Finding the perfect present doesn’t have to mean spending big—but it is an endeavor to strike that sweet spot between thoughtful, affordable, and a little unexpected. The best travel gifts under $50 are equal parts fun and functional, whether they’re designed to reduce the stress of long travel days or channel the spirit of a bucket list destination. We curated editor favorites, traveler-approved essentials, and clever little luxuries that make any journey smoother (and more stylish). Here are 50 exceptional finds for every type of traveler—including travel-ready aromatherapy, a hydrating K-beauty face mist, colorblocked leather card cases, and more.
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Travel accessories
Cadence
The Small Trio
Leakproof, magnetic, and practically indestructible, these TSA-friendly mini jars are great for decanting your toiletries, medication, or anything else that fits, for carry-on travel.
Away
Insider packing cubes (set of four)
Once you use packing cubes, you’ll never go back; they compress your belongings and help keep everything organized in your suitcase. This set from Away is crafted from water-repellent nylon and features mesh panels so you can easily see what’s inside with minimal rummaging. And if you already own a suitcase from the popular travel brand, these nest seamlessly within all of the luggage in the collection.
Apple
AirTag
This small but mighty stocking stuffer is bound to get used right away, especially if your giftee is frequently on the go. Attach it to everything from keys to luggage to keep tabs on the item using the accompanying app on your iPhone.
Cabeau Inc
Evolution S3 travel pillow
A reliable travel pillow is an essential on every long-haul flight. What really sets this Cabeau pillow apart from the rest are the Velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat’s headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.
Kusshi
Everyday makeup bag
From the water-resistant, brightly colored inner lining and trio of interior pockets to the compact, flat-bottomed shape and three-sided zipper, every last detail of this makeup bag has been cleverly designed for trouble-free rummaging and organization. It’s also great for rounding up chargers, earbuds, face masks, and all other daily WFH or in-flight essentials.
Nodpod
Weighted sleep mask
A weighted eye mask is a thoughtful gift for any frequent flier. This soothing mask is ideal for side sleepers or back sleepers, and keeps you comfortable at home and on the road.
Brooklinen
Mulberry Silk eye mask
Crafted from 100% pure mulberry silk, this eye mask is an overnight flight essential, shutting out light and doing it in the gentlest, softest way. It’s a favorite of several Traveler editors for catching some z’s on long-haul flights. The best-selling mask is available in five solid colors and two prints.
Tumi
Jewelry case
The hard outer shell of this case protects jewelry during travels, while little nooks, slot rolls, and hooks keep earrings, necklaces, and bracelets separated and tangle-free. It’s small enough to pack on quick trips while being roomy enough for destination weddings and longer vacations.
Mark & Graham
Fillmore vegan leather passport case
Choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and designs to customize a passport cover for the international traveler in your life. Pro tip: A bonus of going with a brighter color is that it’s that much easier to find in your bag when you need it.
Calpak
Portable charger luggage tag
This portable battery pack from Calpak doubles as a luggage tag thanks to its sleek faux leather case, which can be attached to your suitcase. In other words, you’ll never get caught at the gate with a dead phone and no access to your boarding pass.
Calpak
The Everything cube
True to its name, this bag can be used for a variety of things; it’s roomy enough to fill up with snacks, charging cords, or the jumble of in-flight necessities that usually float around in the bottom of your tote. It has a water-resistant lining and multiple interior and exterior pockets for easy access.
The Wander Club
Wanderchain
Think of this as the modern version of the pressed penny souvenir: The vegetable-tanned keychain can be customized with engraved tokens for every state, country, or continent visited. Plus, as a member of 1% for the Planet, the company donates a portion of each order to sustainability initiatives.
Aloha
Cabin crew kit
Known for Hawaiian-themed travel accessories crafted from the brand’s proprietary Splash-Proof material, Aloha’s bags are lightweight, water-resistant, and very packable. Case in point: this mini train case that you can use to store beauty products or pack flat to eventually fill up with French pharmacy finds.
Tusk
Mini card case
Available in six vibrant color combos, these handcrafted leather card cases hold up to five cards or, thanks to the snap closure, can be used to stash foreign coins that accumulate when traveling internationally.
Dewenwils
Rechargeable book reading light
This tiny, portable reading light packs a powerful punch. It attaches securely to your book and has a swiveling head with two brightness levels. Plus it’s rechargeable via USB, with a battery life long enough to cover multiple page-turners’ worth of reading.
Counterpart
Retractable charger
Sure, you can find random ways to organize and corral all those charging cords when traveling, but here’s a more streamlined solution. This aesthetically pleasing USB-C charger has fold-down prongs and a four-foot cord that conveniently retracts back into itself.
Outdoor gear
High Camp Tumbler set
Whether serving your beverage neat or on the rocks, these insulated stainless steel tumblers are designed to last through countless happy hours in the backyard or backcountry. They also pack up neatly in a wool felt case for easy carrying.
Owala
SmoothSip Slider tumbler
Owala is known for its fun-colored water bottles, but its travel mugs are equally amazing. This light pink, 20-ounce mug keeps hot coffee or tea hot for hours and is completely leakproof.
Wise Owl Outfitters
Camping hammock
Lounge comfortably in your own backyard with this outdoor camping hammock. It folds down into a small storage pouch, and is incredibly lightweight while still able to hold up to 400 pounds of weight.
Mpowerd
Solar inflatable lantern
Just as appropriate for camping as for mood lighting in the backyard, this inflatable light is completely solar powered, so there are no cords or batteries to mess with. It cycles through eight different colors and lasts up to six hours on a single charge.
Third Eye Headlamps
TE14 headlamp
Whether you’re going off the grid or want to read in bed long after your partner has fallen asleep, this artist-designed headlamp is great for lighting the way, hands-free. Choose from over 20 strap patterns and 4 headlamp colors for customized gear that doesn’t look overly outdoors-y. The battery-operated light has 6 settings that range from SOS-style flashing white to night vision-preserving red light that’s ideal for wildlife viewing.
Nomadix
The Original towel
Made from certified post-consumer recycled plastic, this ultra-absorbent towel can be used for yoga, camping, the pool, and pretty much everything in between. It’s also guaranteed to stand out on the beach courtesy of the vibrant print options available, from classic stripes to national park-inspired patterns.
JBL
Go 4 portable speaker
Waterproof, dustproof, and practically everything-proof, this pocket-sized speaker is perfect for streaming your favorite tunes or podcasts while on the go. It’s available in eight fun color combos, and the best part is you can bring it on your beach vacation without a care when it inevitably gets sand kicked on it.
Swiss Army
Classic Knife
For any outdoorsy traveler on your list, you can’t go wrong with a classic Swiss Army knife. It fits in a small fanny pack or sling bag and comes in handy for hiking or camping adventures.
Patagonia
Capilene midweight liner gloves
Every traveler needs a warm, well-made pair of gloves come winter. This ultra-soft, moisture-wicking pair from Patagonia are as great for cold-weather hikes as they are for city sightseeing.
Quince
Mongolian cashmere pom pom beanie
Crafted from luxuriously soft Mongolian cashmere, this cozy beanie from Quince will be appreciated by snowboarders and après skiers alike. Plus, who can resist a pom-pom during a bout of winter gloom?
Gutimo
Rechargeable hand warmers (pack of two)
A set of rechargeable hand warmers like this two-pack can keep your fingers warm for up to 12 hours after a three hour charge, and mean you don’t have to abandon exploring some magnificent winter wonderland vistas.
Lifestraw
Peak Series personal water filter
Compact, durable, and endlessly reliable, this straw filter is an adventurer essential—capable of transforming even the murkiest stream into safe, drinkable water. It’s the kind of smart, ultralight gear you’ll be glad to have on hand, whether you’re trekking through the backcountry or navigating an off-the-grid escape.
Clothing, shoes, and accessories
Bombas
Gripper slipper
This sock-meet-slipper bootie has a soft brushed lining and grippy bottoms and comes in everything from heathered neutrals to festive Fair Isle patterns.
Everlane
The Organic Cotton Box Cut Tee
A basic tee is a must-have on every packing list, no matter where you’re headed. Everlane’s organic cotton T-shirt has that perfevtly soft lived-in feel.
Quince
Organic cotton oversized cardigan
A warm cardigan is an essential for chilly fall and winter mornings. Throw on this one to run errands, venture out to a museum, grab coffee (or a cocktail), and, well, pretty much anything in between.
Quince
Mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater
Another one of our favorite staples from Quince is this cashmere crewneck. Its super-soft, lightweight, and works for just about any winter getaway.
L.L.Bean
Boat and Tote
L.L.Bean’s classic Boat and Tote bag holds everything you need for a day trip and packs completely flat in your carry-on. It’s great for souvenirs or to have just in case.
Baggu
Pleated baggu bag
Even if you have a small collection of Baggus, this pleated version feels extra special in shiny silver. Pack it in its adorable mini pouch and bring it out for souvenir shopping or as an unexpectedly chic purse for evening.
Parachute
Classic Turkish Cotton slippers
Crafted from 100% Turkish cotton terry, these plush slippers are like a spa robe for your feet. To complete the cozy at-home look, add Parachute’s matching Classic bathrobe to your cart, too.
Commbi
Everyday socks
Leave it to the makers of uber comfortable slides and mules to create cozy, breathable socks. These are soft without being overly so (and risking pilling or wearing down too quickly), with just the right amount of stretch and thickness to pair comfortably with shoes or wear alone for padding lazily around the house or a hotel room.
Beauty and wellness
L’Occitane
Hand cream set
A good hand cream is an in-flight must, and in terms of hydrating and nourishing, this travel-friendly set from L’occitane is about as good as it gets. It comes with three 1-oz. tubes in classic shea butter, almond, and lavender scents.
Le Labo
All-In-One cleanser
Infused with aloe and botanical extracts, this skin-softening cleanser from New York City–based Le Labo can be used head-to-toe—taking a simple act of hygiene to the next level with its classic yet luxurious scent of lavender, bergamot, and violet.
Act+Acre
Scalp gua sha
There’s nothing more relaxing than a soothing scalp massage. This beautiful, weighty comb is carved from jade (and comes in varying shades of serene green); it is designed to relieve tension and help stimulate circulation. It’s perfect for pairing with your favorite hair treatment for a calming self-care ritual.
Aesop
Ginger Flight Therapy roll-on
Whether you’re looking for relief after a marathon of luggage-laden travel or a little help unwinding from back-to-back Zoom meetings, this soothing botanical blend of lavender, ginger root, and geranium provides just the right dose of self-care in a TSA-approved roller ball size. Pro tip: Dab it on your pulse points and pair with an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones for brief moments of zen.
Merit Beauty
Mini Great Skin Serum
Give the gift of great skin with Merit Beauty’s best-selling serum. This mini size is TSA-approved and fits nicely in any Dopp kit.
Kate McLeod
Grounding stone
Formulated with five ultra nourishing oils and butters (cocoa, sweet almond, apricot kernel, fractionated coconut, and avocado), this sculptural moisturizer softens as it comes into contact with warm, dry skin. Bask in the calming mix of woody vetiver and zesty bergamot, and use it as a massage stone for an incredibly relaxing and indulgent self-care ritual that rivals a day at your favorite spa.
111Skin
Jetsetter wallet
Created by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, 111 Skin is beloved for its super luxurious, highly effective products—and the brand’s brightening, firming, invigorating under-eye masks are no exception. This trio is perfect for stashing in your toiletry bag and saving for jet-lagged mornings or anytime your complexion is in need of a pick-me-up.
Rhode
The peptide eye prep set
Land at your destination feeling refreshed by popping on Rhode’s new de-puffing eye patches. These hydrating patches actually stay in place without sliding around.
Merit Beauty
Flush cream blush
Merit’s Flush cream blush is just the right size to keep in your purse for quick, on-the-go touches. It melts effortlessly into the skin and makes blending in your blush easier than ever.
Touchland
Power mist hand sanitizer
A luxe alternative to your standard hand sanitizer, this trio is packaged in a pocket-friendly shape, has hydrating aloe vera, and, thanks to delicate, pretty scents like lavender and vanilla makes you want to have it with you at all times.
Home goods
Bee Harmony
Honey flight
Raw, sustainably sourced, and utterly therapeutic, these wildcrafted honeys are hand-harvested from apiaries around the country. Break up the set to gift as foodie stocking stuffers—or hoard one or two for yourself.
Fazeek
Teaspoons
These beautiful color-blocked teaspoons from Australian brand Fazeek are hand-blown from durable borosilicate glass useful for drizzling toppings or mixing concoctions. They make for a memorable gift for the foodie friend who has everything.
Diptyque
Roses candle
An olfactory gift that will cozy up anyones’s home, Diptyque’s roses candle is a timeless and classic fragrance. Not to mention, it looks chic on any nightstand or bathroom counter.
Carrière Frères
Botanical Palet necklace
A unique gift for the Francophile in your life, these wax discs by storied candle brand Carrière Frères can be used in suitcases, closets, the car—anywhere you’d like to add a soft lavender scent. They also double as a fragrant ornament, and thanks to the ornate packaging, require no additional wrapping.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
