So, you’re looking for a unique train gift for that special someone in your life who’s absolutely smitten with trains? Someone who eats, sleeps, and dreams locomotives while you can’t quite tell a steam engine from a diesel one. No worries, we’ve got your back with our 30 best gifts for train lovers, your go-to resource for finding that perfect, train-tastic present that will make them whistle with delight.
Whether it’s for your significant other, a close friend, or even your boss (who knew they were such a fan?), we’ve got 30 unforgettable ideas for adults. And whether you’re looking for a thoughtful and sentimental gift, a conversation starter, or something downright quirky and unusual our gift guide covers it all. So let’s get on track, shall we?
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three train-related gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Train experience gifts (#1)
- Mid budget: Epic train journeys book (#12)
- Small budget: Top trumps train game (#21)
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Train gifts for large budgets
#1 Train experience gifts
I am a big fan of experience gifts over physical ones, and several studies actually showed that most recipients feel the same way.
So if you are looking for the best gifts for train lovers, head over to Virgen Experience and find an epic train ride near the recipient’s home or at their next travel destination.
Alternatively, you can buy a ticket for an epic train ride you know the recipient will love, and then use the cute DIY ticket voucher from Etsy to give the ticket.
#2 Pocket watch
Personally, I think pocket watches are some of the coolest gadgets for men. I don’t know what it is, but for me, it has something.
So if you are looking for cool train gifts for men who share that (weird) thing I have for pocket watches, then obviously, this one with an engraved steam train is perfect.
#3 Train-themed hoodie
Are you looking for train gift ideas for someone whose attic is filled with model trains?
Then a hoodie with a train theme is perfect. So next time when they’re playing with trains they will stay nice and warm in your awesome gift.
#4 Ticket to ride board game
This is probably one of my favorite gifts for train lovers. And to be honest, it’s not just my favorite for train fans, but for anyone who loves board games, because Ticket to Ride is my favorite board game!
And that’s exactly what makes it a great gift for a train enthusiast. They can finally share their hobby with other people who might not be as fascinated by trains as they are. But at least they can find a shared interest in this game.
#5 Whiskey glasses
Are you looking for unique train gifts for adults who also love whiskey?
Allow them to combine their two favorite things with these awesome train engine blueprint whiskey glasses.
#6 Wall art
The ultimate gift for train enthusiasts who just bought a house or who recently moved to a new home is train-inspired wall art.
One of my favorites was this metal wall art of a steam train. But check out Amazon for more options.
And if the recipient is a travel lover, have a look at these 25 travel-themed housewarming gifts too.
#7 Train-themed phone case
Are you looking for unique train gifts for adults who are addicted to their phones?
Then check out the awesome train-themed phone cases on Zazzle. So next time their phone seems to be glued to their hands, at least they will be holding your awesome gift.
#8 Train piggy bank
This is one of the coolest train travel gifts.
Why?
Because they can use this unique train-shaped piggy bank to save up for their next epic train journey!
But of course, it’s also a cool gift for people who just love train spotting or playing with trains, because they can use it to save for anything they want.
#9 Electric train set
This is probably one of the train gift ideas for adults who love to play with trains; a cool train set at home!
Check out Amazon for the electric Bachmann train, or head over to Etsy if you are looking for vintage trains.
#10 Train magazine subscription
Subscriptions are awesome gifts because it’s something the recipient can enjoy over and over again. At least, as long as the subscription lasts.
And that makes a subscription to Trains Magazine one of the best gifts for a train enthusiast. Because they can enjoy a new magazine about their favorite hobby every month!
#11 Train-shaped clock
The next home decor gift for train lovers is this awesome locomotive-shaped clock.
It’s great for train enthusiasts who want to decorate their entire home in train style.
Train gifts for mid-budget
#12 Train journeys travel guide
This is by far the best train travel gift. Not only is train travel a great sustainable way of travel, but it’s also a unique way to see the world.
Lonely Planet has published two awesome books for train lovers.
In the first one, they collected the 60 most epic train rides around the world. And trust me, even the biggest train enthusiast hasn’t experienced them all.
How about the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls ride in Zimbabwe or The Glacier Express in Switzerland?
The second one covers the best rides in Europe.
#13 Journal
I always recommend travel journals for people who are about to go on a trip, and this includes people who are about to go on a train journey!
They can keep track of all their experiences and epic rides in this beautifully designed journal.
#14 Travel mug
The nearly 4000 train-themed travel mugs on Zazzle are awesome gifts for train lovers and train spotters who want a nice hot cup of coffee while practicing their favorite hobby.
#15 Train poster
Are you looking for more train-related gifts for someone’s home?
Then check out this poster with the history of trains. It’s not just great for train enthusiasts, but for history buffs too.
#16 Train gift card
I know that some people still believe that you can’t give gift cards because they are impersonal and lame. But I beg to differ. They are actually one of the most practical and desired gifts by recipients. Especially if you go for a gift card for something they love and certainly use. For train enthusiasts, that would be a gift card for a train journey!
The two options I selected here are the Bluebell Railway gift card for people in England and Eurostar for people who travel by train to the rest of Europe.
If you’re still not convinced about giving a gift card, why not try one of these 29 unique ways to wrap a gift card to make your gift stand out?
#17 Travel pillow
Do you need practical train travel gifts?
Then a travel neck pillow is a great gift idea. They can spend even more time in their favorite vehicle and still sleep comfortably with this neck pillow.
#18 Steam train necklace
Are you looking for train-themed gifts for women?
Then jewelry is always a safe option. One example is this cute steam train necklace.
#19 Water bottle
As a frequent train traveler, you have to be prepared for anything. You never know how long it’s going to take to get to your next stop. And you never know when you will be able to buy some snacks and drinks. (Especially in countries with less reliable train systems.) So if you want to make sure the recipient stays hydrated, even on long train rides, the awesome train-themed water bottles on Zazzle are perfect.
Also, they’re just great for any train enthusiast who wants to ditch one-time plastic water bottles and go for a sustainable option.
#20 Passport covers
Are you looking for gifts for train lovers who travel a lot? Preferably by train, of course.
Then a passport cover with a train theme is an awesome gift idea for them! You can find various designs on Etsy, or go for this wooden steam train illustration cover for people who are fascinated by steam trains.
Train gifts for small budgets
#21 Top trumps train game
If I had to choose, I would pick Ticket to Ride over Top Trumps. But if you are looking for smaller train-themed gifts for people who love games, I would say Top Trumps is the best option.
#22 Luggage tags
Besides passport covers, train-themed luggage tags are also awesome gifts for train lovers who travel a lot. They can easily find their bags with this cool vintage train ticket tag.
#23 Shirts
Are you looking for funny train lover gifts?
Whether it’s for men, women, or children, you can find a funny train-inspired shirt on Etsy. Such as this “one-track mind” shirt.
#24 Coloring book for adults
Before you say anything about coloring books being for kids, let me share two facts with you.
Did you know that coloring books for adults help them relax?
And did you know that it also relieves anxiety?
How is that for a child’s activity?
So, if you are looking for gifts for train enthusiasts who seem a little stressed out, check out this awesome train-themed coloring book.
#25 Personalized mug
Personalized gifts are always a good idea because people love to keep personalized gifts. So if you are looking for unique train gifts for adults that they will actually use and keep, check out this cute ticket mug on Etsy. It looks like a train ticket and you can completely customize it for the recipient and whatever the gifting occasion is.
#26 Socks
You can never go wrong with socks. Everybody needs them, and you can find them in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Such as these cute train-themed socks.
#27 Books about trains
The Great Railroad Revolution by Christian Wolmar
This is the ultimate train-themed gift for adults who are obsessed with the history of America, especially those related to trains. In The Great Railroad Revolution, they will learn everything about the American railway, from the first one back in 1830 to its current status.
Adventures of a railway nomad: How our Journeys Guide Us Home
As you probably already guessed from the title, this book makes one of the best train gifts for people who love to travel by train or people who want to do it in the future. It’s a funny book about the train journey of a couple in Eastern Europe.
#28 Keychain
If you are looking for small and thoughtful train enthusiast gifts for someone you don’t know very well, a keychain is a perfect solution. Especially if you buy one related to the recipient’s hobby, such as this one.
It’s sweet, small in size and price and everyone can use it.
#29 Train spotting journal
If you need train gift ideas for the frequent train spotter, this is it. It’s a journal in which he or she can keep his train spotting notes organized!
#30 Tote bags
Some people travel by train because they love trains and others because it’s better for the environment. If the recipient falls into the second category, you just found the perfect gift for them; a tote bag with a travel theme!
Why?
Because tote bags are made from recyclable material, they last longer, and they can replace plastic bags. And it has a print of their favorite type of transportation.
Save these gifts for train lovers
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Final note on these gifts for train lovers
Alright, these were the 30 best gift ideas for train lovers! Which one did you buy? Or have you not decided yet? In that case, check out the editor’s top three for a little more help.
- Large budget: Train experience gifts (#1)
- Mid budget: Epic train journeys book (#12)
- Small budget: Top trumps train game (#21)
