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Stockings hung on a fireplace with a Christmas tree in the background
Luke | Adobe Stock

The 11 Best Stocking Stuffers for Travelers

Sometimes, the smallest gifts can bring the biggest delight. This rule is especially true when it comes to presents for travelers, who value space, portability, and practicality over everything. These 11 stocking stuffer-sized gifts will surprise and thrill any jetsetter on your list this holiday season.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Nite Ize Waterproof Phone Case

Front and back of the Nite Ize Waterproof Phone Case
Amazon

Take your phone with you anywhere you go (even underwater) with Nite Ize’s Waterproof Phone Case. This roomy protective case will fit pretty much any smartphone, and keep it dry even underwater. Made out of a clear, touchscreen friendly material, the case allows you to use your phone normally (including taking pictures with the front and back cameras) without taking it out of the bag. We love this waterproof case in particular because it features an easy-to-use zipper and the touchscreen actually works smoothly while inside (which is not the case with all cases).

Beis The Dopp Kit

Two images, one closes on a grey backdrop and one open on a bathroom counter, of the Beis The Dopp Kit
Beis Travel

Any frequent flyer would be thrilled to receive Beis’ Dopp Kit, a spill-proof bag that will keep all your toiletries safely contained and organized. The bag’s best feature? A handy loop that lets you hang it from towel hooks in the bathroom—perfect for tiny hotel sinks. 

Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

Standalone image of the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack (left) and a close up of the back of a person wearing the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack (right)
Backcountry

When would a backpack be considered a stocking stuffer? When it’s Matador’s Beast18 backpack. Despite its 18 liter size and supportive frame, this backpack is able to be folded down and packed into a small carrying case for easy travel. The unique flexible frame allows the backpack to maintain its shape, but can be twisted, folded in half, and zipped into a compression sack. 

The portable backpack still has all the features you’d look for in a daypack—a removable hip belt, gear loops, multiple pockets, breathable mesh straps, and a waterproof coating. It’s also incredibly lightweight (1lb 5oz) so it won’t add to your load on the trail.

Nomadix Bandana Towel

Three colors and patterns of the Nomadix Bandana Towel
Nomadix

A microfiber travel towel can come in handy in a surprising number of situations while on the road. Nomadix Bandana Towel’s wearable design makes it even more versatile. It’s sun-protective, odor-resistant, quick-drying, and lightweight, so you can bring it from the beach to the mountains and be ready for anything. 

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Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle

Two images, one standalone on a white background and one in the foreground of an image of a yoga class, of the Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle
Amazon

Outdoorsy travelers will love to find a Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle in their stocking. Made from a BPA-free, lightweight material, these bottles are significantly lighter than most water bottles. They can hold super cold or boiling beverages, and can even double as a hot water bottle for cold nights during camping. 

The Suistan line is made with 50 percent recycled material, so travelers can feel good about using these instead of plastic water bottles. The bottles are leakproof and have a wide mouth that’s easy to fill, and best of all, they’re dishwasher safe. 

Apple Air Tag

Apple Air Tag (left) and close up of person's hand holding the Apple Air Tag (right)
Target

Give a traveler peace of mind with an Apple Air Tag, which they can pack in their checked luggage and track all the way to baggage claim. The Air Tag is such a popular stocking stuffer that you might want to stock up with a 4-pack (so you can maybe keep one for yourself as well). 

Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

Two colors of the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
Amazon

Know someone who needs total darkness in order to sleep? Gift them the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask which provides blackout conditions even on brightly-lit planes or vacation rentals with sheer window curtains. Made from 100 percent mulberry silk, this mask will deliver comfort alongside a great night’s sleep.

Goldbelly Gift Certificate

Gift box of various snacks from Goldbelly on a teal backdrop
Goldbelly

For that traveler who can’t stop raving about that bagel they had in New York City, a Goldbelly gift card will let them relieve a taste of past journeys. This gourmet food delivery company offers specialty foods from around the United States, so your giftee can choose from deep dish pizza from Chicago, Philly Cheesesteaks, seafood gumbo from New Orleans, and more.

Travel USB Charger 

Two images showing multiple wires plugged into the Travel USB Charger
Amazon

Become the most popular person in the airport with this travel USB charger that turns one outlet into seven. This small wall charger can charge USB devices, double prong plugs, and triple prong plugs simultaneously. It’s perfect for hotel rooms with only one outlet near the bed, cruises, or places that don’t have USB outlets. 

Beis Seatback Organizer

Beis Seatback Organizer on a grey backdrop (left) and Beis Seatback Organizer over the armrest of a chair, filled with electronics and small items (right)
Beis Travel

We’ve all seen fellow flyers use the airplane seatback pocket as a trash can, but there’s nowhere else to easily store your in-flight essentials—unless you have Beis’ Seatback Organizer. This organizer uses hidden magnets to lock into place and keeps everything you need easily accessible (and protected from the seatback pocket’s germs.) Multiple pockets (including a zippered one in the back for valuables) help keep everything easy to find.

Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sunscreen

Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sunscreen on a pink backdrop (left) and Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sunscreen in use on someone's hands (right)
Clearstem Skincare

Good travel-sized sunscreen is a must-have item for every toiletry kit. Clearstem’s You Are Sunshine sunscreen is specifically formatted to be used on the face. Loaded with antioxidants and botanicals the tinted cream offers a blurring effect along with SPF 50+ that means travelers can skip packing foundation as well.  

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