Whenever Christmas or birthdays roll around, it’s always a bit difficult to know what to get for the people you love. And if the people in your life love travel, you may be wondering what to give them that is something they will appreciate but isn’t something they’ve already received or bought for themselves. In cases like these, it’s good to have some unique travel gifts up your sleeve!
While some of the gifts on this list are practical items, the majority are primarily focused on the whimsical, unique, and beautiful items that anyone with a soul devoted to travel will adore. This isn’t a gift guide meant to help you buy the essentials needed for a first long haul flight or to discover the best travel essentials. But if you’re looking for unique and delightful gifts, then this is definitely the place to be. So read on to discover some of the most unique and exciting travel gifts to give your favorite traveler!
1. Wooden Travel Map
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves to travel but also loves coming back to a home of their own, then this Wooden World Travel Map is the perfect gift! It’s an excellent blend of wanderlust and the cozy feeling of home.
This gorgeous map comes in many colors, styles, and sizes so you can easily customize it to fit the personality (and decor) of the friend you are gifting it to…but let’s be honest, you’ll probably be tempted to purchase one for yourself while you’re at it! Adding to the fun, you’ll find there’s also an option to have airplane push pins come along with the map so your world-traveling friend can mark exactly where they’ve been or where they hope to go in the future. This unique travel gift is sure to be a hit!
Click here to buy this gorgeous map wall decor or read more reviews!
2. Cityscape Ring
Know a traveler who loves jewelry? These unique Cityscape Rings make an excellent gift…especially if you know there’s a special city that is always on their mind or in their heart!
What makes these rings even better is all the customization options. You can choose from silver, gold, and rose colors as well as having tons of major cities from around the world to choose from. There’s even a customization option if you have another city in mind and can’t find it on the list!
Check out these Cityscape Rings now and find the city of your choice!
3. World Map Mug
One can never have too many mugs for coffee and tea! And your favorite world traveler will probably agree once they see you’ve given them this adorable Adventure Awaits Mug with a watercolor world map. But you’ll find they also may adore this delicate and delightful geometric map print mug (I know I do!).
Click here to check out more travel themed mugs on Etsy!
4. Travel Cable Organizer
If you’re looking for a useful travel gift that is still unique, you can’t go wrong with purchasing one of these beautiful handmade leather cable organizers.
In today’s tech-filled world, there are always so many devices and cables and cords you need to bring with you when you travel, and this handy little organizer is the perfect way to make sure it all stays neat and tidy and in one place. There are three colors to choose from and you can even personalize it with laser engravings of names, initials, other text, or logos and graphics!
Check out these leather cable organizers and buy one now!
5. Photo Map Wall Art
Another refreshingly different gift for travel lovers is a photo map that you can hang on your wall. These maps, like this United States Photo Map Wall Art, are in a map shape and allow you to add in your own photos from the adventures you have when you visit each place!
This is such a fun way to capture and display your memories at the same time as you keep track of how many different places you’ve explored. Besides the States Map, there are several other options including a Europe Map, a Canadian Provinces and Territories Map, and lots more!
Click here to check out all the cool photo map options!
6. Working Compass Necklace
This Compass Necklace is such a cool and unique little gift, as not only is it a beautiful piece of jewelry but it is also a fully working compass!
With its vintage charm, this necklace will look lovely on its own or paired with other dainty necklaces. So if you’re looking to buy a unique gift for a traveler who loves the outdoors, this is clearly an amazing choice.
Click here to buy this working compass necklace now!
7. Decorative Luggage Tags
The Letter and Leather shop has some of the cutest luggage tags on the market, so if you’re searching for a unique travel themed tag then this is the place to go! As they are so inexpensive as well, these tags make great unique stocking stuffers for travelers as well. (You can find more great small travel gifts and stocking stuffers here!)
Some of my favorites from this shop are the Bon Voyage Luggage Tag (pictured above), the Adventure Awaits Luggage Tag, and the See Ya Luggage Tag…although there are so many amazing ones that it is really hard to choose a favorite!
Check out all the amazing luggage tags from Letter and Leather on Etsy!
8. Travel Laptop & Car Decals
Another wonderful gift (or stocking stuffer) is a fun travel themed laptop or car decal. These are great as they allow your favorite traveler to express their love of travel wherever they go! (Many of these decals also work great for personalizing water bottles like the Hydro Flask—another essential travel item!)
There are plenty of cool decals to choose from, but a few of my favorites are the “When in Doubt, Travel” decal, the “Adventure” and mountain decal, this “See the World” decal, and this adorable “Home is Where the Heart Is” VW Bus sticker. They really are all just so perfect!
Check out more travel themed decals on Etsy!
9. Adventure Fund Box
Know a traveler who is always saving up for their next adventure? Give them the gift of their very own personalized Adventure Fund Box!
This box is an excellent way to save spare cash and add to it and watch it grow until you’re able to afford your next adventure. It’s a fun way to make saving up motivating and fun, as you have a tangible picture of all the money you’re putting aside to use for travel!
Buy and personalize an Adventure Fund Box now!
10. Map Bow Tie
Looking for a snazzy gift for a man who likes to travel? A Map Print Bow Tie is a fun gift that he can use when he needs to dress up a bit and wants to show off his love for travel at the same time!
Each bow tie is cut from a different portion of the map fabric and is slightly unique, but that makes it even more fun! The vintage coloring also means you can wear it with a variety of shirts to match the colors of the map.
Click here to buy the Map Print Bow Tie now!
11. Travel Posters
Travel Posters are another really fun way to give your favorite traveler a piece of one of their favorite places or cities. These range from photographs to vintage poster styles, so you can definitely find one that is just right!
If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out these vibrant and bright city posters, these US National Parks posters, and these muted and minimalist city designs as well.
Discover more travel posters on Etsy!
12. Wooden Photo Album
While a photo album sounds like an obvious gift, it’s easy to turn it into a unique and treasured one when you gift a beautiful personalized wooden photo album for your favorite traveler to store all their favorite travel memories!
The album covers are made from real wood, and you can choose which wood your album is made from with options including maple, oak, walnut, and more. Then, if you wish to have it personalized, just include a note to the seller with what you want it to say.
And bonus, this seller also offers an Up Balloon House themed travel album design that any Disney/Pixar loving traveler will adore! But whether you choose the Up or the Adventure Awaits design, this is a delightful gift that will certainly be cherished for many, many years to come!
Click here to purchase the Adventure Awaits photo album now!
13. Travel Themed Shirts
Stumped for what to get the traveler in your life? If all else fails, a cute or funny travel shirt is always a good gift to make them laugh and help them wear their traveling spirit (literally) on their sleeves!
There are so many fun ones to choose from, but I think this Airplane Mode shirt and this “I Travel for the Food” shirt are among the best. But with so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your traveling friend!
Click here to check out more travel themed shirts!
14. Compass Cufflinks
Another stellar gift for the male traveler who has occasion to dress up, these Compass Cufflinks are unique and quite splendid! You can choose between walnut or cherry wood as well as deciding on a choice between silver, gold, rose gold, or bronze plated cufflinks.
One of the most unique aspects of these cufflinks, however, is that you can personalize them with the coordinates of your traveler’s favorite locations (either one location engraved on both cufflinks, or two locations with one engraved on the right and the other engraved on the left). This is a fun way to make these compass cufflinks an even more special gift!
Click here to purchase a set of these Compass Cufflinks now!
15. Van Life/Travel Necklaces
If you know a traveler that’s into #vanlife or just loves life on the road, then this cute “Let’s Get Lost” charm necklace is a fun accessory to give as a gift! The darling design is sure to be a hit.
If you’re looking for similar and fun travel designs, you should also check out this “Find Your Road” mountain necklace or this cute “Happy Camper” necklace as well.
Click here to buy the van charm necklace now!
16. Personalized Travel Journal
Does the traveler in your life love to write about their adventures? If so, gifting this gorgeous personalized leather wrap journal would be the perfect gift!
This journal comes in small, medium, or large and in two colors: Hickory (reddish-brown) and Canyon (medium brown). Inside the journal is a notebook that can be refilled/replaced when you finish filling up the pages of the one that comes with the journal (you can buy extra notebook inserts here). All in all, this is a quality and beautiful journal that will last through many, many adventures!
But if you’re looking for other options, there are plenty of gorgeous journals on the market. Take for instance this vegan cork travel journal, or these delightful travel quotes and personalized journals/sketchbooks. So be sure to check out more journal options if you like the idea of a travel journal but think your traveler will want a different design.
Click here to buy the Adventure Awaits Leather Journal now!
17. Scratch Off Boarding Pass
And if you’re still not sure what to get your favorite traveler, then gifting them with the actual gift of travel is a pretty stellar idea. But of course you want to do it in a unique way! That’s why you’ll let them know where you’re sending them with a cute scratch off boarding pass!
Once you have the travel arrangements booked, simply submit your customized order and you’ll soon receive printed vouchers with the destination hidden behind a scratch off section. Then, when you give it as a gift your recipient has the fun and suspense of getting to scratch it off to see where they’re going! There are lots of styles to choose from, but some of my favorites are the “Pack Your Bags” tickets, these vintage style tickets, and these “Time to Travel” tickets. Regardless of which style you choose, the gift (and the delivery) will be unsurpassed!
Click here to buy scratch off boarding passes now!
Looking for more personalized gift ideas? Check out these gifts recommended by Etsy!
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