8 Gifts That Won’t Weigh You Down During Your Travels

If your holiday plans involve travel, that also means all your presents are along for the ride. Checking a bag for a flight obviously grants you more space to stash goodies beyond your carry on, but weight is a consideration, since there’s always the the risk of going over and putting yourself in more holiday debt. And even if you’re just taking a bus or train, lugging extra baggage is not ideal for your back or your sanity. So for one to travel light, one must buy light—and that’s where we come in.

There are plenty of lightweight gifting options out there that suit multiple people in your life. From tiny high-tech gadgets to airy fleece blankets and subscription boxes that you don’t even need to take with you, these presents will get to your loved ones with no additional travel fees involved.

Music is universal, and so is its gifting potential to make loved ones happy. These wireless headphones are by Urbanears, a high-quality brand that comes with a fair price-point. You can go 30+ hours without having to charge this beaut, which is ideal for those who are always on the go.

Buy: Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth Headphones, $83.95

One word comes to mind when looking at this multicolored blanket: cozy. Made of 100% polyester, this blanket is ultra-soft and is machine washable for easy cleaning. Plus, the description says “great for travel” so easy transportation is a high possibility.

Buy: Darcey Striped Amped Fleece Throw Blanket, $59 $39

If you’re familiar with Google Home, this is it’s mini, adorable, less-of-a-commitment version. This hands-free device does most of what it’s larger version does: plays music, controls your smart home, and more. In addition to coral, this Google Home Mini comes in aqua, chalk, and charcoal.

Buy: Google Home Mini, $25

Even though a weighted blanket would never be considered a light option, this eye mask is the next best thing. Weighing in at one pound, this cooling product made of gel beads and polyester blocks out light and has an elastic band to maximize comfort.

Buy: Cooling Weighted Eye Mask, $14.99

This fitness tracker does it all: it monitors your sleep, provides health insights and personal guidance, and lets you choose from more than 15 exercise modes. Plus, you can sync the tracker to your smartphone to get all your notifications and apps easily accessible on your wrist.

Buy: FitBit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker, $149.95 $136.95

Not only are subscription boxes a unique way to gift your friends and family something they’ll like for months to come, but it’s always the lowest possible weight imaginable (read: 0). You can send it directly to their home and make sure it arrives while you’re visiting. And if you want to give them something physical before the actual box arrives, print out a receipt or create a fun card that tells them the news. Some fun suggestions include candle subscription box Vellabox and tea subscription service Sips By.

Buy: Vellabox, $10-$30
Buy: Sips By, $45-$180

This isn’t just another mug (because we all have too many of those), but one that connects to your phone and can keep your liquid beverage at whatever temp your heart desires. The Ember is stainless steel and comes with a charging coaster to make sure your coffee or tea stays warm.

Buy: Ember Mug2 Coffee Mug, $99

This obviously depends on the person, but suggestions include CourseHorse that offers a wide array of classes around the country, Audible for those who like to listen to their books, streaming services (hello Disney+!), and Lyft gift cards and bikeshare membership.