Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.

There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.

Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.

Best Travel Gifts of 2024

She's Planning Another Trip Candle

Why We Love Them : How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out.
Where to Buy Them : Shop this candle and more on Amazon .
Price (at time of publication) : $16.99
Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.

Bob and Brad EyeOasis 2 Eye Massager

Kizik Sneakers

Y'ALL Baseball Cap

Yoto Mini

Vuori DreamKnit Performance Joggers

Calpak Bag

Why We Love Them : If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean!
Where to Buy Them : Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website .
Price (at time of publication) : $131.75

Portable Hammock

Why We Love Them : I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days.
Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Amazon
Price (at time of publication) : $69.99

Wear Your Roots Clothing

TOBIQ Colorado 30L

Why We Love It : It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L . An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access.
Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag ; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."

Zestt Travel Scarf

Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Walk With Me New York Photograph Book

Why We Love Them : I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City . Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift.
Where to Buy Them : Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon .
Price (at time of publication) : $19.78

Welly First-Aid Kit

Why We Love Them : A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life.
Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Walmart
Price (at time of publication) : $9.70

OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker

BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask

Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks . These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin.
Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment.
Where to Buy It : I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up!
Price (at time of publication) : 3/$15.00

Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle

Why I Love It : I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle , especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go.
Where to Buy Them : The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon .
Price (at time of publication) : $27.95.

Packing Cubes

Bei s Backpack

Accessory Organizers

Why We Love Them : We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel.
Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Amazon
Price (at time of publication) : $17.66

Away Everywhere Zip Backpack

Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case

Anker Power Bank Portable Generator

Why We Love It : Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures.
Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon
Price (at time of publication) : $149.99

If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...

Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Travelers (with over 75 ideas!)
Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Traveler
Gift Ideas for the Road Trip Enthusiast
Gift Ideas for the Frequent Flyer
Gift Ideas for the Budget Traveler
Gift Ideas for the Beach Lover
Gift Ideas for the Family Traveler
Advent Calendar for Travelers

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Only In Your State a commission.