Last Updated on January 12, 2025 by Christine Kaaloa

Tired of same-old travel gifts? Looking for that last-minute stocking stuffer? This year, I created this holiday gift guide to revolutionize your 2025 solo travels ! I’m sharing my top picks in innovative gadgets to help make solo traveling a breeze and must-have essentials you never knew you needed. From exciting game-changers to make your long haul flights more comfortable, luggage more manageable and trip packing more organized and minimal. I didn’t forget about eco-conscious items either.

Best of all, order it online and have it shipped to your friend. If you have Amazon Prime membership , they offer free shipping on some items.

Note: I use a little over half of these products I’m recommending and researched the other parts for the best recommendations. This post has affiliate links at no extra expense to you. They help me maintain this website’s work and my solo female travel YouTube channel, where I offer free video travel guides. You will be supporting a female-owned small creator business.

Must Have Travel Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers for Solo Travelers

1. TravelOn Packable Backpack

The TravelOn Packable Backpack is an wonderful collapsable day pack to have, when you don’t know what adventures lie ahead or when you’ll need that extra bag for shopping and last minute hikes. This average size daypack reverse folds into its own zippered pocket.  It is lightweight, stain and water resistant fabric. This collapsable day pack comes with two side pockets to hold water bottles, a front pocket for quick access items, and a main compartment with a small pocket that you fold the pack into. Comes in several colors– I own the green one!

2. MiiKARE Airplane Phone Holder

The Miikare Airplane Phone Holder is a hands-free phone mount that you can attach to several things, like an upright plane tray table, your downright tray table, your luggage handle or anything it can clamp to or sit upon.  It has 360 degree rotation and is a must-have in-flight accessory for streaming entertainment from your flight’s mobile app or watching downloaded Netflix movies.

I haven’t gotten this yet, but i’m hoping one of my many friends will read this post and get it for me! 😉

3. Portable Neck Fan

It’s getting hotter every year, so why not cool down with a JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan? I love mine—it’s effortless to use! Just hang it around your neck, and you’re good to go. It offers five cooling speeds and the air blows up to your fan to cool your head. Some folks think it’s quiet, but I disagree, it’s like hearing the plane air conditioner in your ear. But its nice that this is portable and you have a hands-free fan cooling you down everywhere you go.

Whether you’re exploring Hawaii in the summer, waiting for your plane’s A/C to kick in, or stuck in traffic, a portable neck fan is a must-have for 2025.

4. Airplane Pockets Seat Organizer Caddy

Looking for a practical and thoughtful gift for the frequent flyer or family traveler in your life? This foldable Airplane Pockets seat organizer is a perfect stocking stuffer. It keeps snacks, entertainment devices, and other in-flight essentials neatly organized and within easy reach. Plus, it features a built-in tray table cover for added hygiene, creating a barrier against germs. When the flight’s over, it folds compactly for easy storage in any carry-on bag.

5. Classic Merino Wool T-shirt

My Unbound Merino shirt (read my review is a must-have for all my travels, because it is a smart choice for minimalist travelers. This comfortable, stylish, and moisture-wicking shirt is made of 100% merino wool and, crucially, resists odor. While merino wool can be an investment, a single Unbound Merino shirt or blouse can replace several other tops in your travel wardrobe because it requires significantly less frequent washing. Plus, Unbound Merino is a reputable small business committed to ethical wool sourcing.

Last year, I traveled with this shirt through monsoon seasons of India/Nepal, North & South Pakistan, Hawaii and Mexico because the wool is body heat regulating despite the climate!

6. Unbound Merino travel dress

Unbound Merino apparel is crafted from 100% merino wool, prized for its softness, odor resistance (meaning fewer washes!), and natural antimicrobial properties.  My personal favorite is the Unbound Merino travel dress. The classic cut drapes beautifully, offering a flattering, flowing, and slimming silhouette. Its versatile design allows me to dress it up with accessories for a night out or wear it casually for everyday comfort. It even doubles as a stylish beach cover-up thanks to its convenient pullover style.

While merino wool garments can be an investment, the Unbound Merino dress effectively replaces multiple items in my wardrobe due to its versatility and low-maintenance care. This means less packing and more space in my luggage. Plus, Unbound Merino is a reputable small business committed to ethically sourcing their wool.

Check out Convertible Travel Clothes for Minimalist Packing

7. Fanny Pack

The TravelOn Anti-Theft Urban Waistpack is perfect for the smart solo traveler who wants to keep their valuables organized and safe. Slash-proof straps, RFID organizer pocket, locking zippers… you’re in good hands with this sleek and minimalist pack.

Check out my guide to choosing the perfect fanny pack for travel where I share styles ranging from anti-theft, minimalist to athletic and eco-conscious!

8. WANDER Merino Wool Socks (3-Pack)

I’m a big fan of merino wool for its odor-resistant properties, which means less washing, especially when traveling. These WANDER Merino Wool Ankle socks (3 pack) are fantastic. I wear them for both travel and work, where I’m on my feet all day. Made with 54% merino wool, they offer excellent moisture-wicking, allowing me to pack just three pairs for up to two weeks of travel. The thickness is perfect – not too bulky, yet durable and comfortably padded. They’re incredibly soft, snug, and comfortable; I love how they feel. And the 3-pack offers excellent value.

9. Travel Pill Organizer

This compact, portable, and undeniably cute clam shell Holii travel pill organizer went viral on Amazon this year. It features eight individual compartments for organizing your medications and comes with handy sticky labels for easy identification. Customers love its size and travelability.

10.  trtl Travel Pillow

Unlike bulky inflatable travel pillows, the trtl Travel Pillow offers genuine shoulder and neck support for comfortable travel. It’s earned high ratings on Amazon, with many travelers praising its support, functionality, and comfort on long flights and road trips. This innovative design helps eliminate head bobbing and neck aches caused by inadequate support while sleeping on planes, making it definitely worth a try.

 

11. Airplane Footrest Hammock

I’ll admit, I was a little thrown aback with this one. But travelers have been loving this and I’ve seen travel hacks that attempt this. This airplane footrest hammock is made with memory foam  and comes with a carry pouch. Amazon reviewers mentioned loving its comfort, the alleviation on lower back and leg pain and its ease of use. Ideal for frequent travelers and long flights. Some reviewers say its ideal for shorter legs.

12. Wheeled Backpack Carry-On Luggage

For solo travelers, a “convertible wheeled backpack carry-on” is a dream come true—combining the convenience of rolling luggage with the versatility of a backpack. I personally use the Hynes Eagle 42L Rolling Travel Backpack Carry on Luggage, which even includes a 3-piece packing cube set (check out my review and video tour). It’s one of the most affordable 2-in-1 convertible options available, especially considering that a quality dedicated travel backpack can easily cost up to $400. Some users find the fabric less durable than they’d prefer, but it’s held up well through my own travels to destinations like India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Puerto Rico, proving its functionality for me.

For confident durability, I’d recommend the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE, a version I used to own and loved as well. It has a stronger build. It’s a little pricier, but that’s standard for a convertible. You can check out more wheeled options.  Both have tuck-away backpack straps and I’d recommend them for female solo travelers as they are easy to navigate with.

Form more options, read 13 Top Convertible Wheeled Backpack Carry-ons

13. Chewable Toothpaste Tablets

One of my followers recommended this as a favorite travel hack and it inspired me to try it. I’m currently testing three brands and this is my favorite!

These days I’ve been using chewable toothpaste tables even when I’m not traveling! I’ve been taking them to work and using them at home, cause they’re so portable and fun! Pop one of these Chew Brush Smile Toothpaste Tablets into your mouth, chew, then add water to your toothbrush and brush. That’s it!  This is one more thing to not have to worry about at TSA. Best of all you can take your toothpaste tablet anywhere you go, because it’s so compact! Made from all natural ingredients. Fluoride-free, SLS-free, and no harsh abrasives. Packed in a recyclable or repurposeable aluminum tin container, the tablets remain crispy and fresh because the humidity won’t cause it to go soft like other brands. I’ll likely use this as a coin or hairband jar afterwards!

Tip: Get the peppermint. It has a minty, crisp taste! 

14. Beeswax Wraps

Want to save that sandwich for later on the train? Reducing waste and plastic use is a priority for many eco-conscious travelers. Beeswax Wraps are a great solution. These reusable, beeswax-infused cloth wraps offer a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap for covering and storing food. They can be used again and again, helping you minimize your environmental impact on your travels. (Read more eco-friendly tips for more ideas.)

15. Special Made collapsible water bottle

The Special Made collapsible water bottle is an environmentally conscious water bottle that is both, aesthetically pleasing and can be retracted into a neat origami folded square. Popular with customers who love its style, functionality and foldability, it holds 20oz hot and cold liquids.

16. The Earthling Co. Shampoo Bar

TSA friendly and handy for all hair types, Earthling Co. Shampoo Bar is PH balanced for scalps and hydrates and moisturizes dry hair. I love that it lathers wonderfully when you add water, it feels soft and luxurious soaping my hair,  conditions my hair and the scents are lovely. Vegan and cruelty free, all packaging is vegan. Tip:

17. Foldable Fork & Spoon Set

I like packing compact, reusable, fold-up utensils.  This compact, foldable fork and spoon set is an innovative 2-in-1 portable folding spoon and fork that collapses for easy storage. It is wonderful for travel, picnics, camping, work home lunches or keeping with you anytime you’re on the go.

18. GRRRLTRAVELER Travel Merch Shop

If you are a solo adventurer, shop GRRRLTRAVELER travel tees, hoodies and flip flops! Take the GRRR with you everywhere you roam. Check out our Teespring shop and our Exclusive shop

19. Manta Sleep Mask

The Manta Sleep Mask was the first sleep mask I truly loved because it excels at what a good sleep mask should do: completely block out light for sound sleep. This helps me sleep anywhere and to recover from jetlag faster!

Made with soft, natural, moisture-wicking fibers, it feels snug and comfortable. It also features velcro removable and replaceable eye cups and an open nose area, with the mask fitting comfortably over the cups. The adjustable strap ensures a secure fit that stays in place. It comes with a carrying pouch. For more options, check out my post on the best blackout sleep masks for travel.

20. AirPods Pro

Perfect for enjoying music on planes or trains, Airpods Pro‘s wireless design and noise-canceling features create an immersive listening experience that makes you almost forget you’re wearing earbuds.

21. AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter for Wireless Headphones

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth wireless transmitter for earbuds and wireless headphones lets you watch in-flight entertainment in comfort, without being tethered to your plane seat. The transmitter has an 3.5 mm audio jack that plugs into any audio jack outlet from tablets to gym equipment and TVs.

22. Collapsable Telescopic Stool

If I could redo that Tokyo trip (that city has a serious lack of public seating!), I’d definitely bring this stool. The Homemari Telescopic Folding Stool is a portable, collapsible seat perfect for camping, waiting in long lines, or any situation where you’re on your feet all day. It comes in a variety of fun colors, includes a convenient carry strap, and has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs.

This pop-up seat is super handy– I love mine and use it a lot, especially when I work on film sets when we’re traveling from location to location and some of them are jungles and beaches! You can carabiner it on your day pack or sling it over your shoulder. You need this somewhere in your life!

23. Oral-B Smart Clean 360 Rechargeable Toothbrush with travel case

The Oral-B Smart Clean 360 toothbrush is a pressure sensitive toothbrush which lets you know  if you’re brushing too hard. It is self-timed for a dentist recommendation duration of two minutes. Battery lasts for two weeks, so it is perfect for travel and it even comes with a travel case. It has three cleaning modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive and Whitening. Removes 400% more plaque. SORRY, THIS IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

Budget tip: Here’s a value pack of 12 replacement brushes.It’s the best deal you’ll find on replacement brushes that fit this model!

24. Amazon e-Gift Cards

What friend, family member, work member cannot use an Amazon e-gift card for the holidays? Load the gift card with any amount. They can redeem the code and shop for their own travel essentials!

25. Ameribag Healthy Sling bag

The Ameribag healthy back sling bag is part purse and sling bag, allowing you to keep your valuables close to your body. Don’t let its small size fool you. The bag is highly expandable with several organizer pockets, both inside and around the bag.

I have filled my sling with a camera, moleskine journal, smartphone, bottled water and jacket. Check out my list of top anti-theft crossbody bags

26. Oofos OOriginal (Unisex)

Suffering from plantar fasciitus but always on the go? Oofos OOriginal is comfortable recovery footwear, which supports arches and absorbs 37% more impact than regular footwear. Lightweight and spongey-feeling, it reduces the stress on your feet, joints & back.  As a traveler that suffers foot problems, I sweeeeeear by this! If your feet are feeling achey from long days on your feet, throw this on and let your feet recover.  Every Oofos style carries the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance!

Side note: I got this for my sister, myself last Xmas. This Xmas, I got it for my mom, who started wearing mine and loves it for her foot problems.

Check out my post on the most comfortable shoes for travel

27. Clothes with smart pockets (for men and women)

 Clever Travel Companion is a line of smart pickpocket-proof clothing. I have the t-shirt, underwear, and tank top with built-in pockets created specifically to stash valuables.  They are a terrific alternative to money belts. My favorite clothing item the Clever Travel Companion Tank Top  with zipped pockets for hiding monehy and passport. I love the entire line from t-shirts to underwear. Haven’t tried the leggings yet tho but I cannot wait. Read my review.

Read: How to Outsmart Pickpockets

28. Travel Scarf with Hidden Pocket

Want to know a convenient way to carry your passport at the airport? Beauty, safety and functionality, the Waypoint Goods Infinity Travel Scarf has a hidden zipper pocket which can store your passport, phone or valuables. It has multiple ways it can be worn as well. But wonderful caveat to its make is that it is something the eco-conscious traveler will love– made of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton.  Zipper Pocket

Initially, I listed the long-time Sholdit pocket scarf. Unfortunately, it was unavailable, but the Waypoint Goods infinity scarf steps up the game as a mindful option that won’t hurt the planet.

29. BagSmart Toiletry Bag

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook allows female travelers to travel with full-sized toiletries and cosmetics in a comfortable way. The fabric is high quality and durable so it’s a little on the weighty side but it allows a lot of organization and compartment space. It’s a well thought out design and it’s easy to unfold for TSA inspection. Additionally, it comes with a transparent TSA makeup bag.

I have this toiletry organizer bag and it is super nice and is a smart design! It’s a little too nice for the way I travel as I don’t take a lot of skin care products with me, but this is ideal for more fashionable travelers. I also have a Bagsmart yoga tote can vouch for its quality. BagSmart has smart, high quality designs made for travelers.

30. Manfrotto Lifestyle NX CSC Backpack

For years, I’ve searched for the perfect minimalist camera backpack, which can transport the camera gear for solo female multimedia creator. The Manfrotto Lifestyle NX CSC Backpack merges a camera gear bag with a just enough daypack space to put extra clothes.  The secret back pocket and the back entry camera entrance gives me peace of mind that my valuables will be protected from pickpockets. Check out: Top Camera Backpacks under $100

Read Vlogging Tips from a Solo Female Travel Vlogger

31. Joby Mobile Vlogging Kit

Joby Mobile Vlogging Kit is ideal for the starting travel vlogger or social media influencer who wants to use a mobile phone to vlog and create their work. The kit includes a Joby tripod with two attachable legs which can hold a sunlight and shotgun microphone which plugs into your phone. I love my mobile vlogging kit, which is perfect for creating Instagram reels and YouTube Shorts.

Read How to Film Selfies

32. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

With the SanDisk Portable Extreme SSD, SanDisk made an SSD to match the extremes of adventurous, traveling video content creators like myself.  So they made a drive designed to sustain the rugged rigors of this type of adventure (Read my review ) .You can drop this on the ground, in water, it can accidentally disconnect when you’re using it and it will still be okay. Best of all, it is the size of a credit card. They aren’t cheap but one is all you need to travel with as you leave the clunker externals at home.

Alternate SSDs I’ve heard good things about is Crucial X9 SSD and Crucial X6 SSD.

33. Travel Essentials BEVA Travel Power Strip 

Travel Essentials BEVA Travel Power Strip is a 8.46 ounce mini power strip is a non-surge protector that comes with a four foot travel extension cord. It includes two plug outlets, three USB-A ports, one USB C port. Easy to store in your suitcase and carry-on!

34. ACEVAT Travel Pouches for Toiletries Leak Proof 3oz 

ACEVAT Travel Pouches are leak-proof TSA approved pouches for your toiletries. There are nine 3oz pouches for you to pack your favorite cleanser, shampoo, in-flight juices. These wide-mouthed pouches are BPA-free, non-toxic, and environmentally safe materials plastic. 

35.TSA Approved Travel Size Toiletries (19 Pack)

Save space by decantering your liquids, skin cremes, sprays and makeup into reusable TSA approved travel size toiletry containers. Comes with container labels so you can read what is stored and a clear PVC zipper pouch.

While I don’t want to encourage using more plastic, these are re-usable and can last a lifetime.

36. Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic Face Cleanser

This is an item you won’t know you need until you buy them. The Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic Face Cleanser is a cleansing pad that is water-activated. It melts away and cleanses with microbubbles.  Customers love that the washes give them a soft and clean feeling. There’s a 3-in-1 function of clean, tone and refreshes.  

37. Toobur Fitness Tracker Smart Watch (under $35)

This is the poor man’s Apple watch but it will look expensive if you give it as a gift! Initially I bought this as a fitness and step tracker. I like to keep track of my steps to see if I make my goal of 10,000 steps (aka 5 miles) a day. But it does so much more! The Toobur Fitness Tracker Smart Watch, is a fitness smart watch with features like sleep monitor (another feature I like), email and text messages notifications, GPS, heart rate monitor and built-in Amazon Alexa. You download the watch’s app to your mobile phone to occasionally sync the time and to view the data you wish to see in detail. It is water resistant IP67 so you can go swimming or shower with it on. It comes in a super affordable price for a smart watch and will replace your Fitbit.

 Note: There are many similar watches- which seem to be a generic watch sold by different brands. Always read the customer reviews. I have a version of this one and it’s lasted me for a few years such that I got this Toobur smart watch for my mom last year. You can change the watch bands and  buy more stylish ones to outfit match . Definitely a good value!

38. Golf Skorts with Pockets

This pull up Ekaueor golf skorts with pockets are the ideal combination of a workout shorts and practical fashion-forward skirt for solo female travelers who are always on the go! This skort has tummy control – if you’ve taken one food tours too many- and a built in shorts and pocket to keep your smartphone and valuables. You can also use it as a swim skirt! It’s a perfect anti-theft Swiss Army item to pack for your adventure. Check out their monotone/non-pattern designs.

39. Universal Travel Adapters with Multiple USB Ports

Universal travel adapters can be chunky, but they’re handy and they offer peace of mind for travelers. So it’s even better when they come as multi-plug adapters. My fave travel adapter is the Travel Inspira Universal Travel Adapter (pictured below). I can charge five devices at once as it has four USB-A adapters spaced apart, a plug adapter and a Smart IC device, which gauges your battery so it doesn’t over-charge.

UPDATED: The Tessan Universal Travel Adapter can charge six devices at once. It is good for travelers with more USB-C devices, as it has 3 USB-C and two USB-A ports.

41. Pickle Ball training balls

This isn’t quite a travel item but I just bought it for my sister! hehe… If you haven’t heard of pickle ball, then you’ve truly been out of the loop. The sport is taking the U.S. by storm, it’s likely you have one or more friends or family members into it. These React Mini Pickle Balls are great for training and sharpening your skills by promoting quicker reactions. 

42. Insta360 X4 Waterproof 360 Camera Bundle

Capture amazing 360-degree views of your destinations with the Insta360 X4, a 360 action camera that is a waterproof that films 8K video with invisible selfie stick. Bundle includes a selfie stick and lens cap. The selfie stick is handy to have as it allows your selfies to look clean.

43. Hero Neck Wallet

HERO Neck Wallet with RFID blocking is a god-send to have at the airport. I love the organization and that it can hold my TSA -boarding essentials (tickets, passport, phone and some money) in one pouch. I’ve found mine comes in super handy and it keeps me organized. You wear it around your neck as a hidden wallet.  Hero is a small travel family brand so you’ll be supporting travelers.

44. Portable iPhone Charger

This 5000 mAh portable iPhone Charger was a travel gear recommendation that came to me from a traveler on my Pakistan group tour who loaned me hers. It was something I didn’t think I needed, until I discovered why I did need it.

Being a content creator, I travel with a handful of portable power banks ranging from USB plug-in to magnetic charge. Being tethered to USB cables is an ordeal when you want to use your phone as a camera and loose connections can fail a full charge. Meanwhile, with magnetic charging power banks, your iPhone can overheat and refuse to work until it cools down. Pakistan was hot, so my phone was continually overheating. The only charger that could safely and consistently fully charge my phone without overheating it was this mini bank with a direct iPhone lightning jack. The bank also shows how much battery is left which is handy to see.

45. Emergen-C

During weather and environment changes, it’s easy to get sick.  These Emergen-C dissolvable vitamin C packets are a pick-me-up when you’re tired and it can prevent colds. They are flat so they take up little space in your purse or daypack. Use them to flavor your drinks or pack them on the go when you go sightseeing.  Working as film crew, I use these a lot and they are popular on set when you’re working long hours.  Tip: My favorite flavor is Raspberry.

46. Sprigs Banjees wrist wallets

I have been a committed user of Sprigs Banjees wrist wallets for years! This two pocket wrist wallet is handy for carrying money, credit cards, loose change and some phones. One side is zippered and the other side has a fold-over flap.  It’s unassuming and allows you quick access to your currency when you’re in crowds and marketplaces. In cash-based countries I end up collecting loose change and can act as my coin purse. This is definitely one of my pickpocket-proof tips for solo travelers!

47. Portable Air Purifier

Dust or pollen allergies getting you down? Or maybe you just don’t want to deal with circulated plane air! In either case, you don’t want to get sick on your trip.  This IGOKOTI Portable air purifier is compact, rechargeable wearables that you can wear around your neck. They are great for airplanes, trains, buses and automobiles. They are negative ion generators that can filter dust, allergens, viruses and sometimes odors! Portable air purifiers are not just for COVID but for many situations in which you may want fresh breathing air. 

Note: It’s one of my in-flight essentials for travel

48. Retracting Multi-charging cable

Tired of carrying a pouch of charging cables? Wouldn’t it be nice if there could be one octopus cable that handles it all and organizes itself neatly?  Retractable cables are an idea that came out a while ago, but it’s a device that’s been overlooked by travelers. Being around video tech geeks, it’s become a part of my tool pouch. 

The Minlu retractable multi-charging cable is a four-in-one charger cable with two lightning cables, one type C cable and a micro USB port that retract to a USB-A port that is the size of a keychain.  The main cable extends up to four feet long. Best of all, it can charge four devices as once. As a video technician, it’s certainly reduced my toolkit and is handy for home, office and travel. The only con is that it should’ve come with a mini-USB port (some cameras charge using it!)

Tip: Read the tech specs to make sure it does what you need, but I love mine.

49. Gift an Amazon Wishlist

If you’re the type of person who likes to see exactly where your donation money is making an impact with an organization, donating to your non-profit’s Amazon Wishlists is a great way to feel like you’re having a positive impact.

During the holidays, your favorite non-profit organizations need help affording supplies to do their work. I follow a lot of street dog rescue organizations and Amazon Wishlists is one way I support them.

Donate for yourself or gift a friend by donating to their favorite non-profit in their name.

Tip: You can even send your org a virtual Amazon gift card that they can redeem through a code.

Send the gift of giving this year!

What would you add to this holiday gift guide for solo travelers ?