Holiday Gift Ideas for Travelers

Smart holiday gifting ideas for your world traveler on your budget

For the first time in forever, I’ve managed to tackle most of my Christmas shopping list before December 1st (thanks Cyber Monday).

If you’re still drafting your own holiday shopping list, I’ve put together some quick picks for travel-related gifts. You’ll notice that I am a huge supporter of giving useful, practical presents—transatlantic travel reminds me that things that don’t serve a purpose are an unfortunate waste.

Most of these suggestions are unisex—personalize as needed.

Under $25

Passport cover and luggage tags

I took advantage of a Black Friday sale at Béis to purchase a bunch of passport covers and matching luggage tags. They’re cute, thoughtful pairings that will be much appreciated by frequent flyers.

I found Béis on Instagram. Founded by actress Shay Mitchell, the brand sells cute travel accessories while also supporting women through Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation dedicated to empowering women and girls worldwide.

Travel guidebooks or travel novels

One of my favorite Christmas gifts that I received was a destination guidebook to a place I was visiting the following spring. I still planned on conducting my own research on things to see and do but it felt amazing to have my love of travel appreciated and acknowledged to such a personalized degree.

If you’re shopping for someone who wants to travel, encourage their wanderlust with a book or two about their dream destination or a travel adventure. For me, I can never receive enough novels related to travel, specifically traveling in Paris, New York or New England.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine subscription

Following the same theme as travel novels and guidebooks, travel magazine subscriptions keep sparking wanderlust year-round—once per month, to be exact.

I’m constantly on my iPhone as much as the next Millennial, but I’m old-fashioned and prefer flipping through print magazines. They also make perfect makeshift coffee table books in a studio or apartment.

Under $75

Upgraded earbuds

I’ve been dying to replace the old earbuds that I received with my iPhone 6s Plus (which also needs to be replaced). These rose gold earbuds by FRENDS have been on my radar for years and I can’t seem to think of why I never pulled the trigger on them…

A bottle of champagne

No explanation needed.

An adult wine opener

There’s no reason to have your friends struggle anymore with a cheap wine bottle opener that they bought in college. It may seem ridiculous to spend the money on a Le Creuset bottle opener, but it’s a great piece will last through constant travel and moving around.

Luxe Travel Gifts

Cashmere scarf

I bought a cashmere scarf from work two years ago and it has been one of my best travel companions while traveling from JFK to CdG. Theory has several options for cashmere scarves this year for both men and women.

Smart carry-on luggage

When I decided to go to France, I knew that it was time to invest in quality luggage. Although I bought Delsey for my checked luggage, I made the leap to buy an AWAY carry-on with a rechargeable battery to keep me connected while catching flights.

I can attest to the carry-on’s durability—I fell down a flight of stairs at my Paris apartment building and the carry-on fared much better than I did.

Wooden watch

I got to know JORD watches during our sponsored collaboration this past spring and I continue to receive questions about my Frankie wood watch while at work or running around New England. I would highly recommend these watches as unique gifts for your stylish loved-one who’s constantly checking the time and always changing time zones!