What do you get for the person who spends most of his or her time living out of a suitcase? Finding the perfect holiday gift can be stressful, but to make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of items sure to satisfy the traveler on your shopping list. From big-ticket items like 3-D cameras to smaller stocking stuffers, our holiday gift guide includes the best doodads and gadgets that are sure to enhance the travel experience.
While all of the items on our list offer good value, we’ve offered two pricing options: a “splurge” for when you can afford to go all out and a “steal” in case your budget is especially tight. No matter which you choose, each item on this list will inspire the recipient to get packing!
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The Solar Charger - Splurge
Solar chargers are a great gift for campers, hikers, and green travelers. But really anyone who doesn't want the hassle of dealing with a tangle of converters, packing multiple chargers, and finding a wall outlet can appreciate them. These travel-sized solar chargers can give an electric boost to your mobile phone or camera.
Splurge: Solio Bolt
Price: $70
Why We Like it: We love that the Solio Bolt comes with everything you need—from a cable to a pencil that you can use to prop the solar panels up toward the sun. We tested it on iPhones and Droids, and it charged both types pretty quickly. It also folds down to a very packable size. One completely charged Solio Bolt can power two smartphones. Going to be in a very dark place for a while? The Solio Bolt can hold a charge for an entire year.
The Solar Charger - Splurge
Solar chargers are a great gift for campers, hikers, and green travelers. But really anyone who doesn't want the hassle of dealing with a tangle of converters, packing multiple chargers, and finding a wall outlet can appreciate them. These travel-sized solar chargers can give an electric boost to your mobile phone or camera.
Splurge: Solio Bolt
Price: $70
Why We Like it: We love that the Solio Bolt comes with everything you need—from a cable to a pencil that you can use to prop the solar panels up toward the sun. We tested it on iPhones and Droids, and it charged both types pretty quickly. It also folds down to a very packable size. One completely charged Solio Bolt can power two smartphones. Going to be in a very dark place for a while? The Solio Bolt can hold a charge for an entire year.
The Solar Charger - Steal
Steal: Freeloader Pico Solar Charger
Price: $29.99
Why We Like it: Use the Freeloader Pico's included master power cable and four product adapters to charge your phone, GPS, or whatever you need. Juice up with solar energy before you set off, and you'll have a back-up USB option ready to go in emergencies. The extremely lightweight Pico can charge most devices in around 30 minutes and power up a cell phone for 35 hours or an iPod for 14.
The Anti-Theft Day Bag: Splurge
Spend more time thinking about your new surroundings while traveling rather than worrying about pickpockets trying to steal from your bag. From slashing purses to unzipping your backpack on the metro, thieves have gotten good at preying on tourists. Foil them with these fashionable travel bags.
Splurge: CitySafe 200
Price: $69.99
Why We Like it: This roomy bag holds all the essentials you need for walking around a new destination, with tons of pockets and storage compartments that keep your camera, phone, and water bottle easily accessible to you—but not to thieves. The bag offers security features such as a cross-body slashproof strap, slashguard panels, and tamperproof zippers. Plus, it looks like a regular purse or messenger bag and doesn't scream "tourist."
The Anti-Theft Day Bag - Steal
Steal: Travelon Anti-Theft Essential Messenger Bag
Price: $44.99
Why We Like it: This bag is perfectly sized for travel—there's enough space for reading material and electronics, as well as separate pockets for your money and passport. The included removable LED light is a nice touch that helps you find which pocket you stashed your keys in! Plus, it's small enough to use as your day bag when you don't want to be weighed down. Pickpockets can't get in, thanks to theft-proof zippers and slash-proof compartments and straps. Travelon also has a slightly larger hobo-style bag for $54.99.
TSA-Friendly Liquid Containers - Splurge
Forget paying a big markup for a travel-sized container of your essential products or relying on hotel freebies. These innovative TSA-friendly containers are refillable, reusable, and leak-proof. So go ahead, fill up as many of these bottles as you can fit in a quart-sized zip-top bag and breeze through airport security.
Splurge: GoToob containers
Price: Prices vary by size (e.g., $16.95 for a three-pack of 1.25-fluid-ounce bottles)
Why We Like it: We love the practical details of these silicone containers, from the suction cap on the back of the larger tubes that keeps shampoo within arm's reach while you shower to the prelabeled changeable ID windows that help you distinguish your soap from your sunscreen. Plus, the pliable material makes it super easy to dispense whatever you put in it, doling out the right amount with each squeeze. GoToob containers come with a lifetime warranty.
Where to Buy: Amazon, REI, reuseit.com
TSA-Friendly Liquid Containers - Steal
Steal: Sure Lid containers
Price: $5.39 for a two-pack of 1.5-fluid-ounce bottles
Why We Like it: You can't even count how many times travel-sized containers have exploded or leaked all over your bags. Or how often you've lost the lids to the containers, defeating the whole "reusable/refillable" concept. Sure Lid offers a solution: leak-proof travel-sized containers with locking lids. Airtight and watertight, these held strong and kept our bags dry during a trial flight. Plus, they are a real bargain at less than $3 apiece.
Where to Buy: Amazon, SureLid.com
The 3-D Camera - Splurge
Your family-vacation slideshow just got a lot more realistic with a 3-D digital camera. Surprisingly portable, these cameras function like a point-and-shoot—just like the one you already own. The similarities end there, however, as the pictures will literally pop out and make your album come to life in a whole new way.
Splurge: Fujifilm FinePix 3D W3 Camera
Price: $239.99 to $499.99
Why We Like it: Capture three-dimensional still photos or video with this all-in-one 10-megapixel camera. Don't want to remember some moments in their full glory? You can also easily switch to a normal 2-D mode. Plus, take the home movie to a whole other level by filming videos in a 16:9 aspect ratio, and then display them on a 3-D HDTV with no stretching or blacked-out areas. The Fujifilm 3D is heavier than a normal point-and-shoot, but it's still less bulky than an SLR.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Office Depot
The 3-D Camera - Steal
Steal: Aiptek 3D camera
Price: $149.99
Why We Like it: Capture 2- or 3-D still photos or videos with this 12-megapixel high-definition camera that offers 720P resolution. It's lightweight and has a massive display screen where you can check out your images in 3-D—without nerdy glasses. Don't worry about running out of space—the Aiptek can support up to a 32GB memory card, so shoot all you want.
The Under-Seat Carry-On - Splurge
Now that airlines are charging for not only checked bags, but also carry-on bags (we're looking at you, Spirit), you need a bag like one of these if you don't want to shell out fees. Designed to fit under a seat, these bags count as a "personal item" rather than a carry-on, and yet they still hold enough to get you through a trip.
Splurge: CarryOn
Price: $54.99
Why We Like it: Designed specifically to fit Spirit's "personal item" limits, this bag fit enough clothing for a nine-day trip and made it on seven flights (including a low-cost European carrier) without incurring fees or a request to be checked. On one packed flight, other passengers' bags got tossed into the checked baggage hold (and ultimately got lost), but the CarryOn fit right under the seat—no overhead bins required.
Where to Buy: CarryOn Free
The Under-Seat Carry-On - Steal
Steal: Lucas Wheeled Under the Seat Cabin Bag
Price: $39.99
Why We Like it: With similar dimensions to the CarryOn case this handy bag comes with a number of thoughtful extras, from plastic compartments to keep your liquids separate (and to contain any leaks) to the inclusion of a toiletry bag, slippers, and a ticket/passport holder. We liked the amount of separate zippered compartments in this bag, which made it easy to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes, and we really appreciated the side pocket that fit a water bottle.
The Portable Door Lock - Splurge
Anyone who's ever stayed in a sketchy hotel, motel, or hostel will appreciate some added safety. Taking up less space than a normal combination lock, these portable door locks attach to just about any door frame without tools and will help prevent an unwelcome guest from busting in to your room.
Splurge: Add-A-Lock
Price: $20
Why We Like it: The Add-A-Lock is extremely easy to install once you've watched the instructional video, which features a child to show you just how easy it is to do. The lock feels well made, helping to give you a sense of security in an unfamiliar hotel room. A word of warning: Pack the lock in your checked bag, as the Add-A-Lock set off an airport security scan, which resulted in a tester's carry-on getting hand-searched.
Where to Buy: AddALock.com, Amazon
The Portable Door Lock - Steal
Steal: Portable Door Lock
Price: $7.95
Why We Like it: This lock takes up less room in your bag than about two pens and is incredibly easy to add to your door. It's brass-plated and has some serious heft to it, making it an especially good deterrent to potential thieves. The simple "squeeze and slide" installation process took us under a minute to install on a door, and the lock is equally easy to take off when you're ready to leave.
Where to Buy: Corporate Travel Safety, Defense Devices
The Compactable Travel Speaker - Splurge
Prefer to listen to your own music instead of your hotel's radio/alarm clock? Want to watch a free movie on your laptop instead of shelling out for a pay-per-view one? Attach these speakers to your phone, laptop, or MP3 player and get great sound quality without sacrificing space.
Splurge: Magellan's Tweakers Portable Mini Lighted Speakers
Price: $37.50
Why We Like it: These tiny speakers will play music from your laptop, MP3 player, or any other device that has a headphone jack for up to six hours after charging. The two speakers compress down for packing and attach together magnetically, so you won't have to dig around in your bag to find a lone speaker. The pop-up speakers are compact for travel but open up for big sound—big enough to get you a noise complaint from your next-door roommate if you've got them at full blast.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Magellan's, SkyMall
The Compactable Travel Speaker - Steal
Steal: Merkury Innovations Eco Speakers Collection II
Price: $14.99
Why We Like it: Fashionable enough to display on your desk at home or in the office, these speakers fold down completely flat for easy packing. Assemble them into full-sized speakers, and you'll be rocking out in your hotel room or at the beach in no time. Plus, they're eco-friendly (made from recycled materials) and come in a variety of cool colors and patterns. Gift the girly girl the pink leopard print pair and the manly man the tougher-named Rugby Speakers in blue and brown.
Where to Buy: Merkury Innovations
The Trackable Luggage Tag - Splurge
Regular luggage tags might prevent someone from accidentally taking your generic black bag, but what happens when your bag is lost? Increase your odds of recovery with these trackable luggage tags that offer a return program. If anyone finds your bag, all they have to do is call the number listed on the tag, and the company will promptly make all the arrangements to deliver it back to you anywhere in the world.
Splurge: TrackItBack luggage tag
Price: $24.95
Why We Like it: $25 is not a bad price to pay for a trackable luggage tag with lifetime coverage. Plus, TrackItBack will ship your bag back to you for free any time it's lost and features a 24/7 customer support hotline that you (or the bag finder) can call toll-free from more than 40 countries. Our favorite part? The company will pay whoever finds your bag a reward, which gives someone extra motivation to report it lost.
Where to Buy: TrackItBack
The Trackable Luggage Tag - Steal
Steal: Victorinox Deluxe Tracking ID Tag
Price: $16
Why We Like it: If someone finds your bag, they can call the phone number on the tag from anywhere in the world (for free), and Victorinox will deliver your bag free of charge. Made by the same company that produces world-famous Swiss Army knives, this tag is built tough. Featuring a durable steel cable and a tough metal cover, this tag will be hard to separate from your bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Victorinox
The Foldable Flats - Splurge
Sick of having to grin and bear it when your shoes give out from too much touring? These foldable flats are the perfect solution and will take up less room than a T-shirt. Just tuck them in your bag before you head out for the day. They'll come in handy whenever you need a quick change of shoes.
Splurge: CitySlips
Price: $24.95
Why We Like it: Slip in to CitySlips on the plane for comfort, pack them as an alternative to wearing your hiking boots out on the town, or just use them when you need a break from high heels. These ballet flats, which come in a variety of colors and patterns, fold up small but still have a solid split sole, making them sturdy enough for the walk back to your hotel.
Where to Buy: Amazon, CitySlips, Neiman Marcus
The Foldable Flats - Steal
Steal: Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats
Price: $9.99
Why We Like it: With a much thinner sole than the CitySlips, the Dr. Scholl's flats fold up even smaller and come in handy when your bag is really tight on space. Don't plan on walking too far in these, but they'll do in a pinch if you get desperate. Plus, they are ideal to use in the airport security line (you can't leave them on going through the metal detector, but they're much easier to slip on and off than lace-ups) or for a short trip to the hotel's ice machine or pool.
The Wine-Bottle Protector - Splurge
Gone are the days when you could purchase a bottle of rare Italian vino and cradle it on your lap like a baby during the flight home. Liquid restrictions now force you to check your precious cargo, but luckily, protectors are available to cushion bottles (or any delicate objects) so that you don't arrive home with a suitcase full of broken glass and stained clothing.
Splurge: VinniBag
Price: $28
Why We Like it: The VinniBag inflates to form an air cushion that suspends your bottle and keeps it safe. When not in use, the plastic bag folds up for packing or storing and is reusable and recyclable. Our tester came back from two consecutive long-haul flights with bottles intact. The clear bag makes it easier for inspectors to see what's inside. Despite the name, the VinniBag is for more than just wine: Food lovers can bring back oils, shoppers can transport perfume, and antique hunters can bring back fragile items.
The Wine-Bottle Protector - Steal
Steal: BottleWise Rollup
Price: $19.99
Why We Like it: This lightweight roll-up bag protects bottles up to one liter. Just place a bottle inside the liquid-tight liner tucked inside the padded pouch, then roll up and seal with Velcro. You can reuse it as often as you want, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. In our test the bag didn't take up much additional suitcase space, and the bottle made it home safely. It comes in a number of colors, and the spill-proof liner is a great back-up in case the bottle explodes under plane pressure or the lid leaks.
Where to Buy: Amazon, BottleWise
For more gift ideas, check out Amazon's Cyber Monday deals.
What's on your holiday wish list this year? Please tell us in the comments below!
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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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