39 Best Gifts Under $25 for Travelers

Sometimes, when life is feeling fast-paced and hectic, the less travel planning needed, the better. This is especially true after the exhaustion the busy holiday season so often brings.

Now that the northern hemisphere is firmly in the cooler months of the year—and it’s only getting colder—it’s time to talk fleece. For bitter winter chills, fleece is hard to beat because the fabric is made to be both lightweight and incredibly insulating. And in recent years, fleece technology has improved so much that the variety on offer is now immense both in quality, style, and price. If you thought that Colorado bros have the market cornered with their Patagonia zip-ups, it’s time to reconsider the category altogether.I was previously super hesitant about fleece because, for most of my life, I assumed its pieces all looked the same. But while shopping in Manchester last year, I came upon a button-up fleece chore jacket with a rounded collar from UK-based Universal Works that changed my mind about what fleece could look like. But in speaking with Universal Works design director and co-founder David Keyte about the material, I learned that the name is actually a catchall that could mean different things depending on where you are. “There really are so many different fleeces,” Keyte says. “It’s an amazing technical invention that replaced knitted wools and cottons to become a flexible layer of clothing that moves with the body and is warm. Fleece became the modern version of those traditional fabrics, but it’s made of synthetic fibers that hold warmth and are lightweight.”My jacket is a wool-blend fleece (that almost looks like boiled wool), which Keyte says is great for heat regulation. I use it from fall on; either on its own or layered underneath a heavier coat when it gets bitingly cold out. But regardless of which brand or style you go for, that’s kind of the benefit of fleece when it comes to outerwear or as a shirt or sweater: They offer enough warmth when worn on their own, but most are light enough to be another protective layer to partner with heavier items for harsher winter days. Here, you'll find our picks for 28 fleece items that will serve you well from now through spring.

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is no easy feat. Maybe you're shopping for the friend who has everything already or someone you don't know that well—you're stumped on what to buy, but still want their gift to be thoughtful and practical. Or, maybe you've accidentally waited too long to finish up your holiday shopping and need a gift with zero shipping time required. In any case, a gift card is a great idea for travelers. We put together a list of the very best gift cards for travelers, with options for book worms, outdoor enthusiasts, and beauty gurus included. From suitcases to skincare to entire vacation rentals, you can put your gift to good use and rest easy knowing your giftee got exactly what they wanted: something they picked out themselves. Plus, some have physical card options, if sending an email isn't the glamorous gift-giving experience you imagined.

Finding the best walking shoes for travel can be tough. You want something comfortable enough to get you through a full day of wandering around, but not so comfortable that it screams “I'm a tourist!” And since nobody wants to tote around a bag (checked or otherwise) filled with shoes, the ones that do make the packing list cut need to be versatile enough to wear with multiple outfits.

Picture this: Your first flight is delayed, and your connection time is cut in half. If you’re going to make your next flight, you’ll have to hurry. Thankfully, you packed light and only brought a carry-on. Many savvy frequent flyers know that checking luggage can often bring more stress and hassle than necessary—not only are missed connections a possibility with checked luggage, but also, bags sometimes get lost or damaged. Plus, who wants to wait for luggage to round the carousel at the airport baggage claim? Packing light is simply the quickest way to speed through the airport—either to start your vacation or to get home and in your own bed as soon as possible.

Tourist, transplants and born-and-raised New Yorkers all have one thing in common: They love New York. The city is a trove of inspiration when it comes to gifting, especially with unique items that reflect the exceptionality of The Big Apple in all its glory. Here’s what to gift your favorite New Yorker, current, past or present.

If you have someone in your life who is obsessed with travel, whether they love adventures in exotic far-flung locations or even just taking weekend breaks close to home, you're sure to find something in this list that will make their trip easier. From luggage tracking devices to items that will make flying in coach feel like business class, these gifts for under $100 should suit your favorite explorer no matter where they end up.

Closets organized by seasons, labeled containers in the pantry, shoes laid out by style and color—we all have that friend or loved one who can’t help but organize every element of their life. If you happen to be shopping for such a person this holiday season, there’s no doubt that they’re just as tidy when they travel. Thankfully, there are plenty of accessories to help them maintain their propensity for orderliness while on the move. From a thoughtfully designed toiletry bag to premium TSA-approved containers, these are the best gifts for organized travelers.

Whether you’re traveling with just the phone in your pocket, a new mirrorless camera or 20 lbs. of lenses and accessories these are some great gifts to make your life easier and take better photos in 2024. From photographing Northern Lights in the Arctic or island hopping in the Maldives check out which of these you’ll want with you on your next adventure.

As you begin holiday shopping for all of your loved ones, you might be stumped on what to get the hardest person to shop for on your list—a teenager. Finding the best gift for the teen traveler in your life can be quite the challenge—no one stays up to date on the latest trends quite like them. But don’t worry, we have plenty of gift ideas that your teenage daughter, grandson, or niece will appreciate.

Japan is already primed and ready to be the hottest travel destination in 2024.

Gift one of these practical—yet pampering—products to a well-traveled loved one in your life. The following gift suggestions have a dual purpose, meaning your traveler can travel light, yet not skimp on those little luxuries while on the road.