Travel Essentials & Travel Gifts for Christmas 2025

Travel essentials make the best gifts. Always. They’re practical, beautiful, and they make every trip feel easier, lighter, and more enjoyable. After 20+ years of traveling for work and for love, I’ve learned one thing: the right essentials change everything. They save space. They reduce stress. They make packing feel effortless.

If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for a traveler – or you want to upgrade your own travel life = this guide is for you. These are the travel essentials I use on every trip: weekend escapes, long flights, NYC adventures, Europe, …the world!

Smart, stylish, packable must-haves that make this travel essentials worth gifting (and getting) this Christmas.

WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR:

• Travelers who want smart, beautiful essentials that make every trip easier and lighter.
• Women looking for chic, practical travel gifts they’ll actually use.
• NYC lovers planning weekend getaways or long-haul trips.
• Anyone who hates overpacking and wants stress-free, organized travels.
• Frequent flyers who love functional, stylish travel essentials.

Non-Negotiable Packing Cubes

Packing cubes changed everything for me. These Miami Carry-On cubes fit perfectly in any carry-on and keep clothes standing up like books so you save space, stay organized, and unpack in two seconds. Slide the cube straight into a hotel drawer and you’re done. Clean, calm, stress-free travel.

SHOP NOW

The Sustainable Tote I’m Obsessed With

Super sturdy, incredibly spacious, fully washable, and extremely LIGHT… until I carry all my photography gear inside 😅. The built-in strap keeps my phone easy to grab and secure on the subway. Made from recycled ocean plastic, stylish, versatile, and truly sustainable. I’m really OBSESSED.

SHOP NOW

The Classic Tote Every New Yorker Owns

A true New Yorker essential. Flat, lightweight, and folds into nothing, yet carries everything. I always pack one for groceries, laundry runs, beach days, markets, Duty Free, and all the unexpected “oops, I need another bag” moments. Effortless, practical, and the kind of gift everyone actually uses.

SHOP NOW

The Multi-Country Adapter I Trust Everywhere

Sleek, functional, and compatible with over 200 countries. This tiny adapter keeps all my devices charged wherever I land. One piece = endless freedom. The perfect stocking-stuffer travel gift.

SHOP NOW

The Tiny Travel Lock I Always Have With Me

Super light, compact, and always in my bag. I use it for gym lockers, and anytime I want to secure the zipper of my backpack. It weighs nothing, takes zero space, and gives total peace of mind. The little “just in case” travel gift everyone needs.

SHOP NOW

Stay Connected Everywhere with Airalo

Airalo lets you install a travel-eSIM in minutes and stay connected in 200+ countries. I always set mine up as I get off the plane. Smart, simple, travel-ready. The gift of connectivity for any wanderer.

SHOP NOW

The Mini Stain Pen That Saves Your Travel Outfit

Fits in your pocket, suitcase or tote. This tiny stain remover pen attacks spills before they set – wine, coffee, sauces, you name it. I always keep one with me in each bag. Gift-worthy for everyone!

SHOP NOW

The Expandable Backpack That Does It All

My go-to backpack. It stays slim when I need less and expands when I need to fit my packing cubes, camera gear, tech, and toiletries. Functional and sleek, it’s the perfect travel gift for anyone who wants it all.

SHOP NOW

The Tote Organizer That Changes Everything

A tote organizer that ends the “black hole” bag problem instantly. Every item has a place and the best part is how fast I can switch bags. I just lift the organizer out and drop it into any tote in two seconds. A life-changing travel gift.

SHOP NOW

The Foldable Backpack I Always Pack

Tiny to pack and huge in value. It collapses into a small pouch that takes almost no space in my carry-on, yet opens into a lightweight, practical bag for any day trip — beach, markets, hikes, groceries, anything. It’s the little backup that always saves the day!

SHOP NOW

The Perfect Hanging Toiletry Bag

Keeps everything in its place: mini deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, first aid kit, skincare, haircare, nail polish, remover, nail files… all of it. I also keep a couple of magnetic hangers inside so I can use them on metal surfaces and hang things there, especially on cruises. Hang the bag, open it, grab what you need. The perfect travel gift for anyone who loves smart, tidy packing.

SHOP NOW

The Cute and Magnetic Travel Container Kit

Mini yet mighty. This travel container kit holds all my skincare and keeps my bag ultra-organized, TSA-compliant, and always ready. Space-saving, stress-free, perfect travel gift.

SHOP NOW

The Luxury Sleep Mask That’s a Game-Changer

Light-blocking, padded silk luxury that wrapped me in total darkness on flights, hotel rooms, and NYC studio naps. I always carry it for that “reset” moment, even if it’s just 30 minutes between shoots. One accessory = better sleep anywhere.

SHOP NOW

If you want more gift ideas, head to my full New York City Gift Guide for 2025. It includes NYC lover gifts, travel essentials, cozy living favorites, winter must-haves, stocking stuffers, and so much more.

Save it for December and share it with the person you love shopping with.

CIAOOOOO!!!!

Disclosure: While I may receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you — when you shop through the links on VivereNewYork, I only recommend products I genuinely love and use.
You can click here to read more about our editorial guidelines. Thank you so much for supporting my work and helping me keep sharing insider tips like this one! 💛