road trip map gift

42 BEST Road Trip Gifts: Fun, Useful, & Essential [2024]

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Short on time? Our picks for the best road trip gifts are the Tile Car Key Tracker and Nintendo Switch Lite .

BEST road trip gifts to make road trips a breeze and help the hours on the road fly by.

I grew up in the midwest of the United States. That means it took hours by car to get anywhere else in the country. 

Road trips were a staple of my childhood – long and short ones. 

My family often drove an hour in and out of the city that we lived near. Twice a year, we drove six hours each way to visit family in a nearby state. 

The most extensive trip of them all? We took 24-hour road trip adventures from Illinois to Florida for spring break. 

I’ve completed some road trips completely alone as well. I know what it’s like to be the backseat passenger as a kid and the adult driver behind the wheel. 

What I’m trying to say is, I’m no stranger to this form of travel. So, when it comes to gifts for road trips, I’m your girl. 

I’m here to share some of the best gift ideas for road trips based on my personal experience.  

Table of Contents

Tile Tracker

What’s the single most important item to keep track of? The car keys.

I mean, you can’t go anywhere without them – plain and simple! Therefore, a road trip lover can’t afford to lose them. 

Getting road trip lovers a Tile car key tracker will ensure they always have a way to know where their keys are. 

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Car Mount Phone Holder

What’s a good gift for someone who travels a lot in a car?

A phone mount.

We use our phones for everything nowadays. On road trips, a driver’s phone is usually their source of music, communication, and most likely their GPS.  

Gifting a phone mount like this allows the phone to be placed on the dashboard, as close to eye level as possible. Instead of looking down to check Google Maps, they can quickly glance to the side. 

I’m not encouraging phone use while driving by any means, but realistically, people glance at their phones. 

Phone mounts make navigation and DJing hands-free, so it’s a little safer.

Nintendo Switch Lite

When I was a kid, one of the best ways to pass time on a long car trip was playing my Nintendo DS.

The Nintendo DS has aged out, and the Nintendo Switch has entered the picture.

For a road trip, I’d recommend the Nintendo Switch Lite. It’s a bit smaller than the regular-sized switch console because it’s primarily for personal play and is more portable. 

There are endless games available for purchase, so they’ll never get bored!

I grew up before the era of Kindles. I was always torn between which book to bring on a road trip.  

Later, I’d find myself fidgeting with a clip-on reading light after the sun went down and the car was dark.

Kindles help eliminate both those problems. A world of books lives inside a Kindle, meaning they’ll have numerous books with them at one time. 

Multiple lighting settings allow them to read at any time of day, in any lighting. 

A Kindle is one of the best road trip gadgets, birthday gifts, or holiday gifts to get someone. They’re helpful during the car ride and after.

Car Backseat Organizer

An organizer is the perfect road trip gift for anyone riding in the backseat. 

I’ve been in some cars where the seats don’t have back pockets. Even when they do, a single pocket is usually hard to stuff belongings into. 

Road trippers don’t have to worry about that with a gift like this. 

They simply slip this organizer over the front seat headrest, and ta-da! There’s space for all of their belongings at their fingertips.

Car Window Screens

One time, my whole family was going on a long car journey, so we rented a larger and more equipped car for the trip. 

The car had pull-down screens for the windows, which made such a difference in keeping sunlight at bay during the trip.

This pack of window screens comes with both transparent and semi-transparent shade options. 

The screens have a no-residue cling design and work when pressed to a car window.

They’re helpful to keep sun rays at bay during any time of the year — especially, during the summer months, to help keep the car cooler. 

These are the best road trip gift ideas for road-trippers with babies in the backseat.

Foldable Car Seat Back Portable Tray for Food

My family didn’t eat fast food often during our day-to-day lives, but it was a staple during road trips. 

As a backseat rider, you have no idea what I would have given to have something like this foldable tray that attaches to the front seat headrest.

This cuts down on drink or dipping sauce spills, an unfortunate event I know too well!

Of course, my mind went immediately to food, but it also holds a laptop or book.

Any road trip lover who finds themselves in the back seat will appreciate this.

200 Conversation Cards

Consider conversation road trip games if you’re looking for the best road trip gifts for a family. 

It can be hard to get the whole family to be interested in the same thing. The prompts on these cards encourage conversations that everyone can partake in.

There are questions like, “What do children know more about than adults?” and “What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?”

My favorite thing about these cards is that they involve the driver, which is important.

It’s easy for all the passengers to plug into their phones or Kindles, but the driver has to keep their eyes on the road. 

Do note that some of the cards are not appropriate for kids, so parents might need to sort through the deck beforehand.

50 States 5,000 Ideas Book

As the title states, this book offers insight into the 50 states of the USA. It has valuable travel tips about where to go, what to see, and what to do in each one.

Inclusive travel gifts like these are great road trip gift ideas because they inspire future road trips! 

They probably won’t drive through all 50 states in one journey, but as they read, they’ll find places and sights to drive to next time.

Road Trip Journal

I’m sentimental – I  love to collect and document everything. If your giftee is anything like me, a journal like this is the perfect great road trip gift idea. 

There are two types of pages: open note-taking and easy-to-fill-prompt pages. 

They can quickly fill in the answers to questions like the weather, route taken, highlights, and so forth.

This road trip gift idea is suitable for a range of ages, meaning it’ll keep anyone entertained. 

Plus, they’ll have something to reflect on in the future.

Rand McNally Road Atlas

Nowadays, we rely on our phones or built-in car systems. But as a kid, I remember my parents opening up physical paper maps for directions.

This spiral notebook contains large-scale maps of highways for every US state.

There are no advertisements inside, which helps you focus on the routes. There are also maps of specific cities and national parks.

A physical road atlas is one of the best gifts for a road tripper who likes things old-school.

Personalized Road Trip Map

Before my family began our road trips, my dad always sketched out our route on a big paper map so my sisters and I could visualize our road trip route. 

We loved getting this perspective when we were kids.

If someone you know is heading on a monumental journey (like a cross-country road trip through the national parks or driving the Pacific Coast Highway ), this is the perfect gift to memorialize it.

Know someone who loves National Parks? Read our guides to the best National Park gifts , National Park Passport , National Park scratch-off maps , and the best National Park books .

Hammocking is a universally enjoyable pastime, so hammocks make great road trip gifts for guys and girls alike. 

Eno hammocks are popular but pricey. I recommend Wise Owl hammocks as a more affordable alternative. Wise Owl hammocks even come with straps to secure them to trees, which Eno hammocks don’t include.

There are plenty of color options, and you can choose a single or double-person size, making hammocks one of the top road trip gifts for friends heading out on long car rides that may have scenic stops along the way. 

They’re a particularly great option for those road-tripping through National Parks.

Ever heard of hammock camping? Read about the best hammocks with mosquito nets and portable hammock stands .

Car Headrest Tablet Holder

This car headrest tablet holder is a great way to entertain anyone in the backseat. Whether they’re using their phone or an iPad, they can stay hands-free and comfortable. 

It attaches quickly and easily without disrupting the headrest for the driver. The arm can be bent in a variety of angles and tilted.

This is a great road trip gift for road-tripping friends who are planning on watching movies or binge-watching a new series in the backseat.

Picnic Blanket

A picnic blanket is helpful in so many situations – whether you’re actually using it for a picnic or not. I use my blanket anytime I’m sitting on the ground in an open area. 

This is another perfect road trip gift for loved ones heading into nature. A blanket will come in handy, whether they’re going on a day trip or a long-haul journey.

This one is great because it’s waterproof and sand-resistant. Plus, it comes with large handle carry straps, making it easy to transport once it’s rolled up.

Doodle Boards

These kinds of doodle boards will keep kids entertained for hours. 

Not going to lie, I’ve also found myself fiddling around with them.

It’s easy to forget how relaxing and fun doodling is. They’re especially on a road trip, when any form of entertainment is welcome.

Compression Socks

I’ve gone road-tripping by myself and driven for 13 hours straight on multiple occasions. 

By the end of those long stretches, all I wanted was to put my feet up! 

Compression socks are one of those road trip accessories that can help a loved one have a more pleasant experience. They help prevent swelling during any period of prolonged sitting. 

I think compression socks are some of the best road trip gear or road trip gift ideas for adults because they’re the ones doing the driving.

Picture this: you’re best friend is rushing out of the house because they really need to get on the road. They have that nagging feeling that they’re forgetting something.

Pretty soon, they’re driving on the highway, blinded by the sun. That’s when it hits… they forgot their sunglasses.

This is why I always keep spare sunglasses in my car glove box. They’re solely my ‘car sunglasses’. My extra sunglasses have saved the day more times than I can count.

If you want to be that lifesaver, consider getting this set of polarized sunglasses for road trip lovers.

Slip On Shoes

I always preferred to be barefoot in the car. It’s just more comfortable and clean.

Of course, whenever it was time to make a pit stop for food, gas, or the bathroom, it became a scramble to find my shoes. 

Especially during winter road trips, my boots took too long to lace up and tracked snow or gunk back into the car afterward.

Gift someone special a pair of slip-on shoes. Your giftee can keep them in their car as their ‘road trip shoes’. 

This way they’ll always have something to slip on and off during those quick pit stops. 

A spare pare of driving shoes is also helpful for anyone who likes wearing heels but not driving in them.

My mom tried to keep our car as clean as possible. It wasn’t easy, and I wish she had a portable vacuum like this.

A mini car vacuum is the best road trip gift for anyone who likes a tidy car.

This handheld vacuum is wireless, rechargeable, and comes with an array of attachments – making it suitable to reach any crevice. 

Road trip gifts like these make it a quick and easy way to keep their limited space feeling clean.

Car Trash Can

As backseat riders, my siblings and I always passed our garbage up to my mom in the front seat. 

That’s why I think this car trash can would have been one of the best road trip gifts for her.

Instead of making someone in charge of the ‘garbage bag’, they can have a car trash can like this. Everyone knows where to put their garbage (cough cough, not the floor).

Engraved Tumbler

Road trippers don’t have access to heat their drink or add ice while driving. That’s why a tumbler that keeps coffee hot and iced tea cold is an excellent road trip gift idea.

Especially when I’m on a road trip alone, I like preparing my secondary beverage before leaving home. 

I take a juice or soda out of the cooler and pour it into a tumbler so it stays cold until I’m ready to drink it.

Tumblers are also a good road trip gift for anyone who appreciates personalization options. You can tailor this gift specifically to your road tripper.

Car Cup Holder Expander

If you want gifts for a road trip that go above and beyond (literally), check out this car cup holder. 

I use a large hydroflask water bottle. Because of the big base, it doesn’t fit in a standard car cup holder. I was so excited when I found an enlarged cup holder that could accommodate its size.

You can go a step further with this car cup holder. It has an enlarged cup holder and a standard-size cup holder above. 

Next to that is a swiveling tray. This creates a space to put some small, easy-to-grab items for the driver. If there’s a passenger riding, it could also function as a tray for them.

If you’re looking for funny road trip gifts for couples, this is a good choice. It benefits passengers and drivers.

Bendable Pillow

Road trip travelers know the struggle of finding a comfortable position to take a snooze. That’s why one of the best gifts for a road trip is a pillow that bends into any shape. 

Molding the pillow to meet their needs makes it much easier to get comfortable in an awkward space like a car.

There are also button snaps on either end of the pillow so that it will hold a standard travel pillow shape.

Great road trip gift ideas involve items that can stay in the car, so they never have to worry about forgetting them. 

This blanket is a perfect example.

It’s always nice to have a blanket like this in the car. Even if they’re traveling during warmer months because it zips up into a pillow shape.

Sound Proof Earphones

Road trips put everyone in tight quarters. Sound-cancelling headphones are the best way for your loved one to take a break. 

These headphones are budget-friendly, but you could always upgrade by gifting a brand like Bose .

Plus, this is one of those gifts for road trips that will be useful outside of the car, too.

Car Inverter

For the most part, I grew up as a road-tripper without iPhones or tablets. There was minimal electronic usage, and once the battery ran out, that was that.

By the time I was in high school and had a laptop, I always wished there was a way to charge it while in the car. 

When I discovered a car inverter, I was sold. 

This inverter distributes and maximizes the existing power from the cigarette lighter plug in your car. Once plugged in, your giftee can access regular outlets, USB ports, and a USB C port.

It’s one of the best road trip gifts for a car full of music streamers.

Solar Power Bank

Solar power banks make fantastic gifts for anyone going on an adventure. This power bank charges using the solar panels on the front of the device (don’t leave it in a hot car in direct sunlight, though). 

It’s a perfect gift for road-trippers headed through the national parks, where they’ll run their battery down taking pictures.

It’s waterproof and has a built-in flashlight. Portable chargers are a great gift idea that ensures they have a power source no matter what.

Inflatable Car Mattress

Sometimes the best road trip gift ideas focus on getting enough sleep. 

Road travelers who sleep in their car know that having the right set-up is essential for feeling rested enough to drive day after day. 

Most people I know heading on multi-day trips have a hotel room booked or plan on driving through the night. 

But sleeping in the car has grown increasingly popular.

This inflatable car mattress is perfect for overnight road trips. The pump plugs into the car cigarette lighter for quick inflation. 

I prefer this style of car mattress over others on the market because it lays across the backseats without emptying the trunk.

Here’s the thing about car air conditioning systems: they’re often not set up well for the backseat riders.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times my sisters and I bickered about the airflow direction from the small vents in the backseat section.

Solve that bickering problem with a gift like this: a car headrest fan.

Whether you purchase one or two for your road tripper, travel gifts like these will make their upcoming trip more peaceful.

Games on the Go

After a while, it can be hard to come up with road trip games on your own. 

If your friends are tired of the classics, Games on the Go prompts some of the best road trip games.

It’s a deck of cards full of guessing games, riddles, trivia, and searching games (to name a few). 

It’s perfect for the car because Game on the Go states, “The only material you need is your imagination”.

Drop Stop Car Seat-Gap Filler

This gap filler seems like a funny road trip gift, but it’s actually so helpful.

During road trips, my sisters and I constantly passed things up to my mom, who sat in the front seat. 

Quite a few times, whatever we were passing would drop into the abyss between the seats. 

I can guarantee even seasoned road trippers don’t enjoy crawling around on the car floor with a flashlight looking for dropped M&Ms and toys under the seat.

Eliminate that issue with a car seat gap filler like the Drop Stop.

A road trip lover will make many road trips in their life, and they can use a dash cam to capture all of their incredible adventures.

And for any road trippers turned full-time car travelers, dash cams add a level of security.

A dash cam can attach to the front or rear of a vehicle and record video. Should they ever need evidence of good driving habits or what really happened during an accident, they’ll have it. 

Other pros to having a dash cam include deterring theft and potentially lowering their car insurance premium. Dash cams are one of the best gift ideas for road trips when your loved one wants to take every precaution possible.

Fold Out Chairs

You may be looking for road trip gift ideas for someone heading to campgrounds at national forests. If your road tripper needs some outdoor gear, help them out. 

These chairs have armrests, pockets, and cupholders. They’re easy to keep tucked in a car trunk because they fold quickly and come in a traveling case. 

Grab this road trip gift idea for anyone who likes stopping to enjoy the view.

Ready for the comfiest camp chairs? Read our buying guides for reclining camp chairs and heavy-duty camp chairs .

My family always ran out of space on car trips to and from holiday gatherings. Not only did we have to fit all of our luggage in the trunk, but also gifts to and from family members.

Car travel gifts like roof bags are handy when the car is too full. This bag sits on top of a protective mat and securely attaches to the car’s roof with straps. 

It’s made from waterproof material, so belongings inside stay safe.

When it comes to gift ideas for the road, consider getting your favorite road trip travelers a collapsable cooler.

Soft-sided coolers are a good way to keep drinks cold and food temperature regulated on the drive. Road trip lovers will appreciate that this cooler fits in the middle seat and is less bulky than a hard-sided cooler.

This Maelstrom Soft Cooler Bag has a five-layer insulation design. The outside even features outer pockets, a bottle-opener key chain, and bungee gridding.

It also comes in a variety of colors, like blue, grey, black, and orange. 

Looking for more cooler recommendations? Read our article on the best coolers for camping .

Road Trip Gift Basket

I love unique gift ideas, like anything you assemble or personalize on your own. If you’re the same way, consider making a road trip care package.

This is the same premise as a road trip gift basket – but uses a road trip gift bag like the one pictured.

Throw in some road trip essentials like wet wipes, water bottles, road trip snacks, and so forth.

If your giftee is traveling with children, include some fun road trip gifts like these themed printable road trip games from Etsy.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Roadside kits are one of those gifts you hope they’ll never have to use. I know it sounds a bit backward – not wanting the recipient to use the gift?

A roadside emergency kit is a road trip essential. Thinking back, I would have been so relieved if someone had gifted me one.

This kit comes with survival road trip gear, like jumper cables, a seatbelt cutter, a glass breaker, and a portable air compressor. 

This specific option comes with a first aid kit – it hits two birds with one stone.

If you’re gifting it to a new driver or new car owner, there’s a good chance they don’t have an emergency kit like this yet.

Triple AAA Membership

Similar to a first aid kit, roadside assistance is one of those things you hope they’ll never have to use. Regardless, it’s important to have for a road trip. 

Triple AAA will help if their car breaks down and has complicated issues beyond a roadside assistance kit.

So, when it comes to road trip gift ideas, consider getting someone an annual membership to Triple AAA.

Pro Tip: Triple AAA offers special coverage for recreational vehicles, horse trailers, and boat trailers.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Consider getting a national park pass for road trippers heading to National Parks. 

The most popular choice is the America the Beautiful Pass.

Having this with them on their road trip covers park entrance fees for a driver and all passengers in the vehicle (up to 4 adults).

This pass works for national forests and sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. Check out the full list here .

Plus, when you purchase from REI, they donate 10% of the proceeds to outdoor beneficiary organizations!

Road Trip Gift Cards

What do you give someone who is going on a long trip?

What.they.want!

You can never go wrong with a gift card – especially if the other road trip gift ideas aren’t speaking to you.

When it comes to great road trip gifts, a gift card opens doors to so many options. And the best gifts make their life easier.

If you’re making someone a road trip gift basket, it wouldn’t hurt to throw a Starbucks gift card in.

When I was driving halfway across the country solo, audiobooks and music were my best friends. Find out if your friend or family member has Audible or Spotify Premium.

I even had a friend get a gift card to a gas station once. Anything helps! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monroe Dziersk

Monroe Dziersk is a gift giver by nature and an expert at finding gifts to show the people in your life you care. She comes from a family of designers, adding a unique flair to her gift-giving method.

Monroe was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After discovering a world outside of Midwest winters, she was quickly drawn to the southeastern coast of the United States. While attending Elon University, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. A switch was flipped, and she quickly fell in love with European culture and lifestyle. You can often find her accompanied by a good book and her calico cat.

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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40+ Best Road Trip Gifts For Travel Lovers [2024]

Are you looking for the best road trip gifts for the travel lover in your life? Do you need road trip gift ideas for someone who is planning to hit the open road or has a birthday coming up?

There is no shortage of road trip accessories on the market, but it can be time consuming and difficult to decide what to buy. So we have put together this complete road trip gift guide to help you choose the perfect travel presents.

From road trip essentials, to the best road trip gadgets, fun road trip gifts, road trip books and road trip gift basket ideas, read on to discover the best gifts for roadtrippers. We have road tripped across 4 continents and have no doubt you will find the perfect road trip gift in this list.

• 1 Best Road Trip Gift Ideas Overall
• 2 Best Gifts for a Road Trip – Experiences
• 3 Best Road Trip Gifts – Comfort
• 4 Road Trip Essentials
• 5 Roadtrip Gift Ideas For Campers
• 6 Practical Gifts For Road Trip Travelers
• 7 Best Road Trip Books And Journals
• 8 Best Road Trip Gadgets
• 9 Best Road Trip Gifts for Her
• 10 Best Road Trip Gifts for Guys
• 11 Best Road Trip Games
• 12 Best Road Trip Gifts for Kids
• 13 Road Trip Gift Basket Ideas
• 14 Before You Go
• 15 More travel gift guides

Best Road Trip Gift Ideas Overall

Don’t have time to read our full list of travel present ideas? Here are our top road trip gifts ideas.

Tinggly Gift Card for the best road trip experiences and activities – The perfect last minute road trip gift

Pacsafe Portable Safe – best road trip gift to keep valuables safe

The Most Scenic Drives in America - 120 Spectacular Road Trips – to find the perfect road trip destination

Rumpl Outdoor Camping Blanket – best camping gifts for road trips

Noise Cancelling Headphones – a practical road trip gift idea

America The Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass – unique gifts for road trips

Regardless of whether you are looking for Christmas gift ideas for travellers or the best birthday gifts for travelers, you can’t really go wrong with any of these road trip gift ideas.

Best Gifts for a Road Trip – Experiences

One of the highlights of any road trip is the things you do along the way.

If you want to buy one of the best gifts for road trips, why not consider a special activity gift.

1. Tinggly Gift Box

One of the best gifts for road trippers is an experience gift and a Tinggly gift box makes it as simple as can be.

With experiences in over 100 countries, no matter where your roadtrippers are traveling, there is an amazing experience waiting to be had.

And the best part? You don’t need to choose the gift! Simply purchase a gift card and your road tripper can choose their experience when they are ready.

From bungee jumping to balloon rides, wine and food tours to off-road driving experiences and horse riding, an experience is one of the best road trip gifts.

>> Click here to see the amazing gift box range and prices

2. America the Beautiful Pass

If your road tripping friends are exploring the USA, one of the best gifts for car travelers is an annual pass to the National Parks.

You can purchase the pass online at NPS or at REI . Giving access to more than 2,000 federal sites across the country, the pass covers the vehicle, driver and up to 4 adult passengers. Kids under 15 are free.

Note you must show ID with the pass on entry to each park, so ensure the pass is purchased in the right name.

>> Click here to check the price at REI

3. Unique Tour or Activity

Memorable experiences can turn a good road trip into a great one. And if you know the experience you want to gift, then you can find it on Viator .

From helicopter flights to canyon tours, hot air balloon rides to food tours, there is no shortage of amazing options to choose from.

Tours and guided activities are one of my favorite things to do on a road trip. They make the trip so much more special and are a real treat to receive as a gift.

>> Click here to find the perfect tour or activity on Viator

Best Road Trip Gifts – Comfort

4. noise cancelling headphones.

When you spend a lot of time in the car, it can be such a pleasure to pop on a pair of noise cancelling headphones occasionally.

You can listen to your favorite music, podcast or movie in peace while you are on the go.

These Bose noise cancelling headphones are one of the best products on the market and have up to 24 hours battery life to last the trip.

We all own noise cancelling headphones and they are one of the best road trip gifts you can buy for the road trip lover in your life.

>> Click here to check the price for the Bose Headphones on Amazon

5. Compressible Pillow

If you are short on space in the car and don’t have your pillow from home, a compact compressible pillow is the next best thing to take in the car for a road trip.

The Therm-a-rest compressible pillow comes in three sizes and has a soft insulation layer for a super smooth surface.

Use the pillow in the car for a comfy snooze, when camping or when the hotel pillow is disappointing.

>> Click here to check the price for the Thermarest pillow on Amazon

Road Trip Essentials

We often feel compelled to buy unique or fun travel gifts. But sometimes the best road trip gift ideas are practical and useful road trip gifts.

They may not have the wow factor of other gifts for travel, but when you gift good quality travel gear and accessories you know it will be used day after day for years to come.

Here is some of the best road trip gear to consider.

6. Pacsafe Travelsafe GII 12 Liter Portable Safe

Whether you are road tripping by car, RV or camping, you are bound to have some high value possessions you want to keep safe. Like tablets, cameras, laptops and documents.

Roomy enough to fit all of the above items inside, the Pacsafe portable safe can be secured in your hotel room, in your RV or in your car when you are out and about exploring.

We have travelled with the Pacsafe portable safe for years now and think it is one of the very best roadtrip gifts you could give someone to keep their valuables safe.

>> Click here to check the price for the Pacsafe Portable Safe on Amazon

7. Scrubba Portable Laundry System

On a road trip, using a laundry service can get quite expensive. So when we travel we save time and money on the road with the Scrubba wash bag .

Compact and lightweight (it folds down to the size of a wallet) it is the simplest way to wash clothes without using a laundry service, bucket or sinks.

We own this product and use it on every trip. The Scrubba bag means you can wash anywhere, anytime.

>> Click here to check the price for the Scrubba on Amazon

8. Roadside Assistance Kit

No one should head off on a road trip without a roadside assistance kit in their car. Like travel insurance , it is one of things you hope not to use but probably need to have.

This 108 piece car emergency kit by Everlit contains everything you need to solve emergency car issues.

It includes jumper cables, air compressor, reflective triangle and basic first aid kit among other things, all packed away in a convenient bag.

>> Click here to check the price on Amazon

9. Road Atlas

One thing we discovered when traveling on our South West road trip was just how many places had little or no mobile reception.

This makes it next to impossible to plot your trip, find your destination or plan an alternative route, which is why we always travel with a hard copy road atlas.

The Rand McNally spiral bound road atlas series are a practical road trip gift that keeps on giving. Plus there is a whole range of options and you will find an atlas for every region

I love the spiral bound atlases as they are easy to open and rest on your lap, and the large scale versions are easy on the eyes.

>> Click here to check the price for the Rand McNally Atlas on Amazon

10. EBags Classic Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are road trip must haves – they keep everyone’s clothes packed away and easy to find each day when you check in and out of your hotel.

They are not only great for clothes, but for other travel packing items too – games and crafts, dirty washing and cables and cords.

Our best tip is to purchase a different color for each traveler to make it even easier to sort.

They really are one of the best road trip presents you can give to the organized road tripper.

>> Click here to check the price and color range

11. HYDRO CELL Stainless Steel Water Bottles

A water bottle is an essential road trip accessory. The problem is many of them aren’t that good.

What makes the Hydro Cell Water Bottle so great is the leak proof, double walled and vacuum sealed stainless steel body.

The Hydro Cell comes in a range of colors and sizes from 18 oz to 40 oz (500 ml to 1.1 litres).

This water bottle keeps your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot for hours. They are perfect for car drives on the open road.

>> Click here to check the price and color options

12. Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer

Have everything within in arms reach in the back seat with the Lusso Gear car seat organizer.

With plenty of room to store drink bottles, snacks, games and toys, this organizer is such a life saver and one of the best gifts for long car rides with kids.

A messy car can be so frustrating when you are on a long car trip, especially when traveling with kids. This organizer helps you store and find everything quickly.

>> Click here to see the color range and check the price

Read next: The best campervan accessories

Roadtrip Gift Ideas For Campers

If your friends or family will be camping along the way on their road trip, here are some of the best gifts for a road trip when camping.

13. Harvest Hosts Membership

If you are buying a gift for a RV owner who is heading off on a trip, a Harvest Hosts membership is a fabulous gift idea they will love. Harvest Hosts offer overnight RV camping in unique camping locations for no fee.

From wineries to farms, golf courses and breweries, they can explore the outdoors for free with a Harvest Host membership.

There are over 4000 unique locations included in the membership and three great value plans to choose from.

>> Click here to check the price for Harvest Hosts membership

14. travel Coffee Maker

For coffee lovers, road trips can be a challenge as rest stops and many (most?) hotels don’t serve great coffee.

Thankfully there are plenty of portable coffee makers on the market. Two of our favorites are:

Aeropress Coffee Maker

To use the Aeropress all you need is hot water and ground coffee to produce great tasting coffee. Light weight and compact, we own the AeroPress and love the coffee it brews.

It is perfect for solo travelers or a couple traveling together.

The Aeropress makes coffee on the road so simple, and it is one of our road trip necessities.

>> Click here to check the price for the Aeropress on Amazon

Espro Travel Coffee Press

For an even simpler option, the Espro French Press Thermos is one of the best gifts for road warriors. Boil the water, drop the ground coffee in the flask, top with hot water.

Press down and drink straight from the coffee press which will keep coffee warm for hours. SO easy!

15. Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Pocket Knife

For anyone who loves camping, a swiss army knife is a road trip essentials gift. We use ours every day when traveling.

Whether you are opening tins of food, cutting something open, popping the lid on a bottle of beer or sawing small pieces of wood, a knife is one of the most useful gifts for someone going on a road trip.

There are loads of different designs, but the Fieldmaster is a really great choice with a good range of tools for road trips and camping.

>> Click here to check the price for the Fieldmaster on Amazon

16. Rumpl Outdoor Blanket

Anyone who has ever roadtripped knows just how precious space can be in your car or RV! Everything needs to have a purpose and ideally have more than one purpose!

The Puffy Outdoor blanket by Rumpl is one of those items.

Whether you need a picnic blanket for the park, something to keep the kids warm by the campfire or you want to sit at the beach on a wintery day, this is a great road trip gift to consider.

Not only is it warm and ideal for sitting by the campfire, it is also water, sand and dirt resistant.

There are 4 handy loops to stake it down and a clip to use it as a cape for an extra layer. It comes in a 1 or 2 person size and a range of fun colors too.

>> Click here to check the price for the Rumpl blanket on Amazon

17. Car Cooler

Regardless of the type of road trip (off grid or staying in hotels along the way), it is a good idea to have a cooler in the car.

Great for storing cold drinks, snacks and lunch ingredients, they really are road trip necessities.

Our best tip with car coolers is to get the biggest you can fit in your car or trunk. It is always better to have more room than you need.

There are a huge range of coolers to choose from, both soft and hard. If we have room we take a hard sided cooler as they can generally fit more inside.

Coleman Rolling Cooler

This hard sided cooler by Coleman is a good option.

Coleman have a strong reputation for producing quality outdoor gear and manufacture some of the best road trip coolers.

With a 50-Quart capacity (84 cans) it is large enough to fit a couple of days food and drinks inside and can keep food cool for up to 5 days.

It has heavy duty wheels and handle to make moving it a breeze.

Coleman Portable Soft Cooler

If we are tight on space, a soft cooler bag in between the seats inside the car is a good option too. We like the Coleman Soft Cooler .

It has a smaller 30 can capacity and is perfect for popping inside the car to keep drinks and car snacks cool.

18. Portable Inflatable Solar Lantern

For roadtrippers who are camping or have the occasional night sleeping in the car, these inflatable solar lanterns by LuminAID make fantastic gifts.

They take up next to no room in the car, can be charged with solar or USB and emit 75 lumens of LED light when switched on.

Use in the car, at camp, pack in your daypack if you are planning to return late from day hikes, by the campfire or in the RV.

They have a million uses and are one of the best road trip gifts on our list.

Practical Gifts For Road Trip Travelers

19. 2-way radios.

If you are roadtripping with friends in multiple cars, two-way radios are a fantastic road trip gift idea.

They save you having to use the mobile each time you need to communicate when in the car, plus you can use them when camping to scan for weather updates and hiking to be contactable with friends in camp.

These Midland 2 way radios come in a pair, are rechargeable, water resistant, have over 50 channels, a long 36 mile range, weather alerts and privacy codes.

Whenever we road trip with friends we always carry our 2-way radios. It makes it super simple to communicate on the road without the need to use your mobile phones.

20. Dry Bag

These dry bags by Earth Pak are such a great affordable road trip gift idea for the travel lover in your life.

Coming in a range of sizes they keep your gear dry when you are kayaking, boating, hiking or swimming.

With a shoulder strap for easy carrying, they pack down to next to nothing and will keep your valuables dry on your next adventure.

We always pack our dry bag and use it every time. Whether we are at the beach, stand up paddle boarding or crossing rivers on a hike, it is such a useful piece of gear.

21. Microfibre Towel

Towels are super bulky and take a lot of room in the car, so if you want to take beach towels and/or bath towels on your trip, microfibre towels are the perfect compact solution.

Great for the beach, showering in camp, when staying in hostels or budget hotels, they are lightweight and fast drying.

They come in a range of colors and sizes, but the XL is best for most uses.

We all own microfiber towels and they are great for taking on a road trip.

22. Tech Gear Organizer

Most people these days travel with an array of tech gear which needs to go somewhere when you are getting in and out of the car each day.

These electronic gear organizers by Bagsmart are an absolute lifesaver and the best road trip gift for people who like to be organized.

With plenty of pockets and space for cords, chargers, tablets, plug converters and more, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.

A tech gear organizer is a simple, practical road trip gift for the next long car drive.

23. Car Mount Phone Holder

On a long car drive it is essential these days for the driver to have easy hands free access to your mobile phone.

The iOttie One touch car mount has a suction cup base so you can easily move it from car to car, a telescopic arm to move it in to the right position and a one touch one handed mechanism to lock and release your phone.

If you use your mobile phone for maps, calls or music while driving, the iOttie car mount is a great roadtrip gift idea.

Best Road Trip Books And Journals

If you want to inspire a friend to take a road trip, books are great road trip gifts for adults and kids.

Full of road trip ideas and beautiful photos, it is hard not to be inspired to book a road trip!

Here are some of the best road trip books to buy.

24. 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas

For endless inspiration to help you plan your next National Parks road trip, this book is essential.

With tips on when to go, where to go and what to do and see at each of the Parks, and full of gorgeous photos, this is a wonderful road trip gift idea for Outdoors and National Parks lovers.

It comes in paperback or spiral bound – which I prefer for taking in the car as it easily folds out on your lap for reading and planning in the car.

>> Click here to check the price for 100 Parks 5000 Ideas

25. Scenic Drives In America

If you are looking for a book to help plan an epic US Road Trip , this is a great choice.

With 120 road trip ideas, detailed maps, travel tips and gorgeous photos, this hard cover book is one of the best road trip planners.

>> Click here to check for Scenic Drives in America

26. Epic Drives Of The World

For worldwide road trip inspiration, you cannot go past this book by Lonely Planet.

With 50 road trip ideas in Europe, Australia, Asia, the Americas and Africa, this hardcover book is one of the best road trip books to buy your road tripping friend.

>> Click here to check the price for Epic Drives of the World

27. Moon Road Trip Travel Guide

Moon make awesome road trip guides and they make fantastic gifts for road trip lovers.

With detailed maps, recommended hikes, suggested itineraries and suggestions for activities and sightseeing, these guides are a wonderful gift for road trip lovers.

There are dozens of titles to choose from for regions across America and Europe.

If you are making up a road trip care package, or looking for practical gifts for road trips, a Moon Travel Guide is an excellent choice.

>> Click here to check the price for the Moon Road Trip Travel Guides

28. Road Trip Journal

These guided journals by Journals Unlimited are a wonderful gift for road trip travelers.

With a practical wire binding to lay flat on your lap in the car, they have prompted pages to capture all the details of your road trip plus plenty of space to document your journey.

Made from recycled heavy duty paper, they have over 200 pages and they offer more than 65 different themes so you are sure to find the right one for your travel lover.

Perfect as roadtrip gifts on their own they are also a great inclusion in a road trip gift basket.

>> Click here to check the price and themes available

Best Road Trip Gadgets

There are thousands of road trip accessories on the market, but not all of them are useful or even that practical.

With space often at a premium when taking a road trip, you only want to pack what you really need.

We have road tripped across Europe , in the USA , Africa and in Australia .

We’ve tried and tested so many travel accessories and think these are some of the best road trip gadgets you can buy.

29. USB Multi-Port Wall Charger

Smartphones, bluetooth headphones, iPads, portable chargers…nowadays most people travel with a number of devices that need charging each day.

We own this multi-port USB charger by Anker and it can charge 6 devices simultaneously in a few hours.

We use it in the car and can also plug it in when we arrive at our accommodation. It is one of the best road trip items we use every day when traveling.

>> Click here to check the price for the Anker multiport charger

30. JOBY Gorillapod Compact Tripod

On our family gap year we took thousands of photos, but there are only a handful where we are all in the frame. Why? No tripod and no selfie stick.

This compact tripod by JOBY solves this problem. Perfect for taking group photos when on the road, the Gorillapod tripod can be used with cameras up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg) or smartphones (with the use of an adaptor that can be purchased).

The lightweight Gorillapod has wrappable legs so it can be held, wrapped or stood up to take your vacation photos. It is ideal for taking photos in remote places where you can’t ask for help from others.

This tripod is one of the best things to take on a road trip to ensure you capture the memories for everyone.

>> Click here to see the range and check the price

31. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 Wireless Speaker

Enjoy high quality music anywhere with the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 bluetooth speaker.

Whether you are in the car, in the RV, at camp or in the hotel, you know you can play your favorite tunes with this waterproof outdoor speaker.

It offers 360 degree sound and comes in a range of colors and sizes. Dirt resistant and drop proof, you seriously can take this thing anywhere.

We travelled the world with this speaker and love, love, love it! Simply the best gift for road trip lovers who love their music too.

32. IKross Car Tablet Mount Holder

A tablet mount holder is the easiest way to make playing movies in the backseat easy.

The iKross holder can be mounted from either front seat, swivels 360 degrees and can hold most smartphones, iPads and other tablets.

As the tablet is at eye height it reduces the chance of motion sickness often experienced when looking down.

This is one of the best road trip accessories and essential for long family road trips.

>> Click here to check the price for the iKross Tablet Mount Holder

33. Power Inverter

A power inverter is one of the best road trip gadgets for keeping all your tech gear charged on the road.

It can charge your laptop, ipad, tablet, phone, headphones and all your other electronic gear while driving.

You can plug in and play so no more worries about your laptop dying halfway through a movie or the kids running out of tablet power while playing games in the backseat on your road trip.

>> Click here to check the price for the Bestek Power Inverter

See our full list of travel essentials for long term travel here.

Best Road Trip Gifts for Her

Looking for car travel gifts for the women in your life? Here are some of the best road trip gifts for her.

34. Foldable Panama Hat

I find a good wide brimmed hat to be one of the most difficult travel packing items.

You want a hat that gives good protection from the sun but is robust enough to throw in the back of the car, pack in your luggage or roll up in a day pack.

This wide brim Panama hat by Lanzom is the answer.

It looks great, comes in a range of colors and band designs, is foldable AND crushable. This hat is one of the best travel presents for women on our list.

>> Click here to check the range and price

35. Batiste Dry Shampoo

If the road trip will be a little off the beaten track and daily showers are unlikely, dry shampoos are great car travel gift ideas for women.

This one by Batiste is one of the most popular dry shampoos on the market for all hair types.

It removes oil, masks odor with a light fragrance and add life back into your hair.

Best Road Trip Gifts for Guys

These on the road gifts may not exclusively be for men, but you can be sure he will love them.

36. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

One of the best road trip gifts for men is a good quality head torch. Great for early morning runs, cooking by the fire in camp and trips to the campground showers.

We love the Foxelli Headlamp . Super bright, lightweight and waterproof, we own two of these and they have never failed us.

They have a tiltable frame which is great for cooking, adjustable band and have both red and white light modes.

>> Click here to check the price for the Foxelli headlamp

37. Xenvo Pro Lens Kit

If you are looking for gift ideas for a road trip lover, this smartphone lens kit is a great option.

Perfect for taking high quality photos without having to carry an expensive digital SLR camera.

The lens kit comes with a Macro lens for super close ups and a wide angle lens to take amazing landscape shots.

It is compatible with all single and dual camera phones including iPhone, Samsung and Google and comes with a lifetime warranty.

>> Click here to check the price and reviews

Best Road Trip Games

With long stretches of time on the road, having a few fun games to play is essential.

There are loads of free games to play there are also some you can buy that make good gifts for road trips.

Pop them in a road trip gift basket or give as a gift on their own. Here are some of the best road trip games for kids, friends and couples.

38. Chat Pack Questions

Have interesting conversations on the road with this fun card game.

With 156 cards, each card has a question to prompt conversation and is sure to get people talking.

Fantastic for couples or a group of friends, there is also a kids version for families to enjoy.

>> Click here to check the price for the Chat Pack

39. Travel Bingo

My kids are getting a little older now, but travel bingo is still one of the best road trip card games for kids and adults alike.

You can make your own bingo sets or buy this 4 pack by Regal Games with options for interstate and license plate cards.

The small sliding windows mean no messy markers or pens are required.

It is the perfect addition to a family road trip gift basket.

>> Click here to see the pack options and check the price

Read more: Top Road Trip Activities for Kids

Best Road Trip Gifts for Kids

Brave enough to take a road trip with kids? Just kidding, you don’t need to be brave. Well, maybe just a little.

We have traveled with our kids across 5 continents so we know a thing or two about how to keep them entertained on long car rides.

In addition to the road trip games for kids we have already shared, here are some extra practical ideas for road trip gifts for kids.

40. Audible Subscription

Audiobooks are one of the best road trip gifts for kids, particularly school aged kids (they are great for adults too).

A great audiobook can help pass hours at a time with ease. You can listen to them together or on your own.

Some of the best road trip audiobooks for kids include:

• Harry Potter series for wizard adventures
• Percy Jackson series for Greek mythology kid-style
• Roald Dahl series for imaginative and funny stories
• The classic Wizard of Oz.

Before you go, check to see if your local public library has audiobooks available.

If not, subscribe to Audible for access to three titles each month.

The first month with Audible is free and the membership can be cancelled at any time. Click here to check the price and options for Audible.

41. Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet

Any parent who has travelled long distances with kids will tell you that tablets have made road trips with kids about 1 million times easier.

The Fire HD 8 Kids edition tablet is wifi enabled and also has 32 or 64 GB of storage. It can be used for watching movies, listening to music, playing games and reading books.

It also comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ included for unlimited access to over 20,000 apps, games, books and video content.

Plus, to top if off, Amazon give you a 2 year worry free guarantee – if it breaks they will replace it!

If you are looking for road trip gift ideas for adults with kids, the Fire HD tablet is the ultimate of car trip gifts.

>> Click here to check the price for the Fire Kids Edition Tablet

42. Headphone Splitter

A headphone splitter enables two kids (or adults) to share the audio from a device on their headphones so you can enjoy music or some conversation in the front seat.

We like this one by Syncwire.

Now a headphone splitter does not sound like the most exciting gift, BUT it is essential when on a road trip with kids and would be perfect in a family road trip gift basket.

Be sure to get a good quality splitter as the sound quality does vary and cheaper ones can break quite easily.

Read next: For more fun gift ideas for kids, see this article.

Road Trip Gift Basket Ideas

Finally, a car travel gift basket can include anything and is an awesome road trip gift idea!

A travel themed gift basket is one of the most popular gifts for road travelers as they can be as cheap or expensive as you choose and can be personalized to your road tripper’s needs.

If you are looking for some more road trip basket ideas, here are some extra practical road trip goodies and road trip snacks to include in your road trip care package.

• Mad Libs Game
• Bamboo Cutlery Set
• Aerobie Flying Disc
• Acupressure wrist bands for motion sickness
• Gas gift card
• Hand lotion
• Scented tissues
• Hand sanitizer

There are plenty of sustainable gift ideas that are great for a road trip too.

If you are putting together a road trip care package for kids, add some activity books or sticker books if they can manage on their own or small toys to keep them entertained.

Remember the best road trip toys are small and made of one piece. Avoid anything sticky or with lots of small pieces (that are easy to drop or lose in between seats).

Before You Go

So that’s it – a complete guide to the perfect gift for a road trip. We hope you found some good gift ideas for road trippers on our list.

If you are buying a gift for a RV owner, see our comprehensive RV Owners Gift Guide here.

And if you are thinking of a backpack, see our anti theft backpack reviews .

See all our travel gear recommendations and reviews here .

More travel gift guides

• Best travel gifts for kids
• The best campervan accessories

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Rachel Rodda

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Ooo I love these coffee options! No road trip is complete without having at least one cup of joe before starting off. Great suggestions 🙂

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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Planning » 55+ Best Road Trip Gift Ideas for Road Trip Travelers

55+ Best Road Trip Gift Ideas for Road Trip Travelers

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Do you know someone who loves nothing more than traveling the open road? Who prefers long car rides to short plane trips? Who keeps a National Parks passport in their glovebox and the Roadside America app on their phone? Who will drive anywhere at any time for any reason? And are you looking to get that person the perfect present? If you’re looking for some road trip gift ideas for the travel lovers in your life you know, look no further. We’ve compiled more than fifty-five of the best road trip gift ideas that any roadtripper would love!

Whether you need a Christmas present for your road trip loving husband or wife, need birthday gifts for travelers in your family, or just want a special bon voyage present for a loved one taking off on a cross-country adventure, we’ve got you covered. From classic essentials and newfangled gadgets to indispensable books and unique experiences to things that are just plain fun, our recommendations for the best gifts for road trip travelers will have your friends or family thanking you from the road.

Explore our list of the best road trip gift ideas for travel lovers and pick up the perfect present for friends, family, or even yourself!

Best Road Trip Gift Ideas for Road Trip Travelers:

Road trip essentials gift ideas, must-have electronic road trip gifts, just for fun road trip gifts, road trip gift ideas: road trip books, experiential road trip gifts, pin this list of the best road trip gift ideas for road trip travelers to save for your next adventure.

There are certain things that every road trip traveler needs: things that keep them safe, on track, and comfortable when traversing their route. Any road trip essential would make the best gift for a cross country road trip from New York to California or a cross-city day trip that ends before midnight. Any one of these road trip gifts would become a must-have item fo the recipient to keep in their car!

1. YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler

Every road trip lover needs a good cooler. They are essential for keeping sodas, waters, snacks, and picnic lunches cool and fresh while on the road.

Good quality coolers like the YETI Hopper make great gifts for long car rides or short day trips. Look for a soft-sided cooler that easily conforms to the space available in the trunk while not adding too much extra weight.

Bonus: coolers also make the perfect vessel to stuff with other fun road trip gifts for a Road Trip Gift Basket .

2. Rumpl The Original Puffy Outdoor Camping Blanket (National Parks Collection)

A cozy blanket is always a welcome gift no matter who the recipient and road trippers know that a warm indoor and outdoor blanket is an indispensable item to keep in the car.

A puffy but lightweight blanket like the Rumpl Camping Blanket can provide an intimate shield while sleeping under the stars, a comfortable layer for backseat passengers, and an in-case-of emergency warm layer for snow storms and blistery nights.

Bonus: this camping blanket comes in a variety of fun national park themed prints, making it one of the best gifts for road trippers who love exploring the outdoors. Find a pattern that commemorates a special trip you took during the year or hints at your next adventure!

3. Osprey Daylite Plus Everyday Backpack

Whether hiking up a mountain or hiking up to the bar, every road tripper needs a good quality day pack. A smaller-sized hiking backpack allows you to keep your road trip luggage in the trunk and only bring the basics when taking a stroll down a trail or hopping in and out of the car.

Bonus: look for one like this Osprey hiking backpack that has a built-in sleeve for a hydration reservoir, making this road trip gift idea into a multi-purpose backpack that is suitable for any adventure.

4. Rand McNally Road Atlas

Friends don’t let friends get lost on the road. Even though many of us rely on on our smartphones and Google maps nowadays to get us to our destination, sometimes a good old fashioned paper atlas is a necessity.

Atlases, like the Rand McNally Road Atlas , allow you to see the big picture when driving across the country and, if technology fails or you’re out of a cell phone service zone, it can come in handy for reference. Every road trip lover should have an atlas in his or her car, so it makes a perfect road trip essentials gift.

Bonus: This atlas has expanded coverage of Canada and Mexico, making it one of the best road trip gifts for anyone driving across North America!

5. Lonely Planet USA Planning Map

This durable, folded, road trip planning map contains information about the top country attractions, itinerary suggestions, a transport guide, road trip planning information , and travel tips. It’s a great reference for on the road and a perfect addition to any road tripper’s glove box or Christmas stocking.

Bonus: This USA map is durable and waterproof so you won’t have to worry about it tearing apart as you plan your road trip route!

6. MagSafe Car Mount Magnetic Vent Phone Holder

While driving the interstate, you want to keep your eyes on the road. You also, often, need to check your phone quickly for directions, to change your Spotify playlist, or to pick up a hands-free call. This magnetic car mount locks to your air vent keeping your smartphone in place while not blocking any essential car functions. When shopping for gifts for car trips, a magnetic car mount makes for a great addition to your cart.

Bonus: Get one that has multiple mounts ( this one has both an adhesive and a magnetic vent mounting base) for the most flexible placement.

7. Comrad Compression Socks

Chances are, you’ve given socks for a present once or twice in your life. This holiday, skip the novelty socks with Santa’s face or smiling schnauzers and give some socks road trippers can really put to use.

Compression socks like these from Comrad increase circulation and blood flow, providing a great remedy for tired legs and cramped calves after being confined in a car all day. They should top any list of travel essentials gift ideas.

Bonus: Just because these socks are beneficial doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Look for fun patters like stripes or ombre !

8. Car Back Seat Organizer

No one likes a messy car. Back seat organizers make good road trip gifts because they keep all of those essentials, like road trip games , snacks, and maps, in one place. They make a perfect gift for road trippers or anyone with a messy car!

Bonus: Be sure to get one with an iPad holder to turn a boring back seat into an entertaining TV and movie station for kids or other passengers.

9. Samsonite Hardside Spinner Wheel Luggage

Luxurious luggage sets make the best road trip gift ideas. If you’re looking to splurge, a hardside luggage set like this one from Samsonite will be a present to impress. No road trip traveler should be without a nice set of baggage.

Bonus: Wheeled luggage makes getting from the trunk to the hotel room easy and the tough exterior means nothing gets crushed along the way.

Electronics and techy gadgets make for some of the best gifts for road trips. Road trip cameras and camera accessories are imperative for capturing memories perfect for sharing on Instagram or framing on your living room gallery wall. Portable gaming systems and tablets keep your passengers happy on long stretches of highway. And electronic car accessories will keep them safe, on track, and charged up all the way to the end of the road.

10. Canon Content Creator Kit

The best gift ideas for travelers are ones that they will use over and over again. And nothing (besides the car) will get as much use on a road trip as a camera.

Take road trip photos and videos that go beyond the smartphone. With a content creator kit you have everything you need to get started in creating fun road trip videos and take killer photos of National Parks and world’s largest things! A content creator kit like this one has a mirrorless camera and accessories to take superior photos and 4K vlogs and videos.

Bonus: there is a wide-range of cameras to choose for for photographers with various levels of skills and budgets. Check out our list of the best road trip cameras to find the perfect one to gift!

11. GoPro HERO12 Black

For those looking to step up their road trip captures, GoPro cameras make excellent road trip cameras and excellent gifts for roadtrippers.

Bonus: Designed for action, the best unique feature of the GoPro is TimeWarp, which allows you to take a super fast hyperlapse of your entire road trip journey. How cool would that be?

12. Cell Phone Selfie Stick Tripod

We’ve all been there: you’ve trying to take a selfie in front of the world’s largest cow and all you can get in frame is half your face and half her udder. As much as selfie sticks get a bad rap, they can be life savers when trying to take photos of yourself at road trip pit stops. They are definitely one of the most fun things to buy for a road trip!

Bonus: Selfie Sticks like this one, that double as a tripod make great gifts for roadtrippers to ensure they can always get that perfect road trip selfie.

13. Nintendo Switch Lite

Play all your favorite games on the go. Keep your family entertained and never hear, “are we there yet?” again. The portable design of the Nintendo Switch Lite makes it the perfect gaming system for road trips and back seat play and the perfect road trip gift for children and adult passengers alike.

Bonus: While a Nintendo Switch makes a good gift for travelers it can also be enjoyed all year long from the comfort of their own home!

14. WONNIE Dual Screen DVD Player

A duel car DVD player that clips to a car’s headrests can provide hours of entertainment for road trip passengers. With a dedicated screen you won’t have to give up your phone to your backseat passengers, especially if you need it for directions! This portable DVD player even comes with headphones to keep the kids and TV quiet in the backseat.

Bonus: This one plays DVDs or, for those who haven’t seen a DVD since the 90s, digital files stored on a USB or card reader.

15. Fire HD 10 Tablet

For long car trips, nothing beats an e-reader or tablet for keeping people entertained. Individual tablets like the Fire HD allow car passengers or a driver on break to watch movies, listen to music, read, or play games and make great gifts for long car trips and the families taking them.

Bonus: A Fire Tablet is one of the best gifts for long car rides but will also entertain the recipient at home!

16. Carpool Karaoke Wireless Car Karaoke Microphone

Allow your passengers to have even more fun singing along in the car! This Carpool Karaoke car karaoke microphone wirelessly connects to your car’s FM tuner and provides endless opportunities for do-it-yourself tunes.

Bonus: For an extra special gift idea for someone traveling, consider putting together a special playlist of the best road trip songs to accompany this car karaoke mic!

17. Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

Attach a Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker to your keychain and never lose your keys. It’s the best gift for road trippers who are going back and forth from their car to gas stations , roadside attractions, hotels, and more. Moving around so much there’s always the possibility of losing your keys or dropping them between the seats. Pinging the tile from your phone helps you locate just where your keys are no matter where you left them.

Bonus: Get a multi-pack of Tiles that also contains a card that slips into a wallet and tracker sticker to make sure your gift recipient never misplaces their keys or wallet on the road again!

18. USB Car Charger

You never want your phone to go dead when on a road trip. It’s essential for GPS directions, looking up roadside attractions, booking hotels on the go, making emergency calls, and taking photos of every Welcome to State sign you pass. Every road trip lover needs a USB charger for their car. Even if your car has a built-in USB port, portable versions that plug into the cigarette lighter still offer more power to keep your phone working all the way to your destination.

Bonus: Be sure to get one with multiple ports so everyone in the car can keep charged at once.

19. DJI Mini 3 Drone

Imagine being able to follow your car with a camera as it winds down an abandoned road or being able to capture all of Carhenge from above. The only way to get epic aerial road trip videos and photos is with a drone.

Drones, like the DJI Mini 3 , make the best gifts for road trippers who want to take their road trip videography and photography to the next level.

Bonus: Make sure to get a kit that includes extra batteries, a charger, and case so the person you buy this road trip gift for has everything they need!

20. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer

Many road trip videos are unwatchable. Trying to take a video of that epic waterfall or breathtaking National Park view with a handheld iPhone will often result in a shaky movie that no one wants to watch. How do fix it? With a gimbal.

Gimbals suspend your phone for smooth stabilization that will take any road trip video from disastrous to delightful.

Bonus : This gimbal doubles as a tripod making it perfect for filming TikTok POVs or Instagram Lives.

21. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

For fun road trip photos that make retro souvenirs, an instant camera is a must have gift for road trip lovers. The Fujifilm Instax Mini is a cute camera that is compact enough to fit in the glove box to make memories on the go.

Bonus: Be sure to include a couple of packs of Instax Mini Film to make this one of the best gifts for a road trip!

22. Petcube Cam

Traveling can be hard for pet parents when they have to leave their dogs or cats at home. Give them peace of mind and a glimpse into what their four-legged friends do when they are not there, with a Petcube Cam . The most basic of the Petcube models these are a solid choice for travelers wanting to check in with their furry friends from afar.

Bonus: IYou can also find the Petcube Play that comes with a laser toy or the Petcube Bites that dispenses treats.

Not all road trip gift ideas have to be entirely practical. Sometimes the best gifts for road trip lovers are just fun. These presents will add a smile on the face of any recipient who loves car travel and seeing the world and will make their adventures (or returns from adventures) that much more fun.

23. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features fun and engaging journal prompts. plus 100 activities and games to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route.

Bonus: This book not only serves as an activity book to keep everyone entertained in the car but with fun journal prompts and a trip log it will serve as a road trip memento for years to come!

24. Fifty States Bucket List Water Bottle

Keep track of all the states you’ve visited and keep hydrated along the way. The Fifty States Bucket List Water Bottle by Wondery Outdoors is a durable water bottle that comes with 50 stickers to add each time you drive through a new-to-you state.

Bonus: There are also bucket list bottles that feature National Parks and Parks of Canada !

25. The Wander Club Travel Tokens

Commemorate everywhere you went on a road trip or all your road trips! The Wander Club travel tokens are a modern charm bracelet for travelers. Small tokens represent countries, states, national parks, and other milestones. Collect charms for every adventure.

Bonus: Get a starter set with a key chain or necklace and few tokens, then add to it with every trip to come.

26. Scratch Off USA Map Poster

Help your favorite road tripper keep track of his or her travels with a scratch-off map of the United States . Complete with stickers and place markers this map will commemorate everywhere a road tripper has traveled and help them plan where to head to next.

Bonus: You can also find scratch off posters for favorite road trip destinations like National Parks and ballparks !

27. Homesick Scented Candle, Road Trip

For the road trip lover stuck at home, this road trip scented candle is a perfect stocking stuffer. With scents of amber, musk, leather, paper, and jasmine, it will remind the recipient of sight seeing on the open road (minus the stuffy car and air freshener smell).

Bonus: Speaking of air fresheners, Homesick also makes a Road Trip car air freshener !

28. Stanley Quencher Insulated Tumbler

The reusable cup du jour is always a good gift to give someone. But a reusable cup especially makes one of the best gifts for car travelers. The Stanley cup is double wall vacuum insulated and keeps your water cold or your coffee hot for hours on the road. Your gift recipient will thank you for the money and time (and environment) she or he will save when filling this stylish vessel up with refreshing water or pick-me-up coffee at the hotel.

Bonus: The Stanley cup comes in a variety of colors so you can find one in your gift recipient’s favorite hue!

29. Pendleton National Park Blanket, Yellowstone

Pendleton blankets offer the cozy comfort of a thick wool cover alongside style and history. Their National Park collection pays homage to your favorite road trip destinations that feature distinctive colors, the park name, and an image of an important natural feature. Pendleton National Park Blankets make fantastic gifts for road travelers who want to commemorate a special trip to their new favorite park.

Bonus: If the blanket is out of your budget, Pendleton also makes a more budget-friendly gift set of National Park socks !

30. Protect Our National Parks Playing Card Deck

National Parks playing cards make double duty gifts for road trips. Featuring iconic scenery from parks around the United States they serve as both a memento and inspiration while giving travelers entertaining opportunities for game play whether at home, in an AirBNB, or at a campsite.

Bonus: Each playing card face in this deck is designed with unique imagery of U.S. National Parks, so they make great gifts for someone who loves to explore National Parks on their road trips!

31. Sunflora Picnic Backpack for 2

For anyone planning on packing their own food, camping, or picnicking on a road trip, a picnic backpack complete with plates, glasses, and utensils would make a great road trip gift. It’s better for the environment than using disposable plastic plates and forks, and will have everything needed to enjoy meals on the go.

Bonus: If you gift a picnic basket consider filling out your road trip gift with some favorite road trip snacks or sparkling apple cider (they are driving after all!).

32. State Love Necklace

When trying to find road trip gifts for her, whether she is your girlfriend, wife, sister, mother, or best friend, jewelry probably will cross your mind. And a state-shaped necklace is the way to go.

Bonus: Gift the state she lives in so she never feels far from home or a particularly memorable road trip destination so she’s never forget the fun you had there.

33. Road Trip Money Coin Pouch

Not many people keep change on hand nowadays. But it’s always good to have a few coins on hand for a road trip. You never know when you’ll need some for a toll booth, an older parking meter, an old school soda machine, or a pressed penny mavhine! This road trip money coin pouch is the perfect place to keep your loose road trip change.

Bonus: this coin pouch makes the perfect vessel for delivering Christmas or birthday money for someone planning a big road trip!

34. Car Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

After a few days in the car, it sometimes will start smelling less than fresh. A portable essential oil diffuser makes a great stocking stuffer and will bring a fresh scent to any long car ride. This one plugs into the car’s USB port and fits right in the cup holder for a fresh car the whole journey long.

Bonus: to make this best gift for road trip travel complete, include a set of essential oils !

35. Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Every road trip lover needs a good pair of sunglasses. These polarized sunglasses feature offer UV protection and blue blocking lenses— essential features when driving on a sunny highway. They also offer a classic design that will have you feeling like you’re driving a Top Gun F-14 Tomcat instead of your Corolla.

Bonus: This classic style comes in a variety of lens and frame colors, including green and blue .

36. Road Trip Journal for a USA Road Trip

Keep the memory or your road trip alive. Use this road trip journal as a keepsake to document your vacation or plan your travel itinerary! The blank lined book can be used as a travel diary, logbook, or road trip planner for your car, van, or motorcycle adventure.

Bonus: For a complete roadtrip gift add a set of gel pens or road trip themed pencils .

37. TableTopics to GO Road Trip

Get the whole family excited and talking on your next car trip by gifting this TableTopics to GO Road Trip game . With travel-specific questions you’ll have fun while learning a lot about your fellow passengers.

Bonus: There are plenty of road trip games that make the best gifts for a road trip! Pick up a travel bingo set , a variety pack of travel-sized games , or a copy of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book !

38. Saucemoto Dip Clip

The perfect road trip stocking stuffer for anyone who likes to eat in the car…and that’s everyone! Clip this ketchup/condiment holder into your car’s vent and never eat sauceless drive-through fries again!

Bonus: You can buy these car condiment containers in a variety of colors , like red, gray, or black, to match the road trip car!

39. Vintage Motel Keychain

An homage to vintage motel key chains you’d have on a retro road trip, modern versions with catchy phrases make fun road trip gifts for adults.

Bonus: You can find many varieties that both capture the nostalgia of the road and fit your gift recipient’s personality. Find ones for their favorite TV show hotel, an inspirational affirmation , a fun saying, a zodiac sign , a favorite attraction , or a favorite road trip activity .

40. Road Trip Tote Bag

A tote bag is a must-have road trip gift that everyone will love. On the road it can serve as a cute catch-all for all the things to take in the car, beachwear, or camping supplies.

Bonus: For gift giving, you can stuff this road trip tote bag with all kinds of other road trip gifts and stocking stuffers!

41. Hidden Pocket Infinity Scarf by Speakeasy Supply Co.

A scarf that’s both pretty and functional? Sign me up! The hidden pocket infinity scarves by Speakeasy Supply Co. are stylish wraps with a secret twist: inside is a pocket to keep your ID, credit card, keys, or whatever you want to conceal. These scarves are perfect for all types of travelers but especially helpful to roadtrippers who might be hopping in and out of the car all day and don’t want to carry a bag around or leave their essentials behind.

Bonus: these scarves come in a variety of colors and patterns for any tatse!

Books make fantastic gifts for roadtrip fanatics. They’re fun to flip through to enjoy photos of destinations near and far and provide inspiration for anyone planning a trip for the first time or not sure where they want to go next. These gifts for road trip lovers can also be useful on the road to help figure out what to see and where to go next!

42. 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

Find the best things to do and see in every state in America with this illustrated book from National Geographic. From national parks to beaches, war memorials to museums, this guidebook has it all and will ignite your imagination and kick start your trip planning. It should top any road trip gift wish list!

43. 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

Like the previous book suggestion, but for national parks alone, this sequel is full of breathtaking photography and travel tips for getting the most of the country’s national parks. These books make good gifts for car travelers, whether they are a national park novice or have every page stamped in their park passport.

44. Wanderlust Road Trips: 40 Beautiful Drives Around the World

Get inspired to take a new adventure by exploring forty of the world’s most incredible road trips across the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Colorful photos and illustrations compliment the overviews of each route, providing inspiration and practical tips.

45. Lonely Planet Epic Road Trips of the Americas

Epic Road Trips of the Americas showcases fifty of the greatest road trips across North America, South America, and the Caribbean. The book features first-person accounts, challenge levels, facts, inside tips, expert advice, and similar drives.

Travel Internationally? Also check out Epic Drives of the World !

46. Hotel Kitsch: A Pretty Cool Tour of America’s Fantasy Getaways

Take a tour of the best fantasy suites and honeymoon hotels across America and beyond, with photos and stories from the creators of A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour . If you love quirky destinations, heart-shaped tubs, and themed hotels, this is the perfect book to gift!

47. The Road Trip Book: 1001 Drives of a Lifetime

This book let’s you explore all the possibilities road trips have to offer. It presents a variety of road trips of all lengths and levels of challenge, including a transglobal route inspired by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s Long Way Round documentary series. This book will inspire you to hit the road and take a trip you couldn’t even imagine possible.

48. Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures on America’s Two-Lane Highways

With route recommendations, off-the-road highlights, driving maps, colorful photography, and expert advice, Road Trip USA would be a fun gift for someone going on a road trip for the first time or the fiftieth!

49. She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild 

She Explores celebrates women on the road. With photography, narrative, and practical tips this book is an essential read for any woman who wants to take off on an outdoor adventure. Engage with the stories of 40 women who have taken unforgettable trips into nature: women who live in vans, hike, road trip, or backpack.

50. Unique America – Strange, Unusual, and Just Plain Fun: A Trip Through America

I can’t have a guide of road trip gift ideas without a book all about my favorite thing: roadside attractions.

Unique America celebrates the unusual sights you’ll find while road tripping the country with full-color highlights that will have anyone enthusiastically asking, “are we there yet?”

51. Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors

Take a hilarious journey through the National Parks with this illustrated book that celebrates their beauty and the one star reviews people leave of them online. One of the best gifts for road trippers and a good laugh for anyone who loves traveling to national parks!

52. Roadside Attractions Adult Coloring Book

If you know someone who loves roadside attractions as much as I do and are looking for gift ideas for road trippers who love the weird and wacky, this roadside attractions coloring book will allow the recipient to unleash their inner child to color between the lines of some of America’s best world’s largest things.

Not all gifts for a road trip have to be physical things. Sometimes the best road trip gift ideas are for those things you can’t hold in your hands but can experience instead. Consider gifting a tour, a gift certificate, an attraction pass, or a whole road trip experience!

53. America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass

America the Beautiful passes make excellent gifts for car travelers. The annual pass allows the recipient to skip the entrance fee on over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and grasslands. For the serious road tripper, this pass is gold.

54. Audible Gift Membership

Looking for unique gift ideas for car travelers? Give the gift of audio books! An Audible Gift Membership allows the recipient to download their favorite books along with new originals to listen to from anywhere, even their car. Audio books provide relief from the same Spotify playlists and double your productivity level allowing you to “read” while you drive.

55. Go City Pass

A prepaid Go City Pass will save the recipient time and money at great road trip destinations across the US. If a big city excursion is on the list for the new year, this will help take their trip from ordinary to extraordinary. The passes will allow the holder to visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover handpicked hidden gems with the convenience of having one price and one pass on their phone.

56. Get Your Guide Gift Card

For the ultimate gift idea for someone going on a trip, why not book them an excursion? Tour companies like Get Your Guide offer tours, day trips, sightseeing, museum entrances, and more. Help your friend or loved one out by gifting them an experience to experience on their next road trip.

Bonus: Buy a Get Your Guide Gift Card so the recipient can choose for themselves! With thousands of excursions to choose from they will definitely find the perfect adventure to take on their next road trip!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything you need to have and record an epic road trip.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: December 2, 2023 Category: Road Trip Packing , Road Trip Planning

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BY Valerie Bromann

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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38 Best Road Trip Gifts for Road Trip Lovers

Looking for the best road trip gifts? I’ve got you.

We love a good road trip . We basically spent two full years in and out of our SUV traveling the United States as an aggressive response to the global pandemic.

We loved it before then, too. There’s just something about hitting the open road , the dog panting with anxiety behind the driver’s seat, and arguments about the perfect car temp ensuing.

I kid, mostly. We really do love being on the road .

That makes us a limited authority on the best gifts for road trippers, from the road trip essentials to more unique road trip gifts.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Useful Road Trip Essentials

These gifts for road trippers are considered the essentials. These are likely at the top of the list when someone is new to that road trip life or looking to replace the most practical, useful items in their road trip collection of stuff.

Note: When browsing these, check in with your loved one first before hitting “purchase.” As they’re essential, they may already have one or two.

1. Roadside Emergency Kit

Things happen, especially when you’re on the road . Brian tends to handle the car-related mishaps when we’re traveling, not because of gender norms but because it’s more fun for me to scroll Twitter while he’s dealing with it.

All jokes aside, roadside emergency kits keep the good times rolling.

2. Travel Cooler

We’re not just constantly eating out while we’re on the road. Budgets, people . The car is always loaded up with snacks, various leftovers, and even meal prep.

A decent travel cooler is essential for any long-term road tripper and one of the best gifts for road trips. If you’re someone who knows stuff, you’re aware that a Yeti cooler will keep things cool indefinitely, basically.

3. Food Containers

All of those snacks and things need to go somewhere, especially if you’re packing lunches while you’re on the road .

We have a variety of containers for everything from fanciful sandwich times to moments the soup’s on. These are perfect for both warm and cold food items you can pull out when hunger strikes.

4. Reusable Water Bottles

Get outta here, plastic bottles. A true road tripper will be using reusable water bottles, at times allowing their personality to show in whatever they’re sipping out of.

Just go for something insulated. Yeti is the gold standard here so that’s what we’re packing in our travels, but you’ve got options for keeping cold drinks cold and hot drinks warm.

5. Car Charger

I’ll get into portable chargers in a second, but if you’re spending a good chunk of your time in the car, it makes sense to have a car charger ready to charge your phone.

The most budget-friendly options plug into that cigarette lighter that I’m hoping you don’t use for anything else.

6. Portable Chargers

If you live on the edge as I do, your car isn’t full of paper road atlases and maps at your feet. That means the phone is always charged, with maps downloaded when service isn’t available.

Always carry a fully charged portable charger with you on the road, even if you think you’ll just use the car charger.

7. Travel Light

This one is especially clutch if the road trippers in your life do the RV or camping thing. We don’t, but it’s nice to have some kind of portable light handy when darkness hits, even if it’s just a penlight.

I like solar options, but make sure your recipients have the capacity to charge one of those before picking up a pretty solar light.

8. Portable Car Battery Charger

The perfect road trip can quickly take a turn for the worse when you arrive at your vehicle in the morning and find that you left that dome light on overnight.

Most drivers have a set of jumper cables in the car for this reason, but what do you do when there’s no one around to give you a kindly jump? That’s where a portable car battery charger comes in.

Road Trip Gifts That Make Life Easier

There are gifts that make people smile, and then there are road trip gadgets and gifts that make life on the road just a little bit better.

Pull out any of these in a road trip care package and you just know the gift giver has spent some time on the road themselves, or just did their research.

9. Car Mount

When you’re trying to navigate your way around new lands, it’s nice to get a car mount for your phone that you don’t have to mess with. The other option is having your phone flop around in the dash.

We both use the same car mount now. The bonus is that the phone cases we got charge our phones on the mount while we’re navigating.

10. Gift Card

I hate when people call gift cards impersonal, especially when gas prices are through the roof.

Something like a Visa gift card is your best bet to cover all your bases, as some road trip travelers have an allegiance to one gas station over another. They can also use it on snacks to make for a more fun road trip.

11. Packing Cubes

Brian recently requested a pack of packing cubes to organize his luggage. I’m going to see how he does with these before investing in my own, but do like his thought process.

Packing cubes not only allow you to bring along more stuff, but they’re also a great organizational tool if things usually look a little wild in your luggage.

12. Travel Pillow

I love the Huzi Infinity Pillow enough that I wrote up a whole post about it . I am nothing if not very much interested in my personal comfort, as I’m at my crankiest when I’m tired.

I talk all about how life was just very uncomfy before Huzi came into my life. I’m a changed woman, I’m telling you.

13. Compact Tripod

A packable tripod could be a great idea for the road trip lover in your life who loves the perfect shot. Just make sure you know whether they’re traveling with camera gear or just their smartphones, like us.

We got the foldable stabilizer you see here, but you don’t need to get that fancy unless you’re seeking luxury road trip gifts or know they love video footage.

14. Reusable Straws

I love the idea of greener travel, but you can’t tell me paper straws are how we do that. Give your road-tripping buddies a set of reusable straws to make it all better.

The ones in the image here are what we purchased, but there are all kinds of silicone options out there if metal isn’t your thing.

15. Car Seat Organizer

Life on the road can get…disorganized. Seat organizers that don’t add to the stuff you need to cram in there but instead make more space somehow are then a welcome proposition.

These organizers will be very welcome by road trip travelers with kids, too, as I’m pretty sure there is more inside nooks and crannies when kids are involved.

16. Outdoor Blankets

Oh, you’re at a winery with no reservations inside but an open lawn? Have you happened upon a live music situation at the neighborhood park? Enter outdoor blankets .

They’re great for beautiful national park adventures , too, especially if you’re traveling during busy seasons and nabbing picnic tables involves arm wrestling.

17. Travel Coffee Maker

We usually stay in places with easy access to coffee, but if your travel pal loves the RV life or traverses through the national parks , they may appreciate access to caffeine at all times.

The options out there are very fun, with travel coffee options no matter how you like the hot stuff. If you got that Yeti up there , you can keep it hot, too.

18. Portable Travel Safe

Yes, an aggressive car burglar could just take the whole thing if they have the right tools, but a portable safe can act as an added layer of protection for important documents, medications, or your wallet when you’re on the road.

It can also replace a faulty hotel room safe or attach to beach chairs, car seats, etc. for some extra security.

Best Road Trip Gifts for Dog Owners

Kimmy Kibbler has been all over our road trips lately, despite the fact that she doesn’t love being in the car. She does love arriving places, so don’t get all weird on me about how we’re not treating her right.

Fun fact: She has a beautiful, adventurous life, people. Her Instagram photo collection proves it.

Check out these road trip gift ideas for trippers with a pooch.

19. Travel Bowls

Kimmy has one of those splash-guard bowls for when we’re settled in somewhere, but if we’re on the road, we pull out her collapsible bowls for quick sips no matter where we stop.

These are great to throw into your hiking pack for trail adventures with your furry friends. Everyone needs to stay hydrated when you’re out exploring.

20. Paw Pad Protection

Protecting your pooch’s paws is so important in the hot, summer months. Put the palm of your hand down on some hot pavement in the dead of summer and tell me I’m wrong. I bet you can’t keep it there for long.

Pick up some paw pad protection to keep your pet safe and comfy in the summer months when they’re most at risk for paw troubles.

21. Dog Waste Bags

No, it’s not a sexy gift. If you’re a pet owner who thinks they’re out of bags following a random blowout on the side of the road, all of a sudden the poop bags auntie got you before your trip get VERY sexy.

We love the Earth Rate brand , but any will do if you’re looking to stuff a road trip gift basket with practical gifts.

22. Comfy Dog Bed

We had a car bed for Kimmy. Chucked it. She hated it. It came with padding that quickly flattened, and she was back to her anxious panting in our ears.

Then we came up with a hack. We slid a piece of luggage into the legroom behind the driver’s seat and set her usual dog bed right on top of that to create a flat surface. I’m saying you have options.

23. KONG Toys

Kimmy doesn’t allow toys to stick around for long. She’s a destroyer of all things cute and fluffy. KONG is the only brand that stands a better chance than most, although yes, she will still destroy these eventually.

Start with the classic KONG that you can stuff with peanut butter or treats to keep the pup busy, then add a few more fun things for that lucky pup.

24. Safety Harness

Keep that traveling pooch safe and sound with a car harness that straps them in nice and snugly for rides short and long. Double-check on sizing for your intended furry friend when you’re ready to shop.

It makes sense. One size definitely doesn’t fit all when we’re talking about a chonky lab vs. a teacup chihuahua.

Thoughtful Road Trip Gifts

These are car travel gifts that are just nice to receive. They’re thoughtful, often more personal, and perfect gifts for car travelers who may already have all of those essentials.

Note: You know your travel pals best. If they hate books on tape, they obviously won’t love an audible subscription. Use your judgement, obviously.

25. America the Beautiful Pass

If the road tripper in your life loves the national parks as much as we do, a national park pass will be very much appreciated. Give them a gift of a year’s worth of free admission to any of the country’s impressive national parks .

Are you purchasing something for your RV-loving parents? Consider the lifetime senior pass if they’re of a certain age — that’s 62 or older — or the annual senior pass if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer.

26. Compression Socks

As we get older, we get more and more excited about seeing a pair of socks in that holiday pile. Compression socks are an even bigger deal. The best gift for road trippers doubles as an antidote for leg fatigue in my book, especially if they come in fun colors.

Brian loves his enough that it’s rare he’s not wearing them on the day-to-day.

27. Audible Subscription

We’re a podcast family over here when it’s time to hit the road, but if your intended recipients are into books on tape, an Audible subscription may be right up their alley.

I can listen to all of the true crime podcasts in the world, but I just don’t have the attention span for full novels. I’d make an exception for Michelle Williams’ rendition of The Woman in Me , but that’s it.

28. Travel Wine Carrier

What? Making sure your loved one’s wine gets to where it needs to go is very thoughtful, especially if they love visiting wine country on their trips.

We only have room for one bottle in the bubble bag we’ve been carrying, but it may just be time for an upgrade to one of these travel wine coolers . I tend to get very spendy at wineries.

29. Slipper Socks

My slipper socks , or slipper booties as I like to call ’em, go everywhere with me. I can be flying abroad and I’ll throw a pair in for those comfy cozy times on the other side.

Treat your loved one to some foot comfort with a pair or two. If they’re accident-prone, get a pair with some grippers at the bottom.

30. Road Trip Books

I’m a fan of my e-reader when traveling. You can load it up with so much. That said, if I can find a way to promote my very own, very fun ebook on my own travel foibles, I’m going to do just that. I think it’s the perfect gift for a traveling pair.

Here are a few more options, as I do have a tiny bit of class:

• The Road Trip
• Fodor’s Best Weekend Road Trips

31. Road Trip Gift Basket

If your loved ones are hitting the road for a lengthy grand adventure, consider sending them off with a road trip basket that includes items you know they’ll need on the journey.

Consider packing things like lip balm , baby/body wipes (trust me!), dry shampoo , air fresheners , laundry sheets , and sunscreen . It’s all stuff you know they’ll use and essential for even more general travel.

Don’t forget all of the snacks while you’re at it. Snacks are always welcome.

32. Car Diffuser

I already mentioned air fresheners as a nice addition to road trip gift baskets, but if you want to take things up a notch, get your loved one a car diffuser . This is especially thoughtful when you know they’re into essential oils or just smelling nice.

The featured air fresheners click right into your vents for easy setup.

33. AAA Membership

Ours typically gets renewed right before it lapses because I’ve yet to figure out auto-renewals. Be better than that and give the gift of peace of mind with a AAA membership for the year.

We’ve never had to use ours, and now that I’ve said that I’m sure I’ll get a flat tire the next time I’m behind the wheel. It’s OK, though. I’m AAA.

Memberships also get you all kinds of discounts on hotels, car rentals, and random stuff I’ve yet to take advantage of. It’s the gift that really keeps on giving!

Funny Road Trip Gifts/Gifts Just for Fun

It all doesn’t have to be that serious. Check out these ideas for funny travel gifts and road trip gifts that will hopefully make them laugh or entertain them on the long drive.

34. Road Trip Games

If you’re looking for road trip gifts for family road-trippers, road trip games allow you to avoid those awkward silences.. I mean, that’s unless you like them, as I do.

If you need some options, Road Trip Bingo and activities kits are always welcome when you’re bored in the car.

35. Saucy Travel Pouches

Looking for road trip gift ideas for adults? You have to bring some random stuff with you anyway. You may as well have a little chuckle whenever you reach for that stuff in your travel pouch on a fun road trip.

If you need something for your meds, this one is even spicier. To make the men around you uncomfortable, this bag is the best .

36. Novelty Tees

Can you ever have too many novelty tees? The answer is “yes. ” My husband’s been there and it’s become a real situation.

If you’re going to add to your collection anyway, you may as well make ’em travel-themed . I’m also a fan of this one because who doesn’t love a good pun involving alpacas?

37. Public Toilet Survival Kit

Every road-tripper knows how nasty things can get in public bathrooms. Add a portable restroom or two into the mix and things can get real stinky real fast.

This kit looks funny but it just may be more practical than it appears. If your intended recipients are campers, they may prefer some emergency bags or a portable potty .

38. Burrito Blanket

I’m not talking about picnic blankets here. A burrito blanket is purely for warm, comfy goodness. It’s basically one of my favorite things.

Yes, it’s also hilarious. Mine came from a friend, but there are so many varieties out there, including double-sided blankets for true burrito fans. You can’t tell me those people don’t look comfy.

What should I gift someone who is going on a road trip?

You should gift something practical, thoughtful, or just for fun for someone who is going on a road trip. Honestly, I love to receive gifts I don’t ask for that are even remotely connected to travel, but would love things that are more practical, too.

Fun fact: Heck, give me a free car wash or an oil change and I’ll help you move next time around.

The best gifts for road gifts are the gifts you’re kind enough to give.

Moving is awful, though, so don’t be upset if I take that back.

Ready for Road-Tripping?

Your Rental Car:  You’ll need a vehicle to get from Point A to Point B. I usually use an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline to find the best deal on rental cars, as I don’t feel a loyalty to any one car rental company.

If you have to fly in from somewhere first, it’ll be most efficient to just rent a car right from the airport of wherever you’re flying into.

Flights : On that note, I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book flights during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use  Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations:  Looking for more than just the best gifts for a road trip? Let’s talk hotels.

I usually recommend sites like  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com  for your accommodation needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great.

Vrbo has become my go-to Airbnb alternative. Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies outside of my favorite road trip things, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Love this gift guide for road trip lovers? Pin me!

Planning a road trip of your own? Check out these guides:

• The Only Oregon Road Trip Itinerary You’ll Need
• An Iceland Road Trip of Bucket List Adventures
• An Epic California Road Trip From San Fran to LA
• Top San Diego Day Trips for Your Next Trip
• Easy Day Trips from Boston, Massachusetts

Want to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won’t see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

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Agnes Groonwald

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31 Incredibly Useful Road Trip Gifts For Your Next Long Drive

Post Summary: The Best Road Trip Gifts

What do you get that person who loves going on road trips ? From the fearless adventurer to the cross-country trekkers, these are the best road trip gifts to give!

Keep scrolling for road trip gift ideas ranging from camping , tech , comfort , organization , and entertainment . We know you’re going to find something for the road trippers on your list!

Road Trip Gifts For The Traveler In Your Life

This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a commission for purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

1. The Dyrt Pro SubScription ($35/year)

One of the easiest ways to save money on the road is to find free and cheap camping spots to stay overnight. To do this, we use an app called The Dyrt . The pro version is only $35 dollars a year, and we can search for campsites offline , use the trip planner, and even get gear discounts with their partners.

A subscription to The Dyrt pro is one of the best gifts for road trippers, in our opinion! Try it free for 30 days too, using our code MANDAGIES .

2. BackSeat Organizer ($27)

Your backseat passengers will love you for this road trip gift! This back seat organizer comes with two drink pockets, one clear velcro sleeve, and two deep storage pockets at the bottom.

It can hold everything you need to keep your passengers entertained the entire way. These organizers make great traveling gifts for parents AND kids!

Read More: 20 Popular Outdoorsy Gifts For Kids

3. ReachTop Car Window SCreens ($10 for 2)

The ReachTop Car Window Screens are the ultimate gift for road trips, especially if you are a big summer camper! The sock-like double mesh screen fits snugly over your car door windows, allowing you to keep out mosquitoes while still being able to roll down your window.

It also serves as a blackout screen , for extra privacy in the evening when sleeping in your car. This is absolutely one of the most useful road trip essentials !

4. Roadside Emergency Kit ($49)

Give the gift of roadside safety with this roadside assistance kit! It includes jumper cables, a safety triangle, gloves, bungee cords, a glass breaker, a first aid kit, and more.

This STDY Car Roadside Emergency kit will help you feel more prepared in unexpected situations on the road. ( Find a smaller, more compact version here ).

Ready to DIY your own kit? Click here to learn how to put together your own emergency car tool kit for winter!

5. YETI Hopper 18 Flip Soft Cooler ($299)

Nothing beats a refreshing drink after a long drive! The Yeti Hopper 18 soft cooler is the absolute perfect size for lunch on the road for the whole family.

The straps make it easy to tote to your next picnic destination, and the puncture-proof exterior makes it tough enough in any terrain. Lunch with a view? It’s easy to take this car cooler on the go !

Want something a little more inexpensive? The REI Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler is only $35 !

6. NAT GEO Road Atlas: Adventure Edition ($24.95)

When cell phone batteries die and service is nowhere in sight, do you have a paper map to rely on ?

This National Geographic Road Atlas covers the US, Mexico, and Canada . It also highlights national forests, national parks, and attractions along the way. With this paper road atlas, you won’t mind getting lost!

7. BESTEK Power Inverter ($29)

Charge up all your equipment with one simple piece of gear! The Bestek Power inverter is what we’ve been using for years and it keeps our phones and camera batteries juiced up and ready for action.

This small but mighty tech is probably one of the most useful road trip gifts out there!

8. Belkin MagSafe Car Phone Mount ($39.99)

When driving, it’s important to keep your hands free and your eyes on the road (and not your phone!). However, today, most people use their phones for directions and navigation.

Choosing a car mount for your phone keeps directions in sight, all while keeping your hands on the steering wheel. This magnetic c ar mount installs easily to your air vents , without obstructing any essential car functions.

If you have a Pop Socket on the back (like I do!), Pop Socket created their own car mount , where you can place your phone right into the holder. It’s one of the easiest road trip gifts to give!

9. BELKIN USB CAR CHARGER ($18)

Tight on space? All you need for a quick charge is this Belkin USB/USB-C car charger . It’s compatible with two kinds of ports (USB and USB-C) and can take an iPhone from 0-50% charge in just 30 minutes!

Read More: The Best Outdoor Gifts Under $25

10. Rumpl Original Puffy Travel Blanket ($99)

This cozy travel blanket should be a staple in every traveler’s road trip essentials list. Use it for a quick nap in the car, and bring it out for a cozy stay around the campfire at night. These Rumpl blankets come with stuff sacks that pack down small, so you can stow it away with ease.

But let’s be honest, you won’t have to pack it away because you’ll be cozying up in this blanket 24/7 !

11. TILE KEY FINDER ($34)

Know someone who is constantly losing their keys?

This can be a major problem on the road, especially if you’re far away from home! Never lose your keys again by attaching a Tile Mate to your keyring! The Mate can be found up to 250 feet and sounds a pretty loud alarm for fast locating.

Read More: The Best Gift Guide For Photographers

12. America The Beautiful National Park Pass ($79.99)

Discover all the national parks with the America The Beautiful Annual Pass ! This is the perfect gift for road trips, especially for people who are exploring more than one par k during their next adventure. This pass not only gives you access to National Parks, but access to over 2,000 federal lands all across the United States.

Read More: 7 Critical Pacific Northwest Forest Passes You Need (And Where To Use Them)

13. FJALLRAVE Kanken Hip Pack ($50)

Take the classic Fjallraven Kanken Backpack , but make it compact ! This hip pack has buckles and straps for an adjustable, comfortable fit. There are multiple pouches for keys, phone, and cards, while keeping your hands free!

14. Goal Zero Flip Power Banks ($30+)

Take a charge on the go with Goal Zero’s line of power banks . Charged by USB or Solar, this pocket-sized power bank can keep a phone, GPS or other small devices charged up until your next destination.

It’s ideal for quick hikes, day trips, or anytime you need a little bit of backup power , just in case.

15. AllBirds Wool Runners ($99)

For long hours in the car, comfy shoes are an absolute must. Allbirds wool runners are the perfect combination of serious comfort and durability .

These are the ideal shoes for quick pit stops and stretching your legs on breaks. The wool runners come in tons of colors to fit your style!

Read More: The Best Outdoor Gifts For Hikers

16. Paracord Planet Type III Cord Kits With Buckles ($18)

Paracord is arguably one of the most versatile and useful pieces of outdoor gear. Paracord also makes excellent gifts for road trips!

Use it for all kinds of things like hanging food from a tree, hanging up drying laundry, or securing your canoe to shore. The possibilities (and color combinations) are endless. Find all sorts of color combinations available on Amazon !

Read More: Outdoorsy Stocking Stuffers Under $10

17. Smartwool Tech Liner Gloves ($24)

Sometimes you just want to keep your hands warm without all the bulk . Use these Smartwool Tech Liner Gloves gloves for easy handling (hellooo touchscreen friendly!) and then layer up later when you’re ready for more intense adventures.

These are the perfect gloves to use when you need to address car issues and it’s cold outside!

Read More: How To Layer Clothes For Winter Adventures

18. Luno 2.0 Car Air Mattress ($329.99)

Don’t settle for a bad outdoor sleep ever again! This Double Mattress by Luno is the absolute perfect gift for road trips. Form-fitted to fit around wheel wells and customizable for your specific car make and model, you can search for the perfect one to fit your rig’s measurements.

It also comes with an air pump, storage bag, base extenders, and the ability to blow up just one side at a time too.

It’s the perfect outdoor gift for couples too , for those people that just love to take awesome adventures with their person!

19. Teva Re-Ember Slip-Ons ($79)

Why not get a shoe that can do it all? The Teva ReEmber Slip-On shoes are made from recycled materials, and feel like a sleeping bag on your feet!

Their sturdy soles and collapsible heel make it easy to hop in and out of the car. These are a must for every road trip lover!

20. Packing Cubes ($44)

Some of the most essential road trip must-haves include products that help with car organization! An easy way to do this is with packing cubes. These packing cubes by REI have a mesh front so you can easily see what’s inside.

This set comes in three sizes , so you can organize everything from small accessories to bulkier clothing.

21. Headphones

Driving with multiple people? Sometimes, it’s nice to shut out the noise and listen to your own thing for a little while. These Bose QuietComfort headphones are pricey, but they have been worth absolutely every single penny for us. We use them at our desks, on the road, on the plane, and anytime we are waiting for long periods of time.

Have conventional headphones? Buy this headphone splitter so you and a friend can watch movies together or listen to the same music.

22. ROAD TRIP BOOKS

Get inspired for your next road trip with Lonely Planet’s Epic Drives of the World . It’s filled with all sorts of incredible drives like the Pacific Coast Highway , Route 66, and other incredible international drives.

Other great books for road trip gifts include Roaming America by Matthew and Renee Hahnel, and The Open Road by Moon Travel.

Read More: The 15 Most Beautiful Coffee Table Travel Books

23. Audible Subscription

Similar to books for road trips, an Audible subscription is ideal for those times when everyone wants to hear the story! Audiobooks are great road trip gifts for kids, and can help keep them entertained on long drives. Start your Audible free trial here!

24. Aeropress Travel coffee maker ($35)

This portable travel coffee maker by Aeropress is the perfect camping road trip gift! It’s portable , lightweight, and packs down really small . Learn how to make coffee while camping before you go, and don’t forget to pack the coffee beans!

25. Compression Socks ($28)

Compression socks are excellent road trip gifts for people of all ages. These form-fitting socks by Comrad are designed to promote blood circulation when sitting for long periods of time.

26. Soft Top Cargo Roof Bag ($109)

Need a little extra room while you’re driving? Load everyone’s luggage in this soft top cargo roof bag for more space!

This one by Rigthline works with or without rooftop racks , making it a versatile road trip gift for any type of car.

27. Conversation Starters

Want to start cool conversations with your passengers? Try out a card set like Table Topics to prompt interesting and engaging questions in the car. These cards are road trip gifts that keep on giving! Looking for road trip games specifically? Table Topics made a road trip version too!

Need some conversation starters now? Here are 101 road trip questions to ask your friends!

28. Hammock ($55)

When you need a break from the car, it’s nice to have a portable way to kick up your feet and relax. That’s why an ENO hammock makes perfect road trip gifts for travelers because they pack down super small! Get a single hammock or a double hammock, and don’t forget to buy the straps too !

29. Foldable Travel Chair

A portable travel chair is the ideal road trip gift when camping! The REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair is known for its sturdiness and compact size. It’s a great choice for travelers who don’t have a lot of space to spare!

30. Camp Folding Table ($80)

Finish off your outdoor setup with a folding table to go with your folding chairs. This one from REI packs down mega small, keeping your precious storage space free for other road trip essentials .

With camping chairs and this table, you can easily set up an outdoor kitchen and enjoy a meal from anywhere!

31. Biolite Portable Lantern ($60)

These portable lights by Biolite make great road trip gifts for the family! With several settings, modes, and colors, you can adjust the lighting to fit any mood .

Use it around the picnic table for a lighted evening meal, or to easily grab and check around the car at night.

32. Instant Camera (Polaroid Go, $75)

Don’t miss a single moment of your epic road trip! Read our round up of the best Instant film cameras for travel . Personally, we think the Polaroid Go is ideal for stashing in a pocket – it’s pretty small!

The Polaroid Go uses Polaroid Go Film , which comes in frames of color OR black and white ($19 for 16 exposures), or you can try the fun filters as well.

33 Bonus: Make Them A Road Trip Gift Basket

Did you find multiple road trip gift ideas in this post? One way to surprise your intrepid traveler is to create a road trip gift basket for them! This is a great way to send them off with lots of useful tools for their journey. A road trip care package can be customized in any way, which makes it a great personalized gift.

Here are some road trip gift basket ideas:

• A cooler as the basket, filled with comforts like socks, card games, sunglasses, and lots of snacks.
• A backseat car organizer, full of items to keep tidy like a car trash bin, cord organizer, and packing cubes.
• A backpack full of handy car tech gear for the journey. Things like a car mount, phone charging cords, and navigation app subscriptions.
• How about road trip goodie bag ideas for adults? Pack them a koozie, their favorite beer, and a camping chair to enjoy after a long day’s drive.

What are some road trip gifts you are giving to someone this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!

More gift guides and travel gifts.

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The 23 Best Gifts For Film Photographers

Amazing Outdoor Gifts For Men

Join the Adventure: Get my Banff 4 day itinerary straight to your inbox!

31 Useful Road Trip Gifts For Every Traveller [2024 Guide]

Summer is around the corner, and what better way than heading out on an epic road trip? If you have an avid road trip lover in your life and are searching for the best road trip gifts – look no further! This guide details some of the best gifts for those who love hitting the road, from practical to fun.

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

In a hurry? I’ve rounded up the best Road Trip Gifts for adventurous travellers below!

• Best Practical Road Trip Essentials Gift: Roadside Emergency Car Kit
• Best Comfort Gift For Road Trippers: Rumpl Down Blanket
• Best Handy Gift For Trip Lovers: Car Phone Charger
• Best Gift For A Road Tripper Who Loves Coffee: AeroPress Compact Coffee Press
• Best Camping Gift For People Going On A Road Trip: Double Camping Hammock
• Best Fun Gift For A Road Trip: Table Topics Conversation Starters

Practical Road Trip Gifts

1) emergency car kit.

One of the most important things you need to bring on a road trip is an emergency roadside kit. Nothing ruins a road trip more than car troubles. 

This handy kit includes everything you need for those unexpected moments on the road. Included in the kit is jumper cables, multi function shovel (getting stuck in the mud or sand is no fun!) tire repair tools, whistler, flashlight and gloves. 

2) First Aid Kit

Be prepared for anything with a First Aid Kit, I keep one in the car for every road trip.

This First Aid Kit is equipped with all the essentials such as bandages, sting and burn relief and pain relief such as aspirin and ibuprofen. 

3) Backseat Organizer

These backseat organizers are awesome for storing items such as water bottles, snacks, books, Kleenex or sunglasses. Although some vehicles come with back seat pockets, these organizers are awesome for long journeys as there are many more pockets which helps keep the floor free of clutter!

You can even store an iPad or tablet in the clear pouch so the back passengers (or kids!) can watch movies and stay entertained on lengthy journeys. 

4) UV Protection Car Shades

These UV shades are the perfect road trip gift when travelling through the summer months. Their design helps block more than 97% of UV rays, protecting passengers from direct sunlight, all the while ensuring you don’t lose sight of the fantastic views along the way. This pack comes with 2 transparent shades and 2 semi-transparent shades for both the front and rear of the car. All four shades are easy to install with no section cups or glue. 

5) Adventure Road Atlas

Technology can sometimes be unreliable, so having a road atlas is always a good idea on any road trip. This Adventure Atlas by National Geographic covers all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. 

Not only does this handy guide have access to many road maps, it’s in a guidebook style which includes recommendations on the top 100 destinations for adventure plus contact information for local tourism offices. 

6) Vehicle Trash Bin

Nothing indicates a good road trip like a messy car. If you are like me you have a habit of sticking trash in the inside of the car door. 

This vehicle trash bin is easy to install on the back of the seat, the glove box or console making it easily accessible. It comes with a built-in waterproof interior which is awesome for all those fast food stops! The straps help secure it so there’s minimal movement while driving. 

Road Trip Camping Essentials

7) rooftop tent.

The most expensive gift on this list – if you are looking for a high end item that will get lots of use this rooftop tent is a great gift for road trips. This rooftop tent easily mounts onto any truck, SUV or trailer with a roof rack or bed rack and comfortably sleeps 2 people. The 3 large windows and skylight let in plenty of natural light. 

This gift is great for saving room for other road trip essentials and is easy to set-up once you reach your destination. 

8) Iceless Cooler

Save room for more food and drink in your cooler with this Igloo iceless cooler. This cooler plugs into any outlet in order to cool it without ice. Once you are one the road you can recharge the cooler as needed by plugging into the DC port/cigarette lighter. This awesome technology keeps everything inside cool and dry while avoiding any leaks from any melting ice. 

9) Electric Car Pump

Every road trip deserves an adventure, whether it be stopping for a dip in the lake, paddle boarding or camping. This electric car pump comes with 3 different nozzles and will save time inflating a camping mattress, paddle board or floatie. It’s easy to use and plug into the cars DC port. 

10) Camping/Foldable Chairs

Stretching your legs on long road trips is a must. Whether it’s for a coffee break or to take in the fresh air of nature, camping chairs are great way to escape the car and relax for a moment. 

These camping chairs are ultralight and can be set up within seconds. The small design makes it perfect for carrying in a backpack or carry-on luggage. 

11) Folding Camp Table

Road trips bring the freedom to stop off when and wherever you want to. This foldable camping table pairs perfectly with the camping chairs and can be used at a campsite or rest area to prepare snacks and lunches on the road. This table packs down to a small size and is easy to store.

12) Travel Hammock

After a long day on the road nothing beats relaxing in nature. This double camping hammock is great for short stops or multi-day camping trips. This hammock is suitable as a single or double and its lightweight design means it packs down really small. The tree straps and carabiners are included. All you need are two trees and you are all set to get comfy! 

Road Trip Gifts For The Coffee Lover

13) aeropress coffee maker.

Coffee is always a must throughout any road trip, however finding your nearest timmies when you are driving between major towns might not be so easy. 

This AeroPress coffee press is the perfect item for staying alert on the road. It’s compact design means it’s easy to grab for any road trip, be it short or long. It packs down pretty small making it really easy to pack. 

Not only does its size make it a great gift for people going on a road trip, it also brews coffee is just 1 minute. So if you do need to make a quick pit stop for coffee, it’ll be ready in no time. 

14) Coffee Thermos

When one cup of coffee just isn’t enough on the road, a thermos will keep you going on those longer routes. This Stanley Thermos is durable and great for keeping your coffee hot for those quick pit stops.  

The great thing about this thermos is that it is designed with a leak resistant lid – so you can ensure no spillage in your backpack or on the road! 

15) Yeti Coffee Mug

Yeti coffee mugs are the perfect companion for long journeys as their MagSlider lid technology ensures minimal spillage.

The double-wall vacuum design protects hands from getting too cold or too hot and have a “no sweat” technology to ensure hands stay dry. These high quality camping mugs are built to last! 

Technology Gifts For Road Trippers

16) gps system.

While a phone is great for GPS navigation, a GPS system can sometimes be more reliable depending on the route. Garmin are known for their high quality products and there GPS systems are some of the best. 

This Garmin DriveSmart 65 can suggest alternate routes and is compatible with smartphones to allow for hands-free calling. It’s the perfect gift for any road trip lover. 

17) Car Phone Charger

An inexpensive but handy gift for a road trip is this car phone charger which plugs into the vehicle’s DC port. This particular device has two USB ports and can charge two devices at once time. 

This small device is a great size to fit in your vehicles console or glove box when not in use. This Anker brand Car Charger also comes with a convenient 18-month warranty. 

18) Car Mount Phone Holder

Maps are great for going off-grid but for road trips with cell-service many travellers use their phone for GPS.

This car mount phone holder is a great road trip essentials gift for keeping any smart phone secure and your hands free and on the steering wheel. 

19) Portable Light

Having access to a light source when heading out on a road trip is important. This solar powered LED lantern is incredibly convenient for any trip as it can be used when camping, hiking, fishing or for emergencies. The collapsable design allows it to be used as a lantern or flashlight. 

This lantern can be charged via USB and takes only 2 hours to full charge. The solar panel uses sunlight to keep the battery charged during your trip. 

Comfort Gifts For A Road Tripper

20) road trip pillow.

This ultra-light pillow from Therm-a-rest is one of the best gifts for road trip lovers and comes in a range of designs. Therm-a-rest are known for their high quality products and this pillow is no exception. The compressible design of this pillow makes perfect for road trips, traveling and camping trips. 

21) Road Trip Blanket

Nothing beats snuggling up with a comfy warm blanket during a long road trip. The lightweight design of this Rumple Blanket is the perfect companion for any long journey.

It’s also super compact so saves on car space and durable so can be used as a picnic blanket or camping quilt! 

Fun Gifts For A Road Trip

22) epic drives of the world book.

This Lonely Planet Epic Drives of the World book is organized by continent and features 50 bucket list road trips such as the Pacific Coast Highway, the Icefields Parkway and self-drive safaris in Zambia. 

The pages are full of travel tips, maps and awe-inspiring photographs sure to spark the wanderlust of any avid road tripper. 

23) Conversation Starters

Stay entertained on your road trip with Table Topics – Questions to start great conversations. This box of cards includes 135 thought provoking and engaging questions. 

This box is designed for 12+ and is a great road trip game to play when things become a bit boring or around a campfire at night. 

Road Trip Gift Basket

If the road tripper in your life already has the essentials for their next adventure, why not create a road trip gift basket or care package for them? 

Items such as snacks, hand sanitizer, coffee and Kleenex are a must for every road trip. Add in come compression socks for those drives and Emergenc-C to stay healthy and you’re good to go! 

• Hand Sanitizer
• Compression Socks

More Gift Guide & Outdoor Inspiration

• 50 Best Gifts For Outdoorsy Women in 2022 That She Will Actually Want!
• Cabin Packing List – Everything You Need To Bring on a Cabin Trip

Packing List For Canada – What To Pack For Every Season

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35 BEST Road Trip Gifts for Adults Addicted to Adventure

By: Author Mitch Glass

Posted on Last updated: November 30, 2023

There’s nothing like hitting the open road for an adventure. 

And if you have friends and family who are planning a trip, picking up a thoughtful present shows you care.

The problem is deciding what to buy.

The best road trip gifts for adults depend largely on the type of person and the type of trip. 

To make things easy, we’ve found ideas for pretty much everyone.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Useful road trip gifts ideas for adults

Funny road trip gifts, road trip gift basket ideas for adults, road trip gifts for guys, road trip gifts for her, best road trip gifts for adults.

To help you find the best road trip gift STAT, we’ve organized ideas into five different categories.

You can scroll through all the ideas, or skip around to categories using the links below:

▶ Useful road trip gifts ▶ Funny road trip gifts ▶ Road trip gift baskets ▶ Road trip gifts for men ▶ Road trip gifts for women

And if you’re shopping for an RVer, here are even more gifts for RV owners .

1. GPS System

Sure, they can use a smartphone. But after our six-month van life experience , I can tell you there are downsides to this strategy. 

If you use your phone for your GPS and music for long hours, the battery may drain faster than your vehicle can charge it. GPS also stops working when it overheats from sitting in sunlight for too long while driving. 

By gifting a dedicated GPS — which has gotten much cheaper in recent years — you help solve these problems. 

2. Yeti Softcooler 

Let’s be honest, no road trip is complete without snacks. Well, at least it’s not enjoyable. Unfortunately, traditional coolers are big, bulky, and a pain to transport. The answer? 

A Yeti soft cooler. 

Not only is it considerably lighter and more packable than a normal cooler, but it also comes with a handy carrying strap. 

3. UV Window Shades

Long car rides expose travelers to more UV rays than they’d encounter during a plane or train ride. 

Keep the people in your life safe from premature aging, sunburns, and skin cancer with UV window shades for their car. 

Not only does it block out the majority of the harmful UV rays, but it also helps keep the temperature down in the summer. 

4. Spotify Premium Subscription

Listening to the radio is so 2000s. These days, people like more control over their music choices — especially during long road trips. 

If you want to earn the affection of the travelers in your life, a Spotify Premium subscription  will help you achieve that. 

Spotify lets your traveler download all their favorite songs to their road trip playlist. So when they don’t have a strong data signal, they can still jam out. 

5. Insulated Food Canister

With limited means to reheat food while on the road, tools to keep food hot as long as possible are clutch. 

This insulated food canister keeps food hot so people can bypass microwave ovens. It also helps keep food above the danger temperature zone, where yucky bacteria can grow. 

The last thing you want is a rumbly stomach on the road!

6. YETI Tumbler

Don’t let your road trippers settle for lukewarm coffee or hot water. 

These YETI tumblers are like magic. They maintain a drink’s appropriate temperature — whether hot or cold — for what seems like forever. 

These cups have a cult-like following, with over 100,000 5-star reviews. 

7. Portable Power Station

Depending on the number of people on the trip, it might prove tricky for everyone to keep their phones and devices charged. 

A portable power station easily solves this problem by providing portable power to charge everyone’s devices and even small appliances.

These also make awesome gifts for RVers .

8. Roadside Assistance Kit

Car trouble is the arch-nemesis of road trips. And sometimes it’s unavoidable and unpredictable. 

For roadies who find themselves stranded on the side of the road, a roadside assistance kit has the tools to help. 

Basic kits include jumper cables, motor oil, water, flashlights, and other things to help aid minor mechanical failure. 

9. Fun compression socks

Similar to long flights, long road trips without enough stretch breaks can affect your circulation . 

If blood isn’t moving well, it can cause sore and swollen feet and legs. This is especially dangerous for passengers prone to blood clots. 

These fun compression socks help prevent blood from pooling in your feet when sitting for prolonged periods. 

10. Dog booster seat

If the road trip lover in your life has a furry friend, a dog booster seat can make driving more enjoyable for everyone in the car. 

Dogs get a comfortable elevated seat that allows them to look out the window, and passengers don’t have to stress about their pooch jumping all over their lap for the entire journey. 

11. ‘Sorry For What I Said’ Pillow

There’s a slogan that goes, “What’s said on the road, stays on the road.” Okay, maybe that’s not an official staying, but habitual road trippers would do well to adopt it. 

Life on the road is a different beast that tends to test your patience muscles. Cramped quarters, long drives, and lack of bathrooms can make anyone a tad prickly. 

Help the road trippers in your life introduce a little levity with this fun pillow. 

12.  Carpool Chaos

No matter who you’re road-tripping with, this game will have you laughing the entire ride.

Full of fun and thought-provoking challenges and conversation starters, it’s also a great way to get to know your travel companions — whether they be friends, family, or a significant other. 

Best of all, the compact package fits perfectly in a seatback pocket.

13.  Public Toilet Survival Kit

Road trips often involve venturing into not-so-clean public bathrooms. When your bladder is about to burst, you don’t always have the luxury of searching for a clean one. 

Help to ease their germ anxiety with this public toilet survival kit. 

Though it’s more of a gag gift, it also comes with practical items like toilet seat covers, sanitizing wipes, and gloves to make the experience more enjoyable. 

14. ‘Girl’s Trip, Cheaper Than Therapy’ Pouch

Therapy has its benefits, but affordability usually isn’t one of them. This pouch acknowledges this and offers a reasonable alternative — a girl’s trip. 

For the women in your life who use girl’s trips to cope with life, this pouch is the perfect accessory and yet another funny road trip gift. 

15. Pamper Basket

Road trips might be unconventional, but that doesn’t mean personal pampering should have to take a back seat. In fact, a road trip makes the need for pampering even more crucial. 

After hours or days cramped in a car, the body needs a little extra nurturing. Show the road trippers in your life that you care by putting together a pampering gift basket. 

What you include depends largely on what the road tripper likes. Start building your basket with various lotions, shaving cream, loofahs, and scents. 

16. Snack Basket

Road trip care packages for adults don’t always have to be fancy. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a trip richer and more enjoyable. 

One simple way to show your traveling buddies that you care is to put together a snack basket. They’ll love you for helping them avoid extra stops at convenience stores and fast-food joints.

Even though they’ll likely have a cooler, you should opt for non-perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration. Things like chips, nuts, granola bars, cookies, and dried fruits are a great place to start. Just make sure you account for allergies. 

17. Book Basket 

There’s no better time to catch up on good books than during a road trip. 

For the bookish among you, consider putting together a book basket. Think about including a couple of novels, a crossword puzzle book, and another special book that teaches them something. 

If your road tripper is prone to car sickness, an alternative option is to buy them an Audible subscription . This gives them access to audiobooks while they drive.

18. Road Trip Games

For those travelers with a childlike spirit, a road trip games basket might be the thing they need in their lives. 

There’s a ton of downtime during road trips and games can help fill the time. Plus, it can help keep drivers from becoming disoriented during long drives. 

This particular idea is super easy to put together. You can just visit a dollar store, print off your games from Etsy, or check out this list of best road trip games . 

19.  Wipes

Life will be better for all trip attendees if their space is clean and tidy. Help them achieve this goal by gifting them disinfecting wipes. 

Include things like paper towels, hand sanitizer, and air freshener — all things you can find at the dollar store. 

20. Cozy Basket

Sometimes a road trip means sleeping in a car for a night or two. And whether that car is moving or parked for the night, your road-tripping friends will appreciate anything that adds to their comfort.

Think about things like neck pillows, moisture-wicking throw blankets, and maybe even thick mats to put over the car seats. Just don’t go overboard because their space is limited. 

21. Boozy Basket 

Again, this basket idea isn’t meant for the designated driver (at least until they safely reach their destination). But all other adults are game.

Putting together a gift basket of alcoholic drinks doesn’t have to be expensive. This isn’t the time to try to impress, you’re just trying to help them take the edge off during a long car ride. 

Cheap wine and spirits work like a charm.

22. GPS Watch

The best road trip gifts for guys are things that reduce the pressure of planning and coordinating a successful trip. 

And while larger GPS systems are great for the car, he can’t take it with him if the group decides to pull over for an impromptu hike. 

Help his mind rest by gifting him a GPS watch, which will help keep him and his loved one from venturing too far out. And if they do, they’ll be able to easily find their way back. 

As drones have become more mainstream, prices are coming down. There are now drones available at nearly every price point.

And what better time to whip out a drone than during a road trip? 

Whenever your friends reach a particularly interesting patch of terrain, they can use the drone to get some cool aerial footage.

We use the Mavic Mini , but this is a cheaper option with great reviews. 

24. McNally Road Atlas

Many men have a weird thing for maps. Especially physical maps.

This top-rated road atlas allows for road trip planning the old-fashioned way, which is certainly more adventurous than simply following Google Maps.

It also allows them to easily find the scenic driving routes that Google Maps is almost guaranteed to miss. 

25. ‘Pack This’ Notepad

Packing is a chore, no matter what the ultimate destination is. But what’s more annoying than the time it takes to pack is the stress that comes with accidentally forgetting necessities. 

Eliminate the guesswork with this ‘Pack This’ notepad. It comes pre-listed with the basic things a traveler needs — socks, underwear, clothes, and other basics. 

But it also delves deeper and includes things like travel documents, toiletries, and medicine. 

26. Travel Pillow

There’s almost nothing worse than a stiff neck after a long car ride. But sometimes it’s inevitable — cars just aren’t optimized for long periods of sleep.

Help your man friend avoid painful kinks by giving them a travel pillow that supports their muscles and keeps everything aligned. 

27. Toiletry Bag For Men

Don’t get it twisted, men also want to feel fresh and clean during road trips. 

Unfortunately, keeping up with hygiene habits can be tricky during road trips. Shaving on the road, in particular, can be a pain. 

Thankfully, this waterproof toiletry bag makes things easier. It’s small enough for easy packing, but still large enough to hold several travel-size hygiene items. 

28. Noise Canceling Headphones

Sometimes, you just need to drown out all the noise. 

When loved ones are screaming car sing-a-longs or arguing over whose turn it is to drive, he can descend into his happy place with these noise-canceling headphones. 

This makes a good travel gift for any type of traveler, whether they prefer the open road or flights.

29. Video Projector

When thinking of road trip gifts for her, consider things that add a little charm to her life. 

For those nights when it’s just too crisp to stay inside, an outdoor projector can be the perfect way to encourage her to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

This particular projector has built-in speakers and can connect directly to your phone or laptop.

30. Fairy Lights

Nothing can compete with the beauty of a star-filled sky on a clear night.

But when you’re cooped inside of a car overnight at a campground, fairy lights can make a cramped vehicle feel like a studio apartment. 

These lightweight lights are affordable, easy to set up, and are guaranteed to dazzle. 

31. Electric Candle

Candles and open flames are generally a no-go inside of vehicles. 

So where does this leave the wistful traveler who wants to unwind and meditate at the end of a long day? 

Electric candles, of course. These give ambiance without the risk. They also eliminate the need to remember to pack a lighter. 

32.  Leather Bound Journal

People travel for different reasons. Some want to experience new things, and others want to put some distance between themselves and their past. 

Figuring out why you’re traveling is just as important as the journey itself. Help push your friends and family towards introspection and mediation by giving them a leather-bound journal. 

33. Starbucks Gift Card

For some women, it doesn’t matter how far she travels, Starbucks will always be a priority. 

If this sounds like the woman in your life, help quench her thirst with a Starbucks gift card. 

Thankfully, you can find a Starbucks in nearly every major city in the continental U.S, so your money won’t go to waste. Go ahead, splurge a little!

34.  After Sun Body Spray

There’s nothing quite like taking a break from a long trip and exploring the local terrain.  But after a few hours in the blazing sun, your skin needs more TLC. 

Help her rejuvenate the sensitive skin on her face with this after-sun body spray. It’s formulated to rehydrate the skin and ward off sun damage. 

Best of all, it comes in a delicious lavender scent that lingers for hours. 

35. Sleeping Mask

Car sleeping can be hit or miss. For some, motion sickness makes it difficult. Others sleep like babies. 

No matter where the woman in your life lands on the spectrum, a sleep mask can only improve the situation. 

These particular masks block out 100 % of light, won’t smudge any of her lingering eye makeup, and won’t snag her hair. Win-win-win!

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27 Best Road Trip Gifts for People Who Love the Open Road

Are you searching for the best road trip gifts for someone on your shopping list?

Good on you for taking the time to think about a gift that speaks to that family member or friend’s interests and passions!

This list has 27 of the best road trip gift ideas, including road trip essentials and some out-of-the-box ideas you might not have considered.

Road Trip Essentials

Fun road trips begin before the car, campervan, or RV leave the driveway. Nothing ruins a good road-tripping-time like being ill-prepared or unorganized.

1. Roadside Emergency Kit

A perfect gift for road trip peace of mind! This  Emergency Roadsid e Kit comes with jumper cables, an air compressor, a tow strap, and much more all packaged inside a handy, portable case. It can handle roadside assistance for cars, trucks, vans, and RVs.

• The Road Guardian- The portable roadside assistance kit is designed and hand picked by a group of experienced veterans and experts to provide every…
• Top-Notch Digital Auto Tire Inflator- lightweight and compact air compressor can inflate your standard vehicles tire in seconds. With auto shutoff…
• Copper-Clad Aluminum 12 Feet 8 Gauge Jumper Cable- A durable battery starter cable is a must-have for your trip. Unlike other kits on the market, our…

Road trips can come with long stretches where there are no gas stations and rugged roads. So while it may not be the sexiest of road travel gifts, it’s essential to have some tools at the ready in case of vehicle troubles.

2. Paper Road Atlas

All serious road trippers must have a paper map. The  Rand McNally 2024 Road Atlas  is a spiral-bound booklet with large, easy-to-read print that covers all 50 States. The atlas zooms in on cities and National Parks for a complete look at the area. 

• Rand McNally (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 286 Pages – 04/17/2023 (Publication Date) – Rand McNally (Publisher)

GPS and Google Maps are certainly useful tools but driving around remote areas or making spontaneous stops could come with gaps in cell phone coverage or area maps that haven’t been downloaded for offline use.

As a road tripper myself, not having a physical map is a  road trip mistake  I won’t make again! This is one of the best gifts for people who drive a lot for their travels!

3. First Aid Kit

Small, portable, and packed with the essentials, this  First Aid Kit  is a must for car trips. The kit includes bandages and ointments for injuries, sting and burn relief medicine, aspirin, ibuprofen, and more. 

• Comprehensive Emergency Kit: Includes adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, aspirin, ibuprofen, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other multi-use first aid items
• Convenient Packaging: An ideal workplace and home first aid, it comes in a soft-sided zippered case complete with clear plastic pockets designed to keep first aid supplies neatly organized and easy to locate
• Easy Access: This convenient and versatile work, home and car emergency kit features 2 separate layers with individual compartments that make accessing first aid supplies quick and easy

Whether it’s needed to attend to a sick passenger or dress a wound from a trip and fall outside the car, all road trippers should have first aid basics at the ready.

4. Car Mount Phone Holder

If the road tripper on your gift-giving list uses their phone for Google Maps or navigation tools, a  car mount phone holder  keeps their phone screen in view without moving or needing any hand adjustments while driving. It’s one of the best gifts for road trips because you can safely see where you need to go.

• EASY ONE TOUCH LOCK/RELEASE: The patented Easy One Touch mechanism allows you to quickly mount and remove your phone with one hand.
• ADJUSTABLE VIEWING: The telescopic arm extends from 4 – 6.5 inches and pivots on 260 degree arc for a variety of mounting positions. The rotating ball joint allows you to view your phone in both landscape and portrait mode.
• UNIVERSAL MOUNTING: Holds all phone and case combinations from 2.3 inches to 3.5 inches in width.

Be sure to include an  adhesive dashboard pad  as a stocking stuffer. I’ve used this exact phone mount for my road trips and found the adhesive pad is stronger, especially in warmer temperatures, compared to the suction cup.

5. Car Phone Charger

Navigation, travel apps, and listening to favorite podcasts and music for long periods of time is a surefire way to burn a phone’s battery. A  car phone charger  plugs into the lighter socket for quick, full-speed charging. It’s one of those gifts for drivers and road trippers that ensures everyone in the car stays happy with charged devices.

• The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by America’s leading USB charging brand.
• Faster Charging: Quick Charge 3.0 charges devices up to 80% in just 35 minutes. PowerIQ and VoltageBoost deliver the fastest possible charge to all non-Quick Charge devices.
• Double the Charge: Dual ports pump out 39W. Enough power to charge power-hungry USB devices at full speed.

This charger is a great road-themed gift because it’s compact and the double USB ports allow more than one device to be plugged in at a time.

Organizational Gift Ideas for Road Trippers 

If you’ve ever been on a road trip, you know it’s not long before the inside of the car can become messy and disorganized. It’s during one of those moments when road-trippers panic thinking they’ve left their favorite travel coffee cup behind or dig unsuccessfully for their snacks and sunglasses. 

That’s why a road trip gift to keep things in their places can  go a long way  to saving sanity.

6. Backseat Car Organizer

• 🚗【CAR ORGANIZERS AND STORAGE】Multi-Pocket Storage, easy handy storage of snack foods, children toys, water bottles, drinks, books, magazines…
• 🚗【UPDATED MATERIALS】Premium quality better than others, which is environmentally friendly materials 600D Polyester, perfect protect your seats…
• 🚗【CLEAR IPAD HOLDER】The kick mats can hold up to 10″ iPad and tablets. The screen of the tablet is well visible through the window pocket and…

This  2-pack seatback pocket organizer  holds snacks, water bottles, toys, books, and necessities like kleenex and glasses. There’s even a clear pouch designed to hold a standard-sized iPad or tablet. 

The material is water-resistant and durable. It also functions as a kick mat that can be cleaned with a wet wipe. Whether on a short weekend car trip or a cross-country road trip, the many pockets in this organizer will be put to good use and keep clutter off the floor.

7. Vehicle Trash Bin

One banana peel is all it takes to realize how important having a  trash bin for the car  is. Imagine hundreds of miles of snack wrappers and drink cups!

This strong bag container helps to avoid the inevitable mess that comes from eating and drinking on the go. It protects the inside of the car from leaks and can fit securely on the floor or around a headrest all without blocking any vents.

• ▶[*CAUTIONS*]◀Customized plastic bags are NOT INCLUDED. Sold separately.
• [KEEP YOUR CAR CLEAN AND TIDY] Car trash can ‘Jopps’ has 1.85 gallon of capacity which helps to stay organized and neat in your car
• [STURDY BOTTOM SUPPORT BOARD] Jopps have plastic board on the bottom which keeps the trash can in shape and prevents it from closing

The bag also doubles as a cooler bag that can keep water bottles and other drinks cold. When not in use, the container folds up flat and can be stored away. 

8. Accessory Organizer

• GRID-IT! organization system – a rubberized woven elastic object retention system for the ultimate in organization
• Organize gadgets: chargers, cords, headphones and gadgets
• Organize makeup: lipstick, brushes and nail polish

Your road-trip-loving family and friends will thank you for this  genius organization gift . No need to throw cords, gadgets, tools, or even toiletries into a bag only to waste time digging to the bottom to finally find what you need. 

The straps hold items firmly in place and the zipper encloses everything inside the case to keep all items securely where they need to be. Cords are no longer tangled and with just a glance you’ll know if something is missing. The organizer can even fit into a daypack or a seatback for convenient on-the-go use.

9. Packing Cubes

• 【Set Includes】1x XL: 44x33x9 cm/17.3x13x3.54 inch, 1x L: 37x27x9 cm/14.5×10.6×3.54 inch, 1x M: 30×22.5×9 cm/11.8×8.9×3.54 inch, 1x S: 25x19x8 cm/9.8×7.5×3.54 inch
• 【Soft Material】 Ultra soft lightweight rip-stop nylon with high density and extensibility and smooth zipper make this compression packing cube set extremely durable when they are filled with more essentials.
• 【Revolutionized Your Packing】 Our packing cubes make packing a breeze and cut down on the space needed for trips dramatically. No longer overpack!

Of course,  packing cubes  are great travel gifts in general. But for road-trippers, packing cubes make it easy to just grab the necessities instead of lugging an entire suitcase or bag into a tent or hotel room for the night.

Organize packing cubes with complete outfits and pajamas. Their compact sizes can easily be stowed in hotel drawers. These can even be stored inside car storage bins to eliminate the need for bulky suitcases on a road trip!

Road Trip Gifts for Comfort in the Car, Campervan, or RV

Any guide with gifts for road trip travelers has to list ideas that’ll get everyone feeling comfy! The beauty of these items, though, is their versatility. They can be used outside of the car for any road trip camping combo, as well as for other travel adventures.

10. Travel Pillow

The beauty of this  Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow  is that it’s both a compact travel size and can also open up into a full-size pillow. It can easily serve as a headrest in the car and then be used with a favorite sleeping bag for a comfortable night of camping.

It has a soft, true pillow-like feeling and expands into a fuller pillow the longer it’s open to its full size. Road-trippers and campers will love the comfort and convenience of this pillow!

11. Versatile Puffy Blanket

The  Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket  pairs perfectly with the above travel pillow for ultimate comfort whether in the car trying to catch a snooze or cozying up in the campervan for a night of sleep.

• VERSATILE COMFORT – The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Our puffy blankets combine the…
• DURABLE AND EASY CARE – Crafted with a ripstop shell, the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket withstands outdoor elements and is machine washable, ensuring…
• CONVENIENT PORTABILITY – Designed for life on the go, our portable, packable blankets come with a convenient carry bag included. Our single blanket…

This blanket makes the perfect gift because it’s warm, waterproof, lightweight, and can withstand being used for everything from a picnic blanket to a sleeping bag replacement. It repels stains and is machine-washable. This blanket also packs down into a stuff sack for easy, low-profile storage when not in use.

ProTip:  Outdoor gear merchant  REI sells the Rumpl Blanket  in different sizes and patterns in clearance or on sale.

12. Compression Socks

Road trips come with a lot of time sitting in a car, campervan, or RV.  Compressions socks  help with circulation and are perfect gifts for travelers whether they’re on a long drive or a long flight.

These socks wick moisture and odors away and won’t lose their grip after being washed. Travelers and road trippers can arrive at their destination with fresh legs, not swollen from sitting, ready to take on a national park hike or some city sightseeing.

13. Headphones

Whether it’s a road trip with kids, friends, or family, headphones let everyone enjoy their favorite movies, music, and games without disturbing others.  Kids’ headphones  with a wired cord mean no charging or batteries are necessary. They also happen to be one of the most loved road trip gifts for adults, too! 😉

• 24-Month Hassle-Free Warranty, Easy to Reach Customer Service
• Designed for kids ages 3 to 16, little or older kids, girls, boys, children, toddlers, home/online school, training, long plane or car rides. On-ear…
• Features a built-in microphone, multi-functional button, and an adjustable slider for volume limit. The adjustable slider allows you to easily switch…

While  AirPods  for teens and adults can help someone sleep before taking over behind the wheel as they connect wirelessly to a favorite podcast or playlist.

14. Road Trip Gift Basket

All successful road trips need snacks or else you inevitably wind up feeling hungry along a long stretch of dusty road where there’s barely a gas station in sight. A  road trip basket  full of snacks is a surefire way to keep road trippers of all ages happy.

• HEALTHY SNACKS: This 45 count care package includes a mix of healthy snacks (that are still sweet and savory). Best essential brands of nuts, bars,…
• DIMENSIONS: 13.5in x 12in x 3in. Gift wrapping and message available at checkout. Contents included: 1 Boom Chika Pop, 2 Nutrition Bars, 4 Granola…
• COLLEGE SPRING FINAL EXAMS 2024: College and University Spring Semester Finals are approaching! These snacks are a great study boost for all studying…

The gift box is packed with an assortment of the best road trip snacks including granola bars, fruit snacks, and popcorn to satisfy sweet and salty cravings. Not to mention, everything stays fresh because everyone gets to open and eat the snack they want.

15. Iceless Cooler

Keeping road trip food does not need to be messy or a hassle. A leaky cooler full of melted ice soaking the inside of the car doesn’t make for fun times. This  Igloo Iceless Cooler   plugs into the vehicle’s lighter outlet and keeps foods fresh and cool inside and everything else dry outside.

• Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying
• Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting. Capacity-32 12-oz cans; 26 quarts (24 liters)
• 8′ long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use – good universal fit in 12V outlet

This cooler fits on the floor behind the front seats and has a handle for easy carrying. For overnights in a hotel, plug the cooler into a standard electrical outlet to keep the items inside cool while the car or campervan is off.

16. Conversation Starters

TableTopics  are the top-selling conversation card game and one of the most fun things to buy for a road trip. What better way to get everyone off their devices and talking than 135 questions designed to help families and friends reconnect?

• Spark Meaningful Conversations: TableTopics Original is a collection of 135 fun and thought-provoking questions covering a wide range of topics. The beautiful cube container that holds the perfectly proportioned 3 x 3-inch cards blends well with any décor, so you can keep it on your dinner table, kitchen counter, or coffee table all the time.
• Elevate Social Occasions: Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine with friends, gathering for a casual chat with coworkers, or simply spending time with loved ones, using these question cards will enhance your interactions. The conversation topics are endlessly engaging and can transform any social gathering into a more enjoyable and memorable experience.
• Ice Breakers that Create Connection: TableTopics Original is a fantastic tool for fostering connections among diverse groups of people. Whether you’re with friends, acquaintances, parents, in-laws, distant relatives, or coworkers, these cards break the ice and create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can participate and feel included.

The original set is designed for ages 12+, but box sets are also available for families and couples and in themes like “Happiness” or “What Would You Do.” Road trips are all about being together and engaging with the world in real time. With no small pieces and nothing to charge, this is one of the best road trip games whether in the car or around the campfire.

ProTip: If you’re trying to choose from the top road trip games for couples, then consider Couple Connect.

17. Dog Booster Seat

Road trips are the ultimate form of pet-friendly travel! And fur babies deserve some car comfort (and safety), too. This  pet booster seat  elevates off the seat with a strap around the seat headrest so dogs can see out the window and secures in place with a lower strap around the back of the seat.

• WINDOW SEAT: Boost your dog to the perfect height to look out the car window
• AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES: Check the size chart to find the perfect size for your pup; the largest size booster seat comfortably holds 1 or 2 dogs weighing up to 25 pounds
• SAFE TRAVEL: Connect your car seat belt and use the safety tether to keep a restless pet secure

Best of all, this durable seat with a machine-washable inside liner comes with a safety leash to protect pups from sudden stops or vehicle movements. My fur baby loves this seat and has used it from puppy to senior on all of our road trips.

Road Trip Gifts for Comfort Outside the Vehicle

Half the fun of a road trip is getting out of the car to hike, explore, sightsee, and enjoy all the destinations along the drive. But in order to enjoy every moment, comfort, convenience, and of course, good eats are required.

18. Portable Hammock

Give the gift of throwing any sense of time out the window. This comes while lying in an  ENO DoubleBreasted hammock  in a peaceful slice of forest discovered only because the road led to this unplanned solitude.

This hammock just needs 2 trees and a couple of minutes to be strung up and enjoyed. When not in use, it stuffs down to the size of a softball perfect for road trip travel where storage space comes at a premium. But don’t let the small size fool you, this hammock is stitched to hold 2 adults and belongs on any list highlighting the best road trip gear.

19. Portable Light 

Whether it’s a  string of lights  or a solar-powered lantern , a little extra light in the campervan once it’s dark can provide hours of soft light for reading, cooking, and as a guide to wayfinding.

• 10 feet (3 meters) of cord – Four lights per strand with 21 inches (533 mm) between each light
• Daisy Chain Output – Connect additional strands or mix and match with other BioLite SiteLights
• Cord Stabilizers – Assists in hanging over branches

Portable solar-powered lighting is the perfect solution for road-trippers who can charge lanterns during the day, either from the dashboard or strategically placed to catch the sun. And if the daytime drive turns into a night of camping, both of these lighting options are easily set up in tents and around campsites.

20. Folding Table

Road trips come with the freedom to go where the road leads but it’s also an opportunity to pull over and enjoy the surroundings. No camping is necessary to get use out of this  small, portable folding table . 

• 【2 Heights】 This 2ft folding table open size is L24″xW16″, heights are 10″ in low and 19″ in high with the adjustable legs. Pack size is 16″x12″x3″ when folded in half.
• 【Easy to Setup】 Install the folding camp table easily within several seconds. Quick to fold out and take with the carry handle. Easy to clean the tabletop with a paper or cloth.
• 【Light and Compact】 The small portable table weighs 5.5lbs, holds up to 70lbs. Lightweight folding table is convenient to take for camping trip, travel, outdoor concert, sports events.

Use it for picnic lunch prep, sipping a morning coffee, or just about anytime extra space is needed outdoors or in. Whether in a car or an RV, all road trippers will appreciate the versatility of this table and its adjustable legs to accommodate different heights. Not to mention, it folds up discreetly and can be stored away in a narrow space.

21. Travel Chair

Road trip stops are certainly meant for stretching those legs. But when it’s time to enjoy a cup of coffee a car camping meal or just to take in the view, the road tripper on your list will appreciate a  travel folding stool.

• ADVENTURE: Discovering the outdoors is full of fun and adventure, but sometimes you just want to take a seat. Our Slacker stool is perfect for those hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, or hunting breaks. Enjoy nature’s scenery while relaxing.
• COMFORTABLE: Take a load off and relax with our folding stool. This tripod seat has been designed to be practical, durable, and comfortable. With both nail head and Ripstop polyester fabric and space to relax, this is one comfy chair.
• TRAVEL CHAIR: Life is constantly on the move, and our portable seat can move with you. This lightweight stool weighs only 1.9 lbs. and measures 2.75” x 2.75” x 24″ when closed. The carry strap and hook-and-loop closure make this chair a breeze to move.

22. Portable Stove

• Instastart ignition for matchless lighting; 7,650 total BTUs of cooking power
• Fits up to a 10-inch pan
• Lasts up to 1.25 hours on high on one 8.8 oz. butane gas cylinder (sold separately)

Car campers will  l-o-v-e  this  Coleman Stove  for making the best road trip food! It sets up quickly, is super portable, and can cook for more than an hour at high heat. It’s great for prepping breakfast, heating a kettle, or slow-cooking a hearty stew for a chilly night. As with all the best road trip gifts, size matters. This stove has a low profile and can be neatly stored away. And, the carrying case makes it easy to transport.

23. French-Press Coffee Maker

For most people, morning coffee is non-negotiable. This  French-Press Coffee Maker  guarantees no-such sacrifice has to be made from the road and is much more eco-friendly than purchasing a coffee in a styrofoam cup each morning.

24. Outdoor Cook Prep Set

To enjoy a road trip meal out of the car or campervan, some basic meal prep tools are essential. This  24-piece Outdoor Cook Set  comes in a portable case to keep everything organized. It’s also one of the best road trip gifts for guys who are missing their BBQ cooking tools back home!

• 24-piece camp dining set feeds a family of four—enjoy food, fun and adventure with four sets of cutlery, preparation and cooking utensils, condiment containers and cleaning gear.
• Chef tools to whip up on-the-go homestyle meal—flip and stir with rotating spatula and spoon; grate cheese and vegetables with lightweight grater; skin wild-caught fare with utility knife.
• Add flavor to food with waterproof salt and pepper shaker; Transport savory oils and sauces in soft-sided condiment containers with easy-to-use flip-top squeeze lids.

This set pairs perfectly with the folding table and 2-burner stove above for a convenient, compact way to prepare and enjoy meals on the go. The kit includes a utility knife and cutting board, along with cooking utensils like a spatula and whisk, all of which store away in the zipper case.

25. Resuable Water Bottle

Water bottles are a must on a road trip. Not only do they help reduce how much plastic you use, but they also keep drinks secure and potentially at the right temperature if the bottle is insulated.

• INSULATED SPORTS WATER BOTTLE: Goodbye sweat! The double wall insulation makes the Iron Flask sweat-free! It keeps your drink COLD for up to 24 hours, and HOT for up to 12 hours. *NOTE: ONLY the 14 Oz, 18 Oz, & 22 Oz fit in cupholders*
• 3 LIDS: YES, Iron Flask comes with THREE different LEAK PROOF lids. Carabiner Straw Lid with 2 Straws, Flip Lid, and a Stainless Steel Lid! *NOTE: The stainless steel lid is plastic from inside and stainless steel from outside*
• 18/8 PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL: The Iron Flask is made of 18/8 Stainless steel that is BPA free and non-toxic. It will never leave a metal taste or rust. HAND WASH ONLY WITH SOAPY HOT WATER!

The Iron Flask is insulated so your drink will be cold or hot when you want to drink it. The straw makes it easier to drink without needing to open a lid on undo a cap. In fact, the Iron Flask comes with 3 different lids all that are leak-proof so that you can switch the lids to be right for the type of drink in the bottle.

Out-of-the-Box Road Trip Gifts

If you’re looking for gifts for road warriors who have it all, how about a more experiential gift that creates a happy memory.

26. National Park Pass

One of the most popular types of road trips is to explore some of the 61 National Parks, not to mention the 400+ monuments, forests, seashores, and recreation areas that are part of the National Parks system.

An  America the Beautiful National Parks Pass  is good for 1 year from the month of purchase. The pass includes admission for the driver of the vehicle and all the passengers (up to 4 adults.) to all National Parks including popular road trip destinations like the  Grand Canyon  and  Zion National Park.  Kids 15 and younger are free. 

The pass also covers many National Monuments and National Forests like some that can be visited along an Oregon Coast road trip.

27. Get Your Guide Gift Card

Give experiences over stuff and let the recipient choose depending on their destination and their interests. With a  Get Your Guide Gift Card , you can choose from thousands of experiences including activities and tours in National Parks and U.S. cities like New York, New Orleans, and Chicago. How it works is simple.

Just select a value for your gift card and let the lucky traveler choose! The gift card is valid for up to 3 years from the purchase date.

So if the road-tripper on your list is headed off on a  National Park road trip to Utah , they can choose a 4×4 off-roading adventure.

Or while in Grand Teton National Park, head off on a guided wildlife safari. It’ll be their choice to decide what’s right for their travel plans and the best souvenir with which to return home.

Gifts for road travelers combine versatility, usefulness, and size. But car travel gifts are also items that make the whole trip an unforgettable success!

Which road trip gifts are on your list?

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The 65 BEST Useful Road Trip Gift Ideas (2024)

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Table of Contents

Looking for the best gifts for road trips? Check out these 65 road trip gift ideas to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Who doesn’t love a little surprise to kick your road trip off on a high note? Think about it—your co-pilot’s face lighting up as they unwrap a quirky, handy travel gadget, or your kiddos squealing with joy when they discover some games specifically for the journey. Gifts are the secret sauce to elevating any road trip from “great” to “absolutely unforgettable!” And, if you have friends planning a road trip, why not tailor your gift-giving this year to their journey?

Thanks to my years of road trips (and giving gifts for them) , I’m diving deep into the world of road trip gifts—how to pick ’em, how to package ’em, and even how to present them for that maximum WOW factor. So buckle up, because we’re about to take this road trip planning into overdrive!

Top Road Trip Gifts

Packing Cubes

I have to admit, I thought packing cubes were a waste of $$ for many years, but on an impulse, I purchased a set and now I’m sold. They really do make organizing and packing your suitcase easier – I’m a convert. This set is super affordable and has terrific ratings.

I love having a road Atlas in the car. Although I do depend heavily upon Google Maps these days, there are times when I want to see what’s near where we are going, or I like to get an overview of a state or location.

Fodor’s BEST Road Trips in the USA

Why not package that Atlas with Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA? What a fun gift perfect for anyone who loves to plan a good road trip!

Personalized road trip map

If you have a friend or family who has a special road trip planned – or maybe you are going to plan a trip for your family, why not create a personalized road trip map? I have found it quite easy to make my own maps on Google Maps . This would be a terrific gift for a day trip too!

The perfect cooler

A terrific road trip gift is a cooler! Last summer I did quite a bit of research to find the perfect choices, so use my legwork and make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Hydrate with a new water bottle

Staying hydrated is super important while on a road trip, and a nice water bottle is a perfect choice for a road trip gift. You could fill it with a gift card or two or add it to a gift basket. Easy and useful!

Keep your coffee warm with a thermos

If your road tripper is more of a coffee drinker, how about a good-quality thermos to help them keep their coffee warm so they can refill their coffee cup throughout the trip? My husband LOVES his old school Stanley for extra coffee on road trips.

Stocking stuffer idea #1

A few chip clips would be a terrific stocking stuffer idea for someone who loves road trips, or a fantastic addition to a road trip gift basket. After all, how many times have you opened a bag of pretzels on a road trip and not had a way to close them? These chip clips or any of the next few stocking stuffers are great gift ideas for road trips.

Stocking stuffer idea #2

Wet wipes are also much needed on a road trip, right? Especially with kids, things can get messy. So add a package or two of wet wipes to your road trip gift basket or tuck them into a stocking.

Stocking stuffer #3

We all went a little crazy with hand sanitizer a few years ago, but thanks to that I got in the habit of keeping a bottle in the car. It’s incredibly useful on road trips when you find yourself eating on the go!

Stocking Stuffer #4

Although these days we don’t use change as often for tolls ( thanks EZPass! ) , it can come in useful for parking meters. So, having a bit of change (especially quarters) in the car can be a lifesaver. Why not keep it in a cute change purse ?

Picnic blanket

In the summer, I always keep a picnic blanket in the car. I use it for impromptu picnics or outdoor concerts wherever we travel. So consider a picnic blanket for your next gift idea .

Beach chairs

I’m not going to lie, I wish I’d had our beach chairs in the car on our last weekend getaway to Petoskey, Michigan . They would have come in so handy at the state park! A set of beach chairs is a great gift idea for road trips.

Car phone mount

I’ve tried several car phone mounts through the years and so far this has been the best. It’s so smart to use one for hands-free driving, and I like the placement of this one for when I’m following maps.

Glove box holder

This would make a terrific stocking stuffer – it will make life easier for your recipient to keep things organized and I LOVE the fun colors – my daughter and I both have this in orange.

Portable charger

I’ve purchased this portable charger twice now (somehow they keep disappearing in our family) , and it works great. It’s the ideal gift for anyone road-tripping to an amusement park or Disney !

Keeping a small flashlight in your glove box is a smart idea. So, that makes it a smart option as a road trip gift. It’s another nice item to add to a fun gift basket or stocking.

I don’t know how many times the small umbrella I keep in my car has saved me. It takes up little to no room and comes in so handy. If your road trip gift recipient doesn’t have one in their car already, get them one!

First aid kit

Just like an umbrella, every car should have a first aid kit. I used mine ALL THE TIME when the kiddos were little. Even today, I find myself reaching for a bandaid or some first aid cream regularly.

AAA roadside subscription

If you’ve got family members who frequently road trip, give them (and you) peace of mind with an AAA roadside membership.

Tire pressure gauge

Along with that AAA membership, how about a tire pressure gauge ? It’s a useful gift that would also be a good complement to that membership or any of the other auto-related gifts.

Trunk organizer

A trunk organizer is a fun and useful gift that can be used for road trips as well as just everyday running around town. And it’s super affordable.

Car trash can

This car trash can is more than just a trash can, it’s also a car organizer. So, two useful gifts in one!

If you are looking for a gift for the car riders on the car trip, how about a pair of headphones? Although my kids like their AirPods , my husband swears by these – and has convinced at least half a dozen friends to buy them!

Audible subscription

Add on an audible subscription to the headphones for a gift that will be used all year long! Entertainment while riding in the car on a long car trip is super appreciated.

Kindle Paperwhite

I absolutely LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite . I take it on every road trip and flight. I can load up tons of books, it is super light and takes up no room at all!

Kindle Unlimited Membership

Along with that Kindle, a Kindle Unlimited Membership would be an awesome gift. I have one and love having dozens of books at my fingertips.

National Parks Pass

If you need a gift for an outdoorsy type of person or someone who’s planning an epic road trip to visit several National Parks , how about a National Parks Pass?

Complete National Parks of the United States

Give that National Parks Pass with this comprehensive guide to the National Parks – it’s the perfect complement!

State Park Pass

If visiting all the National Parks isn’t on the road trip agenda for this year, how about a state park pass? Most states have them and they can inspire a year’s worth of fun and exciting day trips and mini-road trips!

State travel guide

Pick up a fun guidebook ( like this one for Indiana ) for the state park pass you selected and you’ll have a fantastic gift for any local explorer.

Give the gift of a tour

As someone who likes new experiences, I LOVE this gift idea . We’ve done a variety of tours that would be fantastic gift ideas – food tours , winery tours , e-bikes , you name it – just gear it to the interest of your recipient.

Attraction tickets

Attractions can be a very expensive part of a road trip, especially in a big city like Chicago , so save your friends and family a little money by gifting them tickets!

Museum memberships

Museum memberships can be a terrific gift because many of them have reciprocal memberships so they can be used all over the United States – perfect for road trips.

Go City Pass

If you know your road tripper is going to a specific city, you could gift them a Go City Pass for that location. It will be a huge savings for them, and allow them to do a LOT easily.

Cozy blankets

A warm, cozy blanket can be a lifesaver on a long car ride. I swear by these Vera Bradley ones – they hold up wonderfully!

Even in the summer, I like to have a pair of warm socks in the car on a long road trip. I can slip off my shoes (unless I’m driving🤣 ) and keep my feet warm and cozy. This would be a fantastic addition to road trip goodie bags for adults.

To make it easy to slip on those cozy socks, have a pair of flip-flops (or moccasins in the winter) as your road trip shoes. Give a pair along with some cozy socks for a great gift!

Compression socks

For a really long drive, compression socks can be a lifesaver. I don’t know how your legs get tired just sitting, but compression socks can alleviate some of that – this could end up being one of the best gifts for car travelers.

Road trip games

Help keep the kids busy on a road trip with some fun road trip games. Check out my printable packet with plenty of fun options!

I picked up these car bingo boards for gifts for my kiddos years ago before a road trip to Florida. They’ve been a hit ever since.

Wooden hangman game

Hangman is another fun car game, and this wooden version travels well! We’ve used ours for years on long car trips.

Road trip snack bags

Another great gift for kids going on a road trip is a set of road trip snack bags. Fill them up with goodies and the kids will be thrilled!

Daring & Dangerous books for kids

This series was a BIG hit for our kids on road trips. It kept them entertained in the car and at the final destination. There is a girls version and a boys version . My kids loved them!!

Car seat organizer

There were several years when we used these car seat organizers for every long road trip. They kept the kids organized and they had all their “stuff” at their fingertips.

100 Drives, 5000 Ideas

What a perfect gift for anyone on your list that LOVES a good road trip! I’m picking this one up for myself this year 🌞!!!

Travel Journal

Give the gift of creating memories with a beautiful travel journal. You can select one with prompts or just blank pages – tailor it to your recipient. I like this one .

Road Trip Planner

Help with the details to make the road trip successful with this road trip planner. This set of printables will ensure nothing is left to chance! Gift it with a travel book, or other road trip gift for a fun way to get excited about the planning process.

I know I’m not the only one who loves to visit local breweries when we travel, and having a growler on hand makes it easy to enjoy and share our beer discoveries once we return home. Pick one up at a local brewery – full of beer is best!

Restaurant gift cards

Restaurant gift cards can be a lifesaver for someone heading out on a long road trip. Especially for coffee or quick lunches! Gift cards are fantastic road trip gift ideas for adults.

Gas gift cards

Unless your recipient owns an EV, they are going to need gas for their road trip. So, make life easy and buy them gas gift cards.

Amazon Prime membership

I love having Amazon Prime while on a road trip. If you forget something, you can order it on the road and have it delivered to your destination. Ditto for groceries. You can watch Prime video on the road, and easily get everything you need FOR the trip.

Costco or Sam’s membership

Having a Costco or Sam’s membership can be a treat while you are on a road trip. You can get gas for less, enjoy a quick lunch, or pick up needed supplies. Consider giving a membership as a gift – it WILL be appreciated.

Fun road trip t-shirts

Get everyone excited for the trip with a fun road trip t-shirt! I found SO many cute ones online – definitely something for everyone.

Travel themed sweatshirt

Your family runs cold? Or maybe the road trip will be to a cold destination. Go for a travel-themed sweatshirt.

No road trip would be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Pick up a pair for everyone in the car as a gift for road trips.

Laundry Bag

It is SO convenient to have a laundry bag along on a road trip. No need to figure out where to put dirty laundry, and since you are driving you have room for another bag!

Beach/ Pool bag

When the kids were little I always had a separate beach or pool bag for our road trips. It was a great way to contain beach toys, sunscreen, swimsuits, flip-flops, etc.!

Beach towels

Having beach towels on your road trip isn’t just useful at the beach or pool. They are fantastic for muddy or wet situations too. That’s why they make a terrific road trip gift.

Rain Poncho

We always have a few rain ponchos in the van when we road trip. They are perfect for amusement parks , sudden storms, or hikes with a potential chance of rain.

Yoga travel mat

If you have fitness enthusiasts on your list for road-tripper gifts, consider a yoga travel mat. They don’t take up much room and can help keep the workouts consistent.

Subscription to Lindywell

Along with that yoga mat, why not give a subscription to Lindywell . With daily pilates routines you can do from anywhere (on your phone) , it’s a great way to stay consistent. I’ve been a member for years and love it!

Travel-sized sewing kit

Add a travel-sized sewing kit to a fun road trip gift basket. This would be super helpful and is perfect for someone who has everything.

Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Road Trip Gift

So how do you pick a gift that’s going to knock it out of the park? First things first, consider who you’re gifting it to.

Are they the organized type? A cute, pocket-sized journal and a travel planner might just make their day. Or perhaps they’re a foodie? How about curating a mini snack pack with local treats from every they will make on their route? Yum! The point is to match the gift with their interests.

Also, make it practical for the journey. If they are hitting some trails, think water bottle or a nifty first-aid kit. And hey, if all else fails, a good old gas card can be a lifesaver. Trust me, they’ll want to put that extra cash towards something more fun, like a surprise detour to that giant corn maze they spotted along the highway!

Tips on How to Package the Best Road Trip Gifts

The art of gift-giving doesn’t stop at just picking out the perfect present, does it? Nope, the wrapping and presentation are just as important, especially when you’re on the road. I mean, think about it—you don’t want a beautifully chosen gift tumbling around in the backseat, getting lost amid the bags and snacks, right? So let’s dive into how to package those road trip gifts to wow your travel buddies!

First off, go easy on the wrapping paper. Trust me, I’ve been there. I once wrapped a gift so meticulously with fancy paper and bows, only to find it crumpled and torn after just an hour into the journey. Lesson learned! Instead, consider reusable cloth gift bags or cute totes that can double as an extra carryall for the trip. It’s both eco-friendly and super practical. Plus, these bags are easier to open and close, so if your friend can’t wait to peek at their gift (and who could blame them?) , it’s simple to tie back up!

How about those smaller gifts like trinkets or snacks? Create a road trip kit. Small metal tins or sturdy little boxes are amazing for this. You can even add some personal touches like stickers or handwritten labels. Or put a bunch of smaller items together in cute road trip gift basketsMany of the best road trip gifts aren’t big or expensive so a road trip gift basket works well.

So go ahead, and add that extra pizzazz to your road trip gifts with some thoughtful packaging. Not only does it show you care, but it also makes the experience of receiving it all the more special. After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference on the open road!

Conclusion: The BEST Road Trip gifts

Well, there you have it, my fellow adventurers—your go-to guide for elevating your road trip with the perfect gifts! Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s also about the journey and the joy you bring along the way. Trust me, a thoughtful gift not only adds a sprinkle of magic to your trip, but also creates those priceless memories you’ll be chatting about for years to come.

So, as you map out your next route, make a pit stop at your favorite gift shop or hit up the internet, and spread some of that road trip love. Whether it’s a state park pass, a bag of local treats, or a fancy new thermos for those much-needed caffeine stops, the perfect gift will make your adventure all the more special.

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Meet Pam Howard, mom of two teenagers who loves to make the most out of every day. Pam's passion for exploring new places and discovering hidden gems has led her to become a travel enthusiast. As a blogger, Pam shares her experiences and insights on day trips, weekend getaways, and everyday adventures in the Midwest and beyond. Join Pam on her journey as she inspires and motivates others to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world around them.

37 Useful Road Trip Gift Ideas Travelers will Love

Looking for road trip gift ideas here are useful road trip gifts every traveler will appreciate.

Road trips are a great way to spend time with friends and family, but they can also be long hours in the car.

I remember taking long drives into the mountains when I was younger and having so much fun because we were prepared!

If you’re looking for a gift for the traveler in your life or maybe even a little something to get yourself ready for an upcoming trip, I’ve got you covered!

Let’s jump in!

Essential Road Trip Gift Ideas

1. 118-Piece Car Roadside Emergency Kit

For peace of mind on a road trip, this car roadside kit has everything you can think of in times of need – a snow shovel, jumper cables, and other sturdy accessories. Gift this emergency kit to your road-tripping travelers!

2. First Aid Kit

Always be prepared. This first aid kit for the car prepares you for emergencies, disasters, and anything else that may come up on the road! This kit is compact and light and even has a mini kit for ease of access (like when you decide to go hiking). A first aid kit is probably one of the most essential road trip gifts you can give!

3. LED Rechargeable Flashlight

Have a flashlight ready for dark times while on a road trip! This flashlight is super bright and small, so it’ll fit perfectly in the glove compartment. It’s also rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing dead batteries!

4. Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA

Be prepared for any road trip in the United States with this book at your side. Prepared maps, recommended places, and a guidebook, this is the ideal road trip gift idea!

5. YETI 20 oz Tumbler

The Yeti is the essential travel mug as a road trip gift idea. It keeps your drinks cold or hot for long hours! Grab a Yeti tumbler or 2 for your next road trip and have your drinks at the ready all the time!

Road Trip Gift Ideas for Organization

6. Handheld Car Vacuum

Grab this convenient and useful car vacuum for extra-long road trips, especially if there’s a stop at a sandy beach! The 16-foot cord plugs right into the car aux so you never need to worry about the battery going out! With its size, this handheld vacuum makes a perfect road trip gift idea!

7. Car Trash Can

On long road trips, there is bound to be endless trash from snacks and wrappers from new things. Get a car garbage can to hold all your trash until the next stop! This one can hang anywhere in the car and has support for trash bag handles on the side too!

8. Trunk Organizers and Storage

For easy access to everything, grab this organizer for your road trip. The hooks help the box to stay sturdy and there’s plenty of room for all the things! There’s also a cover so you can feel safe leaving it in the car. What a great road trip gift idea to stay organized!

9. Organizer With Tray and Cooler Compartment 

Snag this handy organizer with a cooler compartment and sturdy tray top as a road trip gift idea. You can pack your snacks inside the cooler and snack on the tray above… or if you think like me, play a card game on it!

10. Car Backseat Organizer

With a long car trip, you’ll need all your essentials – from tablets to water bottles, there’s a pocket for everything! This backseat organizer is so useful to keep all your things in one place so they don’t roll around the car. For people in the back seat, this car organizer works like a charm as a road trip gift idea!

Road Trip Gift Ideas for Comfort in the Car

11. Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This memory foam travel pillow is different from the others because it’s twistable and can be used in any way! You can twist it to support your neck, back, legs, and more! For comfort, give away this road trip gift to someone who needs it!

 12. Inflatable Car Air Mattress with Pump

A car air mattress is so convenient for when camping or needing to take a rest from a long drive. This particular mattress comes with an air pump you can plug into the car for ease of use! As a road trip gift idea, this tops one of the most popular gifts!

13. Electric Car Blanket

This electric car blanket comes with a 96-inch long cord, stays warm, and can be plugged into the cigarette lighter jack. It’s the perfect gift for a night of stargazing off the beaten path on a cool night while road-tripping.

14. Sherpa Blanket

If electric blankets aren’t your thing, then this sherpa blanket is for you! Keep warm while on the go, and even sleep snuggled up with this super soft blanket as a road trip gift idea!

15. Cravebox Care Pack

This fun treat box is the perfect care package for you and your road-tripping friends! Filled with sweet and savory treats, there’s something for everyone. The best part is all 45 of them are individually wrapped! This road trip gift idea will make many tummies happy!

16. Mini Fridge, 4 Liter/6 Can Holder

Keep your drinks or food cold on the go with this mini-fridge. It plugs right into your car and you’ll have cold snacks for that long drive! The mini fridge is the perfect road trip gift idea for refreshing drinks!

Road Trip Gift Ideas for Comfort Outside the Car

17. DUDE Wipes Flushable Wet Wipes Dispenser

Let’s be real, the only comfort needed outside is for our bottom to feel good – grab these DUDE wipes for your favorite dude traveler while he’s out on a road trip! He’ll thank you for it… (Psst… it’s mint flavored!)

18. Goodwipes: Flushable & Plant-Based

Ladies need wipes too and these are my favorite! I love the smell of Goodwipes, and they leave me feeling clean. Snag these plant-based wipes as a road trip gift for your bestie!

19. Toilet Seat Covers

If you are someone like me who is hesitant to use public restrooms anywhere , then this is the road trip gift you need! Never worry about dirty toilet seats again with this 50-pack biodegradable, flushable toilet seat covers!

20. Sundome Tent

Now that we’ve got bathroom essentials covered, take care of your sleep with a tent, the perfect accompaniment to a long road trip into the mountains, ocean, lake, or anywhere else you find yourself! This tent is the perfect road trip gift idea for 2 people out on the road!

21. Camping Chair with Built-In Cooler

A perfect road trip gift idea match for a tent, set up a chair, and enjoy that campfire (or the stars!). This chair is also great for a stop at the beach or lake as well!

22. Rolling Cooler

This rolling cooler is a wonderful road trip gift idea as it has saved me multiple times when I’m on the road. Use it to pack lunch for the beach (and easily rollable over sand), pack food after visiting a farmer’s market, or just have cold snacks on the road.

Gadgets for Road Trip Gift Ideas

23. Dual Cup Holder Expander and Attachable OvalTray

For you water drinkers with a large water bottle (like me), this is the gadget for you! Put your large water bottle down below, add another cup up top, and even save space for your snack! The perfect road trip gift idea to have all your goodies within reach!

24. Back Seat Mobile Phone Holder & Hanger

This mobile phone holder is the perfect road trip gift idea for your backseat friends! Let them rest their hands and practice ergonomics while watching their favorite show on a long road trip. It also has a useful hook for a backpack or snack bag too!

25. 200W Power Adapter

For continuous power while on the road, snag this useful power adapter to plug in your technology. You can work on your laptop, plug in multiple phones, and make sure everything is charged and ready to go when you get to your adventure!

26. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Though it’s small, this Bluetooth speaker is an amazing road trip gift idea for travelers connecting to their playlists when taking a break from the car – think hiking, camping, or even stargazing.

27. Drop Stop – The Original Patented Car Seat Gap Filler (2-pack)

It’s a small annoyance when your phone or food falls in the gap between the console and your seat on a long drive. This Drop Stop is your solution and just the right road trip gift idea! It stops things from falling in. Grab it for a stress-free drive!

28. Steering Wheel Desk

On a stop for food or updates on your computer, this steering wheel desk comes in so helpful as a road trip gift idea! Snap it into place and you have an office on the go!

Games for Road Trip Gift Ideas

29. Rainbow Puzzle Ball

To play, push the buttons into the middle and try to match them back up with their colors. For endless fun as a road trip gift idea, this magic ball will challenge and entertain you on a long car drive!

30. Games on the Go

From “Find that Number” to word games, this little pack makes an all-in-one perfect road trip gift idea! When everyone is awake on that long road trip, play these verbal games on the go!

31. Around the Table Games Family Talk

Family talk in the car is an amazing road trip gift idea because everyone is all together (and stuck) so conversations must go on. Grab this convenient list of questions for your next road trip!

32. Paint by Sticker

First, I know it says “kids” on the front, but adults can also enjoy this fun paint-by sticker book as a road trip gift idea, too! Take a sticker and put it on the correct number – such a creative way to spend your long hours on a road trip!

33. Red 30-Second Mysteries

A mysterious road trip gift idea to tease your brain is with these interesting 30 Second Mysteries! Read the story and figure out what the mystery is… this is a great way to pass the time on a long road trip!

Out-of-the-Box Road Trip Gift Ideas

34. America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Gift an annual National Park pass to your road-tripper who loves stopping in America’s national parks! This gives free entrance to National Parks, Forests, and many more! The annual pass makes the ideal road trip gift idea for nature lovers!

35. Audible Subscription

Gift credits as an amazing road trip gift idea to your favorite road tripper! Listen to books, podcasts, and Audible originals. The best part is they get to keep the books even if they don’t have a subscription! I loved listening to Love People, Use Things !

36. Spotify Subscription

The next best thing as a road trip gift idea is to give away a Spotify subscription! Listen to your favorite tracks and podcasts on Spotify! There are even options to hear the news. (Of course, my favorites are currently all serial killer-related!)

37. Apple Music

For iPhone users, Apple Music is the road trip gift to give! From here, listen to your favorite artists and podcasts straight from the Apple Music app. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and road-trippers will not miss out on their faves!

Still Not Sure Which Road Trip Gift Ideas to Give?

Trying to choose the perfect road trip gift can be tough. If you’re not sure what your road tripper would like, why not put together a road trip gift basket ?

This way, they can try out a variety of different items and find what works best for them. You could include numerous gifts like guidebooks, car essentials, organizers, and snacks.

Or, if you know their favorite type of music, you could put together a road trip playlist. Whatever you include, road trip gift baskets are a great way to show your thoughtfulness and help road trips go smoothly.

Rounding out Road Trip Gift Ideas

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with the whole family, I’ve got tons of great suggestions for road trip gifts that will make your next drive more enjoyable.

If you want to be entertained and pass the time on long car rides better than ever before then consider picking up one of these 37 useful road trip gift ideas.

From games to comfort items and essentials like snacks and water bottles–there’s something here for everyone in every situation.

Looking for more product guides? Check out these resources!

Liked what you read? Share it on Pinterest!

My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

• Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
• For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
• When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
• For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
• Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
• Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
• Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
• Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
• Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
• Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
• Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
• Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
• Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
• Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
• What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

60 Useful Road Trip Gifts and Basket Ideas for Travelers in 2023

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 2, 2023

Planning a road trip or know someone who is traveling soon? For travelers that are heading out soon, how about you surprise them with some road trip gifts — perhaps you’ll even make them a road trip gift basket! As someone who has taken dozens of roadtrips, these are some of the best road trip gifts you can pack.

These ideas are also perfect for auction gift baskets – this road trip basket below is one I made for our class school auction!

In this article:

Best Road Trip Gifts Ideas

As someone who has taken a LOT of road trips, here are 60 of my favorite road trip gift ideas! This list has a mix of road trip gifts including road trip essentials, road trip gadgets, games for road trips, unique gifts, and even some ideas for family road trip gifts!

Affiliate links are included in this post so I may earn a small commission if you purchase with my link.

Road Trip Essentials

These items are essentials that will help make a road trip more comfortable, safe, and clean. They make great road trip gifts as they're practical gifts and most have a low price. Many of these can be added to a road trip gift basket to fill in space.

Rand McNally 2022 Large Scale Road Atlas

While we all rely on google maps on our phones these days, there's always a chance you'll lose your coverage while driving. A road atlas helps you navigate to where you need to go if you lose signal for some reason. Rand McNally makes great road atlases, this one is spiral bound with large-scale maps but they also make a traditional staple-bound atlas. A road atlas is one of the best road trip gifts.

If you're staying in one particular state or region, you might consider a paper map for that state that you can just store in your glove compartment versus a whole atlas.

Also, keep in mind that digital maps will probably tell you the best way to go to save time or mileage, but it might not be the most scenic way to go. A road atlas can help you look for scenic drives and routes.

While traveling in the car there's nothing worse than getting something on your hands and not being able to wash them. Wet wipes are a great item to pack as they can be used to wipe up spills and messes -- not just for kids! I recommend buying biodegradable eco-friendly wipes.

Hand Sanitizer

Of course over the past couple of years having hand sanitizer handy has been a big part of traveling. But our family has been packing hand sanitizer on road trips for a while. The 8 oz Purell pump bottles fit well in our van cup holders and is easily accessible for all. It's great for using after stops, after fueling up, and before eating.

Paper Towels

Going along with the keeping things clean theme, a roll of paper towels is a great item to pack for a road trip. These come in handy in a variety of situations, cleaning up messes, wrapping up wet or dirty items, or even cleaning up spills in the car.

Facial Tissues (Kleenex)

Having some facial tissues, aka kleenex on hand is helpful since there's a good chance someone will need to blow their nose at some point. These can also come in handy if you need to use an outhouse or "green latrine" while on the road. These travel packs work well for the car but I know some brands make canister-style facial tissues that are supposed to fit in cup holders, too.

Car Trash Bag

While you can certainly use a plastic shopping bag for this purpose, a car garbage bag can make a great road trip gift. This is the one we use and I love that it has an elastic neck which makes it easy to push trash in, plus it has a rolled velcro bottom that you can simply unroll to empty out the garbage when you get to a large garbage can. Great (cheap) gift for road trip travelers!

5 Organization Tips for Road Trips

Here are some tips for keeping your car clean and organized during a road trip -- which will help everyone enjoy the trip more!

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency gift is an excellent road trip gift idea -- especially for teen drivers! You never know when you'll have an issue on the road and one of these items might just help you avoid a serious issue or inconvenience.

5 Steps to Prep Your Car for a Road Trip

And don't forget to make sure your car is road-ready and any car maintenance is up to date. You'll also want to make sure your spare tire is in good condition and ready if you get a flat tire.

Car Battery Booster Pack

While the roadside emergency kit above comes with jumper cables, that relies on having another car available to give you a jump. When you're on the road, a car battery booster pack is a good idea since you can jump your car without relying on the help of strangers.

First Aid Kit

While you should make sure you're covered for serious medical concerns and can access a hospital, minor scrapes can be fixed with a travel first aid kit. Remember some ibuprofen/acetaminophen, stomach chews (Pepto Bismol), allergy pills, and bug bite cream. We've used them all on road trips.

Helpful Tips for What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit

If you're traveling as a family, here are some helpful tips for what we pack in our travel first aid kit - many items are useful for traveling with kids!

Odor Eliminator Spray & Air Freshener

Let's face it, long stretches in a car with one or more people are going to lead to some stink. Pack along a bottle of air freshener / odor eliminator to help manage smells while on the road. This is an item that many don't think about packing and so makes a great road trip gift!

Reusable Insulated Water Bottle

Water bottles are great for road trips as they help you stay hydrated and can save you money from buying drinks at every stop. Insulated bottles can also be used for coffee in the morning and water later in the day.

I like to have a bottle that has a flip/slider lid and a straw option as those are the easiest for using while driving in my opinion (versus a screw cap bottle). Just make sure to get a bottle that will fit in most cup holders (like these Simple Modern ones)!

A reuseable water bottle is one of the best travel gifts!

If you're planning a long drive with multiple rest stops along the way, it can be useful to have a simple day bag that you can grab if you leave the car for a hike or even to run into a store. A sling bag like this can even hold smaller tablets and books, plus it has a pocket for a water bottle or umbrella.

Facial Wipes

For long, multi-day road trips, facial wipes can come in handy, especially in the summer. These work for men and women and can be useful in helping you feel refreshed and

Being in the car for a long time can lead to some dry lips, so having some lip balm on hand

There's nothing worse than dry eyes, especially when you're driving! Having some eye drops packed in the car can be a real lifesaver on a long road trip.

Dental Floss Picks

Since eating in the car or on the go is pretty standard for road trips, having some dental floss picks packed can help keep your mouth feeling clean after meals. I also try to buy biodegradable ones so I'm not adding plastic to the landfills.

Another comfort item for road trips is lotion. We like to use a pump bottle, but you can also use a travel-size tube,

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

These microfiber cloths are especially handy for cleaning eyeglasses and sunglasses. But they can also be used for cleaning mirrors or windows or even the screens of DVD players, phones, and tablets.

Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in bright sunlight can be overwhelming and even dangerous. I have eyes that are sensitive to sunlight and a pair of polarized sunglasses is a huge help for driving during the day. Even people who don't normally drive with sunglasses can find these useful on the open road!

Slip-On Shoes

While these aren't necessarily a road trip gift you can gift someone you don't know well, slip-on shoes are definitely a road trip essential. You'll be making stops often and wearing shoes that tie will slow you down and become an annoyance for taking on and off when you're not driving. Of course, if you're a solo driver, you can wear whatever shoes you want since you won't be taking them off while in the car.

Travel Pillow

If you're going to be a passenger on a long road trip, you'll want to pack a travel pillow. Pillows like this one can be useful for traveling and make great gifts for a road trip passenger.

5 Reviews for the Best Travel Pillow

Check out my reviews for these different travel pillows.

Travel Blanket

Another road trip cozy item is a small travel blanket. This is useful for passengers if one person wants to keep the car at a cooler temp than others prefer. I also think being cozy makes it easier to fall asleep. This blanket also makes a great filling item for a road trip gift basket.

Travel Towel

If you're making stops along water and beaches, a travel towel can come in handy. We've stopped at roadside beach pull-outs and have always appreciated having a towel to dry off our legs and feet after taking a little walk in the waves.

Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

Planning some picnics or beach stops along the way? One of these fold-up picnic blankets is one of the best gifts for road trippers who like to enjoy nature along the way.

Reliefband Anti-Nausea Wristband

Keep in mind if anyone suffers from motion sickness while traveling. If so, be sure to pack some items to help with that. You can use medicine like Bonine, essential oils, ginger candies, or a Reliefband tech bracelet that uses electricity to help combat motion sickness.

Car Road Trip Accessories & Gadgets

For techy travelers, many of these road trip accessories and gadgets will seem like essential items! I'm making them their own category as they do offer some convenience and will certainly help plugged-in travelers stay connected while on the open road.

Car Power Inverter USB Charger

So many of us have electronics that will need to be kept charged during a long road trip. This power inverter also allows you to charge larger electronics like a laptop, in addition to having multiple USB ports for everyone to be able to charge their device. Great gift for a road trip with friends or family!

Portable Cooler Refrigerator

For road trippers that want to save money and eat on the road, a portable refrigerator that hooks to a car 12V outlet works great. It keeps food and drinks cool to enjoy later on the trip. This one comes with an AC plug too, so you can bring it in to plug in your hotel room.

We all know that driving can be dangerous, and these days proving who is at fault during an accident can come down to who has proof. A dash cam like this can help you prove what happened if something does go wrong while you're on a trip. (note, some US states do not allow you to mount dashcams to windshields, only dashboards)

If you're an Alexa-loving road tripper, consider "teching out" your car with one of these Echo Auto devices. You'll be able to go hands-free to play music, listen to audiobooks, and even play Alexa games.

Kindle Paperwhite

For travelers who love to read, having a Kindle can be a great gift idea. And for road trips, the glare-free Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for in the car. You can even get them with a trial for Kindle Unlimited which is a great service for avid readers!

Car Charger Phone Vent Mount

We love having this car mount in all our cars and I love that it charges my phone, too. Fits most phones and vents.

Handsfree Bluetooth FM Transmitter

If you or your friends have an older car, they might want one of these Bluetooth transmitters that let them connect their phones to their car through an FM radio station. Great for allowing you stream your favorite playlists and audiobooks from your phone to your car sound system.

If you like to keep your car clean while traveling, having a car vacuum on hand can be useful. This one plugs into a 12V outlet in the car and can help keep crumbs and dirt at bay. Make a great road trip gift!

Portable HEPA Air Purifier/Deodorizer

Since most road trips involve fast food and eating in the car, it's no surprise that your car can start to stink. This car gadget works to clean, purify, and deodorize the air. No more coming out to a car that smells like french fries from the day before!

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

This handy road trip accessory gadget helps you check your tire pressure. It's always a good idea to drive with proper inflation and know if you might have a leak so you can get it fixed quickly!

Car Trunk Organizer

Here's another handy organization item that makes a great gift for road trips! Help your best friend keep things in order with a hanging trunk organizer. This one is great for vans and SUVs, but you can get sedan-sized organizers that work well for cars.

Car Window Shade

If you're buying a road trip gift for a group or someone who is traveling as a group, these car window shades can be useful. Often they're used by families for babies, but they work well for any passengers that don't want the sun beating down on them while they watch movies or sleep.

Cleaning Gel for Car

Here's another fun road trip accessory that makes for an affordable gift. This cleaning gel (aka slime) will seep into tight crevices and pick up rogue crumbs that a vacuum just can't quite reach.

Family Road Trip Gift Basket Ideas

Here are some great family road trip gift ideas that are perfect if you're shopping for someone who will be road-tripping with kids! These road trip gift basket items will keep the kids entertained and comfortable on the open road.

Road Trip Travel Games Gift Box

Here's a fun set of road trip games and activities for kids and it's already packaged together, making it ideal for adding to a family road trip gift basket!

Kids Travel Tray with Dry Erase Board

This travel tray can be a lifesaver for traveling families. Kids will have a surface to help them draw and eat, plus handy storage pockets for keeping their toys and activities from falling in between the seats!

Backseat Car Organizer with iPad Holder

If the kids are planning to watch some movies or shows on a tablet during the road trip, having a hanging pocket or mount can come in handy. This seat organizer serves that purpose as well as offering pockets for storing away other items.

Car Seat Organizer with Cup Holders

If you don't like the backseat mounted organizers, these organizers can sit in the middle seat next to kids to give them easy access to toys and snacks. Plus this one has cup holders!

Car Seat Headrest Pillows

One of the best ways kids can stay happy on a road trip is by sleeping, whether you're talking toddlers or teens. This neat road trip headrest gadget creates a cushioned rest for kids or adults to lean against which supports their heads.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids - License Plate, Bingo, I Spy...

Check out my post with free printable road trip activities!

Shotgun! The Hilarious Family Card Game for Road Trips

Here's a fun road trip game perfect for grade school and teen-aged kids. Adults can even play along. This game is sure to bring laughs and great family memories!

Hidden Pictures Book Set

These are classics and I remember loving them when I was a kid. This pack of hidden picture books will keep kids entertained in the car and give parents a bit of peace and quiet while they search. :)

Free Printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Print off this fun road trip scavenger hunt.

These are fun sensory toys for kids, letting them use their imagination to craft and build. They're fairly mess-free although you likely don't want to leave them in the hot sun as they're coated in wax to allow molding.

Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free

The Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free art sets are perfect for traveling kids. The markers only work on the special paper, so no worries about marker messes on your car, and no stress about melting crayons!

Kids Travel Bag Activities to Pack for Vacation

Here are some fun travel activities kids can bring on the road.

Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal

This fun book is packed full of road trip games and activities for traveling kids. Great gift for kids who are writing.

LCD Writing Tablet for Kids

This brings back some memories of etch-a-sketch for me! Kids can draw whatever they want and then at the push of a button the screen is clear and ready for a new design. The name-brand version of this toy is Boogie Board in case you want to avoid the "knock-off" versions.

Dramamine Motion Sickness for Kids

If you're buying a road trip gift for a family who hasn't traveled much with their kids, adding these kids' motion sickness tablets could be a lifesaver.

Road Trip Gift Cards & Memberships

Another great idea for road trip gifts is to give travel lovers gift cards or memberships that will be useful on the road.

Roadtrippers Plus

One of my favorite tools I used on a recent road trip was Roadtrippers. It's a road trip planning app that helps you find great spots to see and things to do along your route. It even includes reviews and photos from fellow travelers. It's a perfect road trip gift!

National Parks Pass

If the road trip will be heading past national parks in the US, giving the gift of a National Parks Pass ($80) can be a great idea. Plus, there are even ways people can get a parks pass for free!

Audible Membership

Audiobooks are great to listen to on road trips, and a gifted membership to Audible will help road trippers stay entertained and maybe even learn something new while on the road.

AAA Membership

AAA is the leader in roadside assistance memberships, so a membership for their service can make a great gift. Many hotels also offer a AAA discount on hotel rooms which could help a traveler save money!

Gas Gift Cards

Buying a gift card for gas can be a bit tricky as you might not know what gas stations will be popular on the road trip route. However it's a fun gift idea with a definite road trip theme, so even a small amount to a local area gas station can get used.

Road Trip Snacks

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like snacks to help make a road trip great! Read my full list of road trip snacks , but these are a few of my favorites that make great gifts for a road trip gift basket!

• Fruit Leathers/Snacks
• Granola Bars
• Rice Krispie Treats
• Animal Crackers

I hope this list has been helpful. Many of these road trip gifts are a great way to prepare travel lovers for their upcoming trip while also providing useful gifts that they might not have thought of! Let me know if you have any other gift ideas I didn’t list.

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Road trip gifts 2024: Ultimate gift ideas for all travel lovers

Looking for the best road trip gifts? You’ve come to the right place!

If you are looking for a thoughtful birthday gift, a secret Santa gift for a co-worker or maybe even the most thoughtful goodbye present for a loved one about to travel, we’ve got you covered!

Travel gifts can be so thoughtful, but you can run the risk of getting someone a gift that they already have.

As a travel lover, I get the same 5 or 6 gifts every year, like a portable cooler!

So to avoid this, I created this list of gifts travellers would love to receive and be able to take on all road trips.

This guide takes a look at the best gifts that the traveller in your life will not only love but use again and again.

So let’s jump in and take a look at the ultimate road trip gift ideas. No matter your budget, there is sure to be one on this list that is perfect for you!

Bespoke Road Trip Gifts

If you are buying for someone who loves a good road trip, chances are they have everything practical.

So why not get a unique road trip gift that no will else will have bought them?

These road trip gift ideas are perfect for any road tripper you know!

Reusable Car Air freshener

I had to have this gift at the top of my list because I bought one for Christmas a few years ago and loved it .

Everyone loves getting a new air freshener for their car but they are never at the top of the list for must-have road trip gifts. But Eco-Freshies should be! These amazing handmade air fresheners are not only reusable but 100% natural.

Bucket list cards

The ultimate road trip companion that fits in your pocket. If unique and thoughtful road trip gifts are what you are looking for, these Bucket list cards will be the perfect fit.

This card set can be done on your own, with a partner, with a group of friends or even as a competition. These challenges are to encourage travellers to learn about new things, countries and people in an unforgettable way.

These will make the perfect road trip addition no matter where you are!

Travel Keyring

Most road trip gifts are super practical and hard to personalise. If you are looking for a gift that can be both, get a personalised travel-inspired keyring for your favourite wanderluster!

Everyone loves a portable gift that they can take on their travels so this is the perfect Christmas gift.

Tote bags are totally underrated as gifts but every traveller on your list will absolutely love them.

They are the best budget-friendly road trip gift which will always come in handy.

If you want a unique and wanderlust-inspired gift, Stitch Where You’ve Been by Chasing Threads is the best Tote bag for a travel lover. Use your travel-themed needle & thread to cross your travel destinations off on the road.

If you are looking for small road trip gifts that are unique and will be the perfect keepsake for your travel lover, you can’t go wrong with a personalised compass. Choosing a personalised message to put on your compass will make this a lifelong keepsake for the adventurer in your life.

A Compass is not only a practical gift for on the road but this functional memento makes the perfect gift for any occasion!

Planning set

Help someone plan the best road trip by getting them a travel planning set. Another one of the most budget-friendly road trip gift options that every traveller will use and love.

This will turn every long journey into the perfect road trip!

Adventure Fund Jar

An adventure fund jar is one of the best road trip gift options that have a function and looks good in the house too!

It’s also a great gift if you want to get something thoughtful on a budget.

The best road trip gifts for on the Road

There are so many gift options out there it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one.

Let’s make this road trip lovers’ next trip the best with these ultimate road trip gift ideas they will want to use on their travels.

The trusty travel bag can be an excellent gift for a traveller. Especially if it’s durable, lightweight, and spacious.

A bag is also one of the best gifts around for anyone who goes on a road trip because it will always be useful! This is one road trip essential everyone will use again and again.

Here are the best travel bags for road trip lovers:

Phone Holder

A Phone Holder is one of the most perfect gifts for anyone who is always on the road.

And you will be surprised how many travel lovers don’t actually own one!

The best and most recommended one on the market is the Olixar Magnetic Phone Holder. Not only is it sturdy, portable and easy to use but is really affordable .

Have you been on a road trip and the car you rented doesn’t have Bluetooth? or the radio drops out?- It’s a pain!

This is why a trusty AUX cable is one of the best (and cheapest!) gifts around.

There are so many AUX cables around it can be hard to pick one. If you are looking for the best value for money then the Amazon Basics 3.5mm Male to Female is the one you want!

This simple gift will be the perfect road trip addition for the traveller in your life!

Skin Care Set

Keeping your skin fresh on the road is an uphill challenge. Any road trip lover will be forever grateful for a skincare set they can take on their travels!

Mac in a Sac

Like getting value for money? Well, you can’t go wrong with a Mac in a sac.

This is one of the travel gifts that will be used again and again.

Travel Soap

Travel soaps can be both thoughtful and practicable, so are always one of the most popular gift options to give anyone who travels.

This is a great option for anyone on a budget because you can get some amazing travel soaps for very little money. The best part is that it will last for a long time so they can use it during their travels and after they come back home.

If you are looking for a travel soap that does everything, Friendly Soap is the best! Not only does it wash you and your clothes but is naturally antiseptic.

Portable Hammock

A gift that makes adventures better no matter where you are will always be a winner.

This is why a portable Hammock that is super lightweight, durable and comfortable is an epic gift for your favourite traveller!

This is the perfect gift to give someone who loves to road trip and will make their trips so much easier.

Laundry Bag

Another useful and practical gift for people who are going on a long and tiring trip. This is one thing travellers always forget so this gift will always be a hit!

This is one of the road trip gifts that will not only make anyone laugh but also be very useful in an emergency.

Travel Journal

Keep your adventures together in one place with a travel journal. This is one of the best gift options to get if you are on a budget!

Waterproof Sea Bag

A dry bag should be a travel staple. If you want to explore the outdoors or just keep your valuables safe and dry on the road, this is one of the ultimate gifts all travellers will want .

Get Your Guide Gift Card

Road trip gifts are best when they can be used on an adventure. So if you are looking for a gift that the person on your list will be so excited for, a get your guide gift card will do the trick.

This gift card allows you to pick from thousands of travel experiences worldwide. So if the road trip lover on your list is heading off on a trip to Corfu , they can choose a trip to try local wines and olive oils. Or while on a Wales road trip , they can go on a tour of the Capital.

DSLR Camera Strap

There is nothing worse than accidentally dropping your camera when you are trying to take the perfect photo.

This is why a camera strap is one of the must-have gifts for any adventurer.

This is one gift they will really thank you for!

Every organised traveller needs a good Tech tidy.

Keeping all your chargers, headphones and any other tech items wrapped up safely on the road will be a lifesaver for that traveller on your list.

The practical Tech tidy is another one of the great gifts you can get if you want something small and budget-friendly that will create the perfect road trip!

The Road Trip Boredom killer

Have you ever been driving for hours and felt like you are not getting anywhere?

This will have happened to your road tripper hundreds of times so get them a gift to help them out!

This is absolutely one of the best road trip gifts to cure boredom. The book is filled with visual activities to entertain your driver on long journeys and will be a sanity saver.

Road Trip Gifts to Remember Your Travels

If you are looking for totally road trip gift ideas, why not get the travel lover in your life something so they can remember their favourite trip forever?

Custom Road Trip Map

Who doesn’t love a digital product? The options you can do with them are endless.

With all the amazing prints that can be created, every traveller will love this custom road trip map so they can remember their favourite trip.

Throw pillow

Throw pillows are one of the unique and thoughtful road trip gifts that every traveller will love.

For being used on the road or completing your home decor, throw pillows are the perfect way to remember a special trip or favourite place.

Country necklace

If you are looking for really special and unique road trip gifts to help your loved one remember their favourite adventures, a country necklace is a perfect keepsake.

Having something on the road that represents their home or a special trip is a fantastic way to remember the places they love most.

Scratch Map

You will ALWAYS see a scratch map on the list of best travel gifts. And rightly so, they are great!

If you are looking for a travel gift on a budget, you can’t go wrong with a scratch map.

Vintage Travel Photos

The most magical way to remember a fantastic trip. Take your traveller’s most loved photo and turn it into a vintage travel poster.

If one-of-a-kind travel gifts is what you are looking for, YourLifeIsAWorkOfArt Vintage photos will give you just that!

Personalised Scrap Book

A personalised scrapbook is up there with the best and most thoughtful road trip gifts.

Road trips can be over in a flash and on those long cold days, Wanderlust can hit hard. This is where a scrapbook always comes in handy!

Gifts are always better when a cold beer is needed!

For a unique gift for any travel and beer lover, there is no better combination than the beer map.

I have bought this gift a few times and it has always gone down really well!

Travel Wine glass charms

I always think road trip gifts are the best when you can enjoy them with a glass of wine or two. So wine charm sets make the perfect gift for any occasion and budget.

These are great for avoiding drink mix-ups, or just adding a touch of adventure to your favourite drink!

💡 Road trip gifts sign-off : Hopefully, you have had that lightbulb moment for the perfect travel-inspired gift.

From practical road trip gifts to bespoke and unique ones, this guide has tried to cover everything a traveller will love!

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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