Updated November 2023.

My mom texted me in July and asked, “What can I get for Steve’s stocking?” We like to plan early! So, I’ve been thinking about this one for a while. Here are the best stocking stuffers for the traveler in your life. You’re welcome!

*Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. This means that when you click any of the links to shop with me, you’ll be supporting my small business at no additional cost to you! I do not make a commission on links below that are not from Amazon, but the small businesses do!

Packable Day Bag

I don’t know if I can enumerate just how many uses there are for a packable day bag. I take one with me wherever I travel, and I’m always glad I have it! Whether the traveler in your life enjoys hiking, heading to the beach, walking around a new city, or always seems to need an extra piece of luggage for the journey home, this bag has them covered!

More here: How to Pack the Perfect Carry-on

Smartwool Socks

I got a pair of these from my friend and fellow runner Kelly for Christmas last year, and I’m hooked! Smartwool is warm, but best of all, it’s also not itchy! All the socks from Smartwool are made in America, and they have everything from lounge socks to running socks to fun socks!

More here: The Ultimate Guide to Travel and Your Feet

Slippers

Tell me one thing: How cute are slippers in your stocking for Christmas?! I always travel with a pair of slippers on long-haul or red-eye flights. Why? Because my feet fall asleep inside my shoes when I sit for too long. And shoes are generally uncomfortable. That’s why travel slippers are the perfect, thoughtful gift for the traveler in your life! The best ones have a rubber sole (because airplane bathrooms are… well, you can imagine), and even better if they fold up like these to take up less space!

Read also: How to Survive the Long-Haul Flight

In-flight Spa Kit

This is for the traveler who deserves a little pampering! Long-haul flights are rough for a few reasons–yes, even if you’re traveling in business class! Flying is much more dehydrating than you may realize, which is why I always bring a moisturizing facial mask and lotion with me on overnight or long-haul flights. Worried about getting dirty looks? Don’t be. The only looks I got were from people who also said, “What a great idea! I wish I’d thought of that!”

Also fun: My In-flight Beauty Routine

Eye Mask and Earplugs

Sleep is the elusive best friend of the traveler. Airplanes are visually distracting, jet lag is for real, and once travelers get home, they’re jet lagged again! Enter: Eye masks. My husband uses one every night, and he sleeps far better than I do–both on a plane and at home! Similarly, airplanes are noisy. What helps with that? Definitely earplugs!

Read next: How to Practice Self Care on Travel

Solid Toiletries

I realize that to most people, solid toiletries sound boring. But to a traveler, solid toiletries are solid gold! These save invaluable room in a carry-on liquids bag, and there’s no fear of them bursting in anyone’s luggage and ruining what’s in there. Solid is the way to go! My favorite unexpected solid toiletries are conditioner bars, toothpaste, and sunscreen!

You might be surprised: The Ultimate Guide to Solid Toiletries for Travel

Exercise Bands

This is a gift for the traveler you know really well, so as not to unintentionally hurt any feelings! But for real, these are awesome for travel, and they fit literally anywhere–including inside a stocking! Even if they already have a set, it’s always good to have an extra set for travel!

Perfect for active travelers: Why BodyFit by Amy is the Best Fitness App for Travelers

Travel Snacks

Through all the many years of my mom filling a stocking for me, one thing has always had a place in there: Snacks! Usually it’s chocolate, but I always appreciate individually-wrapped snacks like protein bars, trailmix, dried fruit, and jerky! Anything I can take on a long flight with me makes me think of travel, and what traveler doesn’t want that for Christmas?

Airplane approved: The Best Snacks to Pack for the Flight

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