you crossed off your bucket list? This hands-on activity will have the fellow travel-lover in your life “itching” to scratch off the next one in 2026. Make this a couples or family bucket list!
 

 

Buy on Etsy starting from $32.40

 

Airport Map Wall Art

There are plenty of airport map manufacturers out there, but these from Etsy are our favorite. Whether it’s a home base or a favorite destination, help the traveler in your life commemorate their favorite airport. There are multiple sizes and several dozen airports in the U.S. and abroad to choose from.

These are the exact maps we have displayed in our studio for the Thrifty Traveler Podcast!
 

 

Buy them on Etsy starting at $18.75

 

Bottom Line

Get the traveler in your life these fun travel essentials for the holidays. What travel gifts are at the top of your wish list this year? We want to know!