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There’s a reason $25 is such a popular dollar amount for gift exchanges and gift cards. It’s just the right amount to afford a present that’s worthwhile to the recipient without putting a strain on your wallet.
At this price point, there are some crowd-pleasers you can purchase for a friend or coworker. If you know they are into travel, check out this list of things I love to treat myself to and bring along when I’m on the road.
Related: Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Travel Gifts Under $10
Packing Cube Set
The one thing every traveler desires is more space when they are packing, and that is where packing cubes come in handy. Plus they make packing and unpacking a breeze once your traveler arrives to their destination. This cube set from Amazon is a budget-friendly option. I own several of these sets.
Dry Bags
Dry Bags come in extremely handy when traveling. I use them a lot like packing cubes, but I also keep one in my backpack at all times in case an unexpected rainstorm comes. I throw my electronics and camera into it to ensure they stay dry.
Face Mask
Traveling takes a toll on your skin when you travel thanks to the change in environment, lack of sleep, and usually dehydration. Treat your traveler with an assortment of face masks. I always travel with a face mask to help give my face a little TLC once to the hotel. For those super long-haul flights, I use one of these sheet masks before I land to rehydrate my skin.
Kissable Color
In addition to treating your traveler’s face, also treat their lips. Burt’s Bees lip care is one of my favorites! Plus now that they come in colors, it replaces my lipsticks when I’m traveling compactly.
Carry-on Cocktail Kits
These pocket-sized kits are the ultimate treat to toast to the next adventure. This kit includes everything you need to create a Moscow Mule, one of my favorites, mid-flight, but it also comes in Bloody Mary, Gin & Tonic, Old Fashioned, and more. The other plus with these kits is they are TSA approved.
Postcards & Calendars
If your traveler is a fan of snail mail during their travels, then these postcards from Anderson Design Group are just the thing they need. I, personally, love the Southern Design kit and build your own. This city map set from Rifle Paper Co. is another favorite of mine. I also can’t get over the Rifle Paper Co.’s calendars, and I look forward to getting one every year.
On the Go GamePad
This notebook is full of classic games like hangman and dots and boxes will help pass the time on flights or long road trips (in the passenger’s seat, of course).
Emergency Kit
You never know what the road will bring so having a first aid kit on hand is very helpful. I really like this one because it is a good size and comes pre-stocked with plenty of supplies.
Travel Humidifier
Another one of my travel essentials is a travel humidifier. This one converts a water bottle into a humidifier, which is super helpful in the winter months when the air is much dryer. Also, don’t miss the travel case that makes it easier to travel. Here is another great option for a travel humidifier.
Tile Mate
Tile Mate is a handy racker if your traveler tends to lose things!
Bottle Cap Tripod
No need to travel a bulky tripod around, when you can add this bottle-top pod to the top of your water bottle.
GorillaPod
Another alternative to a bulky tripod is a GorillaPod. I do not travel anywhere without mine, and I absolutely love it!
Solar Charger
Depending on where your traveler is going a solar charger could be the perfect gift! This charger is compact enough to function anywhere you want, and it is suitable for a wide range of occasions like flights, parties, BBQ, and other outdoor activities. Plus it comes in multiple colors.
Bluetooth Speaker
One of the best ways to make friends while on the road is music. It’s a language everyone understands. So treat your traveler with a portable Bluetooth speaker that they can take anywhere with them and share their tunes with their new friends.
Travel Adventure Map
This scratch-off map is the perfect way for your traveler to keep track of all their adventures.
Travel Wall Art
Another fun way to document all of your traveler’s destinations is with wall art. I particularly like these luggage tag posters.
Language Guides
Language guides are a handy thing to have for when visiting a new country. I really enjoy the Lonely Planet phrasebooks as they make it easy to use when on the road.
Travel Pillow
Travel pillows are a great companion for those super long flights. There is nothing quite like landing and having a crick in your neck.
Travel Necklace
Anyone who loves to travel has a small obsession with world maps. This world necklace makes for the perfect gift for the traveler who wants to keep the world close by.
Compression Socks
I have found the older I get, the more my feet swell when I travel on long flights. Compression socks have become a life-saver. I love these colorful socks because if you are going to wear them, they might as well be fun!
Travel Steamer
If you have a traveler who hates wrinkles, then you need to treat them to a travel steamer. This one is perfect for compact travel needs and heats up quickly! It’s the perfect companion when you aren’t sure if there will be an iron available.
Travel Hairdryer
Not every destination has a hairdryer, which is a complete shame. I use this one when hotels do not have one available. It’s very compact and includes ceramic technology to fight frizz.
Daypack
Daypacks come in very handy when touring a new place. This one is super lightweight and has plenty of space for your guidebooks and cameras.
Hydration Pack
Depending on the types of activities your traveler enjoys, a hydration pack is a very useful thing gift. I use mine for day hikes and those very long, hot days. This pack is compact and holds a 2L bottle.
Gift Card
An Amazon gift card or one to their favorite store is always an easy go-to. I love getting gift cards because I can purchase exactly what I want when I need it.
