Cheaper is so often better when it comes to travel. And that doesn’t just apply to affordable airfares. We’d take a bowl of street-stand noodles over a stuffy Singapore restaurant any day! The same can be true for gift-giving. So we rounded up 25 bang-for-your-buck gifts—from toys to tech gear—for every globetrotter in your life. Happy holidays!
For even more great gift ideas check out Jetsetter’s 15 Best Travel Gifts of 2015.
Disclaimer: The prices in this article were accurate at time of writing but are subject to availability.
Lay It On Me Smartphone Speaker, $19
Check in and tune out with this nifty little speaker that amplifies sound from your iPhone using Near Field Audio (NFA) technology. There are no cables to plug in or software to synch up, just pop your phone on top and crank up the tunes.
38Hours Travel Guides, $15
Guidebook suggestions can often feel a little generic, but who has time to scour websites and blogs for in-the-know recommendations? These guides solve that problem, compiling recommendations from photogs, journalists, bloggers and other tastemakers into one funky volume.
Petit Collage Cardboard Play Camera, $12.50
Let the littles get in on the travel photography action without, ya know, ruining your fancy camera. This kit lets kiddos build their own toy camera, complete with stickers, ribbons and draw-on cardboard.
Travel the World Calendar, $16
Keep track of your 2016 travel plans with this gorgeous desk top Rifle Paper Co. 2016 Travel the World Calendar. Each month features a colorful hand-painted illustration of a classic destination inspired by vintage travel posters.
Monogram Leather Luggage Tag, $25
Pimp your luggage with this monogrammed brown leather tag from Brooklyn-based Owen & Fred. Hand-dyed and hand-stamped in the U.S., the customized tags come with a stainless steel clasp to add a little character to your carry-on.
Carry-On Cocktail Kit by Gray Malin, $24
Jet-set travel photographer Gray Malin spends most of his time taking birds-eye shots from helicopters and planes, so who better to design a carry-on cocktail kit than this vacationing visionary. Each kit includes tonic syrup, a striped straw, a flamingo stirrer, a linen napkin and colorful sprinkles. Just add vodka.
Fantastic Cities Coloring Book, $10.92
A top pick for creative travelers, this adult coloring book features intricate illustrations of urban landscapes including Paris, Tokyo, London and New York by artist Steve McDonald. Much has been said about the psychological benefits of coloring within the lines (it’s proven to help with anxiety and stress) and is there a more satisfying way to kill time on a long-haul flight?
Pocket Corkscrew, $15
This keychain corkscrew is a handy stocking stuffer for on-the-go oenophiles. Never again will you waste time watching booze hack videos to figure out how to prise open a bottle with a knife or damage your teeth opening a beer (there’s a bottle opener attached too).
Airplane Ornament, $14.95
Inspire wanderlust in your winter wonderland by snazzing up your tree with this keepsake airplane ornament.
4-in-1 Power Adapter, $25
Power up in over 150 countries with this pretty AND practical 4-in-1 Adapter which features four Lego-style components that correspond with a color-coded map of the world. Just click, plug and power up.
Gadget Organizer, $24
Globetrotting gadget fans can keep things organized with this grid made from rubberised elastic bands. Tuck electronic devices, wires and plugs into the unique weave design to save you scrambling for that vital gizmo at the bottom of your case.
Aviator Eye Mask $16
Emblazoned with classic Aviator sunglasses, this eye mask has serious specs appeal. Fitted with a light-eliminating insert to provide extra coverage across the bridge of the nose, this is the perfect gift for your wingman.
Anywhere Travel Guide, $12.95
Turn your getaway into a game and explore a city differently with the Anywhere Travel Guide. The 75 cards feature quirky prompts including ‘walk down the street in a strange way’ and ‘buy a coffee for a stranger’.
Earphone Splitter, $11
There are many earphone splitters on the market but none as stylish as this tree branch-shaped appliance from MoMa. Most are designed for two people to share music but three is the magic number with this gadget. No more fighting for the earphones!
Scratch Off Travel Map, $19.75
Let your fingers do the travel bragging with this Luckies of London Scratch Map Travel Edition, where you can track your world domination by scraping away at the gold foil layer. This travel edition comes in a sturdy tube for on-the-go scratching and features a blank map on the reverse to plot your route.
Gentleman’s Shoe Kit, $21
Stay dapper on the move with this handy shoe kit for jetsetting gents. The leather-effect canvas case contains two tins of polish, two brushes and a cloth so you can clean, shine and buff your shoes.
iPhone Case and Beach Speaker, $18
Take your beats to the beach with this portable water-resistant speaker from Urban Outfitters. The transparent pouch features a built-in speaker and lets you stash any device with a headphone jack inside.
Travel Photo Prints, $22
Turn your travel snaps into a hip memento with this cool album from Parabo Press. Use the App to upload 14 of shots from your iPhone and select a mix of landscape, portrait and square prints to create an accordion-style pull-out album. The marble-effect cover can be customized with a gold foil title of your choice.
Safari Finger Print Set, $11
Keep crafty kids and well-traveled tots entertained with this colorful art set that includes ink pads, rubber stamps and colored pencils to create fun safari animals.
Travel Pillow Hoodie, $24.95
Love on-the-go naps but struggle to get comfy? Then this hoodie travel pillow is the stuff of your in-flight dreams. Made from super soft fleece, this snooze aid combines a memory foam pillow and an oversized sweater-style hood designed to help block out light and sound.
Multi-Functional Travel Organizer, $11.99
Use this portable pouch to separate travel essentials, from socks to jewelry to make-up and toiletries. It’s the kind of gift that frequent flyers will thank you for every time they open their super organized suitcase.
Flask and Shot Glass Set, $22.50
Encased in real leather, this stainless steel flask (complete with two shot glasses) looks far more expensive than the price tag would suggest. Fill it with holiday hooch for some festive cheer.
Airhook In-Flight Gadget, $24.95
Create some extra wiggle room on your next flight by using the Airhook, a handy contraption that hooks onto the seat in front of you to hold your electronic device and drink in place. Keep the tray table in its locked position and secure your iPhones or tablet (up to 8 inches tall) for a better viewing position at eye level.
Cookbooks
Globetrotting gourmands will always appreciate a good cookbook. The pick of this year’s tasty tomes includes Rice, Noodle, Fish, a journey through Japan published by Anthony Bourdain; NOPI: The Cookbook, a collection of Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern-Asian fusion recipes from his hit London restaurant; Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes, a culinary compendium from the team behind David Chang’s quarterly food bible; and Tacos: Recipes and Provocations, an ode to the simple Mexican wrap from Empellón Taqueria owner Alex Stupak.
Travel the World Salt Set, $17.99
Salt is having a moment (trust us here!). It’s the world’s most popular seasoning, but it has surprising variations around the world. Give the foodie in your life a round-the-world tasting with this set. Or let them get even more hands on with a Make Your Own Kimchi Kit ($19.99).
This article was originally published by Jetsetter.com under the headline Your 2015 Gift Guide: $25 or Less. It is reprinted here with permission.
(Photos: Jetsetter.com)
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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