So, you need to find a gift for someone who loves to travel.
The problem is, you either…
A) Are strapped for cash, or
B) Simply don’t like the person that much
Whatever the case, I got your back.
Here are are some rock-solid small travel gift ideas that’ll run you less than $10 (but are still super useful!)
Find a few extra bucks in the couch cushions? Here a a bunch more travel gift ideas that didn’t quite meet the $10 cut-off.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Small Travel Gifts Under $10
You’re definitely not gonna break the bank with these gifts. It’s the thought that counts though…right? 😉
#1.) TSA Combination Locks
Travelers can never have enough of these bad boys (especially if you’re a nice person like me and lend them out to others, only to have them disappear).
I recommend every traveler have at least one normal-sized padlock and 3 small TSA bag locks. That way you’ll have one for your locker, one for your bag, and an extra for when one goes missing. If you’re looking for some cheap travel gifts, pick up a couple of these.
#2.) Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
Nobody likes getting hit with ridiculous “overweight baggage fees” for accidentally packing one too many pairs of shoes. It’s a sucky way to start a trip.
That’s why, as far as small travel gifts go, this one can save them LOTS of money. It’s compact, lightweight, and it’ll give your traveler peace of mind whenever they need to catch a flight.
#3.) Bag of Earplugs
Super Cheap. Extremely effective. Easily lost.
A bag of these earplugs might not be the sexiest travel gift in the world. But when the time comes to use them, your traveler will be thankful.
These tend to either get lost or gunked up with nasty ear wax fairly quickly (or is it just me with the overactive wax glands?), so make sure to buy a bunch.
#4.) Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch
These floating phone pouches come in handy ALL the time…especially if you don’t have a fancy waterproof phone (or would rather not test out it’s supposed waterproofness).
This might be a small travel gift, but it gives huge peace of mind. Armed with one of these bad boys, your traveler won’t have to leave their phone hidden in their towel at the beach, praying nobody walks away with it while they’re out taking a dip.
#5.) Waterproof Pocket Notebooks
These pocket notebooks are a cheap travel gift your traveler can use to take notes on interesting things they learn on tours. They’re also handy to carry around everywhere to jot down small things they see, think, or feel while they’re out exploring.
Yes, they could just use their phone to take notes. But there’s just something special about putting pen to paper when it comes to recording memories (plus, sometimes strolling around showing off your fancy smartphone isn’t the best idea).
#6.) Headphone Splitter
Sometimes you’re traveling with a buddy, and you wanna listen to some tunes. But—UH OH!—Your unprepared buddy doesn’t have any tunes. And you feel rude about listening to your tunes while buddy sits bored and tunes-less.
What a horrible, awkward situation, right?
Luckily, you’ll traveler won’t ever have to experience it…because you bought them headphone splitters!
#7.) Super-Duper Strong Bug Spray
In Guatemala, I got infected with Chikungunya. That shiz is the worst!
Now I don’t eff around with skeeters.
This 100% DEET mosquito spray is my new preferred method to combat evil mosquitoes, and it’s a cheap gift for travelers who plan to be in jungly areas (or anywhere with lots of disease-carrying bugs).
WARNING: This stuff is strong. You don’t need to use very much.
#8.) Minimalist Keychain Multitool
If you’re looking for small travel gifts that pack a big punch, this tiny, TSA-friendly multitool won’t disappoint.
It includes a carabiner, bottle opener, box cutter, 3 wrench sizes, a ruler, and a flathead screwdriver.
Best of all, it’ll only run you a few bucks!
#9.) Inspirational Travel Soap
Please please please don’t let your traveler be one of those backpackers who thinks soap is optional (you’d be surprised how many there are).
Each of these soap bars are made with organic ingredients like olive oil and shea butter. They can be used as a facial cleanser or all-around body soap – perfect for travelers who are always on-the-go.
#10.) Cool Classic Crew T-Shirt
This is my favorite travel t-shirt. I have four of them.
They have men’s and women’s versions, and the black color is by far my favorite.
I wear mine almost every single day (not exaggerating – just watch some of my Youtube videos and you’ll see what I mean!).
It’s made of a soft, cool, slightly stretchy material that dries crazy fast and doesn’t stink.
If I could only wear one t-shirt for the rest of my life, it’d be this one.
Small Gifts for Travelers Recap
Now, while these are all legit gift ideas, if you want to make things a bit more special, here’s a tip:
Create a killer handmade card with a heartfelt message.
Do this, and the attention shifts away from your cheap gift, and on to your thoughtful card.
You’re welcome! 😎
Need even more gift ideas? We’ve got ya covered. Choose the type of traveler you’re shopping for below:
Mitch is your typical nomadic backpacker. Or at least, he was. But after stopping in Colombia to take “one week” of salsa lessons, his life took a sharp left turn. He met a cute Colombian girl in dance class, fell in love, and got married. Over half a decade has passed since he left his career to travel the world as a digital nomad, and he’s never looked back.
Nowadays, he’s the blogger behind Project Untethered — where he runs an awesome email newsletter and Youtube channel teaching adventure-craved wanderlusters how to escape the rat race, earn money from anywhere, and build an “untethered life”.
His advice has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, Reader’s Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.
Mitch's Travel Recommendations:
Travel Planning Resources - Everything you need to plan your trip on one convenient page.
Going Cheap Flights Newsletter - Get flight deals from your airport up to 90% off sent straight to your inbox.
Safetywing Insurance - This cheap travel insurance has saved me over $15,000 in medical bills.
Booking.com - Book accommodation without adding your credit card (in case you need to cancel).
Trusted House Sitters - Take care of pets in exchange for free (sometimes luxury) accommodation.
Flexjobs - Find remote jobs without having to sift through crappy ones.
Skillshare - Free trial to take unlimited classes that teach digital nomad skills.
Wise - Send and receive money abroad cheaply (great for freelancers).