Almost everyone has that one friend who’s always on the road or packing up their house to take a cross-country trip. And if you’re looking for a gift to give them, you’ve come to the right place. Here are more than 50 practical road trip gifts for road trippers and travelers who love to hit the open road.

Whether for yourself or someone else, these gift ideas are practical, fun, and sometimes quirky —— everything from travel games like I spy [Travel Edition] and Scavenger Hunt for Kids [Travel Edition] down to essentials like a sturdy and stylish backpack or portable charger. Browse through our list of fun gifts below and get them ready to explore the open road together.

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Road Trip Gifts

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you), and that would be really cool.

What Makes a Good Road Trip Gift?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect road trip gift.

  • The gift must be practical and portable.
  • Consider the giftee’s interests.
  • The location and the length of the road trip.
  • Which country the road trip is going to take place in.
  • The terrain, the weather, and the time of year they are traveling.
  • And how are they traveling? Solo? Family? With their pup? Or is it a couple’s trip?
Road Trip Gifts

Safety First.

Since road tripping has become increasingly popular over the past year and a half for obvious reasons, you must equip your car with a fully stocked and personalized car survival kit.  

Road trips can be a fun and adventurous way to explore new places and carve out your own path for your next adventure. However, safety precautions must be taken when traveling by car.

The best road trip gifts for keeping car safety in mind.

Printable Car Survival Kit Checklist ~ The checklist includes everything you need in your car survival kit in one concise, FREE printable checklist.

What’s included in the car survival kit checklist?

  • A list of the necessary travel documents including your Driver’s License, car registration, copy of car insurance, a road map if your GPS is spotty, extra cell phone chargers, and pen and paper.
  • Roadside emergency items can be the difference between a quick pit stop and being stranded for hours waiting for help to arrive.  
  • What to include in your first aid kit.
  • A list of on-the-go healthy-ish snacks.
  • Pet necessities.
  • Wellness and comfort items.
  • Bonus tips to protect yourself and others while on your epic road trip.

The following safety clothing from Clever Travel Companion will help them keep their valuables safe with all of these hidden zippered pockets. My favorite gift to give my traveling mom friends is the travel scarf, but they have many other options.

Photo Cred: Clever Travel Companion.

The tank top with a large zippered pocket in the front that is large enough for their passport, cellphone, and some cash.

Photo Cred: Clever Travel Companion.

The boy shorts with two hidden zippered pockets for their passport, cash, credit cards, keys, and cellphone.

Photo Cred: Clever Travel Companion.

The chic and practical scarf has two hidden pockets for cellphones, cash, passports, and keys — my favorite gift to give.

Road Trip Essentials To Give as the Perfect Gift.

Road trips are a great way to escape the daily grind and reconnect with friends and family. These essential items are the perfect gift for someone headed out on the open road. 

  • Road Atlas ~ You might be thinking, “Isn’t Google Maps enough?” But there’s something about flipping through pages of maps and seeing how your path looks on paper that’s exciting and inspiring all at once.
  • Smartphone ~ Not for entertainment and zoning out purposes, but for GPS, travel guides, reservations, locating gas stations, road trip playlists, and emergency services.  
  • Portable Phone Charger ~ Road trips are the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the journey. However, it can be challenging to get through long hours of driving without power for your smartphone. The ideal solution is a portable charger.  
  • Phone mount ~  The mount will allow them to use their smartphone hands-free while driving and keep it within easy reach in the car.
  • First Aid Kit ~ A first aid kit is a practical road trip gift for those who love to travel and take road trips — for safety, protection, and peace of mind to the traveler.
  • A Snack Basket ~ Building a snack basket for a friend preparing to hit the road is one of my favorite ideas. Gather up snacks and drinks and arrange in a clever road trip snack basket with a bow.  Click here for a list of ideas for your snack basket.  
  • A cooler that keeps ice all day and holds plenty of stuff.
  • The High Road StashAway Car Trash Can ~ The High Road StashAway Car Trash Can is just one of the excellent road trip gifts you could give this holiday season. The StashAway Car Trash Can fits cans, plastic bottles, and cups. It has a lid that seals shut to keep odors in and is made of durable materials that are easy to clean. It also has three side pockets for storage.
  • Car Organizer ~ This car organizer is perfect for family trips and road trips alike. It is durable and has multiple compartments to help keep everything in its place and make sure that the kids (or adults) don’t lose their snacks, books, or toys when they’re in the back of the car. In addition, it’s collapsible, so they can tuck it away when not needed. 
  • Cash! ~ For gas stations, tolls, coffee shops, and restaurants. The recipient can use the money as they please for what they need on their journey, whether that means getting gas, eating at their favorite restaurant, getting their Starbucks caffeine fix, or buying new clothes and souvenirs. The choice is theirs.  
  • Gift Cards:  ~ Gas Cards, Itunes, Starbucks, or Mastercard — so they can purchase whatever they want. Road trips provide the perfect occasion for gift giving. So why not give a gift card that covers their gas, hotels, food, music, and anything else they might need while on the road?
Road Trip Gifts Gift Cards

Road Trip Gifts for Dad.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but thoughtful gift for your dad, we have suggestions that will make him happy and thankful.

Road trips are a fantastic way to spend time with your dad. But instead of giving him the usual gear, why not get him something he’d never think of?

  • A Cool Herschel Backpack is always a good idea ~ The Herschel Little America Backpack is our go-to for travel, for moms and dads alike. There’s even one that is insulated, click here to check it out.
  • Or a new set of luggage, even better.
  • Canon DSLR or Go Pro ~ If you want Dad to be able to capture every detail of his next excursion with a quality camera, consider one of these two as your ideal gift, the Canon DSLR or Go Pro. The idea of taking a road trip has been around for decades, and the scenery is prettier than ever, and a camera is an absolute must-have for any traveler.
  • Best Dad Ever Socks.
  • Shades ~ Protect dad’s eyes with these polarized shades with UV protection from Costa Del Mar. These shades make it easier to see in the brightest light to spot animals, landmarks, and more while they’re driving down the highway.
  • Heavy Duty Multipurpose Tool ~ It’s sometimes challenging to find the perfect road trip gift that would be both useful and interesting. The good news is that there are plenty of multipurpose tools out there that can solve all your dilemmas. The best multipurpose tools have multiple features, which can provide utility for different kinds of needs. The more functionality, the better. This Leatherman Heavy Duty Multipurpose Tool was one of the best gifts I ever gave my husband.
  • Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box ~ A rooftop cargo box is a great practical gift for anyone – road trip enthusiasts, outdoor enthusiasts, or someone who needs more storage space. The Thule Cargo Box provides 14 cubic feet of extra space. (which fits 3-5 snowboards, just in case). Your dad will use this gift long after the holidays are over.
  • WiFi Hotspot ~ I don’t need a WiFi hotspot, but my hubby and my kids can’t live without WiFi without significant complaints. A hotspot will solve this problem.
  • Travel Sized Cocktail Kit ~ Mom will like this, too.  Add this urban map cocktail glass, and he is ready to roll. Of course, mom will then have to drive.
  • Compact Car Vacuum ~ This will be the best gift he ever received, I promise.
  • Dry Bag ~ When you are on a road trip, there are many things that you have to keep dry. A dry bag will take care of everything. They can use it for kayaking, skiing, or hiking. There are many different sizes and styles to choose from, so it won’t be too hard to find one that fits the person’s needs.
  • Leather Cover Travel Journal ~ This beautiful leather cover journal comes with pages that are lined on both sides – to document your adventures or to make up your own story about places far away from home. A travel journal is a special gift that will last and last and provide years of memories for anyone who owns it.
  • Binoculars ~ Be on the lookout for deer, bears, chipmunks, and other wildlife around every bend. This pair of binoculars comes with a tripod and iphone adaptor for one click photography, and they are waterproof.

Road Trip Gifts for Mom.

While road trips are a great way to get some family time, they can often be a bit stressful for parents. The long hours spent in the car and the constant need to entertain the kids (and sometimes other drivers) can take a toll on your energy and sanity. However, with these lovely gifts for mom, you can ensure she has everything she needs to relax and enjoy the ride.

What are the best road trip gifts for mom? 

A bag of coffee, some snacks, a journal, sunglasses, and something about the destination you’re visiting. These items are all on my wishlist.

Here are some road trip gift ideas for mom that she didn’t even know she needed.

  • Vacation Planner and Travel Journal ~ A vacation planner or travel journal is a fitting gift idea for road tripping moms. Road trips are one of the most exciting ways to spend time with family, but planning them can be a hassle. Planning an epic road trip with all the right stops along the way is challenging. There are plenty of resources to help you plan your next great road trip, and a vacation planner or travel journal is the perfect start.
  • Soft, comfy socks that say, “Mom’s off duty, go ask dad.”
  • Travel Guide for Her Particular Destination ~ When I was a kid, I begged my dad for a travel guide or itinerary when we went on family vacations. And I still love them to this day, even when not traveling. A must-have in any traveler’s arsenal, a travel guide will provide all the information needed on local attractions, hotels, and restaurants. It will also give your loved ones some great ideas for sightseeing activities and things they can do when they get there. Mom will have access to the best information about her desired destination. In addition, she will use it as inspiration for future trips.
  • Road Trip Top ~ These are so cute.
  • Kindle Paperwhite ~ The Kindle Paperwhite is ideal for any reader, especially those who love to travel. The battery lasts for weeks, and it’s the only device with the built-in ability to read aloud with text-to-speech. The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect gift for your mom because she can set up her favorite reads and traveling essentials on it before she leaves.
  • Audible Subscription for Audiobooks ~ If Mom prefers to enjoy the quiet time, you might want to consider giving her an Audible subscription for audiobooks as a gift. Audible is the world’s leading provider of digital spoken-word entertainment. It offers more than 180,000 audiobooks from leading authors as well as original content from authors and celebrities. A monthly Audible subscription costs $14.95 or a 3-month subscription for $14.95 per month, and make sure she has plenty of great things to listen to on the road (or anywhere else).
  • Neck Pillow and Cozy Blanket ~ Pick up a neck pillow and a cozy blanket for mom to keep her warm and comfortable. A good neck pillow will offer comfort for the long hours on the road. And a cozy blanket will keep mom warm and comfortable when she isn’t driving. 
  • Essential Oils (Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus) ~ An essential oils starter pack with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus is a gift she’ll be able to enjoy while relaxing in the car with her favorite scent with the added benefits of aromatherapy. Peppermint oil helps relieve headaches and nausea from car sickness. Lavender can also help with relaxation as well as reducing anxiety. Essential oils provide various benefits and can be used to create the perfect road trip gift for mom. There are many different kinds of essential oils, and each one is important in different situations. Citronella makes a good insect repellent and is used to keep the mosquitoes away during the summer months. Eucalyptus oil helps with sinus congestion, sore muscles, and congestion from colds or allergies.
  • Cool Herschel Backpack ~ The Herschel Backpack is a classic road trip gift for mom — cool, stylish, and practical, and something that she can use on her next adventure. The durable build means that it will last through any journey, while the style makes it an enjoyable day-to-day bag to carry around town too. It’s not just cute; it’s functional.

Photo Cred: Herschel.com.

Photo Cred: Herschel.com.

Photo Cred: Herschel.com.

  • Packing Cubes ~ Life-changing gift for mom for organized packing. Packing cubes are a convenient way of storing clothes and other things that need to be packed neatly and efficiently. They come in different shapes and sizes; some even have compartments on the inside. Packing cubes are often used by frequent travelers who pack more items than necessary while forgetting important ones at home. The Packing Cube is efficient; it saves time when packing and ensures that your clothes will not wrinkle or get dirty before you get to your destination.
  • Facial Sheet Masks ~ A sheet mask takes care of her skin during a long car ride. A great way to show how much you care about your mom without spending too much money.
  • Chapstick ~ A tube of chapstick is an inexpensive and thoughtful road trip gift idea for mom. In addition to being a low-cost option, it is also more practical than some other options on the list of gifts for moms on the go. It can help keep lips from drying out from hours in the car or being outside in the cold.
  • UV Protective Shades ~ People need to take care of their eyes, especially on the road. UV rays can be harmful to your eyes and result in cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases. So, protecting your eyes while driving is always a good idea. A driving accessory that every traveler should have is UV-protective sunglasses. They are perfect for long hours on the road. If you are looking for something that would make an excellent gift for mom and protect her eyes, too, then these sunglasses are it.
  • Coffee Maker with Reusable Coffee Mug or, better yet, a Coffee Thermos ~ A coffee maker, mug, and coffee thermos are an ideal road trip gift for mom that she will use daily. A travel mug with an insulated lid can keep hot drinks hot for hours, no matter how bumpy the ride is. The coffee thermos is also a good choice because it can keep lots of coffee hot or cold for hours. 
  • Stylish Toiletry Bag ~ A toiletry bag, a useful gift for travelers, especially if they love taking long road trips. It is the perfect way to stay organized during any journey, and this one is an ideal size to fit in your luggage comfortably.
Road Trip Gifts. Happy family travel by car. People having fun in the mountains. Mother and child on winter vacation. Healthy active lifestyle concept

Eco-Friendly Road Trip Gifts.

Eco-friendly products make useful road trip gifts for your friends and family, providing a practical and unique gift that is kind to the environment.

Why consider eco-friendly? 

  • Cut down on necessary plastic use.
  • Eliminate waste.
  • Protect the environment.
  • Protect yourself from harmful chemicals.
  • Save space in your luggage.
  • Stop filling the landfills.
  • Reduce pollution.
  • To protect the future of our children and their children.

The top ten most useful Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Road Trips to Add to a Road Trip Gift Basket.

  1. Reusable utensils, stasher bags, Stojo cups.
  2. Reusable water bottle.
  3. Tumbler for water, coffee, or wine.
  4. Cute canvas bag for groceries for canvas bags for produce from the market.
  5. Solid toiletries like bar shampoo and conditioner, bar deodorant, and bar face cream and serum.
  6. Reusable straw and cleaner.
  7. Tablet laundry detergent.
  8. Bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste tablets.
  9. Reef-safe sunscreen.
  10. DEET-free insect repellent.

Road Trip Friendly Games and Gadgets to Keep Kids Busy on Your Next Adventure.

Road trips are perfect for family bonding and fun. But the long hours in the car can be tiresome and boring for kids. We’ve got you covered with a list of games and toys to keep kids busy on your next adventure.

Road Trip Games ~ These ten popular games will keep kids occupied for hours on a family-friendly road trip.

  1. I Spy [Travel Edidtion].
  2. Guess in 10.
  3. On The Go Game Pad [Tic Tac Toe, Dots & Boxes, Hangman]
  4. Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition ~ No adult content and no cussing, the entire deck has been rewritten.
  5. Guess Who?
  6. 100 Riddles.
  7. Madlibs.
  8. Scavenger Hunt for Kids Travel Card Game.
  9. Brain Quest.
  10. Travel Bingo.

Click Here for More Road Trip Games on Amazon.

  • Polaroid Camera ~ This idea is perfect if you want to capture all those moments on the go. The camera instantly prints the photos, and you can add a filter or use a different color background. You can even get a phone app that lets you edit and print from your phone.
  • Portable Photo Printer ~ This device allows you to print out photos from your phone wirelessly anywhere in the world. All you have to do is install a free app on your phone and connect it with the printer. Then send a photo from your mobile device or social media account to print out.
  • Ipad ~ Designed with children in mind and can provide entertainment on the go with apps such as Netflix, YouTube Kids, and games such as Minecraft or Draw.
  • Headrest iPad Mount ~ A headrest iPad mount is an essential tool for parents taking their children on long trips. With one of these handy gadgets, your kids can enjoy the ride while playing games or watching movies. This accessory is a fantastic gift that will give your children hours of joy and entertainment during long trips.
  • Extra Portable Charger (so they don’t steal yours) ~ Always have an extra portable charger with you on any long car ride with your kids in case they accidentally drain their battery or the tablet or smartphone that they’re using to play games or watch movies runs out of juice…or they will steal yours.
  • Airpods or Headphones ~ I am Team AirPods; my son is Team Headphones. What team are you on?
  • Bluetooth Speakers ~ We know kids love music, so this is a fun, and maybe unexpected gift to get them excited about your upcoming road trip. 
  • Backseat Organizer ~ With kids in tow, it can be hard to keep track of all their stuff. That’s why the best road trip gift is an organizer for the backseat. A backseat organizer stores everything from snacks and drinks to books, headphones, or tablets. 
  • Cool Herschel Backpack ~ The Herschel backpack is the best gift for a kid. Herschel is a reputable brand that has been around for decades. It comes in many different colors and designs so that the kids can be stylish too. The Herschel backpack is designed to be the perfect size for kids to have all their stuff in one place. The backpack has a padded compartment for laptops, iPods, tablets, and other small electronics. It also has two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.

Gifts for the Road Tripper Who Has Everything.

Here are some creative road trip gift ideas that might work for the person who has everything.

Road Trip Gifts

We’ve gathered over 50 of the best gifts for any type of traveler. No matter their personality, we have something that will make them happy while on the open roads.

What’s your favorite idea? Let us know so we can add it to our list. It’s time to start shopping and making this holiday season as memorable as possible for all those adventurers out there.

When you’ve got a road tripper in your life, it can be hard to know what the best gift is. We hope this list of 50 great gifts will help. 

What do you think? Which one are you going to buy for your favorite traveler now? Let us know which ones they would love by commenting below.

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