
We are so excited to be sharing some gift ideas for all our high school senior travelers or any traveler in your life! Just like planning your high school senior Spring Break or Grad trip with us, we want to make sure your holiday season is as stress-free as possible! We’ve done the work for you – researched, reviewed and put together a list of great gift ideas for any traveler (along with a few bonus ideas at the end)!
Before we get to the list, the best gift to get your student is a GradCity Senior Trip to celebrate their last year in high school, all their accomplishments and adventures to come! Check out the GradCity Trips & Destinations page for more information on these once in a lifetime trips.
1. Amazon Luggage
With almost 4k reviews this carry-on is perfect for a first time traveler or any jet-setter.
Luggage can be purchased individually (21, 26, or 30-inch) or as a set (2 or 3 piece sets). Prices range from $49.99 to $221.00. All options can be found on Amazon.
2. Cell Phone Lanyard
Away with the days of worrying where your cellphone is or accidentally leaving it on the Starbucks counter. This cell phone holder and lanyard is compatible with most smartphones and includes card pocket! Literally perfect for when you need your phone to snap pics but don’t want to carry your whole purse around (i.e. beach or excursion days!).
Comes in a variety of colors and under $10 this is a great gift or stocking stuffer. Can be found on Amazon.
3. Instant Pictures
Pics or it didn’t happen. Capture all your vacation memories with this Instax Mini 9 Insta Camera! The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 ($57.04) comes in several color options and can be found on Amazon.

4. Neck Pillow
Don’t travel in discomfort. Hope on your flight and next think you know you’ll be landing in paradise. This set comes with memory foam neck pillow, 3D contoured eye mask, earplugs and carrying bag.
This set comes in grey or black; get it from Amazon for $21.99
5. TSA Approved Containers and Clear Case
Don’t be “that” person stuck in TSA getting their bag searched. Come prepared with this set of 9 travel bottles that are TSA approved! Take the guessing out of TSA regulations.
Get it on, you guessed it, Amazon for only $12.59. Another great stocking stuffer options.
6. Collapsible Water Bottle
This seems like a no-brainer! Take this water bottle through security empty and then fill it up at a water fountain! Not only are you saving money by not having to buy that $7.99 Smart Water, you’re also helping the environment.
Additionally, once you get to your destination you can use it at the resort making sure you stay hydrated at all times. Snag one from Amazon for $24.95.
7. Wireless Head Phones
While there are plenty of options we sway towards the Apple Airpods for travel as they are lightweight and easier to sleep with on the plane. Airpods: starting at $159. Or upgrade to the customizable, noise cancelling AirPods Pro ($249)
Not one for Apple? Check out these options:


8. Sunglasses
With so many styles and brands out there you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic shades or something a little more fun! Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack you can find designer sunglasses, and some at great prices!
And if you are like some of us who lose or break our sunglasses often, head over to Amazon (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) or Target (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to find stylish and affordable sunglasses.
9. Handheld Steamer
This is a 2 for 1. This handheld steamer is ideal for travel and college. Make sure you’re wrinkle free for all your great adventures to come! Only $19.99 on Amazon.
10. Organized Travel Wallet
Stay organized while traveling. This wallet is multi-purposed, has RFID blocking and several slots and zipper compartments to keep any traveler organized. This wallet comes in multiple colors and is made from eco-friendly leather.
Find it on Amazon for only $14.99.
11. Portable Charger
Let’s face it we need to stay connected and the thought of our phones dying during a beautiful private island excursion is giving us anxiety just thinking about it. Keep all your electronics charged on your next vacation!
Several sizes & options from Anker
12. Packing Cubes
Stop throwing your clothes everywhere just to find one shirt. These packing cubes keep everyone organized and packing a breezes.
Starting at $21.24 on Amazon (several color options)
13. Compression Bags
For the traveler trying to fit everything in their carry-on, these are for you! Place your clothes in the bag, roll, and instantly you can save up to 75% of your space. Also great to reuse for college!
10 Travel Storage Bags (5 large & 5 medium) only $16.79 on Amazon
14. Puppies Make Me Happy

GradCity Pro Tip: Use code GRADCITY20 for 20% off your entire order!
Travel in style, comfort and happiness – puppies make everything better! You can’t go wrong with a tee, tank or sweatshirt to wear on your next trip; and you’ll be supporting puppies, dogs and rescues. Check out Puppies Make Me Happy to customize a shirt with your pup’s face!
BONUS: TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry
What better gift than TIME! Pay for your student or traveler to get TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, saving them time when going through security and/or customs.
- TSA Pre-Check; 5 years for only $85
- No need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops or 3-1-1 compliant liquids!
- Global Entry; 5 years for only $100 (includes TSA Pre-Check)
- If you are approved for Global Entry you will also be eligible for TSA Pre-Check!
GradCity Pro Tip: Check with your credit card company as some will cover the cost for TSA Pre-Check and/or Global Entry!
BONUS: Passport Book
A passport is one’s ticket to travel the world. If your loved one doesn’t have a passport yet, get them started now! Passports fees range from $85 up depending on service you get. Check out the application process here.
GradCity Pro Tip: Start the application process NOW! Government offices are closed around the holidays thus the processing time can take longer!
BONUS: Pay for a GradCity trip (or some of it!)
If you have a senior going on one of our trips, help them out and pay for some or all of their trip! If you would like to do this please call our office at 877-472-3248. We can take a payment over the phone and send you a certificate of payment to wrap up for them or stick in their stocking!
GradCity Pro Tip: Experiences > material items
We hope this gift guide has helped you with holiday shopping!
Happy Holidays from GradCity!