Travel stocking stuffers; the best gifts for travel lovers

All too quickly that time of year comes around again and we’re scratching our heads looking for stocking filler ideas. The older you get, the harder it gets, if we really want something then the chances are we’ve gone out and got it for ourselves, and we appreciate experiences over things.

So what are some of the best gifts for travel lovers? Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just looking for the perfect present for someone going travelling, check out this great list of travel stocking stuffers that just about any traveler will find useful and love. You’re sure to find something they don’t have yet, or that might need replacing if they do!

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Due to product differences and availability in regions, a separate link is provided for Australian users. Wherever possible product recommendations have been matched.

 

Useful travel gifts

Kindle

Being an avid book lover, this is something I never would have purchased for myself. I remember lugging three massive books (the Dragon Tattoo series) around in my bags on my European trip. You have to admit, it isn’t exactly practical.

I received a Kindle as a birthday present a number of years ago, and now I never travel without it! In the weight of one good sized book I have hundreds at my fingertips. No need to worry about what to read next if you finish the one book you brought! It also charges off USB so no need for additional plugs.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

These have revolutionised my flying experience! You wouldn’t think they could really block out so much of the noise emitted by the plane’s engines, but they really do! I have a cheaper brand which are still amazing, but Bose are rated the best in the market.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Powerbank

Another item I never travel without is my Cygnett Powerbank. A good capacity one will give you a couple of charges of your smartphone, or will charge any item that connects via USB. Not only does it come in handy for those day trips with no access to power, but it serves as a great backup when you’re in a country where supply isn’t quite so reliable. This one should be in every travelers backpack!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Electronics Case

We all know how annoying it is to rifle through the bag looking for the one cable you need out of a whole selection that we need to carry to cover all of our devices.

The Amazon Basics universal travel case for electronics keeps all of your cords and plugs organised in the one place.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Dual drive USB

These are just brilliant! With the advances in smartphone technology so much of my photography is on my phone. Without ready access to wi-fi backing our photos up on the cloud isn’t possible, but with the Sandisk dual drive USB you can copy straight from your phone to a portable drive, keeping your photos safe. Unfortunately these are only compatible with Android devices.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Lifestraw

The amazing Lifestraw was given to me for my birthday lright before I left for my Central America trip. It was a great choice as I hadn’t yet worked out how I was going to be solving the drinking water problem given buying bottled water is such an environmental problem. The Lifestraw has an inbuilt filter that operates like a straw, purifying your drinking water for you. Amazon currently has it on special for a great price!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

Document Wallet

This was also a gift before my last trip and it was just so valuable! When I thought I had lost my immigration form to leave Mexico, it was such a relief to open my document wallet and find it safely tucked away. I used mine as the main storage location of my passport, currency and cards, leaving it in the hotel safe while I took another purse out with me containing only what I needed.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Turkish Towel

My Turkish Towel is hands down one of the most useful thing’s I’ve ever purchased! Lightweight and so compact, the thin cotton means it dries quickly, yet it is still as absorbent as a bulkier towel. I’ve not only taken it traveling but on camping trips too.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Toiletries Bag

If your toiletries are loose in your bag when you travel you not only face a rummage through your bag when you need to find something, but you risk having a lid come off and pour all through your bag. You also want to just pick up and take a single bag to the bathroom.

The best option is a toiletries bag that can hang on the back of the door for you for easy access in a shower block, and has multiple compartments for you to store all your toiletries in the one place.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Waterproof Pouch

If your travels involve any water activities then a waterproof pouch for your phone is a must! Allowing you to record video and take photos with your phone while in the water while keeping it completely dry. I used one of these in The Philippines as well as snorkeling in Belize where I got to video up close with a Sea Turtle!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

Compression packing cubes

I am a total convert to these!

I bought a set last year and used them packing for my trip to New Zealand. I can’t say whether they enabled me to fit more contents in my suitcase, but it sure made packing and repacking super convenient, and so much easier to find particular items on the go! I have the Amazon basics 4 piece set.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Washing Line

Another useful little item I never travel without is my travel washing line. You can save space on clothes on longer trips by washing in hotel sinks as you travel.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Perfume Atomiser

Save the space, weight and potential glass breakages by carrying a perfume atomiser instead. The perfume I wear comes in a large glass bottle so I find one of these much more practical.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Bottles

Most of us save money by buying products in bulk at home, but when we’re traveling we don’t want to be carrying that extra weight. Putting what you need into these travel bottles is a practical solution.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Tripod

I invested in a new travel tripod for my last trip and it came in really useful, enabling me to get some great shots when I was on my own. I bought mine in store, but you want one that has moveable legs for those uneven surfaces, and will sit both a smart phone and a standard camera.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Security stocking filler ideas

 

Padlocks

This one is pretty self-explanatory. The reality is if someone really wants to get into your bag they’re going to find a way of doing it, but no need to make it easy for them. I use padlocks for securing items in my suitcase when I’m away from my room and there is no safe, and closing the zippers on my backpack so that they can’t be easily opened by someone walking behind me on the street. I prefer the TSA luggage locks with a 4-digit combination, no risk of losing keys!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Belt Wallet

I wore this all over Central America and Cuba. The Pacsafe Travel Belt Wallet contains a hidden compartment plenty big enough to conceal a few folded up notes. Whatever happened I always had the cash on me to get a taxi back to my hotel. I have a number of Pacsafe’s anti-theft products and can’t speak highly enough of them.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Bra Pouch

This fabulous little pouch from Pacsafe is the right size to fit your bank card and attaches to your bra so it sits concealed under your clothing.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Neck Pouch

I don’t have one of these myself, but since the gents aren’t likely to want a bra pouch, I thought I’d better include something for them! This Neck Pouch from Pacsafe sits similarly sits under clothing and is big enough to hold your passport also.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

Comfort stocking filler ideas

 

Travel Pillow

I am a recent convert to these, having purchased an amazing memory foam travel pillow on my most recent trip to make my long flight back to Australia more bearable. This one compresses into it’s own small carry bag so you can just pop it in your backpack or tie it to the outside.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Blanket

This isn’t an item I’ve taken advantage of myself, but I can definitely see a use for it. Whip it out on those long flights instead of using the airline version, or use it to be more comfortable on a long bus ride. This travel blanket doubles as a pillow when it’s in the case.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Fun travel gifts

 

Experiences

Most travelers value experiences over stuff. If you’re in Australia or buying for someone heading down under, a gift voucher from Adrenaline is a great gift option. With a huge range of experiences to choose from all over the country, there is sure to be something your traveler will enjoy!

 

Tablet

My Samsung Galaxy A has joined me on a couple of domestic trips and an international. Need something to do on that short flight where there’s no entertainment, or sitting around in the airport, or researching your next destination in a hotel room? Download some episodes of Netflix and you’re good to go! I wish I had this on my flight home from LA when my TV screen didn’t work. It did not improve what was already a pretty average flight. Apple devotees might prefer the ipad.

Click here to see the Samsung in the Australian store, or here to see the ipad.

 

World Map

I have a cork board version of this, which will form the centrepiece of a wall full of photos taken on my world travels. I love the idea of the scratch off world map that will really clearly show just where in the world you’ve traveled to. It is sure to delight any travel addict.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

DVD – The Holiday

Ok I’ll grant you, this one is a little on the cheesy side, but The Holiday also happens to be one of my favourite movies. It also involves both travel and Christmas so it is a perfect stocking filler! Staring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black its a feel good movie that has some poignant messages about moving on.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Journal

If the traveler in your life also happens to be a writer, they’ll love this travel themed journal to capture their adventures!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Backpacker card game

This travel themed card game is sure to provide entertainment on long journeys or downtime while traveling, without taking up precious space in the bag!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Travel Quiz book

Show off your travel knowledge with the Lonely Planet Travel Quiz book.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Gifts to Inspire Travel

 

Lonely Planet Travel Tips

What traveler couldn’t pick up a new tip or two from the bestselling Lonely Planets Best Ever Travel Tips.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist

Even between travels, half the fun is planning the next one! What better inspiration could you ask for than this ranked list of the top 500 destinations in the world. It’s sure to provide some travel ideas. I post an idea from this book every week on my Facebook page.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Gifts for the Photographers

I have a whole post on the photography equipment I use and recommend. If you’re searching for a stocking filler for a photography buff, check it out for heaps of ideas for little stocking stuffers they’ll love!

 

Lens Coffee Mug

If your photography buff loves their coffee check out this thermos coffee mug fashioned as a camera lens that is realistic enough to make people do a double take!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

Gifts for Hikers

If your loved one is a hiking enthusiast then there’s some safety items that are always useful to have in the backpack! I have a post on some of the essentials for hiking in my local bushland, but here are some ideas.

 

Headtorch

This an essential to have in the event of a night hike or in case of getting delayed longer than expected. These rechargeable headlamps put out an enormous level of light with a comfortable strap that sits over the head to hold in place.

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

First Aid kit

I love my Roobuck first aid kit. It contains everything that might be needed in the event of an emergency, and it’s extremely compact and lightweight so you don’t even notice it in the pack!

Click here to see this product in the Australian store.

 

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