How to find the perfect present for someone who loves travelling?
When it comes to finding the perfect gifts for travellers, the possibilities are endless. Whether they enjoy exploring new destinations, documenting their adventures, or simply embracing the thrill of the unknown, there are numerous options that will make their wanderlust-filled heart skip a beat.
One idea is to consider practical gifts that enhance their travel experience. A stylish and durable suitcase with smart compartments will ensure they can pack efficiently and keep their belongings organised. Travel-sized toiletries, a compact travel pillow, or a portable charger are other thoughtful options that can greatly enhance their comfort on the road. But a practical gift for someone who flies twice a year into the sun would not be useful for a backpacker on their way to cross Alaska.
What do you gift someone who is is selling everything they own to travel the world?
In the run up to the holiday season in 2022, we were busy planning our journey around the world, reducing items we owned and considering which items we would sell, give away, take with us or put into storage. Our family and friends wanted to know what to give us for farewell, which gifts we would find useful. At that point we insisted that we did not need anything and struggle already reducing what we have (and it was true). Our self-inflicted short timeframe certainly contributed to us being overwhelmed in the situation.
There were however things we bought ourselves that could have been given to us as gifts. It’s difficult to know in advance what will be useful for long-term travel but our experience in travel can hopefully inspire you to find the best gifts for travellers this holiday season. In order to do so, we have broken down “travellers” into different categories below to enable you to make the best choices when it comes to thoughtful gifts for the jet setters around you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links, meaning that I may get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. The products we recommend reflect what we learnt, what we use ourselves and the items we would have found a great and thoughtful gift.Best gift ideas for globetrotters & long-term travellers
| Image | Buy me here | Why do we recommend it? |
|---|---|---|
  | Get me here. | A thoughtful and highly practical gift. We love our steripen as it guarantees safe drinking water without the need to purchase plastic bottles and you wont need to carry anything else for it to work like tables etc. Charged by USB, too. |
  | Find me here. | During our stay in Italy we found the love for good coffee and trust us, when travelling through timezones and especially with kids in tow, you need this! We would not go anywhere without now and simply buy ground coffee wherever we go. |
  | Get me here. | Everyone needs sturdy suitcases. The more colourful the easier you can find them on the luggage belt. Maximum dimensions best not to exceed 158cm (l+w+h) so that all airlines will transport them without oversized luggage fees. |
  | Buy me here. | Breathtaking scenery is best captured with a drone. This one is light weight, manageable for beginners and will fit into any size of luggage. |
  | Travel journal this way | Great for travel planning especially for those who can’t live without writing everything down, have post-its everywhere etc 🙂 |
  | Find me here. | When you travel a lot is happening. This journal invites you to keep note every day but allows you also to compare 5 years with each other. Where have you been a year ago. What activity did you enjoy two years ago that day etc. |
  | Find me here. | We bought different brands and the main difference is the sizes of the packs. Other than that Eono is Amazon’s own brand and has often an offer running. We recommend having a different colour per person. These help to keep everything neat and definitely save space 🙂 |
  | Find me here | We had ordered several then decided on this one. It has proven to be a good choice. Big bottles fit and overall good space with little pockets for medicine, glasses wipe, toothbrushes etc. Great to be able to hang up when space is at a premium. |
Perfect gifts for road trips of any length
Do your friends take regular road trips? Are you loved ones usually getting to their vacation in their own car? Do you know someone who is like us, exploring the world by car but living in AirBnBs? There is some more leeway space wise when heading out by car in comparison to flights but especially when travelling with beloved pets on top of humans, the luggage tetris game still happens!
| Image | Buy me here | Why do we recommend it? |
|---|---|---|
  | Get me here. | Nothing worse than breaking down or having an emergency and not having what you need. This one is handy even outside of holidays and should always be in the car! |
  | Get me here. | Creates extra space, keeps the seats clean but more importantly works like several extra pairs of hands so you can have everything handy from tots to snacks, change of clothes and more. |
  | Click here for hydration. | Sweatfree, keeps cool things 24h cool even if left in the hot car. We recommend to buy at least 750ml sizes and each person to pick their own favourite colour |
  | Find me here. | Last moment panic buy we needed a bigger roof box. We have now sold it and once we travel by car again, we would always go for soft ones. fold away for storage easier and if really needed can empty and fit through lower barriers. |
  | Find me on amazon | There is always going to be rubbish, it feels often like you must have taken some with you at departure. Get one of these if you have the space, smaller cupholder sized ones aren’t really useful though. |
  | Click to purchase. | On the heavier side but large capacity and is quieter than all the other models we tried out. Especially when camping we can highly recommend. |
  | Find me here. | Your pets will feel and be safe, you can stack things around the crate and on top of it. It is easy to assemble and German engineering quality. |
Best gifts to keep travellers of all ages entertained
Travelling with kids goes usually like this: You just left the house and if you are lucky you get about 20 min drive in before the first child needs the toilet and another needs a snack to save them from boredom. I am sure you know best how and what to feed your kids so here our list of items we bought over the years to keep the kids entertained. Our “kids” are aged 3 to 22 and some items have proven useless and passed on or brought to charity shops but some we had for years and always pack as one of the first things when prepping a trip.
| Image | Buy me here | Why do we recommend it? |
|---|---|---|
  | Find me here. | Hours of fun, saves carrying paper, lightweight, can be used as shopping list, better than a magnadoodle, play tic tac toe, etc on it |
  | UNO, but waterproof | Get the rugged and waterproof version of the timeless UNO game to avoid breaking cards on the go! |
  | Suction Cup toys | We had a few from a LIDL event and bought some more after we realised how many hours of entertainment these provide. Only buy if you don’t mind having lots of finger prints on the car windows as a result. |
  | Fire tablet for older kids | Good for games, browsing, music, youtube, research, learning. There are several options available, last years model is usually reduced and will do. |
  | Boredom buster this way | There are plenty of these books and over the years we probably tried them all. Most are the same value and will provide some level of entertainment. If you have someone who can read without getting motion sick this is perfect. |
  | Click here to delight the teens | Leaving all consoles behind was necessary when we headed off. In return we bought a switch and it has been a good decision. Not used as often as the teen wishes but good as a motivator. Don’t forget to also get the necessary accessories (games, travel pouch, controllers, adapters for TV..) depending on your needs. |
  | https://amzn.to/3EKAF6VFind me here. | Good for even toddlers to spot and cross off, great across the ages |
  | For snack pots, this way | Tiny snack pots help with portion control and if they fall you can refill from larger bags rather than losing it all to the hoover. We have those as they are plastic free but there are many other options on the market to fit any budget. These are also good for leftovers to be transported to the next place and toddler will have a home cooked meal as soon as you arrive. |
  | This way to balance bikes | Get it, you won’t regret it, see also below this table for more info and pics. |
  | Bluetooth headphones for kids | The best way to ensure no strangulation issues will happen but also to allow kids to listen to their favourite music or stories and still allowing others normal conversation. |
While techncially not just for travels we highly recommend a strider balance bike. The lightest on the market, bests position to actually learn to balance and swap over to a “proper” bike after and the best part is that without tools you can take it apart – like that it fit easily between suitcases, into the footwell or the roofbox. And you won’t need a bike rack for it.
Find it on Amazon here (we found the deals there are usually better than buying direct but you can also get lots of extra info on Strider’s website.
Make the regular journeys of a business traveller more enjoyable with a suitable gift
We know this all too well from our previous life. Before we went travelling the world, we had a lot of more or less enjoyable business travels. Even the daily commute into London was a journey in itself! Little things often make a difference so here our recommendations for anyone who travels for work. This means most likely regular journeys, more often than they’d like to and not even to the best locations.
| Image | Buy me here | Why do we recommend it? |
|---|---|---|
  | Leather rucksack / daypack | Practical, lots of space and nearly a fashion statement. I only disagree with the fact that they are labelled for men, definitely unisex. |
  | Noise cancelling headphones | Not just for meetings and video calls, this allows an opportunity to stay in touch with loved ones or listen to something relaxing and blend the world out |
  | Click here for hydration. | Sweatfree, keeps cool things 24h cool even if left in the hot car. We recommend to buy at least 750ml sizes |
  | Get the waterproof e-book reader | Perfect to unwind in strange hotel beds, on flights or on the train home. |
  | Merino Wool socks | Gifting socks? yes, when travelling one can definitely get cold feet so these will contribute to comfort! |
  | Find me here. | These will come in handy to pack the bit of laundry for an overnight stay into a small rucksack or laptop bag but equally ensures your underwear won’t end up on the meeting room floor, pulled out with your notebook… |
  | Homemade lunches this way | Especially one for commuters who are not on expenses. For decades these pots were mainly used in Asia but they are now discovered everywhere. No better way to save money and know what you eat than bringing it from home. |
  | Powerbank that even charges laptop | Nothing more annoying than a dying laptop and needing to finish off some work. Special powerbank that works also with laptops, not just phones. |
  | get those brain cells moving | Granted, this book contains some swearwords but we travel with ours and it provides some good exercise to take the mind of things. It is also not work related at all, certainly making a good present |
  | Macbook Pro cover | Macbook Pro 16 shell including keyboard cover. Colourful design too! |
  | Fast charging 20000mA charger | Lightweight, two-way fast charging, high capacity power bank which can almost fully charge a Macbook Pro 14! |
  | Privacy screen filter | Sometimes you just don’t want people to look at your screen. Keep those pesky eyes off as well as covering up your built-in webcam! |
Best gifts for the eco-conscious travellers
When it comes to finding gifts for eco-conscious travellers, there are plenty of options that align with their values and promote a sustainable lifestyle. We are providing you here some thoughtful gift ideas.
Remember though, that the most important aspect of gifting for eco-conscious individuals is to choose items that are durable, reusable, and made from sustainable materials. By doing so, you’re not only giving them a thoughtful gift but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
| Image | Buy me here | Why do we recommend it? |
|---|---|---|
  | Organic Bees Wax Wraps | These are good at home, on travels , just about everywhere. you will always have food to cover, leftovers to pack, sandwiches to make. They do not use up a lot of space nor do they weigh much so even for backpackers ideal. |
  | Solar charger | useful. Good for nature. With extra features which are great for outdoorsy people. |
  | Reusable silicone bags | These are not just great for sandwiches, they also make storing makeup, snacks and anything else a breeze. Free from nasties, microwave and freezer save and leak proof! |
| Find me here. | During our stay in Italy we found the love for good coffee and trust us, when travelling through timezones and especially with kids in tow, you need this! We would not go anywhere without now and simply buy ground coffee wherever we go. |
  | Bamboo socks | Yes, socks are not the sexiest of gifts but these are sooo good and not many people indulge in good socks, they will be greatfull that you introduced them to it. |
| Get me here. | A thoughtful and highly practical gift. We love our steripen as it guarantees safe drinking water without the need to purchase plastic bottles and you wont need to carry anything else for it to work like tables etc. Charged by USB, too. |
  | Reusable Bamboo cutlery | Comes with a pouch. We use our cutlery a lot and it already saved tons of disposable ones we didn’t take from shops. |
  | Organic, cruelty free shampoo bar | Several of those as “taster set” would certainly be nice. We love our shampoo bars. Better for nature, but they are also a real travel hack as they weigh much less AND you can pack them into carry-on! |
Instead of physical gifts, consider gifting experiences like cooking classes, nature hikes, or workshops focused on sustainability. This allows them to create lasting memories while learning new skills. Since we have a global readership, we can not recommend specific courses. However, we would love to hear your ideas and experiences.
Inspirations to find the perfect gifts for all travellers who constantly suffer from Wanderlust
| Image | Buy me here | Why do we recommend it? |
|---|---|---|
  | Travel map to scratch off | Keep track of where you have been already. Makes also for good wall decoration and good conversation starter |
  | World map as pin board | Fits into nearly every decor, comes in all sorts of sizes and is perfect to attach keepsakes or maybe even plan your next travels with it. |
  | Universal smartphone lens kit | Buying a phone or a camera for someone else is really tricky unless you know what they love. With this lens kit you will enhance the pictures taken by whatever phone the gift recipient is using. Perfect to take all those holiday snapshots! |
| Travel journal this way | Great for travel planning especially for those who can’t live without writing everything down, have post-its everywhere etc 🙂 |
  | Inspiring Book | To find the right book can be hard but I have yet to find a travel enthusiast who does not enjoy reading this one. |
  | Streetfood around the world | Nothing leaves as lasting memories as food. This cook book allows everyone to recreate wonderful moments abroad. |
  | Globe neckless | A cute gift which says ” I get you” – this would also go really well as physical gift with a voucher. |
If they have a passion for trying new foods and immersing themselves in different cultures, consider a culinary-themed gift. This could include a cookbook featuring recipes from around the world (we listed one above). Subscriptions to a food and travel magazine will certainly be well received. Equal to a gift card to a local food tour or cooking class . A voucher for a trip together might just be the best gift. To explore a new place together does not have to break the bank. National parks, forests, cities are usually not far and can be reached even via public transport.
Returning gifts – nobody likes it but sometimes necessary
I do hope that the above ideas inspire you to find the perfect gifts. Sometimes even the best intentions don’t result in absolute joy though. Incorrect sizing, duplicate items, or simply not meeting the recipient’s preferences, returning a gift is sometimes necessary. You might be disappointed if a gift you purchased needs to be returned. It’s important to remember that the act of giving a gift is an expression of thoughtfulness. The intention behind it matters more than the actual item itself after all.
Returns process on Amazon for gifts
The return process on Amazon is easy. Just mark it as a gift when you buy it and the recipient can return it without even involving you.
The Extended Holiday Returns policy usually starts in the first week of October. Specific dates for 2023 are not announced yet. Items can be returned as late as January 31st under this policy. We suggest waiting for this to start.
Summary
Remember, the act of giving and receiving gifts is centred around the sentiment and thoughtfulness behind it. Mistakes or mismatched preferences happen. The most important thing is to appreciate the thought behind the gesture rather than dwelling on the need for a return.
The best way to avoid returns however, is to find a gift that aligns with the individual’s interests, preferences, and travel style. So, take the time to consider their unique personality and the experiences they enjoy most while traveling. With a little thoughtfulness and creativity, you’re sure to find the perfect gift that will make their next adventure even more memorable.
Let me know if you think that something is missing in the lists above. Are you a travel enthusiast and the best gift ever is not mentioned yet? Did you receive one of the above and hated it? Let me know in the comments below and share your best gift ideas for travellers.
Share your thoughts and feedback with us, we would love to hear from you!