Whether you're in need of a birthday gift or something sweet to celebrate an upcoming holiday, our editors are here help you (and your paycheck) find a gift that's in your price range without sacrificing looks or luxury.
Below, you’ll find our guide to gifts that look like they cost an arm and a leg — but won’t break the bank. We’ve thought of all kinds of knick-knacks for your globetrotting family and friends, like stylish travel accessories (think sleek passport cases and eye masks), on-the-go beauty products (hello, Chanel lip gloss), comfy travel shoes, cozy blankets, and much more. No matter the cost, they will love unwrapping these items.
Related: 25 Travel Gift Ideas Under $25
This year, Travel + Leisure is offering its most comprehensive gift guide ever. The goal? To make sure you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list, from the coffee connoisseurs to the royal family superfans. Below, our picks for thoughtful presents that won’t empty your wallet.
Modern Rustic Airplant Holder with Airplants
Perfect for friends or family who inhabit small space. These hanging plants are lovely to look at, and come at a fraction of the price of traditional standing plants.
To buy: holder, amazon.com, $9; plants, amazon.com, $8
City Map Glass
Drinking glasses can be expensive, but this intricate city map glass transcends typical cocktail glasses in style and creativity, while being sold at a very reasonable price. Made in the U.S. and hand-etched in New Hampshire, you can get a pair of these featuring your favorite city streets for less than $30.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $16
Chanel Gloss Volume Plumping Lipgloss
Yes, it’s Chanel. Yes, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer, and yes, it’s just as luxurious as it looks — with no chance of breaking the bank.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $30
NetNeed Shopping Tote
Give the eco-conscious traveler in your life the gift of this reusable cotton tote that’s 100 percent environmentally friendly.
To buy: amazon.com, $14
Primitives by Kathy Nomad Woven Wall Hanging
This gorgeous woven wall hanging will bring the hygge vibes of Scandinavia to any room.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $58
B.P Morgan Mule
The best part about this long-lasting slide trend: they’re some of the absolute best shoes to wear in an airport (read: slip off, slip on, repeat).
To buy: nordstrom.com, $40
Cat-eye Sunglasses
A pair of sunnies in the year’s trendiest shape, with four colors to choose from? You simply can’t go wrong. (We’ll take them all.)
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $10
Voluspa Maison Blanc Candle
There’s something uniquely luxurious about a scented candle of one’s own — this is the perfect gift for someone in need of a little TLC. Despite the reasonable price, this California-inspired fragrance smells just as lovely as it looks.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $19
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater
After a long flight, there’s nothing like a refreshing spritz of floral-infused facial spray. Mario Badescu uses herbal extracts and rosewater to form this perfect (not-so-pricey) pick-me-up for tired, dehydrated skin.
To buy: amazon.com, $7
Giorgio Armani Travel Perfume
This gift is the perfect combination of feminine sophistication and affordability — not to mention that it’s totally ideal for travel.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $28
Rifle Paper Co Globe Keychain
This beautiful enamel gold keychain is the perfect reminder of a passion for travel.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $15
111 Places You Must Not Miss: New York
A comprehensive guide to can’t-miss venues and under-the-radar hangs in the city that never sleeps — all for $20? Whether this is a gift for a seasoned New Yorker or for a newcomer to the Big Apple, this guide will no-doubt come in handy during anyone’s journey through this storied city.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $20
Morse Code Cuff
These beautiful, stackable cuffs are engraved with morse code for every letter of the alphabet — and are the perfect piece for dressing up a cozy travel outfit.
To buy: baublebar.com, $32
Eco Lunchbox
This set of three stackable, stainless steel lunch boxes are perfect for that person who is always on the go. Free of harmful toxins, BPAs, and all that icky stuff, these are ideal for packing your own meal for a road trip or a transatlantic flight.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $30
Vietnamese Coffee Portable Pour Overs
Two words. Portable. Coffee. This pack of five rich single-serve Vietnamese coffee packets and five pouches of sweetened condensed milk from sunny California makes coffee on-the-go easy, affordable, and downright fun.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $15
The Sleepy Cottage Vintage Glam Eyelashes Sleep Mask
Every travel diva needs a reliable eye mask so that she can catch some shut-eye on a long flight. This handmade “vintage glam” sleep mask couldn’t be cuter — or cheaper.
To buy: amazon.com, $16
Jenna Belt Bag
This beautiful leather belt bag is the epitome of trendy and convenient — slip it around your waist or over a shoulder when city exploring or schlepping through an airport to make sure all those most-valued items get safely from point A to point B. Though it looks like top-tier designer work, it clocks in at just under $60.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $58
French Slogan Wristlet Clutch
This sleek faux-leather wristlet is perfect for your favorite traveler who loves to shop. Featuring French text (which translates to “free as air”), this piece adds an adorable and sleek finish to any outfit.
To buy: usafrenchconnection.com, $58
The Pocket Tote
It’s hard to find a sturdy, stylish, well-made tote for under $50. Enter Everlane’s denim Pocket Tote, ideal for anyone in your life that needs to throw everything into a bag (including a laptop — there’s space for that) and run out the door.
To buy: everlane.com, $48
Mini Mac Lipstick
Everyone needs more lipstick, all the time. This little lip shade from Mac doesn’t sacrifice quality for size — the mini stick packs a real punch, and certainly won’t do much damage to your wallet.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $10
Rains Laptop Portfolio
We all know and love someone who is working no matter where they are. This elegant laptop portfolio is the essence of sensibility: it’s waterproof, has a poly-blend inner lining, clean lines, and can fit some extra folders and papers, too.
To buy: jcrew.com, $60
Sweater Fleece Scuffs Slippers
Leave it to L.L.Bean to make the world’s comfiest everything — but especially slippers, and affordable ones at that. We’re quite sure anyone in your life will be delighted to slip their feet into sweater fleece, perfect for a cold winter day.
To buy: llbean.com, $40
Nylon Cosmetics Pouch
It’s hard to find a designer anything at an affordable price. This chic nylon cosmetics bag is ideal for tossing all your makeup and toiletries into one compact spot — and thanks to that sturdy nylon, you know you’ll get a good bang for your buck.
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $50
