If you thought that finding stocking stuffers for travelers would be hard, think again. Travel stocking stuffers might actually be the easiest item to buy from your Christmas shopping list. Do you know why?
Because travel gifts lend themselves perfectly to Christmas stocking stuffers. After all, if travelers are able to stuff it in their luggage, you will surely be able to stuff it in a stocking!
The only thing that’s left for you to find out, is what these items are that travelers usually stuff in their backpacks or suitcases. And for that, you came to the right place. As a frequent traveler myself and as the writer of The Best Travel Gifts, I have had my fair share of experience with travel gifts. And today, I selected the 35 best travel items that fit in a Christmas stocking.
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three travel-themed stocking stuffers by budget.
- Large budget: Travel gift card (#4)
- Mid budget: Travel-sized game (#13)
- Small budget: Small piggy bank for travelers (#26)
Table of Contents
Save these stocking stuffers for travelers
Don’t forget to save these stocking stuffer ideas for travelers!
Travel stocking stuffers for large budgets
#1 Anker power bank
A power bank is a very practical item for any type of traveler. Whether they’re very techy or not, there is no traveler today who doesn’t use his or her phone. And thanks to a power bank they can use their phones for days in a row without ever worrying about running out of batteries.
#2 Portable speaker
This is one of my favorite travel items, JBL’s portable speakers. They are small, waterproof, dustproof, and provide amazing sound quality (especially considering their small size).
So if you’re looking for useful travel stocking stuffers, I can highly recommend the JBL Go speaker.
#3 Portable WiFi hotspot
A portable WiFi hotspot is perfect for travelers who can’t live without internet (and unfortunately that’s many of us).
Whether they’re business travelers, digital nomads, or just really addicted to the internet, with this portable hotspot they can connect anywhere in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This device is not compatible in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
#4 Travel gift card
If you are really not sure what kind of gift the receiver would like, I would advise you to play it safe and go for a gift card. Tinggly gift cards are perfect for any type of traveler because they allow the receiver to choose from tours and activities around the world.
But for more gift card options, check out this of the 25 best travel gift cards.
I know gift cards have the reputation of being bad and boring gifts, but I don’t agree. And if you try any of these creative ways to give gift cards, I’m sure you’ll see that gift cards are not boring at all.
#5 Wireless earbuds
This is probably one of the most expensive stocking stuffers for travelers on this list. But I must say, it’s also one of my favorites. I literally use headphones every day when I’m traveling. Either to listen to music, watch movies, have phone calls, or listen to podcasts anywhere without disturbing anyone.
But the best thing about these earbuds is that they’re so incredibly small and lightweight, that even minimalistic travelers who travel with hand luggage only can take them.
#6 Earth Pak dry bag
Dry bags are super practical travel stocking stuffers for people who spend a lot of time near or on the water. Or at rainy destinations. There have been more than a few times when I was incredibly thankful for my dry bag as I was walking in the rain.
#7 Rheos floating sunglasses
This is another practical Christmas stocking stuffer for people who spend a lot of time on the water, such as boaters or surfers; sunglasses that float on the water.
#8 Travel-themed phone case
Travel-themed phone cases are awesome stocking stuffer ideas for travelers who are obsessed with their phones.
I actually dedicated an entire post to finding the 25 best phone cases for travelers, so definitely check that one out for more inspiration.
Though one of my favorites was this phone case which you can customize with four photos.
Travel stocking stuffers for mid budgets
#9 Beer cooler shaped like a sleeping bag
If you are looking for funny and random stocking stuffers for camping lovers, these beer coolers are the perfect gift!
They can keep their beer cool inside this sleeping bag.
#10 Jewelry organizer
Are you looking for travel stocking stuffers for women?
Then a jewelry organizer, such as this beautiful pink one is perfect!
#11 Collapsible mug
Just as stocking stuffers, gifts for travelers need to be small enough to fit in their luggage. And that’s why this collapsible mug is such as practical stocking stuffer for travelers!
#12 Carry-on cocktail kit
Are you looking for unique stocking stuffers for travelers who love cocktails?
Then look no further!
A travel-sized cocktail kit is exactly what you need. You can find them for all sorts of cocktails on Amazon, such as this margarita kit. The kits include everything (except for the liquids) the receiver needs to turn any drink into a delicious cocktail.
#13 Travel-sized games
Are you looking for stocking stuffers for travelers who love games?
Then check out this list of 40 awesome travel-sized games. And because they’re all travel-sized, they will certainly fit in a stocking too!
One of my favorite games is Bananagrams. It’s a fast-paced version of Scrabble for travelers.
#14 Pocket-sized travel guide
Is the recipient leaving for a trip after Christmas? Then a pocket-sized travel guide for that specific destination is an excellent stocking stuffer.
#15 Scarf with hidden pockets
If you would like travel stocking stuffers that show you care about the receiver, then this scarf is what you need.
The scarf comes with hidden pockets where the receiver can hide their passport, wallet, and phone when traveling, so they can keep their items safe.
It shows that you care about their safety. And isn’t that the sweetest message you can give this Christmas?
#16 Tile mate: item tracker
Tile mate is one of the most practical stocking stuffers for travelers who always lose stuff (that’s me).
This tile allows them to track their items such as keys, phones, luggage, or bags. All they have to do is connect the tile to the item they don’t want to lose and open the app to locate their lost item.
#17 Passport covers
A passport cover is another example of a practical stocking stuffer for travel. You can find thousands of different designs on Zazzle. But if you just want a quick suggestion, I would go for this brown one that gives you the option to add the recipient’s name (people love personalized gifts).
#18 Travel challenges deck of cards
The travel challenges deck of cards is one of my favorite unique stocking stuffers for travelers.
It’s not actually a deck of playing cards (check out gift #22 for that). Instead, it includes 50 cards with fun activities or assignments that you can do anywhere to get a more unique travel experience.
If my explanation is not very clear, here are some examples of the assignments on the cards:
- Ask locals for a secret spot
- Learn a new skill or craft
- Send a postcard to someone
- Have a “no technology” day
#19 Sleep mask with headphones
This is one of the most unique gifts on this list, and I’m pretty sure you won’t find many travelers who already have this item. It’s a sleeping mask with built-in headphones. So the receiver can listen to music while trying to fall asleep!
Travel stocking stuffers for small budgets
#20 Travel cutlery
This is one of the best travel stocking stuffers for sustainable travelers; a stainless steel cutlery set.
They won’t have to use any plastic cutlery anymore. And what I like about this set particularly is that it’s made from stainless steel, rather than bamboo. Personally, I don’t like the feeling of bamboo cutlery, but I guess that’s a very personal thing.
#21 Waterproof phone pouch
Do you need useful stocking stuffers for travelers who are addicted to their phones? Then check out this waterproof phone pouch.
The receiver can still use their phone (thank god, because what would they do without it), but the waterproof pouch makes sure their phone is protected when they’re near or in the water.
#22 Waterproof deck of cards
I never travel without a deck of cards. It’s small and it gives you endless options of games to play. Until your cards get wet and all stick together (for some reason this always happens when I’m playing drinking games, I wonder why).
But not anymore with this waterproof deck of cards! The receiver can play at the beach, on a boat, or when they’re drinking, without worrying about the cards getting wet!
#23 World map laundry bag
Dirty laundry is not necessarily the most exciting part about traveling, but at least it will be more beautiful to look at in this laundry bag!
It’s a fun and practical stocking stuffer for travelers who are leaving on a trip soon.
#24 Travel alarm clock
Do you need travel stocking stuffers for a sleepy head?
Then a travel-sized alarm clock is perfect. They will never miss a flight, bus, or tour with this clock! Plus it comes in a beautiful red leather case. But if you prefer different designs, check out these travel-sized alarm clocks.
#25 Luggage tags
Are you looking for small but useful stocking stuffers for travelers?
Then luggage tags are a great gift idea.
#26 Small piggy bank
Travel is an expensive hobby, so anything that will help the receiver save for their next journey is a great gift idea. Now, most piggy banks are too big to fit in a stocking. But this cute one in the shape of a suitcase only measures 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.2 inches ( about 12.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 cm), so it fits easily inside a stocking.
#27 Cute keychains
Are you looking for thoughtful stocking stuffers for travelers?
Then this cute keychain with the map of New York State and the message “I love you more than the miles between us” is perfect. It’s a great way to show how much you love the receiver.
You can find this keychain for all US states, just head over to Amazon and find the one with the receiver’s home state.
#28 New York Times easy puzzles
Does the recipient love puzzles and brainteasers? Then a puzzle book to keep them occupied in the plane, car or train is perfect.
This book includes some of the easier New York Times crosswords, if the receiver is an avid puzzler, you may need to go for a more advanced version.
But what I liked about this puzzle book is that the pages are removable, so the receiver can just take a few puzzles instead of the whole book when they’re going on a short trip.
#29 Shampoo bar
Are you looking for stocking stuffers for sustainable travelers? Then a shampoo bar is a cool option.
Basically, it’s just shampoo. Except instead of in a plastic bottle, it’s a super dense tablet that saves a lot of plastic.
#30 Travel-themed tote bags
Tote bags are another example of great travel stocking stuffers for eco-minded people. A tote bag allows them to ditch plastic bags and use a beautiful travel-themed bag instead.
#31 Camera strap
I love this beautifully embroidered camera strap, especially as a travel stocking stuffer for people who are into photography. The strap can be attached to basically any camera that has these small holes on the side, which almost any camera has. Even most vintage cameras have these.
#32 Fanny pack
Just like the scarf, infinity packs are super practical travel stocking stuffers that will help the receiver to keep their belongings safe.
I love how fanny packs have evolved from being one of the most embarrassing items tourists wear, to actually cool fashionable bags people wear to festivals.
#33 Globe pendant
I think this necklace is one of the cutest stocking stuffers for female travelers. Not only is it a beautiful piece of jewelry, but it also comes with a cute message to remind her to follow her dreams.
#34 Travel-themed socks
Why don’t you go for a little inception this Christmas and fill their Christmas stocking with a travel stocking?
Socks are perfect small gifts that can hardly ever go wrong. Everyone needs socks, and as long as they come with a travel theme, travelers will love them.
#35 Fast-drying towels
I’m not going to lie. There is a reason why I put these fast-drying towels last on this list. Yes, they are one of the most practical travel stocking stuffers. I don’t think I know any traveler who doesn’t swear by these. They’re lightweight and dry insanely fast, what else could a traveler wish for?
But that’s also why I put them last. They are not the most original gifts.
So if practical is what you’re going for, then you should definitely buy these micro-fiber towels. If unique is what you’re aiming for, you should definitely avoid these towels.
Save these stocking stuffers for travelers
Did you save these travel-themed stocking stuffers on Pinterest yet?
FAQ about stocking stuffers for travelers
What to give a person who likes to travel?
Gifts for traveler lovers can either be a useful item they can use when traveling, such as a passport cover, or something that’s related to travel they can use at home, such as a map. For more inspiration, check out these 50 gift ideas for travelers.
What goes in a Christmas stocking for adults?
Christmas stocking stuffers for adults are usually small items that are relatively inexpensive and that are either useful, thoughtful, or funny. They should roughly fit in the palm of your hand and not break the bank. Some examples you can think off include small games, phone cases, confectionaries, or beauty products.
Final note on stocking stuffers for travelers
Alright, I hope you found the perfect stocking stuffer for the traveler on your list. If you need some more inspiration, check out the editor’s top 3.
- Large budget: Travel gift card (#4)
- Mid budget: Travel-sized game (#13)
- Small budget: Small piggy bank for travelers (#26)
