TRYING to figure out what to get someone for Christmas often feels like a part-time job – but if they love to travel, then they will love these finds for less than £15.
From frantic packers to document forgetters, travelling can sometimes be stressful.
On the other hand, it is the perfect time to indulge and get something for someone else that will make their holiday even more special.
Here are Sun Travel’s top gifts for under £15… bargain!
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Important documents case
After leaving my home to catch a flight, I have already unzipped my bag to check I have my passport at least five times.
Read more on travel inspo
But it can get lost in my bag, and often this is when the panic sets in.
Add to it trying to find you debit and credit cards, printed documents such as booking references and insurance and of course, once you’re at the airport, your boarding pass – it becomes a flustered nightmare.
All of this stress goes when you have a documents purse.
This sleek travel wallet from Amazon for just £13.98 is ideal.
It has several pouches and pockets for all your important bits, meaning they don’t get lost.
And the wrist strap means important documents are right in your hand.
Reusable travel cup
If you are anything like me, you will never be able to face the day or journey ahead without a good old cup of coffee.
And often, when I am rushing between airport, train, hotel and attractions, there is nothing I want more than a caffeine hit.
Paper cups just don’t do it for me – I am fed up of the dribbles down the side thanks to a loose fitting lid, having burnt hands when no coffee collars are available and of course, my drink going cold in a matter of seconds.
Husk’s reusable 12oz travel cup is simple and stylish.
It is made from the husks of coffee beans, hence the name and is super lightweight to throw in a bag.
The cup itself is super durable and keeps my coffee hot for much longer.
For £12, it’s a steal.
Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Pretty hand luggage bag
After a series of unfortunate events in which my suitcase was misplaced twice during one trip, I’ve learned that one essential every holidaymaker needs is a sizable hand luggage bag.
Any seasoned traveller will know that to take just a handbag on a flight is unwise, especially if you’re taking a connecting flight.
You need at least a day’s worth of clothes and your essentials on the plane with you.
So a stylish bag for taking on the plane that you can slide under the seat in front of you is a great Christmas gift.
This one from Amazon fits airline dimensions of 40x20x25 and even has a separate compartment for shoes.
Or opt for this navy duffel bag which is water-repellent, tear-resistant with various pockets and strap options too.
And both are under £15.
World scratch map
Whether you know someone who is a casual jetsetter, loves a family holiday or a keen solo traveller, a scratch map is a great gift.
It’s incredibly satisfying to mark off everywhere you’ve been across the world, and if you get the right one, it can make for some fun wall art too.
Scratch The World Map Print from Not on the High Street is A2 size and has all the countries covered in gold until you scratch them off leaving colourful destinations underneath.
Plus, whoever you gift it to can even pop it in a frame and put it on the wall if they like – and it’s just £13.59.
Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer
Hot drinks flask
When you’re dragging yourself out of bed at 4am to catch a flight, a hot cup of coffee is essential to kick you into gear – especially if it is cold.
And if you’re choosing between downing a rushed cuppa out the door or forking out on an expensive airport latte, neither sound particularly appealing.
That’s where this simple gift becomes a travel lover’s saviour.
A reusable coffee flask is the underrated travel lover’s best friend.
From the airport journey, to filling up at the hotel for a day of exploring – and it’s especially handy for a caffeine hit mid-hike.
For skiers and snowboarders, a flask is a life saver when battle sub zero temps too.
Also, coffee shops like Pret a Manger and Starbucks discount your coffee if you bring your own cup – so they’ll be chuffed that you’re saving them money in the long run, too.
This bright choice from Smash is only £8.50 from Argos.
Power bank
Let’s be honest. No one is ever going to be mad that you’ve bought them a power bank.
It’s one of those gifts that can only be useful – whether you’re travelling, commuting, or stuck at a festival when your phone hits one per cent.
It’s a perfect choice for jet-setters, concert lovers and anyone who’s glued to Google Maps while exploring a new city.
A decent power bank means no more desperate searches for plug sockets in airports or cafés – and no missed photo ops because your phone’s dead.
It’s a small gadget that makes a big difference – the kind of gift they’ll be super thankful for when their phone survives a 12-hour travel day.
Just make sure that they are aware of the rules as to taking power banks on flights – they must be in your carry-on luggage, and some airlines don’t allow them.
This one from HMV is small and sleek, perfect to slide straight into your bag and it costs less than a tenner (£9.99).
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Lavender pillow spray
I have an overnight bag that I bring with me absolutely everywhere.
In it are several pairs of ear plugs, an eye mask and the most important (and giftable) item of all: lavender pillow spray.
As a self-confessed insomniac, there are few things that soothe me more ahead of a snooze than a cuppa and a spritz of my spray, whether that’s on an overnight flight or in an unfamiliar hotel room.
ThisWorks is my favourite brand, made from a dreamy combination of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert essential oils.
The mini 10ml spray costs just £10.80 in the Black Friday sale and is diddy enough to fit into a pocket.
For a more budget-friendly option, Feather & Down’s Sweet Dreams Pillow spray costs £8.
Packing cubes
Is your giftee a keen organiser?
If so, they’re sure to love a set of packing cubes.
I find them to be incredibly useful on short trips where I’m trying to cram a lot in.
They’re also great for more intrepid adventures where I’m travelling around a lot – that way I can keep track of where everything is without needing to fully unpack when I reach the hotel.
I use one for socks and underwear, one for trousers, one for tops and one for gym gear.
This Amazon bunch is an absolute steal at less than a tenner (£9.98) and it’s got a cube for everything: toiletries, shoe bag, cubes of varying sizes and even a laundry bag.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Eye mask
If there is one thing I cannot do on a flight, it’s sleep.
And with my job taking me around the world 10+ times a year, I’ve tried everything to try and make that long-haul overnight flight easier.
But one game-changer I’ve found is ditching the travel pillow for an – albeit strange looking – eye mask that you attached to your head rest.
The contraption might look bizarre at first, but once you tie the straps around the seat behind you, it quickly looks like a normal eye mask.
Also padded, this means your head is kept in a much comfier upright position once you tie it around your head while blocking out any cabin light.
So if you care more about sleeping than how you look? Try this editor-approved bit of kit for just £9.99 on Amazon.
Toiletries set
I love to treat myself to a small kit of travel toiletries before I go on holiday, to get me in vacation mode.
And there are loads you can find for under £15 this Christmas that fit in your stocking.
There is the Space NK Caribbean Shores Body Duo, with body wash and lotion for £12, with smells that will take you straight to the beach.
Boots have both Sanctuary and Champneys travel essentials for £10 as well, with shower gels and moisturisers.
I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up keeping them for yourself this Christmas…
Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel
Travel gifts don’t have to just be for adults… these are all great stocking fillers, and I’ve tried and tested each of them on multiple trips with my child.
Wikki Stix
These Wikki Stix are excellent for keeping kids occupied on planes.
You can mould them into all sorts of objects and animals and they pack away easily at the end for another use.
Plus, it’s super fun to use as an adult.
Pack of two for £13.99.
Magnetic ball drawing board
This magnetic ball drawing board has come on at least 20 holidays with my son, since he was just three years old.
It’s great from an early age, as they don’t have to be good at drawing to create good designs.
Then as they get older, the creations can get more intricate.
As a family, we also play, guessing the drawing – where you have to guess quickest in order to have the next turn.
This works on planes, in cars, at restaurants – anywhere apart from the beach really.
Available on Amazon from £6.99.
Magnetic chess board
Ok, hear me out.
I never pictured myself as a chess player either.
But a friend taught my six year old a year ago and it has transformed mealtimes at restaurants on holiday.
We’ve sat there for an hour as we battle it out, which gives me extra time to enjoy my wine.
Definitely get a magnetic version though, as you’ll have a nightmare keeping track other the pieces otherwise.
Available from £7.99 on Amazon.
If you fancy spending a little more money, you could get the item that travel reporter Cyann Fielding swears by – it’s a lifesaver and takes up very little room.
Or perhaps opt for the ‘high quality’ travel gadget that keeps your luggage safe – and means it will never get lost.