A leather tote bag stitched with their initials. Christmas ornaments printed with snapshots from favorite vacations. A phone case illustrated with the pet they’re missing while they’re on the road. Personalized gifts show the frequent traveler on your list that you put thought and care into a present made just for them.
As a travel writer with an incurable case of wanderlust myself, I’ve road-tested more than my share of travel gear and accessories. These are my 13 top picks for gifts that will help your recipients globetrot – or reminisce at home – with a personal touch. And the best news? “One-of-a-kind” doesn’t have to mean pricey – these bespoke gifts start at $32.
Uncommon Goods personalized photo stamp ornament
Transform favorite vacation snapshots into postage stamp-esque holiday ornaments so they can walk down that memory lane year after year. Just upload a photo and add a short line of text such as a name, location or date. You’ll be sent a digital proof via email to approve before the finalized design is printed on sturdy Baltic birch plywood.
Mark & Graham five-piece block print packing cube set
Packing cubes are essential for keeping suitcases organized during travel, but many look more utilitarian than stylish. This pretty set from Mark & Graham (one of my favorite brands for personalized gifts) comes in eight block-printed designs such as florals, seashells and elephants. The five-piece cotton set includes small, medium and large tasseled cases that can be embroidered with a letter or initials – plus matching shoe and laundry bags.
Image 3D retroviewer reel and viewer set
Your giftee will have fun clicking through their greatest hits from vacation with one of these nostalgic photo views. You can either create photo reels yourself using the online tool and have them and a viewer both shipped to the recipient, or gift them a set that comes with a redemption code for building their own reels. The reels can be customized with titles and other text, as well as colors and fonts.
Made of stainless steel and available in brushed silver or gold, this sleek laser-monogrammed luggage tag instantly upgrades a suitcase. Its many design options set it apart from all the other personalized tags out there: opt for a preppy monogram, a sweet script or a minimalist modern font. This option is particularly great for sports lovers, with designs that pair initials with engravings of golf clubs, pickleball paddles or tennis racquets.
Sam and Jack custom pet portrait phone case
This phone case helps them miss their canine or feline family members a little less when they’re away from home. You just pick a background (clear, solid colored, floral, polka dots or leopard print) and send the brand photos of up to three dogs, cats or other pets in order to create a custom-illustrated case. It’s got options for iPhone, Android and Samsung devices.
Mark & Graham custom leather passport case
Create a custom passport cover in their preferred color, be it navy, camel or pastel hues such as robin’s egg blue, blush pink or lilac. Then comes the fun part: designing gold foil debossed monograms or bold printed initials, all available in a couple dozen colors
Wendy Gold push pin travel map
I use this vintage-inspired push pin map to track my goal of visiting all 63 national parks in my lifetime. Made by California artist Wendy Gold, these maps let you chart out the places you’ve been and the destinations on your wish list. Other map designs track US or world travels, and there’s one for every hobbyist: hikers, wine lovers, golfers, surfers, cyclers, skiers and baseball superfans hoping to visit every major stadium in the country.
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Mark & Graham medium travel jewelry case
After years of getting necklaces tangled and earrings lost on trips, I finally bought myself this monogrammed jewelry case in Kelly Green. I love the contemporary look of the printed designs. Made of pebbled vegan leather that feels like the real deal and lined in linen, the zippered case keeps everything in its place. There are tabs for earrings, an easy snap bar for rings and looped clips that keep delicate necklace chains tangle free. And, tucked inside, a removable double-sided pouch perfect for storing larger items like bracelets and chunky necklaces.
Leatherology slim zip travel wallet
I try not to lug more than I absolutely need around the globe, which means swapping out my usual bulky wallet stuffed with receipts and membership cards for a more streamlined, space-saving style. This supple leather wallet has seven card slots for credit cards, three bill compartments for cash, receipts or tickets and a main pocket that fits up to four passports. Personalize it for your giftee with gilded script hand-painted, colorful shadow-style lettering.
Away featherlight weekender
This lightweight yet roomy travel bag makes an ideal carry-on, weekender or gym bag. It features a zippered front pocket to keep essentials handy, two side pockets, an interior padded laptop pocket and a trolley sleeve to attach it to a suitcase. Convertible straps mean it can be carried by hand, shoulder or across the body. Best of all, the bag is water repellent and machine washable, and it has a zip-around bottom compartment that fits two to three pairs of shoes. Those features make it a great choice for toting sweaty gym gear or keeping muddy hiking boots separate.
Olive & Cocoa regal monogram pajamas
I consider crisp, classic menswear-style pajamas a travel essential: no matter the destination or climate, I pack a pair for every single trip. This pair from Olive & Cocoa has a long sleeve button top, drawstring elastic back pants and white piping. The set feels extra luxe thanks to 100% cotton fabric and a bold monogram of two overlapping initials embroidered in a fanciful font.
Clare V. midi bag
This Los Angeles-based designer calls its aesthetic “laid-back California style with Parisian polish”. It looks so timeless that I still have (and love) the first bag I bought 15 years ago. Crossbody bags such as the Midi Bag and the best-selling Grande Fanny help my hands stay free while I’m on the go, and the Flat Clutches hardly take up any space in a suitcase.
But the best thing about the brand’s handbags are the playful ways you can customize them. Monogramming one in gold letters or colorful hand-painted initials or phrases makes it extra special. But you can really take the uniqueness to the next level by adding straps made from gold chains, resin links or studs – plus whimsical bobbles and charms such as cute pups, cameos and hot lips.
Leatherology transit travel tote
I love Leatherology’s Trapunto monogramming option, which uses a special quilting method to stitch initials and raise the leather. It’s an old-world technique, but the effect looks modern and minimalist. It turns this travel tote – already a pebbled leather beauty – a far more stylish carry-on than the average nylon underseat bag. The bag is kitted out with everything you could want in a travel tote, including two exterior pockets, nine interior pockets, two zippered compartments, a laptop sleeve and a key leash. The handy trolley pocket attaches the tote to a suitcase for smooth travel.
