Finding the perfect gift for a traveler can be tough—most already have the basics like packing cubes and travel adapters. So, instead of the usual recommendations, here’s a list of unique, practical, and thoughtful gifts that a traveller probably wouldn’t buy for themselves, but will absolutely love and use.
1. Anti-Wrinkle Spray
✈️ Why they’ll love it: Nobody likes pulling wrinkled clothes out of their suitcase! This spray smooths out fabric without the need for an iron—perfect for travellers on the go.
🛒 Buy it here: Downy Wrinkle Releaser
2. Personal Safety Alarm
🔊 Why they’ll love it: Perfect for solo travellers, this compact alarm emits a loud sound to deter threats and attract attention in emergencies.
🛒 Buy it here: EmpowHER Travel Personal Safety Alarm
3. Portable Door Lock
🔐 Why they’ll love it: Provides extra security in hotels, or Airbnbs—giving peace of mind, especially for solo travellers.
🛒 Buy it here: EmpowHER Travel Portable Door Lock
4. Collapsible Electric Kettle
☕ Why they’ll love it: Many hotels don’t have kettles, and this one is lightweight and folds down, making it easy to pack. Perfect for coffee, tea, or instant meals.
🛒 Buy it here: Travel Kettle
5. Refillable Travel Perfume Atomizer
💨 Why they’ll love it: A tiny, spill-proof way to bring their favourite scent without carrying a full perfume bottle.
Cheeky tip! – Sometimes in Duty free you can add some to your bottle and try some new ones.
🛒 Buy it here: Travalo Travel Perfume Atomizer
6. Compact Laundry Wash Sheets
🧺 Why they’ll love it: Lightweight, mess-free detergent sheets for washing clothes in the sink—especially great for long-term travellers. Save some money on laundry!
🛒 Buy it here: Joyne Laundry Detergent Sheets
7. Sand-Free Beach Towel
🏖 Why they’ll love it: Dries fast, packs light, and repels sand—an absolute game-changer for beach-loving travellers.
🛒 Buy it here: Tesalate Sand-Free Towel
8. Digital Luggage Scale
⚖️ Why they’ll love it: No more guessing if their suitcase is over the airline’s weight limit—this tiny scale ensures they’re never hit with surprise baggage fees.
🛒 Buy it here: Digital Luggage Scale
9. Water Purifying Straw or Bottle
💧 Why they’ll love it: Saves money on bottled water and ensures safe drinking water anywhere—especially useful for adventure travellers.
🛒 Buy it here: LifeStraw Water Filter
🛒 Buy it here: LARQ Water Purifying Bottle
10. Microfiber Travel Towel
🏕️ Why they’ll love it: Dries super fast, packs down small, and is perfect for hostels, camping, and beach days. Great for light backpacking!
🛒 Buy it here: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
11. Multi-Purpose Travel Spork
🥄 Why they’ll love it: A lightweight, reusable spork means they’ll always have cutlery on the go for hostel meals or picnics.
🛒 Buy it here: Light My Fire Spork
12. Travel Bingo Cards
📝 Why they’ll love it: Making travel fun and ensuring you don’t miss any must see. Tick things of you list as you see the sites of the city to get a BINGO.
🛒 Buy it here: Coming to Tayscaife soon!
13. A Travel Experience Gift Card
🎟 Why they’ll love it: Instead of a physical gift, give them an experience! Many travellers prefer activities over things, so consider a gift card for:
✔️ Airbnb Experiences – Buy Here
✔️ GetYourGuide Tours – Buy Here
✔️ Viator Travel Activities – Buy Here
Final Thoughts
Backpackers love practical, lightweight, and multi-use gifts, and the best ones are those they didn’t even realise they needed. Whether it’s safety, convenience, or just making their journey easier, these gifts will be truly appreciated and well-used. ✈️🎒🌍
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