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Kids can catch the travel bug very early in life, and if you know a little one who loves exploring and seeing the world, then you might be on the hunt for the perfect gift can fuel their wonderlust and spark their excitement to travel.
Us grown ups know there’s magic in every corner of the globe, and no one experiences it quite like a child. If you could bottle that magic and give it as a gift, then you’d be looking at some of the unique travel gift ideas for kids that I’ve laid out for you in this guide.
As a family who travel so much, you can bet our two daughters love and appreciate a travel-themed gift every year for Christmas and birthdays (or before a trip!).
It’s easy to get tired of the same plastic toys, games, gadgets and gizmos, and because our children have grown up traveling from babies, they have already received so many travel items throughout the years, keeping it fresh is the hardest part.
A good travel gift for a child is a gift that reminds them of their love of travel and puts a smile on their face.
Travel is a wonderful way for them to look beyond the toys piling up in their room and learn more about themselves and their role in this ever changing, yet exciting world we live in.
And as they get older, their tastes change, so we’ve listed these gift ideas for kids of all ages who love to travel, so there’s something for everyone on this list.
- 1. Travel Experiences
- 2. Scratch Maps
- 3. Hydration Hiking Backpack for Kids
- 4. Point & Shoot Camera
- 5. GoPro Camera
- 6. The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids
- 7. Travel Journal for Older Kids
- 8. Destination Activity Books and Guides
- 9. Greenlight Debit Card for Kids
- 10. Merrell Hiking Shoes
- 11. Globes
- 12. Reusable Water Bottles
- 13. Headlamp
- 14. Passport Holder
- 15. Neck Pillow
- 16. Travel Games
- 17. iPad or Tablet
- 18. Bluetooth Headphones
- 19. Binoculars
- 20. Sleeping Bag
- 21. Snorkeling Gear
- Final Thoughts
- More Gift Ideas
- Pin To Save On Pinterest
1. Travel Experiences
First thing we recommend for any child, whether it’s their first trip or hundredth, is a travel experience.
Memories hands down beat possessions!
Your kids might not quite get that concept until they’re actually riding a horse through spectacular mountain scenery imagining they are on a unicorn and all their dreams have come true, or looking down at the desert floor from a hot air balloon.
The experience you get will be whatever your kids are passionate about. We personally use Get Your Guide to book our experiences for our kids, because they have a wide range to choose from.
Our girls like adventurous activities, which you can find plenty of on GYG, but they also like walking tours, food tours, cooking classes, and bike tours.
It doesn’t have to be a tour, either. You can also buy them attraction passes, volunteer opportunities, educational trips etc. – all of which help fuel the fire for their passions and their unique gifts and talents.
2. Scratch Maps
You know this has to be one of the best gifts for kids who travel when they jump up and down with excitement and want to sit down to do it straight away!
Our girls received these scratch maps of the USA states and USA national parks after we returned home from our USA road trip.
They also received a world map later on, and were excited to scratch each country off the world map that they had visited sharing a “oh yeah, I remember when this happened” moment from each one.
The USA States one was quite good. I loved the learning exercise incorporated in it for scratching off the capitol city for each state below it, and it also had magnetic stickers they could attach representing a special memory.
They were surprised by how few national parks we explored once they saw how many there actually were, and now they are inspired to visit more national parks and states.
These scratch maps are a super fun way to engage kids in their travel experiences and to motivate them to have more. You can hang them on their wall to remind them of how many places they’ve been to. You can’t ask for anything better as a gift for kids who love to travel.
The quality of the maps from Tripa Trips Travel are exceptional. Check them out here. We can’t recommend any other from personal experience. This world scratch maps gets raves reviews for details, quality and vibrant colors of the world atlas underneath the scratch.
3. Hydration Hiking Backpack for Kids
Nothing will drive you mad more when traveling with kids than the constant pull back on your shirt to give your child water.
ESPECIALLY when you’re in the middle of a steep climb and know that stopping will kill your momentum and possibly take you out of the adventure.
Enter a hiking backpack with hydration! These handy travel backpacks contain a water bladder with a drinking tube that comes out the front strap of the bag. It’s always a good idea to give them their own backpack so they are responsible for their own snacks and water.
Feel thirsty? Pick up the tube and take a drink. No need to stop, unload, unzip and unscrew.
These hydration backpacks can have a funky taste to begin with. You can get rid of this by soaking the bladder with lemon water, but it takes time.
Do that first or it will turn your kids off.
I love how these hydration hiking backpacks for kids teach them responsibility and independence.
They can look after their own water needs, plus carry their own snacks and have a place to put their sweaters, and even their cameras.
These are perfect gift ideas for older children. You can also get some extra small hydration backpacks to make it a great gift idea for younger children.
We have these Unigear tactical hydration backpacks. The quality of these are excellent and I really love the unique tactical design.
4. Point & Shoot Camera
One year, we bought our kids their own point and shoot cameras. I don’t recommend you travel without your child having a camera to record their own memories.
It’s wonderful to see them engage with travel in this way and to see their perspective on experiences and what they find memorable and interesting.
There have been times when I think Kalyra, our eldest, is not interested in other travel experience we are having, and then I see her whip out her kids camera to record something that has resonated with her and I realize she is finding the experience valuable and connecting to it.
Not only can the camera help your kids discover and record what they love most, it’s a fun and unique way for them to interact and engage with other kids.
We bought our youngest, Savannah, this Nikon Coolpix camera for her birthday as she kept taking our camera to record funny videos with her friends.
These are some of the memories they cherish the most when traveling.
The fun times they have with friends they meet on the road and now they’ll always have these videos to look back on, to remember the people they cherish the most and the special time they had with them.
That includes you – the person buying these special travel gifts for kids.
For older children, we still like to opt for a camera over a phone. We know phones are great multi-purpose tools that have good cameras.
But, we want our kids to learn the distinction between consuming all of life through one thing and having separate ways to bring about joy and your creative spirit.
A tool that doesn’t quickly distract you or keep you emphasized on, “just let me put this on Instagram and see how many likes we get.”
We feel a camera encourages creation for the joy of creation rather than for outside validation.
If they do shoot videos and photos on their phone, we recommend the free QuickApp by GoPro for putting together video memories super easily.
5. GoPro Camera
What about kids who loves playing in the water? Or participate in some high action activities?
Of course they still want to record their memories, even more so as its high adventure and memory making stuff.
You know a GoPro can cater to any kind of activity to capture those memories.
Concerned a GoPro is a little to expensive for a child?
I get it. We lost one to the bottom of the ocean on Waikiki Beach when it fell off Kalyra’s surfboard. This was our fault for not securing it properly, not Kalyra’s.
This is a fantastic gift idea for older kids. A travel gift idea for younger kids could be an cheaper waterproof camera. Savannah’s Nikon camera is actually a waterproof one.
6. The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids
My girls absolutely LOVE completing tasks and exercises in journals, books and things like Junior Ranger programs. It made my homeschooling days a breeze!
Travel journals are an excellent way to engage in what they are learning as they travel and why the experience is memorable and important for them
The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids is one of the best travel journals I’ve seen, which is why this one in particular is makes our list.
This travel journal includes activities for four trips is aimed for 6-9 year old’s.
The prompts and activities will guide the kids to record their hopes and dreams for their vacation, record highlights and new discoveries. As well as fun activities to keep them entertained. Perfect for long road trips!!
7. Travel Journal for Older Kids
Now that our kids are getting older, they still love to journal, but their tastes have changed. A special blank journal is a wonderful gift for older kids or teenagers to record their memories and insights.
Kalyra loves recording her travel days in her journal often writing pages.
It’s wonderful for reflection, but imagine when she picks it up in five years time.
The delight she’ll feel in remembering experiences she could have possibly forgotten and reconnecting with the views of her younger self and how these travel moments helped create who she is in the current moment.
You can use any notebook, but I recommend choosing a good quality one with a special color. The memories going in here are priceless.
I love this vintage blue notebook with a compass on it. Great for also including sketches
8. Destination Activity Books and Guides
Help kids pursue their dream destinations and engage with the experience by giving them specific activity books or travel activity kit.
This is how we did a lot of our homeschooling while traveling and the girls LOVED them!!
Some kits come with crayons and pencil cases, which make them feel more like a gift than a piece of homework.
When they are begging you to buy an activity book on a national park, you are not going to say no to that curious and enthusiastic real life learning plea!
These are fantastic for road trips, long plane flights and down time in your hotel after a long day of exploring. This is one of the easiest and best Christmas gifts for kids.
Just research the destination on Amazon or check out Lonely Planet Kids and you’ll find something that relates.
Another great idea is to get a subscription to National Geographic Kids, which are great travel books for kids. Not so much activity based, but full of fascinating stories and photos.
I love the Leap & Hop Travel Guides. Kalyra has the New York one and enjoyed the activities.
You can even find fiction books to inspire travel in kids. Who does not now want to go to Hogwarts? Check out this list: Books to Inspire Kids to Travel
9. Greenlight Debit Card for Kids
Of course, we all know travel costs money and sacrifices. It involves a lot of savings!
Kids will bug you a lot on your trip to buy this and that: ice cream, candy, souvenirs.
While part of a vacation is enjoying these things, it can be a little draining on your wallet soul and spirit to be constantly having to answer yes and no.
Why not let the kids be in control of their own money and learn some great money principles at the same time?
We love the Greenlight Card, and so do our girls.
It is very important to keep up the conversation with them so they understand that little piece of plastic is actually money and it’s not endless.
I talk to my girls how it is a debit card not a credit card and how important it is for them to know the difference. That is, you never spend what you don’t have.
I love the automatic ease of the Greenlight. It’s rare for me to have cash on hand, and it was so annoying having to find a to get the girls allowance every month.
I can transfer money onto their card and easy check balances. I get notifications whenever they spend money and can give them permission to only shop at certain places.
I can set up automatic allowance payments to their green card. I can also set and track chores they are responsible for doing in order to get their allowance.
There is a monthly card fee of $4.99. I think that’s a good price for the value you get and the wonderful financial education and responsibility it offers children.
Join via the button below and you’ll get $10 after your first month.
10. Merrell Hiking Shoes
We hope that your travels with your kids involves getting out in nature and enjoying the abundance of outdoor activities on offer.
As a family, we love to go hiking and are very aware of the importance of good hiking shoes.
The good news is that this gift can be used for any type of travel, even walking around city streets.
You can also use these shoes in your neighborhood and hometown streets.
If there is one item you spend a little more money on, we suggest it’s a good pair of travel shoes for kids (and you!).
We’ve tried all different brands of hiking shoes, and Merrell is the one shoe brand we love and trust the most. They are comfortable, hard wearing and so sturdy.
Our daughter, Savannah has a pair of Merrell hiking shoes and they keep her upright, steady and looking great!
I recommend getting a waterproof pair to prepare you for the many cool adventures you may find on an hike and outdoor activity. We have come across many creek crossings!
11. Globes
We’ve settled into a house now after years of full time travel, and when the girls were designing their rooms, they both leapt at the idea of a globe to put on their shelf.
A globe is a wonderful gift for kids of all ages.
It will fuel their dreams, help them find their place in the world and learn more about countries, landforms and cities.
I remember as a child, spinning that globe and pondering curiously about the world would have had a HUGE impact on the 50+ countries I’ve visited spanning a 22 year life of travel.
You can also put a large map on their walls. However I feel a globe is a more fun gift idea for kids. You just can’t beat the spin factor.
12. Reusable Water Bottles
Boys and girls…there is no need at all for people in the Western World to buy single use plastic water bottles.
Companies are not selling water here, they are selling plastic. It’s time to travel more consciously and this is the easiest place to start.
Give the kids the gift of a reusable water bottle. Again the perfect gift ideas for kids even outside of travel.
They’ll be ecstatic to take these everywhere so they can always have water on hand and protect the environment – not to mention save you money!!
My girls also wanted me to recommend these colorful water bottles.
For those traveling in countries where it is recommended to drink bottled water for health reasons, consider getting a purifying water bottle such as Grayl or LifeStraw. It’s a practical gift for your kids!
13. Headlamp
It’s amazing how much kids will love this gift idea. A headlight is not just handy when it comes to camping and nighttime walks. With so many cool caves to explore on your travels, you’ll be using them in the day as well.
Kids love to have these on their head and the path lighting up in front of them so they are still free to fun and explore
I know you probably don’t want them running much in a cave, but you know kids!
I think a head torch is better than a flashlight or pocket torch, so the kids can be hands free. Our kids liked taking control of the campfire so a headlamp offered a little more safety for them.
I love the look and sound of the Go For Wild Rechargeable Headlamp.
I love the motion activated switch – especially when wearing gloves – the bright light and easy charging feature.
14. Passport Holder
We’re big supporters of teaching children to become independent travelers from a very young age.
We had our girls packing their bags and taking care of the boarding procedures when they were toddlers.
As a result, they’ve always been incredible travelers and know the directions better than me.
So, we think a fantastic travel gift idea for children are little passports holders. This will encourage them to look after something very important and be responsible independent travelers
Why not make it personal and get a personalized passport holder? And pair it with matching luggage tags.
15. Neck Pillow
Not just for planes, these headrest pillows are also ideal for road trips or camping, or long travel days on any transport, really.
Our girls always pack them no matter what style of trip or family vacation we take. Therefore, I could not leave them off this list. If they willingly pack it, you know it’s good.
For younger girls, you can’t go past a unicorn neck pillow. This Gund pusheen pillow is also sure to be a hit.
Older children will love this memory foam all in one travel pillow as a gift. It’s a bundle that includes cell phone holder and eye masks and has rave reviews.
16. Travel Games
When it comes to keeping young adventurers entertained on their travels, board games, card games, and puzzles are the perfect gift.
Card hames like Uno are timeless classic gifts, but games can not only provide endless hours of fun, but also be educational, too.
One travel game that’s a hit amongst families is ‘Trekking The World’ by Underdog Games, which is a fun and educational game that allows kids to explore the world without leaving the house.
Mum and dad will love it too. It’s the perfect game to play on a cold Christmas morning after all the presents have been unwrapped.
17. iPad or Tablet
When your kids turn into the Tween or Teen phase, they are not looking for beach toys or a scooter, but something more sophisticated and adult.
Getting them their own iPad or Tablet is a great way to keep them happy.
They can download movies and games for inflight entertainment or to kill time at the airport.
And it will keep them quiet in the evenings when you’re looking to rest in the hotel room and there’s no English channels on the TV.
18. Bluetooth Headphones
To pair nicely with an iPad is a pair of bluetooth headphones.
Bluetooth headphones make a fantastic gift that provide the freedom to entertain themselves, either by listening to music, audiobooks, or movies without the hassle of tangled cords.
When your kids start to get older and they want their space and independence, but can’t get it when they are stuck with the family on vacation, sitting on the beach or by the pool with their headphones in is an easy way to relax.
They are more than just a means for entertainment, but also comfort and a sense of escape for young travelers.
The Airpod bluetooth headphones by Apple are really comfortable and have a decent battery life. Our girls love their headphones. It’s a permanent attachment to Kalyra!
19. Binoculars
When your kids become teenagers, they may start to take more of an interest in wildlife encounters, so if you’re planning a safari or a whale watching trip in the future, get your kids a pair of binoculars!
A pair of binoculars makes an ideal gift because it opens up a world of discovery.
Whether hiking through lush forests, spotting wildlife on safaris, or simply observing distant landscapes, binoculars can help a child connect more deeply with their surroundings.
Be sure to choose a pair that’s compact, durable, and easy to carry.
20. Sleeping Bag
Depending on what you plan on doing on your travels, a sleeping back could be one of the more practical travel gifts.
A sleeping bag isn’t just useful for when you’re camping, it can also be a good idea when traveling on a budget as hostel blankets can either be paper thin or tatty.
Pick a sleeping bag that’s lightweight, portable, and designed for comfort, as well as warmth.
Having their own sleeping bag helps them feel a sense of security and independence, and it also encourages self-sufficiency — learning how to roll it up, zip it closed, and keep it packed.
21. Snorkeling Gear
We go snorkeling a lot on our travels, and so to save money on renting snorkel gear, we bought our own.
Like with most things we’ve recommended on this list, we recommend the whole family have their own snorkel gear – that way you can snorkel together, rather than take turns.
I love snorkeling with my girls. That sense of awe as we both spot a ray or turtle at the same time. You can’t beat that kind of experience.
Final Thoughts
So when your kids are ready to embark on fun adventures abroad, these gifts will inspire their adventurous and creative spirit.
These can be given to any kid in your life: child, sibling, nephew, niece, cousins, AND can actually be a gift to give at any time of the year!
We haven’t just collated a bunch of irrelevant gift ideas based on what looks cute on Amazon.
We ran these ideas by our two girls (aged 12 and 8), who are full travel professionals and they agreed this was a fun, unique and interesting gift that would enhance the experience from beginning to after.
Kalyra (12) insisted we include a phone and computer. I mentioned to her that most people wouldn’t be traveling full time, but taking shorter family vacations and probably don’t want to take too much technology with them!
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
More Gift Ideas
Need more inspiration for travel gift ideas? Check out the following gift guides!
- Best Travel Gifts for Women
- The Best Travel Gifts
- Best Travel Gear for Kids
- The Best Suitcases for Travel
- Christmas gifts for travelers
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