25 gifts for travelers in 2025
Editor's Note
The holiday season is officially upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. Each year, we curate some of our top picks for the jet-setters and road warriors on your list. This year’s guide features 25 of our top picks for travel tech, luggage, gear and more. The TPG team tested and approved all of them.
Without further ado, here are TPG’s 2025 holiday gift picks.
Osprey Farpoint 80L travel backpack
If Katie Genter — lead writer and one of TPG's most intrepid travelers — approves of the Osprey Farpoint 80L travel backpack, then it is more than deserving of a spot on this list. It's lightweight, durable and transitions easily from the backcountry to the forward cabin.
You can purchase a detachable daypack to serve as your personal item while stowing the backpack in the overhead bin or leaving it behind in your hotel for a day of adventuring.
Buy: Osprey Farpoint 80L travel backpack, $176.25 (normally $234.95)
Noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones
Yes, noise-canceling headphones are pricey, but Ellie Nan Storck, TPG's managing editor of hotels, is so happy she finally decided to invest in a pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones. She said it's all in the name: quiet and comfort.
"As someone who struggles to sleep on planes (something tells me I'm not unique in that sense), these have been a lifesaver on packed, long-haul flights," she said. "I find them comfortable to wear for hours, and the noise cancellation component is just simply tough to beat."
Will Clarke, TPG's director of business operations and partnerships, loves the Sony WH-1000XM series headphones. "I have had the 3s for like 5-6 years now, and the battery life and sound quality are still great," he said. "Noise cancellation is supreme, [and that's] only gotten better with each new model.”
If you're looking for something more compact, the third-generation Apple AirPods Pro are pocket-sized yet pack a major punch in terms of sound quality. Additionally, they feature a cool new live translation function, ideal for traveling to countries where you don't speak the local language.
Buy: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones, $199 (normally $349)
Buy: Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling wireless headphones, $428 (normally $459.99)
Buy: Apple AirPods Pro 3, $219.99 (normally $249)
Jmfone universal travel adapter
The universal travel adapter from Jmfone will cover all your charging needs, whether you are traveling domestically or abroad. This worldwide adapter includes four plugs covering more than 200 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Japan, the U.K., Germany, Italy and Spain.
This adapter features four USB-A ports and an AC socket, allowing it to charge up to five devices simultaneously. It's compatible with iPhones, laptops, tablets, power banks and other devices. Although it can charge various items, it is not a voltage converter and should not be used for high-voltage items, such as hair styling tools.
Buy: Jmfone universal travel adapter, $18.89 (normally $21.89)
A travel pillow (that's actually comfortable)
I (Tarah) avoided travel pillows like the plague until I found the Trtl travel pillow. I just could not bring myself to walk through the airport with a foam pillow around my neck (it's not a very cute accessory, in my opinion), but the Trtl pillow is compact enough that it easily fits in my carry-on bag until I need it.
Related: Tips and strategies for sleeping better on a plane
My co-writer on this gift guide, Senior Travel Editor Lyndsey Matthews, swears by the Ostrichpillow, and now I am eyeing one as well. Its asymmetrical, ergonomic design makes it comfortable in a variety of sleeping positions, and it's made of memory foam that squishes down into a convenient carry bag.
Medha Imam, a TPG video producer and on-camera host, prefers the Cabeau Evolution S3 neck pillow. "I never have neck pain anymore," she said. It also compresses down into a carry case and includes straps to attach it to the headrest of your seat, keeping your head upright while you sleep.
Buy: Trtl travel pillow, $64.99
Buy: Ostrichpillow neck pillow, $69
Buy: Cabeau Evolution S3 neck pillow, $39.99
Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe charger
If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing yet functional charger to bring along on your travels, check out the Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station.
Its portable size makes it easy to pack, and it can charge your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch simultaneously without a mess of cords on the hotel nightstand.
Buy: Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, $71.99 (normally $89.99)
'How to Win at Travel' by Brian Kelly
That’s right, the Points Guy, Brian Kelly — our esteemed founder and head honcho, the man who started this here website from the ground up — has finally gone and written a book. It's a weighty tome that details all of his secret strategies for leveraging airline and credit card points and traveling like a bona fide expert. Whether you’re a beginner to the points and miles world or a seasoned frequent flyer, this book is jam-packed with helpful advice that will change the way you travel — and save you money to boot.
Buy: "How to Win at Travel" by Brian Kelly, $16.79 (normally $30)
Moft phone tripod
I (Lyndsey) bought one of these low-profile phone tripods for myself earlier this year, mostly to make watching shows on airplanes easier. However, it’s also useful for making hands-free FaceTime calls and filming content on solo trips. Made with vegan leather, it attaches to my iPhone using MagSafe technology, allowing it to snap on and off easily.
Buy: Moft phone tripod, $33.99 (normally $39.99)
Travel-friendly stocking stuffers
Nobody wants to wake up to a flat stocking on Christmas morning, so fill it with travel goodies that your loved ones can actually use.
Katie is a big fan of Arm & Hammer Power Sheets, easy-to-pack laundry detergent sheets that dissolve in water, allowing you to wash clothes on the go. She also packs Nuun electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated no matter where she is, especially after a long flight.
If you have a chronic overpacker on your shopping list, consider getting them a digital luggage scale. They can test the weight of their checked bag before heading to the airport, rather than being caught by surprise when their bag is overweight.
And whenever I (Tarah) am putting together a goodie bag of items to gift my travel-loving friends, I always include a Gillette Venus travel razor. It's smaller than traditional razors, comes with a convenient case, and you can keep it in your toiletry bag, so you never forget to pack a razor again.
And for the solo female traveler in your life, the Sabre wedge door stop security alarm is small, lightweight and provides extra peace of mind in hotels and Airbnbs.
Buy: Arm & Hammer Power Sheets laundry detergent (35-count), $9.99 (normally $10.49)
Buy: Nuun electrolyte tablets (four-pack), $28.16 (normally $29.96)
Buy: Luxebell digital luggage scale, $9.99
Buy: Gillette Venus travel razor, $8.40 (normally $9.94)
Buy: Sabre wedge door stop security alarm, $12.79
Youth to the People travel-size skincare set
My (Tarah) life at home with three kids is hectic, to say the least. When I travel, I like to pretend I am someone who has time for a multistep skincare routine. That's why I love this skincare set from Youth to the People. It comes with a face wash, exfoliator, serum and moisturizers that make my skin feel clean, smooth and hydrated.
Buy: Youth to the People travel-size skincare set, $59
Fun, functional luggage
It's always fun when someone compliments your luggage at the airport, but that isn't the only reason to buy luggage with personality. When a sea of black suitcases comes rolling down the luggage carousel, a colorful bag will stand out among the rest.
A few new bags on the market include Herschel's collaboration with Heinz (yes, the ketchup brand) and Away's "Paw Patrol" collection of suitcases and backpacks for kids. If you want a suitcase that looks good and is easy to track in the case of a lost luggage situation, the new July CaseSafe trackable luggage fits the bill and then some, with an internal tracking system, ejectable power bank and an impressive colorway lineup.
Buy: Herschel x Heinz luggage, from $280
Buy: Away x "Paw Patrol" kids luggage, from $63
Buy: July CaseSafe trackable luggage, from $325
Cadence capsule travel containers
In order to clean up the mess of tiny containers in her toiletry bag, Rachel Craft, a writer on TPG’s travel team, has her eyes on Cadence’s leak-proof capsules. “I've been dying to try these, so I asked for them as a gift this year,” she said. They come in various Transportation Security Administration-approved sizes and are magnetic, making them easier to keep organized in your carry-on.
Buy: Cadence capsule travel containers, from $13.50
Free People Pippa packable puffer jacket
This packable jacket can double as a travel pillow and comes in more than two dozen colors. “[It’s] perfect for saving space on cold-weather trips,” Rachel said.
Buy: Free People Pippa packable puffer jacket, $198
Matador ReFraction 25L packable duffel bag
Although I (Lyndsey) am a light packer, I’m also a big shopper when I travel. The foldable duffel bag I currently use to bring home all my souvenirs folds down to the size of a bulky sweater and takes up way too much space in my carry-on. This one from one of my favorite travel brands, Matador, folds up into its own pocket and takes up less space than a paperback book.
Buy: Matador ReFraction 25L packable duffel bag, $49.99
Insta360 Go 3S wearable camera
“This is on the pricey side, but I love my Insta360 Go 3S wearable camera,” said Andrea Rotondo, TPG’s director of content operations. “It's great to take video or hands-free photos (you can use your voice to activate it) while traveling — especially good if you're doing something active, like kayaking or biking.”
Buy: Insta360 Go 3S wearable camera, $299.99 (normally $429.99)
Calpak packing cubes
Calpak's five-piece packing cube set is a favorite of TPG's senior editorial director, Summer Hull, because it has some of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing packing cubes on the market.
She appreciates the thick mesh and polyester material, which has held up extraordinarily well across a variety of theme park, ski and cruise trips. The mesh allows for breathability and a peek at what's inside.
Buy: Calpak five-piece packing cube set, $68
The best credit cards for online purchases
- Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees): 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly rotating categories (that you must activate)
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: 3% cash back on online purchases from U.S. retailers (on the first $6,000 spent during a calendar year, then 1% until the following year). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at amazon.com checkout
- Citi Double Cash® Card: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; see rates and fees)
Bottom line
We hope this list gives you some gift ideas for every type of traveler on your list, and some peace of mind since the products have been tested by TPG staffers.
Related reading:
- 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
- Away soft-sided luggage review: Easy glide and space to overpack
- The best credit cards for Amazon purchases
- Why the holiday season is the best time to start earning points and miles
- 5 tips to maximize rewards and avoid debt this holiday shopping season
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.