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Gifting is a tricky business. No matter who you're shopping for, there's always a chance you'll buy something they already own, don't like, or that will end up at the back of a storage closet. Sometimes, though, you stick the landing, and give something your mom, friend, partner, or otherwise will treasure for years to come—whether that's something tangible, or a can't-put-a-price-on-it experience gift. We asked Condé Nast Traveler editors from around the globe to reminiscence on the most memorable presents they've ever received. These suggestions from our global editors range in price and personality—from life-changing trips to Paris and hand-crafted artwork to dreamy fragrances and essential luggage. Below, find a mix of 32 inspiring and practical gift ideas for every traveler on your list.
Find even more gift recommendations here.
All products and listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Honeymoon adventures
“Ahead of our destination wedding in Italy, my now-husband and I decided to forego the traditional registry and instead establish a honeymoon fund with Zola. So while we didn't receive tangible gifts, contributions did go toward once-in-a-honeymoon experiences like a stay at the beautiful Hotel Eden in Rome, as well as impressive private tours (Fendi flagship, anyone?) with operator Imago Artis Travel and a few languorous, sun-soaked days at La Posta Vecchia, an estate off the coast of Ladispoli. Sure, a KitchenAid mixer is great—but it was far more memorable to sip Franciacorta by the sea and explore the underbelly of the Colosseum.” —Betsy Blumenthal, editor, features and editorial franchises, U.S.
A flower press
“One of my favorite hobbies is pressing flowers, especially those from my favorite destinations I visit. I have always just used a book to flatten the petals, which was not very handy and sometimes inconvenient. This all changed when my grandmother bought me a lovely, chic flower press from Anthropologie before my European travels last year. It is super light to carry so I brought it with me everywhere. I now have flowers from all over the world hanging in clear frames on my walls. Not to mention, pressed flowers from Paris or Italy make for the perfect ‘I thought about you, even all the way in Europe’ present for someone special.” —Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant, U.S.
A flight to Paris
“During my first year of college, my parents gifted me a round-trip ticket to Paris for spring break (printed from the travel agency and tucked into the inside cover of a Lonely Planet Paris guidebook nonetheless). I’d grown up what felt like a million miles from Europe and had spent weeks of my life dreaming of finally getting there. My friends and I exited the Metro early morning in the 10th arrondissement. I could smell the boulangeries; a woman in a bright orange coat ate a pastry as she walked down the street; wicker chairs were lined against the bistros facing onto the roads as if anticipating the great spectacle that would become Paris during the height of the day. It sounds cliché but it wasn’t; it was just Paris and it was marvelous. I fell so hard for Europe that I returned a few months later for work, moved there after university, and have juggled a life that straddles the East Coast and Europe ever since. That gift literally changed the course of my life.” —Erin Florio, director of features and editorial franchises, U.S.
“The best travel gift I ever received was a trip to Paris. Yes, it sounds unoriginal, but classics never die. My parents were celebrating 25 years of marriage and planned to travel alone to the city of love, but at the last moment, my mother decided that it would make her much happier if my two brothers and I traveled with them. We did all the touristy things possible, we accumulated a lot of anecdotes: I shared a little hotel room with my two brothers, I gave an emotional speech at sunset on a Bateau Mouche, and, to top it off, a painter made a very flattering portrait of me in Montmartre which has presided over my parents' living room ever since. That was, without a doubt, my best travel gift, the trip in which I fell in love with Paris, France, and the idea of travel itself.” —Clara Laguna, writer, Spain
Hand-woven goods from Turkey
“A hand-woven wool cushion and carpet from Turkey. We visited the local production factory and learned about the beautiful patterns of the cushions, in which each shape has a meaning and each pattern is the first of its kind. Hand-woven wool products have a long history in the region, and this souvenir provides insight into how they were made and used by local people thousands of years ago.” —Zhicheng Guo, art designer, China
An essential travel bag
“As soon as I arrive at a hotel or Airbnb, it’s not long until the entire bathroom counter becomes cluttered with all of my makeup products. It’s hard to dig through a travel makeup bag to find each product you need (especially when you’re rushing to get ready like I typically am), so I end up taking everything out on the counter and making a mess. Last year, my mother gifted me a hanging toiletry bag and it has been a complete game changer. It hangs neatly on the back of any bathroom door and displays all of your products at once, all while keeping them organized, secure, and off the counter. This one is affordable and comes in plenty of fun colors. ” —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor, U.S.
“I’ve long been partial to Paul Smith’s underrated wares—when the SSense sales roll around, these become some of the most affordable, highest quality products on the market in every category. My first luxury purchase ever, made in high school with all of my birthday money, was for the brand’s Chelsea boots at the height of the trend. A pair of linen pants from PS by Paul Smith carry me through New York City summers and formal events in warm climates across the world. My most useful piece came to me as a Christmas gift, however. Infamous for my packing strategy of “throw-stuff-in-a-bag o’clock”, I was in desperate need of something at the very least to neatly contain my many unwieldy toiletries. Enter this wash bag pouch, in which I can toss my Sensodyne and Cetaphil without a second thought. It doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty to look at.” —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant, U.S.
A camera strap
“A couple years ago when I was starting to get into photography, I bought a starter camera and used my friends as models for my portfolio. I always carried my camera in my hand because I didn’t want to use the generic straps that came with a Canon. As a gift, a good friend of mine bought me a monogrammed leather camera strap. It was a dark blue color so I didn’t have to worry about standing out too much whenever I was out and about snapping pictures. She knew I was trying to take photography seriously and I haven’t taken that strap off since.” —Kayla Brock, associate social media manager, U.S.
Packing skills (and cubes)
“The best travel gift I've ever received is my mother’s talent for packing. Especially now, when we are separated by an international border, I revert to the skills my mother taught me every time I pack. Although I moved to Toronto, Canada, two years ago, I still try (pandemic permitting) to visit my family and friends in New York at least once a month. So, it seems that I am always packing or unpacking. My mother taught me how to magically create space in a suitcase and still take seemingly everything. One of her tricks is to lay everything flat, not stacked too high, and pack each category of clothing in its own separate packing cube. She also taught me to pack fragile items, like a computer or hard drive, in between clothing, and to put shoes and heavier items in a carry-on to avoid overweight fees. One last tip from my mom for the traveler with more than one suitcase or who is traveling with others—separate your clothing between bags so that if one suitcase is lost, then you know you will have something to wear no matter what.” —Andrea Edelman, associate digital photo editor, U.S
An Airbnb gift card
“My runner-up for the best travel gift I've ever received—an Airbnb gift card. There is nothing better than the gift of choice.” —C.H.
A hot air balloon ride
“One of the most special gifts I remember is a flight, not by plane but in a hot air balloon. It was during a trip to Morocco (a birthday present from my boyfriend). We were staying at a beautiful riad in Marrakech and one morning he told me that we were going to do an excursion to the desert. What I didn't know is that a huge balloon was waiting for us, ready to soar into the sky as the sun peeked over the Atlas Mountains. Then, we had a traditional breakfast in a Berber camp. I will never forget it. (The best companies that offer this experience: Ciel d’Afrique or Marrakech by Air).” —María Casbas, writer, Spain
Perfume
“My husband bought this Bvlgari perfume—for both of us, not just me—this past Valentine’s Day. It’s the signature scent of the toiletries at Hotel Santa Caterina, in Amalfi, where we got married about a year ago, and just a spritz of it brings us back to that time and place. Beyond the emotional connection, I love that we both feel comfortable wearing it, and how lovely, light, and fresh it is; even in winter, it conjures Amalfi’s fragrant hillsides and long, hot summers. ” —B.B.
“I love buying perfume on vacation; different scents help me remember different feelings from a trip. My friend bought me Gucci Bloom when we traveled in Krabi—the fragrance is definitely much more sharper and juicier; the jasmine and tuberose scent makes you feel like you're walking through an actual garden, making me remember the time in Thailand, soaking up the sand, sun, and sea.” —Ginni Jiang, lifestyle editor, China
“My friend went to Paris a few years ago and gave me a bottle of perfume with a beautiful story: Buly 1803 is a Parisian brand founded in 1803. The old shop of Buly 1803 is located at No. 6 Rue Bonaparte in Paris. The name originated from Jean-Vincent Bully, a perfumer, Parisian distiller, and pharmacist who was famous for making perfumes and vinegar in the 18th century. Bully was very fond of Balzac's ‘Comedy on Earth’ and a character named Saicha Pirotto. Inspired by him, Bully created a series of perfumes full of Parisian style. I have never been to Paris, but that has always been the city I've dreamed of visiting. Now it is easy for us to buy a bottle of perfume online, but I look forward to the day when I can go to this store in Paris.” —Chen Li, senior features editor, China
A great cup of coffee
“Convenience and portability, the primary factors I value during travel, can be found in Saturnbird Coffee. Among the mountains and lakes, a sip of coffee and a breath of fresh air brings me calm and comfort, and a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The sense of intimacy from Saturnbird Coffee always energizes me.” —Chenxu Wang, lifestyle editor, China
Rimowa luggage
“My best travel gift to date is my goes-everywhere, never-lets-me-down Rimowa suitcase set. The exact model, the Salsa Air, is now discontinued, but there’s a new style that has replaced it, the Essential Lite. Aside from being incredibly light and gliding smoothly across all types of terrain, the Rimowa suitcase also has a clamshell design that I’m convinced allows me to fit more than a standard one would. My carry-on size got me through a seven-day Alaska cruise (one half was dedicated solely to hiking shoes and rain boots), while the check-in size fit everything I needed for a two-week trip across three different countries in Southeast Asia. I swear by this suitcase—it’s pricy, but has been worth absolutely every penny.” —Stephanie Wu, former digital director, U.S.
A flight upgrade
“The best travel gift I've received is a sudden cabin class promotion after a long tiring trip. Also up there: meeting a stranger that is good at chatting, sharing his wonderful experience while sitting at a random bar.” —Yuejie Liu, senior art designer, China
Great travel companions
“Thinking about the best travel gift takes me back to the summer of 2019, when my friends and I went camping. The fresh air, the clear nearby lake, and the wide, starlit sky gave me a burst of energy. Personally, I think the best travel gift is to have like-minded friends to travel the world with.” —Yang Lu, editorial coordinator, China
A trip to Tuscany
“To celebrate my birthday, I gave myself a trip to Tuscany with my friend, experiencing a very remarkable time in Castiglion Del Bosco by Rosewood. It is such a charming place with elegant style, a fabulous natural landscape, and a profound food culture. Absorbing myself in all this good food and drink, I brought back two dozen bottles of wine as a souvenir to memorize this happiness.” —Shawn Ong, content deputy director, China
An atlas
“A few years ago, my mother-in-law bought us a National Geographic World Atlas. The book is huge—like a solid foot by a foot and a half, and the only place we could store it was out on our coffee table. I can’t tell you how often our family flips through the atlas, talking about where we want to go next or playing that game where the page you randomly open up to is where you are going to live one day. Every guest that comes into our house—whether they’re 50 or five years old—gets lost in its pages.” —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor, U.S.
Luggage straps
“Okay, this is admittedly not a flashy once-in-a-lifetime travel gift, but it is my most used travel item thanks to my mother-in-law: this invaluable luggage strap. It helps you stack luggage, cram souvenir bags, and balance random accessories like your hats and purses, all while leaving you hands-free. And when you’re not using it? Just tuck it away in a tiny spot—it folds up to almost nothing. Plus, it's made from quality elastic, has adjustable straps, is machine washable, and comes in a few bold colors—what more could you want from a little gadget? And all for just $10.” —Lara Kramer, global associate director of audience development, U.S.
A trip to Thailand
“Before the pandemic, I went on a trip with my girlfriend to Krabi, Thailand. It was her 27th birthday and she decided to celebrate it with her favorite person of the year. I was lucky enough to be that person. Back then, we were still in a long-distance relationship, and it was not easy for us to meet. After a six-hour flight and two hours of ground transportation, we managed to get to there from different cities. But the three-night-stay at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Krabi was totally worth it. It was such a relaxing time, the weather was perfect, and nothing bothered us during that holiday.” —Phillip Leung, editor, China
A semester at sea
“When I was 20, my parents agreed to put a semester's worth of my college tuition toward a study abroad program on a cruise ship. On Semester at Sea, I sailed alongside 600 students, faculty, and life-long learners to 17 countries in four and a half months, spending a few days to a few weeks everywhere from Brazil to Morocco to Cuba, and taking classes with a curriculum that followed our itinerary. It was the best gift I could ever ask for—an adventure of a lifetime that pushed my wanderlust into high gear.” —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor, U.S.
A signed jersey
“Basketball is my favorite sport, and I like watching NBA games and NBA stars, especially Kobe Bryant, who was one of the greatest players in the world. A few years ago, my friend went on a trip to Los Angeles and watched one of Kobe's games in person. After the game, he bought a signed Kobe jersey and gave it to me. It is still hanging on the wall in my living room, and it's one of the most valuable travel gifts I’ve ever received.” —Miracle Liu, art director, China
“The best travel gift that I received was from the Londoner Macao Hotel. When I checked into the David Beckham suite, I found a Manchester United football shirt signed by David Beckham on my bed. It was the perfect gift for me.” —Ting Wu, managing editor, China
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A non-smartphone camera
“The best travel gift I have ever received is my FUJI Instax mini 90 Camera. All across China, from the Master of the Nets garden in Suzhou to the Gobi Desert in Dunhuang, from volcanoes in Ulanqab to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, I have always carried it with me to capture the special moments and things that inspire me. When I leaf through the photos later, I always appreciate that I brought this camera on every journey.” —Chocaly Qiao, copyright and production editor, China
“Either my SLR, a Canon EOS 1100D, or disposable cameras. Since I got my Canon, though, we have been living an intense love story. It has accompanied me to Paris, Venice, Barcelona, Lisbon, and a road trip through the Canary Islands, not to mention my hometown, Madrid. I enjoy collecting pink skies, looking for the most photogenic side of the buildings, and immortalizing the best profile of my friends (or random people). Without a doubt, the most gratifying thing about capturing the different scenes that I find along the way is being able to travel from home, months later, to all those moments in which I was so happy.” —Lidia González, adaptation editor, Spain
“I received a film camera from my best friend on my 18th birthday. It was a companion for many years, until it stop working one day. I've been many places and created many memories with it though. Every time I would develop a roll of film, I was surprised by the photos. Some are wonderful, some a blur, but I love them and I always enjoy the uncertainty of the process.” —Mandy Guo, video content editor, China
Earrings
“I love buying jewelry and trinkets when I travel—it's my way of having the places I've traveled to close to me when I'm back home. I have lacquer earrings from Vietnam, glass bangles from Rajasthan, beaded necklaces from South Africa, and even silver anklets from a Goan flea market, to name a few. A few years ago, a close friend took a solo trip to Nagaland, in India—something I've wanted to do forever. She knew I'd have major FOMO and brought me back a pair of beautiful beaded danglers that she bought from some fierce tribal women she met during her trip. It's a gift I keep close and wear on days I feel the wanderlust rumbling in my bones.” —Smitha Menon, culinary editor and associate digital editor, India
A surprise party at a medieval castle
“When I turned 40 I decided not to celebrate, because my birthday coincided with a long bank holiday in Spain, so everyone had their plans. Or so I thought. With the excuse of a getaway to my parents' country house, we ended up diverting in the direction of the Castillo del Buen Amor, a cozy hotel located in a medieval fortress where we often go, so nothing made me suspicious. Imagine my face when I crossed the yard of the castle and saw about 50 friends appear, including the entire Condé Nast Traveler Spain team, singing happy birthday among endless balloons. It was just the beginning of three days of party, music—there was even a concert—and fun. Now, every time I go back to the castle, I remember that day. More than a gift, more than a trip, it was the biggest surprise I’ve ever had.” —David Moralejo, head of editorial content, Spain
Refrigerator magnets
“I collect refrigerator magnets and buy them as a souvenir wherever I go. Normally I buy them myself. But once in Milan, I received one from a friendly passerby. This fridge magnet is in the shape of a bowl of pasta, which still sits on my refrigerator.” —Yutong Wang, creative editor, China
Apple AirTags
“Because my family is spread out across the world, my travels usually involve long-haul flights and a lot of luggage. Which also means I live in fear of lost or misplaced bags. Enter: the Apple AirTags that an aunt sent me earlier this year, which make me feel much more in control on my travels. The technology allows me to track my luggage—or really, any other tagged item—on my phone or laptop, via Apple’s Find My network. And yes, it’s been proven to work globally! Of course, it won’t actually prevent my luggage from getting misplaced by an airline, but it gives me all the peace of mind I need when I get on a plane and see my luggage safely tucked into the aircraft’s hold. Thankfully, I haven’t had the need to use it on lost luggage…yet—and I’d like to keep it that way.” —Arati Menon, global digital director
A limited-edition poetry book
“A prose poem from Antwerp! About two years ago, I went to Antwerp and interviewed Maarten Inghels, the city poet of Antwerp from 2016 to 2018. He showed me how special this poem is when we met at Demain Books. Maarten wrote ‘I Follow the River, I Am the River’ during a journey on foot, following the river Scheldt from its source in the north of France to the sea near Antwerp to check the stream for irregularities and obstacles. This edition features a glass container filled with 40 cL of pure spring water from the Scheldt source. Only 80 numbered and signed copies are on the market. The book store owner, Rene, joked that the book might be full of moss several years later, but we’ll see. It reminds me of the flow of poems and the city.” —Jing Yang, senior features editor, China
A Chilean painting
“I always love buying handicrafts, because it reminds me of the people who created those beautiful things. I've brought back a wood-carved giraffe from South Africa, a fabric basket from Marrakech, and a ceramic pot from Turkey. But a painting on a wood board from Chile comforted me the most during the pandemic. It depicts snow on the red volcanos of Chile. Every time I look at it, it brings me back to the Atacama desert.” —Erin Zheng, features director, China