Black Friday just happened (and it was the biggest sale on the planet, yet!), and now everyone is worried about finding the best gift for Christmas or for a friend’s birthday. 

I am not a fan of consumerism, and most travellers are not. Because we use most of that money on travel and not on stuff to put in our house, most of it ends up in storage anyway, so it seems like you don’t really need it after all. 

I am an experienced traveler, having been to all European countries, and I often travel with just a carry-on for months at a time. I understand the notion of limited space when travelling, I know what I need and use, and what’s just a whiff. 

And as I said, Black Friday was a big hit this year, and I have to admit I did my own research, as a not-so-budget traveller after all these years, and I kinda know what the trends are this year. 

Ok, enough about me, I’ll get you that list of the best gifts for travellers, so you know exactly what to get for that friend of yours who travels constantly and seems not to need or want anything (except for money, that’s always good). 

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Before you start shopping

One word before you pay for that shopping cart. 

Assuming you’re getting this gift for a friend, it would be useful to know a bit about that person. Stuff like what color he or she likes, or if it adheres to the Apple or Android ecosystem. 

Things like what are their favorite travel destination (or type of destination, e.g., beach/mountain), what kind of work do they do?

Any information is welcome. 

However, if you want to make it a surprise, then don’t call them and ask them all these things. That would ruin the surprise and now be so cool. 

I’m telling you all this because, as a traveller myself, I like useful stuff, things I can take on my trips, that improve the quality of my trip in any capacity, or something that I use at home, when I’m in between travels. 

Of course, the gesture always matters, but in a world of overconsumption, buying something just for the sake of it is not what travellers like. 

In that sense, a true traveller will always appreciate a thoughtful gift, even if it’s something small and symbolic, rather than something big but not that useful to that person. 

When unsure, ask yourself this question: Is this an object that can be used frequently or not?

Best gifts for travelers

Here are my absolute favorites. I know some of these aren’t cheap gifts, but when you travel a lot, you don’t buy stuff that just wastes money, but you invest in quality items. 

I don’t have a lot of stuff, I don’t buy a lot of clothes and other stuff, but I do care about devices, quality items in general, which last longer and don’t break easily. 

Smarthphone

I told you this list is subjective, so I’ll start strong. 

One very important thing to me when I travel is to have my iPhone (some prefer an Android phone) with me, and having a newer version is definitely a plus. 

The thing is that these new smartphones are true technology powerhouses, as they allow you to record, photograph, take notes, call internationally (using eSIM data), and basically keep you connected to the internet and the world even in the most remote places. 

The physical objects are built to last, allowing you to even film underwater (I tried this in Iceland with my iPhone and I got amazing footage). 

I personally traveled with my iPhone to see the most powerful waterfalls, sandy deserts, and cold mountain peaks. 

And I am glad I did, because some of these places had such harsh weather conditions that weren’t suitable for my normal camera (which I used for my vlog), and my smartphone was able to film it all. 

I cannot even imagine the frustration of not having a smartphone to help me document all of it. And that’s why, for me, having a reliable smartphone is one of the most important travel accessories. 

Of course, upgrading to the latest model is always a pleasure, so getting the latest iPhone as a gift would be the best gift a traveler could ever receive. 

I do not dare to completely ignore Samsung lovers out there (they are plenty), and for them, the latest Samsung S25 is certainly a top gift. 

Headphones

I am not much of a music listener when I travel, but most people are. And even I crave some of that noise-free environment when going through busy airports or on long commutes. 

Without a doubt, a good noise-cancelling pair of headphones (like these JBLs) is an appreciated and welcomed gift to any traveler. 

I like to listen to my Spotify playlists and audiobooks when I have to travel. 

I think it’s also important to consider the ecosystem your traveling friend uses. If he or she is on Apple, then getting the latest AirPods Pro 3 is a no-brainer (the best thing ever!). 

If you want to be extra nice and friendly, get them these Apple AirPods Max wireless over-ear headphones (on my list since forever, but I won’t get them for myself because it’s just extra, and I am waiting for someone to gift them to me). 

Ok, anything from Apple is a true delight to someone who is already a fan of the ecosystem (I’m a size MacBook M4 Pro Max, thank you).  I wrote all about my transition time from Windows to Apple here.

SmartWatch

A tech gift is just so easy to take with you in your travels, and having a smart watch that can go underwater when swimming or taking a shower is such a nice companion, especially if your friend is into fitness. 

These new watches can track everything your body does, counting steps, distances walked, BPM, and so much more. 

I used to have a Garmin that lived on my wrist during my running era (I stopped because my knees weren’t up for it). And having a top smartwatch makes you less dependent on your phone, so that’s a huge win for me. 

Again, if your friend is into the Apple ecosystem, the top-of-the-line watch is this Apple Watch. 

And a nice alternative for Android users is this health and fitness smartwatch from Garmin, which is cute and tracks all the movement and more. 

Tablet

A tablet is a versatile piece of technology that can replace one’s laptop or simply serve as a medium for watching content. 

I have friends who use it to watch their favourite Netflix series when traveling (and they commute a lot), and that’s the main reason they got their tablet. 

Honestly, I am going to recommend this Apple iPad Air as a top tablet on the market. There is so much you can do with this, and it’s simply stunning and works so well. 

Samsung also has some cool alternatives (like this Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+), but I think that if you want the best, an iPad is simply unbeatable, and it works for anyone, regardless of the ecosystem. 

Apple AirTag

Ok, so this is specifically for Apple users. 

I wouldn’t normally recommend it, but with the recent baggage crisis of lost luggage in Europe, I wouldn’t travel without an AirTag.

What is an AirTag good for? 

You simply put your AirTag in your luggage (one could go into your checked luggage and the other one in your carry-on backpack), and then it tells you where your AirTag is in real time, and you can see it on your other Apple devices, such as your tablet, iPhone, or laptop. 

I don’t really travel with a lot of luggage, but this is a nice add-on to the ecosystem and gives you peace of mind knowing your stuff is where it needs to be. 

Backpack

Not all travelers prefer to carry a backpack, and this is certainly something to consider before getting one for your friend. 

I often consider my destination before deciding between a carry-on and a backpack, so keep this in mind. 

But I do own a backpack (which has served me well in India, South America, and even in Europe). 

Honestly, one of my first items to buy when I started travelling was a backpack. 

Now, if you want to help a friend start traveling and fulfill their dream, then yes, this is very helpful, useful, and shows a lot of consideration towards their dreams and goals. 

I think this lightweight 70-litre backpack is perfect, and I wouldn’t mind one myself (if my old backpack wasn’t good anymore). Oh, the places this backpack will see (and endure). 

But besides the main backpack, a true traveler will also have a smaller one, where things like snacks, a passport, water, and a laptop fit. 

This Osprey 30L travel backpack is an absolute dream, and I can tell this will become your friend’s go-to travel item for years to come. And that friend will always think of you when they start packing (and thanking you for the most amazing gift anyone could ever give a traveler). 

Essential gifts for any traveler

If we’re talking about useful gifts, then I know exactly what travelers need and use. 

I bought these several times for myself, and honestly, if the only thing I know about a person is that he or she loves traveling, then these are the first things I would consider getting for them. 

Universal travel adaptor

Here’s a good travel adaptor. 

If I’m travelling internationally, then packing my collection of travel adaptors is one of my non-negotiables. Even in Europe, where we (mostly) use the same kind of plug, it’s useful to have one of these because the UK and its former colonies don’t use the same plug as the rest of us. 

So yes, this is a nice, thoughtful, and useful gift to give to any traveler. 

Anker Nano Power Bank

I have had the Anker power bank for at least 4 years already, and I love it. 

I recommend it to anyone (as it was recommended to me by a fellow traveler). It is worth the hype, it lives up to the hype, and it is a useful travel accessory that I always have in my carry-on when traveling. 

Your travel buddy will thank you for it (if he doesn’t have one already). 

Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

This JBL speaker is perfect for anyone who loves listening to music and traveling. It’s small and lightweight, and it allows you to take off your headphones and listen to music (where you don’t bother others). 

Even my father has one, because who doesn’t like music?!

Best gifts for travelers (for men)

Now that we’re over the main gifts a traveler absolutely needs to have (to be a true traveler), let’s get into more specific gifts that a male traveler would love, but wouldn’t necessarily get for themselves. And that’s perfect, because here’s where you come into the picture and get your male traveling friend the best gift someone could ever give him. 

As a disclaimer, I asked my partner Edi to help me create this list of the best gifts for travelers. Who would know better the best gifts for him if not a veteran traveler such as my partner, who had to endure all my long travel itineraries, road trips, and plane trips? 

Yes, I made a true traveler out of him, and now he knows what the things are that he needs to endure all those long hours of traveling and what makes a good trip. 

This is to say, as with all the items on this list of best gifts for travelers, these aren’t random gifts generated by AI. These are actual gifts that professional travelers (such as myself and my travel and life partner) think are absolutely worth the hype, price, and effort for anyone traveling. 

Ok, here are the things my partner would like to receive (he really made me a list when I told him I’m writing this blog). 

Nintendo Switch

Boys will be boys, no matter the age. And boys love this Nintendo Switch. 

My partner is over 35, and he still travels with his Nintendo. I tried to reason with him, but he would rather pack fewer T-shirts than leave the Nintendo at home. 

Apparently, this is the only thing that keeps him sane during long intercontinental flights. And who am I to tell him otherwise?!

As he made me this list of gadgets he would like as a gift, he also mentioned this ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, INLAND Micro Center Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Pocket ACE. 

Clearly, my partner is not done with his gaming era. 

Launchpad for musician travelers

Guess how I know about this gift?

I travel with a musician.

After years of complaining that I drag him on long trips where he is without access to his guitars, we found a compromise. Yes, that’s when you know you are in a relationship with a music-obsessed person, when he has 5+ music instruments. 

The compromise is this Novation Launchpad X MIDI Grid, which gets automatically packed in his carry-on (together with the Nintendo), wherever we go. As I promised, I speak from experience when it comes to things we use as travellers (especially when it comes to music aficionado travelers).  

Best gifts for outdoorsy travelers

Norwegian wool sweater

We don’t usually get souvenirs when we travel, because they tend to be expensive, and we would rather use that money to prolong our stay in a place or spend it on experiences. 

But one thing my partner has been obsessed with is his Norwegian wool sweater.

After our first trip to Norway, during which we stopped randomly at the Dale factory, we discovered the Norwegian wool and sweater designs, and he decided he would get one on our next trip to Norway.

And he did. He got one from Lofoten (we spent one month in Lofoten in 2025) and he now wears it during our winter (we’re based in Romania). 

I am not a big fan of winter clothes (not a winter fan in general), but natural materials are my favourite, and these sweaters are great for everyday wear, hiking, and any kind of activity that’s performed outdoors in the cold. Norwegians know best when it comes to cold. 

So if you want a true winter sweater, get this Dale sweater for your male friend or partner. They also make Dale sweaters for females. 

Hiking boots

I know most people think any boots will work, but that’s not the case. For years, I got more modest, on the budget hiking boots, and without a doubt, they all hurt my feet. You can even see in my past videos from Norway how cheap or wrong-sized boots hurt my feet. 

But this year I discovered these Colombia hiking boots for women, which are a dream (I did 10 hikes in 20 days in them), and they are truly worth it. I recommend sizing up by 1 to 1.5 sizes to make sure it won’t hurt the food while hiking. That’s what I did. 

I know this is a more personal gift, as not many people are aware of their friends’ exact foot measurements, but I think this is an appropriate gift for someone who is part of your family and loves hiking, or even for a partner. 

As for men, my partner got this version of Colombia hiking boots for men (also sized up by 1 size), and he absolutely loves them. 

Jacket

I know I already told you I am not a winter person, but I do travel all year round, not just during summer days, and I do need to have a jacket. However, space is a concern when travelling, so I pick my jackets according to that. 

I love a jacket that I can easily pack and then wear when needed, so that it keeps me warm and comfortable without being too fluffy (as most jackets are, and I hate that). 

Here’s a good jacket from The North Face, it’s simple and cute, and extremely versatile, which is exactly what women travelers look for. 

And here is the version for men, which is equally cute and totally gift material. 

Prefer British spelling and UK-focused gift suggestions? Here’s the UK version → Guide to the Best Gifts Travellers Can Ask For (UK version).