50 Gifts Under $50 for Every Traveler in Your Life
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Whether you’re shopping for a frequent business flier, a go-to travel companion, or a loved one gearing up for a trip of a lifetime, finding a thoughtful gift that’s also affordable can take some effort. They may appreciate something packable that makes a long-haul flight feel less daunting or globally inspired items that spark fond travel memories. We’ve scoured the market for the best travel gifts under $50 to cover every type of traveler. From practical yet luxurious cashmere socks and French market bags in a rainbow of colors to anti-jet lag skincare and a portable diffuser, here are 50 of our top picks for the holiday season.
Need some more inspo? Check out Traveler's Amazon Storefront for even more of our favorite travel gifts.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Cadence The Original Capsule
Leakproof, crafted from post-consumer plastic, and practically indestructible, these TSA-friendly mini jars are great for decanting your toiletries, medication—or anything else that fits—for carry-on travel. They start at $14 for the original size (which holds a little over half an ounce), and can be bought as a set (that can stick together thanks to magnets) to suit your packing needs.
Carrière Frères Botanical Palet Lavender
A unique gift for the Francophile in your life, these wax discs by storied candle brand Carrière Frères can be used in suitcases, closets, the car—anywhere you’d like to add a soft lavender scent. They also double as a fragrant ornament, and thanks to the ornate packaging, require no additional wrapping.
Ordinary Habit Collection A Fruity Bunch Puzzle by Manuja Waldia
Whether snowed in at your Airbnb or looking for a family activity to entertain guests over the holidays, a good jigsaw puzzle is ideal for some much-needed time offline. This 500-piece set from Ordinary Habit features a vibrant market scene illustrated by Indian artist Manuja Waldia, and comes with a handy pouch to make it a no-brainer to bring with you on the road.
Elorea Heaven hand cream
A good hand cream is an in-flight must, and in terms of hydrating and nourishing, this one from Korean fragrance brand Elorea delivers. Featuring antioxidant plant-based extracts, it’s laced with a delicate mix of rose petals, green tea, and amber.
Snif Crumb Couture candle
Below Sixty Diffuser Starter Kit
There’s nothing like a sophisticated fragrance to elevate your space—whether that means a tiny apartment or stale hotel room. This minimalist diffuser is as ideal for using at home as it is on the road thanks to its mini size and supreme portability (it plugs right into an outlet). Alternate between naturally-derived scents like mint, citrus, or vanilla depending on your mood or destination.
Tegu Sunset Blocks
Besides being sustainably crafted (colored in non-toxic, water-based paint) and simply pleasant to look at, these building blocks have hidden magnets that allow them to be grouped or shaped in a variety of formations. They’re perfect for fiddling with while en route to your final destination no matter your age.
Slip Gelato sleep mask
For those who cherish their beauty rest, this classic mulberry silk eye mask has you covered—both in shutting out light and doing so in the gentlest, softest way. Plus, how fun is it in this punchy Italy-inspired print?
Away The Circle Zip Pouch
Cult-favorite luggage brand Away manages to consistently turn out thoughtfully crafted accessories, and this one is no exception. The circular pouch is compact but shaped just right to double as a wallet or house tiny travel essentials like earbuds, lip balm, and eye drops. And its loop handle allows it to latch to the exterior of your carry-on for easy access.
PureZone mini portable air purifier
A portable air purifier may not be the most glamorous gift, but it will be the most appreciated in our new normal. Narrow enough to fit into a car cup holder and weighing less than one pound, the device filters 99.97 percent of particles using a carbon-activated pre-filter and true HEPA filter, all while giving off a pleasant white noise.
JBL Go 3: portable speaker with bluetooth
Waterproof, dustproof, and practically everything-proof, this pocket-sized speaker is perfect for streaming your favorite tunes or podcasts while on the go. It’s available in eight fun color combos, and the best part is you can bring it on your beach vacation without a care when it inevitably gets sand kicked on it.
Papier travel journal
This artfully gilded notebook comes packed with everything a traveler might want in a journal. It has sections for up to six trips, with each featuring pages designed for planning (itineraries, packing lists, budgets), doodling, and jotting down everything memorable about the journey. Pair it with Papier’s colored pencil set to come in handy for the world map coloring pages inside.
Apple AirTag
This small but mighty stocking stuffer is bound to get used right away, especially if your giftee is frequently on the go. Attach it to everything from keys to luggage to keep tabs on the item using the accompanying app on your iPhone. Plus, if you buy it through Apple, you’ll get complimentary engraving.
Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube bundle
Once you use packing cubes, you’ll never go back; they compress your belongings and help keep everything organized stuffed into luggage. This bundle from outdoor brand Cotopaxi features top handles and mesh side panels so you can easily see what’s inside with minimal rummaging. And each pack has a one-of-a-kind color combo for good reason, as they’re crafted completely out of repurposed fabrics.
Act+Acre scalp gua sha
There’s nothing more relaxing than a soothing scalp massage. This beautiful, weighty comb is carved from jade (and comes in varying shades of serene green), and is designed to relieve tension and help stimulate circulation. It’s perfect for pairing with your favorite hair treatment for a calming self-care ritual.
Dagne Dover Hunter toiletry bag
This neoprene bag may be small, but it’s roomy enough to fill up with toiletries, tech accessories, or the jumble of in-flight necessities that usually float around in the bottom of your travel bag. It comes with a matching mesh pouch for added organization on the go.
Amazing Islands by Sabrina Weiss
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.
Fazeek Teaspoons
These beautiful color-blocked teaspoons from Australian brand Fazeek are hand-blown from durable borosilicate glass useful for drizzling toppings or mixing concoctions. They make for a memorable gift for that foodie friend who has everything.
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) at your next dinner party.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
