The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many, it’s the time to start brainstorming about the best gifts for family and friends that won’t break the bank. Over the years, I’ve been making notes about items that would make great gifts to inspire travel for family members of all ages, or items that we have used on vacation. The gift guide includes books to inspire new adventures and exploration, practical items like packing cubes and totes we rely on when packing, a few ideas to keep the outdoor adventurer safe and warm, and games to throw in the car for road trips or family game nights. I’ve also included a few familyTravelsUSA custom-designed items inspired by places we have visited. Keep reading to find holiday gift ideas for travelers of all ages.
*This post contains affiliate links; if you click on a link and purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own., and we have used many of these items on our travels. A purchase of some of the items included will support small businesses and our national parks.
*Originally published in 2019; updated 2024 Everyday Items to Inspire Travel
Enjoy these customer-cover journals to create a travel list, or for daily journaling. Use the organic, cotton tote bag to carry on your next journey or keep in the car for a road trip. The journals are made with our original artwork depicting Washington DC’s beloved tree "Stumpy" which has since been removed from the Tidal Basin, or the scene pictured above from Rocky Mountain National Park. The tote bag is offered in two colors with the Cherry Blossom print. These items can be purchased through the familyTravelsUSA shop on Etsy! TRAVEL BOOKS
Sometimes you just need inspiration to plan your next adventure. Here’s a selection of travel guides, journals, and road trip books with something for all ages. Explore a road atlas designed for adventure. Find the best sites to see in national parks or every state, or take a hike by the water. Books like Atlas Obscura or 50 States, 1,000 Eats: Where to Go, When to Go, What to Eat, What to Drink will inspire readers to explore beyond their own back yard!
For a more interactive gift, consider this America's National Parks Deluxe Scrapbook Page Kit. Get the kids involved in a fun project to record your national park adventures. Kids provide an interesting perspective when journaling about a trip! Or check out the America's National Parks Kids' Activity Book. Travel Totes & Purses
Looking for a tote-sized travel bag that can also be folded and used as an extra bag to carry home souvenirs? The Foldie® Foldable Travel Tote Bag is an item purchased at the last minute for our trip to Portugal and I loved having the extra space! I used it as a tote bag and it easily fit under the airline seat. It also has a sleeve on one side for sliding over the handles of a suitcase for easy transport. It’s lightweight and has gotten a lot of use since that first trip.
I also purchased the Baggallini anti-theft crossbody bag for our Portugal trip and now always use it when I travel! The compact size fits a phone, passport, a small wallet and sunglasses. It also has a separate compartment to carry credit cards and cash. The locking zippers provide peace of mind when walking around in busy places. A plus is that it is water resistant and can be easily wiped off. A smaller option is the Foldie® Foldable Crossbody Bag, which also offers locking zippers and RIFD protection. Both are offered in several colors. Get PACKING
Wondering how to fit all those clothes into a small carry-on bag? Compression cubes offer a way to maximize small suitcases while keeping items organized. This set is made up of two smaller sizes, but there are also larger options to choose from. These get a lot of use in my house!
Simplify packing with a set of TSA approved Travel Bottles for Toiletries. It makes it easy to organize approved travel-sized liquids in a carry-on bag. These are essential if you are a carry-on only traveler. And if you have you ever packed a suitcase only to get to the airport and find out you have exceeded the baggage weight limit, maybe it's time for a portable luggage scale! Eliminate the guesswork and know how much your bag weighs before you depart. Speaking of suitcases, if you prefer to check a bag, the SwissGear Medium size bag checks in at 25-inches and is a popular choice that won't break the bank! We've used the SwissGear Carry-On bag in our house and it has held up well. And if you are looking for a better way to track your items, consider a set of Apple AirTags. stay Hydrated
It seems that more and more places like airports and hotels are installing refillable water bottle stations, so a Hydro Flask Water Bottle makes a great gift for a busy teen or traveler. They come in just about every color you can imagine, and each size has several additional lid options for purchase. It also helps promote environmental stewardship and less dependence on plastic bottles.
Gifts for outdoor Lovers
With cold weather setting in across the country, it's always nice to have an extra warm headband or a beanie hat on hand for weekend adventures. The Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie comes in over 2 dozen colors and is perfect to throw in a suitcase.
If hiking is a part of your travel plans, check out these socks from Darn Tough. I have some and really love the way they feel. Not too thick but with a bit of cushion. Plus the choice of colors will liven up your hiking wardrobe!
One of things we (mostly my husband) has learned through many outdoor adventures is the need to be prepared for medical emergencies. Having a well-stocked kit like this RHINO RESCUE first aid kit along with some type of water-filtration system like a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is vital for the outdoor lover! We learned the value of butterfly bandages recently out on the hiking trail, so throw a few of those in any pre-made first aid kit!
Technology-RELATED Gifts
I've used this waterproof phone pouch several times when kayaking, and love being able to take bird and people photographs without worrying about my phone getting wet. I haven't tried completely submerging the case yet, but have found having the case & lanyard handy when hiking and want to grab a quick photo. It's nice for any hands-free adventure.
Another option popular with teens and college students are noise cancelling headphones. Also a good idea if you just want a few moments of quiet when you are sharing a hotel room with your family!
Trying to find something for that hard-to-please teenager who loves listening to music? The portable JBL Flip 5 speaker makes a great gift that can be used in a dorm room, camper van, vacation rental, or backyard. Take it on the road to play your favorite music when you reach your road trip destination.
Games For All Ages
Bring back family game night or take this on the road! The YAHTZEE National Parks Travel Edition will inspire you to plan your next National Park vacation. Recommended ages 8 and up.
The latest card game we enjoy is SKYJO! It's easy to learn and small enough to take on a road trip. Telestrations is guaranteed to get everyone laughing during a family game night! Imagine the old-fashioned game of telephone with drawing instead of whispering. Of course they say no drawing skills required, which is where the laughing comes in. This would be a great game to play at night on a family beach vacation.
Inspired by the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bourbon Trek is a unique gift for whiskey lovers. It’s a fun way to test your knowledge and learn more with 200 cards. And maybe you will get inspired to plan a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Designed for those 21 and older.
The Guess in 10 series offer younger kids a fun version of the popular 20 questions for kids! Great for a long car ride or a rainy day in a vacation rental, and this version will test your knowledge all around the USA!
You can't go wrong with the popular Uno Card Game, and this version comes with a twist. It's the portable card game that’s easy to throw in a suitcase, play in a tent, or pull out for a family game night at home.
Bananagrams is another option for something compact to throw in a carry-on bag for your next trip. Bananagrams is simple, just race to make words using all your tiles before the other player. Make-up fun categories like favorite foods, colors, or the names of all your kids friends!
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