14 Smart Travel Gifts Mom and Dad Will Actually Use

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Shopping for the grown-ups on your list this Christmas? If you’re stuck on the perfect gift for Mom and Dad, we’ve got you covered. This gift guide is full of useful and downright delightful finds for parents who love to travel. From stocking stuffers to big “wow” moments under the tree, these are the travel gifts we know they’re secretly wishing for.

Highlights:

  • Something for every budget: Picks range from a $10 cocktail stocking stuffer to splurge-worthy tech like the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and GoPro HERO13 Black.
  • Built for real-world travel: Every item solves a common pain point on the road, from avoiding overweight bag fees with a TUMI luggage scale to keeping drinks cold in a shatter-resistant YETI.
  • Great for every stage of parenthood: Whether they are wrangling kids on a family road trip or relaxing on an empty-nest getaway, these gifts upgrade the journey.

YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Easy to fill and easy to wash, the reusable YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a must-have when it comes to travel gear! Busy parents will love that it’s completely dishwasher-safe. Plus, with double-wall vacuum insulation, their beverage stays cold and tastes great on long road trips or flights. And because we know that their hands are always full, it’s also shatter-resistant.

YETI Rambler 26 oz BottleYETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle

Away Packing Cubes

Gift frequent travelers the simplicity of packing (and the serenity of staying organized on the road) with Away Packing Cubes. The set of four cubes in different sizes helps them fit more into a carry-on, and unpacking at the hotel is a breeze since they can slide each cube right into a drawer.

Shopping for a family? Because the Away packing cubes come in several different color options, you can grab a different one for every family member!

Away Packing Cubes Set of 4Away Packing Cubes Set of 4

High Capacity External Storage

About the size of a credit card, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD fits in the palm of your hand and stores up to 1TB of photos and video. Great for content creators and photo-happy parents. Amazon reviewers praise the fast transfer speed and lightweight design.

Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSDSamsung T7 1TB Portable SSD

Covelin Women’s Retro Crossbody Tote

Lightweight and washable, the Covelin Retro Crossbody Tote makes a great carry-all bag. Unlike other totes on the market, this one hits our top pick list because it also has a zipper closure. Wear it across the body for a fashionable way to stay hands-free and open to experiencing all that travel has to offer.

Covelin Canvas Crossbody BagCovelin Canvas Crossbody Bag

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

Parents deserve all the rest they can get. The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow cradles the neck with supportive memory foam and straps to the airplane seat so their head doesn’t bob forward mid-nap. It packs into a compact case that clips onto a carry-on, making it a favorite of frequent flyers.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel PillowCabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

Kindle Paperwhite

With the Kindle Paperwhite, you can send thousands of titles with them anywhere. Weeks of battery life, paired with waterproof reading, means their favorite books and bedtime stories can follow them on their next trip to the beach, cabin or international destinations.

If they don’t have a trip planned, gift them a few of your favorite travel books through the Amazon app and satisfy their wanderlust digitally.

Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)

GoPro HERO13 Black

Give them the gift of lifetime memories with the GoPro HERO13 Black. It captures crisp 5.3K video and photos; it’s waterproof without a case, and its stabilization keeps footage smooth on bumpy boat rides and roller coasters alike. It’s perfect for grandparents who want to film every adventure with the grandkids.

GoPro HERO13 BlackGoPro HERO13 Black

TUMI Digital Luggage Scale

As families grow, so does the amount of luggage. Gift frequent travelers peace of mind knowing there are no surprise overweight fees when they get to the gate. Traveling parents will certainly appreciate the money savings and hassle-free experience of the TUMI Digital Luggage Scale.

TUMI Digital Travel ScaleTUMI Digital Travel Scale

Custom Map Travel Journal

This Personalized Road Trip Travel Journal makes a great gift for parents who love to cherish all of the details of their family travel adventures. With lined or blank pages, they can write their own story and color in each state on the USA map as they check it off their list. Because this hardcover book is customizable, they’ll feel extra special when they see their family’s last name thoughtfully printed on the cover.

Personalized Map Travel JournalPersonalized Map Travel Journal

Anker PowerCore 10K Power Bank

Taking all of those pictures of their kids on vacation can certainly run their phone battery dry! Gift them the recharging power of the Anker PowerCore 10K Power Bank. This compact 10,000mAh portable charger can top off most phones a couple of times and charges quickly with USB-C, so they can stay connected on even the busiest travel days.

Anker PowerCore 10K Power BankAnker PowerCore 10K Power Bank

Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Gift parents some peace and quiet with the wireless Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Headphones. Sony’s newest flagship headphones block out airplane noise and chatty seatmates, and the long-lasting battery keeps the music going from takeoff to touchdown.

They fold up into the included case, so they slip easily into a carry-on or personal item.

Sony WH-1000XM6 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

Vivere Double Sunbrella Hammock

Is there anything better than kicking back in the sun after a long day? With the Vivere Double Sunbrella Hammock, they can experience this joy and relaxation anywhere!

This great gift idea includes both a double hammock and an easy-to-assemble stand—no tools required! Plus, when not in use, everything can be stored in a travel-friendly carrying case. They can even toss it in their trunk and take it with them on their next road trip vacation!

Vivere Double Hammock with StandVivere Double Hammock with Stand

Thoughtfully Margarita Cocktail Kit

For a fun stocking stuffer, try the Thoughtfully Margarita Cocktail Kit. The cute travel tin holds a non-alcoholic liquid margarita mix and a recipe card, so they can shake up a vacation-worthy drink in their hotel room or at the campsite. Add their favorite tequila, or keep it alcohol free for a mocktail.

Thoughtfully Margarita Cocktail KitThoughtfully Margarita Cocktail Kit

ROYCE New York RFID Blocking Passport Holder

Nothing ruins a trip faster than having your banking information or identity stolen. With the ROYCE New York RFID Blocking Passport Holder, you can gift them the joy of knowing their information is protected. Along with being a passport holder, this stunning leather case includes four credit card slots, plus interior slip pockets for keeping other important documents handy and safe.

Royce Leather RFID Passport OrganizerRoyce Leather RFID Passport Organizer

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SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
Mary Moore is the retro ­loving mother of two young children who enjoys the freedom of driving the open road in search of adventure. She and her family are working their way through the backroads and cities of America in their seafoam green 1950s Bel Air. You can read more about their lifestyle and adventures on the blog Raising Dick and Jane.
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One response


  1. Great suggestions! My parents usually get practical gifts from me, like books, socks and gifts, or some clothes. But I’ll consider those options too.