2025’s Best Travel Gifts Our Editors Actually Use

We all know it’s the thought that counts, but even so, it’s not ideal to give (or receive) a gift that won’t be used. So, with that in mind, we decided to poll our editorial team to see if we could come up with an editor-approved list of their favorite luggage, gear, travel tech, and accessories — products they not only recommend but rely on themselves. That way, there’s a good chance the avid traveler you’re looking to surprise this holiday season will actually use their gift, too. Below, check out the best travel gifts of 2025 for anyone who loves to explore the world. 

Apple AirTag

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I was late to the AirTag game, despite the fact that, here at Daily Passport, we’ve been calling it a “must-have” for travelers for years. But I haven’t looked back — it’s almost astounding how much peace of mind comes from this quarter-sized device. Now, I always pack one in my checked luggage so I can keep tabs on my bag en route. And if my bag ever gets lost, it’s easy to track it down because Apple has synced up with major airlines to share real-time location tracking data with them. — Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

Buy at a 4-pack at Amazon for $65

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Syncwire Case for AirTag

Your AirTag looks after your belongings, but it’s also a good idea to look after the device itself. Enter these sturdy holders that protect against scratches and damage and come with a key ring that can be easily clipped onto a bag, backpack, or set of keys.

Buy a 4-pack at Amazon for $9

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Compression Packing Cubes

I packed for a 10-day Alaska cruise using packing cubes for the first time, and I’m so glad I went with the compression version. I knew from friends’ recommendations that using the cubes to organize my packing would make a long journey less stressful, but the compression functionality was an amazing benefit. With just a quick zipper pull, the bulky bag squishes down into a sleek packet. I was able to fit so much more into a smaller suitcase, which was a huge help for the cramped cruise cabin. — Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Buy a set of 10 at Amazon for $30

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Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

Bose QuietComfort headphones really live up to their name. I’ve found that they easily drown out background noise on crowded trains and planes, and their over-ear design makes them far more comfortable than earbuds would be on long journeys. The headphones also come in a variety of fun colors that you don't always see. — Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer

Buy at Amazon for $359

Twelve South AirFly

The AirFly from Twelve South is a clever device that plugs into your seatback screen and lets you use your wireless headphones to listen to the on-demand entertainment on your flight. You simply attach the dongle to the screen’s 3.5 mm audio input and pair the AirFly to your Bluetooth headphones like you would any other Bluetooth accessory. Voilá — you now have the onboard entertainment’s audio piping into your wireless headphones. I’ve used the AirFly on a half-dozen flights and can attest that it works like a charm. — Mike Newman, SVP of Editorial Strategy

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Price: $43

Buy at Amazon

Twelve South AirFly SE

Price: $26

Buy at Amazon

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Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs

I keep a set of Loop earplugs in every purse I own. I got them to use at concerts — and my hearing has benefited from that — but sometimes the airport (or even the grocery store) is just too loud. I can slip in the Loop earplugs and still hear enough of what is going on around me, but not feel so overwhelmed and overstimulated. — Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Buy at Amazon for $21

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

I’ve taken this universal travel adapter on many trips, as it works in over 150 countries. It’s much more compact than the bulky adapters I’ve used in the past and fits neatly into an included carrying case. It can power up to six devices at the same time and features four USB ports and one USB-C port — perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, and cameras. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Buy at Amazon for $23

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Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

This is my go-to bag for short trips. I’ve gotten compliments (some from total strangers) on the eye-catching silver aluminum design, but what I like most is that it’s sturdy yet lightweight, functional, and versatile. Because it’s made of aluminum, you can expect it to pick up a few scruffs and minor dents (which can be easily fixed); for anything more serious, Away also offers a lifetime warranty. — Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

Buy at Away Travel for $625

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Weighted Eye Mask

One of my favorite products for overnight train journeys (and I’ve taken many!) is this weighted sleep mask, which helps limit outside stimuli and encourages sleep. This mask is ergonomically designed to block out light entirely, which I’ve discovered is quite helpful when the train pulls into a well-lit station or if you’re trying to get some shut-eye in the middle of the day. — Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer

Buy at Amazon for $10

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Grace & Stella Under Eye Mask

It’s no secret that cabin air dries out your skin, which is why you should always stay hydrated on flights. But after a cross-country flight, there’s only so much that water can do, and I’ve found these under-eye patches helpful for softening those pesky dark circles the next day. — Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

Buy a pack of 48 pairs at Amazon for $30

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Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle

This collapsible water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated on the go without resorting to single-use plastic bottles or lugging around my usual stainless steel monstrosity. When folded tightly, it measures 5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and 3 inches high. It might be a pain in the butt to clean (air-drying takes so long), but it’s the only water bottle I own that’s compact enough to fit in a cross-body or belt bag. It stands upright when full, and you can easily clip it onto your person using the attached carabiner. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Buy at Amazon for $12

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Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

When I travel, I like to pack to be able to wear light layers and lots of mix-and-match outfits. I found a new favorite with the Mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater from Quince. The supersoft luxury knit comes in myriad shades and styles (I have the crewneck in both long- and short-sleeve), and this price point makes it easy to buy multiples. — Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Buy at Quince for $70

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Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles

I know many travelers — my dad among them — who swear by Allbirds, a comfortable, lightweight shoe that’s machine washable and made with sustainable materials. And if the forecast might call for rain on your next trip, these sneakers are a must-have. They’re treated with a fluorine-free water repellent coating to keep your feet warm and dry if you step in a puddle, and they’re more comfortable than rain boots, especially when you’re out exploring a new city. — Allie Takeda, Senior Managing Editor

Buy at Allbirds for $75

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VGCUB Carry-On Backpack

This carry-on backpack is basically Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. It holds so much that you’ll have to be careful not to overstuff it if you’re using it as a personal item. You’ll find a compartment for every essential, including a 17-inch laptop slot, a separate area for shoes, a waterproof pocket for toiletries, and a secure pouch for your phone and passport. Plus, the convenient trolley sleeve slides right over your telescoping luggage handle. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Buy at Amazon for $26

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Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Spinner

We’re all pretty well traveled here, but if you’re looking for luggage that’s built to stand the test of time, there’s no one better to ask than a pilot. In 1987, pilot Robert Plath invented the first upright, wheeled luggage with a telescoping handle to make travel easier for pilots and flight crews, forever changing the luggage game. But it’s not just for crew — it’s a favorite among avid travelers like us, too. All Travelpro luggage features the brand’s patented Precision Glide system, with 360-degree magnetic spinner wheels and an airline-grade aluminum handle for smooth maneuverability.

Buy at Travelpro for $240

Editor’s note: Prices above are accurate as of the time of publish and are subject to change.

Featured image credit: miodrag ignjatovic/ E+ via Getty Images. All other images: Courtesy of vendor.