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.
I love giving gifts (it’s one of my love languages), but I have family members and friends who are extremely hard to shop for during the holiday season. These women are adventure seekers and travelers who don’t want just anything — they want items they can use. The best travel gifts for women are those that ignite wanderlust and make adventures a little easier. If you are like me and need a few ideas for these globetrotting ladies, take a look at some of our favorite thoughtful travel gifts that will bring a smile to every travel-loving woman this holiday season.
1. Herschel Novel™ Duffle
I love a good duffle bag. Whether for an overnight adventure, a weekend getaway, or for carrying all those delicious snacks on a road trip, you can’t go wrong with the right bag, like the Herschel Novel™ Duffle Bag. This bag uses EcoSystem recycled fabrics, making it durable and strong. The padded shoulder straps allow for easy, comfortable carrying, and the signature shoe compartment and extra pockets make organization a breeze. Plus, it comes in multiple sizes and colors, so you can easily buy one for every woman in your family.
2. Poppy & Pout Lip Balm
There’s something about dry and chapped lips that can damper any adventure. That’s why everyone will appreciate lip balm from Poppy & Pout. These lip balms feature 100 percent clean and natural ingredients and are even packaged in eco-friendly cardboard. Poppy & Pout lip balm is also untinted and comes in a variety of flavors, with options to buy a single product or a box set. These lip balms make for excellent gifts for friends but I recommend purchasing more than one — you'll likely want to keep this gift for yourself.
3. EverSnug Premium Travel Blanket Pillow
Forget those paper-thin blankets you receive on airplanes. When traveling, you want something cozy, and that will help you fall into a deep slumber. That’s why I love the EverSnug 2-in-1 Airplane Blanket. This blanket features a micro-plush fabric that is lush and velvety. The blanket is also an impressive 68 inches by 42 inches, giving you plenty of fabric for long snuggles. Even better, when you don’t want the blanket, it zips up and forms a pillow, perfect for long flights or car rides. The convenient clip on the outside allows you to easily carry the blanket on your backpack, or the pillow slides onto the handle of your luggage.
4. Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
I will not travel anywhere without my Beats Studio Pro Noise Canceling Headphones. They were a gift from my husband and have been some of the best headphones I’ve ever owned. The over-the-ear design prevents the worry of falling asleep on a plane and losing an earbud. The sleek design is attractive and they easily connect via Bluetooth. I’ve also been extremely impressed with the 40-hour battery life. On all of my travels with these headphones, I’ve never had to charge the headphones on a trip. I can't recommend them enough.
5. Cork Globe
Help your family and friends remember their trips from around the world with this unique spinning cork globe. It comes with more than 100 push pins to mark trips they’ve taken or even those that are on their bucket list. The cork globe will not warp, and you don’t have to worry about unattractive strips around the equator holding the globe together. It’s a fantastic conversation starter and a great way to ignite wanderlust.
6. Yankee Candles Vehicle Air Fresheners
If you are like me, I love a good road trip, but sometimes, spending too much time in the car can create a space that doesn’t smell very good. Enter one of the best travel gifts for women — an attractive pendant fragrance kit from Yankee Candle. With a variety of styles and scents, you can easily choose something your favorite person will love. Plus, the beautiful finish is so aesthetically appealing that passengers will immediately notice them the minute they sit down. And you don’t have to worry about purchasing refill after refill, as each scent lasts up to 30 days.
7. The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small
Inspire others with this bucket list book that’s full of all adventures. This travel book features bucket-list-worthy destinations from all seven continents. You can browse through hundreds of images and gather ideas for museums and restaurants to visit, mountains to hike, beaches to lay on, and so much more. Whether the woman in your life is just starting to catch the travel bug or has been bitten for a long time, this book is sure to inspire.
8. Lululemon Travel Mat
After a day of traveling, there’s nothing like spending a few minutes stretching your body, and the Travel Mat from Lululemon is a must. This mat is lightweight and foldable, making it easy to throw into a backpack or suitcase. And, due to the FSC™-certified natural rubber, the mat will keep its shape when unfolded. It is the perfect travel companion.
9. Lamare Travel Journal
I’m a planner, and many of my friends are as well. That’s why a travel journal is always a big hit. Not only does this book feature a beautiful design, but it has everything to inspire, organize, and remember. This travel journal features prompts for writing and pockets for pictures and other special items. There’s an area to organize your travel itinerary, create your packing list, track your expenses, and so much more. It’s a travel companion that will be used from the minute an idea strikes for an upcoming adventure until after the trip is over.
10. Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Traveling can be overwhelming, especially when you have your hands full. That’s why one of our favorite gifts for mom or another woman in your life (or even yourself!) is this luggage travel cup holder. This cup holder slides onto your suitcase handles and allows you to easily carry two coffee cups with ease. Or, use it for easy access to your phone, charging cords, sunglasses, etc. It is durable, machine washable, and extremely convenient — it makes traveling that much easier.
11. Compression Socks
It doesn’t matter if you are going on a long flight or a long road trip; you must take care of your body. Compression socks can reduce swelling and improve circulation in your legs. They can also reduce leg pain and discomfort after sitting for extended periods of time. Plus, these socks reduce the risk of serious medical issues such as blood clots and vein thrombosis. And with these compression socks found on Amazon, you’ll not only be gifting your friends and family all of these health benefits but also some super cute designs as well. Everyone can always use a new pair of socks.
12. Plush Velvet Jewelry Box
Even when on an adventure, you can still look your absolute best. This small travel jewelry box boasts numerous compartments so you can easily take all of your favorite jewelry with you without worrying about damage or tangles. You’ll also find a hidden earring compartment and a small mirror inside. The box is quite compact, meaning it will take up little room in suitcases, and the velvet finish of the case makes it feel fancy and rich, even though it is one of our favorite budget-friendly travel gift ideas for women.
13. Trekking National Parks Water Bottle
Everyone seems to carry a water bottle with them no matter where they go. That’s why one of our favorite gifts for a girlfriend/fiancée/wife or even a great gift for moms or daughters is this Trekking National Parks water bottle. It features 63 waterproof stickers, so you can easily keep track of all the national parks you’ve visited and those that you must move up on your bucket list. There are also three lid options, and the 32-ounce size makes it the perfect companion for a variety of outdoor activities.
14. Teva Original Universal Sandals
Footwear can make or break a vacation, and Teva’s Original Universal Sandals ensure that you are prepared no matter what adventures are coming your way. These sandals are perfect for time in the water or just walking around town. The molded EVA midsole offers heel cupping and arch support, and the hook-and-loop closure not only makes putting on the sandals easy but also ensures they remain tight. These shoes are durable, have plenty of traction, and are very stylish.
Did any of the above travel gifts catch your eye? What are some other gifts for grandma? Or what are your favorite travel gifts for your aunt? Or even gifts for your daughter or mom? We’d love even more ideas! And if you're also looking for ideas for the men in your life, check out our expert - curated gift ideas for men or anyone who loves to travel!
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