10 Gifts on Every Traveler's Wish List

The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you’re not done with your holiday shopping, you certainly aren’t alone. But don’t panic—we have all the travelers on your list covered. Be a gift-giving hero this year with a curated list from Rustic staff with gift ideas from their own holiday wish lists.

1. Day Packs

These smaller bags are always useful—and when they pack into themselves—it doesn’t get much better than that. These two options from L.L. Bean and Tortuga are great for anything from day hikes to urban exploring, and then can be packed in a suitcase when it’s time to move on to the next adventure.

2. Luggage Tracking Device

Anyone who has suffered the trauma of a lost bag will tell you they wished they had one of these. Trakdot goes inside a checked bag and then can be tracked using an app on your phone. Perfect for the certain someone on your list who travels a lot and suffers from chronic bad luck.

3. Travel Journal

You are never fully prepared for a trip without a journal. This one from Uncommon Goods is a journal, calendar, planner, and translator in one, PLUS there are scratch-off maps inside. Collect memories from your travels in this fun and versatile journal.

4. Portable Photo Printer

Share your photos with the people you meet along your journey with this photo printer from Polaroid. Print photos from your phone using this wireless device that can fit in your pocket and weighs less than 0.5 lbs. Don’t let the photos from your travels die on your phone.

5. Tent

Know someone who loves camping but are less enthused about putting together their tent? The 2-Second Tent from Quechua takes all the hassle and guesswork out of pitching the tent so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.

6. Maps

Keep track of your travel progress with these two map-inspired gifts. One is a scratch off map that allows travelers to check off countries they’ve traveled to, and the other is a cork globe using pins to document where travelers have been. Both gifts are fun and great conversation starters.

7. Power Adapter

Rejoice! With this 4-in-1 option, you will never have to buy another adaptor again. This adaptor has you covered in 150 different countries—happy travels!

8. Organizer

Gone are the days of ripping apart your bag looking for your phone charger. Use the rubberized straps of the Grid It organizer to lock chargers and small electronics in place and always know where they are in your bag.

9. State-inspired Apparel

Tired of being abroad and people constantly telling you they’ve never heard of Wisconsin? Rep your state pride with these awesome shirts and hoodies from Home State Apparel and educate the masses along the way.

10. Gifts that Give Back

We saved the best for last—buy gifts for the people on your list and give back at the same time! Check out Artisan Connect, a Rustic Pathways partner company, and Stone and Cloth, a company started by a former Rustic Pathways program leader. Artisan Connect supports artisans by working with NGOs that pay fair wages to artisan around the world, and every purchase from Stone and Cloth funds 25 hours of classroom learning for a student. Give twice as much by shopping with these companies during the holiday season.

Still at a loss for gift ideas? Check out last year’s guide for even more great gift ideas.