We’re two weeks away from Christmas (and my birthday, for those who know me and are reading this). I’m surprised at how many people I’ve talked to still haven’t finished their holiday shopping. If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas for frequent travelers, there are lots of great options.
We’re not a high-maintenance bunch (except when it comes to seats, lounges and everything else involving an airport) and practicality matters above all else. If that describes someone you know, here are some holiday gift ideas to consider:
[NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. I’ll earn a commission if you purchase an item from Amazon using my links. Thank you for your support!]
Holiday gift ideas for frequent travelers
Noise-cancelling headphones
Noice-cancelling headphones are at the top of every frequent traveler’s wishlist and the Bose QuietComfort 35’s’s are the gold standard. The new Apple AirPods Pro are also gaining popularity among those who want something more compact.
Personally, I experience ear pain from using noise-cancelling headphones but a lot of people swear by them when it comes to travel gear. YMMV.
I ended up trading mine in for a pair of Beats Solo 3‘s and couldn’t be happier. They’re noise isolating, rather than cancelling. I’ve had them for two years and even after daily use, they’re still in great shape.
New iPhone
Every frequent traveler needs a good smartphone and the new iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have it all. With crisp pictures, high-definition videos and night mode, the new camera has been a hit among frequent travelers.
Whether you’re upgrading your own phone or gifting it to someone else, there are a few deals out there worth checking out. Costco has a deal page and T-mobile is offering a $0 down deal. This Techradar article has a comprehensive list of deals on new iPhones. Check them out and shop around for the best offer.
A new carry-on bag
Every frequent traveler needs a good carry-on bag and Away is one of the most popular travel brands out there (recent scandal aside). Their carry-on bags start at $225 and include removable power banks. They also have hard side luggage with pockets, which are great for storing laptops, passports and other items that need to be easily accessible. You can get $20 off your first Away bag by using my referral link.
A cheaper alternative is the Xiaomi 90FUN Passport carry-on, which unfortunately isn’t available on Amazon anymore. When you search for it, a similar bag appears by a brand called COOLIFE, which makes me wonder whether it’s the same bag. It certainly looks that way.
At $79.99, it’s cheaper than both the FUN Passport and Away. Regardless of what you choose, a nice new carry-on makes a great holiday gift for frequent travelers.
Travel amenity kit
A well-stocked amenity kit is key to surviving a long flight in economy class. Some airlines are now offering them in economy class, but not on domestic flights.
A practical, yet luxurious amenity kit makes a great holiday gift idea for frequent travelers. I recommend picking up a nice bag, like the Away Mini and stocking it with the following items:
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush and paste (preferably the collapsable kind)
- Eye mask
- Socks
- Face mask sheet
- Roll-on perfume
- Deodorant
- Pen
That last one is key because how many times have you seen flight attendants hand out arrival forms at the end of a flight and everyone looks around, waiting for the pen fairy?
You can always raid the travel bin at Target for affordable options, but I recommend checking out the beauty and skincare section of Nordstrom Rack. They have tons of travel-sized skincare products from popular brands. You can make it as high-end or economic as you want.
Ring Alarm Security System
The Ring Alarm 5 piece home security system is a great holiday gift for frequent travelers who are away from home a lot. It provides peace of mind, allowing users to check in on their homes while they’re out traveling the world. The Ring security system is currently on sale for $139, saving $60 off the retail price.
Packing cubes
Most frequent travelers have packing down to a science and it probably involves packing cubes. They’re great for keeping your things organized and protecting them. I once had a bottle of lotion explode in my carry-on bag mid-flight and guess who had to do laundry on arrival because it got all over her clothes?
This 4-piece eBags packing cube set is good quality and provide plenty of variety. It’s a great way to stay organized while traveling. Sometimes when I’m only staying at a hotel for 1-2 nights, unpacking doesn’t make sense, so I lay out my packing cubes on the dresser, with the top unzipped. When I’m ready to leave, I zip and toss them in my carry-on bag. Boom, done.
Stocking stuffers for frequent travelers
Reusable straws
This one makes a good stocking stuffer. Plastic straws are being replaced with flimsy paper straws that fall apart after the first stir. I’m all for saving the whales, so my solution is to bring a portable straw with me when traveling (or going out to eat.
It’s definitely preferable at restaurants where “Can I get a straw please?” results in the waiter dropping off a metal straw that’s been used by god-knows-how-many-people and presumably properly washed. Hard pass.
The Yoocaa reusable silicone is a great option if you don’t like metal straws. It’s foldable, comes with a portable case and cleaning rod.
Anker PowerCore 10000 portable charger
Let’s face it: We’re not going to put our phones and laptops down anytime soon, regardless of whether we’re traveling or not.
With over 46 hours of battery life, the Anker Powercore 10000 makes a great gift for frequent travelers who need to stay connected at all times.
Power plug adapter
When I flew Etihad business class between IAD – AUH this year, the USB adapter at my seat didn’t work. That would have been disastrous because I had very little charge on my phone thanks to a weak outlet at the lounge. My adapter really saved me because the seat did have a power outlet and I was able to connect my phone through the USB port in the adapter.
This SublimeWare power plug adapter is great for any frequent traveler, as it can be used in Europe, Asia and South America. It’s too cheap to make a proper gift and probably better as a stocking stuffer or part of an amenity kit.
It also comes in handy during those times when you’re at a hotel that still hasn’t figured out we’re in the 21st century and has sparse power outlets. You simply plug the adapter into the wall and you can connect up to five devices at once.
Portable luggage scale
Did you overpack? Bring back too many Kindereggs from your trip to Germany? A portable luggage scale from Etekcity can ensure that your bag stays within its weight limit.
With airlines imposing astronomical baggage fees, you don’t want to run the risk of excess baggage fees. These luggage scales can help avoid that fate.
Travel Gift Card
The best holiday gift for frequent travelers is travel itself. Lots of travel companies have gift cards that are ideal for any frequent (or aspiring) traveler. In smaller denominations, they make great stocking stuffers and in larger ones they’re great holiday gifts.
My Simon Mall rep gave me a great holiday gift idea that I think is worth sharing: She buys her kids a bunch of gift cards from stores they like and puts them into a nice wallet.
Nearly every travel company has gift cards you can buy: Hyatt, Southwest, Marriott, Delta, etc. If you have a flexible travel statement credit from a card like the Sapphire Reserve or Citi Prestige, that could be a good opportunity to use it and knock out a gift item on your list.
Buying gift cards at your local grocery or office supply store can help you bank some credit card category bonuses. Simon Mall also sells Airbnb and Southwest gift cards. The next time you’re dropping in during an ms-run, you can knock out your holiday shopping in one stop.
Regardless of how many gift cards you buy or how you present them, gift cards are easy and make great holiday gifts for everyone.
What are some of your holiday gift ideas for frequent travelers?
Just bought the portable luggage scale after seeing this. Who knew? (Probably everybody but me).
I have been using eBag carryon and backpack for a couple years now. So durable and reasonably priced.
True – Ebags-branded stuff is usually good quality and not expensive. Plus, I regularly see cash back portal deals over 10%. It’s possible to get stuff pretty cheaply.
I’ve never heard of a restaurant giving out metal straws.
Then consider yourself lucky. It happened to me at a place in Napa and two places in my hometown. Now when a waiter at any restaurant doesn’t give me a straw, I’m scared to ask for one because they might hand me a metal straw that’s been in 1000 people’s mouths.