You don’t need to break the bank to find a meaningful travel gift that resonates with the wanderer in your life. Under $10, you can still snag something small, thoughtful, and packed with the kind of sentimental punch that’ll make them think of their adventures every time they see it. Think tiny trinkets that fit in a pocket or dangle from a keychain; items that scream “I get your love for the open road” without screaming “I spent a fortune.”
Start with miniature destination charms or pins. These little treasures often represent specific places, countries, cities, or even iconic landmarks, and they’re perfect for pinning onto a backpack or jacket. You can usually find them for 5 to 8 online or at local souvenir shops if you’re near a tourist hub. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and let your giftee carry a piece of their favorite place wherever they roam.
Another solid pick? Pocket-sized notebooks or travel journals. For under $10, grab a compact journal with a cool map design or an inspirational travel quote on the cover. Pair it with a cheap pen, and you have a gift that invites them to jot down memories, sketch landscapes, or plan their next escape. It’s practical, personal, and shows you know they’ve got stories to tell.
Don’t sleep on stickers or decals. You can find high-quality, weatherproof stickers featuring globes, compasses, or witty travel slogans for just a couple of bucks. They’re ideal for decorating laptops, water bottles, or luggage, letting your traveler stamp their gear with a bit of personality.
Unique Travel Gifts Under $20
You want something that sparks a memory of a journey or fuels the wanderlust in your favorite globetrotter, but you’ve only got a twenty in your pocket. Don’t worry, you’ve got options that pack a punch without breaking the bank.
Consider a small, collectible token from The Wander Club representing a specific destination; think of a tiny, durable piece etched with the spirit of a country or a national park. These little treasures, often made from sturdy materials like brass, can be customized with a date or a personal note, turning a simple trinket into a story you carry. They’re perfect for clipping onto a keychain or slipping into a travel journal, a quiet reminder of where you’ve been or where you’re dreaming of going.
Or, how about a compact leather holder to keep those tokens organized? It’s the practical yet thoughtful add-on you didn’t know you needed until you’re fumbling through your bag at a border crossing. These sleek, lightweight holders scream, “I’ve got my travel game together.” Pair one with a token, and you’ve got a combo that’s as personal as it is portable.
You can also snag a minimalist travel-inspired accessory, like a charm or a pin, that captures the essence of exploration. These pieces aren’t just cute; they’re conversation starters, the kind of thing you pin to your backpack and watch strangers ask, “Where’d you get that?”
Necklaces And Keychains
Travel-themed jewelry is a classic souvenir. But it’s time to move beyond the flimsy items in most tourist gift shops. Get custom-made, inexpensive items that last with The Wander Club:
What if they don’t wear jewelry? No problem. Booklets, like our U.S. States Booklet or U.S. National Parks Booklet, keep memories safe and secure in one place.
Compact Travel Essentials for Any Budget
Even those who pack light need a few compact travel essentials that fit the bill. Here are some options, whether you’re grabbing something for yourself or a fellow wanderer.
- Portable Multi-Tools: These little gadgets are the Swiss Army knives of travel; literally, in some cases. You can snag a credit card-sized tool with a bottle opener, screwdriver, and even a tiny blade for under $10 online or at any outdoor store. They slip into your wallet, and boom, you’re ready for anything from a loose screw on your sunglasses to an impromptu picnic bottle of wine. It’s the gift that says, “I’ve got your back,” without taking up any real estate in your carry-on.
- Reusable Silicone Earplugs: When you’re stuck on a red-eye next to a snoring stranger or trying to nap in a noisy hostel, earplugs are a real lifesaver. A decent pair costs around $5 to $15, and they come in tiny cases that you can toss into any pocket. They’re a subtle, practical gift for anyone who’s ever grumbled about thin hotel walls. Plus, they’re eco-friendly if you go for reusable, so you’re doing a small part for the planet while you’re at it.
- Small Notebooks: Don’t sleep on travel-sized notebooks. There’s something raw and honest about jotting down a quick memory or sketch while sipping coffee in a foreign café. You can find pocket-sized journals virtually anywhere. Pair it with a cheap pen, and you have a personal and endlessly practical gift for capturing those fleeting trip moments.
The key to these picks is that they’re thoughtful and practical. They won’t weigh a traveler down, physically or financially.
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