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1. An airplane footrest when your biggest flying annoyance is the inability to stretch out. Attach this to the arms of your tray table and give your tired feet a place to rest! It can help prevent lower back pain, stiffness, and leg swelling on that super long flight home for the holidays.
Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredibly to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! It easily attached to the tray table, and I adjusted it to my desired height. It is like a hammock for your feet. You just prop them up inside the thing/swing/hammock — which is very cushiony — and your feet are hoisted up comfortably. I'm a big girl and weight is no issue. DEFINITELY MUST HAVE ON ALL MY FLIGHTS NOW. This thing is great!!" —Queen
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
2. A 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow for enjoying the best of both comfort worlds! You can use it to support your head as a pillow *and* as a blanket when things get chilly. The best part? It has a genius pass-through handle that slips on your luggage for easy carrying.
Promising review: "I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight, and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane and when the blanket is folded into the pillow it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." —Robynn
Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in six colors).
3. A pack of mini toothbrushes because nothing compares to the moment when you realize you were so busy packing your holiday outfits that you forgot to brush your teeth. Now you can freshen up your mouth situation no matter where you are! No water or rinsing required.
4. A clever luggage strap that's all about providing you with a hands-free travel experience. If you're dreading the thought of carrying that heavy tote on your shoulder, this strap has you covered.
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
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors and as a two-pack).
5. A pair of memory foam shoe inserts guaranteed to put a lil' pep back in your step. Your feet will be bouncing on fluffy clouds as you prance through the airport like your flight wasn't just delayed for the fifth time.
Promising review: "Bought these so I could walk comfortably in boots and boooooy were these GREAT! Went on a trip and walked all over Paris and London dawn to dusk three days in a row and my feet were walking on clouds! Best purchase I've made in a while." —Anna Juneby
Get a pair from Amazon for $9.88 (available in women's sizes 9–14 and men's sizes 6–12).
6. A set of wildly popular wireless, waterproof Bluetooth earbuds if you simply cannot travel during the busiest season without Christmas music in your ears. These come with a few different silicone tips to help you find the best fit!
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 45 hours of total playtime (with the earbuds able to play for 10+ hours on a single charge!).
I was one of those people still walking around with a cord dangling from my ears because I could never find a wireless pair that worked for me. Enter these life-changing earbuds! I tried all the different silicone ear tips included and got *the* perfect fit. I use them for both listening to music/podcasts and talking on the phone. The sound quality is amazing and I have to charge these MAYBE once a week depending on how much I use them. I'm never going back to AirPods... or dangly wires.
Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" —Kate Arnold
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five colors).
7. Or wireless headband headphones for anyone who struggles to keep a pair of headphones on while traveling. The battery lasts for over 10 hours *and* you won't have to stress about your earbud falling onto the airplane floor!
The headband has a breathable mesh lining on the inside with hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking material to keep you comfortable while you wear them. The soft, stretchy material is designed to fit most head sizes. The headband is machine washable, too! Simply remove the control pod before putting it in the washing machine.
Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot! I bought each of us one for our last cruise. They were a Godsend! The headband is easy to use and holds a charge for days. We were able to Bluetooth to our own devices. They are comfortable enough to sleep in, we slept with ours on every night for the seven-day cruise. We find ourselves using them a lot here at home as well. The material is comfortable and breathable. I don't think it would keep your ears very warm in the cold but I also don't think the material is thick enough for you to sweat in either. Overall we are both very pleased and plan to purchase some for Christmas and birthday gifts." —Jenn S.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 16 colors).
8. High-waisted pocket leggings, which will become a staple in your travel wardrobe and beyond. They're perfect for being active, being lazy, and anything else you might feel like doing on your trip!
Promising review: "If you’re on the fence about buying these leggings, DO IT. I bought a black pair (plus size) to see how they’d fit and let me tell you! I have wide hips, big thighs, and a large behind, and these leggings fit perfectly! Even better, THEY ARE NOT SEE-THROUGH when I bend over!! I’ve *never* found leggings that weren’t sheer when I bent over before! I bought eight more in different colors and they all are the same quality! I love them so much that over a year later I bought two more black pairs!! I recommend these leggings to everyone I hear talking about the difficulties of finding good leggings. I swear I wear these to work three times a week, at least. I love them!!" —hali howard
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's standard and plus sizes, three lengths, with or without pockets, and 21 colors/patterns).
9. Or some soft, hybrid leggings and joggers that'll feel like comfy pajamas while still being suitable enough to wear in public. Constricting pants with a button and a zipper on your long flight home to see Grandpa Joe? I think not.
Promising review: "I work from home and now I only want to wear these pants. They are super comfy and very versatile. Perfect for a casual look, working out, traveling, or as just mentioned, working from home. Definitely my new fave." —Alejandra V.
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3X, two lengths, and in 42 colors).
10. An inflatable travel pillow so you'll actually be able to get some much-needed ZzZs on the plane. When folded, it can be used for neck support OR you can unfold it and use it for lumbar support. There's even a pocket for your phone so you don't have to hold it while watching your shows.
Promising review: "I travel often. As much as I try, I cannot sleep on a plane. With this new pillow, I can. My favorite is that I can lean forward with the pillow's support, which is a very comfortable and relaxing position! Especially on long international flights. You can have a nice nap in this position or watch something on your phone. The perfect position pillow." —Brenda
Get it from Amazon for $20.95 (available in three colors).
11. Portable soap paper sheets you'll be *extra* thankful for when you're on a holiday trip and encounter a public restroom without a single drop of soap to wash your hands. Problem solved!
Promising review: "I saw these all over TikTok and since I'm going on a road trip across the states, I thought why not? We all know those rest stops that run out of soap so you either use hand sanitizer (if you're lucky) or wet your hands with just water to trick your conscience into thinking you didn't just leave a dirty bathroom without washing your hands. The sheets are super thin but when you wet them, they create so much lather. I probably stared at my hands in disbelief for a good solid 10 seconds. They definitely feel clean and the smell is a light floral type. I definitely recommend these to have with you regardless what you are doing that day. Plus, these little guys are super tiny and can go into the tiniest purses or even your pockets in your jeans." —Cookie Monster
Get 450 sheets from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three colors and multi-packs).
12. And some laundry soap sheets if you just KNOW there's an outfit you'll wear more than once. Rather than putting on a shirt you sweat through the day before, give it a quick wash. This also means you can pack lighter since you can wash stuff, so you'll have more room for souvenirs.
Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops at 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
Get it from Amazon for $10.15.
13. A luggage-mounted cup caddy for travel days when you're zipping through the airport while trying to make it to the gate without spilling your beloved iced coffee.
Check out this TikTok of the cup caddy in action.
Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 26 colors/patterns).
14. An in-flight phone mount so you can binge your fave shows *without* straining your neck to look down at the screen. Attach it to your seat-back tray (or any other surface) and watch your comfort movie to take your mind off the holiday chaos!
Check out a TikTok of the in-flight phone mount in action!
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built, and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $9.46+ (available in three colors and as a two-pack).
15. Body Glide anti-blister balm that'll prevent the agonizing feeling of knowing you're developing a blister on a long travel day. It works best when applied at the start of your day to create a barrier between your skin and your shoes.
Check out a TikTok of the anti-blister balm in action!
Promising reviews: "Saw this product on a TikTok review and thought to give it a go. I definitely say it causes new shoes to be less painful however if you apply a lot it can be a little transferable on shoes. Overall though I think this product is definitely worth it and it does make a difference with new shoe wear!" —Mich Elle
"This is a MUST if you're breaking in new flats. Helps prevent blisters. So easy and simple, yet effective." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
16. A rechargeable, double-sided hand warmer if you're prone to ice-cold fingers, especially during the *brrr* holiday season. It has 3–4 hours of heating time and is small enough to hold in your palm!
The hand warmer takes just two minutes to reach a toasty 107 degrees Fahrenheit!
Promising review: "Quick to warm up and fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, and the flashlight is handy when I'm looking for something in the bottom of my bag." —Sone
Get it from Amazon for $19.19+ (available in five patterns).
17. Or a handheld mini fan because as fun as warm-weather holiday trips are, you should be able to cool off whenever you feel like it! Plus, it also acts as a flashlight and a backup power bank.
It's USB rechargeable with two speed options!
See a TikTok of the handheld mini fan in action.
Promising review: "Bought this after seeing it on TikTok, and wow. Where has this been all my life? A portable charger (extra, because I already have one), a fan with two settings (this kept me cool during my brother’s outdoor college graduation), and a flashlight (perfect for finding my phone when I drop it in my car). It’s a great little thing that adds that extra EXTRA-ness to your life." —Angie
Get it from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in five colors).
18. Silicone earplugs when you desperately need to block out the sound of crying babies, loud plane engines, and the passenger next to you snoring at max volume. A restful flight before seeing family for the holidays? Yes, please.
Promising review: "I have to first say, I had a few steps in my anti-ear popping process. First, I took a decongestant starting 48 hours before my flight going by the regiment on the box. The day before my flight, I used Debrox to unclog my ears according to the regiment on the box. The day of my flight I put the Earplanes in while we were on the ground and kept them in the entire flight. When I say I had NO EAR POPPING!!! I was on a long flight with a layover, and for the first leg, I had a little popping (like a painless crackle), but for the rest of the flight and the return, I had absolutely no popping. For one of my flights. I didn’t even realize we were landing because I was watching movies with no pain! I have used ear plugs before but there is something about Earplanes that set them apart from regular ear plugs. I normally get really painful popping (I mean scared to sneeze or cough because they hurt so bad), but I had absolutely no pain. I will be using this combination EVERY TIME I fly from now on." —jahnese
Get a pair from Amazon for $7.50 (also available in multipacks).
19. A portable white noise machine to provide you with a peaceful sleep environment so you can *actually* get some rest in your hotel for a change.
Promising review: "NEED!!! This little sound machine is amazing. The sound is surprisingly loud for how small it is!!! We sleep with one every night. This little guy is perfect for fitting in luggage and helping to block out any sounds from the resort. Get it!" —LexK
Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in 12 colors and as a two-pack).
20. Plus, a ~dreamy~ sleep mask that'll help you descend into a peaceful snooze without your overly bright surroundings waking you up. The silky-soft material is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and cool to the touch, so it's heaven on earth for hot sleepers.
Get it from Goodful for $20 (originally $30; available in four colors).
21. Flushable toilet seat covers so your bum doesn't have to bear the unthinkable — a germ-infested public toilet seat. Why aren't these covers standard issue in ALL public restrooms? Now you'll be prepared!
22. Reusable Sea Bands if you want to live your best wanderlust life *without* motion sickness. These bands target an acupressure point on the wrist to reduce nausea, which is ideal for long car rides, cruises, and train rides.
For more info on how to use acupressure for nausea management, check out this guide from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "I have always suffered from motion sickness. My whole life I have hated long car rides, even short car rides. As soon as I get in the car and buckle in, I already feel the nausea. I bought these for a 16-hour road trip, and they worked 100%. I felt perfectly comfortable the whole way through. I could even watch movies and text on my phone and feel alright. My two daughters suffer from the same thing (ages 1 and 3) to the point where they couldn't keep any food down. The kids bands worked for them 100% of the time, too. 10/10 recommend. I'll be buying more for sure." —Veronica
Get a pair from Amazon for $8.53.
23. A memory foam seat cushion — it'll *literally* save your butt on long trips when you spend hours in the car. You'll arrive at your destination ready to spread holiday cheer instead of acting like the Grinch on account of a sore booty.
Promising review: "On long car trips I always ended up squirming around trying to get comfortable and ease the pressure on my tailbone. This cushion has changed all that and I no longer have that problem. I’ll probably get another one for the home office. Great find!" —Izzy P.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two sizes, in colors black and gray, and in a bundle with a back cushion).
24. And a stick-on shade, which will def come in handy on road trips when the sun is just way too bright. This will block it out so you can actually admire the scenic view (or take a nap, either way).
25. A pair of compression socks because you shouldn't have to add "worry about swelling or excessive sweating" to your holiday to-do list. These will help keep your legs and feet comfy when sitting for long periods, whether you're traveling by car or plane.
Read more about compression socks and long flights at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "These socks do the job and have become essential travel gear for my wife and me. They help prevent tired and bloated feet and legs on long flights and ensure our feeling safe from the attendant risks of poor circulation from lack of movement on these fights (which we take regularly). Have immediately purchased pairs for friends." —Burt
Get them from Amazon for $19.16+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors).
And check out our full Physix Gear compression socks review here.
26. Or a shorter pair of compression foot sleeves if your feet are now facing the consequences of all the shoes with nonexistent arch support you used to wear while traveling. Ouch!! Slip on a pair of these — the breathable fabric helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide better arch support!
Read more about how a lack of arch support can aggravate plantar fasciitis at the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Promising review: "I went on my first walk in years without pain the second day of trying these socks! I had almost given up trying to relieve the intense burning/soreness due to my plantar fasciitis, but I decided to try one last product. These socks have already changed my life and have allowed me to start working out again! Highly recommend." —Emily
Get a pair from Amazon for $13.56+ (available in unisex sizes S–XL and nine colors).
27. A roll-on migraine stick for a quick fix when a headache hits and you need that sweet, immediate relief. It contains spearmint, peppermint, and lavender oils to help soothe the pain associated with migraines.
Promising review: "I’ve had migraines all my life — I’m 31 now. I’ve been on all kinds of prescriptions that work, but make me so sleepy... I’ve been using this stick for one week now, and it’s amazing! I rubbed it on at the first hint of a headache/migraine and it takes care of it fast. I haven’t taken a prescription migraine since I started using it." —Amanda Braswell
Read BuzzFeed's review of the migraine stick for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
28. And a tiny travel face ice roller to treat yourself to a cooling facial massage when you need a break from the stress of holiday travel. It's great for headache relief and for depuffing your face in the morning.
Promising review: "I bought this because I wake up in the morning with very puffy eyes and my jaw is always sore from overnight grinding. I’m not going to say this is a cure all, but it is extremely soothing to roll on the skin. It isn’t excessively cold to where my skin burns when using it, and it’s small and slim enough to pop in luggage when traveling." —Liz
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in colors blue and pink).
29. An adventure-friendly fanny pack because sometimes you want to travel light without *literally* carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. There's plenty of room for essentials, including a hidden pocket on the backside to keep your valuables safe.
Promising review: "Very happy with my purchase. Got this for my trip to Colombia. I was looking at more expensive fanny packs but settled on this for the reviews. It’s very well-made for the price. It withstood many hikes to waterfalls, horseback riding, and city tours among others. I wore it as shown in the picture and love the fact that there’s a pocket that’s hidden that sits on my chest at all times where I kept my passport, extra cash, and travel documents. I was able to fit my camera, iPhone, earbuds, shades, charger, and a couple of other knickknacks without a problem. Wasn’t a fanny pack guy before now but I’m a believer LOL." —IWG MD
Get it from Amazon for $13.77+ (available in two sizes and several colors/styles).
30. Some travel-size hand sanitizer bottles that'll come in ~handy~ when you touch a mysterious sticky surface and there's no sink nearby to wash up. You'll keep your hands nice and clean with one of these babies clipped to your bag!
Promising review: "Bought for international travel. Just the right size to pass airport security. Lightweight so easy to pop in pockets to carry daily.
And it must have helped as I didn’t catch a cold either during or after traveling. Used in conjunction with anti-bacterial wipes." —laurence r stevens
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
31. And a resealable pack of antibacterial wipes so you can get rid of all those pesky germs you encounter while traveling. Your only regret will be that you ever boarded a plane without a pack of these on deck.
Promising review: "As a flight attendant I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value." —SJ1326
Get 10 packs of 20 travel-size wipes each from Amazon for $18.53 (also available in a bundle with both fresh scent and tropical splash scent).
32. A slouchy beanie to ensure maximum warmth on all your winter wonderland adventures this holiday season. Did I mention it's lined with cozy fleece?
There's also an adorable pom-pom version of this hat!
Promising review: "This beanie went with me everywhere this winter. If it wasn’t on my head, it was in my purse. I love the slouchiness of it, it’s very warm. The inside is a soft velour, it’s well made and durable, and it stretches to fit any size head. I plan to purchase this in additional colors for next winter." —Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in one size and 26 colors).
33. Or a packable sun visor for staying stylish in the sun if you're exchanging winter weather for a tropical vacation! If you have long and/or thick hair, you'll love a hat that can handle your luscious locks! Don't forget to use SPF scalp powder or spray with this one.
The wide brim provides much more UV protection than regular caps!
Promising review: "I have long hair and always avoided hats because I hate having my hair sweating against my neck in a low bun or ponytail. With this sun visor-summer hat combo, I can keep my hair in a top knot and still keep my face and neck protected from the sun while catching a nice breeze. This is perfect (although a little large in circumference and I have a big head 7 3/4 hat size) and it’s adjustable and can fit any head size. It rolls up well and has an elastic to keep it rolled. I’ll be recommending this item to all my friends!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $17.59 (available in one size and 13 colors).
34. Finally, a packable rain jacket that'll save some major space in your suitcase and help you avoid that regretful moment when you get caught in the rain without a jacket.
Promising review: "So comfy and an amazing windbreaker! Bought this for my trip to Scotland and it was perfect. It is waterproof and kept me warm even though it’s lightweight." —Makayla Scott
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 11 colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.