15 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers That Aren’t Travel Gear
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.
Travel gift guides are some of the most fun to put together. But what about the best gifts for travel lovers that aren’t travel gear?
After all, most frequent travellers already have their packing cubes, daypacks, and travel adaptors sorted. So why not gift them something that speaks to their love of exploring – without adding to their luggage?
If you're looking for practical travel gear instead, check out my list of international travel essentials – the useful stuff they'll actually bring on the trip.
This is my collection of thoughtful, non-gear gifts for people who like to travel, from inspiring travel books and cosy cabin-scented candles to minimalist art prints and journalling kits for reflection on the road.
Whether you're searching for gifts for travellers who prefer slow mornings and scenic train rides, or the best gifts for travel lovers who already live out of a carry-on, there’s something here they’ll appreciate – and actually use.
The Best Gifts for Travel Lovers That Aren’t Travel Gear
For the curious & connected
Travel cards conversation starters
For couples, friends, or families who love exploring together, these compact conversation cards are a great way to reflect on shared experiences. Each card offers a travel-related question – from your favourite moment on a specific trip to how travel has changed you – designed to spark connection and deepen conversations on the go.
Travel challenge cards
This travel card game offers light-hearted dares and challenges to make even the most familiar destination feel like an adventure. Ideal for the traveller who’s always down to try something new, even if it’s just ordering the most mysterious thing on the menu.
For the sentimental & thoughtful traveller
Accidentally Wes Anderson postcards
For aesthetic travellers who adore symmetry, pastel buildings, and that distinct offbeat charm, this postcard set is a visual treat. Inspired by the cult-favourite Instagram account (and bestselling book), Accidentally Wes Anderson, each card showcases whimsical, cinematic real-life locations from around the world. They’re lovely as wall art, journaling fodder, or actual snail mail.
Travel journal
Whether it's a solo escape, a whirlwind city break, or a slow road trip through the countryside, a travel journal is one of the most meaningful companions a traveller can have. Far beyond a blank notebook, many travel journals come with thoughtful prompts, maps, checklists, or space for ticket stubs and photos – making them part scrapbook, part memory keeper.
Vintage maps notebook set
For old-school travellers who love the romance of maps and handwritten notes. These notebooks are lightweight, vintage-inspired, and feel like they belong in the glovebox of an old VW camper van.
Suitcase-shaped adventure fund bank
It’s decorative, adorable, and just a little bit cheeky – a suitcase-shaped money box that encourages saving for the next big trip. A lovely gift for travel dreamers, especially those saving for something special.
National parks greeting cards
Those who love the romance of travel – slow mornings with a journal, handwritten notes home, or collecting mementos – will appreciate a touch of stationery magic. These nature-inspired greeting cards are a beautiful way to preserve memories or brighten someone else's mailbox.
For the visual & reflective explorer
Scratch off world map
There’s something incredibly satisfying about scratching off a country after you’ve visited it. This minimalist world map is a popular travel gift for a reason – it's interactive, elegant, and makes for great wall art.
Antique desktop globe
A small decorative globe that blends form and function. It’s not for navigating your next flight route – but it does pair beautifully with a cup of tea and travel daydreams. The vintage finish makes it a timeless gift for any traveller’s desk or bookshelf.
Travel the World metal hanging sign
If your traveller has a soft spot for camper vans, vintage suitcases, or pastel-hued road trip dreams, this German brand is a treasure trove. Their “Travel the World” hanging sign is a favourite – lightweight, colourful, and full of 70s charm. It’s perfect for brightening up a home office, van, or travel corner.
They also have retro-style storage tins, and fridge magnets featuring old-school travel graphics. A sweet little collection for anyone who wants to bring that on-the-road feeling into their everyday space.
For cosy days at home
1000-piece vintage travel puzzle
The perfect gift for travel lovers who also enjoy staying in once in a while. Featuring retro travel posters, this puzzle is soothing and satisfying – a slow activity that brings a bit of the world into your living room.
Cavallini’s entire puzzle collection is worth exploring if you’re drawn to vintage design. From botanical illustrations to national parks and city maps, each 1000-piece puzzle comes in a charming storage tube. I love how tactile and giftable they are – thoughtful, sturdy, and always beautifully illustrated.
Ceramic camera lens mug
This one’s for the travel photographers and camera lovers – a ceramic coffee mug cleverly disguised as a camera lens. It’s not exactly backpack-proof, but it’s a fun and thoughtful gift for someone who’s always planning their next photo adventure. Perfect for sipping a strong brew while editing your travel snaps or dreaming about the next destination.
Ocean breeze natural soy candles
This coastal candle is the perfect gift for travellers who dream of beach escapes. With a refreshing blend of citrus, sweet vanilla, fresh coconut, and tropical florals, it brings the invigorating scent of sunlit shores right into any room. Hand-poured with 100% natural soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks, this eco-friendly candle comes in a reusable mason jar and offers up to 80 hours of clean, non-toxic burn time.
For the armchair adventurer
Wanderlust Europe book
For a gift that inspires slow, scenic adventures and serious wanderlust, Wanderlust Europe is a beautiful pick. It's part photo book, part hiking guide, filled with dreamy trails across the continent – from the Dolomites to the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for anyone who's always planning their next great escape.
If they’re more into American road trips or alpine adventures, the Wanderlust series also includes Wanderlust USA and Wanderlust Alps.
Wild Places book
For something a little more meditative, Wild Places from the Inspired Traveller’s Guides series makes a thoughtful gift. It’s a beautifully illustrated book that explores remote landscapes, rich with nature and myth. Less of a guidebook and more of a quiet invitation to reflect on why we travel – and where we feel most alive.
If they love books that double as art and inspiration, this one’s a keeper.
Similar Posts
Popular Posts
