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It’s become something of an annual tradition for me to share my holiday gift guide.
After all, I seem to end up testing so many travel, tech, and lifestyle products throughout the year, so I’m always excited to share my favorites and the ones I think make the best gifts.
To save you from searching the web, I rounded up what I consider the best travel and lifestyle gear to elevate your loved ones’ time at home and on the road.
Be sure to check out the complete list, and you’ll even find my favorite ways to maximize holiday shopping at the end.
AirTags
If there’s one thing you’ll see me repeat over and over (including in my interview with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy), it’s that your loved ones can never have too many AirTags.
Amazon’s even got a nice sale on the four-pack. They’re regularly $99, but buy them today for just $74.98.
These are simply the best stocking stuffers for travelers.
AirPods 4
AirPods are, in my opinion, the single best travel earbuds.
The two models you should consider for travelers are the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation. The former pack a few more features and a more comfortable in-ear fit, and Amazon is even bringing significant savings to the AirPods 4.
They’re down to $99.99 (from $179). AirPods Pro 3 are also on sale for $219.99 (from $249). Frequent flyers will probably appreciate the pricer AirPods Pro 3, but even the “regular” AirPods pack a mighty punch.
Away bags (and more)
Away makes great lifestyle and travel gifts.
My go-to travel backpack is the Commuter Backpack, and I also love Away’s small toiletry bags and the featherlight weekender.
They have items for every gift budget, and I generally find their customer service to be quite reasonable if things eventually go wrong. (I had an annoying zipper issue with my backpack that they quickly replaced.)
Buy: From $228 from Away
AirFly
If your loved one already has a pair of AirPods, then your job is to ensure they have an AirFly to connect them to the seatback screen.
AirFly is a dongle that bridges Bluetooth headphones to seatback TVs (as well as to treadmills and any other audio jack that doesn’t support Bluetooth).
Every traveler who uses Bluetooth headphones needs one in their bag. The AirFly Pro 2 is available for $69.99.
International travel adapter
One of my favorite international travel adapters is on sale and is well worth picking up for a loved one.
Even if they don’t have upcoming long-haul flights, I still recommend bringing an international adapter on every trip. That’s because you can use them to keep your plug from falling out of loose airplane outlets.
The EPICKA Pulse power adapter ($26.99) is one of the best international adapters, and another great option is the Anker Nano travel adapter ($19.99).
Compression socks
Compression socks are a game-changer for long-haul flights, and I’ve been using the ones from Comrad ever since I first recommended them in 2022.
They’re (literally) a great stocking stuffer.
Portable charger
Stop letting your family’s devices go dead during their trips. Charging tech has gotten better over the years, and so have the power bricks.
I personally carry an Anker portable charger ($59.99), but I also have some other recommendations.
Check out the Charmast portable charger with built-in plugs ($24.99) or the Anker Nano magnetic power bank ($54.99).
Vuori joggers
Vuori joggers are such a travel staple that I couldn’t not recommend them.
I pack them on every long-haul flight I take. Even better: they come in both men’s and women’s versions. They’re the gift that keeps on giving.
Buy: From $98 from Vuori
Packing cubes
Fun fact: it wasn’t until my daughter was born that I realized the importance of packing cubes for organizing everything we carry.
Now, I swear by them. And I love using the ones from Away. I think your friends and family will enjoy them too.
Buy: From $48 from Away
Tumi luggage
If you really want to wow a traveler this holiday season, I’d recommend a Tumi bag.
I’ve been using their bags for 15 years, and despite taking more than 100 flights a year, I’ve only gone through two Tumi carry-ons since then.
Yes, they’re not cheap, but you can get 20% off during their holiday sale event. Personally, I use the Alpha 3 Continental Dual Access 4-Wheel Carry-On, and I’d suggest buying it from Saks to double-dip with the Amex Platinum credit.
Buy: From $780 on Saks
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Davek travel umbrella
Funny enough, I first recommended this umbrella back in my 2021 holiday gift guide for TPG, and my wife ended up buying me one.
It fits perfectly on the side of my backpack, and I love that it doesn’t invert during strong winds.
Buy: From $95 from Davek
Aesop products
Whether your loved ones are staying home for the holiday season or hitting the road, you can never go wrong with some skincare products.
Aesop is one of my favorites (love when hotels and airlines use their products), and I’ve gifted the Aesop departures kit over the years.
Trtl travel pillow
Whether they’re stuck in the middle or riding in premium economy, a travel pillow always comes in the clutch.
Everyone I know swears by the Trtl pillow, and for good reason: it’s comfortable, lightweight, and machine washable.
Rails outerwear
If you watch closely, you’ll see a pattern in most of my videos: I wear a lot of Rails clothing.
The brand has trendy picks for both women and men, and I’m especially a fan of the winter edit that includes the Wade waffle long sleeve, the Peninsula zip jacket, and the Julian pant.
I think they’d make a great gift for the trendy family member in your life.
Loop Engage Earplugs
If your loved ones are anything like me, they need earplugs to sleep — whether they’re on the plane or at home. (I blame it on the years living in New York City).
I first recommended Loop earplugs years ago, and have received rave reviews from my friends for whom I’ve bought them.
Comfortable Eye Mask
You can’t let your friends and family rely on the eye masks that airlines provide. (Trust me, even the first-class ones aren’t great.)
I’ve personally been packing one in my backpack for more than 20 years, and they make a great gift for the travelers in your life.
Dagne Dover diaper backpack
If you’re buying gifts for a parent, this is the only travel diaper bag they need. Trust me.
It’s been through the wringer with me for the past 13 months, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. And it comes in plenty of color options, too.
Buy: From $129 from Dagne Dover
Sabre door stop alarm
Staying safe when you travel sometimes requires taking matters into your own hands.
I’ve had my fair share of awkward hotel walk-ins over the years, and my wife and I have been packing a doorstop alarm for our travels. Your loved ones should do the same.
Luggage travel cup holder
One thing I’ve learned from my years on the road is to copy what flight attendants pack.
When I first saw a crew member use this travel cup holder, I was intrigued. I don’t personally drink coffee, but I’ve gifted this travel cup holder to a few friends who use it all the time.
Maximize holiday shopping
Hit a sign-up bonus
Holiday shopping is one of the best times of year to open a new credit card and quickly hit a sign-up bonus.
Right now, I’m a fan of the 100,000-point sign-up bonus on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. You do need to spend $10,000 within the first six months of account opening to earn the bonus, but the holiday shopping will definitely help.
Another top card I’ve been recommending is the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. It currently offers a 75,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first three months.
Plus, the card has a few easy-to-use benefits, like a $50 annual travel credit and DoorDash perks, that definitely help offset the $95 annual fee.
Sign up for Rakuten
If you’re buying online and not using a shopping portal, you’re leaving money on the table. Shopping portals let you earn bonus cash back or points in addition to the credit card points you earn from your issuer.
It’s a simple no-brainer, and I’ve found that Rakuten has among the best rates and coverage at most major retailers.
If you don’t have a Rakuten account yet, sign up with my referral link, and you’ll get $50 after a qualifying purchase.
Plus, Rakuten cash back can now be awarded as Amex or Bilt points, which are among the best point currencies.
Related: Create a Rakuten account and receive a whopping $50 bonus
Check Amex and Chase offers
Don’t forget to triple dip!
Amex and Chase offers allow you to save even more on your holiday purchases. When you save an offer to your account, Amex or Chase will issue you a credit or points for spending a certain amount of money with a given merchant.
These offers stack with Rakuten, and you’ll still earn credit card points on the purchase, making this the ultimate triple-dip opportunity.
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