You’ll find unique road trip gifts in this post – my take on the best products to pack, no matter where you’re headed. They are perfect for your adventurous, fun-loving friends or family hitting the road soon.
Packing for a road trip is basically the opposite of my usual routine of fitting everything into a carry-on. So, I am all over the idea of bringing things that make the trip more fun, just because they fit in the car.
Keep reading to see what kind of road trip gift ideas I came up with.
This post contains affiliate links.
Best Gifts for Road Trippers
1. Trail Keg
Yes, a mini keg. This is basically a growler with a tap, so you can fill it up with your favorite craft beer and take it out to your picnic in style!
A trail keg is a perfect gift for beer lovers like me. It is a 64 oz stainless steel and vacuum-insulated keg that keeps your beer nice and cold.
Give this Trail Keg as a gift for road trippers!
2. Camp Hammock (Kammok)
I was skeptical at first, but when you buy the super convenient python straps that go with this versatile camping hammock, you can rig it up easily in a variety of places, and it’s comfortable!
It’s lightweight and packs down, and you can even get a special bug net for it if you need one. It’s great for the road, you just never know when you might need a nap.
Give this Camp Hammock as a gift for road trippers!
3. Recovery Compression Socks
These are not just for athletes; I’ve discovered that they are actually brilliant for travelers as well, and they make great gifts for road trippers who may be sitting in the driver’s seat several hours a day.
They are designed to increase circulation in the legs and feet and reduce the pain and swelling we get from sitting in a car or on a plane for so many hours at a time.
I also wore these every night after our long days of trekking in Patagonia and my legs felt fresh every day. I am a believer.
Give a pair of Compression Socks as a gift for road trippers!
4. Eye Mask & Ear Plugs
In case you need to steal a nap in a less-than-convenient place, these will help you sleep. I use a blackout silk eye mask and special earplugs for small ear canals. The earplugs are extra squishy, so they don’t hurt! These will make a super practical gift for travelers who have trouble sleeping on the road.
Give an Eye Mask and Ear Plugs as a gift for road trippers!
5. Portable Speaker
Recommended by a BMT reader, this Sony Bluetooth speaker is a hit for the road. It is loud for its size, has a long-lasting battery, and can be paired with a second one for right and left speakers, creating surround sound.
Give a Portable Bluetooth Speaker as a gift for road trippers!
6. Portable Charger
One of my essentials for any trip (even just to the store) is my Anker mobile iPhone charger. It is equipped with two USB ports so you can charge two devices at once, and it can charge an iPhone up to 6 times before it needs charging itself.
This is an important tool to have when using your iPhone abroad.
Give a Portable Charger as a gift for road trippers!
7. Picnic Blanket
Grab a blanket with two sides, one waterproof to place face down on the ground, and the other comfortable and cozy to sit on. This picnic blanket is extra-large, yet folds up nice and small and has a carrying handle. Pairs well with a Trail Keg!
Give a Picnic Blanket as a gift for road trippers!
8. Healthy Travel Snacks
It’s always a good idea to keep some protein and other healthy foods nearby, just in case there are no options on the road. I have an entire podcast about healthy travel snacks, and a blog post as well that you should check out.
They mention things like Justin’s Nut Butter, GoGo SqueeZ Apple Sauce, and more. I’m also going to add Epic Bars, particularly the Sriracha Chicken flavor – spicy and delicious!
Give some Healthy Travel Snacks as a gift for road trippers!
9. Laminated US Map
From the trusted Rand McNally, these laminated maps can be written and drawn on with dry erase markers, so you can map your route as you go.
You may also consider getting individual state maps in case you’re heading out of service and won’t have map apps available on your phone.
Give a Laminated US Map as a gift for road trippers!
10. Double Port USB Car Charger
If you don’t have a USB car charger yet, get one with two ports, and I recommend getting one that has quick charge capability like this one that I use. Be sure you also have enough cords for all the assorted electronics you are bringing.
Between the USB car charger and the portable Anker charger, you won’t be dependent on electricity while you’re camping!
A wireless car charger is another great option!
Give a Double Port USB Car Charger as a gift for road trippers!
11. National Parks Pass
These are possibly the best gift for road trippers out there! Some of the best possible destinations in the US are our National Parks. So an annual pass is worth every penny if you plan to be going to a few of them, and you should!
It’s a gift that keeps on giving, too. At $80 per pass, they cover entrance fees per car for as many people that can fit in the car for an entire year.
Give a National Parks Pass as a gift for road trippers!
I received some of these items for free. Opinions are my own.
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