43 clever travel gift ideas to give this Christmas
After a celebrated, albeit bumpy, return to travel this year, 2023 is set to be even bigger and better when it comes to getting out and exploring the world around us. If you're set to give a Christmas gift this year to someone who loves travel or is planning a big trip next year, then consider this your cue to forgo the classic socks or cliched candle gifts and give something with a practical or travel-inspired twist.
From must-haves for plane travel to inspiring books and time-saving gadgets, the following are our top picks of the best travel gifts to give this Christmas. For more ideas, see our other Christmas gift guides:
- Christmas gift ideas for frequent flyers
- Christmas gift ideas for adventure travellers
- Christmas gift ideas for travel-loving foodies
- Christmas gift ideas for gap-year travellers
- Christmas gift ideas for mini travellers
- Christmas gift ideas for cocktail lovers
- Stocking filler gift ideas
Travel gifts with next day delivery
The flat lay co. makeup bag
For the unorganised traveller that throws everything into their suitcase at the last minute before dashing out the door, this flat-lay bag is an ideal solution. Although it’s designed with makeup in mind, the elastic holdings and zip pouches could easily store a range of items from gadgets to chargers and even travel documents. But the best part is the easy fold-and-unfold design, which avoids having to ever unpack while items remain easy to find.
A reusable cutlery set
We should all be environmentally conscious travellers, which is why this nuoshen travel cutlery set is a perfect people-pleasing present. The straw will come in handy everywhere while the knife, fork, spoon and chopsticks mean they’ll always be prepared for an impromptu street food feast wherever they are in the world.
Dishoom: From Bombay with Love
The elegant Bombay café-style Indian restaurant is a firm favourite with team Traveller, especially for the bacon naan at breakfast. As a result, many of us are also proud owners of Dishoom’s cookery book, which features over 100 of their recipes – yes, including how to recreate their beloved bacon naan at home. Even if you’re not a keen cook, the book also doubles as a beautiful coffee table book with vivid imagery and charming insight into south Bombay.
Ultra Violette glow and go trio
Australian suncare is widely known for its brilliance, and Ultra Violette fuses wearable formulas with protective high factors and aesthetic appeal. Their mini kit is ideal for home and away with super wearable SPFs for body and face, plus the tinted SPF lip balm that will quickly become your travel staple.
iWALK mini portable charger
Space is precious when you’re off on an adventure, which is why the iWalk mini portable charger is the ultimate tech gift to give adventure lovers. Taking up the size of a lipstick, the iWalk is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket while also being big enough to fully charge an iPhone X.
Apple AirTag
Since its release in 2021, Apple’s Bluetooth Airtag has become a must-have for frequent travellers or anyone prone to misplacing their keys. Simply attach the small button shaped airtag to your suitcase or valuable item, and connect to your iPad or iPhone via bluetooth. Once connected you can find your item via the built-in speaker when it’s nearby or via the Precision Finding function on the app when it’s further away – a gadget gift that’s sure to come in handy when waiting at baggage claim.
Keirain travel pillow
Give the gift of sleep on-the-go with this top rated travel pillow from Keirain. Tried and tested by the editors of Condé Nast Traveller, we love this pillow for its comfortable and supportive squidgy memory foam, plus its surprisingly small storage bag that takes up barely any room in your luggage.
LARQ self cleaning water bottle
As a must-pack item for any kind of trip, this reusable water bottle from LARQ is one of the best on the market thanks to its self-cleaning abilities. At the press of a button the bottle’s UV-C LED technology purifies the water inside and cleans the inner surface of the bottle.
Travel gifts under £50
Spacemasks eye mask pack
Chances are if your gift recipient loves to travel, they probably already own some sort of eye mask. But they might not own a Spacemask. Designed for more than just blocking out light, these eye masks are infused with jasmine and self-heat when worn via air activation to help lull you to sleep. The masks are also recyclable and sold as a pack of five.
The TikTok viral shoulder bag
This humble nylon shoulder bag is no ordinary bag. The Uniqlo bag blew up on TikTok this year when a 1.7 seconds video posted by @caitlinphillimore demonstrated how much it could fit inside, from a pair of headphones to a large packet of biscuits. One of our writers even put it to the test and took the viral £15 Uniqlo bag on holiday, deeming it ‘the perfect travel companion.’ Be warned though, this style tends to sell out quickly so it's best to buy when you can.
The key organiser
Forgo the tacky keychain souvenir gift and give one of sleek leather and solid brass that will last the test of time. This style from Carl Friedrik is more akin to a key organiser than a simple chain, ensuring keys are always kept secure and readily located.
Airbnb gift card
For a gift that’s guaranteed to be enjoyed no matter what the travel style, give a gift card to stay in an Airbnb property. With over seven million property listings throughout the world, there’s something for literally everyone. Plus, this year the site made it even easier to find their standout stays via the launch of home type categories ranging from castles to caves, shepherd’s huts and treehouses.
Travel blanket
Luggage brand Away has applied their innovative design to a number of travel accessories, most notably this compact travel blanket. The machine washable blanket is made from Cocona® 37.5® Nylon which features thermoregulating technology that keeps you comfortable at any temperature. What makes it well-designed for travel though are the pockets – one interior kangaroo pocket for storing all of your essentials, as well as a dedicated foot pocket to keep your feet warm.
Fife Arms Ghillie’s Flask
This quality flask is the ultimate accessory for those long countryside rambles. Designed by textile artist Araminta Campbell, the flask is adorned in the house tweed of beloved Scottish hotel The Fife Arms, based on the tweed that the Duke of Fife would have worn when out hunting.
Useful travel gifts that everyone will love
Clifton cabin suitcase
One of our favourite carry on suitcases, Antler's Clifton case makes for a wonderfully useful gift to give the frequent flyer in your life. The four-wheeled hardcase is made from durable yet lightweight polycarbonate, and features a twist-grip handle, making it very easy to zip it around the airport at speed. Not only is this case a great size and quality, but they also look smart too, with seven subdued shades to choose from.
Travel collection with removable inserts
Aspinal of London’s travel collection makes for a classic gift to give any travel lover. Including a passport case, luggage tags and travel wallet, the collection is made from full-grain leather and comes in six elegant shades and finishes. The brand also offers a personalisation option, so you can add the recipient's initials for an extra special touch.
Adidas self charging headphones
Launched in August this year, these Bluetooth on-ear headphones are a game changer for those regularly on the go. Using a groundbreaking light cell material called Powerfoyle in the headband, the headphones are completely powered by light – natural and artificial – so you never have to use cables to recharge them. The headphones are also sweat and splash-proof, and it's possible to wash and replace the headband and ear cushions, making them a great buy for any traveller.
Sandqvist backpack
Pairing minimal design with bold colours, backpacking has never looked so chic thanks to the Stockholm-based accessories brand Sandqvist. Their best-selling Bertn roll-top backpack is made from water-resistant recycled polyester and designed for comfortable everyday use with padded and adjustable straps. Inside there are two mesh pockets and a 13-inch laptop sleeve, plus two outer bottle slip pockets and compression straps on the outside.
Rumpl flannel sherpa blanket
Perfect for road trips and cosying up by a camp-side fire, this easy-to-pack travel blanket can be used inside and out via cosy high-pile sherpa fleece on one side and cotton flannel on the other – all made from eco friendly materials including recycled 58 plastic bottles.
In-flight bag
Anya Hindmarch’s in-flight bag is a game changer when it comes to staying organised on the go. Designed with air travel in mind, the carry-on bag has an array of clever features including a sleeve designed to sit over the bag of a luggage trolley and a clear removable pouch to store liquids. What makes the design truly standout though are the numerous internal and external organisational pockets, each with their own embossed label covering all of the travel essentials like ‘passport’ ‘keys’ ‘glasses,’ ‘headphones’ and ‘water.’ The design is so fool proof it’s basically the travel equivalent of a filing cabinet, only much more stylish.
Merida yoga sling and tote bag
If your gift recipient is no stranger to travelling with a yoga mat, this innovative bag from Tumi makes for a great gift. The nylon bag can be worn as a sling to store a yoga mat (inside a dedicated hidden pocket), or through the use of a zip, can be transformed into a large tote bag. The bag also has an outer mesh zip-up storage pocket and a hidden magnetised pocket behind it – perfect for keeping your phone or passport safe but also accessible – plus an outer trolley pocket for slipping over a suitcase.
All Is Bright Champagne & candle hamper
A prized gift for any picnic-lover, this Harvey Nichols hamper teams Acqua di Parma’s citrus fragrance Luce di Colonia Candle with Veuve Clicquot’s Yellow Label Brut Champagne, stored inside a sleek black picnic basket. All together it makes for the ultimate goodie bag come spring time.
Aviator Grand checked luggage
For high quality that does no harm, look to Paravel's Aviator, the world's first carbon-neutral suitcase. The concept is achieved via sustainable sourcing and manufacturing methods along with the use of recycled materials – the polycarbonate case is made from recycled water cooler tanks, the internal organization pouches are made from recycled plastic bottles. Even the zippers are recycled. Paravel also offset all of the carbon emissions generated from the production of the suitcase, right through to the delivery and even its first first trip (based on an average flight). The credentials are admirable but we also think this is one of the most stylish check-in cases at this price point, available in five different colours, and featuring smart recycled vegan leather accents.
Beauty gifts for travellers
L’Occitane lavender mini hand cream
This shea-butter infused hand cream is perfect to take travelling for multiple reasons: it’s diminutive size, it’s easily absorbed into the skin and the scent of soothing lavender is a smart move for anyone who struggles to switch off or sleep on a flight.
Chanel No5 The Gold Body Oil
This shimmering body oil nourishes, adds a delicate golden shimmer and imparts a veil of iconic N°5 on the skin. It’s a smart way to wear scent in the party season. Why? Because as our skin warms, the scent is gradually released during the day-to-night festivities. It does the job of a moisturiser, highlighter and perfume, all in one beautiful bottle.
Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Vinca Blue & Rosé
If you haven't tried Dyson’s much-loved dryer-meets-styler then now is the time. The Airwrap itself comes in a limited edition shade and with a variety of different attachments for sleek blow dries to tumbling curls. The beautiful box it comes with is handy for storage, and the smart travel pouch makes for effortless packing.
Beauty Pie subscription
Beauty Pie is the brainchild of entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, founder of Soap & Glory and FitFlop. It’s a digital-only brand that allows access to premium quality beauty and wellness at an accessible price. Though anyone can shop on their website, members can shop Beauty Pie products at a vastly reduced rate, so it’s ideal for anyone who travels a lot and craves a fuss-free way to sort all their beauty essentials and wellness needs (their supplements are excellent) in one speedy shop. They also have a very useful ‘100ml and under’ travel section.
Rouge Dior Minaudiere
Travel packing always requires some clever multitasking, so do it in style with this covetable Rouge Dior minaudière set. It contains an iconic Rouge Dior lipstick with three refills, and the case also doubles up as a clutch bag with a lipstick holder, or it can also be worn with a chain. Either way, it’s a beautiful addition to your vanity table, suitcase and wardrobe.
Gift ideas for the traveller that has everything
Airwheels rideable electric suitcase
Ride on suitcases aren't just for kids anymore. Combining fun and function, the Airwheels SE3S is a suitcase that doubles as a big-kid ride on electric scooter. The aluminium case itself fits within standard airline hand luggage limits, has duel USB charging ports, a TSA/customs-approved lock, and an extendable handle so it can be used as a regular pull-behind suitcase. Its 20 litres capacity is smaller than most carry on suitcases but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in speed – at the push of a button the case expands to become a ride on scooter that can reach up to 10 kilometres per hour on a single charge.
Personal biography
For the traveller full of tales, this extra special gift will ensure those stories are never lost or forgotten. Documented via sessions by phone, video call or in person, Story Terrace will team your loved one with a professional ghostwriter, who will then capture their story and transform it into a printed hardbound book.
Barisieur tea and coffee brewing alarm clock
For the frequent flyer in your life that is always running late, this alarm clock from Joy Resolve is the ultimate way to ensure they never miss a flight. A slick contraption of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-esque innovation, the alarm sets off with the subtle sound of boiling water and the aroma of freshly brewed ground coffee or loose-leaf tea. The alarm clock even has a built-in smart refrigerator for keeping milk cold and fresh, plus a drawer that stores over a week's worth of ground coffee or tea.
Hand-painted plate
Travel to Ukraine is obviously on pause until further notice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t gift a beautiful souvenir from the country. Gunia Project sells whimsical and artisanal ceramics born out of traditional Ukrainian culture and folk crafts.
Book & coffee box set
A love letter to adventure, surfing and quality coffee, Soil & Sand is a unique collaboration between Richard Blake, of Cornwall coffee roastery Yallah Coffee, Noah Lane, professional surfer and co-founder of Foam Cafe in Bundoran, Ireland, and surfer and photographer James Bowden. Within the box set are two bags of coffee, each from a different farm in Nicaragua, as well as a book that brings the story of sourcing the coffee to life, from seed to cup, via James’ photography and a thoughtful interview with all three men. Altogether it’s an inspiring glimpse of travel through Guatemala and a meaningful gift for any coffee lover.
Wolf Republic ranger pack
A standout gift idea for any four-legged adventure lovers, Wolf Republic’s ranger pack is a specially-designed dog backpack featuring two points for leash connection, and is made from leather, trail-tough canvas and breathable mesh lining.
Saint Tropez backgammon
The ultimate travel board game has been given a chic European update via MaisonGames. Inspired by beloved travel destinations and experience, from après ski to the Hamptons, the handcrafted resin backgammon sets are so beautiful and vibrant they're almost too pretty to play with. Choose from eight different styles – our favourite being the summery Saint Tropez set.
Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh
Assouline's beautiful travel series books have long been cult must-haves for jet-setters. Their latest highly covetable release comes from the Classics Collection – Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh. Honouring the late designer's boundary-breaking creativity on and off the runways, the book features over 250 iconic images as well as personal reflections from Abloh’s inner circle including Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Luka Sabbat, Kendall Jenner and Kid Cudi.
Ven cashmere travel set
Former fashion editor Charlotte Lewis devised her luxury brand VEN after noticing a gap in the market for cleverly designed cashmere travel pieces. Her travel set comes with a genius cashmere pillow case that will fit over the one provided by the airline, along with a blanket, eye mask and socks. All made from the softest cashmere and in a chic selection of colours.
Gifts for mini travellers
For more ideas, see more of our favourite travel gifts for kids.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet
A long journey calls for lots of (downloaded) entertainment. The latest edition of Amazon’s Kids Fire Tablet comes complete with a kid-proof built-in case, improved battery life and access to hundreds of games, books and videos.
Moulin Roty Explorer's Kit
The perfect kit for a mini crusader, this set includes a compass, binoculars, travel journal and water bottle, all housed in a smart little trunk.
Woodland den kit
A great gift for families or little campers, this clever den kit has everything you need for going outdoors and enjoying a woodland adventure. Set up a private hideaway amongst the trees via the woodland-camouflage tarpaulin, groundsheet, tent pegs, trowel and wooden mallet. The kit also has a tree identification guide as well as hints and tips for growing your own trees. Recommend for children ages six and up.
Zinc Flyte scooter suitcase
A scooter-suitcase hybrid, Flyte’s overhead-locker-sized scooter suitcases provide a practical packaging option for all your child’s needs but also a fun solution to transporting their own luggage. A win for weighed down parents.
Liewood bucket beach set
For playtime at home and away, this silicone set by chic kids brand Liewood will provide just as much fun in the garden or sandpit as it will when you head on your next holiday.
Polaroid Now Instant Camera
A great gift for your child and a dose of nostalgia for you, the Polaroid Originals Now is a fun way for your child to document their next adventure. Unlike the original model this update comes with a self timer and double exposure mode and produces instant snaps with retro charm.