9 Affordable Travel Gift Ideas for Under $25

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Shopping for any travelers this holiday season? Lucky you—there are plenty of on-trend and affordable travel gifts that look cool but won’t break the bank.

Affordable Travel Gift Ideas

Here are some of the best options for travel gifts that cost a lot less than you might think.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Smartphone Camera Lenses

Upgrading your smartphone photography is simple thanks to clip-on lenses. An easy-to-use and affordable travel gift that any Instagrammer will appreciate, SHUTTERMOON Phone Camera Lens Kit includes five photo-transforming lenses: telephoto, wide-angle, polarized, fisheye, and maco. They’re perfect for getting up-close or fitting more into your shot and are compatible with most smartphones and tablets.

A Massive Scarf

Something I never travel without, a cozy scarf, also happens to make a great and affordable travel gift for just about anyone. Women’s options from Wander Agio come in sixteen colors and can double as a blanket or a stylish shawl. For men, Marino’s Cashmere Feel Scarf comes in an array of colors and with a gift box that seem to contradict its price.

Tiny Speakers

Sound-booming speakers small enough to stash in your carry-on for the hotel room or vacation rental make for an affordable and clever travel gift. EWA Travel Mini Bluetooth Speaker weighs 6.2 ounces, measures less than two by two inches, and can play wirelessly for 5 to 8 hours.

A Collapsible Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles have long been a must-have airport accessory, and can also be a great travel gift. SPECIAL MADE Collapsible Water Bottle folds up when empty to fit in any travel bag, and has a leak-proof locking cap. Forget the clunky stainless steel canteen water bottles of last year and gift someone a practical travel water bottle that has pack-friendly bragging rights.

Treats Snack Box Subscription

Trying new and foreign foods is one of the best parts of travel, and it can make for a unique travel gift. Start someone on a snack box subscription like Treats to gift them tasty snack flavors from around the world. Treats sends snacks from a different country each month, and shipping is free for U.S. addresses. Treats subscription boxes start from $21.95 per month on CrateJoy. Be sure to order a single box or pause your account after the first month if you don’t want to continue a subscription.

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Wool Outerwear Accessories

Wool winter accessories like wool knit ear warmers and hats are packable and thoughtful affordable travel gifts. YSense’s Cable Knit Ear Warmers are a chic option for women, or try a unisex Merino wool hat like Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie for something that’s softer and more breathable than standard wool.

A Packable Air Humidifier

We all know someone who needs this travel gift. Diffusers and humidifiers are a great way to combat dryness caused by cold weather travels and arid airplane cabins, plus it’s an aromatherapy sleep solution if you mix in some essential oils. If you didn’t think a packable version existed, this Actpe Portable Essential Oil Diffuser is just seven ounces.

High-End Travel Samples

Perfect as stocking stuffers, travel-sized sample packs are an affordable travel gift for someone who appreciates a little bit of luxury. The Sephora Best Seller Kit allows shoppers the chance to try some of the brand’s high-end skin care without the price tag while First Aid Beauty’s products are perfect for sensitive skin, and come in a travel kit of body scrub and moisturizer.

An Ultralight Carry-on Bag

Everyone could use an extra carry-on that folds away into itself—you never know when you’ll want a spacious personal item to keep close to your plane seat. Arxus’s Lightweight Foldable Tote Bag packs down into a pouch, but can fit up to 40 liters inside when it’s open. The waterproof fabric and rear sleeve that fits over a telescoping suitcase handle make it a foolproof gift for the frequent traveler.

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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