This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for one of your travel-obsessed friends or family members? Then you have come to the right place! It’s not always easy to know what to buy these days when so many of us have everything we need and more.
And if you like me, have many people on your list, I bet you want to keep the cost down. Which is why I decided to only include items that are $50 or less.
Skip the socks and unnecessary nicknacks this year and buy gifts the travelers in your life will actually use, either during their next trip or to decorate their home. I would be so happy with any of these!
So here are 50 of my best gift ideas under $50 for travelers that I’m sure they’re going to love!
50 affordable & useful travel gifts
1 
2 
3 
4
1. NEWVANGA International Power Adapter
My best friend on the road! This awesome adapter works in over 150 countries and has a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. You can’t go wrong with this one!
2. Anker PowerCore 10000
A small and light high-speed charger that comes in several colors. I don’t know how many times I’ve run out of power on my phone while traveling, mostly because of Instagram, so this little thing is super handy!
3. Anker Soundcore 2
A portable waterproof speaker with up to 24-hour playtime for those impromptu beach parties and movie nights on the road.
4. Letsfit Digital Luggage Scale
Another gadget I never travel without. If you know someone that has a problem with overpacking or enjoys a bit of retail therapy while traveling, this is the gift for them!
Related post: 12 travel coffee table books every wanderluster will love
9 
10 
11 
12
5. 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas
This inspiring National Geographic book tells you Where to Go, When to Go, What to See and What to Do in 100 national, state, and city parks throughout the United States and Canada.
6. Holiday
A beautiful coffee table book about travel magazine sensation Holiday, which between 1946 and 1977 was one of the most extraordinary publications in the world. (It was on sale when I added it to this list, it now costs a little over $50)
Hint hint to my friends and family, this is my number one wish this year 😉
7. The Travel Book
Take a journey through every United Nations-approved country in the world with this awesome Lonely Planet book full of stunning photography.
8. The Summer House in Santorini
An uplifting romance story about a girl who runs away from a failed relationship, a dead-end career and a complicated family life and finds herself in beautiful Greece. One of my favorite feel-good books of all time!
13 
14 
15 
16
9. Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm
I’m kind of a nervous Nellie when I travel and I always hear strange sounds when I try to sleep. And then, of course, proceed to come up with at least five different scenarios in all of which I end up dead or as a hostage (yes my mind is quite dramatic). So traveling with this door-stop alarm has calmed my anxiety down a lot. Now I can’t imagine traveling without it!
10. Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm
Another travel alarm that works great with sliding doors and windows. It is battery-operated and has a built-in LED flashlight.
11. KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm
The ear-piercing sound from this small personal safety alarm can be heard at a distance of up to 200 meters. It comes in many cute colors, fits on a keychain and has a built-in LED light. Buy this pack of six alarms and give one to each of your loved ones and keep one for yourself.
12. TSA Approved Luggage Locks
These luggage locks are a must for all travelers. They allow your luggage to be opened and inspected by authorities without damage to your lock or bag.
Related post: How I edit my travel photos + free Lightroom preset
17 
18 
19 
20
13. A Guided Experience
Is anyone in your family going on a trip next year? Or maybe you could bring your friends on a tour close to home? For Christmas this year I have focused on experiences instead of things. I have booked an alpaca walking tour for my mum, for only $45 I might add. And museum tickets and a rafting tour for another family member who is going to Spain in February. I book all my tours and experiences through Get Your Guide, they offer incredible value and great customer service.
14. The Travel Creator Toolkit
Do you know someone who dreams of traveling full-time? Or monetize their blog and social media? Give them the gift of learning. Being paid to travel is the best feeling and I want as many of you to experience it too. That’s why I spent a whole year creating the Travel Creator Toolkit, a collection of all the tips and templates you need to start pitching and landing paid partnerships today! Use code SUNSHINESEEKER20 to take 20% off the already affordable price!
15. Pinteresting Strategies
This is the gift you want to get for the aspiring travel blogger. Just a few weeks after finishing the course I had my first pin go viral which drove a ton of traffic to my blog. And the best part is that Carly, the creator of the course, updates it every time there’s a new Pinterest update or change. This course will jump-start any travel blog.
16. One.com domain & hosting
Maybe one of your friends would like to start a travel blog but needs a little kick in the butt. I thought about starting my blog for about two years before I finally did it. So what about creating a gift card that says you will pay for their startup costs. One.com is one of the most affordable web hosting providers out there and their service is impeccable. They have helped me out of a stressful situation more than once. By signing up with my link you’ll also get a discount!
21 
22 
23 
24
17. Women’s anti-theft backpack
This waterproof anti-theft back is a must-have, especially for a solo female traveler. It is affordable, lightweight, comes in many cute colors and can also be carried as a handbag.
18. Unisex laptop backpack
Another comfy and sturdy anti-theft backpack available in different colors. This one comes with a separate laptop compartment and a USB charging port.
19. Travelon crossbody bag
This smaller anti-theft bag is great if you’re going out in the evening or you’re not bringing much and don’t want to carry around a backpack.
20. Zero Grid Passport Wallet
This RFID blocking passport holder for men and women keeps private information safe from identity theft. It’s also a great way to organize all travel documents.
You might also like: Literary travel: 7 feel-good romance novels set in Europe
25 
26 
27 
28
21. Xenvo Pro Clip-on Lens Kit
For the person that wants to take their travel photography to the next level but doesn’t really have the money to buy expensive gear. In addition to a macro and a wide-angle lens you also get an LED light and a travel case. I love using clip-on lenses for my phone when I’m feeling a bit lazy and don’t want to lug around my camera all day.
22. JOBY Gorillapod 1K Kit
The perfect gift for any solo traveler. This compact tripod and ball head works with compact mirrorless cameras and other devices up to 1 kg.
23. Livoree Travel Camera Strap
This super cute camera strap is made of the highest quality cotton yard and genuine leather parts. It has a pastel-colored map print and adjustable length so it fits everyone.
24. Canvas camera bag
Just because a camera bag is practical doesn’t mean it can’t be cute. This stylish and waterproof camera bag with removable inserts will keep any camera and lenses safe from scratches and bumps. And if you want to wear it as a regular crossbody bag just take out all the inserts.
29 
30 
31 
32
25. Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes
These packing cubes are a traveler’s best friend. Not only do they keep your stuff dry but they make it so easy to keep everything organized. No more fumbling inside your suitcase and unpacking everything to look for an item.
26. FAUNNA-Travel Pillow
No travel gift guide would be complete without one of these memory foam neck pillows. Because how would one survive a long-haul without it? Definitely a gift every traveler will use!
27. Conair 1600 Watt Compact Hair Dryer
A lightweight travel blowdryer with a folding handle for compact storage. I couldn’t live without mine (or I probably could, there goes my dramatic side again), but what I’m trying to say is that I love mine.
28. TSA Travel Bottle Set
Set of 10 leakproof travel-size bottles & labels with a clear TSA approved toiletry bag. This gift isn’t only affordable and practical but it also looks luxurious.
33 
34 
35 
36
29. Travel Planner Journal
This gorgeous blue and gold travel planner come journal allows you to thoroughly plan your trip as well as write down everything you experience along the way. I want one!
30. My Bucketlist (Insert Your Story)
A stylish coffee table book/journal in black and gold. It includes inspiring quotes, interviews, beautiful photos from around the world, a world map and open spaces to write down hopes and wishes.
31. Penny Passport Collecting Book
I’m an avid penny souvenir / pressed penny collector. They take up no room at all and don’t cost much. If you know someone who collects them I’m sure they would want one of these books to keep them organized. I know I do!
32. Just the Ticket: Ticket Stub Organizer
If not a pressed penny collector maybe you know someone who keeps all their tickets? If so, this ticket organizer would be the perfect gift for them. Such a cool way to make a travel memory book.
You might also like: 11 affordable Lightroom presets perfect for travel photos!
37 
38 
39 
40
33. POP Water Bottle
Every traveler should have a reusable water bottle! I especially love this sleek stainless steel bottle by POP. The wood print is super cool and it will keep cold drinks cool and your hot drinks steaming!
34. Bamboo Reusable Straws
Say no to plastic straws! I always bring with me either glass or bamboo straws when I travel. It’s the least we can do! Did you know that in the US alone, 500 MILLION plastic drinking straws are used and thrown out every day? That’s enough plastic waste to wrap the entire circumference of the earth two and a half times! CRAZY
35. BEWBOW Bamboo Cutlery Set
Say no to plastic cutlery! This reusable cutlery travel set is made from 100% untreated bamboo and comes in a thick and durable canvas travel bag. It’s perfect for taking to BBQs, on camping trips, hiking trips, festivals and everywhere else really.
36. Nipoo Wooden Paddle Hair Brush Set
One regular and one mini hairbrush for men and women made from bamboo. The little one is perfect to bring in a carryon while the other can be used at home. They produce less static than plastic brushes and combs and the length and width of the bristles mean less hair loss and breakage.
41 
42 
43 
44
37. Yiluana Portable Jewelry Case
This jewelry organizer is compact and lightweight so it’s easy to carry in a handbag or suitcase. I usually put my jewelry in a pocket in my toiletry bag which isn’t really great, so I better get myself one of these.
38. Pura Vida Bracelet
The bracelets from Pura Vida have been among my favorite travel accessories for a long time. They are handmade by artisans in low-income countries and wax-coated which means they can be worn in the water. And best of all, Pura Vida has a charity section where you can choose which charity you want to support by which bracelet you buy.
39. 4ocean bracelet
Support the cleanup of our oceans and get a beautiful bracelet in return. The cord is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and the clear glass beads are made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass bottles. When living in Indonesia I saw 4ocean cleanup crews all the time so I know they’re making a real difference! Choose between the regular 4ocean bracelet, the penguin bracelet, the dolphin bracelet and the Everglades bracelet.
40. Gold-filled Compass Necklace
A beautiful everyday necklace that will look just as good with jeans and a t-shirt as with a dress. It’s hypoallergenic, lead-free, nickel-free and it won’t tarnish even when worn in the water – the perfect travel accessory.
45 
46 
47 
48
41. LifeStraw Personal Waterfilter
The award-winning LifeStraw water filter is a must-carry tool for adventure travelers. It filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water and removes a minimum of 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites.
42. Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads
These super soft bamboo pads are reusable so you only have to bring a few which means they won’t take up much room in a carry-on. And they are much better for the environment than the cotton ones. They come with a small laundry bag so they don’t disappear in the wash.
43. Zyablyk Bamboo Toothbrush Set
A set of 3 natural toothbrushes and a travel case all made from biodegradable bamboo. This could be a great gift for anyone really, let’s say no to plastic toothbrushes from now on!
44. Natural Mosquito/Insect Repellent
Bug spray might not be the most exciting gift out there, but it certainly is useful. This one is made in the US from all-natural ingredients which means it’s safe for everyone, including pets and the environment.
5 
6 
7 
8
45. Awesome Maps Bucketlist
Discover and plan awesome trips and adventures with this bucket list map. Then cross off all the things you have done. It is also available in a scratch-off version here.
This is one of the coolest maps I’ve ever seen! In fact, all the maps from Awesome Maps are pretty cool. They are meticulously researched by experts, hand-illustrated by some talented designers and printed in Berlin. You also get free shipping on all orders worldwide, so it doesn’t get much better. Remember that you can take 10% off your order by using this magical code: SUNSHINESEEKER
46. Awesome Maps Surftrip
This one is a world map with over 1000 surf spots and beach breaks, information about wave quality, water temperature, peak season, shark attacks++ It’s the perfect gift for the surfer in your life.
47. Awesome Maps Yoga
The Yoga Map illustrates the world of yoga styles and their founders, pinpointing yoga ashrams, yoga festivals as well as the best yoga communities and hot spots to help you plan your next wellness trip.
48. Awesome Maps Fishing
Do you have an avid fisherman or angler in your life? The Fishing Map shows you the world of fishing with over 250 freshwater and saltwater fishing spots and info on what to catch where.
49 
50
49. Scrubba Wash Bag
The perfect gift for anyone heading out on a long journey. Scrubba wash bag ensures a quick and easy way to wash clothes on the road. It features a wash-board-like inner scrub panel that produces a machine-quality wash. So cool!
50. Ahyuan Reusable Mesh Bags
These lightweight and foldable market string bags are all-natural and chemical-free. I always bring at least one of these with me when I travel and usually end up using them every day. The set includes 3 bags, which means you get three gifts with one purchase. It also looks kind of cute in photos when filled with fresh fruit. Just saying 😉
Remember to pin for later!
The travel security door stop is such a cool idea! I’ve never seen that before. Great list!
Right!? Thanks, Rachel 😀