Millennials aren’t the easiest folks to shop for—they always seem to already know the latest and greatest in tech. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of travel swag they’d love to take on their international adventures. Here are 20 gift ideas fit for gifting on any budget.
If there’s one thing that the majority of millenials have in common it’s that they love to travel (and inspire Insta-envy among their friends while doing it). Help them capture those #nofilter beach photos better with these non-gimmicky, travel-centric gifts for the wanderlust-stricken 20-somethings on your shopping list.
Pack Smarter
As much as they love to travel, much of the younger generation has not yet upgraded to a quality travel pack. For backpackers, try the Global Companion 65L Travel Pack for men or women ($229), and for frequent flyers, get the Expanse™ Upright 26 suitcase ($229).
Just as important as the bag is how they pack it, specifically with a travel organization system. Hook up your semi-disorganized 20-something with a Pack-It Specter Tech™ Compression Cube Set ($40) and she’ll never go back to the days of frantic suitcase stuffing. And is he forever forgetting his toothbrush, or always arriving with a suitcase covered in shampoo? Clean up his act with a super organized toiletry kit, like the Pack-It Specter™ On Board ($46).
Travel in Comfort—and Style
Too self-aware to travel in pajamas, but not quite at the full-business-suit-on-a-plane stage, hip 20-somethings travel in stylish comfort on long flights. Impress them with your taste in chic travel loungewear, like a Super Soft French Terry Surplice Jumpsuit ($148) or a Thermal Flight Cardigan ($98), both by Splendid.
For easy access footwear, Vans Slip-Ons ($50 and up) make the perfect travel shoes for getting through airport security fast and come in tons of fun, kicky colors and patterns.
Set a young jetsetter up for red eye comfort with sleep accessories, like the Cat Nap Rest Set ($45), which comes with an eye mask, earplugs, and cozy neck pillow. 30,000 feet has never been so dreamy!
In-Flight Entertainment
There’s a good chance your traveling millennial already has an eReader, smartphone, tablet, or all of the above, but you can still come to the rescue with some much appreciated travel entertainment. An inflight internet membership or day pass from GoGo is a hot ticket item for the frequent flyers (day passes begin at $7), and wireless headphones, in fun colors like rose gold and red, from the generation’s favorite Beats by Dre ($300) is perfect for just about every 20-something.Or, you can keep it simple and stock up her eReader or tablet with books and movies for the flight, with a media gift card for iTunes or Amazon, personalized with a list of your own book and movie recommendations.
Wellness on the Go
This definitely isn’t the all-you-can-eat generation, and millennials’ fitness habits reflect that. Topping their holiday wish lists are activity trackers like a Fitbit ($60 and up), or a travel yoga mat bag, like this durable Caraa x Athleta Yoga Mat Bag ($58). And a training membership to iBodyFit gives active travelers audio and video training straight to their mobile devices, whether on the road or at home. No active traveler’s bag is complete without a workout organizer. This Pack-It Specter Clean Dirty Cube ($25) will keep sweaty clothes separated from clean ones.
Travel Tech
Running out of batteries is a traveling 20-something’s worst nightmare. Help him avoid a smartphone crisis on the road with a backup phone battery, like this charge stream pad mini ($25) or battery case ($50 and up), both by mophie. Music on the road sounds better coming from quality speakers than from smartphones, so gift a Bose® - Soundlink® Color Bluetooth Speaker ($130). With fun colors and water-resistance, this wireless speaker, is perfect for millennial beach trips and beyond. Unfortunately, no one—not even young, savvy travelers—is immune from identity theft. Help yours keep her personal information personal with a few RFID Blocker Sleeves ($7).
Landing Gear
Generation App is all about on-demand car service. Cover his trips to and from the airport (without actually having to get up and drive) with a digital car service gift card from Uber or Lyft.
Just because she take breaks from traveling, doesn’t mean she has to stop enjoying the local flavors of her favorite destinations! Set her up with an Amazing Club Membership, like a beer, wine, or tea of the month club, to bring some of her travel favorites into her home.
When All Else Fails…
…the gift of green is appreciated by every generation! Personalize your festive cash gift by ear marking it for a future trip, and including a travel journal, such as this classic Volant Journal ($10), so your high tech millennial can record his trip the old fashioned way.
Check out our Ultimate Gift Guide: 25 Best Gifts for Travelers for more ideas, or shop more travel packing ideas now.
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