Whether it's a thank you to the host for putting together a picture-perfect dinner gathering, a small sentiment for your child's ever-patient teacher, or a gesture to show appreciation for your friend who gave you countless great recommendations for your honeymoon, gift giving is a great way to show friends and family how much they mean to you.
But it can also be a challenge. We’ve all been there before: wondering what to get that person to show just how much you care?
Shopping and gift-giving should be fun — not stressful. That’s where Travel + Leisure’s gift guides come in. We’ve made it as easy as possible for you to find the perfect gift for whoever’s on your list — be it the jetsetter, the wine lover, the home decorator, the person who’s impossible to shop for because he or she only ever wants practical items (here’s to you, dad), and yes, even the cousin you haven’t seen or talked to in years.
Related: Best Men’s Travel Gifts Under $50
We’ve combed the web for fun, interesting, and useful gift ideas that not only show you care, but also show you put a little more thought into it than grabbing a Starbucks gift card on the way to the party.
Besides, it’s always a good idea to have inexpensive reserves on hand once the holiday season strikes or a handy list of go-to ideas for birthdays and special occasions. And if you happen to be shopping for someone who loves to travel, well, we’ve got you covered.
Below, our picks for pleasing even the most discerning friends and family without spending a dime over $50.
Bon Voyage Travel Journal
Some of us still prefer to make analog notes about our travels, and we’re all the more excited to do so when it’s in a gorgeous journal with an illustrated linen cover, gold-ruled pages, and sewn binding that lays flat for easy writing.
To buy: amazon.com, $15
Les Toiles Du Soleil Cosmetic Case
This cosmetic case is perfect for your travel-savvy friends and family. They can stash their cell phone, tablet, charging cords, passport, and travel-sized toiletries in one handy place that easily fits into the seat-front pocket of the plane.
To buy: gilt.com, $29
Harry’s Winston Shave Set
Shave sets don’t often come at such affordable price points, and this one comes with not one, but three German-engineered blade cartridges that deliver clean, smooth shaves. Along with your choice of a foaming shave gel or moisturizing shave cream, a travel blade cover, and the ability to monogram the razor handle, this set will please any guy in your life.
To buy: harrys.com, $40
Eat Well Travel Often Print
Who doesn’t need this reminder every once in awhile? This ultimate travel mantra will look great on any surface in the home.
To buy: society6.com, $31
Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler
Every home-cooked meal needs a little seasoning once in a while.
To buy: Amazon, $35
Turntable Kitchen
This service not only delivers ingredients for an impressive home-cooked meal, but it also pairs every recipe with a 7-inch vinyl (or digital mix tape) to listen to while you cook.
To buy: TurntableKitchen.com, $25 Monthly Fee
Wood and Marble Wine Cooler
This mango wood and white marble wine cooler keeps a bottle cool for hours—and will look right at home on anyone’s kitchen table or counter.
To buy: Crate & Barrel, $39.95
Wine Novelty Socks
At the end of a long week, or even after returning home from a long trip, all anyone ever wants is to kick back and have someone else bring them some wine. Which is exactly why your friend needs these socks. (A beer option is also available from the seller.)
To buy: etsy.com, $15
Giant USA Beer Cap Map
Track travels with this beer cap map—a great way to showcase local brews sampled across the United States.
To buy: Amazon, $49.95
Travelambo Travel Wallet
This super useful jetsetter accessory holds passports (up to two), boarding passes, credit cards, keys, and even a pen, and is made of a classy but durable material in a variety of stylish colors.
To buy: amazon.com, $20
trèStiQue trèbebe Contour Kit
trèStiQue is a brand completely dedicated to travelers—the magnetic closures featured on every product make tossing your makeup in a carry-on mess-free. This contour kit is all you need to stay fresh on the fly.
To buy: Trestique.com, $40
“The New Persian Kitchen” Cookbook
The next best thing to traveling somewhere exotic? Experiencing a new and exciting recipe from the comfort of home.
To buy: Amazon, $18
Decorative Globe
Bring the world into your living space, literally, with this beautiful gold and blush globe. It’ll serve as a gentle (and aesthetically pleasing) reminder that there’s always more of the world to explore.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $38
Cocktail Shaker Set
For the friend who's looking to get into bartending, this multi-purpose set is guaranteed to impress.
To buy: Amazon, $32.99
Push Pin Travel Map
We’ve yet to encounter anyone who doesn’t love to keep track of their travels. Make it easy and fun to do so with this custom map that comes with push pins to mark every new adventure.
To buy: etsy.com, $40
Diptyque Candle, 2.4 oz
Small enough to bring with you on your travels and powerful enough to fill your entire home with the sweet scent of berries.
To buy: Nordstrom, $32
Beaches: Gray Malin
This collection of dazzling aerial shots from beaches across six continents inspires sun-drenched daydreams even on the snowiest of days. It’s the perfect gift for the wanderluster or beach bum in your life.
To buy: amazon.com, $26
Aqua Dip Mixing Bowl with Spout
Use it for cooking, for storing your keys, or just as a pretty thing to look at on a shelf. Whatever purpose is granted this spouted bowl, it’s going to look great.
To buy: Crate & Barrel, $29.95
Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
This kit will make six custom bottles of hot sauce using various spices (curry, ancho, cayenne, chili), vinegars, and brown sugar.
To buy: Uncommon Goods, $34.95
Artifact Uprising Wood Block + Prints
This wooden block display, made of reclaimed Colorado mountain beetle pine, is beautiful and simple—without taking any attention away from the real attraction: your vacation photos, of course.
To buy: Artifact Uprising, $25
Giftcard to Chatbooks
Help your loved ones turn their favorite Instagram moments into physical photo albums.
Where to buy: Chatbooks.com, books start at $8
Artifact Uprising Photo Postcards
Have a loved one who just got back from the trip of a lifetime? These photo cards are customizable, meaning you can pull their best snapshots from Facebook and surprise them with a pack of postcards.
To buy: Artifact Uprising, $30
Ostrich Travel Pillow
For road warriors who seek maximum comfort on the go, travel pillows can be life changing—and this one is no exception. Consider this variation for only your most shameless friends and family.
The Hello Atlas
Children around the world help readers learn about more than 100 written and verbal languages with in-book illustrations. There’s even a complementary app that shares phrases spoken by a native speaker.
To buy: Amazon, $20
Meidong Noise-cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
There's nothing better than giving the gift of a silent flight.
To buy: Amazon, $46
3-Month Book of the Month Club Membership
This isn’t just your average book club. Curated picks are based on the recommendations of celebrities and other trustworthy, literary tastemakers.
To buy: Book of the Month Club, $45
Armani Lip Maestro
If classic red and “all-day stay” are two things you’re looking for in a lip color, you’ve found it. Now share it with your most vivacious friend.
To buy: Sephora, $38
Cards Against Humanity
Got a joker on your list? This party game is the ultimate icebreaker. Just be warned: its content is completely NSFW.
To buy: Amazon, $25
Homemade Pasta Starter Set
For the friend who came back from Italy and hasn’t stopped raving about the amazing hand-crafted pasta, help them make their own at home. This box set includes every tool they’ll need to start rolling gnocchi or folding ravioli in no time.
To buy: amazon.com, $47
Enchanted Forest Coloring Book
Artists of all abilities will love this coloring book, which is full of intricate prints of magical forest scenes. Bonus: It makes for great in-flight entertainment for kids as well as adults.
To buy: amazon.com, $12
Mini Brass Planter - Succulent Cacti Terrarium Gold Pot
It’s a perfect pick for your friend with a green thumb, or your friend without. Apart from plants, these stylish brass planters can be used to hold pens, makeup brushes, or cocktail tools on a bar cart.
To buy: etsy.com, $15
Jetsetter Tote Bag
This adorable tote is great for anyone who goes grocery shopping, goes to the gym, goes to work — really anyone who goes anywhere outside of their home and wants to carry more than just their keys.
To buy: etsy.com, $20
DoubleTree New York Traveler Cookie Tin
Yes, these are cookies you’d normally see at a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. But they’re so good (really, they are), you can now buy them by the tin. Anyone will an affinity for chocolate chip cookies will appreciate this treat.
To buy: DoubleTreeCookies.com, $14.95
Wine to Go Beverage Cup
For your friend who’s always organizing park picnics and beach outings, these insulated tumblers will be their new favorite way to imbibe in the outdoors. You can even personalize them with names or a fun message.
To buy: etsy.com, $14
Buffalo Sunset Art Print
Everyone needs a little mental vacation once in a while — make it easier for your loved one by gifting them a tranquil scene to hang on the wall.
To buy: Nordstrom, $29
Classic Mexican Style Serape Blanket
We love multi-purpose gifts. Cozy up with these on-trend throws at home, spread them out at the beach or park, bring them camping, use them as a table cover, fold them up as an aid to ease into yoga poses, or keep them as a reminder: either of past trips to Mexico or to book that trip to Mexico!
To buy: amazon.com, $23
Custom Camera Strap
Any photog will appreciate this leather camera strap that can be customized. It will only get more beautiful and supple with each use.
To buy: etsy.com, $39
TONYMOLY I'm Real Mask Sheet
Everyone needs pampering every now and then, especially after stepping off a long flight where their skin has taken a beating. These cult-favorite sheet masks come in fun packaging, address every skin woe, and couldn’t be easier to use.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $3 each, $10 for four
The Mountains Are Calling and I Must Go Necklace
Have a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast in your life but don’t necessarily want to shell out for gear? This beautiful pendant will help them feel closer to the Great Outdoors even when they’re stuck at home.
To buy: etsy.com, $17 for pendant, $30 includes necklace chain
Beeropoly
Proving that there’s something for everyone, this drinking game will appeal to beer lovers, game lovers, DIY lovers, or anyone who likes to have a laugh with friends over a brew.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $35
Leatherman - Squirt PS4 Multitool
Impress any guy (or girl) on your list with this do-anything tool they never knew they needed but will never again leave home without — but do leave home without it if flying with only a carry-on bag.
To buy: amazon.com, $33
Retro Heated Travel Mug
Chances are, your friend's go-to travel mug could use an upgrade. This throwback design features an analog temperature gauge, making easy work out of knowing when your drink is ready to sip.
To buy: Sharper Image, $49.99
Artcome Glass Teapot
This modern take on a classic shape will delight even your most design-conscious of friends.
To buy: Amazon, $20.99
Smartphone Dock
Throwback to technologies past with this slick smartphone dock.
To buy: Jonathan Adler, $48
Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh External Battery Charger
You could consider this one a utilitarian gift, but it’s something absolutely everyone has a need for these days. This portable charger has built-in USB and lightning cords (so there’s no need to carry loose cords around) and holds enough juice to fully charge your phone twice.
To buy: amazon.com, $29
Kate Spade Heart of Gold Bangle
You’ll be sending a personal message with this classic bangle: “Heart of Gold” is stamped on the inside, so only the wearer will get the sentiment.
To buy: Nordstrom, $32
Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream With Sea Buckthorn
Too often, we overlook the fact that our hands are exposed to the sun just as much as our faces on a daily basis. This sunscreen-and-hand-cream-in-one will help keep hands looking young and wrinkle-free, and its TSA-friendly size makes it perfect for bringing on trips.
To buy: sephora.com, $12 for 30mL size
Sugarfina Champagne Bears, Set of Six Cubes
Got a sweet tooth on your list? Problem solved. These sophisticated treats are just sugary enough, and you can’t beat the rosé and champagne-flavored gummy bears.
To buy: Nordstrom, $48
