50 Best Gifts for Friends Going Abroad: Ideas for Everyone

The first time I went abroad to Ireland to study acting for a month in high school, my family gifted me new luggage.

I’d always wanted to travel, and they assumed correctly that this would be the first trip of many.

Then, when I moved to New York, my friends gave me a camera, so that I could take photos to remember my time there. 

I’ve never forgotten how meaningful it was to receive such sweet gifts prior to a life-changing trip. 

Now I consider it good karma to give something small (and occasionally large) to family and friends as they travel overseas for extended periods of time.

If you want to give your friends something thoughtful before their big trip, check out this mega-list of ideas for gifts for friends going abroad. I’ve even included a section with gifts for kids going abroad, just in case you want to give your pal’s kids something cute.

I’ve organized it into small and large ticket items so that you can find something no matter what your budget is!

Small Gifts For Friends Going Abroad (under $50)

Leather Travel Journal

Journaling is one of my favorite things to do anytime I travel.

They’re also one of my go-to gifts for friends traveling abroad. 

It’s something I especially love doing while traveling solo because it gives me something to do while at dinner alone.

I also really like being able to look back years later to see where I was at in life.

Scratch Off World Map

I love using a scratch-off map to visualize all the places I’ve been to. 

It’s such a fun gift for any friend or family member who travels frequently. 

This version even features the individual flags of each country.

Travelambo Leather Luggage Tag

Until a few years ago, I was that person who just put a ribbon on their bag. Now that I’ve upgraded to a legit bag tag, I feel way more put together when I fly.

Everyone could use an extra luggage tag, especially when they’re going abroad for an extended period with more bags than normal.

YETI Rambler

My parents gave me a YETI Rambler for Christmas and let’s just say it was love at first sip.

This mug keeps my coffee hot on long trips and keeps my cocktails cold for picnics.

It’s something I take with me whenever I travel. Trust me, your friends will go nuts for it!

Infinity Travel Scarf

This scarf has two secret pockets that you can store cash and ID in, making it the ultimate multi-purpose accessory for any woman abroad.

It comes in black or grey, so you can pick the color best suited to your friend’s style.

Brita Filtered Plastic Water Bottle

The Brita Filtered Water Bottle is a must for anyone traveling to a country with questionable tap water.

It saves you tons of money from constantly buying bottled water while traveling.

It will thrill your friend to not have to stress over the quality of their water supply with this handy gift.

GDTK Leather Passport Case

This cute little leather passport holder is a must for your friends to keep their passports from getting worn.

It’s also got built-in RFID blocking technology, so it protects all their important data.

This is a thoughtful gift that doesn’t cost a ton and will provide your friends extra protection.

Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale

Having a digital luggage scale with me has saved me so many headaches when checking my bag at the airport.

If your friend is an over-packer like me, they will absolutely travel everywhere with this little device. 

Veken Packing Cubes

If your bestie doesn’t own packing cubes, you need to get them some ASAP. 

Everyone needs packing cubes in their lives. They’re a major game-changer in organizing your suitcase.

Visa Gift Card

Who doesn’t love a good gift card?

They’re easy to pack, always useful, and can be e-mailed quickly if you need a last-minute gift.

An Visa gift card gives your friend the option to download a new movie or music before their long-haul flight abroad.

Or they can purchase a last-minute tech item they need for their trip!

Luna LED Lighted Travel Vanity

I never really got the point of traveling with a mirror until I was running late for an event and trying to do my makeup on the plane.

The bathrooms had an enormous line, so I had to use a tiny mirror that was built into my eyeshadow case. 

Let’s just say, when I finished my make-up, it wasn’t exactly the look I was going for.

Now I carry this handy portable mirror with an LED light everywhere I travel.

It’s lightweight, convenient, and the lid folds open to form a stand. 

Even though it felt like a frivolous purchase, it’s now something I can’t travel without. 

Master Lock TSA Approved Luggage Lock

This little gift will give your pal way more security as they fly across the world.

The lock is TSA approved, meaning screeners can open it, but nobody else can without your code.

Amazon Gift Card

Amazon ships to over 100 countries internationally, so chances are they’ll ship to your friend abroad.

With so many products, your buddy will certainly find an Amazon gift card handy!

Sony Mini Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker

I love playing music at my Airbnb and especially when I’m on the beach, so I always pack my mini speaker.

The Sony Mini is totally waterproof and has a battery life of 16 hours so that you’ll never have to cut a beach day or dance party short.

Travel Fund Piggy Bank

A travel jar is the best way to save up extra cash for spontaneous adventures while abroad.

I started one before I went on my first solo trip to France and saved a few hundred dollars that let me treat myself to a fancy dinner and a ticket to an epic summer party at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Obviously, this is a gift you’ll want to give them at least a few months before they depart.

Bagsmart Electronics Organizer

Let’s be honest, we all hate reaching into our bag and having to untangle all our chargers to find the one we need.

That’s why your friend needs an electronic organizer. It’s a total timesaver that helps them find their charger quickly.

Plus the case is waterproof, giving the chargers protection in case something leaks while on the go.

Universal Power Converter

As someone who travels often, I believe there’s no such thing as having too many universal power converters.

I always keep at least two on hand, so that I have plenty of outlets to charge my devices quickly.

Your friend will absolutely use this gift all the time!

Polarized Sunglasses

Don’t laugh, but until a few years ago, I thought polarized sunglasses were only for people who went skiing or fishing.

It shocked me when I borrowed a pair of fashionable sunglasses and found out they were polarized. I could see better and there was less of glare coming off the water (we were on a boat).

They’re also meant to help provide extra visual comfort for your eyes compared to basic glasses. 

Now I always have at least one pair of polarized sunglasses packed for trips because it turns out they’re for more than just fisherman and skiers.

It would thrill any friend to receive a pair of these before a big trip. 

Babble Language Learning App

Is your bestie traveling to a country where they speak a different language?

With Babbel, they’ll be speaking like a local in time!

It offers courses in 14 different languages. Plus, they can download it on a laptop and phone so that they can practice on whichever device is handy. 

Anker Portable Charger

It’s the worst being in a new country and having the navigation on your phone taken away in an instant when the battery dies.

Now that I carry the Anker Power Charger, I don’t have to stress. I just plug in my phone and wait for it to power up.

It’s fairly lightweight, has high speeding charging, and comes with a travel pouch.

Your friends will love this little device so much that they’ll never leave home without it. 

Grey Camle Compass Bracelet

How cute are these matching bracelets?

You can keep one for yourself and give one to your friend, basically they’re best friends forever bracelets. 

It’s the ultimate thoughtful gift that any bestie will love to get.

There’s even a little poem about always being there for each other on the packaging. 

Romantic Tip: If you’re about to go into a long-distance relationship with someone traveling abroad, this is the sweetest gift! Bonus points if you include a thoughtful note about how the compass will always lead you back to each other. 

TRTL Travel Pillow

I’ll be the first to admit that TRTL (pronounced turtle) Pillow isn’t the most inspired name for a travel pillow. 

When my dad first told me he bought one, I assumed it was a cute turtle-shaped pillow for my nephew.

Now that I’ve seen it, and borrowed it from my dad for a flight, I get why he’s in love with it.

It’s super comfy, easy to pack, and its machine washable. 

Your friends may laugh at you when you give it to them, but after they use it, they’ll be singing its praises!

Slipwell Sleep Mask

Anyone who has tried to sleep on a plane knows how tough it can be to block out light from the surrounding screens.

Having a sleep mask on hand is a game-changer, I bring mine everywhere.

I’m partial to a silk one because it’s extra soft, cool, and helps prevent wrinkles.

This sleep mask may be your buddy’s new best friend by the time their trip ends.

StrawExpert Reusable Straws

These days everyone is trying to be more eco-friendly, especially while traveling.

Having reusable straws on hand helps prevent the use of plastic ones and provides a simple solution for when you don’t want to put your lips on a surface.

These straws are stainless steel and come with a cleaning brush, plus a travel case. 

They also come with different colored silicone covers, so that you don’t mix up straws with the rest of your party. 

Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Case

I kind of hate admitting this, but I used to toss my jewelry into old macaron tins to keep them safe while traveling. 

Obviously, this left me rushing to untangle jewelry at the last minute.

These days, I use this jewelry organizing travel case by BAGSMART.

It’s saved me so much time being able to quickly see my necklaces and earrings displayed. 

This is an item I now give to all my girlfriends before big trips, and so far, all of them have fallen in love with this lightweight case.

SABRE Door Wedge Alarm

Anyone traveling solo needs this little (but loud) safety device from SABRE.

It’s one of the few portable alarms that make noise and actively stops an intruder from entering through the door. 

All your friend has to do is put this wedge in front of the door of where they’re staying. If anyone tries to break in a loud alarm will go off waking you and anyone else in the area. 

Carry On Cocktail Kit

Everyone could use a cocktail while flying, especially after the chaos of getting ready to go abroad.

This cute kit comes in multiple cocktail combinations. My favorite being the gin and tonic kit!

Trust me, your friend will say a toast to you before they start drinking. 

Xenvo Phone Lens Kit

If you want to upgrade your pal’s photos without buying them a new camera, this lens is the way to go.

It’ll help your friend’s phone take wide-angle quality photos that could pass for being taken on a fancy digital camera.

Relavel Makeup Bag

Despite looking a bit like a middle-school lunch box, this makeup bag is on point.

It fits all the makeup, nail polish, brushes, and products that most people would need for a trip abroad.

I typically pack all my bigger items that need to be checked in this, then toss anything I’ll need to survive the long-haul flight into my Away Everywhere Bag. 

Large Gifts For Friends Going Abroad

A New Suitcase

If you’re gifting extra-large bags that will be checked, I’d go for something from Samsonite, like their Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage. It’s durable, and can expand to fit extra clothes or shoes.

If you really want to wow your best bud or family member with a going away gift, get them some new luggage.

I’m partial to the Away Bigger Carry-On Bag as my larger carry-on item. It fits a ton and is totally Instagrammable!

If you want $20 off your Away Luggage purchase, use my referral link. You’ll save some money, and I’ll get a credit toward my next luggage purchase.

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Away Everywhere Bag

Speaking of new luggage, everyone could use a bag to replace their backpack or purse.

The Away Everywhere Bag fits a ton and keeps everything really organized while being small enough to fit under the seat.

Plus, it has a strap that easily attaches it to the top of your rolling bag, making getting through the airport without the typical shoulder pain of lugging a purse or backpack.

It’s a bit of an investment piece, but seriously the best carry-on bag that I’ve ever used. 

If it’s a bag you’re interested in, feel free to use my referral link. You’ll get a delightful gift for your friend (or yourself) plus $20 off and I’ll get a small referral credit to help with my new Away shopping obsession. It’s a win-win!

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones

I was late catching on to the trend of noise-canceling headphones. Mainly because I prefer earbuds over bulky headsets.

Then I got these Bose Noise Canceling Earbuds, and it forever changed my life.

Now I can enjoy flights without hearing screaming kids and the adults on the plane that don’t know how to sit quietly.

Trust me, noise-canceling headphones of any kind will be one of the best gifts your friend receives before their big trip. 

Bagsmart Camera Bag

If your friend is a photographer, or just bought a new camera to document their epic trip abroad, then they’ll need a bag to carry around all their photography gear.

This backpack is easy to carry, waterproof, and can fit a tripod, camera, laptop, and lenses.

With its super low-key looks and anti-theft design, this bag is the perfect gift.

Airbnb Gift Card

Airbnb is worldwide making this gift card easy to use, and perfect for when your friends need to find a place to stay for a weekend away while abroad.

I’d give them at least a Benjamin so it covers a solid amount of at least one night away for them. 

Kindle Oasis

A year ago a very special someone gifted me a Kindle Oasis, and it was a total game-changer, especially for travel. 

It’s amazing how much easier it is to travel with one Kindle instead of the multiple books and plays that I would cram into my carry-on bag. 

If your friend has yet to jump on the Kindle train, gifting them one will change their lives!

Zhiyun Smooth XS Selfie Stick

The Zhiyun Selfie Stick is an epic step up from those basic poles that tourists typically use.

This little guy has a two-axis gimbal, meaning your friend can take smooth high quality videos plus their basic selfies while exploring abroad.

The best part is that it’s lightweight and small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.

Express VPN Service

I didn’t really get what the point of a VPN service was until I began traveling.

Basically, using a VPN lets you change your digital location in order to stream from networks like Hulu, which only works in certain countries.

If your friend is trying to stream a sports game, special event, or TV show that doesn’t air in their new location, this little purchase will save the day.

Matein Travel Backpack

If your bestie is going to be doing a lot of day trips, a backpack is a must!

It’s way easier to carry than lugging around a giant purse or tote bag, plus can fit way more stuff.

The Matein backpack is a favorite of mine. It’s waterproof and can easily fit a laptop, chargers, a change of clothes, and a small camera.

Airport Priority Pass

This is a gift that keeps on giving! With the airport Priority Pass, your pal will gain access to airport lounges in over 148 countries. 

Sony ZV Digital Camera

If you really want to blow your buddy away with an epic gift, consider getting them a camera. 

The Sony ZV-1 Camera is one I’ve been eyeing for the last year.

It’s small, lightweight, and has a flip screen so you can easily vlog and take selfies. 

Your friend will go crazy when they open this gift!

GoPro HERO 9 Black

I’m obsessed with my new GoPro. It’s made it so much easier to capture action videos while on the road.

The latest GoPro Hero 9 Black is waterproof and comes with the ability to live stream, stabilize, and LCD touch screens.

This is a baller gift to give a family member or friend who loves adventure!

DJI Mavic Mini Combo – Drone FlyCam

Who wouldn’t want to be able to capture a bird’s eye view of the new country they’re exploring?

This new toy is a gift any friend would go wild over when they see it!

Transcend Hard Drive

Until I started photography I never really understood what the point of an external hard drive was.

Now that I’ve been putting more videos and photos on my laptop, I have a new appreciation for how helpful these little devices are.

Your friend (and their laptop) will be thanking you for expanding their storage space.

Fujifilm Instant Camera

This camera is a great throwback to the days before everything went digital. 

It’s so much fun having an instant camera on trips, especially when you’re traveling with another person. 

My friends all went crazy when I brought one on a girls weekend. We had a blast taking fun photos while out partying, and more fun laughing looking through them the next morning.

HP Sprocket Printer

This cute portable printer is small enough to bring on trips and prints on sticky-sided paper, making snapshots easy to hang.

It operates on Bluetooth and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. 

Your friend will all love this fun printer!

An Experience 

When in doubt, avoid giving your friend something that will add clutter to their lives.

Instead, give them an experience that they’ll remember forever.

Tinggly offers unique experiences world-wide that they can choose from, making this one gift they’ll never forget!

Best Gifts for Kids Going Abroad

LET’S GO! Binocular

With a rainbow of colors, and a crystal clear view, these durable binoculars will entertain kids anywhere they travel. 

My nephew is obsessed with bringing these everywhere my sister takes him. 

Your friend will be thankful that these provide hours of fun for their kid. 

Lttxin Kid’s Suitcase

Okay, so you’ve got a few options with kids’ luggage. 

You can give them something fun, like a themed suitcase or backpack, or you can give them Away luggage to match their parents (assuming they’ve already got Away luggage).

Away luggage is more of an investment, but it’s so worth it. My nephew and sister have matching roller bags, and let’s just say it’s next level adorable watching them walk through the airport together!

If you go the Away route, feel free to use my referral link. You’ll get $20 off your first purchase and I’ll get a credit that goes toward building my Away collection (or not, that’s totally cool too!). 

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Scratch Off World Map

It’s such a fun gift for kids to learn about where the plane will take them.

Plus, they’ll have a great time scratching off the places they’ve been to.

This version even features the individual flags of each country, so they’ll learn a lot.

Agoigo Waterproof Digital Camera

How cute is this waterproof digital camera for kids?

Taking photos will occupy them for hours, no matter where they are in the world. 

Who knows, you may even spark an early interest in photography, prompting your friends to really thank you!.

Regal Classic Card Games Pack

I think most of us will remember classic card games like Go Fish! And Old Maid from our childhoods.

I have so many memories of playing these games with my family while growing up. 

Your buddies will have a blast introducing all these classics to their kids as they pass time on a haul long flight. 

Disney Kids Luggage Tags

How cute are these Mickey and Minnie luggage tags?

I know adults who are Disney obsessed that would buy these in a minute to use for themselves.

This is the perfect small gift for the little one in your life going abroad.. 

Wrapping It Up

I love giving gifts to friends anytime one of them is moving abroad or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas.

It’s always rewarding to send them off with something useful, or occasionally a reminder of home.

No matter what gift you give, just remember it’s the thought that counts.

Though, I’m sure they’ll enjoy anything on this list just as much as my friends and I have. 

Let me know in the comments below what gift you’re eying for your loved one!