If you’re looking for that perfect travel gift for a parent, perhaps your better-half who is equally travel-obsessed as you or your travel-loving child who has just become a parent themselves, then we’ve compiled some thoughtful ideas for you.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, and I receive a small commission.
Here we focus on travel gifts for mums and dads that are useful for them, not their kids, because trust us, most travel items they buy are for their kids. These are travel presents to show that you understand them and have put some thought into it (you don’t have to let them know you read this article, that can be between you and me).
Plus, these ideas come from parents (that’s Jay and I) who have travelled extensively with our kids for over a decade. We know what’s useful and what’s not, and the majority of these parent travel gifts listed are tried and tested by yours truly.
So if you’re wondering what to get another parent for Christmas, birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or just to say ‘thank you for being awesome’, here are some useful travel gifts for mums and dads.
These are all items that can be purchased on Amazon. Whilst I know some people try and avoid spending money on Amazon and like to spend in their high-street shops, that’s absolutely fine. This roundup of travel gifts for parents will hopefully give you some ideas. But if you do use the links provided, I earn a small commission and you will still be supporting a small family business (that’s us).
And if you’re needing inspiration on travel gifts for kids…
As a family who travel and move around a fair bit, I always prefer travel gifts for kids over regular toys as I know we will get a lot of use out of them. Here we share the perfect travel gifts for kids that are useful and will stand the test of time.
1. Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
- 【Anti-theft backpack】The business laptop backpack is designed with a combination lock and double…
- 【Large Capacity & Multiple Compartments】The travel backpack has separate laptop compartments for…
- 【USB 2.0 Upgraded Charging Port】The upgraded USB charging port and headphone jack can help you…
- 【Breathable Fabric】The laptop bag is made of polyester, high quality eco-friendly oxford fabric…
- 【Multipurpose Work Backpack】19.5x 12.5 x 5.3 inch laptop bag for laptops up to 17 inches. It is…
For short trips where you’re limited to carry-on baggage only, the VSOOON Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack is my go-to bag. I’ve also used this as Ryanair under-the-seat baggage.
There’s a padded section in the main compartment for my laptop and lots of different pockets with zips to conveniently separate all my belongings. There’s also a little socket to plug in a battery pack and headphones. The zip-lock that level of security and peace of mind.
It sits comfortably on my back and has fitted in everything I needed for recent trips to Essaouira and Andalucía. It’s also used as a day bag for our longer trips, such as the 10 weeks we spent backpacking around Southeast Asia, as it secures my laptop safely and all the different compartments are handy for snacks, passports, headphones, kindles etc.
The VSOOON Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack is great value and comes in five different colours. I have it in both the grey and black (I had to buy a second when Jay started using it too). It really is the perfect minimalist travel backpack.
2. Kindle
- The lightest and most compact Kindle – Now with a brighter front light at max setting, higher…
- Effortless reading in any light – Read comfortably with a 6″ glare-free display, adjustable front…
- Escape into your books – Tune out messages, e-mails and social media with a distraction-free…
- Read for a while – Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books, magazines and comics.
My Kindle is an absolute travel essential and comes on every single trip with me. I absolutely could not be with it. Why? Well it’s the ultimate space-saver for book lovers.
Whilst nothing quite compares to the feel of turning pages with your fingers and holding the weight of all the words in your hands, if you’re travelling for more that a week, the weight and size of books just can’t be justified, especially if you’re minimalist packers like us.
Kindles come with an adjustable backlight, so you don’t need an extra light on for reading, and the battery life is superb (even with regular reading, mine can go weeks between charging). Plus with 32GB of storage, you can fill your kindle with enough books for a year of travel without needing to connect to WIFI (though it does connect to WIFI if you need it to).
3. Travel Journal and Planner
- FULFILL YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS: If you are dreaming of seeing the world, Clever Fox Travel Journal is…
- A TRIP WORTH BEING REMEMBERED: This travel journal helps you experience your trip to the fullest and…
- CAREFREE JOURNEY: This traveling Journal includes safety tips, helpful travel info, and a packing…
- A5 FORMAT & PREMIUM QUALITY: This Travelling Journal measures 14.5 x 21cm and has an eco-leather…
- 60-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – We will exchange or refund your travel Journal for women, men and…
I still use a paper diary to note everything down, whether it’s the day-to-day chores of home life or details of booked accommodation and activities when travelling. I know this can be stored on the phone, but I much prefer everything on paper.
So this is why I love the Clever Fox Travel Journal. There are pages to list places you want to visit and things you want to do, packing checklists, an expense tracker, pages to journal thoughts, and so much more.
It’s perfect for creative people who love to jot down ideas and thoughts and keep everything in one place. It’s also the perfect memento for family travel adventures.
4. Compression Packing Cubes
- Space Saver: Compression packing cubes via the exterior compression double zippers get more room in…
- Lightweight&Sturdy: We created the packing cubes set with Lightweight nylon fabric stands up to…
- Multiple Function: Water resistant nylon materials with odor control for sweaty and smelly clothes…
- Dimensions: Compressed Size : 10 x 7 x 1.5 in (M) , 14 x 10 x 1.5 in (L) ; Expanded Size : 10 x 7 x…
- Travel Gear:Compression cubes set keep your items organized for family breaks, business travel,…
We’ve been using packing cubes for years now and we just wouldn’t travel without them. Not only do they save space, but they help to keep items organised when backpacking with kids and moving from place to place every few days.
The Cipway Compression Packing Cubes, one of the best packing cubes on Amazon, have an extra layer of compression by means of a zip. This is super handy for further space saving, but don’t overfill them as that then just creates stress trying to force the zip closed, and the whole point of packing cubes is to make travelling simpler.
5. Tripod phone holder
- 【Adjustable Tripod】4-section leg tube uses flip lock system to quickly extend the tripod from…
- 【Ultra Stability】Premium anodized aluminium leg tubes provide 11.6 lbs better load capacity; Use…
- 【Abundant Accessories】1+1 Extra universal 1/4 inch quick Release Plate for easy change among…
- 【All-Round Shooting】 Support 360° horizontal rotation and 180° vertical rotation and give you…
- 【Versatility 】Flexible non-slip rubber feet pad ensures sturdy standing on different types of…
Look through family photos of a trip and it’s extremely rare to find a snap of the whole family that isn’t a selfie. And more often than not, one parent is out of the photo and behind the lens taking the photo (that’s often me!)
The best way to record those family travel memories together is with a tripod for your phone.
I’ve used a few over the years and this is one travel item where I allow a little more bulk and weight for durability. There are a lot of flimsy tripods on the market that don’t stand the test of time, especially when backpacking with kids. Ensure you get one that’s both sturdy but also has a swivel head for maximum shooting flexibility.
6. Waterproof phone pouch
Water activities always feature a lot on our travels, whether it’s on a river safari in Borneo, surfing the waves in Essaouria, or jumping into swimming pools on campsites in France.
Back in the day, I used to travel with a GoPro, but I’ve stopped using it. It’s another thing to carry, I found the photo quality was no longer up to scratch in comparison to my phone, and it was a faff downloading the photos. Oh and then somehow, while snorkelling Thailand, I pressed the wrong button and deleted loads photos. Urgh.
So now I use a waterproof pouch for my phone, which has a touchscreen window so I can still use my phone when it’s in the pouch and a detachable lanyard to wear around my neck.
And it doesn’t just protect your phone from water, it’s also great for those beach days and preventing grains of sand getting where they shouldn’t.
7. KEEN sandals
- TRACTION and PROTECTION: Multi-directional lugs with razor siping help provide superior grip on…
- SUPPORT and COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick…
- FIT and INSOLE: Built on a women-specific foot form that is wider than the industry norm for…
- CARE TIPS: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent, wash on…
- ODOR-PROTECTION: Includes Eco Anti-Odor, a natural, pesticide-free probiotic-based technology for…
- WATER-RESISTANT: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick dry lining for active use in and out of…
- SUPPORT: Lace lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and easy way…
- FIT & COMFORT: Built on a women specific foot form that is wider than the industry norm for improved…
- TRACTION & TOE PROTECTION: Wave grip pattern provides superior grip on slippery and wet terrains;…
- CARE TIPS: Adventure sandals should take you from the water to the hiking trail so KEEN water…
For travels in warmer climates, whether it’s our Bongo trips in France or backpacking Southeast Asia, us parents live in our KEEN sandals. I’ve been wearing the same pair for years now (they really do stand the test of time) and they are ridiculously comfortable (we walk miles in them). And when home in the Peak District, we’re wear KEEN hiking boots for our outdoor adventures.
Sandals are true to size, so make sure you subtly check shoe sizes before purchasing for a surprise travel gift for mum or dad.
8. Family Passport Holder
- TOP QUALITY – Our passport holder is made with water-resistant & tear-resistant nylon material, is…
- RFID PROTECTION – Our security passport wallet used RFID blocking technology to protect your…
- LARGE CAPACITY TRAVEL ORGANISER – Large capacity with 19 compartments in the travel wallet, 8…
- CONVENIENT OUTSIDE POCKET – There is a quick-access outside pocket and a rear zipper pocket for…
- WIDE APPLICATION & IDEAL GIFT – This passport holder is a great ideal for women and men. Suitable…
Keep all the family passports in one place with a family passport holder. This one has space for 6 passports, slots for your travel bank cards, a pen (always need that handy to complete arrival forms), and a pouch for cash on arrival to your destination.
We also recommend adding dot stickers to each passport to identify which passport belongs to which family member.
9. Package a little travel bundle together
Sometimes a few little items all packaged nicely together in the one box works perfectly, especially if there are a few of you clubbing in together for Mum’s or Dad’s travel gift.
Useful travel gifts for parents that are small include:
10. Adventure scrap book
- Love Memory Book: Creawoo Wooden Our Adventure Book will store your special experience and collect…
- Wooden Adventures Scrapbook: With walnut color finished, the cover of this adventures scrapbook is…
- Laser Precision Finished: Laser engraved with world map, balloon and compass on the cover. Unique…
- Premium Kraft Paper: This travel journals book includes 80 pages (40 sheets), made from 200GSM…
- DIY Warm Gift: This wooden photo album will be the best anniversary, wedding, birthday, Christmas or…
Perhaps the most thoughtful travel gift for mum or dad listed here – an adventure scrap book.
This takes a little time to prepare, so make sure you purchase the scrap book in good time to print photos and fill the pages with travel memories. Perhaps it’s a summary of your year, or all the travels as a family, or maybe even the travels pre-kids. Either way, have the tissues handy as there are sure to be a few emotional tears shed.
11. Personalised travel ticket box
- Quality engraved clear acrylic front
- Removable back so you can organise and look through your keepsakes
- Perfect for Couples travel memento collections, Family holiday keepsakes, Graduation gift for travel…
- See other designs for wine corks, beer caps, date night memories, music gig tickets etc
- Each Travel Ticket Collection Box is meticulously packaged to ensure it arrives at your doorstep in…
If Mum or Dad likes to keep all those tickets from buses, trains and attractions from the family adventures, this personalised travel ticket box makes for a lovely keepsake. Indeed, what a lovely thing to look through in future years when the kids have grown up.
12. Lonely Planet: The World
- LONELY PLANET
- Hardcover Book
- Planet, Lonely (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 992 Pages – 10/01/2017 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)
The Lonely Planet travel guides are always make for the perfect travel gift. If you’re unsure of where the next family travel destination will be or are looking for a travel gift for someone who just wants to go everywhere, then Lonely Planet: The World is perfect.
This guide sits in our home study, and whenever I spot flights to a destination we haven’t yet ventured, I grab this book and flick to the relevant pages to spark ideas.
With the whole world condensed into the one book, it obviously lacks detail, but it certainly ignites wanderlust.
13. Drone
- 【LIGHTWEIGHT, NO REGISTRATION】Ruko F11MINI drone is under 250g, do not need to get a drone pilot…
- 【4K UHD DRONE CAMERA】Drone with camera for adults captures stunning 4096x3072p photos and smooth…
- 【60 MIN FLIGHT TIME】4k camera drone enjoy up to 60 mins of flight time with 2 intelligent flight…
- 【INTELLIGENT GPS FLIGHT】Drone with camera for adults using GPS features like Waypoint Flight,…
- 【EASY TO FLY FOR BEGINNERS】Beginner-friendly with a camera cover to protect it from damage….
A drone is something I’ve personally wanted for quite a few years now. But after crashing one into a tree many moons ago and breaking it, I never took the plunge. However, with big travel plans on the horizon (I know, we always have big plans), a drone is the perfect travel gift for this mum!
Santa was listening as I’ve recently been sent the Ruko U11MINI drone. It has 70 minutes flight time and has good wind resistance despite being lightweight, plus lots of clever features for video capture.
14. Portable Bluetooth speaker
- 【360° Surround Sound】Immerse yourself in powerful 360° audio with our Bluetooth wireless…
- 【Ultra-Long Playback Time】Powered by RunStretch technology, our portable outdoor speakers offer…
- 【Party-Ready TWS Mode】Take your parties to the next level with our linkable Bluetooth speakers….
- 【IPX7 Waterproof】Built to withstand various weather conditions, our wireless speaker is IPX7…
- 【Creative Customization】Personalize your music experience with the DIY EQ mode in the TRIBIT…
A portable speaker has become an essential item on all our trips. We use it for watching films we’ve downloaded onto the laptop, for listening to music as a family on the balcony whilst playing cards, or for family meditation time before bed (we all listen to Headspace before the boys drop off to sleep each night).
We love the TRIBIT StormBox 2 portable Bluetooth speaker as not only is it lightweight and compact (you guys know how obsessed we are with minimalist packing), but it has 360° Surround Sound, 24hr playtime, and it’s water resistant for when we use it by the pool or for those sudden heavy downpours we get in Southeast Asia! Plus, the sound quality is brilliant.
15. Headphones
- MIXX – A QUALITY BRITISH BRAND -Ergonomic Earhooks for Sports, Ultra Lightweight: suitable for long…
- Qi CHARGING charging case and easy pairing. Simply take the Bluetooth headphones out of the charging…
- Hi-Fi DEEP BASE Stereo and low sound distortion. Preset sound EQ modes for Music, Bass Boost and…
- 8 HOURS PLAYTIME with another 24 hours in the case. LED battery display, allows you to clearly see…
- TOUCH CONTROL AND IPX6 Waterproof – protects your sports headphones from sweat during intense…
Headphones are another essential travel item for us. I’ve recently received the MIXX StreamQ C4 noise cancelling, wireless headphones and I’m in love with them. They are comfortable and stylish, feature ANC noise cancelling, and quick charging. The 40-hour battery life is absolutely brilliant for long over night journeys (such as our recent travels on the Vietnam sleeper trains) and it’s really easy to adjust volume and skip tracks using the integrated buttons.
However, being a runner who often trains when travelling, Jay prefers the Mixx StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 Wireless Earbuds. These have a 7-hour play time and a handheld charge case for an additional 25 hours, a choice of 3 EQ sound modes, touch sensor control and many more premium features. Added features in this new model include Apple and Google compatibility and hands-free calling. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, adjust the volume, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.
You may also like to read:
The BEST family travel destinations
23 USEFUL travel gifts for kids
Family travel on a budget: how to travel cheap with kids in tow