Bag · Nomatic
Nomatic Navigator sling
For you if they travel light and want their passport, phone and cards in one place.
Trade-off slings are easy to leave on a cafe chair; the strap is the only thing holding the trip together.
Guide · for holiday, nomad, gift travellers
Gifts for the friend who is always somewhere else
Small enough to fit a carry-on, useful enough to be packed on the next trip. Sorted by what the person already has.
the whole list0 of 9 packed
Ticks are saved in this browser only.
The best travel gift replaces something the person is already carrying with a better version. The worst is a new category of thing they now have to find space for. The list below is split by what they already own.
We do not list prices because they change weekly across shops and countries. Each pick links to the brand so you can check in your currency.
For the one who has everything
start here ↓Things that improve what they already pack.
See it at Nomatic →
Everyday · Bellroy
Bellroy travel wallet
For you if they still carry a passport and a few cards together.
Trade-off it is bulky if they are a phone-wallet person; check what they use now.
Tech · Apple
Apple AirTag, pack of four
For you if they check a bag, ever.
Trade-off useless for Android users; a Tile or Chipolo is the equivalent for them.
For the one who works on the road
then this ↓Desk · Roost or Nexstand
Folding laptop stand
For you if they work from cafes and complain about their neck.
Trade-off it only helps with a separate mouse; if they do not own one, add it.
Organising · Bellroy
Cable pouch
For you if their bag has a tangle of three chargers in the bottom.
Trade-off small, safe gift; it will not surprise anyone.
Insurance · SafetyWing
A year of travel medical insurance
For you if they are the person who says they will sort it out later.
Trade-off it is a subscription in their name, so it works as a gift of money toward it, not a wrapped box.
For the one who takes holidays
the fun part ↓Outdoor · Grayl or LifeStraw
Refillable water bottle with a filter
For you if they visit places where tap water is a question.
Trade-off filter bottles are heavy and the filter is a consumable; for Europe-only trips a plain bottle is enough.
Everyday · Nomatic or Leuchtturm
Travel journal
For you if they already keep notes or sketch.
Trade-off if they do not journal now, a trip will not change that.
Organising · Peak Design
Packing cubes, a nice set
For you if they pack a suitcase and swear next time will be lighter.
Trade-off people either love cubes or never use them; it is a safe gift only for the first group.
What to leave at home
lighter alreadyskip:A neck pillow
They either have one or have decided against it.
skip:A giant travel adapter kit
One good universal adapter beats a box of twelve plugs.
skip:A scratch map
Lives on a wall they do not have.
keep this one
Save the guide to your Pinterest board
Lists change as we swap out items that stop earning their place. The pin always points to the current version.