2026 Holiday Travel Gift Guide

As the weather turns cooler and I prepare for a chilly Christmas Market trip this winter, the record-breaking heat of the summer seems like a distant memory (thankfully). But if there’s one thing I learned from my Hot Sicilian Summer of 2026 is that the summers have gotten really hot, and it doesn’t seem like that’s going to change anytime soon. With that in mind, this year’s guide includes a few items to stay cool while traveling, along with a handful of other functional items that have been recently added to my packing list. Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration from this list too, or in past gift guides with a ton of other fun and functional ideas that you can find HERE (I try not to repeat ideas from year to year, so definitely check on the link!).

Happy holidays and happy travels into 2027 and beyond!

1. Personal Fan
I’ve been seeing personal fans more and more over the past few years, and for good reason. This one is lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit in your pocket or bag. What I also like about this mini fan is that the LED display shows how much battery is remaining and can be used both as a handled fan or set up on a surface next to you. It also includes a flashlight, lanyard and comes with its own USB cable for charging. amazon.com

2. Cooling Towel
Another great gift idea for anyone who runs hot are cooling towels. For years I’ve grabbed paper napkins from restaurants to dry sweat, which can leave bits of paper on your face, or carried around a handkerchief, which isn’t the most absorbent. As a more effective alternative, these microfiber towels are lightweight and quick drying, making them great for sports or other outdoor activities. Soak one in water, wring out any excess, shake it out and wear around your neck for an instant cooling sensation. The towels also come in individual plastic pouches with a carabiner so are easy to take with you wherever you go. amazon.com

3. Portable Charger
When I was ready to replace my very old power bank, I was overwhelmed by the number of options. What I ultimately chose was the INIU Ultra Mini 1000mAh portable charger. While it’s not the slimmest charger available, it makes up for it with its compact mini size. What I like about this model in particular is the battery percentage display screen and a wrist strap that doubles as a detachable charging cord with USB-C connections that fit directly into the charger and your device without having to carry a separate cord. It comes in standard black and a variety of other fun colors, and promises to fast-charge phones, tablets and other devices to at least 50% within 30 minutes, and requires less than 2 hours to fully recharge itself when plugged into a wall. iniushop.com or amazon.com

4. Pom Pom Purse
When it was time to upgrade my travel purse, my Instagram algorithm knew exactly what I was looking for. Pom Pom London offers a variety of versatile and stylish bags made with full grain leather. They are designed with travelers in mind, thanks to multiple pockets, strap options and a key ring that hooks onto the zipper to keep your bag secure. It fits more than you would think, and there are multiple styles and sizes to choose from including the Original and Original Plus to the City and City Duo that also comes in a variety of sizes. With so many beautiful colors and straps to choose from (including leather, fabric and chain), you be ready for any destination or occasion. pompomlondon.com

5. Toiletry Kit
I love my gigantic toiletry kit that literally fits EVERYTHING I could possibly need neatly inside one shoebox sized bag. For quick trips (or for people who don’t need as much stuff) the Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Bag is a great option. It includes multiple mesh slots and zipper pockets, that keep your i Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Bag tems in place while allowing you to see what’s inside. When fully open, the bag can hand on an attached hook, which is especially great if you’re working within a compact space. It folds into a compact pouch that’s TSA 3-1-1 compliant, making it a great option for carry-on only travelers too. travelonbags.com or amazon.com

6. Travel Games
Lazy afternoons at the beach, relaxing by the pool, camping with the family or rainy weather indoors are all great occasions for board games. This 3-in-1 is the perfect travel companion that’s easy to take along with you. Its 2-sisded design includes game boards for chess, checkers and backgammon, along with dice and plastic game pieces, that roll up nicely around a built-in zipper storage pouch. Secure it with a snap and stick it inside of your suitcase or tote bag for fun on the go. amazon.com

7. First Aid Kit
Unfortunately minor injuries or accidents can happen anywhere, especially with kids, so it’s nice to always be prepared with a fully-stocked first aid kit. The First Aid GoKit is contains everything you need to treat scrapes, cuts, burns and more while you’re away from home. It includes 130 pieces, ranging from items you would expect like bandages and ointments to other items that you wish you had in a pinch like splinter and tick removers. Organized like a book, it’s easy to flip through it to find what you need, which all zips up compactly into a water-resistant pouch. keepgoingfirstaid.com or amazon.com

8. Amazon Fire Kids Tablet
Built to last for years, the Amazon Fire Kids table is an affordable and practical device for young travelers. We’ve had ours for close to a decade and it’s still going strong, so I can definitely vouch for its quality and durability. Available in 8” and 11” sizes, the tablet comes in a protective case along with a 2-year worry-free guarantee and 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ for videos, games, books and apps. The newest modes run on Android so you can download additional apps from the Google Play Store. Parental controls are a plus for younger kids, but it’s essentially the same hardware as a regular Amazon Fire tablet so you can switch to a standard profile as they get older. amazon.com