Travel Loot

14 Gifts Under $50 That Will Work For Every Traveler On Your List

by Berit Baugher
Noble Noble Handcrafted maple syrup. Photo courtesy of Mikuni Wild Harvest.

It's holiday time. Again! (Every year, faster and faster.) Which means the spirit of giving — and excellent presents for your pals, loved ones, and yourself. We turned the globe upside down to find an assortment of tasty, attractive, and affordable treats. Like an international spice blend. The world's most stylish earplugs. A bespoke leather luggage tag. And more. All perfect wanderlusty gifts for grab bags and stocking stuffers.

Spicewalla Signature Blends

A transportive assortment of artisan spice blends, like garam masala and herbs de Provence, that will spruce up any kitchen arsenal. Made with whole spices imported directly from the source, each mix is roasted and ground by hand. (From $5)

True Botanicals Muscle Release Essential Oil

Ease travel-induced aches and pains with a soothing blend of tension-reducing oils, including Roman chamomile, clary sage, and orange peel. ($38)

Hay Earplugs

A stylish pair of Scandi-designed earplugs for blocking white noise (or crying babies) wherever you happen to be. And we love the oh-so-subtle "Be quiet!" label. ($4)

The Grand Hostels

Today’s hostels are setting new standards with high design and top-notch amenities. The young (and young at heart) will appreciate a binge-worthy tome of the best around the globe. ($27)

Noble Handcrafted Maple Syrup

Made from heritage sugar shacks in the ancient maple orchards of Quebec, this irresistible syrup is matured in American oak barrels with just a hint of bourbon. ($29)

Celina Mancurti Luggage Tag

A bespoke leather luggage tag that is both chic and functional. ($22)

Trtl Travel Pillow

You've heard us talk about this year many times for good reason: This is the travel pillow for people who don't believe in travel pillows. Think of it like a head wrap (or head burrito, if you will) that cradles your cranium upright during a snooze. All sleep, no neck pain. As an added bonus, no post-nap dry mouth (it snuggles part of your face, too). As an added added bonus, it looks like a scarf, very much unlike the donut you have been toting. ($30)

Hydrant Hydration Packs

Handy hydration packets combat lethargy after long-haul flights. The secret is in the science: just the right amount of natural sugar to ensure the body soaks up all those critical electrolytes. (From $17)

Bastide Honey Lavender Mini Set

Scented with dreamy (and dream-inducing) lavender honey from the South of France, the travel-friendly olive oil-based body wash, triple-milled solid soap, and ultra-nourishing hand cream are an instant dopp kit upgrade. ($30)


Auria's Malaysian Kitchen Gift Set

Add some spice to a weeknight dinner the easy way. This kit includes four award-winning, mom-inspired, 100-percent-natural sweet and savory blends: Hot Chilli Sambal, Lime Leaf Sambal, Salted Caramel Kaya, and Pandan Kaya, along with recipes for how to use them. ($49)

Yeti Hopper SideKick Dry Pouch

A waterproof case to protect the most important items for the most intrepid travelers. ($50)

Flight 001 5-in-1 Universal Travel Adapter

Another one we love to give the love to. Just in case you haven't gotten one yet. The handy set of color-coded plugs with two USB ports for powering electronics in over 150 countries is a travel classic. ($35)

Mobot Foam Roller Water Bottle

A multi-tasking water bottle that doubles as a foam roller for working out annoying travel kinks. ($49)


Knours Travel-Sized Starter Kit

A collection of TSA-sized products from the clean beauty brand includes cleanser, two creams, mist, and the realistically named In-Bed Cleansing Wipes. ($28)

Keep Shopping for Gifts

Gifts Under $150
Gifts Under $300
Experiential Gifts

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.