Not yet finished with holiday shopping? Here are seven do’s and don’ts travel-related gifts.
I’ve received travel-related gifts from well-intentioned friends and family that I either never used at all or felt guilty enough to try out only to regret toting them along. I know it’s the thought that counts when it comes to presents, but it’s nice if the “thought” includes consideration of whether the gift is a good fit for the recipient.
Here are seven travel items you may not want to gift, along with items to consider instead.
- Don’t Give: Money Belt
At one time these were a must-have travel accessory, but pouches on a shoelace-like string under your shirt have become a thing of the past. Note: I’m not dissing fanny packs, which have come back into fashion; here are my eight picks.
Give Instead: Items with Secret Pockets 
There are dozens of products—from belts and bags to jackets and scarves—that will help keep money, credit cards, and electronics out of the hands of would-be thieves. (Here are twenty of my favorites.)
- Don’t Give: Suitcase
A suitcase is usually an item that will be used for years; it’s a pretty big decision to make for someone else unless you know exactly what kind of luggage your gift recipient likes.
Give Instead: Multi-Purpose Bag
Consider a backpack that can be used as a shoulder bag or tote, too. Here are polished and casual options ($50).
- Don’t Give: Plane Ticket
A surprise airline ticket may seem like a fabulous gift. But making someone wake up at 5 a.m. for a flight, trek to an inconvenient airport, or give up vacay days they were otherwise saving may not be the best choice (especially if the ticket is the nonrefundable kind).
Give Instead: Airline gift card
An airline gift card allows your recipient to choose the itinerary that best suits. Buy them on Amazon, office supply stores (Staples, OfficeMax), and airline websites.
- Don’t Give: Passport Cover
Bright passport covers are an annoyance at borders (most countries require you to remove your passport for inspection) and may draw unwanted attention to your most important travel document.
Give Instead: Small Crossbody Bag
For men and women alike, a small crossbody bag will better protect your passport. Bric’s makes a unisex model that is available in different colors, big enough to hold a tablet, and made of tough nylon with thick straps that are difficult to cut.
If you want to spend a bit more, the Arden Cove crossbody is waterproof and features slash-resistant fabric lining, RFID-blocking pockets, locking zippers, and a strap that’s cut-proof and detachable so it can be used to secure your bag to a chair or table leg. The interior of the bag has pockets sized for smartphones and passports, and there’s a built-in wallet with card slots and space for cash, plus a zipper pocket for valuables. While many anti-theft purses aren’t the most fashionable, the Arden Cove looks like a regular purse. It comes in a variety of colors (black, cream, gray, burgundy, navy) and two different sizes (small and large).
- Don’t Give: Travel Blanket
They are often more than someone wants to carry and—given people’s allergies and fabric preferences—it can be tough to choose the right material.
Give Instead: A cozy beanie
Male and female gift recipients will appreciate a Carhartt knit beanie (cuffed or uncuffed; $16). Available in a variety of colors, it can double as an eye mask for the plane when pulled down.
- Don’t Give: Neck Pillow
Traditional U-shape? More innovative option? Neck pillows are a highly personal choice better made by the user. (Click here for my review of 40 different travel pillows.)
Give Instead: Travel Humidifier
This fits-in-the-palm-of-your-hand Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier ($24) will make sure your gift recipient is breathing clean, moist air for a good night’s sleep, whether at home or on the road. (The genius of the Fancii is it converts any standard-sized plastic water bottle into a moisture-producing tank; click here for my full review.)
- Don’t Give: Pricey Luggage Tags
An expensive designer luggage tag will inevitably be ruined by bag handlers or airport conveyer belts. Note: I choose cheaper ($3) tags like this Travelambo Leather Luggage Tag—it’s real leather, comes in 29 colors, and is super-durable.
Give Instead: Travel Journal and Pen
Consider a lightweight refillable travel journal ($13) for your recipient to record travel memories/expenses/notes/sketches. Of course, they can use it at work or home, too.
Don’t forget to include a pen that won’t leak at altitude (i.e., in the plane); this Fisher Space Pen with Space Shuttle imprint ($11) is pretty cool.
Twist’s Take: Putting a little thought into your travel-related presents means giving items that will be treasured and used over the miles.
