10 Last-Minute Travel Gift Ideas for Christmas

5.6K

Christmas is hands-down my favorite time of year. There’s something about twinkling lights, chilly airport terminals, and the chaos of last-minute gifting that gets me every time. Over the past eight years, I’ve logged hundreds of flights and road trips across 70+ countries…and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to pick travel gifts people actually use. Not the cute-but-useless gadgets that collect dust, but the kind of gear and experiences that make every journey smoother, cozier, or way more fun. Whether you’re shopping for a jet-setting friend or panic-buying for a partner who’s always halfway to the next destination, these last-minute ideas might just save Christmas in 2025.

Gifts by Travel Personality

Not all travelers are built the same. Some chase sunsets, others chase Wi-Fi. Here’s how to shop smarter by picking gifts that match how they travel…not just where they go.

✈️ The Jetsetter (Airport = Second Home)

They’re on a first-name basis with TSA agents and can board a plane half-asleep.
Gift them:

• Premium noise-canceling headphones (the kind that silence crying babies and the screaming jet engine)
• An upgraded neck pillow that actually supports the neck — not the floppy ones from Hudson News

📸 The Aspiring Travel Blogger (Always “Getting the Shot”)

They plan their outfits around photo ops and think in Reels and captions. Gift them:

• A lightweight travel drone (DJI Mini 4 Pro is perfect for under 250g travel regulations)
• A rugged, leather-bound travel journal for planning content or documenting the journey
• A custom digital nomad gear organizer — cords, drives, SD cards, GoPro, all in one sleek pouch

🎒 The Overpacker (Just in Case = Their Motto)

They’ll “only pack light” and still end up with a checked bag and a carry-on.
Gift them:

• Compression packing cubes that actually give them space back
• A sleek digital luggage scale so they’re not panicking at the check-in counter
• A foldable duffel for all the souvenirs they’ll “definitely not buy this time”

💑 The Romantic Getaway Duo (Main Character Energy)

They live for spa weekends, vineyard stays, and soaking tubs with a view.
Gift them:

• A personalized travel memory book to document each trip with photos, notes, and ticket stubs
• A weekend Airbnb gift card — preferably for somewhere with a fireplace or an outdoor hot tub
• A curated local experience like a hot air balloon ride, couples massage, or private food tour

Ancestry test

Is your family member always digging through old photo albums or convinced you’re descended from royalty? An ancestry test kit is the gift that satisfies curiosity and sparks travel ideas. Kits like AncestryDNA and 23andMe reveal not just your roots by country, but also the specific regions your ancestors came from. Some even include migration stories or health traits. To make it more personal, pair it with a framed map of their heritage or a travel guide to one of their ancestral countries. I once gave this to a cousin who swore we were “half Italian”—turns out we were mostly Irish and Danish. Family debates were never the same.

Drone

If you’re looking for an unforgettable gift for the globetrotter in your family, consider getting them a drone. Not only are drones a fun toy, but they also capture spectacular landscapes and memorable moments. The only drawback is the price, with good ones costing at least $600. But they are definitely worth every dollar. My best investment was the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, which I use to take aerial shots and videos during my travels. A more portable and cheaper alternative is the DJI Mavic Air. Both drones are very fun and easy to use!

Drone Comparison: Which One’s Right for Your Travel Style?

Drone	Price	Weight	Flight Time	Best For	Buy
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum	$999	1.6 lbs	30 min	Serious creators & travel pros	Buy Now
DJI Mini 4 Pro	$759	0.55 lbs	34 min	Lightweight travel & easy packing	Buy Now
DJI Air 3	$1,099	1.5 lbs	46 min	Dual cameras & cinematic footage	Buy Now

Noise-canceling headphones

Have you ever had the unpleasant experience of sitting next to someone snoring on a plane? Not fun. Every once in a while, you’ll have the honor of flying alongside a world-class snorer who can be heard from 10 rows away. Oh yeah, and they’re also great for listening to music and everyday use. If you truly cherish your loved ones, be sure to get them a pair of noise-canceling headphones!

Hat and scarf

Unless your family lives near the equator and will not travel to a cold climate this winter, I recommend getting a warm hat and scarf this holiday season. Warm winter gear is definitely a good idea for that special someone!

Neck pillow

This isn’t the most exciting last-minute gift idea, but it’s definitely important for those who frequently travel. I recently bought a neck pillow, and it honestly changed my life. Nothing is worse than having neck and back pain during long flights. Having a neck pillow makes long flights and bus rides much more bearable (and even enjoyable).

Travel journal

My best life advice is to document your travel adventures wherever you go. I think that owning a travel journal is an excellent way to do that. You can find a nice one on Amazon for only $10-15. Many years from now, your family members or loved ones will thank you for getting them a travel journal. Who knows, maybe this gift will lay the seeds for becoming a travel blogger?

World maps

Does your special someone have a favorite city or place that they’ve visited? I’m a big map person who has one hung up in each room (excessive, I know). If the recipient of your gift is an avid traveler, consider getting a map of the world or a specific city. I recently purchased a Barcelona map, which brings back fond memories of my favorite spots in the ‘Ciutat’. A framed picture of a particular sight, such as the Sagrada Familia is a great idea, too.

Travel backpack

A versatile travel backpack is a practical last-minute gift idea. I tend to gravitate towards Swiss Gear backpacks, which contain a lot of durable compartments and perfectly fit as carry-ons. A multipurpose backpack can be used for city trips and nature adventures alike. I recommend checking out my guide on the best travel backpacks for Europe!

Travel gift card

When in doubt, go with a gift card. That has always been my motto for holidays and birthdays. For millennial travelers in particular, I recommend getting an Airbnb or Uber gift card. These gift cards can be purchased directly in the app or online. If your family member or loved one has a preferred airline, an airline gift card is also a great option.

An experience

Have you ever heard the expression “the best gifts can’t be wrapped”? Well, I think there’s definitely some truth to that (though a yacht covered in wrapping paper would be the gift of choice *clears throat*). Many people prefer experiences over tangible things.  A few ideas include an airline ticket, hotel confirmation, or tour receipt. My mom used to surprise my sister and I with a Christmas scavenger hunt, where we’d search for clues and ultimately find out where we’d travel to the following year. If you’d prefer to stay local, perhaps consider a spa day, wine tasting, or horseback riding lesson. The opportunities are endless, so be creative! Here’s my go-to website with the best tours in every city: GetYourGuide.

Last-minute travel gift ideas for a special someone

I hope you found these travel gift ideas helpful. This list was not meant to be comprehensive, but to spur creativity and give you some new ideas. See you at Target on December 23^rd? Hopefully not this year. Good luck, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all!