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by Sana Bun

Holiday Gift Guide: Functional Presents For Jetsetters

16 Dec 2025

Image: Gemini x The Sandy Times

Today, half the world seems to live in transit — hopping between countries for work, family visits, or simply escaping their inbox. Some people fly so often they are on a first-name basis with passport control and can predict the luggage weight with a single glance. Choosing presents for travellers like this is a challenge of its own, but fear not: if you have got a jetsetter on your list, this guide will help you pick gifts that make their journeys smoother.

Suitcase

The foundation of any trip, a proper suitcase is very much a make-it-or-break-it item — one wobbly handle or a set of stubborn wheels can ruin the whole experience. To keep things versatile, look for lightweight, cabin-sized models that fit most airlines’ basic allowances and have smooth, reliable wheel rotation.

Luggage organisers

Without exaggeration, luggage organisers have to be one of humanity’s best inventions. These little zip-up cubes make travelling feel far more civilised, keeping every tiny item in your luggage neatly sorted, easy to find, and protected from whatever else is crammed into the bag. This is the kind of gift some people don’t realise they need — until they try them once.

Vanity bag

Seamless travel often comes down to the small details that turn chaos into something vaguely organised — and a good vanity bag is essentially a portable bathroom. It is especially useful when you are hopping between multiple destinations and need all your essentials in one reliable spot. The key things to look for: a size that fits everything without becoming bulky, and a waterproof interior so any leaking bottles don’t wreak havoc on the rest of your luggage.

Travel jewelry or watch case

Same idea, just for the precious little things. Look for compact cases with a sturdy exterior, like leather or coated canvas, to keep everything protected. For jewelry, choose designs with dedicated holes, hooks or compartments so each piece stays in place rather than tangling itself into oblivion.

Pro tip: Many brands offer personalisation on small leather goods, so don’t miss the chance to make this gift feel extra special.

Travel tech

There are countless gadgets that make travelling easier, but if I had to choose the true must-haves, the list narrows down to three: AirTags, a power bank and a power adapter.

If your special someone constantly stresses about misplaced luggage or forgotten items, gift them a pack of AirTags to toss into their suitcase, handbag or document pouch. A compact power bank that slips into a pocket is a lifesaver in those moments when your phone is on 1% and you are in an unfamiliar place — or, inevitably, in the middle of nowhere. Slim magnetic models are great for phones, but keeping larger devices like laptops alive will require something with a bit more muscle.

Flight game-changers

Being prepared for the trip is one thing, but surviving the actual flight is an entirely different story. Dry air, cramped seats and cabin pressure can make even a short journey feel endless — but there are ways to level up the experience and show real care for someone’s comfort.

A pair of compression tights or socks is the foundation of any long-haul survival kit, keeping circulation moving and legs feeling noticeably lighter on landing. Add a leg hammock and an ergonomic pillow — especially handy for window-seat loyalists — and suddenly sleeping upright becomes significantly less miserable.

And once the body is taken care of, the next battle is the air itself. Moisturising skincare in individual sachets — think hydrating face masks, hand cream and eye patches — helps fight the inevitable mid-air dryness and keeps skin feeling human.

Travel accessories

If you are certain your loved one already has all the essentials for a journey, put your bets on the little extras — the things that aren’t strictly necessary but make travelling nicer. Think a travel wallet with compartments for passports, boarding passes and cash, a nice passport cover, or a luggage tag.