I've travelled to 32 countries — here are 21 cool gift ideas I (or any other traveller) would appreciate
Other than a first-class ticket, these are the best gift ideas for the globetrotter in your life.
The best Christmas gift for the traveller in your life is probably a plane ticket. However, spending hundreds (or thousands) on that kind of gift can be tricky, to say the very least. First-class ticket aside, there are a ton of great gift ideas for globetrotters this holiday season, regardless of your budget and their bucket list. Whether you're shopping for a work-related frequent flier or a budget backpacker, we've rounded up 21 of the best last-minute gift ideas for the wanderlust-type this Christmas. To shop the edit and maybe even inspire your own 2024 travel plans, scroll below.
Meta Wayfarer
$369Universal Power Adapter
$25$36Save $11Cruiser Backpack 23L
$178Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker (2-Pack)
$60$80Save $20Eco Laundry Detergent Sheets
$15$18Save $3Simo Solis Lite Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
$150$180Save $30Cotopaxi Cubos Travel Cubes
$70She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
$40ProCase Hard Travel Tech Organizer
$20Command the Day Dopp Kit 5L
$48Perilogics Universal Airplane In-Flight Phone Mount
$27Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter
$70LifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle
$53$59Save $6Anker Power Bank
$68$85Save $17Flat Water Bottle
$47Carry-On Pro Plus
$365Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
$35Philips One By Sonicare Battery Toothbrush
$27$35Save $8Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
$210UNO All Wild! Card Game
$8$10Save $2Inflatable Travel Pillow
$26
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer
Ray-Ban's newest drop — the Meta Wayfarer sunglasses — might be the coolest gift on this list. These high-tech frames feature an ultra-wide 12 MP camera and a five-mic system to capture the world around you. They allow you to take high-quality photos and videos, and there's even a livestream option for social media. Moreover, the sunglasses boast open-ear speakers so that you can listen to your favourite tunes sans headphones. Shop the Meta Wayfarer sunglasses at Ray-Ban and Amazon Canada.
Shop the Meta Wayfarer in seven colours.
Universal Travel Adapter
This 5-in-1 universal power adaptor is compatible with over 150 countries. It has two USB-A ports (2.4A max), two USB Type C ports (3A/5V output) and one AC universal socket to charge up to five devices simultaneously. The "Amazon's Choice" device has earned an average 4.5-star rating from 13,700+ reviews, with users calling the adaptor a "convenient all-in-one unit."
This 5-in-1 travel adaptor is compatible with over 150 countries.
Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L
As a longtime fan of Lululemon backpacks for travel, I have my eye on the brand's new 23-litre Cruiser Backer for trips abroad. The suitcase-compatible bag has several individual storage compartments for all your bits and bobs, including a 16-inch laptop pocket and a structured pocket for your sunglasses.
Lululemon reviewers say the brand's Cruiser Backpack 23L is "great for travelling."
Tile Pro
This powerful tracker helps locate missing objects both near and far. When the Tile is within Bluetooth range, the app will ring your Tile to help you find it. When it's out of range, you can view its most recent location on a map within the app. The Tile app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.
Attach the Tile Pro Tracker to your luggage to keep an eye on misplaced bags.
Eco Laundry Detergent Sheets
Nothing is worse than stinky, unwashed laundry on long-haul trips, which is why these detergent sheets are a lifesaver. The dissolvable washing detergent sheets replace detergent liquids and pods, saving space in your suitcase or carry-on bag. Each pack contains 40 sheets for up to 80 loads and comes pre-measured for convenience.
These travel-friendly laundry detergent sheets will come in handy on long-haul trips.
Simo Solis Lite Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
If you're working remotely or want to avoid roaming charges, this mobile wifi hotspot is an exceptionally handy device. The hotspot can connect up to 10 devices, includes an embedded power bank and provides a reliable, secure, and superfast 4G LTE internet connection.
This mobile wifi hotspot is designed to offer a reliable, secure, and superfast 4G LTE internet connection.
Cotopaxi Cubos Travel Cubes
Not only are these Cotopaxi packing cubes seriously adorable, but the Climate Neutral Certified brand uses repurposed nylon and mesh when creating their travel organizers. Each packing cube has mesh side panels for ventilation, a wrap-around zipper and a handy top handle. Amazon reviewers "love the colours" and note their "great quality."
Cotopaxi Cubos' unique packing cubes range from $27 to $70 on Amazon.
She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
As a solo female traveller, your safety always comes first. This personal safety alarm sounds a loud siren and flashing strobe light to create a diversion when activated. The Birdie delivers peace of mind in a crazy world and has over 8,200 reviews on Amazon Canada.
Shop the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm in four colours.
ProCase Hard Travel Tech Organizer
Whether you're travelling for work or play, this tech organizer is handy for keeping your chargers, cords and batteries (plus whatever else you're packing) safe and secure. The case has different compartments to house your electronics and a durable exterior to protect them.
This travel organizer is the perfect storage case for your charger, cords, USB cables, power bank, battery, portable hard drive, SD memory card, earphones and more.
Lululemon Command the Day Dopp Kit 5L
Whether they're travelling home for the holidays or planning a mid-winter beach vacation, Lululemon's five-litre dopp kit will help keep them organized. The travel bag has a zippered mesh compartment and an interior pocket to keep toiletries nice and organized.
Command the Day Dopp Kit 5L in black.
Perilogics Universal In-Flight Phone Mount
Asking for a friend: Where did all the TVs in airplanes go? This adjustable clamp attaches directly to your tray table so you can enjoy downloaded movies or your flight’s entertainment system without having to hold your phone.
This multi-purpose phone mount has 13,000 reviews on Amazon.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter
AirPods and other wireless headphones are all fun and games until you want to connect them to an in-flight movie. Luckily, that's where the Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth transmitter comes in. This smart device provides wireless access in places with only a 3.5 mm headphone jack, like traditional airplane TVs.
Enjoy wireless audio on a plane with the Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter.
LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle
If you're unsure about the water situation of the place you're travelling, it might be a good idea to pack LifeStraw's Go Series water bottle. The water bottle filters out contaminants like bacteria (including E.coli + Salmonella), parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), microplastics and more.
This water filter bottle removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics from your water.
Anker Power Bank
You never want to be caught without battery, especially in a foreign city. This portable charger boasts 26,800 mAh of power, which is enough juice to charge most phones six times over, tablets twice and a myriad of other USB devices.
This 26,800 mAh external battery can charge your phone six times over.
Flat Water Bottle
This compact water bottle has a flask-like design that's perfect for small bags or jam-packed carry-on suitcases. The space-saving bottle holds up to 6oz/180ml of liquid and is made from BPA-free, freezer-safe plastic.
This 6 oz/180 ml water bottle fits into awkwardly-sized bags.
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus
If you have money to burn this Christmas, here's where to spend it. Designed in Canada, this carry-on suitcase from Monos is as gorgeous as it is practical. The bag features a built-in front compartment for easy access to essentials, including your laptop. The Carry-On Pro Plus is available in 13 colours and is backed by a 4.8-star average rating.
Shop the Carry-On Pro Plus in 13 colours.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
These reusable and durable earplugs will be your best friend on long-haul flights and when you're trying to sleep in noisy hostels. The bestselling earplugs come in four sizes with a noise-reduction rating of 26 decibels.
Shop the Loop Quiet Ear Plugs in nine colours.
Philips One By Sonicare Battery Toothbrush
If you don't want to lug around your expensive electric toothbrush on vacation but want to keep your dentist-like clean, the Philips One toothbrush might be for you. This battery-powered toothbrush delivers micro-vibrations to polish teeth and has a sleek travel case.
Shop the Philips toothbrush in five colours.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
The Kindle Paperwhite is a great alternative to lugging heavy books on vacation. The eReader has an auto-adjusting front light and 32 GB of storage with a battery that can last up to 10 weeks on a single charge.
Save space in your carry-on bag with this travel-friendly eReader.
UNO All Wild! Card Game
A travel board or card game can be a great time waster when you're stuck at the airport or sitting on a plane. This UNO card game is a fun take on an old classic, with every card being a Wild Card. It's "lots of fun for a UNO-loving family," according to one shopper.
Every card is a Wild Card in UNO All Wild!
Inflatable Travel Pillow
If you're like me, you love the idea of a travel pillow but don't love the space it takes up. An inflatable neck pillow is a space-saving alternative, like this velvet "Amazon's Choice" option. The blow-up pillow packs easily into your bag and comes with a contoured eye mask to boot.
This "Amazon's Choice" inflatable neck pillow is a great space saver.
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