abrunettetravels As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying items purchased through this blog at no additional cost to you. If you choose to make a purchase through any of the links that I am affiliated with, thank you! For more information, see my privacy page.
Are you starting to prepare for the holiday season? Trying to figure out what gifts to buy? Well, you are in luck! Here is your 2023 gift guide for the traveler in your life. From budget to splurge, practical to indulgent, I have you covered for gift giving ideas.
Let’s get started shopping! I have broken this gift guide down into practical gifts that would work well for a new traveler and gifts for the experienced traveler who already has the basics.
Practical Gifts for the Traveler
Whether you know someone who is just getting the travel bug or someone who has been traveling for a while but could use a refresh on some of the everyday travel items that makes packing and traveling easier, this is the list.
Budget Gifts
Packing Cubes– The holy grail of ALL packing items. This is the first thing I buy for people when I know they are traveling. I have used several sets and this set is the one I am using now. I have just recently taken it to Eastern Europe and they worked beautifully.
Makeup Bag– A good makeup bag can make traveling so much easier. Especially when you are moving from town to town and having to pack up frequently. This Lay N Go bag is a lifesaver when trying to find a particular item in your bag.
Luggage Scale– No practical gift guide would be complete without a luggage scale. The digital scales have made it so easy to make sure you are below weight with your checked luggage. Even some European airlines place weight restrictions on carryon luggage. This is perfect for making sure you don’t get dinged with extra charges because a bag is overweight.
Passport Holder– I Love my passport holder! Before getting mine, I was keeping my passport, credit cards and cash in different areas or I had more than one wallet or holder taking up too much space in my backpack. Bonus, it comes in a whole array of colors to choose from.
Portable Charger– In case you know someone who doesn’t already have a portable charger, this is a great addition for a new traveler. I carry mine on every trip and am always glad I have it. Whether taking photos and videos or using GPS to get around, a battery can drain quickly and often at the worst times.
Splurge Gifts
Backpack– A well-constructed backpack that is also lightweight is invaluable for the frequent traveler. This gift is perfect for the person who travels light and spends much of their time on the move. Osprey sets the standard for well-made backpacks. There are a variety of sizes, but this one works well for many travelers. You can’t go wrong with one of their backpacks.
Tech Kit– While this may not seem like a splurge, compared to many other tech cases, this one is a step up. It holds all of the necessary chargers and tech related items while looking sleek and stylish.
Smartwool Socks– Are you surprised to see socks on the splurge list? Well, they may not be the biggest splurge out there, but they are a bit more than other socks you could choose. Smartwool is worth its weight in gold. It is moisture and odor resistant, which is a dream when traveling. Do you know someone who backpacks or goes on mission trips? Well chances are they are sink washing and Smartwool reduces the need to wash as often and dries quickly.
Fun Gifts for the Traveler
Not that all gifts aren’t fun. However, there are some that almost seem like a necessity when traveling through airports, train stations or backpacking. Here is a gift guide for the traveler that will enhance the travel experience and may not be something they would buy for themselves.
Budget
Travel Wrap– This is something that I didn’t pack when I first stated traveling many years ago. I never felt like it was necessary and it would take up space. Well, after MANY flights that were ridiculously cold, I now like having a travel wrap with me. There are many to choose from. I like this one for style, comfort and it doesn’t break the bank.
Neck Pillow– Another item that can make plane or train travel more bearable. For those on long haul flights, this can be the difference between getting some sleep and not being able to get comfortable. Once again, there are many to choose from. I’m suggesting this one for a budget gift option. It has memory foam which ups the game a little bit in travel pillows.
White Noise Machine– The Dreamegg portable white noise machine is an affordable luxury that makes sleeping in a new place a little bit easier. It’s lightweight and easy to pack. I almost always pack in a carryon, and this works even if packing light.
Toiletries Travel Set– I don’t know about you, but I love it when I find a good travel set of fun shampoo, bodywash, moisturizer, etc. This Malin+Goetz set feels upscale without costing a fortune making it a great gift option. This can also be used for long weekends or overnights, so it is perfect for any type of traveler.
Splurge
Cashmere Wrap– A step up from the basic travel wrap, a cashmere wrap is a truly luxurious gift for a traveler. I have added two options at different price points. No matter which you choose, the recipient will LOVE it!
Noise Cancelling Headphones– Another great gift, especially for long haul flights. For me, noise cancelling headphones make a huge difference in whether I can sleep while traveling or not. I pack mine for every trip.
Lighted Travel Mirror– As someone who travels light, this would definitely be a splurge to me. If you have someone in your life who is a content creator and has a strong social medial presence, this would be an excellent gift. Not much is worse than harsh fluorescent lights in a hotel room when trying to apply makeup. And, if you are getting ready for photos, it’s twice as bad. This mirror adds natural light and magnification making getting ready a breeze.
If you are wanting to learn more about what packing for an extended trip in a carryon entail, you might be interested in this post.
Skincare Set– If there is one thing that screams luxury, it’s a La Mer skincare set. Many of their items are cost prohibitive for a lot of people, but this travel set makes giving a gift of indulgence a little more affordable. Also, it’s a great way for someone to be able to try out the products without committing to a full-size product.
Conclusion
I hope your 2023 gift guide for the traveler in your life makes shopping a little easier and a little more fun. There are so many options for gift giving and these are just a few of the tried and true for the wanderlust people in your life.
Happy Holidays!
