Skip to Content

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

70 Cool Travel Gift Ideas That They Won't Be Able to Leave Home Without

Their next trip just got a major upgrade.

By Jacquelyn Greenfield, Kim Duong NA, Maggie Griswold and Megan Uy
best travel gifts
Courtesy

If you've got a jet-setting BFF (ugh, jealous of 'em) or a loved one who's rarely ever in the same area code for long, then welcome to this ultimate gift guide for travelers. I know gift-giving can be a hard feat, especially if you're trying to strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and practical. But that's why I'm here with 70 of the best travel gift ideas to royally spoil the frequent flyer in your life, while also making their whole travel experience easy-peasy. Holiday shopping just got sooo much easier.

Could they use a new carry-on? Or maybe some life-changing travel accessories and ways to level up their airport 'fits? Maybe a cool coffee table book of their fave vacay spot, or, heck, a book on how to properly pack a suitcase (I know you have someone in mind for this one). Whatever their needs are, I'm sure you'll find the perfect gift for 'em, below! Scroll on through, and maybe even pick up a lil somethin’ for yourself, too.

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE

1
this goes-with-anything cap

DsgnByDNA Airplane Baseball Cap

Airplane Baseball Cap
1
this goes-with-anything cap

DsgnByDNA Airplane Baseball Cap

$18 at Etsy
Credit: Etsy

For the most part, travel days are not good hair days...because who has the time? Having a neutral hat that they can go throw on and not think twice about is a must.

2
this top-rated brush bundle

EcoTools Makeup Brush Set

Amazon’s Choice
Makeup Brush Set
2
this top-rated brush bundle

EcoTools Makeup Brush Set

Now 23% Off
Credit: Amazon

You know packing up their entire makeup brush collection when they travel must be a pain. Thankfully small, compact brush sets exist so that they can still have their go-to tools without worrying about them taking up too much space in their bag. This one is less than $10 RN!

3
this handy tool

Twelve South AirFly Pro

AirFly Pro
3
this handy tool

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Credit: Amazon

There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to watch anything on the airplane TV because your Bluetooth audio device isn't compatible with it. Enter: this transmitter that can connect Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the screen.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
this mini hot sauce

HigherHuman Tabasco Sauce Keychain

Tabasco Sauce Keychain
4
this mini hot sauce

HigherHuman Tabasco Sauce Keychain

Credit: Amazon

This will come in clutch for the times when want they to spice up their meal but there's no hot sauce in sight (a sin!). They can pull out this itty bitty, pocket-size Tabasco bottle and go to town. (Plus it comes with a lil case and carabiner to make it even more travel-friendly.)

5
this game-changing pouch

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit

Minimergency Kit
5
this game-changing pouch

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit

Credit: Amazon

Filled with 17 lifesavers for those beauty and/or fashion emergencies—a tampon, deodorant, clear nail polish, a safety pin, and more—this kit has all the essentials they definitely didn't think to pack.

6
this compact eyeshadow palette

pür On Point Eyeshadow Palette

Editor’s Choice
On Point Eyeshadow Palette
6
this compact eyeshadow palette

pür On Point Eyeshadow Palette

Credit: Ulta

When I tell you this eyeshadow palette comes e-v-er-y-w-h-e-r-e with me... Not only does it have a mix of six gorgeous shimmery and matte pigments that'll go with any look, but it's also small enough to fit in a handbag or makeup pouch.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
this set of essential oils rollers

Saje Pocket Farmacy Mindful Edition

Pocket Farmacy Mindful Edition
7
this set of essential oils rollers

Saje Pocket Farmacy Mindful Edition

Credit: Saje

A pack of essential oil roll-ons will be so helpful whenever they're ever feeling stressed, upset, or overwhelmed on a trip. This one comes with five blends—Confidence, Reflection, Connection, Unwind, and Energy.

8
this worldly scent

Brooklyn Candle Studio Santorini Escapist Candle

Santorini Escapist Candle
8
this worldly scent

Brooklyn Candle Studio Santorini Escapist Candle

Credit: Brooklyn Candle Studio

If they're ever at home reminiscing about a past vacay, they can light up a candle that legit smells like their fave destination to bring back the ~feels~. Brooklyn Candle Studio has tons of destination-inspired scents like Santorini, Sevilla, Kyoto, Italy, and Maui.

9
this fan-fave tablet

Apple 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad

2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad
9
this fan-fave tablet

Apple 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad

Credit: Amazon

An iPad can pretty much do all the things a laptop can do, but it's so much more portable and lightweight. It's perfect for the person who travels a lot for work (or who absolutely needs a distraction while on planes).

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
this portable gel nail kit

Le Mini Macaron Lilac Blossom - Gel Manicure Kit

Lilac Blossom - Gel Manicure Kit
10
this portable gel nail kit

Le Mini Macaron Lilac Blossom - Gel Manicure Kit

Credit: Le Mini Macaron

Manis are about to get so much easier (and cheaper!) for them with this gel manicure kit, complete with a tiny LED lamp.

11
this chic travel journal

Papier Travel Journal

Travel Journal
11
this chic travel journal

Papier Travel Journal

Credit: Papier

If they're more of a pen-and-paper type, they'll appreciate this journal where they can plan and document their excursions.

12
this pouch for tech accessories

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag

Small Cable Organizer Bag
12
this pouch for tech accessories

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag

Credit: Amazon

Tech accessories and chargers need a home too! This organizer has a spot for allllll the adapters and cords.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
these thin slippers with grips

Bombas Women's Gripper Slipper

Women's Gripper Slipper
13
these thin slippers with grips

Bombas Women's Gripper Slipper

Credit: Bombas

For all those long plane or car rides where they want to get comfortable and kick off their shoes, these comfy sock slippers will come in clutch. No bare feet here!

14
this high-quality robe

Fluff Co. Hotel Robe

On Sale
Hotel Robe
14
this high-quality robe

Fluff Co. Hotel Robe

Now 55% Off
Credit: Fluff Co

There's no robe like a hotel robe! And what if I told you that you could get your giftee one that feels exactly like one? Peep this plush dream that'll transport them back to that luxe lifestyle.

15
these packing cubes

fancyou 8-Piece Packing Cube Set

8-Piece Packing Cube Set
15
these packing cubes

fancyou 8-Piece Packing Cube Set

Packing cubes can be seriously helpful with staying organized, especially if they're headed on a long journey with a ton of stuff to take with them. This set features three clothing bags in different sizes, two cosmetic pouches, a shoe bag, an underwear bag, and a drawstring laundry bag for any dirty clothes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
a film camera

Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera and Film Bundle

Best Seller
Now I-Type Instant Camera and Film Bundle
16
a film camera

Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera and Film Bundle

Now 13% Off

Sure, they can take all the pics on their phones, but over time pics get lost or even erased. Instead, with this polaroid, they'll be able to capture those special moments on film.

17
this travel-sized skincare set

Fenty Beauty Fenty Skin Travel Size Start'r Set

Editor’s Choice
Fenty Skin Travel Size Start'r Set
17
this travel-sized skincare set

Fenty Beauty Fenty Skin Travel Size Start'r Set

If they're beauty enthusiasts, they'll be over the moon to receive this coveted skincare set in TSA-approved sizes.

18
this smart carry-on

July July Carry On

July Carry On
18
this smart carry-on

July July Carry On

Considering how pricey these suitcases can be, they probs won’t flat out ask you for one directly. But I guarantee a smart carry-on with a battery pack is definitely on their list. They'll never have to worry about a dying cellphone while traveling again.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
A quiet getaway

Getaway House Getaway Often Three Night Pack

Getaway Often Three Night Pack
19
A quiet getaway

Getaway House Getaway Often Three Night Pack

Maybe they love traveling but just haven't been able to take a trip yet, because, ya know, ~life~. Surprise them with a cozy three-night stay that they can book for whenever they’d like at any of Getaway's outpost locations. They have different sites all over the US and even offer luxe camp-grounds if they're into that too.

20
this luggage tag

Calpak Portable Charger

Portable Charger
20
this luggage tag

Calpak Portable Charger

This marble luggage tag can still do the trick if a battery-pack suitcase is out of your budget. It has a hidden rechargeable battery pack with a USB outlet, so their phone can still charge up while sitting pretty on their carry-on—but at a fraction of the price.

Lettermark
Jacquelyn Greenfield

Jacquelyn Greenfield is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the best gift ideas, sales, and more across all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and sex. She has a serious obsession with sneakers and lives for a great clear lip gloss. She previously worked at Nylon and has had bylines in The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter

Headshot of Maggie Griswold
Contributing Fashion Editor

Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram

Watch Next
 
preview for All Sections Playlist - Cosmopolitan US

Find the Perfect Gift for Anyone

gift ideas for women

Foolproof Gift Ideas for Women, Right Over Here!

hand holding plate with gifts on it

11th Anniversary Gifts That Your S.O. Will Adore

stockholm, sweden august 30 nina sandbech wearing an off shoulder top, denim jeans with nina print outside by malina on august 30, 2017 in stockholm, sweden photo by christian vieriggetty images

Wait, Amazon Has Cute Gifts on Sale for Prime Day

fathers day gifts from wife

The Very Best Father’s Day Gifts for Your Hubby

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Young Women's Network - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices