Are you looking for thoughtful travel gifts this holiday season? Then these gift ideas are for you. Each item is something I’ve purchased myself and can recommend.

I’ve organized my suggestions by price with most travel gifts costing less than $50. You’re sure to find the perfect gift to delight any intrepid traveler on your list.

Included are affiliate links to suggested products that you can purchase online. If you click on one and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. Thank you!

Luggage Tags

Treat the traveler on your list to snazzy luggage tags that are both durable and much prettier than the yucky paper ones you get at the airport. And tags such as the cool butterfly ones shown here will quickly identify your traveler’s luggage as it trundles off the conveyer belt.

Waterproof Pouch

If the traveler on your list is beach-bound—and especially if they are traveling solo—a waterproof pouch to snugly fit a phone, keys, and wallet will be a welcome gift. I’ve enjoyed peace of mind being able to swim from a public beach without worrying about my valuables.

Document Pouch

The safest way to store travel documents is close to the body. My husband swears by his neck pouch, and I favor a money belt. Both are great options! This neck pouch is small enough to tuck discreetly under a shirt.

Bandanas

A bandana or two always come in handy, especially during hot weather. Give your traveler two or three in bright and cheerful colors and patterns.

Mini Folding Umbrella

Getting caught in the rain while traveling is no fun. Give the gift of a dry day with one of these mini brollies that can be tucked into a small purse or even a back pocket.

Water Bottle

A collapsible water bottle makes an excellent travel gift for the thirsty traveler. Choose one that includes a filter and is super lightweight when it’s collapsed.

Luggage tracker

This very practical gift will bring peace of mind to the traveler on your list. If the luggage carousel fails to deliver a bag, the luggage tracker will help authorities locate it.

Shampoo Bar

Shampoo bars are the best for traveling! No more leaky plastic bottles (been there, cleaned up the mess). Several brands offer a wide range of shampoo bars for every hair type.

Water Shoes

Not all beaches are easy to walk on! A pair of water shoes will be welcomed by a traveler planning a vacation to a place where pebbles outrank sand. I like water shoes that are easy to fold away in my luggage.

Shower Sandals

Resort-bound travelers will appreciate a good pair of shower sandals or flip-flops to navigate hot pool decks and public washrooms. I carry a pair like these ones.

Socks

Fast-drying, moisture-wicking socks made for travelers are a win-win. Buy multiple pairs for the perfect, practical gift.

Compression Socks

Help your traveler survive the effects of a long plane journey by giving them a pair of compression socks. These handy travel gifts can help decrease swelling and pain in the legs and ankles.

Eye Mask

A padded eye mask, maybe even with a spot of cooling gel, is just the ticket for surviving long plane, train or bus rides, not to mention sleeping in hotel rooms where every corner blazes with digital lights and the curtains don’t quite close.

Rain Poncho

For travelers who aren’t umbrella-users, how about a rain poncho? Here’s one that folds down to nothing and yet packs a water-resistant punch. Choose one in a bright and cheerful color.

Toiletry Bag

A well-designed toiletry bag is always useful. Keep it compact, waterproof, and easy to stuff into a corner of a suitcase. This bag unfolds and can be hung from a bathroom hook for quick access to all the necessities.

Wallet

I don’t recommend carrying a traditional wallet when traveling. Pickpockets are a risk, and why tempt them? I favor a small pouch that holds my credit cards and that I can safety-pin securely inside my purse or cross-body bag.

Sewing Kit

Not all hotels provide sewing kits these days. Slip a compact sewing kit that includes plenty of safety pins, a large-eye needle, and a few colors of thread into your traveler’s stocking.

Utensils

When I’m on the road, I often eat breakfast in my hotel room. I always travel with a set of plastic plates, spoons, forks, and knives. Select a colorful set for your traveler. This one for two looks like a good bet.

First Aid Kit

A traveler’s first aid kit should contain at a minimum, pain killers, bandages, antihistamines, alcohol wipes, insect repellant and Afterbite (my favorite when traveling where mosquitoes are plentiful).

Travel Journal

If your traveler likes to record their thoughts when traveling, then a small journal and some pens will be a welcome gift. I can never have too many notebooks and journals, and frequently buy them while on the road. This one comes with prompts!

Toys & Games

Better to buy one well-made toy or game than go for the often very flimsy travel versions. A simple cribbage board and a deck of cards are good choices. Other options are books of crosswords (my fave), sudoku, and other puzzles.

Tote Bag

As a champion souvenir shopper, I always stash a rolled-up canvas tote bag in my luggage, Choose a lightweight one with plenty of room. This one sports a design from one of my husband’s paintings and makes a unique travel gift!

Charging Cords

No traveler ever has too many charging cords! They have a habit of disappearing while on the road, so find out what kind of phone your traveler has and treat them to a few cords. They will thank you!

Plug Adapters

Just like charging codes, plug adapters can also go rogue. Buy a package containing several adapters for the countries your traveler will be visiting or choose a cube like this one.

Insulated Travel Mug

Choose a light but durable travel mug that’s not too big and bulky, has a handle or finger loop, is BPA-free and is easy to drink from–and of course is stylish.

Packing Cubes

I love packing cubes! They’ve changed how I pack and I’m never going back to pre-packing-cube days when finding a T shirt became a spelunking mission. Choose a set of packing cubes with a variety of sizes.

Fitness Bands

If your traveler likes to work out while on the road, they’ll be delighted with a set of fitness bands. Just remind them not to take the bands through security! I tried that once, only to have them confiscated as potential weapons. Seriously?

Guidebooks

It’s no secret if you’ve been reading Artsy Traveler for a while that I recommend the guidebooks written by the indomitable Rick Steves. Give your traveler his latest book for the destination they’ll be visiting.

Insulated Bag

An insulated bag is worth its weight in gold for travelers on the move. Choose one that collapses easily but is large enough to fit a picnic lunch and other perishables.

Day Bag

For long days sightseeing, a lightweight, foldable backpack or day bag is ideal for carrying purchases, a guidebook and other essentials that don’t fit into a cross-body bag.

Neck Fan

Sightseeing in the heat can be challenging and energy-sapping. A portable neck fan keeps things breezy and comfortable for your traveler.

Earplugs

Not all accommodations are quiet! The traveler on your list will appreciate having well-crafted ear plugs at the ready for those nights when people out in the street are partying on far too long. I recommend this brand as one I personally use.

Swiss Army Knife

I never leave home without my beloved Swiss Army knife, given to me by my father before my first independent trip to Europe at the age of 18. You can choose from various sizes, but smaller is best so long as scissors are included!

Battery Pack

Make sure your traveler doesn’t find themselves with a smartphone that’s run out of juice! Choose a portable battery pack with as much power as you can afford.

Wrap or Shawl

A light but warm wrap or shawl is just the ticket for chilly plane rides because, let’s face it, those plane blankets are getting thinner and thinner!

Subscription to Audiobook Provider

I favor audiobooks when I travel because I can listen and keep aware of my surroundings at the same time. A subscription to an audiobook provider such as Audible makes a perfect gift for a book-loving traveler.

Headphones

Choose noise-cancelling headphones so your traveler can watch movies or listen to movies and books in peace. If your budget allows, gift your traveler with a pair of wireless ear buds compatible with their smartphone.

Headwear

A waterproof hat with UV protection is a must-have for travelers planning to spend a lot of time out of doors in all kinds of weather. Choose something with a wide brim that can be easily folded into luggage.

Backpack

A backpack with lots of storage areas in addition to padded areas for a laptop and tablet is one of my most essential travel items. I can’t imagine traveling farther than across town without a backpack.

Folding Yoga Mat

If your traveler is a yoga enthusiast, surprise them with a folding yoga mat. You can find mats with some interesting designs. I own the one pictured here.

Tablet Case

Choose a lightweight tablet case that can be propped on the tray table on a plane or train for easy viewing. I favor cases in bright colors (no surprise!).

Art Kit

If your traveler is an artsy traveler, as in they like to sketch on the go, choose one of these nifty portable art kits to whip out whenever inspiration strikes.

Easy-care Clothes

Clothes designed for travelers are always a big hit. For gifts, focus on easy-to-fit items such as shirts and jackets made of fabrics that are easy to clean, lightweight, fast-drying and, most of all, comfy.

Grounding Mat or Sheet

I’ve recently discovered grounding mats, and I’m hooked on the way I feel after sleeping on one—refreshed, energetic, and inflammation-free. Now I pack a portable grounding sheet whenever I travel. Jet lag, exhaustion, restless legs, and even snoring are distant memories.

Neck Pillow

Neck pillows to help you sleep on the plane come in all shapes and sizes. This travel pillow made by trtl is the best one I’ve found.

Walking Poles

If your traveler is a hiker, a collapsible set of hiking poles might make a great gift. When I hiked in the Grand Canyon some years ago, I relied on my walking poles.

Electronic Translator

More reliable than a smartphone that depends on cell service or a Wi-Fi signal, a portable electronic translator puts communicating with people who don’t speak your language well within your grasp. I like this one.

Luggage

Treat your traveler to a brand-new rolly bag, preferably in a bright color that stands out on the luggage carousel. So many choices! I like this one because it opens from the top so it’s easy to access the contents in a small space.

eReader

I prefer reading eBooks on a dedicated eReader rather than on my phone. If your traveler is a reader, treat them to a new Kindle or similar eReader, downloaded with some of your favorite titles.