11 Functional and Unique Travel Gift Items that Families will Actually Use
Parents and Child Preparing Food Using a Family Cook Book, One of the Unique Travel Gift Ideas Featured in this List (Photo: Pressmaster via Envato)
When gifting season is on the horizon, we all want to find items our jet-setting loved ones will actually use. Sure, your family would rock those stylish sneakers being touted as “airplane must-haves,” but your in-laws likely would not. (Some parents [raises hand] are also pretty particular when it comes to gear like travel strollers and packing accessories.)
That’s why I recommend steering clear of anything that involves fashion and personal preferences. Instead, stick to universally convenient gifts for parents who travel a lot, and fun, adventure-themed activities and toys for kids. Get all the inspiration you need for your holiday or special occasion shopping sesh, with these 11 useful and unique travel gift ideas.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: Companies whose products are featured in this article have no influence on my content. I will never recommend a product that I have not already purchased or would not consider purchasing on my own.)
1. Kids’ Digital Camera
Kidamento Camera in Model K (Photo: Kidamento via Amazon)
Rather than get the little traveler in your life a children’s camera toy that doesn’t actually function, feed their curiosity and creativity with the Kidamento Kids Digital Camera and Video Camcorder (Model K). Sporting cute yet durable designs using responsibly sourced materials, these cameras allow youngsters to capture moments through their eyes, while experimenting with fun filters and stickers.
The featured model is the most versatile of the three available and is also suitable for the widest age range (3 to 9). Features like auto focus, auto color, auto ISO, auto white balance and a 48-megapixel resolution will make kids even prouder of their work.
2. “Quick Reference” Language Maps
Language Map in Spanish (Photo: Kristine K. Kershul via Amazon)
Part of our due diligence as travelers is to try and learn a little bit of the language spoken wherever we’re visiting. Not only is this helpful in getting around, but it’s also respectful to the local culture. (Though, don’t be discouraged if whoever you strike up a conversation with ends up responding in English. Remember: They’re practicing, too!)
World-traveling author Kristine K. Kershul has come up with a fun way to reference conversational talking points on the go. Her playful, easy-to-understand Language Maps are among the greatest unique travel gift items to give someone going on vacation. Best of all: They take up no space in your travel bag are much easier to reference than constantly taking out your phone.
3. Picnic Basket Backpack
Family Camping with Their Picnic Backpack (Photo: Hap Tim via Amazon)
Confession: A picnic basket backpack sounded like a gimmick to me, before I read countless reviews of families who can no longer take road trips or staycations without it. Now, I’m totally sold.
If you’re in search of gifts for parents who travel a lot by car or like going on double dates -- or for families with teens -- Hap Tim’s Picnic Backpack Cooler for 4 is sure to impress. From its cute, vintage design to its slew of convenient features (i.e. multiple cooler compartments, a leakproof shell and an ergonomic fit), families will be even more inspired to venture into nature and disconnect to reconnect.
4. Mobile Hotspot Device
GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot (Photo: GlocalMe via Amazon)
A portable Wi-Fi device for traveling is the perfect example of an item travelers rarely buy for themselves but will use religiously when received as a gift. GlocalMe’s U3 Mobile Hotspot is an ideal choice for families, with its flexible, “pay as you go” plans (SIM card not required) that let you connect up to 10 devices at once.
With secure 4G LTE internet available in more than 140 countries, families can ensure they stay connected -- even in more remote destinations -- and never miss a turn when using Google Maps for directions.
5. International Snack Box
International Snack Box (Photo: Universal Yums via Amazon)
Both kids and parents (even crunchy moms) will appreciate the chance to taste their way around the world, with Universal Yums’ International Snack Box. An appetizing (er, perhaps more enlightening) amalgamation of snacks from different countries such as South Korea, Spain, Ecuador, France, the UK, Greece, Italy, Peru and Thailand gives travel lovers a chance to be adventurous eaters at home, just as they would abroad.
What your recipient will find in this box? Garlic plantain chips, Italian jelly candies, chicken larb-flavored seaweed chips, orange and chocolate halva, blue raspberry bonbons, salted caramel chocolate truffles and more -- all accompanied by an illustrated insert with tidbits about each product. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there when they open their gift to share in the indulgence.
6. Travel Scavenger Hunt Book
Page from Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Photo: Catherine Aragon via Amazon)
What if you could get kids excited about sightseeing on their next trip? When searching for gifts to give someone going on vacation, scavenger hunt books like this Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Guide For Kids) by Catherine Aragon will only up the ante of excitement for children counting down the days until their next adventure.
Chock full of clues and activities specific to landmark attractions, young travelers will revel in this fun, lighthearted competition while learning more about the destination along the way. What’s also nice about this book is there’s no pressure to solve every single clue or visit all the landmarks on the travel scavenger hunt list. Kids can still earn points and awards with easily achievable “missions” that even get the parents in on the fun.
7. Portable Charger
INIU 10000mAh Phone Power Bank (Photo: INIU via Amazon)
Some travelers argue that vacations are meant for putting away the phones and disconnecting. While I’m a huge proponent for less technology and more quality time (which can always be monitored and controlled), the reality is: families need to stay connected, including for safety reasons.
Making sure your phone is always juiced up with a device like INIU’s 10000mAh Phone Power Bank is one way to ensure that. When off exploring, if families find themselves out later than expected or in an unexpected snafu (we all know travel can be full of surprises), a dead phone battery can pose major issues. This portable charger stands out with its ultra-thin design and wide range of device compatibility.
8. Kids’ Tablet
Amazon Fire Kids 8-inch Tablet (Photo: Amazon Store via Amazon)
There is absolutely no shame in relying on a little technology to help your kids get through long road trips and plane rides. Rather than lending them your own smart phone or tablet, though, consider getting the Amazon Fire Kids.
Equipped with the Amazon Parent Dashboard and easy-to-use parental controls, kids can enjoy both educational and entertaining content worry-free. Tablets also come with a one-year digital subscription to Amazon Kids-plus, which includes thousands of Audible books, Spanish language lessons, games and more.
9. Wooden Push Pin World Map
Handmade Wooden World Map (Photo: Enjoy the Wood via Amazon)
For those who wish to splurge on the seasoned traveler in their life, this Handmade Wooden World Map is a unique alternative to the standard paper, push pin world maps many use to document their trips. A work of art thoughtfully made by a small, Ukrainian family business, the map is available in various colors and styles as well as three different sizes -- making it seamlessly adaptable to any home design.
Families will love pinning the small airplanes (or available flag pins) on the places they’ve visited while reminiscing about their past travels, for years to come.
10. Global Family Cook Book
In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas Around the World (Photo: Gabriele Galimberti via Amazon)
Nothing compares to grandma’s cooking. That’s why I adore the unique spin on this family cook book -- In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas Around the World, which makes for another truly unique travel gift.
Roasted spiced chicken from Zambia, stuffed empanadas from Argentina, and homemade lox and vegetables from Sweden are only a few of the many “secret” recipes revealed. Complemented by portraits and stories cultivated by the author, an esteemed travel photographer, this gift will inspire those who receive it to try and recreate these special dishes in their own kitchens, alongside their children, while expanding their knowledge of different cultures.
11. Universal Adapter and Converter Combo
Travel Adapter and Converter Combo (Photo: HYTED via Amazon)
An international adapter is a must-have item for frequent travelers, as it allows them to plug their devices into the many, varying wall outlets of other countries. However, it’s important to also consider voltage disparities when traveling, especially if families plan to use high-powered items such as hair-styling tools while abroad.
This Travel Adapter and Converter Combo by HYTED solves that issue, by offering a one-size-fits-all solution that’s compatible with electrical outlets in more than 150 countries. For supporting electrical products up to 2000W, the device also is surprisingly lightweight, making it the perfect carry-on accoutrement.
