My curated list of the best travel gifts of 2025
14 Thoughtful, design-forward gifts for every traveler on your list
There is something deeply satisfying about finding the perfect gift for someone who loves to travel. The right object, whether it’s a little luxury or a beautifully designed essential, can change the whole experience. It can make a travel day feel more intentional or look more stylish, and those small, mood-shifting details are the kinds that matter most to me.
Like last year’s gift guide, this one will only feature a handful of things I truly love, use, or would be thrilled to give or receive. Each item here either solves a real travel problem or simply brings beauty to the journey. Enjoy!
A chic Travel Tote adorned with a luxe hotel-inspired keychain: I tend to prioritize function over form for my own travel gear, but gifting is where you get to flip the script and really lead with beauty. Luckily, with this pick, you do get the best of both worlds—especially in this rich chocolate hue. But we’re not going totally crazy here: it still zips closed to keep everything in place and holds a nice shape to look great when perched on top of a carry-on. To level up the gift, pair it with this hotel-coded keychain that is the epitome of, “I love it, but I’d never buy it for myself.” It reads like a luxe, tiny souvenir from a place you haven’t visited yet and creates the most thoughtful duo: beautiful, practical, and universally useful.
The anywhere/anytime manicure set: I’m not being hyperbolic when I say this little kit has completely changed my life. I gave up gel nails years ago, but regular polish never stuck because I have the patience of a gnat. This formula, however, dries so fast that I now do my manicure once a week as part of my makeup routine, and it’s become a staple on my packing list when I travel. It’s compact, chic, and gives me the confidence to do a quick touch-up anywhere. It’s the perfect mid-travel reset and an even better gift for the friend who always chips their nails before security.
A ritual for the road: I bring my own tea on flights because it makes even the most chaotic travel day feel grounding and ritualistic. A set of travel-friendly sachets makes such a thoughtful gift—it’s small enough to tuck into a carry-on, elegant enough to feel special, and personal enough that it says “I know you.” This specific blend supports digestion and eliminates bloating so it’s perfect for travel days (plus, it tastes great, too).
The rest of this gift guide is exclusive to paid subscribers. It includes 10 more elevated essentials and splurge-worthy favorites priced from $14 to $399. Some highlights:
A dream gift that instantly turns any travel day into a 5-star experience (just $100!)
The accessory on my wishlist to elevate any airport outfit
The tiny beauty device that will instantly de-puff your face after a flight
The tool I will *always* pack, no matter where I’m going or how long I’m gone