Teenagers are notoriously known as difficult people to shop for. But when it comes to teenage travelers, I think that’s not the case. Travel gifts for teenagers are actually really easy, which is why you find no less than 55 teen travel gift ideas in this post!
From practical products for traveling with teens, such as backpacks to gadgets they will absolutely love, such as the Nintendo Switch Lite. There is a gift for any type of teen or tween traveler on this list.
And if you’re looking for travel gift ideas for younger kids, check out these posts:
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three teen travel gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Scrunchies with hidden pockets (#7)
- Mid budget: International snack box subscription (#28)
- Small budget: Travel-sized games (#52)
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Large budget travel gifts for teens
#1 e-Reader
Does the teenager who you are buying this gift for love reading? Then an eReader is by far the best gift you can get.
With this device, they no longer have to carry around tons of books for their trips. All they need is their eReader and eBooks or a subscription (check out #28 for more about that). Not only will they love your gift, but it will also save them a hernia later in life form carrying around tons of books.
(Alright, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point).
#2 GoPro camera
Are you looking for travel gifts for teenagers who love adventures and risky activities? (And which teen doesn’t?)
Then an action camera to capture all these adventures is a perfect gift! They can take it when they go surfing, jumping off cliffs, skiing, bungee jumping, and all those other crazy activities that teenagers love to do.
Oh and if the teen already has an action camera, you can simply buy useful GoPro accessories, such as tripods.
#3 Pocket projector
This is one of the best travel gifts for teens who love movies. This mini projector allows them to watch movies in high quality and on a big screen regardless of where they are.
#4 DIY boba tea
Bubble tea or boba tea is a popular drink among teenagers, that’s originally from Taiwan.
So for teens who love cooking or experimenting in the kitchen, this DIY boba tea kit is perfect.
#5 Backpacks for teens
As grown up as teens think they might be, they usually don’t fit adult sizes yet. And when it comes to backpacks, having the right size is essential. (As someone with a broken back I know all about that).
Luckily, various brands offer youth lines with a smaller back panel than adult backpacks, but still big enough for multiple-day trips. Such as this one from Deuter on Amazon, or check the North Face the the entire youth collection.
#6 Polaroid camera
Most teenagers hardly ever hold a real picture in their hands, as all photos are only digital nowadays. And that’s exactly what makes Polaroid cameras such a fun gift for teenagers. It allows them to have instant pictures that they can hang in their rooms or hand over to their friends right away.
#7 Scrunchies with hidden pockets
This is one of my favorite travel accessories for tweens; scrunchies with hidden pockets.
They are both cute and practical!
#8 Hammock
Whether this is a travel gift for teens who love being outdoors or not, a hammock can be used everywhere. For outdoorsy teenagers, it’s a fun accessory to bring when they go camping, and for not-so-outdoorsy teens, it’s a fun exotic addition to their rooms.
#9 Gift experiences for teenagers
Experience gifts are by far the best travel gifts for teenagers and adults. And that’s not just my opinion, it has actually been proven by science too!
If you have no idea what kind of experiences you can gift teenage travelers, check out these 25 travel experience gifts.
Or head over to Tinggly to find all sorts of experiences to give, or go for the gift card so the receiver can pick something for him or herself.
#10 Travel-themed board games
Are you looking for travel gifts for teenagers that their parents will enjoy as well?
Then a travel-themed board game is a great gift idea.
Check out these 25 board games for travelers for more inspiration. However, if you want the advice of a very enthusiastic game lover (me), go for Ticket to Ride!
#11 Nintendo Switch Lite
This is not only one of the best travel gifts for teens but for younger kids and adults as well. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld gaming console for any age and its size makes it perfect for travelers.
So whether they need to keep themselves occupied on a long flight or a car ride, with the Nintendo Switch that’s not an issue at all.
#12 Travel-themed phone case
Teenagers spend most of their time on their phones (if you would believe their parents, at least). So if you are looking for travel accessories for tweens and teens that they will use regularly, anything related to their phones is a good gift idea.
For example phone cases. Not only do these cases protect their phones from bumps, but they also look beautiful. Especially if you go for travel-themed phone cases, such as this wanderlust one.
#13 Inflatable lounger
The inflatable lounger is the perfect outdoor gift for teens It’s super lightweight, but once it’s filled with air it’s a comfy lounger (hence the name).
#14 Portable Bluetooth speaker
Music and teenagers go hand-in-hand. And that’s no different for traveling teens.
So allow them to have their music anywhere they go with a JBL portable speaker.
The reason why I would recommend JBL is that they are waterproof, dustproof, produce high sound quality, and the JBL Go is so incredibly small and lightweight that it fits in any backpack.
#15 Beats earbuds
Remember what I said about teens and music going hand-in-hand?
Well, you only have to ask their parents what they think about their kid’s music to know that these earbuds are the best travel gifts for teens and their parents ;). The teens can listen to whatever they want, and their parents will finally have some quiet time.
I personally use the Beats Fit Pro too, and they are by far my favorite earbuds for travel so far!
#16 Inflatable paddleboard
Are you looking for the best travel gifts for teenagers who love water sports?
How about an inflatable paddleboard?
It’s perfect for teens whose parents own a boat or have a lake house.
#17 Bodyboards
This is another really fun water and outdoor gift for teens; a bodyboard.
They can ride waves wherever they go and keep themselves entertained for hours. Obviously, it works best for teenagers who spend a lot of time near the beach.
#18 Portable charger
Teens love their phones and other electronic gadgets. So the worst thing that could happen to them is to run out of batteries. How are they going to take photos? Watch videos? Talk to their friends? Or check social media?
Luckily, your practical gift will save them from this horror because the Anker power bank can charge phones up to five times.
#19 Outdoor Ninja Warrior equipment
Ninja Warrior is a popular TV show where top athletes try to go through obstacles as fast as possible.
If the teen whom this gift is for loves this show or loves sports, this training set is perfect.
It includes things like a slack line, rings, and monkey holds so they can practice to become America’s (or wherever they’re from) next Ninja Warrior.
For more outdoor gifts for teens, check out the next training equipment.
#20 Rock climbing practice board
Are you looking for travel gifts for teenagers who love rock climbing?
Then this fingerboard to help them practice their grip at home is an awesome gift idea!
#21 LEGO series
Looking for a unique gift that will keep teens entertained when they’re not traveling?
Then bring the countries to them with LEGO’s architecture series!
You can find fun sets from around the world, such as this one from Paris. It offers a relaxing building experience, the set includes an informative booklet about the specific architecture, its designer, and even its history.
#22 Mini drone
This is an awesome travel gift for young adults who have a passion for photography and videography and will allow them to capture one-of-a-kind moments during their travels.
The DEERC drone has a low-power alarm, an emergency stop, and 2 rechargeable batteries for safer and longer use. The best part is, that it has voice control and gesture selfies which any teenager will surely enjoy!
#23 Binoculars
Having binoculars when out traveling always comes in handy and it would make a great gift for teens who love spotting animals.
It’s compact with large and rotatable eyepieces, and waterproof as well so they can take it anywhere, anytime.
So, whether they’re looking to observe birds or any safari animals it’ll seem as if they’re almost up close and personal, all in all enhancing their wonderful adventure!
#24 Spikeball
Spikeball is one of the best outdoor gifts for teenagers. It’s small and super easy to set up anywhere. It’s played in two-on-two with each team starting on opposite sides of the net and once the ball is served, each team gets a maximum of 3 touches (just like in beach volleyball) to spike the ball back on the net.
I repeat, on the net, not over. What makes it more fun is that after the serve, there are no sides!
#25 DIY mochi kit
This is a wonderful way to get teens into the kitchen and start experimenting with international food.
Mochi is a sweet and sticky rice cake that’s popular not only in its origin country – Japan, but internationally as well. And with this DIY set, they can give it a try from home.
Mid-budget travel gifts for teens
#26 Best Places scratch poster
This is a unique variation of the scratch map (check out #28), a scratch-off poster with the best places to visit in the world!
So instead of scratching off the countries they visit, they can scratch off the iconic sights they’ve seen.
#27 Travel Inspiration book
To inspire their wanderlust even more, the Lonely Planet’s 500 Best Places book is a great gift idea.
#28 International snack box
This is one of the coolest travel gifts for tweens; an international snack box subscription!
Each month they will receive snacks from a different country. That could be chocolate from Belgium or pineapple candy from Thailand.
For addresses in the US, shipping is free. For other countries, check out Universal Yums’ website for the latest shipping fees.
#29 Portable lap desk
This is one of the best products for traveling with teens, especially for those who do a lot of road trips!
With a lap desk, teens can keep themselves entertained in comfort at the back of their car.
It has plenty of room for a laptop but is lightweight so they can use it anywhere they like and the best part is, it has cushions too!
#30 Ukelele
A ukelele is a really cool gift idea for teenagers who love making music, but this ukelele has something that makes it even better. It comes completely blank and without the strings attached so that the recipient can decorate it in any way they want, creating a completely personalized ukulele!
#31 Gift card
Even though I firmly believe that teenagers will absolutely love the gifts on this list, I can imagine that you just want to play it safe. Because we’re talking about teenagers after all, and buying gifts for them can be darn difficult.
In that case, a gift card is always a good idea. You can check out these 25 travel-themed gift cards to pick one that’s perfect for your receiver.
Or you can go for an Amazon gift card, that way you are 100% certain that it will actually be used.
Oh, and if you’re worried about the fact that gift cards can be perceived as a boring or thoughtless gift, try one of these creative ways to give gift cards and I guarantee no one will consider your gift boring!
#32 Ticket stub diary
Have you ever heard of a ticket stub diary?
This is a wonderful gift idea that allows the teen or tween to keep their fondest and happiest travel memories. Whether it be from their trip to the national parks, or simply their plane tickets or any travel tickets at all, you name it!
With this, they get to fill this diary of their amazing and memorable experiences – like a treasure that’ll take them on a trip down memory lane!
#33 Subscription gift
Another safe gift option for teenagers includes subscriptions to platforms they are likely to use.
Some subscription gifts you can think of include:
#34 Tripod selfie stick
This is one of the best travel gifts for teens who love taking photos. And pretty much any teenager loves that, especially when traveling because they can share their experiences with friends.
It’s a selfie stick that can also be used as a tripod to make the best selfies and stable photos.
#35 Scratch map
Scratch maps are super popular among all types of travelers, including teens.
There is something so soothing about scratching off places. So in case you are looking for fun travel gifts for teens at home, I can highly recommend scratch maps.
#36 Boho photo display
Alright, technically this is not travel gift for tweens specifically. But I can just totally picture teenagers using this Ibiza-style photo frame to display their favorite travel photos, which I why I think it’s still one of the best travel gifts for teens.
#37 The not-for-parents-travel guide
This is one of the best travel gifts for teens and children as well. It’s a book filled with fun facts about every country in the world.
#38 Sleeping mask with built-in headphones
This is one of the best products for traveling with teens.
A sleeping mask with built-in headphones!
With this, they get to actually catch some sleep on planes, flights, and car rides. But not only that because this gift is not only beneficial to them but to their parents as well.
Having not to face the wrath of a grumpy, sleep-deprived teenager is the best gift for parents (so, in a way, this is a gift for two)!
#39 VW toiletry bag
This is a great travel accessory for tweens who are a fan of road trips! Especially for those who miss riding in an old VW bus.
It’s small and convenient, plus, it’s an official Volkswagen licensed product too! Isn’t that amazing?
#40 Scarf with hidden pockets
Teens have their own sense of style (you know how it is) so buying them gifts related to fashion requires utmost care and attention.
If you’re unsure of what they really like then this scarf could be a nice gift idea.
It comes with a hidden pocket that’ll keep their personal belongings safe whenever they’re traveling.
Small budget travel gifts for teens
#41 Jewelry organizer
Are you looking for teen travel gifts for girls?
Then this cute jewelry organizer is perfect. It’s small enough for her to take on trips, yet big enough to fit her favorite pieces of jewelry.
#42 Waterproof phone pouch
I think I’ve said it a few times already, but teens and phones go hand-in-hand. Literally, because teenagers always have their phones in their hands.
And thanks to this waterproof pouch, they can even keep their phones in their hands when they’re going into the water, something they will highly appreciate.
#43 Travel journal
This is one of the best travel gifts for teenagers who are leaving for a trip soon. A journal in which they can keep track of all their travel adventures.
The reason why I think this one is great for teens is that it comes with prompts, which can really help them to start writing and get their creativity going.
#44 Airplane phone holder
Looking for something that’ll make the parents happy while their teens are entertained on flights? Then this would be the perfect gift!
With this phone holder, they can enjoy movie marathons and even binge-watch series without sacrificing their comfort (looking down for hours would hurt anybody’s neck I tell you)!
#45 Touchscreen gloves
With Christmas right around the corner, this is one of the best outdoor gifts for teenagers who like to use their gadgets 24/7.
These gloves will not only let them stay warm and protected but will also keep them connected with their family and friends because guess what? It has a sensitive touchscreen feature, allowing for a better gadget experience during the winter.
#46 Activity book for teens
Activity books are another example of great travel gifts for teenagers who are leaving on a trip soon. Whether they need something to do on the plane or at the beach, this travel activity book will keep them busy for an hour or two.
#47 Fanny packs
Fanny packs are awesome travel gifts for teens in two ways. Not only are they fun accessories, but they will also help teens to keep their valuables safe.
It’s a win-win.
#48 Short stories in other languages
Teenagers who travel a lot will also come across different languages a lot. And if that has sparked their interest in learning a new language, short story books are perfect.
They contain easy and short (no shi*t) stories that make learning a new language fun and very low-key, which is perfect for teens. The books are available in many different languages, just check out Amazon to find the right one.
#49 Travel manicure set
For small and practical teen travel gifts, this manicure set is a good option. It includes everything they need to attend to their nails, but in a small and practical travel case.
#50 Dry bag
Another practical travel gift for young adults you ask? This versatile dry bag is the best way to go!
It’s sturdy and durable but is lightweight enough for backpacking. With this, they get to keep all their gadgets safe and sound even when it’s pouring down rain or when they’re taking them out to the water.
#51 Passport cover
What’s the most important thing when traveling? (Money of course! But aside from that?) It’s the passport!
Protecting their most important travel document is a must so this is one hell of a gift their parents will definitely appreciate.
#52 Travel-sized games
Travel-sized games are great travel gifts for teenagers and their parents (if they love games of course).
You can check out my 40 favorite travel-sized games here, or go for Bananagrams which is a fun scrabble-like game for travelers.
#53 Funny luggage tags
These luggage tags have plenty of funny designs that’ll help them easily spot their luggage on the carousel.
It’s a fun yet practical gift that they can actually make use of on their trips!
Adding a little bit of humor in their travel experience is something that everyone should have, and that’s why we also created this list with 25 random funny travel gifts.
#54 World map necklace
For teenage girls, jewelry is a pretty safe gift option. And for teenage girls who love to travel, a travel-themed necklace is perfect, such as this cute necklace with a compass and globe pendant.
#55 Travel-themed coloring book
I know what you’re thinking.
This is supposed to be a list of travel gifts for teenagers not kids, but hear me out.
Coloring books are no longer just for kids. In fact, studies have shown they can actually have a stress-reducing effect on adults, and teens as well.
So for creative teenagers who need to keep themselves busy, The Lonely Planet’s coloring book is actually perfect!
Save these travel gifts for teenagers
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Final note on gifts for teenage travelers
I know teenagers can be difficult to shop for but trust me when I say that for teenage travelers, any of these 55 gifts will work perfectly. However, if you are not sure which gift to buy, have a look at the top three teen travel gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Scrunchies with hidden pockets (#7)
- Mid budget: International snack box subscription (#28)
- Small budget: Travel-sized games (#52)
