As the holidays inch closer, many of you might be wondering what to get for people on your gift list. As a travel expert who’s constantly on the go, I will say some of my favorite things revolve around staying organized and being comfortable — from luggage to passports, I always know where my essentials are, and now that I travel with my kids, it’s even more important.
I’m sharing a few of my favorite things that also make great gift ideas for friends and family.
Travel tech
Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones
Best for: Peace and quiet on the plane
My favorite, which I’ll always throw in my bag, is my Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones. These are stylish and have great sound quality — the surround sound is awesome. They are my go-to for flights; they are comfortable and connect seamlessly via Bluetooth.
TPG tip: Bose is often on sale during Amazon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. Make sure you stack any deals with a card that earns rewards on Amazon purchases.
Shop Bose headphones on Amazon
Apple iPad Pro
Best for: Getting things done on the go without a laptop
Perfect for loading up movies and shows I might want to watch on the plane or loading up a few movies for the kids so I don’t have to rely on inflight entertainment. I also don’t love traveling with a laptop, so this is a great option for me to keep up with work on the go.
TPG Tip: Keep an eye out for Apple's "today only" promotions that offer larger-than-normal points-earning opportunities. Shopping portals are another great way to stack earnings on top of credit card rewards.
Apple AirTags
Best for: Anyone who ever checks a bag at the airport
You know I’m always a fan of Apple AirTags because there are plenty of times I need to check a bag when traveling with my family (but they are great for backpacks, purses and more). Plus, if your bag is ever lost, multiple airlines now allow you to share your AirTag location.
TPG tip: Amazon routinely offers sales on AirTags during Black Friday. You can stack your savings if you have the Amazon Prime Visa or look for targeted shopping offers you can activate on your credit cards.
Maya Mobile eSIM
Best for: Staying connected with friends and family abroad
I use this eSIM when traveling overseas — it’s $50 per month for unlimited international data and calling and works in over 165 countries.
TPG tip: Limited-time plans are also available if you need to stay connected for shorter trips.
Anker Universal Charger (4-in-1, 100W, Smart Display)
Best for: Anyone who doesn’t want to juggle multiple adapters and chargers
This charger doubles as an adapter that works in over 200 countries, so you never have to worry about your devices. Fits securely in any socket for seamless charging of up to four devices.
TPG tip: Anker always runs an annual Black Friday sale on both its site and Amazon. If you have a card that’s good for Amazon, you can stack your savings and your credit card rewards.
Kidde’s carbon monoxide detector
Best for: Giving the gift of peace of mind
Safety is so important when I travel — especially if my kids are with me. The Kidde carbon monoxide detector is lightweight, battery-operated and fits easily in my bag. Just remember to pop out the batteries before going through airport security.
TPG tip: Make sure you’re using a card that’s great for Amazon to maximize your purchase.
Shop Kidde carbon monoxide detector
CaseSafe by July
Best for: The traveling family with both Apple and Google devices
The world’s first trackable suitcase from Melbourne, Australia-based luggage brand July. I have tested it out on several trips, and I love the spinning double wheels, its lightweight polycarbonate shell and lifetime warranty. The tracking works with both Apple and Google devices — it's easy to set up the tracking on your phone. Prices range from $325 to $395, depending on features.
TPG tip: July is currently offering 20% off the full range, sitewide, no minimum spend. Ends Nov. 29.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and Clear
Best for: Anyone who wants to skip the line at the airport
Use the membership credits on your credit card to gift membership to others if you already have it! There are several credit cards that offer Global Entry credits and a few more that offer Clear credits as a benefit. If you hold a certain elite status on Delta Air Lines or United Global Services, you can also receive complimentary Clear membership.
TPG tip: If you have multiple cards with Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, you can use one of them to gift a membership to a friend or family member.
Sign up for Clear with TPG's special offer: $40 off your first year of membership and a free booking of Clear Concierge (valued at $99).
Home or office
AvGeek art
Best for: AvGeeks with home offices
These plane art pieces by Pop Art Prince and Scout Design Studio are so unique and look great in my home office. If you have an AvGeek in your life, these might just make the perfect gift for their home or office.
TPG tip: Etsy is a shop on Rakuten, and you can stack your credit card rewards with the portal for even more savings.
Hotel Lobby Candle
Best for: Bringing your favorite destination home with you
I love these scents — the candles are 100% soy wax with a 65-hour burn time. I am currently burning Paris Nuit and Holiday in my home — they bring the chic smell of hotels right to you. Created by my friend, fellow travel content creator Lindsay Silberman.
TPG tip: You can subscribe and save 20% when buying directly from the Hotel Lobby Candle website.
Travel clothing
Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined 7” Shorts
Best for: Travelers who run hot on long-haul flights
I run hot on planes, so I opt for these Lululemon shorts. They keep me comfortable even when I'm sleeping in transit (a must-have for my travel day clothes), and they come in multiple colors. Given my height, it's also a plus that they come in multiple inseam lengths.
Their long-sleeve Metal Vent Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt is lightweight and sweat-wicking — another travel day fav of mine.
TPG tip: I save on them by using my quarterly $75 Lululemon statement credit on my (enrollment required).
Shop Lululemon Pace Breaker shorts
Bombas compression socks
Best for: Anyone who flies frequently
Bombas compression socks are a must for long-haul flights to help ward off deep vein thrombosis (DVT), aka blood clots, which can occur from reduced circulation and sitting for too long. I always pack my Bombas compression socks (3-pack, $91.50) and stay well-hydrated on flights.
TPG tip: Purchase using Rove’s shopping portal and earn up to 6x Rove miles.
Stack your rewards with shopping portals
You can stack rewards and double dip (or even triple dip) and earn your credit card points and miles on purchases, plus airline miles or other currencies when you do your online shopping via portals. I like to earn Amex points with Rakuten or Rove Miles through Rove.
For instance, on Rove, you can earn 9x Rove miles per dollar spent when you shop at Best Buy — and that’s on top of any rewards you earn directly through your credit card. Multipliers change all the time, but it's so easy to check. If you aren’t a Rove member yet, you can join for free and earn 1,500 Rove miles instantly when you sign up using my link. This is three times more than the standard referral offer!
If earning American Airlines miles is your cup of tea, the AAdvantage eShopping portal is offering up to 4,000 AAdvantage bonus miles when you shop its holiday promos through Nov. 20.
Check out our full guide to online shopping portals to learn how to maximize your rewards on all your holiday shopping this season.
