This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase something through these links, I receive a small commission that helps me create this blog’s content. There’s no extra cost to you. Read my privacy policy to learn more.
Published 11/26/2025
My Travel Finds From 2025 That Make Perfect Gifts
Every November, one loyal BYBR reader clamors for a Beyond the Yellow Brick Road gift guide. (Hi Angie!) And every year I wonder if I really have anything worth throwing out into the “buy now” cacophony of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and every other shopping opportunity that befalls us in the Christmas consumerism bonanza.
As someone who spends basically every cent of disposable income on travel, I never feel super qualified to create a gift guide. Over the course of 365 days, I don’t actually make many travel specific purchases. Once I find something that works, I use it until it actually starts to disintegrates or dissolve.
However, when I really think about it, there are always a handful of items I’ve found during this year’s travels that have made my life easier and more comfortable. It seems like a shame not to share. I think they all make great gifts, even if the recipient is yourself!
Toiletry Bag
I’m at the point in my traveling career where stalwart travel companions, like my trusty hanging toiletry bag are really starting to show their age. I’ve been eyeing up this new hanging toiletry bag for years and I think it’s finally time for me to pull the trigger before my 20+ year old toiletry bag officially disintegrates. I especially love that it includes a jewelry section!
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
Definitely late to the party on this one, but I gave Andy these noise-cancelling headphones as a birthday present before our trip to London and they were a huge game changer that made the 8 hour flight across the pond almost . . . enjoyable?
The big selling point is that they cut down the plane’s engine noise so you can watch movies without subtitles and actually hear your podcasts and audiobooks. If you want to use them with plane’s inflight entertainment system, you’ll want to also grab an Airfly adapter.
Carry On Luggage
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels
While I still love my Monos Carry-On Plus bag, when we made the decision to pack for London in two carry-on sized bags rather than one large suitcase to ease travel on trains and public transportation, I didn’t want to make a huge investment in a bag that would see infrequent use. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and capacity of this Samsonite bag.
Travel Cribbage Board
Homemade Travel Cribbage Board by North Country Craft
I’ve stocked these small ( 3” x 5” x .5” when closed) wooden and wool cribbage boards in my canoe outfitters gift shop for years and they always fly off the shelves. After years of wishing I had one in my purse to pass the time at airport gates or evenings in after long days of sightseeing, this year I was finally forward thinking enough to snag one before they sold out.
Yes, you can play cribbage without a board, but trust me, keeping track of the score on a scrap of paper just isn’t the same as pegging. These take up barely any space in your purse or backpack. It makes an especially thoughtful gift when paired with a deck of souvenir playing cards you’ve picked up on your travels this year.
Best of all, they’re handmade by a woman-owned shop in Duluth, MN!
Bedtime Tea
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to recommend this! I always have a few sachets of bedtime teas floating around in my suitcase. I’m particularly partial to the Soothing Caramel variety (the L-Theanine knocks me right out), but I also like this more minty bedtime blend as well as their Honey Lavender Stress Relief.
It’s nice to share a cup of tea with your travel companion to unwind after a busy day in a new city. Pair with a travel mug or a souvenir mug from your travels for an extra thoughtful gift.
Snaplock Plastic Containers
Set of 4 Snaplock Small Plastic Containers (2 tablespoon capacity)
Yes, these teeny screw-on lid plastic containers are designed for salad dressing, but I’m not suggesting you bring your own condiments overseas. While I originally bought these for my kitchen, they’ve all ended up in my suitcase because they’re the perfect size for so many travel needs. I use them for laundry detergent, supplements, medications, and more.
Fleece Lined Leggings
Title Nine Crash Fleece Lined Leggings
Apparently we’re not supposed to be wearing pajamas to the airport anymore (who knew?!) but with these cozy fleece leggings, you can fly in jammie-level comfort while still looking (kind of) dressed.
These were a staple of my winter wardrobe last year and accompanied me on many a cross-country ski, some skates down Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, and even a few Frost games. (I have them in purple, natch.) I will definitely be buying another pair (or two) during Title Nine‘s annual Black Friday sale.
Island City Kombucha
Good gut health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. Recently, I’ve tried to incorporate more fermented foods into my diet to keep my gut microbiome at optimum performance and I’ve especially enjoyed Island City Kombucha products.
While their Coconut Lime is my very favorite, I always make sure to grab one of their Elderberry Wellness after I return from travels to help my body deal with fatigue and any errant bugs I might have picked up along my journey.
grace and stella Eye Masks
Under Eye Patches for Puffy Eyes & Dark Circles
It’ll feel like you’re cheating on jetlag when you pop these bad boys on. I can’t believe I’m officially the age where eye masks seem like an excellent idea, but these really help with the bags under my eyes and after a red-eye, I need all the help I can get.
Creme Shop Sheet Masks
The Crème Shop Be Smooth, Skin! Animated Red Panda Face Mask
I love a good sheet mask at the end of a long travel day to breathe new life into my dull, dry skin. But as someone with pretty sensitive skin, it can be difficult to find masks that don’t cause immediate and unrelenting tingling and burning.
However, I’ve had really good luck with sheet masks from the Creme Shop which I discovered on my April trip to Miami. I might not have voluntarily chosen to plaster my face with cartoon characters, but these work too well to not recommend them.
Laneige Lip Masks
We all know that airplanes are crazy dry and I always end up with the most chapped lips after international flights. Happily I discovered lip masks this year and they really have my lips feeling so much better after flights or just surviving a long dry Minnesota winter. Technically these are sleep masks, but you can dab them on whenever your lips need a little moisture boost.
Flavcity Single Serve Protein Packets
I always have a few packets of Flavcity’s single serve protein packets in my suitcase to help me make my morning protein goals even when I’m away from home. (I swear, in reality, I’m actually very fun, relaxed, and easy going . . . .)
You can mix them into your coffee or oatmeal, or you know, use them for their intended purpose and make a smoothie. There’s usually a sitewide sale around Black Friday, so it’s worth stocking up then.
Audible
I think every serious traveler should have an Audible subscription. Audiobooks are the perfect way to pass time the inevitable downtime that comes with travel. While I love using the free Libby app from my local library, I rely on Audible for longer books like Philip Pullman’s The Rose Field that I know I won’t finish in 28 days. After recently visiting the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, I’m especially keen to check out the Full Cast Editions of all seven Harry Potter books.
Book Recommendations
I recently updated my Bookshop storefront with a ton of book recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a great travel inspired book to give or a cozy winter read for yourself, I’ve got you covered. Best of all, when you make a purchase through Bookshop, you can support a small independent bookstore of your choosing!
Timeshifter
I tried out the Timeshifter Jetlag App on my recent trip to London. While I wasn’t able to follow their suggestions for light exposure and caffeine intake exactly, I was surprised at the positive impact following the plan they created specifically around my flight times had. I really had very little jetlag on both ends of my UK travels.
Happy Shopping this Holiday Season!
I hope this post has given you some ideas and inspirations for your year-end shopping. I always appreciate you using the links in these posts to shop since your purchases through them support my work on this blog.
If you have any travel finds from this past year that you’re especially excited about, I’d love to hear about them! Drop me a line and maybe I’ll even add them to this post.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and safe travels!
Recent Posts
What To Do in New York at Christmas: A Complete Guide
This guide to the best things to do in New York at Christmas takes you to must-see trees, shows, markets, light displays, and more. Learn NYC Christmas trip tips, where to stay, and what to eat.
Honest Review of LEVEL8 Luggage: Best Carry-On For Minimalist Travelers
I’m always looking for the best travel gear and recently tried LEVEL8 luggage’s 20” Voyageur Suitcase and the Atlas Laptop Backpack. Find out for how they measured up with capacity, durability, style, and more on my most trip.
London Packing List: Printable Checklist For Your Fall England Travels
Pack all the London essentials with this printable England packing list that covers what to wear in London in fall and how to pack for a week in the UK in a carry-on.
What To Pack For Ottawa, Ontario In Winter
My Ottawa winter packing list ensures you don’t forget any Canada winter clothing essentials and is filled with tips for what to pack to make your winter visit warm and fun.
My 2025 Travel Recap: A Tale of International Travel and Minnesota
2025 took me to some beloved old haunts, some new instant favorites, and some long dreamed about destinations. Here’s everywhere I went, including sexy stats and my “best of” winners.
Best Christmas Things To Do in Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland makes a perfect European Christmas destination. I’m sharing all the best things to do in Basel this Christmas along with some helpful tips and tricks for your holiday visit.
