The gift all travelers want is a first-class airplane ticket somewhere fabulous. But if that isn’t in your budget, the next best thing is to give them something that makes their voyages easier or a little more luxurious—especially if they’re flying in economy. We’ve compiled this list of 50 gifts for travelers recommended by our own editors and contributors. In it, you’ll find some of the best travel products we’ve tried and tested over the years, plus a few new items we’re excited to share from our favorite brands.
Travel tech and accessories
The Purist Maker Mug comes in a variety of colors, including the dark blue “Drift” seen here.
Courtesy of Purist
1. Purist 10-Oz. Maker Mug
Buy now: $38, puristcollective.com; rei.com
Pairing a reusable coffee mug with a bag of beans from a local coffee shop is the best way to encourage travelers to go eco-friendly on the road. Though this looks like a stainless steel bottle, the Purist Maker Mug is actually lined with an ultra-thin layer of nonporous glass so you can switch between coffee and water—heck, even wine—without the lingering scent of the previous beverage. This 10-ounce model comes with a leakproof scope top designed for hot coffee; it allows for sipping from any side. Purist also sells basic screw-top caps with carrying loops as well as flip-tops, for those who will also use this bottle for cold drinks.
The Nori Press is dual voltage, so you can use it in the United States and abroad without packing an extra voltage converter.
Courtesy of Nori
2. The Nori Press Steam Iron
Buy now: $120, nori.com
Hotel irons aren’t that reliable and nobody likes struggling with an ironing board anyways. This travel press, which was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022, weighs just 1.4 pounds and is only 14 inches long, so you won’t mind packing it. Did we mention it steams, too?
No need to pack an extra pair of corded headphones just for your flight.
Courtesy of Twelve South
3. Twelve South AirFly Pro
Buy now: $55, twelvesouth.com; amazon.com
It’s possible to use wireless headphones to watch movies on in-seat screens on airplanes with the Twelve South AirFly Pro wireless transmitter. It plugs into the headphone jack in airplane seats and sends audio signals via Bluetooth to up to two pairs of headphones. (It also works as an AUX IN adapter in a rental car.) It has a 25-hour battery life and is roughly the size of a matchbox.
The Trtl Travel Pillow folds up neatly and weighs only half a pound.
Courtesy of Trtl
4. Trtl Travel Pillow
Buy now: $50, trtltravel.com; $60, amazon.com
Any qualms about looking silly instantly disappear as soon as you use this ergonomically designed travel pillow (which keeps your head from bobbing around). “It feels a little strange putting it on the first time and sort of looks like a neck brace,” said Rosalie Tinelli, AFAR’s former senior audience development manager, in her review of the Trtl. “But who cares how it looks when you’re getting peaceful sleep on an airplane and waking up with zero neck stiffness?”
It’s time to ditch that plastic iced coffee cup.
Courtesy of Yeti
5. Yeti Rambler Straw Mug
Buy now: from $38, yeti.com
Drinking water out of a regular screw cap bottle while driving is not only frustrating—it’s dangerous. Yeti’s Rambler Straw Mug is designed to fit into all cup holders and comes with a reusable straw lid so you can easily take a swig without taking both hands off the wheel. Available in a 25-ounce or extra-large 35-ounce style, this travel mug is also great for iced coffee runs.
Secure any type of tote, backpack, or handbag to your suitcase handle with this travel belt that doubles as a sling bag.
Courtesy of Cincha
6. Cincha Travel Belt Bag
Buy now: $60, cinchatravel.com
These dual-purpose belt bags can be worn as a sling to carry small essentials like passports and keys, or can be used to secure personal items to a suitcase handle so they don’t slide off while maneuvering through the airport. Simply slip the elastic loop of the belt bag over the handle of your carry-on and snap its buckle around the front of your personal item. The strap is adjustable to 49 inches. For every belt sold, Cincha donates 100 airline miles to Miles4Migrants to help reconnect migrant families.
These are also great for blocking out noise at loud hotels.
Courtesy of SleepPhones
7. SleepPhones Bluetooth Sleep Headphones
Buy now: $100, sleepphones.com; amazon.com
Sleeping on an airplane is tough—and virtually impossible when wearing a neck pillow and larger over-the-ear headphones at the same time. That’s why every traveler needs a pair of sleep headphones. Essentially a soft fleece headband with ultra-slim headphones inserted inside, this travel accessory allows you to sleep with your head flat against a pillow. While there are several brands that make a similar cord-free design, SleepPhones makes the most comfortable and highest-quality pair—but for a price. Meanwhile, this $20 pair on Amazon is budget-friendly but don’t expect too much from its sound quality.
Therabody just released a new version of its Theragun Mini that’s lighter and smaller.
Courtesy of Therabody
8. Therabody Theragun Mini
Buy now: $199, therabody.com
After a red-eye flight, it wouldn’t be surprising if your neck and shoulders were knotted and sore. This portable massage gun is small—it weighs one pound and can fit easily into a purse or backpack. But it packs a punch, powerfully helping loosen tight muscles.
Packing essentials
These packing cubes are sold in sets of two, including one medium and one small.
Courtesy of Thule
9. Thule Compression Packing Cubes
Buy now: $45 for two, thule.com; rei.com
Once you try packing cubes, you’ll be hard-pressed to go back. Some of our favorites are Thule’s Compression Packing Cubes, which are made with Bluesign-approved ripstop nylon that is water-repellent, ultra-durable, and manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. A set of double YKK zippers allows you to close the cube and then zip it even tighter to eliminate extra air and reduce bulk.
This pouch set comes in all sorts of fun and colorful patterns.
Courtesy of Baggu
10. Baggu Go Pouch Set
Buy now: $40, baggu.com
Baggu’s Go Pouch Set includes three all-purpose pouches that are essential for keeping your bags organized. The small one is perfect for stashing your keys, Airpods, and lip balm, while the medium doubles as a toiletry bag. The large is big enough to use as a packing cube for clothes. New patterns are released frequently—the set with clouds on it is particularly fun for frequent fliers.
These TSA-approved reusable toiletry bottles come with built-in labels so you never confuse body lotion for conditioner.
Photo by Bailey Rebecca Roberts
11. Ries Essential Travel Bottles
Buy now: from $15, ries-ries.com
Cut back on plastic waste and start decanting liquid toiletries into reusable travel-size containers like the 1.7-ounce or 3.4-ounce bottles from Ries, a Black woman-owned brand. AFAR’s newsletter editor Maliah West recommends the brand’s Mini Duo Starter Set, which comes with a pair of 1.7-ounce bottles that are equipped with a locking system to ensure a spill-free experience.
A mini version of this vanity case is also available for $75.
Courtesy of Paravel
12. Paravel Cabana See-All Vanity Case
Buy now: $95, tourparavel.com
Crafted from two recycled water bottles per bag, with leather details ecocertified by the Leather Working Group, Paravel’s vanity case is spacious enough to hold all of your travel toiletries and has see-through side panels for keeping its contents easily visible.
Tangled necklaces are now a thing of the past.
Courtesy of Dagne Dover
13. Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case
Buy now: from $55, dagnedover.com
Know someone who travels with a tangled wad of necklaces? Dagne Dover’s Frankie Jewelry Case makes a smart gift (and subtle hint) to solve this particular packing problem. It comes in two sizes and three colors, with room for up to three necklaces, eight rings, four pairs of earrings, and more.
Keep your shoes separate from your clothes inside your suitcase with a special packing cube.
Courtesy of Eagle Creek
14. Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Multi-Shoe Cube
Buy now: $25, eaglecreek.com
The easiest way to get your loved ones to stop packing dirty shoes in the same bag as their clean clothes is to give them packing cubes designed specifically for footwear. This shoe bag from Eagle Creek is made with a durable material made from recycled polyester. It’s designed to fit multiple pairs of sandals, sneakers, and even boots up to men’s size 13.
>> Find more clever travel gift ideas under $100
Travel bags and luggage
The Waverley 2 hip belt, seen here in cognac-colored cactus leather.
Courtesy of Lo & Sons
15. Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Convertible Bag
Buy now: from $126 (was $210), loandsons.com
The fanny pack—updated with sleeker style and even some high-tech materials—is back, according to AFAR contributor Courtney Holden. Thanks in part to its two-part adjustable strap, the Waverley 2 can be worn not only as a casual belt bag, but also as a cross-body bag, gala-ready wristlet, and shoulder bag. Available in two sizes—8 inches x 5.6 inches and 8.3 inches x 5.9 inches—the bag features an interior zip pocket for can’t-lose items, a handy slip pocket for little must-haves, and an exterior card slot perfect for stashing a hotel key. It comes in textured Saffiano leather, buttery smooth Napa leather, and a durable, scratch-resistant vegan leather made from nopal cactus.
The Virginia Beach Tote by North End Bag Company is made in a beach town, but would look good on the streets of New York, too.
Courtesy of North End Bags
16. North End Bag Company Virginia Beach Tote
Buy now: $185, northendbagcompany.com
The most versatile beach bags serve double-duty as both seaside companions and trusty personal items during flights to warm-weather destinations. Lovingly hand-crafted in a shop just four blocks from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, North End Bag Company’s signature Virginia Beach Tote is one great option, reports Holden. It pairs a handsome, water-resistant, waxed canvas exterior with leather straps to create an aesthetic that’s rugged enough for everyday use but also refined and ready for first class. The sleek slip pockets ringing the exterior could house flip flops or plane snacks, while additional internal compartments offer storage for goggles or electronics.
This packable bag folds down to the size of a book.
Courtesy of Paravel
17. Paravel Fold-Up Bag
Buy now: $75, tourparavel.com
Paravel’s ultra-light duffel bag zips down into a small pouch and packs into big luggage for any space-challenged traveler’s gotta-have-it souvenir emergencies. It’s also AFAR editor at large Laura Dannen Redman’s go-to weekend bag. She calls it the “Trojan horse of weekend bags” since it holds so much more inside than you’d expect. She can easily fit two pairs of shoes, two toiletry bags, and three days of winter clothing in it. An added bonus: The sustainable nylon material is made from 22 recycled plastic water bottles.
This totepack can be worn as a backpack or a tote bag.
Courtesy of Peak Design
18. Peak Design Everyday Totepack
Buy now: $180, peakdesign.com
The name says it all: This 20-liter pack is designed for everyday use whether you’re carrying it like a tote on your daily commute or pulling out its backpack straps during your next hike. The outside is made with a recycled nylon canvas shell that can withstand rainstorms, so you can pack your laptop, tablet, and cameras in here with peace of mind. Available in all-black and ivory with brown leather details, it’s much more chic than other laptop backpacks out there.
The Freefly16 packable backpack stuffs into a tiny carry sack, shown here.
Courtesy of Matador
19. Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack
Buy now: $80, matadorup.com
Matador’s Freefly16 Packable Backpack is designed to perform in wet conditions (it’s water-resistant, not waterproof) and weighs less than half a pound. A rarity for backpacks of this size and weight, it comes with a thin hip strap for better distributing weight, two water bottle cages (one on each side), and a spacious external pocket for stashing anything you need to reach quickly. It packs down into its own dedicated stuff sack, so you can easily toss it into your luggage and have a quality hiking or walking-about-town daypack on hand when you arrive at your destination. “Overall, I love this bag’s packability, weight, and additional features like the hip strap,” says Jessie Beck, AFAR’s associate director of SEO & Video. “I’ve used it on at least a dozen trips since getting it, and it’s proven to be durable and sturdy.”
A leather weekender that will last for years to come.
Courtesy of Leatherology
20. Leatherology Harwood Weekender
Buy now: $375, leatherology.com
Anyone in the market for a new overnight bag or personal item will love the Harwood Weekender by AAPI-owned Leatherology. This small leather duffel features pockets galore, smart magnetic clasps, and three different styles of monogramming. It also has a trolley sleeve to slide over your carry-on handle so it doesn’t fall off your luggage.
The Longchamp x Robert Indiana collection features the artist’s iconic Love image.
Courtesy of Morgan Art Foundation. Licensed by Artestar, New York
21. Longchamp x Robert Indiana Travel Bag
Buy now: $430, longchamp.com
Wear your heart on your, er, weekend bag. French leather goods company Longchamp just released a tribute to pop artist Robert Indiana with a limited edition collection of canvas totes and handbags featuring his iconic “LOVE” typography. (Modern art lovers may recognize his large-scale public sculptures from places like Midtown Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Indianapolis.) This oversized tote is made from recycled polyester canvas; it has a leather trim, a zip closure to keep everything inside, and a detachable shoulder strap to make carrying it easier.
Merrily roll along with Cotopaxi’s latest addition to its Allpa line of luggage.
Courtesy of Cotopaxi
22. Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag
Buy now: $350, cotopaxi.com; rei.com
The AFAR-Approved Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack now comes with wheels. Just like the original Allpa, this carry-on sized bag can easily fit in the overhead bin of an airplane and has plenty of zippered compartments for small accessories, clothes, and shoes. It comes with two rugged wheels that can take on cobblestone streets and dirt roads with ease.
July’s suitcase colors are anything but basic.
Courtesy of July
23. July Personalized Luggage
Buy now: from $245 for luggage, $50 for personalization, july.com
Australia’s July luggage is known for offering personalization on its hard-shell suitcases with a variety of fonts, colors, and even emojis to customize to your heart’s content. July also sells gift cards so you don’t have to worry about picking out the right color or customization for your giftee.
The Out of Office Pet Carrier comes in fun colors and patterns, like this magenta and camouflage combo.
Courtesy of Roverlund
24. Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier
Buy now: from $159, roverlund.com
This durable yet stylish soft-sided pet carrier can function as a car seat during road trips and is also airline compliant. Once you arrive at your destination, the shoulder strap converts to a leash and the bag can be used as a mobile pet bed. Suitable for both dogs and cats, the small version fits animals up to 15 pounds, while the large is best for animals up to 25 pounds.
This two-in-one weekend bag is great for weddings, business trips, or anything that requires formal wear.
Courtesy of Brouk & Co
25. Brouk and Co. Capri 2-in-1 Garment Bag
Buy now: $120, broukandco.com; $140, amazon.com
This clever duffel bag has a hidden garment bag inside. To pack it, put suits or long dresses in the garment bag section first, then add shoes to the side pockets, zip it up, and then add everything else to the main section.
Travel toiletries and skincare
Dab this rich cream around your eyes before take-off to arrive looking refreshed.
Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland
26. BL+ Eye Cream
Buy now: $165, skincare.bluelagoon.com
This nourishing eye cream is the latest from Blue Lagoon’s proprietary skincare line, which is made with microalgae and silica sourced from the same geothermal source as those famous Icelandic blue pools. The travel-friendly 15 ml pot may be pricey—but a little goes a long way and makes for a luxurious gift. Pair it with the BL+ face cream to create your own gift set.
This buy spray smells amazing, but more importantly—it works.
Courtesy of Kinfield
27. Kinfield Golden Hour Bug Repellent
Buy now: $22, kinfield.com
Yes, it is possible to find a DEET-free bug repellent that works. Kinfield Golden Hour uses a mix of citronella, lemongrass, and cloves to keep you bite-free (and smelling amazing). Plus, the three-ounce spray bottle is TSA-friendly.
Purchasing travel-size items is a great way to test products before committing to the full-size ones.
Courtesy of Standard Dose
28. Wonder Valley Little Wonders Kit
Buy now: $72, saksfifthavenue.com
California-based Wonder Valley uses its own olive oils to make clean skincare products like its oil cleanser, face oil, Wonder serum, and Hinoki body oil, which are bundled in TSA-approved travel sizes in this four-piece kit.
Travel clothes and shoes
This women’s coat by Filson pulls design inspiration from the brand’s archival Wool Packer Coat.
Courtesy of Filson
29. Filson Women’s Wool Trapper Coat
On sale December 1: $995, filson.com
Filson started off in 1897 to outfit pioneers of the Yukon Gold Rush with rugged outdoor apparel. More than 100 years later, the Seattle-based brand is expanding its womenswear line with chic coats inspired by archival items like this one that will be available online on December 1, 2023. Made with plaid wool, this investment piece runs long to provide more coverage, its sheepskin-shearling collar can be worn down or flipped up for extra warmth.
30. Gobi Oversized Cashmere Scarf
Buy now: $229, gobicashmere.com
Cashmere is always a welcome gift, and Gobi crafts its clothing and accessories entirely in Mongolia from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere. Its unisex oversized scarf can be used as a travel blanket on the plane and a scarf or wrap once you arrive. It’s available in six colors, including multiple shades of gray as well as lavender and coral pink.
This puffer poncho is made with elastane to provide just the right amount of stretch.
Courtesy of Mountain Hardwear
31. Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Poncho
Buy now: $300, mountainhardwear.com
This insulated poncho doubles as a cover-up for quick changes on chilly beach days and as a wearable blanket at campsites. It’s made with a stretchy material filled with Responsible Down Standard–certified down. It’s available in two unisex sizes—S/M and L/XL—and three colors: black, sandstorm, and “blurple.” The kangaroo-style front pocket has a zippered pocket inside to keep items like keys and phones secure.
The bathrobes from Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.
Photo by Cristina Fisher
32. Hotel Saint Vincent Marbled Silk Robe
Buy now: $395, farwestcollective.com
It’s tempting to steal hotel bathrobes, especially when they’re as beautiful as the marbled silk robes at Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans. Now you can buy these unisex designs online through hotelier Liz Lambert’s Far West Collective retail shop. They are machine washable and sized to fit most people.
More than a dozen colors of Calzuro clogs are available on Amazon.
Courtesy of Amazon
33. Calzuro Classic Clog with Holes
Buy now: $107, calzuro.com; amazon.com
In addition to being a deputy editor at AFAR, Katherine LaGrave is also our team’s resident clog aficionado. “I have ‘nice’ clogs, clogs for gardening, and clogs for indoors. But until recently, my clog wearing was limited to three seasons; I couldn’t find a pair that was a fit for summer and all its activities,” she says.
“Enter the Calzuro classic, which I discovered after a woman at my local dog park arrived sporting a pair in black. With a 1.5-inch heel, the slim plastic clogs are lightweight and durable, and you can purchase them with or without ventilation holes. Designed in Italy for medical professionals, the clogs can be bleached or washed in a dishwasher or washing machine, and getting rid of sand and dirt is as simple as putting them under a hose. Thrillingly, the clogs also come in a number of colors: hot pink, sunshine yellow, orange. I opted for a sky-blue pair and have already put miles on them out to lunch, at the beach, and at the dog park.”
Each slipper has a loop on it so you can clip it to your backpack while you hike.
Courtesy of Chaco
34. Chaco Ramble Puff Clogs
Buy now: $75, women’s, chacos.com; men’s, chacos.com
For those heading to the mountains instead of the beach this winter, we’ve also found clogs for you. Chaco’s cozy fleece-lined clogs look like tiny sleeping bags for your feet and will keep them warm and dry. They’re perfect for early-morning walks, late-night campfire chats, and stress-free airport experiences.
This beanie is available in 10 colors, including the forest green seen here.
Courtesy of Sh*t That I Knit
35. Sh*t That I Knit Rutherford Beanie
Buy now: $135, shitthatiknit.com
Sh*t That I Knit is a woman-owned company that employs more than 400 artisans in Lima, Peru, who earn a fair wage for hand-knitting these sporty winter beanies. Made with 100 percent Peruvian merino wool, the hats are available in 10 different colors and come with a detachable faux-fur pom-pom.
This sun hat folds up into a small circular pouch for easy packing.
Courtesy of Baggu
36. Baggu Packable Sun Hat
Buy now: $36, baggu.com
With a brim diameter nearly two feet wide, these sun hats from Baggu are so large it’s hard not to make a statement wearing one at the pool. Thankfully, they fold down neatly into an included circular pouch for easy packing. Go ahead and purchase one for your friend who hides from the sun but basks in the glow of a little poolside attention.
Sabah’s Condesa Pink shoe is inspired by the vibrant Mexico City neighborhood.
Courtesy of Sabah
37. Sabah Shoes
Buy now: from $210, sabah.am
These lace-free unisex travel shoes—handmade in Gaziantep, Turkey—look as good poolside as they do at happy hour. Crafted out of leather and available in a rainbow of colors, the slip-on shoe is also perfect for seamlessly moving through airport security lines. The sole is rubber for traction and durability, and the fit is roomy yet chic. (The only difference in the men’s and women’s sizing is the men’s are better suited for wider feet. They also come in children’s sizes!) The brand’s earthy tones go with everything, while the trendy patterns and bold colors photograph well.
Woolen slippers from Danish brand Glerups are the key to staying cozy off the slopes.
Courtesy of Glerups
38. Glerups Slipper Boots
Buy now: $155, glerups.com
These unisex slipper boots from Denmark are made with grippy rubber bottoms and 100 percent natural wool felt. Glerups are the ultimate travel footwear for moments when coziness is key, whether it’s a red-eye flight or gathering around a fireplace for après-ski.
Compression socks are a travel essential.
Courtesy of Bombas
39. Bombas Compression Socks
Buy now: $28, women’s, bombas.com; men’s, bombas.com
Compression socks aren’t a sexy gift, but they’re a must for any traveler to keep blood flowing and sore muscles at bay during long flights. The most comfortable compression socks on the market are Bombas, which are made with mild 15–20 mmHg compression levels, a seamless toe, and above-the-heel cushioning that extends to the toe. As with all other Bombas sock purchases, for every pair of socks purchased the company will donate another pair to a homeless shelter or other community organization.
Outdoor adventure gear
This blanket is campfire safe.
Courtesy of Rumpl
40. Rumpl NanoLoft Flame Blanket
Buy now: $130, rumpl.com
AFAR’s favorite packable blanket now comes in a fire-resistant version so you don’t have to worry about stray sparks at your next campfire. Rumpl’s NanoLoft Flame Blanket is also made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled insulation that mimics down for coziness and is machine washable for easy maintenance.
This portable coffee grinder grinds enough beans for one cup at a time.
Courtesy of VSSL
41. VSSL Java Coffee Grinder
Buy now: $160, vsslgear.com
“The VSSL Java coffee grinder is durable and well worth the space it will take up among your camping gear—at six inches tall and weighing just 14 ounces, it’s not much,” says Svati Kirsten Narula, an AFAR contributor. “With stainless steel burrs and 50 unique grind settings, it allows you to create the perfect-sized grounds for your preferred brewing method. It’s made out of aircraft-grade aluminum to stand up to abuse and grinds 20 grams of beans at a time, enough for one strong cup of coffee.”
Making quality joe on the go is easy with this portable coffee maker.
Courtesy of AeroPress
42. AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
Buy now: $40, rei.com; amazon.com
All you need to make quality espresso while camping is an AeroPress Go, finely ground coffee, and hot water. You can also make a quick cold brew coffee with the AeroPress, although you need to remember to stir the grounds and cold water together for a full minute before pressing.
This snowshoe kit is great for beginners.
Courtesy of Cascade Mountain Tech
43. Cascade Mountain Tech Expedition Trail Series kit
Buy now: $120, cascademountaintech.com
Lightweight and easy to use, these snowshoes are a solid choice for those looking to become a four-season outdoor adventurer. “They’re in the Goldilocks zone of being both flexible (good for responsiveness), durable (so they’ll last years to come), and lightweight (important to preventing early fatigue),” AFAR contributor Bailey Berg says. “The kit also comes with twist-lock poles and a vented carry bag (handy because if you store your snowshoes wet, it won’t get funky).”
Anyone heading to a national park needs a good pair of binoculars.
Courtesy of Maven
44. Maven B.3 Binoculars
Buy now: $525, mavenbuilt.com; amazon.com
A good pair of binoculars helps bring wildlife—be that a bird on a hike or lions at a safari—into crisp high definition. The B.3 Binoculars make for a good starter set because they pair incredible clarity with a reasonable price point. (Maven’s designs can go up to $1,600.) “They’re also compact, lightweight, and durable enough to withstand bouncing around in a backpack or being dropped in water, so they’re built to travel,” Berg says. “Though if they do get damaged, Maven has an unconditional lifetime warranty.”
>> Find more gift ideas for campers that they’ll actually use
Travel gifts for kids (and their parents)
The PuroQuiets Active Noise Cancelling Headphones come in four colors, including the light pink seen here.
Courtesy of Puro Sound Labs
45. Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiets Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Buy now: $139, purosound.com; amazon.com
It might be tempting to buy cheap headphones for your kids to use on airplanes or in the car. But unlike other headphones, these volume-limiting headphones max out at 85 decibels, which the World Health Organization and other experts consider to be the upper limit for ear safety. They’re designed for ages 2 to 12 and are made with buttery-soft leather, so they should last for years.
This backpack also has a matching suitcase that goes with it.
Courtesy of State Bags
46. State Bags Kane Kids Mini Travel Backpack
Buy now: $78, statebags.com
Like an adult pack, this small backpack from State Bags comes with padded straps for comfort and a sleeve in the back for slipping it over the top of carry-on suitcases. Unlike larger models, this tiny pack is designed with a neon dinosaur pattern to delight the littlest travelers. The Mini Backpack is recommended for children ages 2 to 4, while the larger Kane Kids Backpack is designed for those ages 4 to 8.
Use this solar-powered lamp as a travel nightlight or a flashlight for camping.
Courtesy of Studio Olafur Eliasson
47. Little Sun Original Solar Lamp
Buy now: $30, goodeeworld.com
Designed by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, this portable, flower-shaped solar lamp can be used as a nightlight or worn around the neck as a flashlight. For each lamp sold, one is donated to Little Sun’s partners in rural Africa, who are working to bring solar energy to those living without electricity. One of hundreds of environmentally minded products sold on Goodee, a socially conscious online marketplace, this solar lamp comes with a personal stamp of approval from co-founder Byron Peart’s niece, who says she loves using it to read in bed at night.
Get kids excited for the airport with this ride-on suitcase.
Courtesy of Stokke
48. JetKids by Stokke
Buy now: $229, stokke.com
The JetKids by Stokke ride-on suitcase allows children to move faster through the airport. Both of AFAR senior news editor Michelle Baran’s kids loved riding these so much on a recent trip to Europe that she ended up checking her stroller to her final destination. Once aboard the plane, the top props up to convert an economy airplane seat into a lie-flat bed with an included mat. The interior space has enough room for an iPad and headphones, some paper, coloring books, pens, a small stuffie, and a blanket. You can opt for the additional attachable backpack for some added room, which Baran’s kids used for sweatshirts and small toys.
This portable car seat is worth the splurge, according to the parents among AFAR staff.
Courtesy of WAYB
49. WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat
Buy now: $380, wayb.com
OK, this one is more of a gift for parents who are done schlepping heavy car seats through airports. The eight-pound WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat folds into a compact 11.6 x 14.5 x 18.9-inch unit—basically the size of a medium camping backpack—that’s easy enough to lift on its own, and better still when stowed in a backpack carrier you can buy for an additional $95.
“As someone who has traveled alone with the kids and had to mount a full-sized car seat on my back, this is life-altering,” says Baran.
Make traveling with kids easier with the gift of a streamlined diaper bag.
Courtesy of No Reception Club
50. No Reception Club “The Sidekick” Fanny Pack
Buy now: $85, noreceptionclub.com
For times when parents don’t need the whole diaper bag, No Reception Club’s three-liter Sidekick fanny pack is thoughtfully designed to hold up to a half-dozen diapers, along with some ointment and hand sanitizer. (It also comes with its own changing pad.) The back exterior pocket is designed specifically to hold baby wipes. “I love its magnetic flap closure,” says AFAR contributor Courtney Holden. “It’s a breeze to swipe and wipe.”
This article was originally published in 2022; it was updated on November 1, 2023, with new items.
