Must-Have Gifts for the Traveler Lover [2023]

Need gifts for the traveler lover in your life? These are things that I travel with, depending on the type of trip.

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Gifts for the Travel Lover:

Passport organizer

Keep everyone's passports and boarding passes together along with your credit cards and cash. This also has a handy wristlet to help will you wait in the TSA line and a front pocket for your phone. I had one of these before kids, got rid of it and then realized the wisdom in having one to keep track of multiple passports and identification.

Anything from Novica

I am a big fan of Novica and own several pieces of jewelry from them. From their website: "NOVICA, the world’s largest fair-trade online marketplace, strives to create a better global economy by empowering artisans around the world while delivering unique, handmade products to customers."

One of the things that I've never splurged for myself (hint, hint) but would be a great gift is their Undiscovered boxes. For $60, they send you a curated box from a highlighted country. The best part? You get to pick what goes into your box before it comes so you are always delighted.

Packing cubes

This set comes in lots of fun colors and even includes a laundry bag. Group things so many ways: by person, item type, day. It makes it so easy to keep your suitcase organized. Truthfully, I have mixed feeling on using cubes. I use them sometimes to organize medicine in one, underwear and bras in another. But I know people swear by them and it is a nice gift to get.

Turkish towel

It doesn't pick up sand, dries fast, can be used as a beach towel, shower towel, blanket, or table cover. This one comes in a travel bag and can double up as a pillow on a flight. I had never thought of these for travel until I saw my friend with one. Folks, this is so versatile and lightweight, it's a must-have.

Airplane-safe Uniball pens

Have you ever opened your pen cap on a flight and had it explode on you? I have. It sucks. I ruined the world's cutest overalls that way.

That won't happen with this pen plus Uniballs are the best! We keep them well-stocked at our house.

Travel-size Clinique Moisture Surge Face Mist

Want to have glowy skin like J Lo. all flight? Spray your face with this to keep refreshed. For added fun, bring a fan and a microphone. Just kidding, don't do that. People will totally make fun of you:)

Medium Knack Bag

Knack Bag

The kind people at Knack sent me this bag to try it out. It is a gorgeous bag, but I wasn't sure about it at first because they did such a nice job concealing the zippers for aesthetics that I had a hard time remembering how to access my stuff:) Definitely user-error.

So I used it for a couple of months and folks, I love it and my daughter and I fight over who gets to use it (I win every time). It is stylish and sophisticated and it has one section for your laptop and work and/or entertainment and then another expandable section for clothes.

This can fit under your seat and is perfect for an overnight business trip or a weekend getaway if you can pack light. I've gotten several compliments on this bag when I travel.

Cord organizer

The awesome organizer makes sure that you never forget a cord nor have to untangle it from the rest of the lot. This has been a lifesaver for us.

TravelPro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On

The bag that the flight attendants use. You'll never have to worry about checking this baby even if you overstuff it. It also comes with a handy laptop pocket and a port to charge your phone. I've had this bag for years and I love it. I will forewarn you, this is for people that can pare down and pack smart. But it's so light and I can easily throw it up into the bin. Yes, throw it because that's how weak I am.

Selfie stick

Don't want to walk around with a selfie stick? Me neither. But sometimes, it's the only way that I get into a family picture or can take a steady shot at night. It also saves me from asking a stranger. I use this one because it has a remote.

Kindle Paperwhite

I was a Kindle holdout. I like the tactile feel of a book. But between the weight of books, and Bill going to bed before me, the Kindle has become my preferred reading tool.

Anker Power Strip with PowerPort Cube

These are great for both the airplane and the hotel room. 5' of extension cord plus 3 USB and 3 outlets. Keep everyone charged and happy.

Going (previously Scott's Cheap Flights) Gift Card

For $49, you can give someone a Premium membership to the site via a gift card. This has been my favorite binge over the last 6 months. I booked NYC in December for $40 RT PP and we are going to the beaches of Oaxaca, Mexico for Spring Break 2022 for $121 RT PP. Scroll down to the bottom of the main page and select "Gift Cards."

Anything that I missed? Let me know!

Happy Travels,

Chrissy