Below is a list of 50 stocking stuffers for travelers for Christmas 2023!
These make the perfect mini gifts and whilst some are fun, some are also very practical and will fit into even the smallest carry-on luggage. Most of the items listed below can be found somewhere in our own personal carry-on or check-in luggage and have improved our travel experience.
This gift guide supplements our in-depth product reviews on the Travel Gear We Love.
- DEUTER HELION 80 – SUITCASE / BACKPACK HYBRID: PRODUCT REVIEW
- BEST RETRACTABLE CABLE LOCK FOR TRAVEL: PACSAFE RETRACTASAFE 100 3-DIAL RETRACTABLE
- ABLY APPAREL – PERFECT FOR TRAVELLING: PRODUCT REVIEW
- THE NORTH FACE BOREALIS BACKPACK: PRODUCT REVIEW
- MARES X VISION DIVE MASK: PRODUCT REVIEW
- MARES ERGO DRY SNORKEL: PRODUCT REVIEW
- WHY WE LOVE OUR MERRELL WALKING SANDALS FOR TRAVEL: PRODUCT REVIEW
- OUR FAVOURITE EARPLUGS FOR TRAVEL: PRODUCT REVIEW
- PACSAFE PORTABLE TRAVEL SAFE: PRODUCT REVIEW
- ANKER POWERPORT+ 5 USB-C: PRODUCT REVIEW
- BOSE SOUNDLINK MICRO BLUETOOTH SPEAKER: PRODUCT REVIEW
What Makes A Great Stocking Stuffer for Travelers?
In general, Stocking Stuffers tend to be gifts that are small in size, inexpensive and useful in one way or another. So, if one of the stocking stuffers you need to buy this year is for a traveller, you’re in luck.
Gifts that are small in size are perfect for travel as they can fit in carry-on luggage, or a small nook or cranny in a suitcase. In addition, travellers love useful gifts as they don’t want to be carrying around things that they will not use.
Stocking Stuffers for Travelers: The Ultimate List
Stocking stuffer ideas for travelers can be as simple as an eye-mask or as luxurious as a new Kindle e-Reader. Consider the recipients travel style, wants and needs, and you will find the ideal gift from the list below based on our personal recommendations for those fellow travel lovers.
We have tried and tested a lot of travel gear over the years, and we have done a lot of research to ensure we did all we could to avoid inconvenient, and potentially costly mistakes. This gift guide on unique ‘Stocking Stuffers for Travelers’ is based on our years of travel, and these are the products we love, currently travel with and highly recommend to others.
His and Her Stocking Stuffers for Travelers
Coffee Table Travel Book
A coffee table travel book or guide will not only look great in their home, but it was also provide inspiration for future travels. Personally, we love Lonely Planet’s The Travel Book (pictured left).
Compression Socks
We are converts to compression socks! When we were younger, we never wore them but for the past 6 years we religiously put these on prior to boarding our flight. They are fantastic in helping to prevent swelling and DVT. We have boring black ones but they now come in lots of fashionable colours and styles.
Earphone Cord Cable Manager
Never untangle your earphone cords again with a cable manager. I have had one of these for 20 years and I never leave home without it!
Earplugs
Not only are earplugs great on the plane to tune out other passengers whilst trying to sleep, but they are a godsend to block street noise and noisy hotel neighbours. Read our Hearos Earplugs Review here.
Eye Mask
Once again, if good sleep is a priority whether it be on the plane, a bus trip or in your hotel, an eye mask is a godsend.
Hand Sanitiser
We have always travelled with hand sanitiser, but now more than ever with Covid-19, this is a gift that will be valued. It can be used for wiping down your seating area on the plane, sanitising TV / air-con remote controls in your hotel room, and of course, before eating or after using the bathroom.
Headlamp / Head Torch
We always travel with a headlamp and it has saved us countless times during power outs and walking home in the dark when there are no streetlights. We also love the fact you still have two hands free if needed.
Luggage Strap
Have you ever been waiting for your luggage on the carousel and seen someone’s underwear and clothes, followed by a suitcase lying open with a broken zip? To ensure this doesn’t happen to us, we always use a bright, coloured luggage strap. It also helps us easily identify our bag.
Luggage Tags
Fun luggage tags are an affordable and welcome gift, and are ideal for identifying luggage on the baggage carousel.
Passport Cover
For those travelling internationally a lot, a passport cover will help protect your passport from general wear and tear. Plus, there are lots of cool designs to pick from!
Scratch Off World Map
This is fun way to record travels.
Swiss Army Knife
The swiss army knife has been a trusted tool of adventurers around the world. They generally have a main spearpoint blade plus other blades and tools such as screwdrivers, a can opener, tweezers, and many others. It is the tool you can always count on.
Travel Wallet
Keep identity theft at bay with an RFID blocking travel wallet and passport holder. We have found the basic, lighter ones best for hand luggage.
TSA Approved Locks
We travel with numerous TSA approved locks as they are great not only for locking your luggage whilst travelling, but also for keeping your belongings secure in your hotel room.
Travel Gadgets and Electronics
Anker PowerPort
We use our Anker PowerPort on a daily basis for fast charging multiple devices at once. We love the convenience of not having to carry lots of different charging cables which reduces weight in our luggage. Read our Anker PowerPort+5 Review here.
Bluetooth Speaker
Play your favourite tunes through portable speakers anywhere, anytime. Bluetooth speakers make the perfect travel companion. Read our BOSE Soundlink Micro Speaker Review here.
GorillaPod
The GorillaPod firmly secures your digital camera, video camera or phone to just about anything, anywhere and everywhere.
Headphone Splitter
A headphone splitter is perfect for couples or families who want to listen to music or watch movies together.
Kindle eReader
Talk to most travellers and the one travel tech gear they love is a Kindle. This is the perfect gift for someone who loves to read while travelling as they can take their library with them. The best Kindle on the market today is the Kindle Paperwhite, but there are quite a few on the market to suit every budget.
Laptop Sleeve
Not only do laptop sleeves protect your laptop on the road, they also keep it clean of dirt and dust, and are lightweight.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones are a must for getting through a long flight. We personally prefer the earbud types purely due to weight and size for packing.
Power Bank
Power banks feature advanced fast-charging technology and portability, making it perfect for people who travel.
SD Cards
All travellers will appreciate extra SD Cards, especially those that love taking photographs. Prices vary according to storage capacity and quality.
Selfie Stick
We have predominantly used our selfie stick with our GoPro when we are snorkelling or just wanting to capture the vibe of a new city. We have just recently started to use it more to try and get shots of the both of us as we realised we have so few of these from our previous travels.
Smartphone Waterproof Case
A smartphone waterproof case is a great item to turn your smartphone into an underwater camera. We have also used ours to store our motorbike keys, hotel key and some cash whilst we are out snorkelling or going for a swim at the beach.
Universal Travel Adaptor
A universal travel adaptor is a must for any international travellers.
Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Travelers
Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
The Lifestraw personal water filter is an extremely effective portable water filter created for the prevention of common waterborne diseases. This is the ideal gift for travellers that spend a lot of time outdoors or travel to countries where the water is not safe for drinking.
Reusable Cloth Face Mask
Unfortunately for the unforeseeable future, a face mask is essential for travel. We travel with 3 each so we can wash each day and always have a spare.
