When you look up gift ideas for the traveler in your life you will likely stumble upon countless lists of expensive gifts like mirrorless cameras, GoPros, or instax polaroid printers, but you probably aren’t looking to buy someone a gift costing upwards of $100. Here I’ve compiled a list of 20 gifts under $20 for your adventurous secret Santa victim.
Life Straw $19.95
The life straw is a portable water filter so you'll be ok if you're ever in a bind without bottled water! This can be useful whether you are abroad, camping, hiking, anywhere!
Packing Cubes $19.99
This is a MUST for any big traveler! Packing cubes create a lot of space and offer organization which is incredibly useful when you're living out of a backpack or traveling for work all the time.
SD cards
The bigger the better with SD cards. If you're buying a gift for a traveler I guarantee they'll be happy with another SD card, they can never have too many photos or videos from their adventures! The one I have linked is a micro SD with an adapter for the regular sized SD card so it is compatible no matter what phone, camera. or laptop they are using!
SD card reader for smartphone $17
This is a great idea for someone traveling without a laptop. The SD card reader for a smartphone will allow you to transfer your photos from an SD card straight to your phone so you don't necessarily need your laptop to view and edit your photos on the road!
Microfiber towels in travel bag $10-$17 depending on size.
These are ideal for travel because they use minimal space and the dry quickly. There's nothing worse than trying to pack a wet or damp towel, trust me.
Gorilla pod $13
These come in super handy for taking your own travel photos. The one I have linked is compatible for phones and GoPros. They are easy to travel with and can grip them around basically anything to makeshift your own tripod!
External charger $16
External chargers are so important! When you're traveling you're using your phone a ton between taking photos, posting on social media, and using navigation. In the case that you do have some kind of emergency a dead battery can be absolutely detrimental. Also, if your phone dies on a flight you might as well die too because you have nothing to do at all. Just kidding. That would suck though so get your BFF and yourself an external charger while you're at it.
Amazon gift card
If you're unsure about what the person you're gifting already has because they are a well traveled individual, just get them an amazon gift card. In the world of Amazon I guarantee you there is something they want or need that they can use it towards.
RFID blocking wallet $18
Help protect their credit card information by getting them this RFID blocking wallet. Credit card scanning is a huge scam that people have to deal with traveling, and having you're money stolen on the road can ruin your trip. Give them this and they'll have one less thing to worry about!
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater $12
One thing guaranteed to happen to your body on a flight is dehydration. This facial spray is great for replenishing and refreshing your skin during and after any flight. You might want to stick to giving this gift to girls though, I'm not sure how guys will feel about a rosewater facial spray, but it's definitely beneficial for their skin.
Solar charger $19.99
This is great for the same reasons as the external charger, but it doesn't need to be charged by a power supply, its a solar charger! You can bring this with you camping or hiking and make sure it's in the sun, and it will make sure that you have a charge!
Passport cover- $8
The perfect thing for all those instagram worthy “I’m at the airport about to take a huge trip” photos! This particular one is really cool because it comes with a red fabric pen so you can color in all the countries you visit! How much would be colored in on your passport?
Lush shampoo bars $11-$15
Lush conditioner bars $11-$15
If you travel with a carry-on only, 3 oz. liquids can be extremely limiting, and it doesn't always allow enough shampoo and conditioner without bringing a ton of travel sized bottles. Lush has eliminated the need for that with their shampoo and conditioner bars! This is great for any long term travelers in your life.
Sleeping mask $14 on Etsy
These are great for flights, naps, hostels!
Photo string lights $14 at Urban Outfitters
This is great for someone to decorate their home with unique photos from their travels and vacations!
Foot hammock for an airplane $11
Anything at all that will make a flight more comfortable is going to be a great gift for someone who flies a lot.
World Map Travel Mug on Etsy $16
Help remind them what they are working for while they drink their morning coffee!
GoPro Head Strap $7
If they already have the GoPro get them one of the most essential (and cheapest) accessories!
World Map for their wall on Etsy $10
This is so great to hang on the wall in their home or office!