8 Unique Gifts For Travelers

Looking for those unique gifts for travelers and the globetrotters in your life? You’ve come to the right place.

Hi. I’m Tina and I’m a travel addict. There, I said it. Phew, I feel so much better.. Travel addiction is the real deal you guys. It is always present. Whenever I’m not busy traveling or planning my next trip, I’m browsing the world wide web for items that will make my next trip easier and more comfortable.. Or you’ll find me drooling at some cute travel related decor for my home. Am I the only one? Doubtful.

You see, I’m pretty sure everyone has a travel addict in their life. It may be your sister, a co-worker, even a neighbor. Or maybe it’s you? (Don’t worry, I won’t tell). Since I know I’m not alone in my addiction, I thought I’d share some of my favorite travel items here. Hopefully it will help you find something useful for your upcoming trip to Europe, or I’ll help you find that perfect birthday or Christmas present for your globetrotting BFF.

1. Fill In Travel Journal Book

I cant even count how many travel themed journals I’ve purchased over the years. Each one is more beautiful than the other, bought with a hope of finally being able to fill it with my travel stories, thoughts and wonderful memories.. And guess what? None of them have more than two pages filled. None. Isn’t that just sad? If you can relate even the slightest, or know someone who would, you should have a look at Swept Away by Wanderlust. 

This book is a coffee table style journal by Axel & Ash and is filled with 10 destinations for you to write about. Its got everything from blank pages to inspiring quotes, lists, beautiful photographs and fun writing prompts. It truly is PERFECT for those of us who want to journal but lacks imagination or gets bored of it real quick. My favorite thing about Wanderlust is that it’s quirky questions make me think about aspects of my journey that I wouldn’t be aware of without them.

I got this book for my birthday two years ago and I enjoyed it so much I gave one to Samantha for Christmas last year – she loved it too! It is such an amazing way to capture your travel memories.

Unique travel gift for: The (lazy) journal lover

Get it: Here

2. Color Map Mugs

Now this one was news to me. How did I not know about this before?? If the name isn’t explanatory enough, the concept is that you can color in the countries you’ve visited on this adorable ceramic mug to keep track of your travels. Or you can use it to plan your next big vacation! If you want to permanently update your world map, simply pop the mug in the oven when you’re done scribbling. Then you just repeat this ritual whenever you go somewhere new. Fun, huh?

Unique travel gift for: The creative traveler, or any mini globetrotter in your life.

Get it: Here

3. Cork Map with Flag Pins

I love scratch maps as much as the next person, but the thing is.. Everyone’s got one these days. I also struggle with that whole “how much of a country can I scratch off?” internal debate, and indecisive as I am I just leave my map in the drawer instead. What a shame, right? So if you’re looking for a more unique travel gift than a scratch off map but with the same feel to it, this cork map might be the unique travel gift you’re looking for. Its easy to hang on the wall and comes with world map pins, which is a total game changer! This way you can add ticket stubs, local currency or other memorabilia on display as well.

Unique travel gift for: The traveler who finds pleasure in displaying their experiences, or traveling children who like to learn about geography.

Get it: Here.

4. Personalized Pushpin World Map

I know, I know, another map. But what travel addict doesn’t love maps? Especially when it looks as beautiful and elegant as this personalized and framed one by talented artist Wendy Gold. You can personalize the map with two names and a date, making it the perfect wedding or anniversary gift for a travel loving couple.

Although this map is technically meant as an anniversary present, I see no reason as that should be limited to romantic couples only. It would be a unique travel gift for your BFF or any other travel companion too! Oh, and 100 pins are included.

Unique travel gift for: A travel loving couple/friend/family member.

Get it: Here

5. Genius Travel Wallet

This might not look like the most unique travel gift out there, but I swear to Lucifer – its a godsend for most travelers. The Zoppen Travel Wallet has it ALL you guys, so it basically forces you to keep your shit organized: Its got a pouch for your phone, zipper pocket for change, ticket compartment, Rfid blocking, key holder, sim card pouch, ID card slot, passport pouch, three card slots, a pen holder and a removable wrist strap. Clever, huh? I got one for my mom, aunt, grandma & my bestie and they all loved it.

Unique travel gift for: Basically any traveler, yourself included.

Get it: Here

6. Stow Away Bottle

You know when you’re at the beach & need somewhere to hide your keys and credit card? Or when you’ve got nowhere to place your car keys while doing a quick hike? The guy behind this genius stow away bottle found a solution to this universal problem – he simply created an extra compartment in the bottom of this stainless steel bottle. So smart! Bonus points for its sleek look and the fact that it can hold both cold & hot liquids. I seriously feel like this guy deserves a MEDAL.

Unique travel gift for: Someone sporty or a future backpacker.

Get it: Here

7. Fujifilm Instax Printer

The Fujifilm’s Instax camera series is amazing. I picked up my Instax Wide camera in NYC in 2011 and I instantly (meeheh) fell in love with the format. So far it’s ‘seen’ three continents with me and my bedroom wall is covered in lovely travel memories. The only problem: The Instax cameras are bulky and can be a real pain in the ass to drag around – especially while traveling. It also seems like everyone’s got one these days (at least the Instax Mini), which can be a little off-putting for some people. The good news is that the camera gods of Fujifilm have blessed us with their Instax printers, too!

Gift the traveler in your life with an Instax printer and they will be blessed with that those retro photos we all crave WITHOUT dragging another bulky camera along on their travels. I can almost guarantee it will be a hit. I personally love the Instax Share SP-3 the most, as I love the square photos it prints. The Instax Share SP-2 prints mini photos and is also amazing. All I need now is that Fuji will make me a Wide printer asap and my life will be complete.

Unique travel gift for: I cannot think of a single person who wouldn’t love this gift.

Get it: Square here / Mini here

8. A Personal Travel Photo Book

Of all the unique travel gifts out there, this one is my all time favorite. I mean, what can possibly be a better gift for a travel addict than a personal photo book from their travel companion? I’ve made a dozen or more over the years and the response I get is amazing every time. People always appreciate all the effort you put into it, and better yet – it is so much fun to make!

I have tried several different websites when creating my personal travel photo books and while most of them have turned out to be pretty damn good, it’s Artifact Uprising that keeps winning my love. I seriously love everything about this site. Their products have the most beautiful design, their software is super easy to use, and the quality of their prints? Incredible. They have a large selection of books to choose from, too.

Unique travel gift for: Your favorite travel companion in the world.

Get it: Instagram Friendly Book / All Photo Books

Like It? Pin It, Please

I hope you got some new ideas on unique travel gifts for the travel addicts in your life. Any other ideas I should know about? Let me know in the comments below – I always appreciate great travel gift ideas.