This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.

We had to share our top five travel essentials that make for the most amazing gift ideas. We don't just recommend random stuff; we truly use all of these items on every single one of our trips.

We're all about practical gifts so if you're a traveler or know someone who is, these are seriously great options, and we think they're some of the best items you can give.

1. The Hands-Free Must-Have: Bandolier Phone Case

If you follow us, you know we've been talking about the Bandolier phone case for years. We’ve been using ours for almost 10 years now.

Bandolier Bowie Crossbody Strap — Bowie Crossbody Strap

Bandolier Emma strap in yellow — Emma Crossbody Strap

What is it? It's a hands-free phone case that comes with a strap, making it super convenient. It's detachable, and they offer straps in multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can easily interchange them.

Bandolier Snapback Pocket — Snapback Pocket for your credit cards

Wallet Feature: It also doubles as a wallet. There's a snap closure in the back, and because it's made of genuine pebble leather, it expands over time. I can stash up to six cards plus cash and a receipt in mine. It’s what I use every day, and it’s a non-negotiable for all my traveling.

Why Bandolier over others? Yes, it is more expensive than the versions you see elsewhere, but it's worth the price. Other brands, often made with faux leather, wear off or break right away, and you end up wasting money on multiple cheap ones. This genuine leather case lasts a long time.

Bandolier Emma Leather Pebble Strap — Emma Crossbody Strap

Bandolier Hailey Chrome Case — Hailey Chrome Crossbody

Bandolier Bodie Strap — Bodie Crossbody Strap

2. Ditch the Wires: The Airfly

I'm a sucker for an Instagram ad, and that's how I discovered the Airfly. This genius little gadget lets you listen to a movie on your flight without wires.

Airfly Audio Transmitter — Aifly Bluetooth Transmitter

How it works: It's Bluetooth-capable, so you can pair it with whatever headset you have—like your AirPods or Bose—and listen to your movie wirelessly. No more cheap airline earbuds or tangled wires getting in the way when the food comes around. I get to keep my noise-cancellation AirPods with me, and all I need to do is simply plug the Airfly adapter into the airline’s audio jack.

Travel-Friendly: It's super tiny, so you can easily stick it in a pocket of your bag or even your jeans. I've watched about three movies without having to charge it, and on many flights, you can even charge it while you're using it. The best part? You don't have to be tech-savvy to use it.

3. Keep 'Em Close: AirPod Chain

My AirPods go with me everywhere I travel, but they have a reputation for popping out of your ears, especially when you're doing activities that involve lots of motion. The AirPod chain is the perfect solution.

Wearing an Airpod Necklace — Crystal wearing an airpod necklace

A Secure Accessory: You stick your AirPods into the secure little handle, put the chain around your neck, and if an earbud flies out, it stays with you. It won't go flying out anywhere. When you're not using them, you can secure the chain with its magnetic clip. Every brand makes them slightly different, but the one we have has a magnetic clip.

Where to Buy: We actually recommend checking out Etsy for these. The ones on Amazon are cheaper, but Etsy offers more variety and are often higher quality.

4. Sleep Like a Baby: Cabeau Travel Pillow

If you know a long-haul flight traveler, they need the Cabeau travel pillow. We've been using the classic version, for over five years.

Why it's the Best: Before the Cabeau, I tried and hated every other travel pillow; they were all useless and didn't help me sleep at all. The Cabeau is the only neck pillow I can actually sleep with on long flights. Once, when I was going to Japan, I forgot it in the car and I ended up buying a new Cabeau travel pillow at the airport.

It’s a Must-Have Gift: I always recommend the Cabeau because it consistently stands out. People who go against my advice usually come back and say they should have gotten the Cabeau. It's also a great travel gift item because people use it not just for flying, but also for long road trips.

Cabeau Evolution Earth Neck Pillow — Cabeau Evolution Earth

Cabeau TNE S3 Neck Pillow — Cabeau TNE s3

Cabeau Evolution X Pillow — Cabeau Evolution X

5. My New Go-To: Quince Carry-On Suitcase

We both shifted over to the Quince carry-on suitcase, and we’re obsessed. Crystal has the second version with the front pocket and I have the original version without the front pocket.

Quince Carryon Suitcase with Front Pocket — Quince **Carryon Suitcase with Front Pocket**

Key Features We Love (front pocket version):

Front Pocket: The front pocket is perfect because I travel with my laptop a lot. It has extra pockets inside for things like your charger.
Lightweight: It's super lightweight, so you can pack more, and it's easier to lift into the overhead bin.
Fits Most Airlines: It's advertised as a carry-on and passes all US standard sizes. It has fit in the overhead bin space on all major airlines I've used, including United, Delta, Southwest, and Singapore. A quick heads-up: budget or super small European airlines may make you check it.
Durable and Clean: Even though I have a light-colored one, and I've checked it in, it's still pretty pristine after 10+ trips.
Price and Design: The price point is usually half the price of other popular brands for a similar style and quality.
Wheels: The 360-degree wheels glide super easily, which is a lifesaver when navigating busy train stations, airports, and streets.
Capacity: I can easily fit 4–5 days of stuff in here, and a minimal packer could probably fit even more.

This suitcase is the perfect gift for a traveler and such a good deal! I’d be happy to get one again!

The Best Part?

All of these amazing products are under $200! It's a fantastic price point for a roundup of practical, long-lasting travel essentials. We hope this review helped you find the perfect gift.