Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
We all know that one person who jet sets around the country or the world for work and, sometimes, pleasure. So what better way to show how well you know them and their passions for travel than gifting them something unique that will make their travel life easier? Air travel isn't always comfortable, but there are plenty of unique products out there that can ease the pains of sitting on an airplane for hours on end. Here are some of the most unique gifts for frequent flyers at a range of prices from budget-friendly to luxury:
This article is part of our Best Travel Gifts series. If you are looking for even more awesome gift ideas for every type of traveler in your life, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts for Travelers and the other gift guides in this series:
Luggage Gifts
Let's face it, when traveling, a good set of luggage is a necessity. It's also quite an investment. It's where all the important stuff you'll need will be carried and stowed, so you want to make sure your luggage is high-quality. If you're trying to find gifts for business travelers in your life, consider one of the following sets of luggage or a convenient carry-on:
1. Luggage
For those longer trips away when your favorite business traveler can't get away with checking a bag, a large stylish, yet durable, suitcase is a necessity. And you certainly can't go wrong with luggage from Samsonite. Samsonite's Freeform Large Spinner, for example, is perfect for extended trips and offers multiple pockets, a built-in TSA lock, and a built-in ID tag. Its double wheels make it easy to navigate through the airport and hotel.
Shop Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner
2. Carry-on
Whether or not someone is checking a bag, they almost always bring a carry-on as well. Only In Your State readers have agreed that the AWAY carry-on is the way to go. With its sleek design, your favorite traveler will be the envy of all others on the plane. Aside from that, it also has a hard, durable exterior and a compression interior so that more than what you think can fit inside. It's also perfect for shorter trips when you just don't want to bother checking a bag. This is one of the best gifts for business travelers.
Shop Away Luggage
3. Travel Backpack
Need a gift for a digital nomad in your life? A travel backpack complete with a laptop pocket is what you'll want to get. We can't recommend Osprey enough. Many of Osprey's backpacks come with an internal laptop compartment and several additional compartments that make it easy to organize.
As for gifts for travel photographers, you can also check out the Peak Design Travel Pack. Versatile and weatherproof, this 45-liter bag can hold camera gear as well as a laptop and can be used as a carry-on.
Shop Peak Design Travel Pack On REI
Organizational Gifts
No matter who's traveling, staying organized is a must! I cannot emphasize this enough. There's nothing worse than getting to your destination just to sift through your luggage for several minutes just to find that one item you're looking for. Take some of the stress out of traveling by helping the frequent fliers in your life get organized!
4. Packing Cubes
A set of packing cubes is an affordable way to keep your luggage organized. Whether you're packing a large suitcase, a carry-on, or a backpack, staying organized is key to making travel a bit less stressful. They also help maximize the space in your luggage. Check out the 3-piece Packing Cube Set that comes in a variety of colors from Samsonite.
Staff Pick: Only In Your State Social Media Coordinator Madison Silveira swears by these packing cubes, "As a chronic over-packer who prepares for all situations, these packing cubes are a lifesaver and a great way to save space and plan ahead!" They are also quite affordable!
Shop Packing Cubes On Amazon
5. Electronic Organizer
Whether or not someone is a gearhead, chances are they are traveling with tech. From cell phones to Apple Airpods, from a cell phone power bank to a GoPro, we all need a way to organize chargers, card readers, etc. The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Travel Case is padded, durable, and can hold several cords, portable chargers, and other tech accessories.
Shop Electronic Organizer On REI
6. Travel Containers
Whether you need to organize and carry with you vitamins, supplements, creams, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, or jewelry, Cadence is the way to go. Its magnetic Flex Capsule System is customizable to what you need. They are also TSA-compliant and leakproof, helping to make anyone's travel life so much easier than before!
Shop Cadence Capsules
Comfort Gifts
We all know how uncomfortable air travel can be these days, and not everyone has the privilege of flying business or first class. So how about a comfort gift for the traveler in your life? These are some of the best gifts for business travelers and digital nomads.
7 - 10. Neck Pillow, Ear Plugs, Sleep Mask, and Travel Blanket
A neck pillow, a set of ear plugs, and a sleep mask are three on-plane essentials everyone should carry with them, especially on a long flight. Our pick as far as neck pillows go is the Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow. The best part about this travel pillow is that it can be customized by bending and shaping it. Most standard travel pillows are one-size-fits-all which doesn't work for everyone. This travel pillow, on the other hand, can be contoured to what you need, giving you more support and a more comfortable rest on a plane.
Shop Dot&Dot Travel PIllow On Amazon
For those who need to block out noise but don't want to wear noise-canceling headphones or earbuds as they try to get some sleep on a plane, check out the Matador Travel Ear Plugs Kit. These memory foam earplugs will reduce noise to maximize peace and quiet. And they come in a handy silicone travel case.
In order to block out the light to rest a bit easier, check out the soft microfiber Sea to Summit Eye Shades. A cozy travel blanket is also quite a luxury on a plane and will help maximize comfort.
Shop Travel Blanket On Amazon
11. Noise Canceling Headphones
Another way to ease comfort and block out the noise in order to enjoy some music, a show, a movie, or some rest is with a set of noise-canceling headphones. Only In Your State readers swear by Bose noise-cancelling headphones, which come in both earbud and over-ear varieties.
Shop Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Stocking Stuffers
One of the best parts of opening gifts around the holidays is finding out what's in the stockings hanging above the fireplace. If you're searching for stocking stuffers for a frequent flier, here are a few ideas:
Luggage tags come in all sorts of shapes and colors. But instead of buying from any store, help support a small. business and order a customizable luggage tag on Etsy. Best of all, these acrylic tags come in a variety of colors so you can truly customize it for your favorite frequent flier.
Shop Luggage Tag On Etsy
13. Luggage Scale
Let's face it, overweight bag fees aren't something anyone wants to pay. So, what's the best solution before getting to the airport? A luggage scale! First, check out the maximum weight allowance per bag on the airline's website, and then use a luggage scale to see if your bag is overweight or good to go!
Shop Luggage Scale On Amazon
We all love a bit of tech, especially when it can be helpful. Now, not one person loves getting to their destination only to find out that their luggage is MIA. To easily track bags, Apple AirTags are incredibly useful and give a person some peace of mind.
Shop AirTags On Amazon
Need more stocking stuffer ideas? Gum and mints are always great, affordable options for the travelers in your life, and a reusable tote bag or a travel water bottle is as well.
So, what gifts for travelers are you adding to your shopping list this holiday season? If you need more inspiration, check out more of the Best Gift Ideas For The Traveler In Your Life!
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