It can often be a struggle to figure out presents for a friend or family member for Christmas when you’re on a budget. If the person you’re buying for likes to travel, there are a lot of budget gift options to make their adventures more organized and comfortable. We’ve come up with a list of items that cost under $50 so you don’t break the bank while getting everyone a Christmas gift they will actually use.
Packing Gift Ideas ????
The first thing people need to do before going anywhere – whether on an overnight trip or months-long journey – is pack. Here are some gifts to help make that process as painless as possible.
Packing Cubes
A seemingly boring gift, but this really helps keep suitcases organized. Some versions even feature compression so you have more room. Price: $25 or less for regular ones, a bit more for those with compression.
Digital Luggage Scale
With a light, portable luggage scale you can weigh your bags and suitcases before you go, and then throw it in your bag. That way you can always be sure you won’t be hit with overweight luggage fees. Price: $10-$15
Cable & Electronics Organizer
There’s nothing worse than reaching into your bag for a charging cable and pulling out a tangled mess. Get someone on your list a cable and electronics organizer and drastically improve their travel experience. Price: $15
Travel Jewelry Organizer
Just like charging cables, your necklaces and earrings can become a tangled nightmare when packed. Save a friend or loved one from ruining their favorite jewelry and they will be eternally thankful! Price: $20
Personalized Luggage Tags
This simple gift can both help identify a suitcase if it gets lost in transit but also aid in being more easily spotted on the conveyer belt at the airport. Price: $20-$30
In Transit Gift Ideas ✈️????
Whether you are flying, taking a train, or driving, there are some great gifts that can make long travel days less awful.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are ideal for any travel situation. Seatmate on the train won’t stop talking? Headphones! On a long road trip and want to sit in the back seat and watch a movie? Headphones! Baby crying for hours on a flight? Headphones! Price: $50
Flat Water Bottle
It’s a pain to constantly buy bottled water when you travel or to carry around a bulky heavy bottle. Enter a flat water bottle that rolls up small when empty so it hardly takes up any room. Price: $15
Adjustable Airplane Footrest
Everyone who’s been crammed into an economy seat on a long flight knows how uncomfortable it can be after, oh, 30 minutes. An adjustable footrest hammock goes over the tray on the back of the seat and gives a more comfortable seated position. Price: $15
Packable Backpack or Tote Bag
Whether going out and about in the city or hiking, having a backpack or tote bag to carry things around is a must. Price: $20
Magnetic Smartphone Holder
Renting a car in an unfamiliar place can be stressful if it doesn’t have GPS service. That’s where this handy gadget, which holds a phone magnetically and clips to any car air vent, comes in. Price: $15
Portable Charger
Everyone can use a source of power when they are out and about when traveling without an outlet in sight. Price: $25
Compression Socks
Yes, these might seem like something you would buy for your grandma. But anyone who’s experienced swollen legs after a long-haul flight will appreciate a nice looking pair of compression socks. Price: $15 for the travel version
Outdoors Gift Ideas ????️
Travelers who love camping and hiking are somewhat easy to buy for as there are endless gadgets and items to buy. But these are all well under $50, making buying a gift for an outdoorsy person a snap.
Travel Hammock
A travel hammock is a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys camping. It’s small and can be strung between two trees for sleeping or relaxing. Price: $30
Travel Towel
A travel towel will always come in handy and doesn’t take up much room. They serve many purposes and dry quickly for those who are always on the go. Price: $15
Beeswax Wraps
These reusable wraps take the place of plastic bags and are ideal if you don’t want to create a lot of trash while traveling. Price: $15-$20 for a set
Dry Bags
Handy both for storage and keeping things dry when rafting, canoeing, or hiking, these bags are a perfect gift. Price: $20
Wool Socks
This seems like a really boring gift but a practical one. Lighter wool socks can keep feet dry and fresh in hot weather, and heavier ones keep feet warm in colder weather. Price: $25 for multiple pairs
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Anyone who has ever dropped a smartphone into a toilet or a body of water knows how much of a pain and expense destroying a phone is. A waterproof phone pouch is perfect for holding a phone and important IDs or bank cards so you can go into the ocean or river without worry. Price: $15
Gifts For Everyone on Your List ????
There are a few budget items that everyone will enjoy getting as a gift. Even the hardest person to buy for will find them useful!
USB Universal Travel Power Adapter
This is a super useful gift for any international travelers. One of these works in every country and you can simply plug your devices in using a USB cord and stay fully charged wherever in the world your travels take you. Price: $20-$25
AeroPress Coffee Maker
This small, portable version of a French press can make coffee or espresso wherever there is access to a tea kettle or hot water. Price: $35
Travel Wallet
No one wants to carry around a bulky wallet when traveling. Enter a slim travel wallet that everyone will find useful. They often come with RFID blocking so your credit card information can’t be stolen. Price: $20
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A small portable speaker is great for on the go and allows an easy way to listen to music while camping, on the beach, or at your accommodation. Price: $30
Notebooks
Small travel-sized notebooks are a great gift for just about everyone on your list. They are ideal for journaling, keeping a travelogue, or writing down important information if smartphones go dead. Price: $15
Wool Neck Buff
Even warm destinations can get cool at times, and a thin wool buff can help keep your neck warm. Plus, they are so small and thin they take up hardly any room. Price: $20
Sarong
This thin piece of fabric has many possible uses including being worn as a skirt or coverup at the beach, used as a picnic blanket, or as an actual blanket in transit. Price: $15-$20
