We know that shopping for thoughtful, affordable, and small travel gifts (ya know, the packable kind) is no easy feat. You want to celebrate their adventurous lifestyle or next getaway, but you’re ballin’ on a budget and still need to buy them dozen of drinks at their going away party.
That’s why are thrilled to make shopping for small travel gifts easier for you. If you don’t know what to get for your friend or family member who is traveling abroad soon, then I would suggest you take a look at this list of 9 small travel gifts.
We have chosen the best travel gifts under $25, and even some of the best travel gifts under $10 (you’re a budget master!).
The best small travel gifts
1. Packing Cubes
Packing and unpacking is the worst part of traveling. Your friend probably hates it too. But what can you do to make the packing process more fun and simple for them? You can get them these cute packing cubes. They are multifunctional and come in different sizes and colors. These packing cubes are a must-have in order to solve all the packing problems. Your friend will know where their favorite shirt is, without having to make any mess. They will love this gift because it will save them a lot of time while packing for their next trip.
2. Noise Cancelling Ear Buds
Music is a big part of a trip. When your friend is on the plane or the bus, they need to have a good pair of headphones to block the noise that comes from other passengers. In the small travel gifts list,, we have put these noise-canceling earbuds that you can buy for them. They are pretty useful and very affordable too. They have powerful noise isolation and they will become their number one companion. Your friend won’t get bothered by anyone. This way they will be able to enjoy their flight.
3. Canvas Classics from Toms

Do you know that saying: “Good shoes take you to good places”? Well, these shoes sure they do. A good pair of comfortable shoes will make it easier for your friend to have a better time while exploring the streets of that country they are traveling to. They have gotten the attention of our inexpensive travel gifts radar. You cannot go wrong with this gift, because it is something that everyone will like and will find useful.
4. Power Bank
Do you know how annoying it can be when your phone’s battery dies just when you are about to visit an amazing place? This probably happened to your friend, at least once. But it won’t happen anymore, because you are going to get the perfect gift for them; a power bank. A power bank is one of the best small travel gifts that you can get. It is also one of the best cheap travel gifts that you can find. A Power Bank is better than anything else if your friend likes to always take photos and videos with their phones. Because we know how phones are nowadays. Their battery just dies out of nowhere.
5. Herschel Passport Holder
Luggage? Check. Phone? Check. Passport? Check. Everything is good to go. But wait. What if I told you that there is this cute gift that you can get for your friend or family member so that they can customize their passport a little bit? It is called the Herschel Passport holder, and I think it is one amazing gift that you can give to someone who travels often. With this gift, they will be reminded of you every time they go on a trip, and be so happy that they have a friend like you.
6. Travel Scarf with Hidden Zippers
Another great gift in the small travel gifts section is this travel scarf with hidden zippers. I am not saying that your friend needs to hide anything in these pockets with hidden zippers, but they can be useful when they need to have their essential things near them all time. Your friend can use this scarf to put their phone, passport, or money inside of it. This way they don’t need to take a bag full of things with them when they are exploring a place. It is also pretty comfortable too!
7. A Nice Sleep Mask
Sleeping on the plane can be a tough process for your friend. A nice sleep mask will sure help them. This eye mask is made out of cotton and will give your friend a perfect light blockout. It is soft and comfortable thanks to the padding inside of it. Your friend can adjust it, in order to fit their head without tangling their hair or feeling tight. It is a nice gift which they will surely appreciate that you got it for them.
8. Travel Jewelry Organizer
My friend is a huge jewelry freak and she takes almost all of her jewelry collection when she goes on a trip. But here is the thing; she cannot stop complaining when it comes to packing the jewelry. If you have a friend like me, then I found the thing that they need to make their traveling better; a jewelry organizer. This gift is the one for them. They can organize their necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets without making a big tangled mess. I’m telling you. This gift is their lifesaver!
9. Custom Luggage Tags
The last gift idea we have for your friend or a family member are these custom luggage tags. They make a great gift for everyone who travels often. You can personalize these gifts for them, by engraving their names. It is a cute and affordable gift, which will make them happy. Thanks to you, they won’t lose their luggage ever again.
What great inexpensive travel gifts did we miss?
Which one of these gifts will you be getting for your friend soon? I can assure you that no matter which one of these you choose, they will love it for sure.
To recap, here is our go-to list for the best small travel gifts:
- Packing Cubes
- Noise Cancelling Ear Buds
- Canvas Classics from Toms
- Power Bank
- Herschel Passport Holder
- Travel Scarf with Hidden Zippers
- A Nice Sleep Mask
- Travel Jewelry Organizer
- Custom Luggage Tags