3 months ago
28
November 25, 2025 — 5:00am
A few years ago, I gave a young person on her first trip overseas a care package of all the things I thought she might find useful on a flight, including a good eye mask, a collapsible water bottle and an organiser for her cords.
When it comes to Christmas gifts for travellers, I err on the side of practicality. You want to spoil the giftee, but a considered present that makes travelling more pleasant is a better idea than all those special Christmas-edition gift packs that often include small-sized beauty creams and lip balms covered in plastic.
So, I’ve compiled a list of things I can recommend which I’ve bought or trialled over the past couple of years, with the emphasis on sustainable, Australian and/or just plain clever.
I bought a Bellroy Cinch Messenger ($149) this year because I was looking for a larger handbag that would carry all the stuff that I take on the plane but would still fit under the seat in front of me. The Fitzroy-headquartered company, a B-Corp, uses fabrics from recycled and plant-derived materials. Plus, the bags, luggage and toiletry accessories have great style.
If you have a serial shopper on your gift list, they might appreciate the TILLIV Pakke + Kamper duo ($203), which marries a soft duffel bag with a detachable compression pack, fitting in a serious amount of extra stuff bought while away. The heavy-duty pack folds down to the size of your palm and expands to contain about 35 litres, sturdy enough to use as a cabin bag or an extra check-in bag.
I’ve been travelling with July suitcases ever since I bought a carry-on a few years ago. They’ve just launched CaseSafe, the world’s first TSA-approved, fully integrated trackable suitcase that has the tracking device built into the case ($395-$495). With word that some airports are removing tracking devices due to concern over batteries, this may be a much-appreciated gift.
Compression socks are a must for me, but they’re not very sexy as a gift. Fortunately, TheRY produces soft, comfortable ones in fun stripes ($45) for maternity wear or travel.
You could bundle these with a silk eye mask ($42) from Shh Silk. I never travel without a silk eye mask, and I’ve even taken to bringing a silk pillowcase with me for those times when the hotel pillow is a bit rough. The combination is luxurious and practical.
As for beauty products, there are a thousand brands pushing miracle creams that keep your skin hydrated during the flight. Why not stick to Australian and organic? Of course Jurlique is popular, but something different to consider might be Vanessa Megan’s Intensive Dermal Repair ($69.99), which comes in a 50ml tube, or Honey Biotics’ Intense Moisturiser in a 30g tube ($39.95).
This year I finally bought an AirFly Pro ($89.95), a Bluetooth transmitter that works with my Bose earbuds to bring me sound when watching movies on a plane. It has a 24-hour charge and means there are fewer cords to get tangled up in when I’m in my economy seat. Game-changer.
If you have a friend or family member with health issues who doesn’t let that stop them travelling, they might appreciate a Withings BeamO ($499), a pocket-size scanner that includes a contactless thermometer, electrocardiogram, oximeter and digital stethoscope and can be operated via an app on your phone. Since I’ve tested it, I’ve only had to check my temperature and pulse, luckily, but this handy device could be a lifesaver.
My daughter tells me all the tuned-in parents rave about the Yoto and Yoto Mini, the cutest audio player, which lets your kids listen to stories, music and educational material without ads, getting them away from screens. There are over 1000 cards for ages 0-9+, ranging from classics like Beatrix Potter to Disney and, yes, K-Pop Demon Hunters. The Mini ($129.99) and accessories like headphones are adorable.
Moving away from objects to experiences, what about a voucher for an Unyoked escape? The nature company, based in Britain, Australia and New Zealand, has a portfolio of cabins off the grid in these destinations, offering wild green spaces, away from screens and schedules to recharge or rethink.
If you have a friend who yearns for some space for creativity or needs to reduce their stress hormones, a night or two in the bush might very well be the perfect gift.
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