Packing light is amazing. Do I always achieve it? Absolutely not, but when I do, I appreciate not lugging heavy suitcases, not waiting at baggage claim, and not stressing about airline fees. But let’s face it, packing everything you need into a single carry-on in a serious challenge.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of travel gifts that are smart, compact, and designed for travelers who want to pack less but experience more with less stress…which usually allows for more joy! Each item is practical, multi-purpose, and actually worth the space it takes in your bag.
Anyone on your holiday list who wants to travel will appreciate these items!
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Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are game changers, but all packing cubes are not created equal. Some are simply zippable bags, but don’t compress. Some don’t let you see inside. Some are huge and heavy, so they don’t really allow for personalization of your items because it takes up the entire inside of your bag. Some are low quality and some have really bad zippers (often overlooked as a quality element).
I don’t normally do this, but I also feel the need to mention that although some brands are amazing at some things, I don’t necessarily recommend every product they make. I will recommend Level8 rolling suitcases until I’m blue in the face, but I don’t recommend their packing cubes. They have quite a bit of padding that just feels bulky. If you have a ton of space and appreciate the padding, sure. But, I feel like most of us are just trying to get everything we want to take into one bag.
BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes – BAGSMART is a brand I love and use. I own a few of their products that I use daily. With this set, I love the handles and having a few sizes is great for mixing and matching that make sense for each bag you have. The mesh is super handy so you can easily see what’s inside. A family tip is to get a few sets in various colors so each person has their own color and nothing gets mixed up.
I’m also a sucker for this full color set. I’m a simple girl 🙂 But if you have someone that LOVES one specific color, this set might be the way to go.
Peak Design Ultra Light Packing Cubes – The quality of Peak Design products are pretty much unrivaled. Their bags are some of the highest quality bags we own. So, for ultra light, waterproof, multi-use packing cubes that can double as a sling bag with the help of their carry loops, you’ll want to grab these. But there are a few different options to choose from depending on what kind of traveling the recipient is doing. If they already own Peak Design bags, even better, because all of their products are made to work together. But it’s not a necessity.
Yes, they are pricey (don’t I know it!) but they come with a lifetime warranty. And I have used it on a camera product and it was very easy and fast. On top of all of that, Peak Design is a fantastic company.
Carry-On Travel Bags
Level8 20-inch Carry On with 4 Spinner wheels – This has been one of my two favorite carry-on suitcases ever. And the other one doesn’t exist anymore! I worked with Level8 yesterday ago and when I say that Sean and I both love our bags, that’s not an understatement. He had a checked bag that got mishandled and busted at the corner (which happens to a lot of bags like these). So, he bought their new product with, what I call, metal shoulder pads.
But this is about carry-ons, and this bag is perfect. The wheels are amazing and that might sound silly but if you’ve ever fought with the wheels on a suitcase, you understand why good wheels make life easier. The handle is lightweight, but still feels solid while being the right width so you can still use luggage pass-thoughs to put bags on top as you go through the airport.
The interior is pretty open, but both sides zip closed with one side having two zipper pockets. It’s a great bag for packing cubes! And it has a TSA lock for security. I beat this thing up. It’s been on a couple dozen flights and it’s my favorite bag. They have a lot more colors now and if you want to give an even higher quality version, I’d go for their Gibraltar Aluminum Zipperless 20 inch version.
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack – I’ve mentioned Peak Design already, so I definitely want to recommend their travel backpack because it has all the things I love about the brand and their bags. It’s versatile, well-thought out, beautiful, and is high-quality. It’s also expandable and weatherproof with a lifetime warranty. The colors they have now are STUNNING! The Ocean blue is perfect. And of course, I love that all their products work together to make it even more versatile if your giftee already has some of their products.
Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag – This packable tote is stylish, versatile, and folds flat when not in use. Doubles as a day bag or your personal item on a plane. I use a similar one that I got in Europe because I like to be sure that I can pack a little extra if I need to on the way back home!
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Travel Organization
Pacsafe Coversafe V75 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Passport Holder – That’s a lot of words for what is a passport holder (with a strap) that protects from RFID-skimmers. What I love about it is that it’s perfect to keep what you need at your fingertips under a jacket, or a shirt, if preferred. This also keeps it out of the main luggage.
Sean and I are practical people and we understand that things can happen but want to prepare just in case. So, I highly suggest this as a gift and encourage your giftee to wear it on the plane, at least for take off and landing. If, for any reason, the plane has to be deboarded in an emergency, wearing this will ensure you always have your passport and small valuables on you.
Bellroy Laptop Caddy – Who doesn’t love to be organized? This combo laptop cover/protector is perfect for storing chargers, cables, and small electronics. It keeps everything flat, orderly, and easy to pack.
Peak Design Tech Pouch – This thing holds so much more than it seems. It’s shocking just how many small bits and cables we all accumulate but that also we seem to need depending on the trip! It’s a great multi-purpose pouch that can turn into a sling if the giftee has the Peak Design anchors and straps. Or, you could just grab a few of those, too.
Compact, organized, and slightly addictive—once you try it, you’ll never travel without it.
Tech & Power Essentials
Anker Nano Travel Adapter – Anker products are the only ones I buy when it comes to power. Whether it’s adapters, chargers, power banks, they are absolute quality. This travel adapter (not converter!) is perfect for this list because it’s almost half the size of most adapters on the market. It also has 2 USB-A ports and 2 USB-C ports plus the spot for a regular plug. So, you can charge so many things at once! But an important thing to know is that it’s a 2-pin adapter.
Anker 3-in-1 PowerCore Fusion – I love a multi-in-one device! This is a combined a wall charger and power bank in one sleek package. Perfect for airports and road trips. If anyone wants to travel light, this is a great device to have in their bag!
Kindle Paperwhite – Thousands of books in one lightweight device? Yes, please. A Kindle is Ideal for minimalists who love to read on the go and who appreciate a glare-free device that is distraction-free.
If they love to read, getting them an Audible Premium Plus Membership is also ideal because they get access to thousands of audiobooks and podcasts and get a credit each month for any book. I’ve had it for years and love it! You can gift 3-., 6-, 12-, or 24-months of membership.
Samsung Tablet – This Galaxy Tab S10 FE was my favorite purchase last year so it has to make it onto this list! If someone needs something to watch movies, take notes, work on emails, and do light computer processing, a tablet is so nice because it’s a lot smaller than a laptop. I love mine so much and I didn’t think I would be a tablet girl, but here I am taking it everywhere with me. I also have a small Bluetooth keyboard, as well, to make doing work a bit easier. But I use it every single day!
How to Choose Carry-On Friendly Travel Gifts
When shopping for carry-on gifts, keep these in mind:
- Weight and size – Everyone should fit easily in a single bag.
- Multi-functionality – Items that can do many things to save space.
- Durability – Items that last are good for the giftee, the environment, and the wallet.
Traveling with just a carry-on doesn’t mean compromise. With the right gear, anyone can pack lighter, move faster, and enjoy every trip with less stress. And what better gift is there than less stress?
