cool travel map gift

Pack your bags

Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates in your inbox!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

12 Wanderlust-Inspiring Gifts for Map Lovers (2023)

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Are you Christmas shopping for a wanderer who loves maps? Perhaps they maintain a growing map display in their house or cannot walk past an antique map gallery without popping in? As I’ve got a bit of a map obsession myself, I created this guide to help you find the best gifts for all the map lovers you know.

If you don’t share this obsession, it might be hard to understand the feelings map lovers have about their maps. Trust me though – if you get them any of these cool map gifts for Christmas, they’ll be thrilled. In fact, I request a travel-inspired calendar similar to the ones below every single year for Christmas. This is actually my sixth year running in making sure my husband is WELL AWARE of its existence.

The below list provides plenty of wonderful ideas for Christmas gifts to please all the map lovers in your life. Happy shopping!

The Best Christmas Gifts for Map Lovers

1. map-inspired calendar.

There are so many options out there for beautiful map-filled calendars. My favorites are the ones featuring a variety of countries for twelve months of nonstop travel inspiration. These will definitely give someone new destination ideas for their bucket list.

2. Map Apparel

What better way to express one’s wanderlust in every day life than to wear some cozy map apparel? This is one of the most perfect gifts for map lovers, since they can wear something inspirational whilst daydreaming about and planning future trips.

3. Wine Glasses

Nothing’s better than combining two great joys in life – travel and wine. Ideally, this would mean traveling to a wine region , but that’s unfortunately not always feasible.

The next best thing is drinking some delicious wine from a glass with a beautiful map design on it. Especially when they are as cute and stylish as these.

4. Map-Themed Jewelry

Help the map lovers in your life express themselves with jewelry in cute global designs. Even when they’re in a season of life where travel is few and far between, they can wear this as a daily reminder of the adventurer they truly are.

Maybe it’ll even help them stay continually inspired to fit travel into their life!

5. Vintage Globe Christmas Ornament

A few years back, I was pumped to find an ornament at Target with a pretty globe design on it. Unfortunately, the part used for hanging broke almost as soon as we got home. Such a bummer!

My husband thoughtfully bought me this new vintage globe ornament for Christmas. I was so elated – especially to find that it was in French ! This beauty was an amazing addition to our travel-inspired tree, and any map lover would be excited to receive this as a gift.

6. Adorable Map Passport Cover

Anyone who loves maps likely also enjoys getting passport stamps wherever they can. Help inspire them to continue chasing new destinations with these super cute passport covers.

7. Vintage Map

Perhaps the most obvious gift to give a person who loves maps is, well, a map. As a collector of them myself, I would never be upset to receive a new map to display in my house.

My favorite place to shop for vintage maps is at local galleries, but those can sometimes be hard to find. I’ve found good antique map shops in cities like Charleston, SC , Savannah, GA and Maui, HI .

Of course, if you don’t have a map gallery near you, there are loads of choices online. What they lack in authenticity, they make up for in style.

8. Map Planner/Notebook

Last year, my aunt gave me a simple but beautiful planner with a map design on the cover. This is probably the Christmas gift I’ve used the most out of everything I received (big and small). The cute wanderlust-inspired design inspired me to actually use it, which has greatly helped me with organization and productivity.

Gift one of these to someone so they can start the new year with good daily habits.

9. Map Decor for the Home

Home decor has endless possibilities and you could take this in all kinds of directions. Below are some very popular and easy to find choices of map-themed decor that would make great gifts for all map lovers!

10. Globe Mini Bar

Know some map lovers who enjoy discussing their travels over an adult beverage? A globe shaped mini bar just might be the perfect statement piece for their home. About the size of a small end table, this handsome mini bar would dress up any room in the house where people come to gather.

11. World Map Carry-On Luggage

If you know someone who loves maps, chances are they also travel frequently. Therefore, they would surely appreciate some new luggage to freshen up their airport ensemble. Especially if it is tastefully designed with beautiful and inspirational maps!

The below options are very stylish and practical, and could even serve as a carry-on bag depending on the trip or airline. It’s always good to have a variety of bags available, as different trips call for different needs. You can be the person this year who gives them both the fun and useful gift!

12. Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Map Lovers

Finally, you may be looking to sneak a few wanderlust-inspired trinkets into your friend’s or loved one’s gifts this year. Here are some fun and unique stocking stuffer map gifts they will totally use, but won’t be expecting:

If you are buying Christmas gifts for map lovers this year, you now have plenty of gorgeous and stylish options for things people could actually use. Any map lovers out there like myself would be obsessed with these gifts and will head into the new year with loads of travel inspiration.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

35 Best Gifts For Map Lovers That They'll Adore

You've come to the correct spot if you're searching for a present for someone who enjoys maps – and who doesn't? From casual cartophiles to true map freaks, there's something on our list for everyone, and every budget, from Christmas stuffers to grand gestures.

Maps are really fascinating, according to geography lovers, global travelers , and topographical freaks. They are not only educative and motivating, but they can induce nostalgia or a sense of belonging. Maps aren't only for your glove compartment anymore. They may be carved out of wood, imprinted into drinking glasses, or made into one-of-a-kind artwork.

It's challenging to comprehend map enthusiasts' sentiments about their maps unless you share this devotion. But trust me, if you purchase them any of the map-themed presents listed below, they'll be overjoyed.

Best Gifts For Map Lovers That They’ll Adore

• Personalised Gift Candle
• Floral Scratch Off Map
• Vintage Map Bracelet
• World Freedom Scratch Off Map
• Push Pin Map
• Custom Scratch Off World Map
• History of the World Map
• Scratch Off World Map Print
• and 19 more.

1. Personalised Gift Candle

These custom candles are made of fragrant natural wax and may burn for up to 40 hours.

The glass is matte white, but the engraved portion is transparent, allowing candlelight to show through the pattern for a distinctive look. The candle comes with a patterned dust cover and a gift box, making it ideal for giving.

✔️ Personalize your gift with a unique map design.

✔️ A perfect combination of sentiment and relaxation.

✔️ Each candle is carefully made with attention to detail.

2. Floral Scratch Off Map

The Floral Scratch-Off Map features a beautifully designed floral pattern, adding an elegant and artistic touch to any space.

Its allure lies in the element of surprise and anticipation as you scratch off each destination, uncovering a hidden palette of vibrant hues. It becomes a delightful game, marking off the places you've been and inspiring you to seek new horizons.

✔️ Scratch off the floral design to reveal your adventures.

✔️ Floral pattern adds a touch of elegance.

✔️ Encourages you to embark on new adventures.

3. Vintage Map Bracelet

This bracelet may be adjusted to accommodate wrists measuring 7 to 8 inches in length.

If you have a very slender wrist or like a really tight fit consider going with five locations instead six. Each circle on the bracelet is 3/4" round. Each piece is packaged in a gift box and is ready to be given as a present.

✔️ Embrace nostalgia with a custom map bracelet.

✔️ Wear a unique piece tailored to your preferences.

✔️ Each bracelet is carefully crafted for a timeless look.

4. World Freedom Scratch Off Map

Scratch out the areas you've visited on this one-of-a-kind scratch-off map. Scratch off the lovely silver scratch off foil to reveal the watercolor print beneath.

This print is a contemporary work of art that may be used in a variety of ways. It would look great in any room of your house. State maps for the United States, Canada, and Australia are provided. Only the scratch-off area of the map has state outlines. Both the scratch off and the print below have country outlines.

✔️ Uncover new destinations with a scratch-off map.

✔️ Learn about countries and states as you scratch.

✔️ Enhance your space with a stylish and interactive map.

5. Push Pin Map

This push pin map is ideal for marking your journeys and destinations around the United States. Use our US map art to remember all of your journeys and to inspire future experiences together, whether you're a married couple or a large family.

You may pin by hand or use your own pins from our large selection of ornamental metal pins. Make it unique by adding new text or selecting from our collection of US Maps with various quotations. Purchase for yourself or as a wedding anniversary, birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or Christmas present.

✔️ Mark your journeys on a customized map.

✔️ Use push pins to track your travel memories.

✔️ Blend functionality and aesthetics in your home decor.

6. Custom Scratch Off World Map

This is an ideal present for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays! You can now even select your font! As seen in the second photo, there are 7 fonts available for your unique title / text (you can see them on the second picture).

Simply provide the font number you want to use, and I'll create a mock-up with your title/text for your approval before creating the map for you. A vibrant watercolor layer lies behind the gold scratchable surface.

✔️ Personalize your own unique design.

✔️ Scratch off destinations for an exciting experience.

✔️ Generous dimensions for clear visibility and detailed scratching.

7. Custom Scratch Off World Map

✔️ Customize the map to match your travel goals.

8. History of the World Map

Maps show us not just where we're going, but also where we've been. A beautiful timeline of human history, accompanied by 140 unique maps.

Learn how a printing press may define a period of time, or how the Allies in Europe were able to defeat the Nazis. This fascinating historical book has a lot to read about and just as much to look at.

✔️ Explore the world's past with detailed maps.

✔️ A valuable tool for learning and research.

✔️ Published by DK, a trusted source for information.

9. Scratch Off World Map Print

Scratch off the areas you've visited to reveal your journey in vibrant colors set against a matte black background. High-quality craftsmanship, precise design, comprehensive maps, and clear typography.

This scratchable globe map includes 210 flags from across the world, as well as state boundaries for Australia, Canada, and the United States of America, as well as island outlines. This premium scratch-off globe map is a great present for the traveler in your life.

✔️ Scratch off your adventures on a world map.

✔️ Enhance your wall with an elegant map.

✔️ Inspire wanderlust with this unique map.

10. Whiskey Glasses

A talented artisan engraved a hand designed town grid with map coordinates onto each Greenline Goods rocks whiskey glass. Glass sets are packaged with care in an exquisite gift box and selected to leave a memorable impression!

This glass is ideal for a variety of traditional cocktails. With an old fashioned, scotch, or full-bodied bourbon, it looks very elegant. Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? It was discovered by you. Each glass is adorned with a detailed city map that wraps around the tumbler to depict a favorite hangout or area.

✔️ Enjoy your favorite spirits in style.

✔️ High-quality glasses built to last.

✔️ Impress whiskey lovers with these elegant glasses.

11. Bulletin Cork Board

Soda caps may be collected using it. Place the cap on its side so that the picture and style name are visible on the front. The material is 1/4-inch birch plywood of the highest quality.

The material is attractive, sturdy, and requires no special maintenance. It is suitable for any interior space. This is ideal for individuals who enjoy sampling local brews. It's a fantastic present for him, as well as gifts for dad, Father's Day, Christmas, and other holidays.

✔️ Enhance your space with a stylish travel map.

✔️ Track and display your wanderlust.

✔️ Use pushpins to create a visual travel diary.

12. Beer Cap Map

The material is attractive, sturdy, and requires no special maintenance. It is suitable for any interior space. This is ideal for individuals who enjoy sampling local brews. It's a fantastic present for him, as well as gifts for dad, Father's Day, Christmas, and other holidays. A magnificent beer decoration for a cabinet or men's cave.

✔️ Showcase your beer cap collection in style.

✔️ Celebrate your love for beer and country.

✔️ Easy and convenient for displaying your caps.

13. World Map Wall Art

This antique globe map would make an excellent present for a travel enthusiast or a family looking for adventure!

Our globe map is a fantastic wooden wall art décor for your home or workplace, with ocean names, wooden airplanes, boats, and a compass. The Wood World Map was designed to be the ideal gift for travelers with a keen sense of interior design. With our Map, you may travel the world from the comfort of your own home!

✔️ Stylish holiday decor for a festive ambiance.

✔️ High-quality wood construction for durability and longevity.

✔️ Easy to assemble and add a touch of charm.

14. Custom Lake Map

It's a natural hand-carved pine wood frame with a distinctive "burnt" Chocolate hue that gives the map a noble tint. You may designate any location - all you need is an address or GPS coordinates for Heart, House, Pin, Star, and so on! It's not a straightforward map. It's a wood map with your own personalizations, finest locations marked, and personalized valued remarks and photographs.

15. USA Photo Map

This picture map of the United States is ideal for charting your travels. Create your own travel tale by putting together a photo collage of the states you've visited.

This picture map is printed on a flexible, long-lasting plastic. The upper map is made of flexible plastic with borders, while the background map is made of white paper to suit images. This picture map would make an excellent present for anybody who enjoys traveling. You won't have to wrap it because it comes in an amazing gift tube.

✔️ Unique photo map to showcase your travel memories.

✔️ Flexible design allows easy customization and display.

✔️ Perfect gift for travel enthusiasts and adventurers.

16. Necklace

The original intention behind this compass pendant necklace was for graduates to be able to navigate their way through life no matter how far away from school and home they are.

It comes in an envelope with a greeting card, ready to send to your partner, friends, classmates, collage students, and family members. Despite the vastness of the globe, they will ultimately get their bearings and will always trust in themselves and their abilities.

✔️ Stylish compass pendant for a trendy look.

✔️ Versatile necklace suitable for various occasions.

✔️ Unique accessory that adds a touch of charm.

17. 50 States USA Photo Map

To record a lifetime of experiences and create a one-of-a-kind map indicating where you've been or where you're going, add your own images to each of the 50 US states.

The outside border is available in a range of colors. Three mat boards make up the USA Photo Map: A gorgeous backdrop mat with the names of each state printed on it, an outside border cut in the shape of the United States, a white inner border that includes all the state cuts and gives an excellent contrast for images, and an outer border cut in the shape of the United States.

✔️ Customizable USA photo map to display memories.

✔️ Easy to hang and showcase your favorite photos.

✔️ Personalized design makes it a unique keepsake.

18. Custom Map Pouch

We select a beautiful map from our in-house collection for our goods. Our wristlets are designed and printed by hand in Columbus, Ohio.

On both sides of this 10x7" cotton zipped purse is a vintage map. Zipper is black with a circular zipper pull. Select any town, state, or nation for the map, but only one at a time. The surrounding region will be visible as well. Some folds and defects in the cloth may occur due to the map's age.

✔️ Tailor the map pouch to your personal preferences.

✔️ Suitable for various uses and occasions.

✔️ Stand out with a personalized map design.

19. National Park Checklist

Your buddy may proudly display your trips by highlighting the parks you've visited, and it can also serve as a reminder to plan your next vacation.

Wood ends are always reclaimed, which means they may vary slightly in size/color and will typically have dents, knots, and minor cracks/holes from age and whatever the wood was originally used for - all of which add character to the wood.

✔️ Covers all national parks in one checklist.

✔️ Comes with a pen for easy marking.

✔️ Portable size for travel and outdoor adventures.

20. Map Magnets

You choose the spots, they create the magnets, and you end up with a unique item at a low cost! Choose locations you've lived, places you'd like to live, places you've gone to or intend to travel to, or places that just mean something to you (or the person receiving these).

✔️ Customize the vintage map magnets to your liking.

✔️ Each set includes distinct map designs.

✔️ Decorate your fridge, office, or any magnetic surface.

21. Personalized Map Mountain

This gorgeous print is the ideal one-of-a-kind gift. Choose any four cities from across the world to highlight! We have a large map library to draw from, so even little towns are usually no problem. This includes unmatted and unframed print choices. Printed on thick premium archival paper material with a subtle felt/watercolor touch.

✔️ Represents shared adventures and experiences together.

✔️ Motivates exploration and new adventures as a couple.

✔️ Customize the map with your own names and details.

22. US State Flower Map

These Personalized Mini Maps are fantastic presents! This map is 10x8 inches and comes flat with a scratching instrument and instructions!

This is a fantastic conversation starter, and it's ideal for tiny areas, workplaces, entryways, workstations, and more! There are also similarities between nearby states and those with comparable climates. The southern states, for example, picked native drought-resistant plants.

✔️ Perfect for smaller spaces or wall arrangements.

✔️ Features a distinct and eye-catching state-shaped design.

✔️ Ideal for commemorating special memories or occasions.

23. Virginia Wine Cork Map

Each of these Virginia Wine Cork Map is precision carved with care to detail from all natural 1/4" Birch plywood and comes pre-drilled with mounting holes so you can quickly hang it in any area and get back to the party.

Simply allow the cork to dry after opening a fresh bottle, then fit it into the precisely designed rectangular holes, and your Tennessee map transforms into an amazing piece of wine wall art in no time. Each wine cork map is 13" x 9" x 4" in size and can carry up to 26 standard-sized corks.

✔️ Create a unique wine cork display.

✔️ Adds a stylish and artistic touch to your space.

✔️ Perfect for wine enthusiasts and Virginia lovers.

24. World Map Wall Decor

If you think your home is missing a modern focal feature, this is it. The 3D Wooden World Map is the most fantastic wall décor for any room: it's simple, significant, and very motivating!

Friends and vacationers adore him. A trip wall map is a one-of-a-kind piece of wood wall art for your living room, bedroom, office, farmhouse, or any other area. If you're searching for a unique present for a Housewarming, 5th Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding, or any other occasion, these handcrafted world maps are an excellent choice.

✔️ Large wall art for a captivating visual impact.

✔️ Complements various interior styles and spaces.

✔️ Crafted with attention to detail and durability.

25. Met Engaged Married Metallic Foil Map Print

A mash-up of your three favorite destinations. A favorite memory, a moment to cherish, a wedding venue, a vacation, the ideal gift for your loved ones or yourself.

Choose from our selection of paper and foil colors, as well as your own unique text, to customise your print. A preview will be available for your approval 24 hours before the print is produced. They will print your selected design and add copper, gold, silver, or rose gold foil by hand using the areas you will indicate.

✔️ Celebrate your journey from "met" to "married."

✔️ Personalize the map with your own locations.

✔️ Capture the special moments of your relationship.

26. Star Map On Wood

The Star Map on Wood showcases a beautifully crafted depiction of the night sky on a stunning wooden canvas.

It's a personalized piece of art that captures the alignment of stars, constellations, and planets on a specific date of your choosing. Imagine the joy of seeing the stars aligned exactly as they were on the night you first met, got engaged, or tied the knot.

✔️ Preserves a special moment in a truly unique way.

✔️ Customizable to capture your chosen date and location.

✔️ Meticulously designed and printed on high-quality wood.

27. Travel Map Sign

A 3D Wanderlust map sign would make an excellent present for the travel enthusiast in your life! It would look amazing on a gallery wall among other noteworthy items.

It would look great in an adventurous nursery or wedding shower. When it arrives, the sign is ready to hang (hangs on the frame) or put on a shelf. It is shown with a dark walnut stain, but it may be constructed with a different stain color if desired.

✔️ The 3D design adds depth and visual appeal.

✔️ Personalize the map with your own destinations and memories.

✔️ Enhance your space with a unique and artistic statement piece.

28. Personalized Travel Map

This sleek executive style map is ideal for using push-pins to indicate areas you've visited or noteworthy spots to you. It is intended to seem dynamic and contemporary, and it contains data that is current as of December 12th, 2016.

✔️ Executive-style design adds a touch of elegance.

✔️ 13x19 dimensions provide ample space for detail.

✔️ Mark your travels with push pins on the map.

29. Photo Map

Build your own 50 States Photo Map, then add images from each of the 50 US states to record a lifetime of experiences and create a one-of-a-kind map that shows where you've been or where you're going.

This 50 States Photo Map is an excellent present for anybody who enjoys traveling around the United States. Find something to do in each state, such as seeing the tallest point, running a marathon, drinking a locally made beer, visiting the capital, taking a photo at the border, or inventing your own!

✔️ Customize the photo map with your own pictures.

✔️ Showcase your travel memories in a unique way.

✔️ A visually striking display for your home or office.

As we conclude our guide on gifts for map lovers, remember that the best gifts encapsulate a person's passion. When choosing a gift for your map lover, consider their adventurous spirit and curiosity. Let your gift be a compass guiding them to new explorations. So, celebrate the cartographer's art and the joy of discovery with gifts that bring the world to their fingertips.

If you love this post, share it with your friends!

Related Gifts

35 meaningful retirement gifts for coworkers that make the transition memorable, best thanksgiving gifts that will delight any hostess in 2024, best black friday gifts for him to buy online in 2024, best new years gifts for friends that they will love, best horror gifts you should check out in 2024.

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

100+ Best Unique Travel Gifts For World Wanderers

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Shopping for a traveler who already has everything? Or do you just want your gift to shine? We are here to help with the absolute best gifts for people who travel! As full-time nomads since 2014, we are bursting with Unique Travel Gift Ideas – and we are sharing our (ever growing) list to help inspire others. 

Our guide has been updated with the Best Travel Gifts for the 2023 Holiday Season!

Whether you are looking for personal gifts for those traveling abroad or quirky travel gifts for someone who is impossible to shop for, we’ve got you covered. This list is dedicated to Unique Travel Gifts – ones that are certain to fuel wanderlust, make travel a little easier (or funnier!) and help preserve travel memories already made.

What Are Unique Gifts For Travelers?

The items on our list of unique gifts for the traveler are not always obvious travel gifts. Our traveler gift ideas include a wide range of products in a broad range of prices.

Some of our traveling gift ideas are practical items…but with a fun twist. A few ideas are not necessarily for travel, but rather home goods with a travel flair. The items on our list span everything from unusual travel gifts to unique travel corporate gifts. 

This isn’t a list of travel necessities, useful gadgets and sensible accessories – you can find those and heaps of other logical and practical gifts for travel lovers on our list of Useful Travel Gifts . So, if you are looking for something more along the lines of Packing Cubes , a luggage scale or a Kindle Paperwhite, you should head over to that list!

100 Best Unique Travel Gifts

We have rounded up a list of novelty travel gifts sure to inspire love of travel and bring a smile to the adventurer who opens them. If you are searching for unusual gifts for travelers, the perfect present is probably on our list!

To help you sort through our gigantic list of the best gifts for travelers, we have categorized our list of travel gift ideas into sub-categories. However, that’s not to say one of our travel gift ideas for him won’t be on one of the best travel gifts for her – so, in the pursuit of finding the perfect present, we recommend perusing the entire article. Our list of unique gifts for travelers now includes more than 100 specific travel gift ideas!

Pin, Bookmark or Save this Unique Travel Gifts List for birthday presents and, of course, this year’s Christmas shopping!

Travel Gifts For Men

Many shoppers get stumped when searching for the best travel gifts for him – but not us. Our list of traveling gifts for him includes some really cool travel gifts that any adventurer would love to receive!

Cool Travel Gifts: R2D2 Star Wars Luggage

Topping our list of unique travel gifts for men is a Star Wars-themed luggage set . The reputable American Tourister hard-side suitcase comes in different sizes – and different characters (depending on size), including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and Storm Troopers.

Stick with the Star Wars theme by giving these fun travel gift accessories: a Star Wars Storm Trooper luggage tag .

Shopping for Disney fans? American Tourister also makes other unique luggage sets – like an entire line of Disney-themed suitcases!

Deciding what to pack in for your travels? We breakdown all the pros and cons of a Backpack vs Suitcase .

Travel-Approved: Multi-Purpose Tool

Multi-tools (like the Leatherman ) have long been popular gifts for guys, however, they don’t make the best travel gifts for men because they can’t be taken through airport security. Enter Wallet Ninja 18-in-1 multi-tool . The credit card-sized, flat multi-tool fits inside a wallet and meets all of the requirements outlined by TSA to be allowed on-board. What makes these unique travel gifts for him so perfect is that they are also incredibly handy!

Great Travel Gifts: Vintage Rucksack

Nothing says World Wanderer better than a vintage rucksack – which is why it’s on our list of great gifts for travelers. What we love about this specific weatherproof, canvas backpack, however, is that while it is vintage in appearance, there is a padded laptop sleeve and USB charging port for the modern traveler.

Looking for similar unique travel gifts for women? While we think this is one of the great travel gifts for men, this stylish vintage backpack is actually unisex! 

Gifts for Men Who Travel: Engraved Compass

A compass is one of the classic gifts for someone traveling! Aiding in navigation for hundreds of years, the compass has long been a symbol of travelers.

What makes this compass one of the best travel gifts for men is that the vintage compass can be personalized – and personalized travel gifts are exceptional. Compass engraving ideas include a favorite travel quote, special message or initials.

Gift for World Traveler: Phone Tripod

Topping our list of Travel Accessories Gifts, the Joby GripTight GorillaPod is a portable and flexible tripod designed for Smartphones and small cameras – which certainly comes in handy when taking photos on a trip. The flex feet can be used as a stand – or they can be wrapped around fence or other objects – to provide stability in order to obtain crisp photos and clear video. 

Funny Travel Gifts for Men: How To Sh*t Around the World

Looking for good gifts for travelers that will elicit a little laugh? The book, How to Shit Around the World , might be the perfect travel present idea! Although entertaining and humorously written, the book contains helpful facts and information for dealing with some of the unpleasant bathroom situations when traveling overseas – making it one of the top gifts for international travelers.

Top Tip : Stay on theme and accompany your gift with a  Travel John Disposable Urinal and Disposable Travel Seat Covers . – these unusual gifts for travelers will most certainly get some laughs!  

Unique Gifts for World Travelers: A Travel Guitar

If you need unique travel gifts for him, look no further than the Martin Steel String Backpacker Travel Guitar . Specifically designed with the traveler in mind, the guitar is both lightweight and durable. 

Best Travel Gifts for Men: Shave Kit

There’s no reason a man should forego a good shave just because he’s traveling! A classy Travel Shave Kit is one of the best travel gifts for him. The Proraso travel kit comes with a travel-sized shaving necessities, like a boar-bristle shaving brush, a pre-shaving cream, shaving cream and an after shaving cream.

Looking for other shaving gifts for male travelers, like a quality leather travel shaving bag or travel-size L’Occitane Shave Balm . 

Travel Themed Gifts for Him: Personalized Flask

When we think of travel gift ideas for men, a flask may not be the first thing that comes to mind – but this atlas-embossed hip flask is one of our favorite travel-inspired gifts. Not only can the leather be engraved with initials, but the map can be custom-made with markers indicating places traveled to around the world, making it one of the best travel keepsake ideas.

Practical Travel Presents: Grid It Organizer

The Grid It organizer is one of the best gifts for someone who travels with a bag that does not have separated compartments. The board, which comes in multiple sizes and colors, has numerous elastic straps to stow smaller items to keep them from falling into the abyss of the bottom of a travel bag.

With one of these travel necessities gifts, USB cords, lip balm, chewing gum, phone, ear buds and a power bank can all be stored on the board so they can be easily accessed when needed.

Fun Travel Gifts: Icon T-Shirt

Need travel gift ideas for someone going traveling to a foreign country, but who doesn’t speak a second language? The Rosetta Stone language learning kit is ideal, but this Travel Icon t-shirt is a good (and humorous) back-up option for Around The World gift ideas.

The shirt features internationally recognizable symbols so that the traveler can communicate by simply pointing out on his shirt what it is he needs.

Travel Gifts For Women

We have a ton of travel gift ideas for Her – whether you’re looking for travel gifts for mom, girlfriend or traveling friends. From beauty to style to keepsakes, our list of unique travel gifts for her is certain to have the perfect present for the female traveler in your life.

Travel-Inspired: Compass Pendent

Looking for travel gifts for her? Travel-inspired necklaces are great gift ideas for the traveling woman. Stylish and sentimental, compass pendants are lovely and unique travel gifts for women.

A St. Christopher’s medal (the Patron Saint of Travel) is another necklace that make good travel gifts for her (or him!). 

Great Gifts for Travelers: Shampoo Bars

Although shampoo and conditioner bars might not sound like travel-related gifts, they are, in fact, the perfect present for someone going traveling! With these bars, the traveler can forget about having to pack liquids (and risk a messy spill in their luggage) and they won’t have to worry about what kind of products the hotel keeps on stock.

Even better, these shampoo and conditioner bars, made from natural products and essential oils, last for approximately 80 washes. 

Gifts for a World Traveler: Alpaca My Bags Mousepad

We love funny travel gifts – and this alpaca mousepad fits the bill! The home or office decor is a fun reminder that adventures await.

The mousepad is great by itself for a small travel gift – or it can be coupled with other amazing travel gifts for the office, like a Vintage Camper Pencil Holder  or a classic Take Vacations wood sign.

Travel-Related Gifts: Hand Sanitizer Holders

Hand sanitizer is a must-have for every traveler! These colorful sanitizer holders make unique gifts for people who like to travel for a few reasons. They can attach to the outside of a day pack or purse for easy access, they are refillable…and they are just fun! The holders come with empty bottles that can be filled with the hand sanitizer of your choice.

That said, the standard  travel-size Purell hand sanitizer makes a good gift, too. 

Want Travel Kit Gift ideas? Package together these funky sanitizer holders with other quirky travel accessories and travel necessities to make a travel gift basket. For ideas on what to include in DIY gifts for travel lovers, use our tips in Everyday Items for Travel . 

Travel-Sized Presents: Products by L’Occitane

Treat your traveler to a little bit of luxury with pampering beauty products from L’Occitane . Many of their most popular items come in travel gift sets, which we think make excellent luxury travel gifts for her.

However, one of their best Christmas gifts for travelers is the L’Occitane 24-item Advent Calendar that features a different travel-sized product for each day of December leading up to Christmas.

Travel Gift Ideas for Her: Bracelets for Travelers

Bracelets are wonderful gifts for women. We have actually seen so many bracelet gift ideas for women who travel that we couldn’t pick just one!

The Traveler’s Charm Bracelet is one of the unique travel gifts for her because, in addition to the travel charms already included on the bracelet, she can add charms from the places she goes.

We also think these understated airplane bangle bracelets are good travel presents for her. And, because of the affordable price point – less than $12 USD – they are great traveling gifts for friends.

Great Travel Gifts for Women: Wayfarer Wrap

As minimalist travelers, we know that multi-functional products make the best travel presents! The Wayfarer Wrap , which can be fashionable worn as a shawl, scarf or airplane blanket, was designed with the traveler in mind. Great to give as gifts for people going traveling, the versatile wrap comes in multiple colors (but Brushed Black is our favorite!).

Gifts for World Travelers: Bag Tags with Matching Passport Holder

Luggage tags and passport holders might be common gifts for people who love to travel, but these travel necessities can also be cute travel gifts. Forego the mundane and find a bag tag and passport holder set that is stylish – ones that speak to the woman you are buying for, like the This Girl Was Meant To See The World set.

Really want to give unique travel gifts? Create a personalized passport cover for your traveler.

Unique Presents for Travel: Women’s Travel Underwear

Underwear might not be top of mind when it comes to presents for travelers, but travel-specific panties can make great gifts! ExOfficio underwear are designed with travelers in mind. They are made with materials that are lightweight, breatheable, moisture-wicking and quick drying. 

Other travel underwear that earns rave reviews and are unique travel gifts are Thinx period panties. The  absorbancy underwear, which can be used in place of traditional feminine products, are ideal when traveling along with Aunt Flo. 

Shreddies brand underwear – which are specially designed flatulence fighting panties – are good gifts for women who suffer from gassiness on flights or when consuming foreign foods while traveling. (By the way, they make Shreddies for men, too!)

Traveling Gifts: Wine Protector

These wine protectors are seriously one of the best presents for someone traveling who loves wine! Whether they are taking wine with them on a road trip or bringing back bottles of wine from the places abroad, leak-proof wine protectors can help ensure the wine arrives safe…and the clothes arrive dry.

Top Tip : While we have included the wine protectors under Unique Travel Gifts for Women, we think they make great travel gifts for him, too!

Traveler Gift Ideas: Essential Oils On-The-Go

Because travelers commonly encounter headaches, stress, upset stomach, pains, aches and sometimes coughs, it’s nice to have something on hand to help – it’s even better when it’s a natural remedy.

Essential Oil Blend Sets are great traveling gift ideas. This set by Lagunamoon comes with in a 10-oil travel set all conveniently packaged in a carrying kit.

Neat Gifts: Scratch-Off Bucket List

Stoke the travel bug with this motivational and unique traveler’s gift Bucket List poster . Inspire someone to go to the most famous places around the world – and when they return, they can scratch off the square to reveal the image.

Travel Gifts for Her: Compass Ring

A compass ring is one of the perfect gifts for female travelers. The stylish, hand-stamped compass is made of sterling silver with a hammered band. 

Unique Travel Books: Novels by Women

Books authored by female travelers make great travel gifts for women. A humorous and travel-inspiring tale, What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding is the memoir of a travel-addicted woman, not ready to settle down. This book is a perfect present for people going traveling – or have a desire to start traveling – who are in a similar situation.

Other travel memoirs written by female authors that we love are: Love With a Chance of Drowning and The Yellow Envelope .

Best Travel Gifts for Her: Personalized Travel Journal

There are hundreds – thousands – of travel journals and they are top gifts for travelers. You can create a unique gift for travel lovers with a personalized journal.

We love this leather journal that can be branded with your choice of travel quotes and customized with a name. If this isn’t the style you are looking for, you can find a wide selection of beautiful personalized travel journals – and other travel-themed gift ideas – on Etsy .

Unique Travel Accessories: Mini Hair Straightener

Summer humidity can make textured hair downright frizzy (Remember Monica’s hair in the Friends episode when they go to Barbados?!). Well, no worries, because this little straightening iron has just 1-inch plates, heats to 430 degrees and is lightweight – so it’s a perfect travel companion for hair help. 

Gifts For Traveling Abroad

With our experience enduring numerous long-haul flights to foreign countries, we have an abundance of gift ideas for people who travel abroad. Help make someone’s time in the air and on distant lands a little more comfortable with our unique gift ideas for world travelers.

Gifts for the World Traveler: TRTL Travel Neck Pillow

Getting sleep on a long flight can make the difference between a good start to a trip…or a grumpy beginning to vacation.

The TRTL travel neck pillow is one of the best travel gift ideas because it is designed to help someone sleep anywhere comfortably, especially on a plane. The compact design makes it smaller than most travel pillows and it’s lightweight, weighing less than 5 ounces. 

Long Flight Gifts: Inflatable Sleeping Pillow

Travelers can get a good night’s rest on a red-eye flight with the Inflatable Sleeping Pillow . Designed to allow flight passengers to lean forward for a little shut eye, the pillow is soft and comfortable – plus it comes with a sleeping eye mask and ear plugs! It’s one of the best travel accessories gifts for people who struggle to sleep on long haul flights .

In-Flight World Travel Gifts: Airplane Foot Hammock

The on-board foot hammock might be one of the best gifts for world travelers! The leg rest loops around the seat-back tray to elevate the feet and legs for a more comfortable in-flight experience.

Using a foot hammock can not only make a ride in coach class more bearable, but elevating feet during the flight helps to reduce swelling in the feet and legs.

Top Tip : Want more plane accessories? The Flight Flap is a fantastic in-flight stand for mobile devices! 

Fun Gift Ideas for Travelers: Colorful Compression Socks

It is recommended that travelers wear compression socks during long-haul flights to promote healthy blood flow and circulation to avoid developing blood clots in the legs. The only problem is that compression socks are often difficult to pull on, poor quality and – quite frankly – ugly .

This is not true of the NEWZILL compression socks , which are fun travel inspired gifts. The socks are highly breathable, designed with padded heels and reinforced toes and come in an array of bright colors and fun patterns. You can turn logical presents into special travel gifts by giving a pair of these fun socks.

Travel Gifts for Staying Healthy: Airplane Germ-Fighting Kits

Airplanes are a breeding ground for germs, but passengers can travel at ease with an In-Flight Travel Kit . Each kit includes antibacterial wipes (to clean arm rests, the tray table, seat buckle and bathroom door handle), facial wipes, a face mask and lip balm. Essential for germaphobes, the Safe Travels gifts kits are actually good presents for all travelers, whether taking planes or buses! 

Good Travel Gifts: Defeat Jet Lag

Jet lag is the worst! No one wants to start (or end!) a vacation in a groggy fog. The No-Jet-Lag natural remedy helps treat the common symptoms of jet lag – and is a good gift idea for someone traveling abroad across multiple time zones. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, No-Jet-Lag alleviates tiredness so the traveler can better enjoy the trip!

Fun Gift Ideas for Someone Going Traveling: Carry-on Cocktail Kit

The carry-on Cocktail Kit is one of the best gifts for someone who travels and enjoys a proper drink on the plane ride. The TSA-Approved kit includes a spoon/muddler, tonic syrup and a linen coaster so that passengers can have an enhanced cocktail experience (using on-board alcohol, of course).

Best Luxury Travel Gifts: Priority Pass

If you are searching for gifts for someone that travels a lot and often spends time in airports, the Priority Pass might be the perfect present you are looking for! Membership with Priority Pass allows access into more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world – and it doesn’t matter which airline the traveler is flying.

Best Gift for World Traveler: Anywhere Travel Guide

Looking for gift ideas for the traveler who is eager to get off the beaten path and desires to create memorable moments abroad? Anywhere Travel Guide could be the unique travel gift you have been searching for! On each of the 75 cards there are prompts that encourage the traveler to see the place they are visiting in a different way.

Fun Travel Gifts For Techy Wanderers

Technology has changed the way we travel. Travelers wandering abroad can stay in touch almost as easily as if they were right next door. Gadgets and tech devices are unique travel gifts that will be appreciated by travelers who want to go far while staying connected. 

Best Gifts for World Travelers: Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

Finding reliable Wi-Fi can be a pain in the neck for travelers – for us, it was a never-ending source of angst. While vacationers might be able to adjust their mobile phone plan or rent a WIFI hotspot, long-term travelers and digital nomads need something more cost-effective. Therefore, one of the best gifts for international travelers is a Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot .

We use the GlocalMe Mobile Wifi Hotspot , which is a device that is purchased and can either be used with monthly/yearly plans or with local sim cards. GlocalMe sells Worldwide data usage and country specific data…so we are connected anywhere in the world the moment the plane touches down. Plus, it doubles as a portable charger!  

Best Travel Accessories Gifts: AirTags

Need a fantastic and unique gift for a traveler? Give them AirTags ! The coin-sized AirTag can help locate luggage in the unfortunate case that the airline loses the baggage in route. Rather than wasting precious vacation time waiting for the airline to track down the bag, the AirTag can detect exactly where it is!  

Gifts for the Traveler: Multiple Outlet Power Strip

Most people today travel with multiple devices – and at some point (usually sooner rather than later!) all those devices need to be charged. Unfortunately, not all hotel rooms, cruise cabins or hostels come with an abundance of outlets.

When couples, groups or families travel together, it’s a battle for who gets to charge their phone first. That’s why NTONPOWER power strips are great gift ideas for travelers. The donut-shaped power strip has 3 outlets, 3 USB ports and a 15-inch cord.

Of course, if you are looking for international traveler gift ideas, a Universal Travel Adapter is an even better idea! 

Gifts for People Who Travel: Portable Speakers

A sleek and powerful portable speaker is one of our favorite travel gift accessories; it was one of the more selfish thoughtful travel gifts I gave to Kris before we started traveling full-time. The portable Bluethooth speaker creates a professional sound for both listening to music and watching movies. Even better, it’s small and compact and is even designed with an integrated carabiner, which makes it great for travel.

Pro Tip : Noise cancelling headphones are also cool gifts for a traveler! Wireless earbuds are all the rage – just keep in mind that you will need an adapter – like the Twelve South Airfly adapter – to pair the earbuds with in-flight seatback entertainment. 

Photog Travel Gift: Phone Camera Clip-On Lens Kit

More people are relying on their smartphone camera to capture the sights and moments while traveling, but phones can be limiting when it comes to photography. The Xenvo Camera Lens Kit is designed to clip on to phones to produce incredible photos – making it one of the cool gifts for travelers.

The kits are great gifts to get a traveler who doesn’t want to invest in (or carry) a DSLR camera (like my Canon Rebel ). Each camera lens kit comes with a wide angle lens for scenic landscapes, a macro lens for close-up photos and a LED light clip to properly illuminate subjects.

Quirky Travel Gifts: Instant Camera

Technology has come a long way – especially as it pertains to travel – but there is something about retro click-and-print Polaroid-style cameras that is absolutely alluring. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera is one of the fun gifts for the travel lover.

Tech Travel Gift Ideas for Him: Garmin Fenix

If you are searching for a gift for a high-tech outdoorsy traveler, a  Garmin Fenix GPS watch  might be what you are looking for! The high-tech, durable wrist watch is made for the adventurer and includes features like navigation tools, connectivity and a long-lasting battery.

Eco-Friendly Gifts For Someone Going Traveling

Not all aspects of travel are kind to Mother Nature. To balance the travel footprint, we have a list of eco-friendly items that make unique gifts for travel lovers.

Nature-Made Travel Gifts: Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

Not only is Dr. Bronner’s soap environmentally-friendly, but it is also multi-purpose. The soap can be used as body wash, face wash, toothpaste, shampoo, laundry soap, dish soap and toilet cleaner. The all-in-one Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap travel gift set includes 8 soothing scents in 2-ounce bottles that make a good gift for someone traveling!

Top Tip : Dr. Bronner’s also has a bar soap variety pack for those who would rather not travel with liquids.

Stay Safe Travel Gifts: Personal Water Filter

The LifeStraw is a personal water filtration system that removes ill-causing bacteria and parasites from water – making it safe to drink water around the world. Ideal for campers and backpackers, LifeStraw filters are also good gift ideas for traveling abroad to countries where the water quality is questionable.

The water filter eliminates the need to buy bottled water, thus saving the planet from plastic trash. The company also makes a filtered water bottle that is great for travel and backpacking adventures. 

Unique Travel Gift Ideas: Solar Charging Backpack

Two things every traveler needs are a day pack for exploring and a power source to keep devices charged. The Voltaic System 2-in-1 backpack with solar panel combines these two things into one product, which makes it a perfect present for people going traveling.

The ultra-light pack, which is made from recycled water bottles, is designed with a solar panel that will keep phones and cameras charged with as little as 3 hours of sunlight.

Ecological Travel-Theme Gifts: Coral-Friendly Sunscreen

Pollution in the world’s oceans has led to the destruction of coral reef – and chemically-produced sunscreens are part of the problem. The good news is that there are reef-safe products – which make a good gift for someone traveling to a beach destination. TotLogic is a natural sunscreen that protects the skin with biodegradable products.

Gifts For Couples Who Travel

The items on our list of gift ideas for couples who travel are great as wedding presents and travel anniversary gifts. This list can also be used to find travel gifts for a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife.

Fun Gifts for Travelers: ENO DoubleNest Hammock

A 2-person hammock is a fun gift for couples who like camping, hiking or lounging at the beach. Weighing just a little over a pound, the ENO DoubleNest Hammock can support up to 400 pounds and can be strapped between trees, poles and even boat masts.

Unique Gift Ideas for Travelers: Matching Luggage Tags

Every traveler needs luggage tags, but you can turn the necessary items into unique travel gifts with personalized luggage tags. 

Stylish, matching luggage tags are great his-and-hers travel gifts. These unusual luggage tags are great trip gifts for couples going on their honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary with a trip. Plus, they and can be customized with a name and a date.

Looking for something that will stand the test of time? Get a travel gift set of three engraved brass luggage tags , which are also great gifts for traveling couples.

Travel Couple Gifts: Our Adventure Book

The Our Adventure scrapbook is a lovely way for a couple to preserve travel memories. Featured in the Pixar movie  Up , the book contains thick, sturdy pages – and it is ideal as both newlywed and anniversary gifts for travelers. The creative travel gift can be paired with other scrapbooking materials .

Gift Ideas for World Travelers: Earbud Splitter

A headphone splitter allows two sets of earbuds to be plugged into the same device. Ideal as travel gifts for couples taking a long-haul flight – or even friends staying in a hostel – the splitter allows two people to listen to the same music or watch the same movie on a mobile device without bothering others around them.

This small travel gift can be given as a stocking stuffer or in a less-than-$10 gift exchange.

Cute Travel Gifts: Adventuring Together Artwork

We think this is one of the most unique Travel Couple gifts – because it can be personalized to the couple’s travel experiences.

The Adventuring Together artwork travel memory gifts, which can be framed or unframed, feature four ‘mountains’ that are made from maps…and you can choose which cities are used in the artwork. Because it is personalized, we think this is one of the best travel anniversary gifts for a loved one!

Best Gift for Travel Couples: Personalized Adventure Fund

Help encourage your favorite couple to travel the world by giving them a custom-made Travel Fund piggy bank . The jar is available in half-gallon or gallon sizes and can be personalized with names and icons.

Top Tip : Travel Fun jars are wonderful wedding gifts for travelers! 

Home Gifts For World Travelers

Help fuel the wanderlust in travelers while they are at home ! Our list includes unique travel-themed home decor and must-have travel books!

The Best Travel Gifts: World Globes

Globes are awesome gifts for travelers. Seriously, travelers (like us!) can look at them forever, dreaming of the next trip. Globes are worldly gifts that come in a variety of styles – classic, antique, black and even levitating ! We like the classy look of this glass globe  paperweight, which is perfect for an office desk or bookshelf. 

For a truly unique globe, however, check out this world globe that doubles as a whiskey decanter (complete with  glass ship inside the bottle!). Bonus: The gift set comes with two glass globe-etched whiskey glasses and a wooden stand. 

Gift Ideas for Wanderlust: Pushpin World Map

Travelers love maps and  Pushpin World Maps make great gifts for people that love to travel! Unlike the scratch map that can get a little messy, the pushpin wall art – which can be personalized – comes with pushpins to mark the countries that the traveler has visited (or is dreaming of visiting).

Not your style? Find more options on Best World Map Wall Art .

Travel Around the World Gifts: Keepsake Box

A travel keepsake box is a great present for someone going traveling. Designed to store ticket stubs, coins of foreign currency and pamphlets from a trip in one place, the wooden box is personalized with custom text, including names and dates. The box is one of the great Welcome Home from Traveling gifts for adventurers returning from an epic vacation.

Unique Travel Gifts for Christmas: Globe Ornament

Globe ornaments are the perfect Christmas gifts for travelers! The baubles, which can hang seasonally on a tree or year-round on a stand, can help to inspire future travels.

World Traveler Gifts: World Map Mugs

Mugs are another one of those gifts that seem far from special – but what makes this world map mug one of the unique travel gifts is it features an inspirational travel quote. Buy the coffee sample pack of beans from places around the world to compliment this travel gift!

Presents for World Travelers: Airplane Bottle Opener

This is one of our favorite travel-themed gift ideas! Made of nickel, so it won’t tarnish, this airplane bottle opener is a conversation starter at parties. And, why not also include a set of airplane coasters to complete the travel kit gift idea?

Gifts for Travel: Books About Travel

We love books about travel! Of course, Travel Guide Books are essential when traveling to new parts of the world, but what we really, really love are books that inspire us to travel.

Atlas Obscura is a great resource for finding off-the-beaten-path places around the globe. The Lonely Planet Bigger Book of Everything divulges little-known facts about…well, everything. And The World includes highlights of traveling to every country on earth. 

Unusual Gifts for Travelers: Ultimate Travel Coloring Book

Lonely Planet has long been publishing fantastic guidebooks – and their line of travel gifts are just as impressive. The Lonely Planet gift line includes fun travel gift ideas, like Round The World Quiz Book and How To Survive Anything . 

We also like their unusual gifts for travelers, like the Ultimate Travel Coloring Book . The adult coloring book features illustrations of the 100 greatest places on earth and includes a description of each location to stoke the wanderlust! Complete the gift with these Colored Pencils . 

The Perfect Gift for a Traveler: Travel-Themed Calendar

Calendars are often-given holiday presents, but selecting a travel-themed calendar can be the perfect gift for travelers – especially if they are counting down the days to an epic vacation.

Classic National Geographic calendars – like World Travel , US National Parks or Most Beautiful Places – are destination calendars that are designed specifically to inspire wanderlust.

Looking for quirky travel gifts? Check out the Retro Travel Posters calendar or The 1,000 Places To See Before You Die desk calendar .

Map Travel-Themed Gifts

Maps are always good travel gift ideas…and it is amazing the number of things that have maps on them! If you are searching for the best gifts to give a traveler, ordinary items that feature world map art just might be the unique travel gift you are searching for…and you will find the best map-related gifts on our list!

Gift Ideas for the Traveler: Vintage World Map Puzzle

Not only is this puzzle a monster with 1,000 pieces, when the Vintage World Map Puzzle is complete, it can be framed.

Unique Gifts for World Travelers: Map Pajamas

Looking for travel-related gifts for her? These cute map pajamas  will have your traveler dreaming of wandering the world.

If you really want to ensure your traveler’s dreams come true, consider gifting a 3-piece bedding set , featuring a world map duvet and pillow cases. 

Gifts that Inspire Travel: World Map Wall Art

Maps are always good gift ideas for someone going traveling! And we think world map wall art make some of the best travel gifts. There are hundreds of styles to choose from – including vintage, modern, canvas and decal.

For a unique travel gift, however, consider this modern map poster that offers an interesting perspective of the world by featuring each country by size. Or go with a contemporary metal map artwork that is also abstract. 

Gifts for a Traveler: World Map Laundry Bag

Unique and practical? That’s exactly why a world map laundry bag is such an awesome travel-themed present !

Traveler Gifts: Storage Trunk for Travel Memories

Trunks are good gifts for someone that travels a lot who wants to preserve or display their travel treasures. We love this old-fashioned traveling trunk featuring old world maps as a perfect place to stow travel memories. 

A ticket-storage, travel shadow box is another one of the fabulous travel memento ideas for displaying past trips. 

Travel Gifts For Family Members

Looking for amazing travel gifts to get children or need a few unique travel items for a wanderlusting sibling? Here are a few unique gifts to give a traveler in your family.

Gift Ideas for Traveling Family: Road Trip Games

Make family road trips fun with in-car games! When I was growing up our favorite games were Mad Libs and the License Plate Game.

However, parents who want to use the time traveling in the car on long trips to reconnect with their kids might want to check out the Our Moments thought-provoking conversation starting kit.

Tip: For an all-in-one car game travel kit gift idea, consider the Road Trip Kit that includes classic games and educational countdown cards. 

Funny Family Trip Gifts: Help Me T-Shirt

Family vacations can be stressful. Poke a little fun at the inevitable moment when one (or all!) family members could use a little help during the trip with this funny family trip t-shirt . 

Travel Gift from Mom: Travel Safe Bracelet

The Travel Safe Bracelet offers your loved one a wish for a good and safe journey. Featuring a Morse Code message to Fly Safe, the bracelets are great holiday gifts for travelers from parents (and also good gifts for friends going traveling, too!).

Cheap Travel Gifts

Need travel things to buy as stocking stuffers or a small gift for someone traveling? These unique and cool travel gift ideas all come in under $10!

Gift Ideas for Someone Going Traveling: Luggage Stickers

Does the traveler you are buying for have a hard-side suitcase that needs some jazzing up? Let them get creative with this set of luggage stickers .

Travel Accessories Gift Ideas: Fold Up Backpack

Convenient for every traveler, this ultra-lightweight fold up backpack – weighing just 6 ounces – zips into a pouch the size of a sandwich bag.

Best Travel-Related Gifts: Pack This Checklist

Packing is a chore…but it doesn’t have to be with these Pack This checklists ! (Looking for more specific packing tips? Check out my Complete Packing List .)

Unique Travel Items: Duct Tape

Duct Tape can be a savior for travelers! Whether it’s a ripped bag, torn clothing or a broken phone case, Duct Tape can help keep it all together. Sol makes mini-Duct Tape rolls just for travelers!

Best Gifts for Travelers: Best Ever Travel Tips

Inexpensive and fun, the Best Ever Travel Tips Book by Lonely Planet is a great stocking stuffer Christmas present for travelers.

Give The Trip Of A Lifetime

If you really want to give gifts that travelers love, then give the gift of travel!

The Gift of Travel

The ultimate gift idea for travelers is a trip. Plan a trip on your own (start on our Travel Planning page!) or book a trip of a lifetime with a travel company – like an all-inclusive trip to the Caribbean at Sandals Resorts  or a first trip to Europe with Contiki (exclusively for the 18-35 age group).

Plan a Christmas Trip

If you are really looking for a unique travel present for Christmas, why not plan a festive trip? We love Spending Christmas in Europe – the dazzling Christmas markets are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

Travel Experiences

If your traveler already has a trip planned, you can add to it by gifting travel experiences, like tours and excursions. These special travel gifts can help to enhance their vacation.

Viator is a one-stop-shop for booking activities worldwide, offering more than 60,000 travel experiences. You can book these experiences in advance, which makes them fabulous travel gifts. From watching a Moulin Rouge show in Paris to a bike tour in Amsterdam , Viator has a range of activities that any traveler would love!

How To Give The Gift Of Travel

If you decide to give someone a trip as a present, you want to make sure you reveal the gift in a special way. Use one of our fun ideas to give the gift of travel. 

Travel Guide Books

Get travel guide books for the places you will be going – and then tuck the airplane ticket inside the front cover (where you can also write a special message). 

If the reason you are traveling includes a ticketed event – let’s say a concert – buy the CD and put the tickets, which indicate concert location, inside the CD case. If you were traveling for a sports event, you could gift a team hoodie with the tickets tucked inside the pocket or sleeve. 

Box Inside A Box

Get really creative with your gift giving and wrap box inside a box…inside a box…inside a box. In each of the bigger boxes include smaller gifts or clues. Put the boarding passes or itinerary in the smallest box – the last to be opened. You could even wrap the boxes in World Map Wrapping Paper .

Trip Reveal Scratch Off Boarding Pass

If you want a keepsake of the gift-giving, the Trip Reveal Scratch-Off Boarding Pass might be just what you are looking for! The custom pass requires a gold circle to be scratched off to reveal the destination – and it’s a great way to announce your surprise trip!

That wraps up our gigantic list of Unique Travel Gifts. We hope you are excited and found the perfect gift for that traveler!  It’s ok if it’s you:)

Need more travel gift ideas?  Check out our list of Useful Travel Gifts  

We want to know: What are the unique travel gifts you have received? Do you have additional unique gift ideas for travelers? Please do share with us in the comments section below!

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Share This Story!

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

4 thoughts on “ 100+ Best Unique Travel Gifts For World Wanderers ”

Comments are closed.

• Work With Me

• Central America
• South America
• Solo Travel
• Budget Travel
• Digital Nomad Life
• Work Exchange
• Foodie Experiences
• Responsible Travel
• Winter Travel
• Backpacker Accommodation
• Accommodation In the UK
• Hostel Tips
• Hostel Packing List
• Work as a Hostel Volunteer
• Work in Exchange for Accommodation
• Travel Websites to Book Your Trip
• Travel Planning Checklist
• How to Travel for Free
• How to Save Money While Travelling
• Carry On Packing List
• Long Haul Flight Essentials
• Campervan Packing List
• Flight Tips
• Solo Travel Tips
• Accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Packing Lists
• Eco-Friendly Travel Products
• Carry On Backpacks
• Backpack Essentials
• Filter Water Bottles
• Camera Gear
• Camping Gear
• Gifts for Travel Lovers
• Backpacking Gifts
• Hiking Gifts
• Campervan Gifts
• Beach Gifts
• Personalised Travel Gifts
• Small Travel Gifts
• World Map Gifts
• Gift Experiences
• Privacy Policy

Travel Gifts

• World Map Gifts for Map Lovers

Oh yes, it’s that time of year again!  If you are looking for Christmas gifts for map lovers and travellers, I’ve found these awesome World map gift ideas to inspire wanderlust and have them planning their next trip asap!  Check out these cool map-themed gifts so you can choose the perfect presents for map lovers in your life.

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

This article is sponsored by Etsy

How to Choose The Best World Map Gifts for You

There are lots of gorgeous and practical world map gifts to choose from, but what you pick will of course depend on what your map lover is like and what they like.  Hopefully, if you’re buying them a map-themed gift you know them well enough to have a good guess at least!

If you’re looking for cheap map gifts for friends then that’s going to be quite different from buying map-related retirement gifts for a colleague for example.  Useful map gifts are great for anyone, but if you’re looking for romantic map gifts for your girlfriend or boyfriend then something more pretty than practical is probably the way to go.

To help you along, I’ve attempted to collect different map-themed gifts together and while I have separated lists into him and her of course all gifts are suitable for everyone, regardless of gender!

Unique World Map Gifts

Check out my favourite world map gift ideas for you to choose from - I'm sure you'll find the perfect gifts for map lovers in your life right here!

World Map Gifts for Her

For the lovely travelling lady in your life, I found these gorgeous world map pendants, bracelets and rings to inspire wanderlust in any female travellers who love maps.  Looking for travel-themed Christmas gifts for your girlfriend, wife, daughter or travelling friends?  Look no further!  

Silver World Map Ring

This boho-chic silver-plated Earth Map ring, detailled with latitude lines is a lovely unique map gift for someone special.

Sterling Silver World Map Earrings

This pair of pretty sterling silver world map earrings are hand made and would be a perfect gift for the world traveller.

Silver World Map Bracelet

This World map bracelet will remind the wearer of travelling, holidays and wonderful times with friends and family - what a wonderful map-themed gift!

World Map Globetrotter Necklace

This beautiful map necklace is available in silver or gold and comes in an eco-friendly jewellery box, ready to send as a gift for the map lover in your life!

Personalized Map Ring

Choose your preferred location for this custom ring, to make a personalized map gift with a piece of a map special to whoever you are giving it to.

Vintage Globe Pendant

This world map pendant is in the style of a vintage globe, and you can select from an Antique Bronze or Shiny Silver finish to personalize the gift.

World Map Gifts for Him

I always struggle with Christmas gifts for men, my dad & brother usually buy everything they want themselves!  However, world map cufflinks or a tie make great stocking fillers, and I actually love this wooden men's watch which would make a cool travel-inspired map gift for a friend or family member.

Unisex Walnut Wood World Map Watch

I love this world map design watch made of natural walnut wood. It would make a lovely map gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Men's Globe Necklace World Map

This simple yet stylish Silver Earth Charm necklace is adjustable with a black cord and macrame finishing. Designed for men but equally suitable for women too.

Earth Map Bowtie

This cute hand-sewn world map bowtie would make a lovely map-themed gift for a man, from your grandson to grandpa or for a travel-themed wedding!

World Map Bracelet

 This faux leather wraparound bracelet comes with a world map charm and can be customized with an initial suitable for your gift recipient.

Vintage Map Cufflinks

These vintage-style map cufflinks come in a variety of colours. If you prefer to personalise your map gifts, the seller has different styles available too.

World Map Engraved Pocket

Looking for a special map gift? This glossy silver working pocket watch and ring chain can be engraved with a message to your map loving man.

Map-Themed Christmas Gifts for the Home Traveller

There is nothing like including travel in your home decor.  Scratch-off world maps have become very popular gifts, so your loved one can scratch off where they have already been, and get inspired by the rest of the world waiting to be scratched off! 

If that seems a little too much, how about an arty world map print for the wall?  And for those who dream all day of travelling, a world map duvet covers mean they can dream all night too!

Scratch the World Map Print

This useful map gift means that your chosen recipient can scratch off destinations as they've explored them. It is a wonderful gift for all ages!

Watercolor World Map Duvet Cover Set

Choose this bright boho style world map duvet set for a travel gift for a family member (or yourself!). The reverse side comes in a choice of colours.

World Map Mug

A fun and practical travel gift for anyone who thinks about travel every single day. This world map mug is a great way to reminisce and inspire future travel adventures.

Vintage Globe

This beautiful vintage globe would make a special gift for a map lover, as they can choose their next trip or just admire the workmanship and dream of adventures past and future!

Rustic World Map Rug

More travel-themed decor here in this beautiful world map rug. Choose the size you want to fit any space and have the world at your feet!

The World is Your Oyster Print

This subtle world map wall art would be a lovely wedding gift, Christmas or birthday gift for map lovers everywhere. Choose from three different colours and various sizes to find the perfect print.

Map Themed Stocking Stuffers

If you're looking for small map gifts that won't break the bank, this selection of map stocking fillers make good gifts for map-loving kids or little extra Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Map Hair Scarf

This cute hair map hair scarf or hair tie adds colour for your map lover to look good and dream of travel at the same time.

Atlas Scrunchie

Another cute world map hair accessory, this scrunchie is a lovely small gift for a friend, sister or even a teacher.

Travel Keyring with Map Charm

This keyring can be personalised with letter charms and a birthstone charm if you like, or just left as is with the map, passport and camera charms.

World Map Luggage Tag

This luggage tag features a map of the world, in a choice of colours. You can also personalise it with your initials so you can spot your luggage easily at the airport.

What will you buy for Christmas this year?  Let me know what map themed gifts you decided on!

Want More Travel Gift Ideas?

• The Best Travel Gifts for Travellers
• The Best Backpacking Gifts to Buy This Year
• Awesome Hiking Gifts for the Hiker in Your Life
• 16 Gorgeous Personalised Travel Gifts
• Campervan Gifts for Motorhome Owners
• Gift Experiences to Give Travel Lovers
• Beach-Themed Gifts for Beach Lovers
• Small Travel Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Geography buffs, world travelers, and topography nerds can all agree on one thing — maps are pretty cool. Not only are they educational and inspirational, but they also evoke a sense of nostalgia or a feeling of home. And these days, maps aren’t just for your glove compartment. They can be carved out of wood, etched onto drinking glasses, or turned into personalized works of art. Here are ten holiday gift ideas for the map-obsessed person in your life.

Carved Nautical Maps

Map enthusiasts will love getting up-close-and-personal with these intricately carved nautical maps from Woodchart . The beautifully crafted pieces may resemble abstract art installations from afar, but upon closer inspection, they reveal themselves to be detailed maps with chiseled water depths. Since the company is able to create maritime and freshwater maps from various locations across the country, including Cape Cod, the Great Lakes, and Lake Tahoe, most people will be touched by the sentimentality of this personal gift.

Buy it here: 3-D Nautical Wood Chart | $178-$298

Atlas of the World

If you know someone who would rather study maps than read a book, the Oxford Atlas of the World will satisfy their curiosity for years to come. This particular atlas is both thorough and sizeable and is sure to be a welcome resource in any library. In addition to meticulous topographical maps of the seven continents, the atlas includes detailed demographic information on countries, cities, and regions around the world. It's also truly beautiful to look at, and is sure to quench any geographer’s insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Buy it here: Atlas of the World | ~$80

Map Coasters

Coasters make great gifts to start, but when they feature maps, they’re sure to be a hit. Uncommon Goods sells coasters that can be personalized to display any neighborhood based on a given address. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who is fond of maps, especially if that person is a new homeowner or a recent transplant. The set of four coasters can be placed together to view the larger map and for an additional $10, the gift can be shipped with a coaster stand for easy storage.

Buy it here: Custom Map Coaster Set with Stand | $75

Cartographer’s Toolkit

Some people like to study maps and other people like to draw them — this gift is for the latter. The Cartographer’s Toolkit is the ultimate resource for someone who wants to learn how to accurately produce maps of their own, which is a bit more complicated than it might sound. From choosing a color palette and typography to understanding how to create the correct composition, this book explains it all. Even better, it lays the information out in a clear straightforward manner, so cartography rookies won’t be intimidated to learn a new art form.

Buy it here: Cartographer’s Toolkit | ~$40

Personalized Map Art

This sweet and personalized gift is perfect for the map-loving duo. The handcrafted print fuses two distinct maps to create the image of a heart. Whether the maps represent the individuals’ hometowns or their favorite places to travel, it’s a beautiful nod to people sharing a life together. Since the piece is highly customizable, from the map locations to the typeface, the buyer maintains most of the creative control regarding the artwork. Framing is also an option for an added cost. The end result is a thoughtful, special, and totally unique gift that will bring two people lots of joy.

Buy it here: Personalized Heart Map Art Print | $55

Earth Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzle addicts and map lovers unite! This incredible 1,000-piece Earth Jigsaw Puzzle , available from the MoMA Design Store,  will thrill anyone who’s looking for a challenge. The brain teaser, which depicts a NASA photo of the Pacific Ocean and the Western Hemisphere, is like putting together a highly detailed map. At 25.6 inches in diameter, the circular puzzle is rated medium to high in difficulty, with cloud formations and topographical colors adding to the intrigue. Best of all, 10% of Earth Puzzle Sales are donated to wildlife and habitat conservation groups, which makes the purchase all the more worthwhile.

Buy it here: The Earth Jigsaw Puzzle | $25

State Gazetteer

What’s better for a map lover than a geographical booklet of the place they live? A handy resource for travelers, Delorme makes individual Atlas and Gazetteer Paper Maps for all 50 states. It’s a particularly useful gift for anyone who uses maps as a means for exploration. Each page in a gazetteer features a detailed map grid, with key infographics that can’t easily be found on internet maps. Over the years, I’ve used my gazetteer to find parks, campgrounds, hikes, dirt roads, historic sites, canoe launches, fishing spots, and scenic drives. They’re excellent resources for someone who likes to explore, and they’ll serve as a tried-and-true adventure guide for the travel-loving wanderer.

Buy it here: DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer Paper Maps | $20-$25

Map Glassware

Even if they didn’t love maps, anyone would appreciate sipping their bourbon from these stylish map glasses . Etched into each piece is an accurate urban map that encircles the glass. Sold individually, it’s possible to buy glasses representing several destinations for a complete set.  It’s a perfect, personalized gift to commemorate a beloved hometown or a favorite destination . I was given these glasses in a set of four, each glass depicting a different U.S. city where I had lived. Not only do they bring back fond memories of my favorite places, but they’re also excellent for telling glasses apart when friends are over for drinks.

Buy it here: Urban Map Glass | $16

Solar System Pop Chart Map

When maps of the Earth aren’t enough, it’s time to start exploring the universe. This mesmerizing Solar System Pop Chart Map will enthrall anyone who has an interest in cosmic exploration. The color-coded chart outlines the trajectories of every single exploratory spacecraft that has been launched from Earth. Tracing the path of over 100 instruments, the handmade map offers a fascinating perspective on our relationship to other planets in the solar system. PopChart also offers numerous other chart maps, like the Compendious Coffee Chart , the Very, Very Many Varieties of Beer, and Pro Football Stadiums . All prints can be mounted on a panel or purchased in a black, white, or walnut frame at extra cost.

Buy it here: Solar System Pop Chart Map | $40 - $185

Scratch Off Travel Map

World travelers are always trying to find creative ways to document their adventures, and this Scratch Off Travel Map does just that. The black and gold poster depicts a map of the world, allowing travelers to scratch off the places they’ve been to reveal bright colors beneath. The map also features world flags that can be scratched off for an added dose of color. The conversation piece can be used to remember someone’s beloved travel adventures, while also serving as inspiration for their next big trip.

Buy it here: Landmass Scratch Off Map of the World | ~$18

Enjoy this article? Share it with a friend

Travel Gadgets That Will Make Your Next Flight Easier

9 Shoes for Every Kind of Trip

The Perfect Stocking Stuffers For the Traveler in Your Life

Luxury Travel Gear Worth the Splurge

jaleh michelle

travel, life, etc

The Ultimate Travel Gift Guide: 40+ Unique Travel Gifts (That People Actually Want!)

November 8, 2020

If you’re short on time and low on travel gift ideas, this post is going to save your life this year! I’ve spent the past three years traveling full-time, so I’ve got a prettty good sense of what gifts travelers actually want – and which will just end up collecting dust in a box somewhere.

Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends going travelling, something sweet for your special someone, or making a last-ditch effort to shop for that random person who has everything — I GOT YOU. This giant list of unique travel gifts & ideas will have something that’ll pique your interest, I promise.

( PS : This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. I’m also a participant in the Amazon Associates program, and earn commissions on any qualifying purchases made through this site)

Table of Contents

Unique Travel Gifts $50 and Under

You definitely don’t have to break the bank to find good travel gifts! So many of my favorites are under $50 and would make great travel stocking stuffers, or nice going-away gifts for friends going travelling. I tried to include a good mix of fun travel gifts and practical travel gifts in this list.

I own and use many of these already, and most of the others are sitting in my various carts for future trips. Real-Life Traveler Approved™.

Enjoy the Wood Wooden World Travel Maps & City Maps, $50+!

My TOP unique travel gift idea this year!! It’s one of the best ways I’ve found to commemorate my travels and keep all my travel memories alive 🙂 These handmade wooden world travel maps can be customised with flag pushpins for all the places you or your loved one have visited. They make an incredible accent piece for any home.

I am also stoked on this brand because of their focus on sustainability and their small-scale manufacturing. Most importantly – they’re based in Ukraine. Their manufacturing centre was completely destroyed and they’re currently trying to offload their existing inventory and rebuild. Every purchase helps them do so. The maps are extremely high quality and just a really lovely, thoughtful travel gift. I’m obsessed and couldn’t recommend these more highly as a gift for people who like to travel.

Click here to check out all the Enjoy the Wood wooden travel maps , or make a donation through their site to support Ukraine. Use code JALEH10 for 10% off 🙂

  iPhone/Android Tripod, $19.99

For anyone who loves taking photos — this portable phone tripod is a must! The flexible arms can wrap around railings, furniture, or other objects to create the perfect angle for a photo. This will definitely help to up anyone’s Instagram game, especially solo travelers who struggle to get good shots.

Custom Travel Theme Metal Pins, $1-50

Looking for meaningful but inexpensive travel gifts? I’m currently  obsessed with these jewelry-quality custom metal pins. These are PERFECT gifts for travel lovers and offer endless style options for anyone who wants to add a little personality to their travel outfits.

These travel gift accessories easily upgrade a whole look, whether popped onto a hat, jacket, or backpack! The pins are fully customizable with unique elements like name, destinations, or travel quotes. They make a fantastic custom travel gift for this year.

 Shop & check out the best custom metal pins manufacturer here ! There’s a 40% bulk discount right now, so it’s a great time to pick up a few gifts for friends who travel!

Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips ($40)

If you’re looking for a gift for adventure lovers or wanderlusters missing international travel, this is it!!! This incredible book from National Geographic is devoted to travel inspiration around the world and features their typical (stunning) full-color photography, plus in-depth explanations for each destination. There’s something here for everyone.

This is such a thoughtful travel gift and would make an amazing gift idea for someone who misses traveling. Guarantee they’ll be thanking you for the inspiration for their next trip.

Click here to take a look inside the book and pick up a copy! 

Chromecast, $35

If you want bang for your buck, this is the option for what to gift someone who loves travelling. Most hotel rooms and even some in homestays/hostels have TVs, but they can be pretty much worthless in certain countries. I have watched more hours of TV in languages I don’t speak than I could count lol. Chromecast solves that problem, allowing you to stream Netflix/anything from your browser directly to your TV. It’s a LIFESAVER.

Check out reviews and click here to purchase!

Airplane Pendant Necklace, $49.99

The PERFECT travel gift for her this year — this gorgeous pendant necklace features a plane and a globe, in classic sterling silver dotted with cubic zirconia. Cute, stylish, and tarnish-free, it’s one of the most unique and functional gifts for the traveling woman! This is probably one of my favorite pieces on this travel gift guide – it’s SO cute in person, too.  

Check out reviews and purchase here! 

Vaccine Card Holder

Is this a little sad? Yes, lol. But in current times, will it come UNBELIEVABLY IN HANDY for your favorite traveler? Yes, lol. This is a super basic, durable, clear plastic card holder to protect your card – literally one of THE best 2021 travel gift ideas. My card is not encased in one of these bad boys, and only 3 months and 5 countries later it is completely BATTERED. I would definitely recommend this as a travel stocking stuffer this year or including it as one of your travel gift basket ideas!

Click here to view prices and purchase a vaccine card holder. 

Margarita Travel Kit!

For anyone (me, lol) who loves getting a little tipsy during their flights but craves a PROPER cocktail, this is a BRILLIANT affordable travel gift idea!! The kit comes sans tequila but contains everything else your fave traveler (or you) needs to make a marg in-flight. And it’s TSA-approved. Yes. YESSS!! Seriously such a fun travel gift. I’m picking these up for my friends this year.

Airbnb Gift Card, $50

If nothing else, give the gift of free travel! There’s a whole world of unbelievable Airbnbs out there. And I don’t know any traveler who wouldn’t jump at a few nights of free accommodation in a cosy house or laid-back beach bungalow.

Please note Airbnb gift cards are currently redeemable to USA ACCOUNT HOLDERS ONLY.

Check out here to purchase an Airbnb gift card!

  Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $21.95

A stainless steel bottle is great for travelers and the environment – win-win. This is a GREAT practical travel gift that most people never get around to buying for themselves. This one has tons of color & size options and it’s top-rated.

  Packing Cubes, $21.63

These are an organizational godsend and probably my favorite travel item I own. They make packing an absolute breeze because they compress to save space and help organize your items. They’re an absolute game-changer. Buy these as gifts for someone going travelling and I guarantee they will use them on every single trip.

  Clip-On Phone Camera Lens, $28.99

Another great gift for travel photographers! This clip-on lens attaches to the phone to allow a wider frame and higher quality shots – and it’s compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and Google phones. The macro lens also allows for close-up detail shots. These are SO much fun to shoot with and make a really fun travel gift.

  Travel Adapter, $9.99

Boring, yes, but necessary. A good travel adapter will always be appreciated, and most travelers just opt for the cheapest version when shopping for themselves. Pick up a compact but multi-functional one with extra USB ports to charge devices, and you’ll get some SERIOUS brownie points.

Portable Phone Charger

This is another must-have that will get a ton of use. There’s nothing worse than your phone running out of juice in middle-of-nowhere, Uzbekistan (I can tell you from experience). Go for a slim, lightweight version to make sure your favorite traveler can always keep it on-hand, just in case!

  Memory Foam Neck Pillow

This is the single best travel gift I could recommend if you’re looking for value. If you know any travelers who don’t have a neck pillow, get them one. Immediately . It will change their life and make flights so much more comfortable & restful. I’ve been using this wraparound pillow for 2+ years and refuse to travel without it, but the one pictured is better-rated and offers a bit more support.

  Foot Hammock 

If you know someone who struggles to sleep on flights, get them a foot hammock!! They hang off the tray table and allow you to elevate your feet, creating a much more comfortable resting position. I MacGyver myself a hammock with a sweatshirt or blanket, but would definitely appreciate a legit version. Elevating my feet has completely cured my plane insomnia and saved my life on long flights.

  Travel Towel 

A lightweight, quick-drying travel towel is a godsend for any long-term traveler. This is one of those things people often don’t realize they need until they’ve already left.

  Pushpin World Map / Scratch Off World Map  

My mom got me the scratch off version for Christmas last year and it was one of my best travel themed gifts! It’s so satisfying scratching off new countries, and it makes a cute conversation piece in my room. One of my best friends has the pushpin version which I love too. These are definitely awesome gifts for any avid traveler.

  Collapsible Mug

Perfect gifts for environmentally conscious travelers. I use mine for everything, from coffees to hostel water refills. It’s super compact and lightweight and fits easily in my bag, it’s cute af, and I love that I’m not contributing to creating plastic waste (especially in developing countries where that plastic is likely going to end up in the ocean).

Around the World Spice Set

This is the perfect gift for world travelers – especially in 2020, where lots of us are stuck at home unexpectedly and unable to travel 🙁 You can gift a little taste of feeling abroad with a round-the-world spice set featuring blends from Morocco, Jamaica, and Thailand, among others! It’s a super unique travel gift idea and one I’d love to get myself.

Click here to check out reviews and purchase! 

Waterproof Phone Case

Pretty much every traveler I know has destroyed their phone at least once due to an accident, flood, or falling into a lake (last example being me). Save your traveler friends the hassle and gift them a STURDY waterproof phone case to protect their electronics, so that they too don’t end up abroad with a fried phone. Again, a great practical travel gift that a lot of people won’t bother picking up for themselves, but will literally KISS you for gifting them when they get home. 

Click here to check out phone cases!

Extension Cable, $15.19

Another “boring” but unbelievably useful travel gift. For some reason, many countries like to put their power ports in completely incomprehensible positions – and it is NOT A VIBE. I never thought to bring one but would have KILLED for one the past 8 months in Vietnam as I’ve navigated housing with the literal dumbest wiring imaginable. Your traveler might go “wtf” when they open this one, but I PROMISE they will use it on one of their trips and bless you for saving them from a really common inconvenience.

This one also has USB ports and is super compact for travel. I just bought one and am looking forward to trying it out on my next trip!

Click here to check out reviews and purchase!

Unique Travel Gift Ideas Under $200

If you’re looking for super useful travel gift ideas for the travelers in your life, here are some solid mid-range options.

KnackPack Medium, $195

I cannot & will not stop raving about this backpack lol. The KnackPack is a first-of-its kind multifunctional luggage and is by FAR the best travel backpack I’ve ever used. It’s an AMAZING practical travel gift idea. It has a ton of unique and thoughtful features for travelers looking for something sleek and functional. My medium pack is TSA-approved as a carry on but fits literally an INSANE amount of stuff in it. 

Amongst other features, it packs like a suitcase, and has a ton of additional pockets, making storage super easy. It also has a side water bottle pocket, comfy padding on the back, and a trolley sleeve for easy stacking on my roller bag. I genuinely cannot recommend this bag more highly.  They’ve thought of EVERYTHING and I truly couldn’t recommend this more highly as a unique travel gift this year!! It’s a game-changer.

Click here to check out color options and reviews for the Medium KnackPack , or here to check out their full range of sizes .

  Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader, $129.99

Books and travel are… not compatible. When you’ve got limited space in your bag, it’s really not practical to lug around more than a book or two (if that). And that SUCKS if you love to read. If you know a bookworm who loves to travel, get them an e-reader and they will love you forever. Curling up in bed or passing a long train ride with all your favorite books at your fingertips… that’s priceless. I would love  to get one of these… are you reading this, Mom? 😉

Check out reviews and prices here!

SplayTray, $55

This nifty invention by a friend of mine is a patented-design carry bag that expands out into a fullsize tray. It’s SO HANDY. The sides are magnetised so once you want access to all your makeup, art supplies, etc at once, you just pop the sides and everything is laid out – no more rummaging through your bag for what you’re looking for. It comes in small/medium versions and a ton of different color options!!!

  Nanopresso Machine, $64.90

For the caffeine-addicted traveler. I had no idea a “nanopresso” was a thing until recently, but it looks AMAZING. Basically it’s a teeny-tiny portable machine that brews coffee! Just add coffee grounds and water. I was a bit skeptical of the functionality, but the reviews are actually solid – so this one is a safe bet for coffee lovers! Grab the NS adapter to make it Nespresso-pod compatible!

  Fujifilm InstaX Polaroid Camera, $72

Especially in the age of ultra-curated social media, there’s something really special about real  snapshots. Your fave traveler will have a blast snapping pics with one of these, and they’ll come home with a stack of absolutely priceless photos. My favorite travel photos are consistently the grainy, garbage quality late-night snaps on friends’ Polaroids – those are always the real moments, and the ones I most want to remember!

Check out reviews, colors, and prices here!

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

There’s something about speakers that makes everything more fun – whether you’re laying on a beach in Thailand, enjoying a beer in Germany, or hiking in Switzerland. This one is waterproof, compact, and the sound quality is amazing! My flatmates have this exact model and it’s survived countless trips to Bondi Beach.

 Mobile Wifi Hotspot 

For anyone who lives online, a mobile hotspot is a must have travel gift! This little contraption creates a mobile wifi network, so your favorite traveler can stay connected, even in the middle of nowhere. This is great for people who travel frequently because I guarantee they are sick of weak wi-fi and dropped connection.

Priority Pass Membership, currently 40% off at just $55 (normally $99!)

Priority Pass is an exclusive service that grants members discounted access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world. Especially between long-haul international flights, it makes a huge difference to be able to relax, take a shower, and squeeze in a (complimentary!) gin & tonic. Whoever you pick this one up for will LOVE you.

Check out pricing and membership tiers here!

Unique & Useful Travel Gift Ideas $200 and Over AKA Presents For People You REALLY Love

Kidding, I know you can’t put a price tag on love 😉 But if you’ve got a bit higher budget, here are some mid-range to luxury travel gift ideas that your giftee would DIE to have, but probably won’t splurge on themselves.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones, $199.99 (on sale from $299.99!!))

An absolute game-changer on flights, and probably one of the greatest investment items for a frequent traveler. You don’t realize how loud and disruptive airplane or outside noise can be until you can switch it off with the flick of a button. It makes a huge difference in sleep and comfort to upgrade from regular headphones. This Bose pair is one of the highest-rated noise cancelling headphones on the market, and my personal fave.

GoPro Hero 8, $299.99 (on sale from $349.99!!)

For any adventurers, a GoPro is a must have travel gift!! This bad boy can handle any weather condition and the picture quality is amazing considering how compact it is. It’s so fun to shoot with one and I’ve always come out with some gorgeous, in-the-moment adventure snaps. Don’t forget to pick up a GoPro dome to take some seriously cool half-underwater photos!

DJI Mini Drone, $399.99

DJI drones are some of the highest-rated on the market. They create spectacular aerial shots and are one of the best gifts for travel photographers. This is a definite investment but seriously opens up a whole new world of possibility for photos! I personally would kill for a drone, especially as a solo traveler who often struggles to take pics unassisted.

Chic Luggage Set, $325

Who wouldn’t love some sleek new luggage? My personal favorite brand Calpak makes beautiful luggage sets in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The rose-gold (pictured) is the most popular, but I own the white marble set , and have my eye on the rainbow gradient . They’re super lightweight but very sturdy and well-made.

Shay Mitchell’s Beis line is also EXTREMELY well-rated and very sleek. Revolve currently stocks a ton of luggage options including a 29” roller linked here , or a 21” roller linked here (both come in black and beige!).

Panasonic Lumix Mirrorless Camera, $479.99

If you know anyone who loves photography and travel, get them a mirrorless camera. An iPhone simply doesn’t do incredible destinations justice, but a DSLR is way too bulky to be practical for travel (I hate lugging mine around everywhere). A mirrorless camera gives you all the quality of a DSLR without the heft – it’s the perfect travel camera. I’ll be swapping out my Canon 6D for the Panasonic as soon as I can afford it!

  FitBit Versa 3 Smartwatch & Activity Tracker, $229.95

Traveling does a number on your body, and it’s really hard to stay in shape (especially when you love trying new foods). Any long-term traveler would love a tracker to help monitor their activity and stay on top of their health while abroad. This was my personal most-wanted item this year, and I’m confident I’ll get a ton of use out of it on future travels.

Gift an Experience

If all else fails, and you don’t want to burden your traveler with more Stuff – give them a gift they’ll never forget! Like a Harry Potter studio tour in London . Or a hot air balloon ride over Sydney’s Hunter Valley wine country. Or a romantic dinner cruise through the San Francisco Bay .

Or… just grab them a gift card and let them choose their dream experience .

Unique Travel Gifts for Her

Silk sleep mask.

Trying to sleep on a flight or in an unfamiliar environment (like a night train) can be absolutely miserable – a sleep mask will help to get some shut-eye. I have this pink silk version and it’s so  cute and super soft.

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

The number of times my shampoo/conditioner have leaked into my bag and destroyed some important possession are like… endless. And continually lugging around/purchasing new (sh*tty) hair products is both impractical, and bad for your hair. Solution? Gift travelers shampoo/conditioner bars (and bar soap!), which travel easy and leak-proof, while keeping hair sleek and moisturised even in the most remote destinations.

Cute Leather Luggage Tags 

Especially if someone has indistinct luggage (like a basic black case), these will help avoid any mix-ups at the airport. And in case the bag gets lost, airport staff will easily be able to identify it. Plus they’re cute. My ex’s family got me these one year and I LOVE them – I use them every time I fly!

Personalized Leather Passport Holder 

Your passport is the most important thing you take with you on your travels! And especially with frequent trips, they can get pretty banged up – mine is literally falling apart. If you know someone whose passport looks a little worse for the wear, get them a passport holder. They look nice and they’re a super functional travel gift.

Also, Socks

I know it’s a running joke that you know you’re old once you get excited about socks for Christmas, but like, I would really love some socks lol. Whatever you decide to buy this year, just chuck some socks in the package too.

If you or someone you love needs socks too, here’s a link . You can never have enough socks, guys.

ANYWAY, I hope this helped you sort out your last-minute Christmas shopping this year!! Hope you guys have a lovely holiday season, and please let me know if you ended up buying any of these gifts for world travelers in your life. I’d love to hear about it! 

Don’t forget to PIN this post or drop a comment below if you found this list of unique travel gifts helpful! And subscribe to my email list below if you’d like to receive monthly updates with new posts, tips, and travel recaps! 

(Disclosure: This post is a paid collaboration with Enjoy the Wood, Pins US, and KnackPack) 

Related posts:

Join the list.

December 3, 2019 at 7:10 am

Those socks! Where have they been all my adult life?!

December 3, 2019 at 6:30 pm

I don’t know, but what I do know is that everybody is getting socks from me this year LOL

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2024 jaleh michelle · Theme by 17th Avenue

Welcome to Charming Maps Unique Map Jewelry & Gifts

Map gifts to celebrate your hometown, travel destinations, and adventure seeking.

Charming Maps has a love for all things map related and is to share it with the world.

Everyone has a hometown, dream destination, or favorite place in the world, and Charming Maps can customize a piece of jewelry or other map gift to showcase that love.  Specializing in map jewelry & gifts.

What can we make for you?

Map Gifts & Jewelry

Ready made products.

We stock hundreds of pre-made map jewelry and gift items.  Many items can be found in the Etsy shop, while all items can be found when we sell at the local markets.  Stock varies continuously...so check back often!

Custom Map Gifts

Specializing in custom, one-of-a-kind map gifts and jewelry just for you!

Just tell us the location, the type of product, and the style.  We'll find the perfect map for your piece, and create your gift with high-quality and prompt service.

CLICK HERE to see what fun map gifts you can find!

Drop us a line!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Shop info...

Charming Maps is a woman-owned, handmade product maker located in Aurora, Colorado.

Our Etsy shopping site is OPEN and ready for your one-of-a-kind map gifts.  Use the links above to access site for purchasing.

If you are local to the Denver metro area, be sure to check out our calendar for our latest events!  

Charming Maps

80016, Aurora, Colorado, United States

[email protected]

Contact us anytime.

Copyright © 2023 Charming Maps - All Rights Reserved.

26 Unique Gifts for Travelers (+ Some Weird Ones!)

Updated November 7, 2022

When you have a traveling pal or family member who loves to explore about, it can be hard to figure out what they want or need on special occasions.

I’m here to share some unique gifts for travelers with you, with a few oddities thrown in for fun, for that traveler who has everything .

You won’t find things like packing cubes, a portable bluetooth speaker, or a digital luggage scale here, as that’s way too practical for a weird list like this one.

Note: For a quick life hack on luggage scales, by the way, do this: weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your luggage, and subtract your own weight.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .  At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Unique Gifts for Travelers

I love Etsy for all the things, even for all the blogging things, but especially for personalized gifts . It also makes me feel good to support a small business, as all of the folks on here are independent sellers selling their passion projects to make a buck to fund more passion projects. A few of these unique gifts for travelers are already hanging out in my own Etsy cart, so you may have some competition in the way of your own purchase.

Best Map Gifts for Travelers

Travelers are nothing if not sentimental. World map gifts for travelers, scratch-off travel maps, really all of it…they love it all.

Give them the world…or at least the United States.

Brian and I actually bought a map like this one from USAPM for ourselves. It was fun filling in the blanks with photos of our from our travels around the United States, although the really tiny states require a level of finesse I didn’t know I had.

This is one of those unique gifts for travel lovers that will keep on giving, as they’ll (hopefully) think of you whenever they add a new photo.

Get personal with an adventure map.

Travel makes folks all kinds of sentimental. These personalized maps from CustomFamilyGifts are perfect for road trippers and travel lovers who want to commemorate their special trips…or to just show off some of the cool places they’ve been to that you haven’t.

I mean, if you’re not showing off a bit with those unique travel gifts that you’re gifting and receiving, what are you really doing?

You scratch it, not itch it.

I love finding unique ways to commemorate things I’ve done, especially when I can then hang those things on the wall to show off to visitors.

This scratch-off print from Mappinners allows you to keep track of the top 100 national park hikes across the United States. You won’t see every single park represented here as some parks may not boast hikes that are the best of the best, but you’ll get some great variety.

Push pin it real good.

If you have the wall space and love a visual reminder of where you’ve been and where you’ve yet to go, this push pin map from CanvasVows is one gorgeous way to do that.

You can also customize your map even further, adding a special date or a saying below as you see fit. Or just leave the map as is and pin your spots as you visit them.

Fun Gifts for Travelers in the Tee Category

Can you have too many novelty tees? If you’re Brian, yes. He really had to downsize when we hit the road long-term . Everyone else, though? Have at it!

Take a hike with this tee.

I love to hike, and if you’re looking for travel gift ideas for a hiker, they likely already have all of the essential hiking gear — a filtered water bottle, waterproof everything, etc. — to enjoy the great outdoors.

Why not get them something just for fun, instead?

I’m all for fun novelty tees, especially when out and about on the trails. This one from SweetTeeApparelGift will make for great conversation starters if you’re into that sort of thing.

Customize travel tees for the group vacay.

OK, so how funny would it be if you and your fam arrived on your vacay with a bunch of tees that just said “Custom Text” on them?

That’s not the point of these. You’re actually supposed to customize these tees in any way you please. But the idea of that just makes me laugh and laugh.

I’m sure the seller, DurumApparel , would do it for me, though, so the wheels sure are turning.

Sometimes tees are a whole mood.

If you know a traveler who survived 2020 and all that came with it, they likely relate to this tee from CarpeDiemTShirts .

I’m not saying that person’s grouchy by any means, but a lack of travel for a travel fiend does make them feel a certain way.

Anyway, I can relate. Reward us all with a unique gift such as this.

Hit the airport in (relative) style.

Gone are the days when folks dress up to go to the airport. It’s all about how we out-comfy each other, now.

Jazz up those sweatpants with a novelty tee like this one from SkyCollections . At the very least, you’ll be letting people know you probably didn’t sleep in that.

Unique Travel Gifts for Her

Maybe she’s born with it. More likely, maybe she’s spending all her money on travel and could use a trinket or two. Here are some delightful gifts for traveling women.

I see your adventure, and raise you this necklace.

You don’t even need to be shopping for a traveler to love this one. Who doesn’t relate to paper airplanes?

This necklace from ElmJewelryStudio is just sweet enough that it could become a fixture in the recipient’s rotation. I’m loving the little star on the chain, too.

You’ve got the whole world on your neck.

These delicate necklaces from IvyByDesign are lovely, right? You can customize the fonts if you’d like to include a message, or just roll with the world map look and call it a day.

The prices vary a bit based on the metal you’re choosing — oh, hello, rose gold — but they’re all still very budget-friendly. You can also order the style in bracelet form, if you’re not weird about things hanging off your wrist like I am.

Take note of this travel journal.

I’m not saying men don’t journal. I’m sure they do. I’ve just never witnessed it. They’re simply too busy thinking about their cryptocurrency to waste time on such frivolities.

That all said, I wish I was better about keeping travel journals. Imagine the troves of memories I could pass along to my dogs!

This one from TheTravelersPlaybook is my favorite color (green) and it looks super organized, just like me.

Come fly with these.

I love travel-themed jewelry, especially a pair of whimsical earrings.

These studs from Bubblebox are a cute gift no matter the occasion, even for those travelers begging you not to give them more stuff.

Unique Travel Gifts for Him

I didn’t forget about the fellas here. I mean, sometimes I certainly do, but not today! Check out these fun unique gifts for him, or at least what I’d imagine the traveling man in your life to enjoy.

Boost his confidence with toiletries.

Well, it’s the bag that will boost his confidence, although some toiletries can certainly do so, too. The reviews on this toiletry bag from LiberteandME tell me this is a winner, and the receivers were much appreciative.

Truly, anyone would love a reminder of their sexiness.

Roll it up in leather.

The day I got Brian an organizer for all of his tech chords and whoozits and whatsits was a very special day for him.

Why not make your special guy — or gal, as I got one for myself, too — feel similarly special with a leather roll-up bag like this one from SwankyBadger?

Get funky (socks).

You may think socks are lame, but Brian asks for at least two pairs every year. It’s the gift children despise and adults love. No one enjoys buying socks for themselves.

These socks from FridaySockSo are even cooler because they’re mismatched. As someone who has seen men show off their socks by rolling up those pant legs, your guy will be a real winner in these.

Personalized Gifts for Travelers

If you’re purchasing a unique travel gift for someone you really know, you probably know all the things they already have. It’s time then to get a little more personal with gifts that incorporate thoughtful touches.

Surprise your faves with something special.

Baggage doesn’t get more adorable — and less controversial — then a tiny suitcase with a sweet surprise inside.

These are perfect if you’re surprising a loved one with a trip somewhere special, or even a coupon for a round of dishwashing if you’re still in the saving phase.

These mini suitcases from TheUKFactory require a little bit of DIY assembly, but it’s all super simple. You put together the little suitcase, write your surprise on the “ticket” that goes inside, and place the scratch-off sticker on top of your hidden message.

Cute, right?

Make it harder to lose those keys.

The sentimental sort will love gifting this personalized keyring from SincerelySilverShop .

The coordinates you choose can be from an unforgettable location — your first trip together, the site of your first date, or where you both met, for example — or something more forgettable.

Fun fact: If you just can’t decide and want to keep people guessing about where those coordinates will take them, consider 32 08’59.96″ N, 110 50’09.03″W. It’s an airplane graveyard in Tucson.

Maybe you want to commemorate the fact that you caught your loved one in the act, and are giving them the walking papers at such and such location.

I’m mostly joking. It’s supposed to be a nice gesture.

Get personal with your documents.

I really need a document holder. I’m constantly patting down my backpack to make sure all of the necessary paperwork and travel documents are with me so I’m allowed in to wherever I’m going.

A fancy and personalized document holder like this one from PieridaeGifts sure would do the trick!

Pretty up your fridge with vintage magnets.

I mean, perhaps the view of your own fridge is looking a little drab and could use a little fancy-up. Whether you’re picking them up for yourself or your travel buddy, these vintage magnets from TannerGlass are all kinds of adorable .

Note: If these are meant as a gift, make sure fridge magnets are a welcome addition to the recipient’s fridge, as some people are weird about their appliances. 

The magnets are customizable, too. You pick the four locations for your set, whether you want to highlight places you love or choose spots that are aspirational. You choose, friend!

Whimsical & Fun Travel Gifts

Sometimes gifts are just for fun. Sometimes you’re running out of time for budge-friendly stocking stuffers. These will do in both scenarios.

Promote smart saving.

You’ll really need to know your audience with this travel “piggie bank” from CapazQueVuelvo , a perfect gift for those who are always saving for the next big trip.

If you want to feel super generous, you could throw a few bills or coins inside to start them off. My mother did always say you’re not supposed to gift anyone a wallet that’s empty, so I’ve kept to that superstitious logic ever since.

Everybody loves caffeine.

Even if they don’t love caffeine, I feel like they wish they did. Enter the portable espresso machine . Expel intense caffeine on the go no matter where you are and keep the party going. Sounds good to me!

Some people love all the tiny things.

If you’ve been paying attention you know my feelings about the tiny house movement. I still couldn’t help but smile over the MarvlingBrosLtd Etsy shop.

They have all of the tiny things, no matter the holiday, so do peruse for more unique gift ideas on top of gifts travel fans will love.

What I found most whimsical was this miniature marshmallow toasting kit , way cuter than a power bank or something practical like that.

Fun fact: No one really knows who invented s’mores, but the first official recipe for a s’more came out in the 1927 Girl Scout guidebook “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.” Yep, you read that one right.

You’ll have to cut down your own graham crackers and chocolate to size if you want the complete s’mores experience, but that’s a small price to pay for something so friggin’ cute.

These travel cards inspire adventure.

These travel cards from TravelChallengesGift are perfect for travelers who need a little more intrigue in their travels. Each one has either an inspirational message or a travel challenge meant to add some fun to a trip.

These fun travel gifts are great for girls’ trips, as there are cards involving selfies, which I know the ladies love.

But they’re also great for travel couples who need to spice things up in the adventure department. One card demands a tech-free day, which we all need from time to time.

Funny Gifts for Travelers

I find that many travelers are a funny bunch. Well, unless you come upon the super serious kind. They’re more obnoxious. These unique travel gifts will work for the funny kind.

Make finding luggage tags fun again.

You may not have a Priority Pass yet — what are you waiting for you, though? — but you’ll feel priority with these luggage tags .

I love a good pun , especially when it’s a little saucy like this one.

Campers need love, too.

I’m not necessarily talking about human campers here, but camper vans, travel trailers, and the like.

If you’re someone who keeps a “Baby on Board” sticker on their car, by the way, please don’t tell me if you want us to be friends.

You all know I love a good pun , so if you’re wondering whether I found this sweet decal from BasementBoutiqueMall hilarious, I sure did.

Spice up your pen pal game.

I have a pen pal, so found these cards from MerrilyDesigns to be the perfect gift for someone who loves a good written correspondence. It’s a lonely planet out there, and letter-writing is just an art I don’t want to say goodbye to just yet.

I also love coaxing friends into travel plans when they’ve overindulged, as they’re usually more pliable in those moments.

I’m mostly joking there, although many a great plan’s been made after wine nights.

What’d you think of my list? Do you have more ideas for gifts travelers will love, perhaps even for me to check out myself? Share them with me in the comments!

Photo credits: Jess Bailey (1)

Planning Travel for Later?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap air travel fares, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. summertime, school breaks), you should use Skyscanner .

It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

If you need a car, reserve your ride using a site like Hotwire or Priceline to pick up at whatever airport you’re flying into.

Your Accommodations: I use Booking.com and Hotels.com most often for my accommodation needs. Vrbo is my go-to Airbnb alternative these days.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.: For more of my favorite travel gear and more useful travel gifts, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page. Seeking the best travel pillow ever? I’ve got a post for that.

Great list, right? Pin this for later!

Looking for More Travel Tips?

• 8 AirBnb Tips Before You Book
• 10 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Cruises

Want to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won’t see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

Too much, or just enough?

Agnes Groonwald

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Unique Travel Gifts Under $50

E very traveler appreciates a thoughtful gift. Skip generic gift options, and opt for a unique gift that stands out. Give it as a token of curation and care. Each carefully chosen item is a chance to highlight the recipient’s individuality. Have they shared details of the hardships they experience when traveling? Well, a unique gift can provide ease, comfort and love on their journey. 

Whether it’s a handcrafted luggage tag or a personalized map, these gifts not only help the recipient but also serve as a reminder of your relationship. 

Here are our top five unique travel gifts for under $50 that you can get for the explorer in your life. 

Travel Noire’s Top Five Unique Gifts

Scratch off world map poster and deluxe united states map, riemot luggage travel cup holder free hand drink carrier.

• Airplane Pockets Airplane Tray Table Cover

Fancyou Travel Gear Hanging Packing Cubes

Apekx self heating coffee mug with 15w wireless charging pad.

The Scratch Off World Map Poster and Deluxe United States Map is a premium wall art gift designed for travelers. It features a large, detailed world map and a separate map of the United States. Both are adorned with a scratch-off foil layer. As travelers visit new destinations they can scratch off the foil to reveal vibrant colors and map details underneath. This gift is a personalized visual record of their adventures. The set includes complete accessories such as scratch tools and all country flags, making it a comprehensive and interactive gift for globetrotters.

 The Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder is a convenient accessory designed for travelers, offering a hands-free solution for carrying drinks while on the go. It has the ability to hold two coffee mugs securely, and easily attaches to the handles of roll-on suitcases. Now you travelers can finally free up your hands for other tasks. This innovative gadget allows travelers to say goodbye to the days of juggling luggage, passports, and boarding passes, and beverages. It is also, Perfect for flight attendants and frequent travelers, it’s a practical and thoughtful gift that enhances the travel experience.

Airplane Tray Table Cover 

The Airplane Tray Table Cover is a versatile travel accessory designed to enhance comfort and cleanliness during flights. Its dual functionality as a seat back organizer and tray table cover ensures that travelers have easy access to their personal items while keeping their space tidy. With expandable pockets for storing essentials and a media pouch for gadgets, it offers convenient storage solutions for in-flight entertainment and travel essentials. Also, its sanitary design provides peace of mind by creating a barrier between travelers and potentially unclean surfaces. Compact and easy to pack, this travel essential is perfect for staying organized and comfortable during air travel.

The product is a set of 6 packing cubes designed to streamline and organize luggage during travel. These cubes come in various sizes, perfect for neatly compartmentalizing clothing, accessories, and toiletries within a suitcase. By keeping items separated and easily accessible, they help travelers stay organized and efficient while on the go. Made from durable materials, these packing cubes also help protect travelers belongings and maximize space within your luggage. Whether embarking on a short weekend trip or a long-haul journey, these packing cubes are an essential tool for hassle-free and organized travel.

APEKX Self Heating Coffee Mug with 15W Wireless Charging Pad is a must-have for travelers who love their hot beverages. With its innovative design, this mug keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for longer periods, eliminating the need to constantly reheat. Whether you’re on a road trip, hiking adventure, or just exploring a new city, this mug ensures that your coffee or tea stays warm and enjoyable wherever you go. Its portable and sleek design makes it easy to carry in your bag or car, adding convenience and comfort to your travel experience. Say goodbye to lukewarm drinks and hello to satisfying sips on the move with the APEKX self-heating coffee mug.

Tips for Buying a Unique Travel Gift

Here are some tips on buying unique travel gifts:

Consider the recipient’s interests

Think about what the traveler enjoys. Are they adventurous, outdoorsy, or more into luxury travel? Tailoring the gift to their interests will make it more meaningful.

Focus on practicality

Travelers often appreciate gifts that are useful and enhance their travel experience. Items like compact travel accessories, portable gadgets, or versatile gear are great options.

Look for unique and niche items

Explore specialty shops, artisan markets, or online stores that offer unique and handcrafted travel items. These can include personalized maps, locally-made souvenirs, or culturally-inspired gifts.

Prioritize quality

Opt for gifts that are well-made and durable. Travelers rely on their gear to get them from point a to b, so choosing high-quality items ensures longevity and reliability.

Think compact and lightweight

Space and weight are essential for travelers, especially those who prefer to pack light. Look for gifts that are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.

Consider versatility

Choose gifts that serve multiple purposes or can be used in various travel scenarios. Versatile items like multi-tools, convertible clothing, or travel-sized kits are practical and space-saving.

Personalize whenever possible

Adding a personal touch to a gift can make it more special. Consider customizing the item with the recipient’s name, a meaningful message, or their favorite travel quote.

Read reviews and recommendations

Before making a purchase, research the product and read reviews from other travelers. This can help ensure that you’re choosing a gift that meets expectations and delivers value.

Stay within your budget

Unique travel gifts come in a wide range of price points. Set a budget and explore options that fit within your financial means while still offering quality and uniqueness.

Think beyond material items

Not all travel gifts need to be physical items. Experiences, such as booking a guided tour, a cooking class, or a travel-themed subscription service, can also make memorable and unique gifts for travelers.

Disclaimer : Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

• Solar Eclipse 2024

10 Surprising Facts About the 2024 Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America on Monday, April 8, offering a spectacle for tens of millions of people who live in its path and others who will travel to see it.

A solar eclipse occurs during the new moon phase, when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth and totally or partially blocking our view of the sun. While an average of two solar eclipses happen every year, a particular spot on Earth is only in the path of totality every 375 years on average, Astronomy reported .

“Eclipses themselves aren't rare, it's just eclipses at your house are pretty rare,” John Gianforte, director of the University of New Hampshire Observatory, tells TIME. If you stay in your hometown, you may never spot one, but if you’re willing to travel, you can witness multiple. Gianforte has seen five eclipses and intends to travel to Texas this year, where the weather prospects are better.

One fun part of experiencing an eclipse can be watching the people around you. “They may yell, they scream, they cry, they hug each other, and that’s because it’s such an amazingly beautiful event,” Gianforte, who also serves as an extension associate professor of space science education, notes. “Everyone should see at least one in their life, because they’re just so spectacular. They are emotion-evoking natural events.”

Here are 10 surprising facts about the science behind the phenomenon, what makes 2024’s solar eclipse unique, and what to expect.

The total eclipse starts in the Pacific Ocean and ends in the Atlantic 

The darker, inner shadow the moon casts is called the umbra , in which you can see a rarer total eclipse. The outer, lighter second shadow is called the penumbra, under which you will see a partial eclipse visible in more locations.

The total eclipse starts at 12:39 p.m. Eastern Time, a bit more than 620 miles south of the Republic of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean, according to Astronomy . The umbra remains in contact with Earth’s surface for three hours and 16 minutes until 3:55 p.m. when it ends in the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 340 miles southwest of Ireland.

The umbra enters the U.S. at the Mexican border just south of Eagle Pass, Texas, and leaves just north of Houlton, Maine, with one hour and eight minutes between entry and exit, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) tells TIME in an email.

Mexico will see the longest totality during the eclipse 

The longest totality will extend for four minutes and 28 seconds on a 350-mile-long swath near the centerline of the eclipse, including west of Torreón, Mexico, according to NASA.

In the U.S., some areas of Texas will catch nearly equally long total eclipses. For example, in Fredericksburg, totality will last four minutes and 23 seconds—and that gets slightly longer if you travel west, the agency tells TIME. Most places along the centerline will see totality lasting between three and a half minutes and four minutes.

More people currently live in the path of totality compared to the last eclipse 

An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality for 2024’s solar eclipse, compared to 12 million during the last solar eclipse that crossed the U.S. in 2017, per NASA .

The path of totality is much wider than in 2017, and this year’s eclipse is also passing over more cities and densely populated areas than last time. 

A part of the sun which is typically hidden will reveal itself

Solar eclipses allow for a glimpse of the sun’s corona —the outermost atmosphere of the star that is normally not visible to humans because of the sun’s brightness.

The corona consists of wispy, white streamers of plasma—charged gas—that radiate from the sun. The corona is much hotter than the sun's surface —about 1 million degrees Celsius (1.8 million degrees Fahrenheit) compared to 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,940 degrees Fahrenheit).

The sun will be near its more dramatic solar maximum 

During the 2024 eclipse, the sun will be near “solar maximum.” This is the most active phase of a roughly 11-year solar cycle, which might lead to more prominent and evident sun activity, Gianforte tells TIME.  

“We're in a very active state of the sun, which makes eclipses more exciting, and [means there is] more to look forward to during the total phase of the eclipse,” he explains. 

People should look for an extended, active corona with more spikes and maybe some curls in it, keeping an eye out for prominences , pink explosions of plasma that leap off the sun’s surface and are pulled back by the sun’s magnetic field, and streamers coming off the sun.

Streamers “are a beautiful, beautiful shade of pink, and silhouetted against the black, new moon that's passing across the disk of the sun, it makes them stand out very well. So it's really just a beautiful sight to look up at the totally eclipsed sun,” Gianforte says.

Two planets—and maybe a comet—could also be spotted

Venus will be visible 15 degrees west-southwest of the sun 10 minutes before totality, according to Astronomy. Jupiter will also appear 30 degrees to the east-northeast of the sun during totality, or perhaps a few minutes before. Venus is expected to shine more than five times as bright as Jupiter. 

Another celestial object that may be visible is Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks , about six degrees to the right of Jupiter. Gianforte says the comet, with its distinctive circular cloud of gas and a long tail, has been “really putting on a great show in the sky” ahead of the eclipse.

The eclipse can cause a “360-degree sunset” 

A solar eclipse can cause a sunset-like glow in every direction—called a “360-degree sunset”—which you might notice during the 2024 eclipse, NASA said . The effect is caused by light from the sun in areas outside of the path of totality and only lasts as long as totality.

The temperature will drop 

When the sun is blocked out, the temperature drops noticeably. During the last total solar eclipse in the U.S. in 2017, the National Weather Service recorded that temperature dropped as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In Carbondale, Ill. for example, the temperature dropped from a peak of 90 degrees Fahrenheit just before totality to 84 degrees during totality.

Wildlife may act differently 

When the sky suddenly becomes black as though nighttime, confused “animals, dogs, cats, birds do act very differently ,” Gianforte says.

In the 2017 eclipse, scientists tracked that many flying creatures began returning to the ground or other perches up to 50 minutes before totality. Seeking shelter is a natural response to a storm or weather conditions that can prove deadly for small flying creatures, the report said. Then right before totality, a group of flying creatures changed their behavior again—suddenly taking flight before quickly settling back into their perches again.

There will be a long wait for the next total eclipse in the U.S.

The next total eclipse in the U.S. won’t happen until March 30, 2033, when totality will reportedly only cross parts of Alaska . The next eclipse in the 48 contiguous states is expected to occur on Aug. 12, 2044, with parts of Montana and North Dakota experiencing totality.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Exclusive: Google Workers Revolt Over $1.2 Billion Contract With Israel
• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Stop Looking for Your Forever Home
• The Sympathizer Counters 50 Years of Hollywood Vietnam War Narratives
• The Bliss of Seeing the Eclipse From Cleveland
• Hormonal Birth Control Doesn’t Deserve Its Bad Reputation
• The Best TV Shows to Watch on Peacock
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

35 Best Toys and Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

Think of these unique ideas when birthdays or other gift-giving occasions roll around.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

"At 4 years old, kids can better distinguish between fantasy and reality, so dress up costumes, puppets and even things like play scarves allow them to pretend and imagine a variety of games," says Jacque Bogdanov, PsyD, child psychologist and founder of ChildBehaviorClinic.com . "Puzzles with greater complexity are appropriate for 4-year-olds as they develop better fine motor skills, coordination and greater problem-solving skills. Construction-type toys, like wooden or foam blocks, larger LEGO sets and magnetic tiles also further encourage problem-solving skills. Play-Doh is another great option as it builds kids’ creativity, as well as finger strength for writing, which they will soon be working on."

The good news is that means there's so much to choose from. The bad news is that means there's so much choice, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute can step in to help. In advance of its yearly Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards , Lab experts evaluate hundreds of toys each year, checking everything from safety to durability to whether a parent might want each toy in their home.

Then the Good Housekeeping Institute passes the toys on to the real experts — actual 4-year-olds — to assess how fun they are to play with, paying particular attention to which toys kids go back to again and again. When the results came in, these were the best toys and gifts to give 4-year-olds in 2024.

Skillmatics Foil Fun

Kid testers couldn't get enough of this unique art project — testers reported that, at picnics and get-togethers, this brought all the little ones together. Kids rub the foil sheets onto the included puffy stickers and, — like magic — the shiny colors transfer over. The kids can use the stickers to make different animal scenes. Ages 4+

Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Book

Being able to use scissors is a sign of kindergarten readiness, and this activity book was designed to help kids learn to use scissors safely . Included in the kit are mazes, puzzles, animal art, sequencing activities and a pair of plastic safety scissors that help build motor and cognitive skills. The best part? It costs less than $10 , so it's great when you need just a little something. Ages 4+

Big Feelings Pineapple

This pineapple isn't just pretty — it's a great tool for social-emotional learning. When kids use the pieces to make a face, they can compare it to a chart of faces to try and identify and name the emotion. Then, they can look in the pineapple-shaped mirror to see how the expression looks on their real face. Parent testers loved how it gave them the chance to help kids learn the names for their feelings. Ages 3+

Learning Resources Coding Critters

This adorable set is the perfect way to introduce your 4-year-old to coding. Each critter has a set of arrows that help kids "code" its next moves . Kids can follow along with the storybook's directions at first, but they can eventually create their own coding rules for even more fun. There's even a play mode for kids to simply take care of the pets. If they don't like dogs, you can also get the Coding Critters in the shape of a cat , a rabbit or a dinosaur , and Learning Resources also has MagiCoders , which come as a unicorn and a dragon. Ages 4+

VTech Storytime with Sunny

Its amazing how expressive the face on this story-and-joke telling lamp is, and kids love switching out her disks to hear different stories, jokes and activities. Parents loved that it's actually a working night light and alarm clock, which made it easier to start morning and bedtime routines. Ages 3+

Orboot Earth Augmented Reality Globe

Not only is this interactive toy a Lab favorite, but it's also the best-selling globe on Amazon. At first glance, all kids see is the land masses, with no labels or borders. With the free Orboot App, kids can hover their tablet over different parts of the world and learning various tidbits about different countries (from animals and weather to monuments and more). It's a great introduction to social studies. Ages 4+

How to Count to ONE

This picture book had Good Housekeeping Institute testers laughing and laughing. “There were so many giggles while we were reading it!” one reviewer said. The silly counting book has different fanciful illustrations, but always prompts the reader to find a lone item. For example, on the second page, there's a drawing of two whales, one of which has a sausage riding on its spout. Of course, the book asks, "How many sausages do you see?" The answer? Simple, yet hilarious. Ages 3 – 6

RELATED: Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

Playstix Construction Toy

If you're looking for a new building set that they might not have a million of already, this one has long, grooved pieces that lock in with each other. The pieces are color-coded by length, so it's easy to follow along with the instructions and see how different models are built. Or, they can use them for open-ended building and can go wherever their imaginations take them. Ages 4+

BumBumz Plush

The adorable shapes of these plushies won over Good Housekeeping testers. They come in sets of five in different themes — from breakfast foods to groovy symbols like lava lamps and peace signs — and they're perfect for any kid with a collection of cute stuffed animals. Ages 3+

This fun game helps your kids develop language and word recognition skills thanks to the yellow chips with words and images on them. The red Zinger dispenses the chips, and the players race to fill up their board first. It has two levels of play, so kids can continue to enjoy as they grow older. Ages 4+

Quadrilla 'Race to the Finish' Marble Run

Since this toy's layout can be moved around plenty of times, there are endless possibilities so your 4-year-old won't get bored. The different colored blocks have various actions, like spins, drops and spiral funnels. If they like it, they can move on to more complex Quadrilla sets . Note: Since this toy uses marbles, it should be kept out of reach of children under 3 years old. Ages 4+

Crayola Light Up Activity Board

Kids can experiment with mixing colors and combining shapes with this board, which illuminates artwork as they create it. By layering transparency sheets, they can come up with all sorts of designs. In addition to the board, it comes with three markers, 22 shape clings and three “Complete the Scene” transparency sheets. Ages 3+

GeoSafari Jr. Talking Space Explorer

Fans of the ever-popular, best-selling GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope can go from looking into inner space to gazing into outer space with this new toy telescope. Kids look with both eyes, so they don't have to try to keep one closed, and when they do, they'll be treated to actual night-sky images from NASA . Then, the voice of Emily Calandrelli from Netflix's Emily's Wonder Lab offers fascinating facts about the images. Ages 4+

Land of Dough 7 oz Cups

Each of these cups of dough comes with a whimsical picture and design on top — that kids get to smush together, giving them a satisfying sensory experience. The cup also comes with a lot of dough for their creations (seven ounces is more than you think), along with a wooden scooper to use. Parents liked that Land of Dough kept sustainability in mind when choosing ingredients and packaging materials, but kids loved the smell most of all. Ages 3+

Highlights Jumbo Book of My First Hidden Pictures

They'll be hard at work hunting — plus doing mazes, drawing pictures, connecting dots and working on other fun activities — with this hidden picture book geared towards younger readers. And it'll last: This one clocks in at more than 250 pages. Ages 3+

LEGO Disney 100 Celebration Train

Mickey fans young and old will delight in the favorite Disney characters on this LEGO train, including Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Woody, Moana and, of course, Mickey and Minnie themselves. When 4-year-olds snap the 200 pieces together, they can make a parade and feel like they're right on Main Street in Disneyland. Ages 4+

Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Farm

This is an imaginative playset and a STEM construction toy in one! Kids can use a toy, battery-operated drill to put together the farm, including the crops and fences. After they play, they can use the drill to take it all apart again. The farmer is even a screwdriver if the kids want to use that instead of the drill (and get even more practice on their fine motor coordination). You can also get a take-apart tractor to go with it, complete with a farmer and chicken. Ages 3+

Good Housekeeping 123 Cook!

If the kids dream about competing on Top Chef or The Great British Baking Show , this is the gift for them. It offers 50 easy recipes they can use to get started. In addition to instructions for how to make things like Ooey-Gooey Glazed Cinnamon Rolls or Totally Twisted Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce, it also offers tips from Good Housekeeping experts on kitchen tools and techniques. Once they've mastered these, they can move on to Good Housekeeping Kids Cook! Ages 4+

Sink N’ Sand Game

Kid testers loved that this board game uses Kinetic Sand as part of the gameplay: At first, the colorful sticks hold up. But, as the game goes on, players remove the sticks and the pieces go tumbling to the bottom level. Parent testers were pretty amazed at how long the sand stays up too. Ages 4+

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe Eco Scooter

Good Housekeeping Institute experts appreciated the stability of Micro's three-wheeled scooters, along with the way the height can adjust as kids grow. Parents might also appreciate that the "Eco" version uses components created from recycled ocean plastic. The Mini Deluxe is for kids ages 2 – 5, but if you want to go bigger, the three-wheeled Maxi Deluxe Eco ($150) is for kids ages 5 – 12, so it'll last them into the tween years. Ages 2+

RELATED: The Best Scooters for Kids

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best Period Swimsuits

The 10 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

The 5 Best Treadmills for Your Home Gym

The Best Electric Composters

The Best Mineral Sunscreens

The Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners Under $150

The Best Matcha Powders

The Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices

The Best Innerspring Mattresses

The Best Cooling Pajamas

The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.