1. A travel wallet that'll have them feeling like a seasoned traveler with everything organized. This wristlet helps them quickly locate their documents so they don't hold up the loooong check-in line. With pockets for their passport, cash, ID cards, and boarding passes, they'll never have to worry about losing or misplacing anything again.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese Yen (¥), which are larger. I didn’t use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" —Anthony Luu
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 36 colors).
2. Some itty bitty laundry soap sheets so they don’t have to pack their entire wardrobe just to make sure they have clean clothes for their trip. These little sheets allow them to hand-wash their clothes in the hotel sink, giving them the chance to rewear outfits and save space in their suitcase. Give the gift of convenience and practicality.
And don’t worry, since these aren't liquids they won't have to worry about any spills or leaks in their luggage.
Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $10.07.
3. A super sturdy airplane phone mount perfect for watching a movie or listening to music without the device falling off their lap or between the seats when they doze off! It also swivels 360 degrees, allowing them to position their phone in either portrait or landscape orientation.
Promising review: "Okay, after a flight last month, I was convinced I needed a phone mount and ran into this. So I bought it. The wild part was that I haven’t been on another flight yet and yet, I use this gadget every single day. So far, I found this to be durable and can contort to your needs. The different combinations of positions literally allows you to mount and position your device to nearly any position you need it to. I use the iPhone 11 as my device. I mount this on my standup desk at work, at my nightstand to watch movies while in bed, on my treadmill so I could watch something while walking, on a nearby counter as a tripod for my phone and of course, as a standalone stand when I’m sitting at a flat table." —Justine E.
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in three colors).
4. A very thorough "Pack this!" checklist so they can make sure they have everything they need for a stress-free trip. From extra pairs of underwear to prescription meds, this list makes sure all their bases (and then some) are covered.
Promising review: "I hate making lists trying to figure out what I need, and this is PERFECT for trying to figure that out. It has a lot more on the checklist than I would ever take on a trip, but it does accommodate for every kind a trip, from a simple vacation across state lines, to a business trip, to a wedding halfway around the world. I'm pretty pleased!" —Alyssa Kauffman
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in two other styles).
5. A super discreet travel pouch any adventure seeker would appreciate. Not only does it add an extra layer of security by keeping their valuables out of sight, but it will also keep them from being a target for pickpockets.
Promising review: "This was a LIFESAVER while traveling. I kept my cards and cash in it and had no stress about thieves lifting my essentials while traveling heavily pickpocketed cities. I loved it so much, I actually continued to use it when I got home instead of carrying a purse! The top flap did start to unravel after about six months but this was also after six months of everyday use." —Krista Hinz
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $16.45+ (available in three colors).
6. Or, a more accessible but sneaky money belt with a hidden zippered pocket to stash extra money, allowing them to move around more freely and comfortably knowing that their valuables are protected.
Promising review: "I purchased this for a trip to Cuba where I needed to carry all of the money I needed for that week in cash. Although I am not typically worried/normally cautious when traveling, the idea of carrying that much cash on me made me nervous. Traditional money belts/fanny packs just didn't seem like a fit for me. I was worried they would become uncomfortable in the hot sun. This security belt was perfect. It allowed us to carry most of they money for the trip hidden within the belt and carry in my purse the money I needed for that day. It also worked like a breeze with no issues getting through security. I'm not sure how much I'll use this in the future, but it was perfect for our needs." —fendi
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four sizes and seven colors).
7. Plus, a hidden zipper scrunchie so they can always have their fave lip gloss, a few bobby pins, and a couple of bucks on hand.
Smunchys is a woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. They understand a lot of women's clothing doesn't have pockets, so they wanted to create something for travelers, festival goers, and workout enthusiasts that would make it easy to carry their essentials on the move.
Promising review: "I saw these and thought it would be good to use while running. You can throw your key in there, etc. I also keep a lip gloss with me often (though not usually when running) so you could stow a small one in there. I bought several of these and I will give some to my daughter (though I want to keep them all, lol)." —Nurserunner
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six colors, satin, and multipacks).
8. An electronics pouch designed to keep their wired earphones, various chargers, and other accessories neat and easy to find so that they aren't digging through a jumbled mess AND saving them from what feels like hours of untangling cords.
Promising review: "Long term travel companion for my tech. Holds a lot, whether I needed the tech or not including 8" tablet, small speaker, cables/connectors and a small tripod. It does get heavy with all of these items. Could not hold mid-size camera with all the other stuff. Easily fit in my backpack for TSA process." —bjb
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
9. Vacuum seal bags your resident over-packer in the friend group will be head over hills about. These bags can compress the bulkiest of clothes so they can bring as many "back-up" emergency outfits as they want and still have enough space to bring back souvenirs.
Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even use the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact." —Susie Kochsmeier
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get a 4-pack from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four sizes and multiple pack sizes).
10. A digital luggage scale to help them avoid that dreaded $40 fee from their bag being 20 pounds overweight. Now they can gauge how overboard they can go with the Disneyland Tokyo gear they plan on bringing back as souvenirs. It's a win-win for everyone!
Promising review: "This luggage scale is so handy and is great for weighing your luggage. I was a little concerned before I got it because I wasn't sure how accurate it would be. When I used it when I went on vacation, it was dead on to what the airport said, so I highly recommend this. Plus, it’s easy to pack in your bags." —Teresa Daniels
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $9.84+ (available in six colors).
11. A heat-resistant silicone mat perfect for the jet-setting family member who loves to stay stylish on the go. This nifty little accessory comes in handy when they're in a rush and don't have time to wait for their hot tools to cool down before packing them. Simply wrap them up in the mat and toss them in the bag — no need to worry about damaging their other belongings.
Promising review: "This is great for many purposes. It’s great as a heat mat AND a travel guard to protect items from your styling tool! I’d definitely recommend to a friend! 10/10" —Shelbie
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $9.79+ (available in four colors).
12. Tower 28's mini SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray capable of giving fellow anxious travelers a much-needed pick-me-up. Not only does this spray refresh and calm tired, stressed-out skin, but it also helps prevent future flare-ups. That means they can enjoy their travels with less worry of pesky breakouts or other skin irritations.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned small clean beauty brand designed for sensitive skin. Their products are nontoxic, nonirritating, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you can rest easy when applying.
Promising review: "HOLY GRAIL!! I tried this spray for the first time about a year and a half ago. I had moved from a dry climate to a humid climate and my acne was out of control! I tried so many products before SOS. When I tell you my acne cleared up within a week….SHEESH! I haven’t been without this spray since! I keep a mini with me at all times and for travel and recommend to all friends with skin concerns. Don’t walk, RUN to Sephora to get it!" —KuhKristen
Shipping info: Standard shipping is 1–3 days, members get free 1–3-day shipping, and expedited shipping is available for an additional cost. Last day for flash one-day shipping (paid) is Thursday, Dec. 22 by 6 a.m. Eastern. You can also purchase online and pick up at your local store (typically within 4 hours)!
Get it a 1 ounce bottle from Sephora for $12 (available in two sizes).
13. Some in-flight silicone earplugs that'll truly show how much you care about their well-being and comfort on all their future adventures to come. These plugs help reduce the horrendous ear pain due to the pressure change from taking off and landing during a flight. No wonder why reviewers are calling these a game changer.
Promising review: "I love this product! Every couple of trips, no matter what tricks I try, I cannot clear my ears. The ear pain is immense at takeoff (I completely understand why those babies and toddlers wail!), and then I'm hard of hearing for days. With these, that has never happened. A few other people near me had ear pain and I did not, so I was very grateful I'd bought this product." —Amy Clark
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get them from Amazon for $7.50.
14. A pair of compression socks designed to prevent swelling and muscle fatigue, meaning they can actually explore their destination without worrying about sore feet. These socks offer the support needed for when they're not able to get up and move around for a few hours and reduce the discomfort of swelling.
Promising reviews: "With three weeks of international travel coming up, I purchased these to combat swelling in my feet during the flights. I had noticed swelling after three hour domestic flights, so I was worried about what almost 30k miles would do! I wore these on every leg of the trip and never noticed any swelling — even after the 10- to 15-hour flights. They are very comfortable, too!" —J. Beaty
"Highly recommended. I am currently eight months pregnant and wear these beauties every single day. I come home from work, take them off, wash them, and hang them to dry for the next day. I never knew how painful the swelling in my legs and feet could be until recently, and these socks were a complete game changer. I stand for over nine hours a day at work, so I can't begin to explain how badly my legs and feet ached. I have a picture of what my feet looked like with (right) and without using the socks (left). The difference is tremendous!!" —OStocky
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get them from Amazon for $19.31+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 colors).
Check out our full compression socks review here.
15. A TSA-approved toiletry bag aka the ultimate travel companion that will make their life easier since TSA agents can easily see what they packed, meaning no more awkward searches or delays.
Promising review: "This bag held surprisingly more than expected. I put tiny travel jars for my skincare creams and other small toiletries in it with room to spare. I definitely feel like it was easier to pack and was also easy to grab out of my bag for security. It feels sturdy with nice, thick vinyl. The double zipper moved easily, and I was pleased that it opened completely for ease of getting the items I needed out of it." —M Tate
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).
16. A well-thought-out car cupholder adapter, or in other words, THE ultimate convenience tool for the road trip lover. It easily fits into any standard cup holder and expands to hold a variety of drink sizes, from their morning coffee to their giant QT cup. No more spills or awkward balancing acts. Just pure beverage bliss.
Wine & Whiskey Co. is a Texas-based Etsy shop selling a wide range of adorable phone cases and T-shirts, plus genius car accessories (obvi).
Promising review: "Love it. Perfectly holds my 40-ounce Hydro Flask. No more rolling around the truck cab. Arrived quickly and works as described." —Jason J. Mease
Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 2–10 days after ordering with free shipping. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.
Get it from Wine & Whiskey Co. on Etsy for $12.99 (also available in multipacks).
17. A 27-piece first aid kit that'll help tackle any scrape or cut that may come their way. This little lifesaver is complete with all the essentials: antiseptic wipes, sting relief wipes, antibiotic ointment, assorted bandages, safety pins, and a razor blade.
Promising review: "This has all the basics. It is the perfect size for hiking trips or times when I can carry it in my purse. I love it." —Tammyla
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $5.50.
18. A practical and beautiful collapsible, pocket-sized coffee cup designed to take up barely any space in their personal bag when flying, which will have them feeling light and free while on the go.
Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers!
My BuzzFeed Shopping colleague Danielle Healy has this and tells us: "This is one of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a must-have. So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too."
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and in 24 colors).
19. Some biodegradable hypoallergenic wipes they can whip out in the airport bathroom after their long-haul flight, helping them feel clean and refreshed.
Promising review: "We bought these before a 2-week trip to Germany. Knowing we had several long flights, layovers, and train/taxi rides in our future, we figured it would be best to keep something on hand to stay fresh. We chose these because the wipes are individually wrapped, compact, and we could split them up between the two of us. They were perfect! They helped freshen us up after our long plane rides and made us feel clean and smelling good. I keep an extra in my purse now because you never know when you'll need to freshen up. I highly recommend these." —Lisa
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $15.
20. A jewelry organizer to keep all their dainty chains and elaborate earrings organized and tangle-free, especially the new ones Santa brings them!
Promising review: "I would give this more stars if I could. It's exactly what I've been looking for forever!!! It has plenty of room for my clunky jewelry, and enough separate pouches that things don't get tangled. I LOVE it." —Carrie Minturn
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $9.09+ (available in blue and pink).
21. An unassuming buckled luggage strap which might not look like much, but even flight attendants swear by them. They can use it to strap their coat or personal bag to their luggage so they don't have to carry it around, freeing their hands to grab a cup of coffee from Dunkin'.
Promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in seven colors and packs of two).
22. A portable door lock for instant added security when they they travel alone. It may help keep them safer when they’re miles away — this easy-to-install lock simply slips onto the door latch and, voilà, peace of mind.
Note: This can get flagged when going through security, so they may want to put it in an easily accessible place in their checked bag to be safe.
Promising review: "I travel a lot for work and usually take a lot of measures for extra security, such as keeping the luggage roller in my room all week and rolling it in front of the door. It was large and cumbersome, but with this gadget, it's great! You can use it on almost any door and works better than the makeshift 'fork' one. Frequent traveler or not, this item offers peace of mind which can prove invaluable while away from home. (I can even use it on my door at my house!)" —Deactivated
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in two and four-packs).
23. A designated dirty laundry bag, to keep their dirty clothes in order and away from clean clothes. This little bag starts out cute and compact but can expand big enough to fit a week's worth of clothes in. Once it is not in use, reviewers say it easily folds back into its original size.
Promising review: "I love this bag for travel. It's the perfect size. Unlike so many travel laundry bags, this one is the perfect size for clothes and undies. So many are too small like a lingerie bag or too big like a bag to take to the laundromat. This is cute and folds up into itself." —N. Newman
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $9.35+ (available in seven styles).
24. A simple yet remarkable felt insert they'll be over the moon with excitement and gratitude for. This handy dandy insert is perfect for keeping all of their travel essentials neat and organized in their carry on. It has a number of compartments and pockets so they'll never have to worry about losing anything in the depths of their bag again.
And this comes in so many shades they'll easily find one to match the interior of any of their bags!
Promising review: "When you spend a LOT of money on a good bag, the last thing you need is a pen to leak or a dirty mark to ruin the lining. I couldn’t believe my luck when I discovered the EXACT product I was thinking of right here. I have the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM with a light pink lining I wanted to protect, and right here a pink liner fits perfectly. You can remove the middle section if you wish, to hold more books, folder etc or keep it in (it has hook and loop strips at each end to hold it in place). I love that everything has a place, including a zipped compartment and the key strap lanyard, and of course if you want to change bags you can just lift it out and place all those essentials right into another. Highly recommend this item." —BritGirlUSA
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 23 colors).
25. A compact and quick-drying microfiber towel that's so versatile they'll wonder how they made it this long without it. It doesn't take up too much space, is super absorbent, dries fast, and can be used for anything like camping trips to beach days.
Promising review: "I took this towel on a two-week trip through Austria and Slovakia, and I am SO glad I did. It was perfect: it didn't take up much space, and it dried SUPER quickly. If you are a backpacker or even just a casual traveler, this thing is made for you! Also, I bought the lime green color which made it VERY easy for me to find my towel." —brandon short
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in XS–XXL and 11 colors).
26. An anti-blister balm, the perfect solution to keep their feet happy and pain-free during their travels. Now they can enjoy Disneyland to their heart's content without any achy feet.
Promising review: "I purchased two of these for our one-week Disney World trip. I knew I’d be walking around A LOT, and my feet aren’t used to the many miles of walking a day in the hot and humid environment, so I didn’t want to be uncomfortable. I'm happy to say I put it on once in the morning, slipped on some socks and comfy shoes, and I didn’t get one blister or issue with my feet! I wish I knew about this a long time ago!" —Michelle
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
27. A travel toothbrush that is functional enough to keep up with their on-the-go dental hygiene needs. With its folding design, this toothbrush easily fits into any travel bag or purse making it a must-have for any frequent flyer.
Promising review: "These are great! I travel around a lot for work, and also have Invisalign, so I like to keep one in my work bag as well as my travel bag. The best part is the convenience. I used to carry a toothbrush in a case that took up a lot of room in my work bag as well as my travel bag. Now I just use these. They are small, durable, easy to use, and the brush is full covered when it is fully closed, which is what I was a little worried about at first. It was exactly what I was looking for in a travel toothbrush. I highly recommend, and I will be purchasing again." —Demetri
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get the two-pack from Amazon for $5.99 (available in soft and medium bristles).
28. Some squeezable silicone travel bottles to bring all of their essentials like shampoo, body wash, and lotion without having to lug around bulky bottles. The set also comes with pre-printed labels so they can know exactly what's what, keeping them prepared and organized.
And they come with a handy, clear zipper pouch!
Promising review: "Just took a trip to the Dominican Republic and used carry-on luggage only throughout the entire trip, never once was questioned about the size. The bag they are in seems thin but it worked great to put bottles back in and some smaller items fit in the bag too, like lip gloss, mascara and such. The holes are big enough to get your product in to the bottles without any complications. My fiancé and I had plenty of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock and lotion for seven days. Highly recommend these bottles, they are perfect for carry-ons!!" —Stephanie Miller
Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get a set of three from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 12 styles).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.