The Best Gifts Under $50 for Every Traveler on Your List
Looking for something special for all the travelers in your life? Finding thoughtful (and affordable) gifts isn’t always an easy task, so we’ve scoured the globe—and the web—for the best travel gifts under $50. From French market bags in a rainbow of colors and anti-jet lag skincare to packable workout gear and a customizable, multitasking headlamp, here are 37 of our favorite picks this holiday season—gift receipt not necessary.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers
Crafted from 100-percent Turkish cotton terry, these plush slippers are like a spa robe for your feet. To complete the cozy at-home look, add Parachute's matching Classic Bathrobe to your cart, too.
Allbirds Trino Tubers
It was only a matter of time until the environmentally friendly shoe brand began to incorporate its superfine merino wool designs into accessories. The brand’s range of socks (which are partly made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus tree fibers) are soft, moisture-wicking, and odor-minimizing, which makes them perfect for a long flight or when you’re pounding the pavement in a new city.
Away Mini
Is there anything cuter than a miniature version of your go-to luggage? We think not. This hard-sided case may be small, but it’s just roomy enough to fill up with toiletries, tech accessories, or the jumble of in-flight necessities that usually float around the bottom of your travel bag.
Paravel Mini Fold-Up Backpack
Ideal for everything from city excursions to last-minute souvenir shopping, Paravel’s lightweight backpack folds up so small that it will take up hardly any space in your suitcase—perfect for those of us who tend to buy too much on vacation. Bonus: It’s crafted out of the brand’s earth-friendly “negative nylon,” which is made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Skyn Iceland Facelift in a Bag
Inspired by the natural resources of Iceland, Skyn’s products are 100 percent vegan and the packaging is recyclable. There are a ton of moisturizers and serums to choose from, but these eye, forehead, and smile line gel patches are the next best thing to a jet lag cure, and feature mineral-packed Icelandic glacial water and arctic cloudberry and cranberry seed oils to revive skin and reduce signs of aging or excessive red-eyes—making it the ultimate essential for post-trip pampering.
Artifact Uprising Color Series photo book
Forget Instagram stories, the best (and lasting) way to commemorate that trip to Greece you've been reminiscing about is with this beautifully designed foil-printed book. The embossed theme printed on the front can be customized according to where you traveled, making it the perfect conversation starter (read: excuse to brag about your vacation) once you have guests over again.
Beekeeper’s Naturals Honey Flight
Raw, sustainably sourced, and utterly therapeutic, these wildcrafted honeys are hand-harvested from apiaries around the globe. Break up the set to gift as foodie stocking stuffers—or to hoard one or two for yourself.
Italic Albee Leather Card Case
Available in nine different color options and smooth or textured leather, this slim wallet comes with ample card slots, a slip pocket for receipts, and a zippered compartment for those ubiquitous foreign coins. Ideal for anyone who, in non-pandemic times, spends just as much time abroad as they do at home.
Auxiliary Cashmere Tech Gloves
Having to constantly take off your gloves to navigate Google maps in a new place gets old (and cold) very quickly. Stay plugged in without getting frosty fingers with these warm cashmere gloves, which feature strategically placed, touchscreen-friendly stitching on the index fingers for easy swiping.
Caswell-Massey Yellowstone Old Faithful multi-purpose oil
Infused with rare botanicals sourced near the most active thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, this multipurpose argan-jojoba oil can be used fresh out of the shower to moisturize your skin or hair—or even as a subtly fragrant beard oil. Better still, proceeds help fund education and engagement around the park’s natural wonders.
Filt French Net Market bag
Perfect for storing produce or souvenirs, this sturdy yet lightweight 100 percent cotton tote is a staple for beach days, farmer’s market hauls, and impromptu weekend jaunts. And since it takes up next to no space (and comes in a set of two), it’s a great bag to stash in any piece of luggage, from suitcases to duffels.
Kusshi Everyday Bag
From the water-resistant, brightly colored inner lining and trio of interior pockets to the compact, flat-bottomed shape and three-sided zipper, every last detail of this makeup bag has been cleverly designed for trouble-free rummaging and organization. It’s also great for rounding up chargers, earbuds, face masks, and all other daily WFH or in-flight essentials.
Loum Unwind Essential Oil
Whether you’re looking for relief after a marathon of luggage-laden travel or a little help unwinding from back-to-back Zoom meetings, this CBD-enhanced essential oil blend provides just the right dose of self-care in a TSA-approved roller ball size.
Ursa Major National Parks Soap set
This trio of limited edition botanical soaps is inspired by national parks across the country and crafted in collaboration with the Parks Project, with five percent of every purchase supporting conservation works. The refreshing Acadia scent blends scotch pine and rock rose with exfoliating seaweed, while creamy Redwood is infused with juniper and fir needle lushness, and Zion mixes sage and sabino cedar—all of which put an especially fragrant spin on forest bathing. Bonus: The bars are wrapped in pretty printed paper that eliminates the need for gift wrap.
Nomadix The Original Towel
Made from certified post-consumer recycled plastic, this ultra-absorbent towel can be used for yoga, camping, the pool, and pretty much everything in between. It’s also guaranteed to stand out on the beach courtesy of the vibrant print options available, from classic stripes to national park–inspired patterns.
Ordinary Habit Collection No. 1 puzzle set
Whether snowed in at your Airbnb or looking for a family activity to entertain guests over the holidays, these vibrant jigsaw puzzles are ideal for some much-needed time offline. Each of the limited edition 500-piece sets features works by female artists from around the world, and comes with a handy pouch to make it a no-brainer to bring with you on the road.
Welly Traveler reusable water bottle
Encourage your giftee to stay hydrated on the go with this 18-ounce Welly bottle featuring a wide mouth for easy cleaning (and ice cube loading), a slip-proof base, and a removable infuser to brew tea or herb-infused water. Choose from 16 chic patterns and colors, including limited edition designs crafted in collaboration with artists like Jan Skacelik or, most recently, L.A.-based illustrator Walker Noble.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
For the traveler who's always fine-tuning their skincare and makeup routine, consider a gift from clean beauty brand Ilia. This serum skin tint comes in 30 different shades—though if you're still not sure which to get, you can always send them a gift card instead.
American Heirloom State Shaped Cutting Board
Designed in Brooklyn and available in the shapes of all 50 states, these cutting boards are crafted from eco-friendly bamboo plywood that’s naturally anti-microbial and stands the test of time. Buy one in the shape of a friend's home state, or the place they return to year after year to visit—proof that gifts under $50 can still be plenty thoughtful.
Quince Mongolian cashmere pom pom beanie
Crafted from luxuriously soft Mongolian cashmere, this cozy beanie from Quince will be appreciated by snowboarders and après skiers alike. Plus, who can resist a pom pom during a bout of winter gloom?
Odacite Hydra-Vitalizing Treatment Mist
It’s no secret that cabin air and cold weather do a number on our skin. Combat dryness and a travel-weary complexion with a soothing spritz of this hydrating treatment mist during your next flight, or whenever you need a mid-day pick-me-up. The fresh rosewater-neroli scent is so subtle your seatmate won’t object.
Third Eye Headlamps TE14 headlamp
Whether you're going off the grid or want to read in bed long after your partner has fallen asleep, this artist-designed headlamp is great for lighting the way, hands-free. Choose from over 20 strap patterns and four headlamp colors for customized gear that doesn’t look overly outdoors-y. The battery-operated light has six settings that range from SOS-style flashing white to night vision-preserving red light that’s ideal for wildlife viewing.
Porter Bowl & Glass
Porter’s sleek reusable bowl and glass set is great for picnickers, zero-waste lifestylers, and road trippers averse to drive-throughs. The spill-proof duo comes in a rainbow of sophisticated colors that will brighten up your on-the-go lunch—we love the blush and mint shades.
DS & Durga Big Sur After Rain hand soap
Kiko+GG Wakka Retro Water Game
Is your giftee always trying to unplug or reduce screen time, at home or on the road? This adorable Game Boy-inspired “device” is crafted from sustainable beechwood and features a pair of manual controller-buttons for playing, requires no batteries or power on/off switch, and comes with its own chic carrying case—an excellent, travel-friendly gift for both children and adults alike.
Fly by Jing The Sichuan Salsero Set
While it looks like a beautiful decorative object for the home, this sphere-topped spoon is also a kitchen essential, designed specifically as a topper-meets-scooper for Fly by Jing’s trio of signature Sichuan sauces and spices. Choose from four hand-mined stones and a trio of condiments (Sichuan chili crisp, mala spice mix, or zhong sauce), your giftee should be prepared to field countless where-did-you-get-that compliments at every dinner party they host.
Kate McLeod Grounding Stone
Formulated with five ultra nourishing oils and butters (cocoa, sweet almond, apricot kernel, fractionated coconut, and avocado), this sculptural moisturizer softens as it comes into contact with warm, dry skin. Bask in the calming mix of woody vetiver and zesty bergamot, and use it as a massage stone for an incredibly relaxing and indulgent self-care ritual that rivals a day at your favorite spa.
Bala Bangles one-pound weights
These wearable weights made of soft silicone-coated stainless steel can be worn on wrists or ankles to add subtle, uninterrupted resistance to workouts of every kind, whether outdoors or virtual. And it doesn’t hurt that they are easy on the eyes. Buy a set for your most active traveling companion to tote along on their next trip.
Pura Smart Device
There’s nothing like a sophisticated fragrance to elevate your space—whether that means a shoebox apartment or stale hotel room. This smart diffuser is as ideal for using at home as it is on the road thanks to its mini size, supreme portability (it plugs right into an outlet), and app-controlled scent intensity and scheduling. There’s even a geo-fencing feature that automatically turns it off when you’re away. Choose from a slew of transportive scents, like Nest Amalfi Lemon & Mint, Capri Blue Aloha Orchid, or Ellis Brooklyn’s oud-and-black-leather-laced Superego.
Madewell bandana
The quickest way to add some flair to a neutral travel uniform: this vibrant, organic cotton scarf that can be worn around the neck or wrist.
