25 Gift Ideas For Road Trippers: Must-Have 2025 Gift Guide
Shopping for road trip gifts? Skip the random gadgets and go for things travelers will actually use. The best gifts for road trippers are practical, fun, and make life on the road easier (or more enjoyable).
After years of hitting the road, across states, through small towns, and on plenty of weekend getaways, I’ve learned which travel items are essential and which just take up space. That’s why I put together this 2025 road trip gift guide: 25 unique, useful, and exciting gift ideas that any traveler will appreciate.
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just-because surprise, this list has everything from must-have gear to clever stocking stuffers. These are gifts road trippers actually want, and will thank you for every time they buckle up for their next adventure.
Best Road Trip Gifts for 2025
1. YETI Tumbler
Pretty much everyone drinks some type of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced matcha, and so on. This Yeti Insulated Tumbler is great because it fits in a car cupholder.
I’ve bought (more than I would like to admit) insulated tumblers that I have had to return because they don’t fit in car cupholders. I’m here to tell you that this one fits AND keeps hot drinks hot, and its cold drinks cold.
Another bonus is that it’s reusable, so you aren’t wasting more plastic at coffee shops.
2. North Face Slipper Shoes
After hours of driving, the last thing you want is to keep wearing the same shoes you’ve had on all day. That’s where the North Face ThermoBall Slippers come in. They’re cozy, lightweight, and have solid traction, perfect for slipping on at a hotel, around camp, or even during a quick rest stop. Think of them as little down jackets for your feet.
And when the weather’s warm, I swap them out for my Chacos, which are just as handy for hanging by a lake or river.
3. Leatherman Multi-Tool
I received my Leatherman Multi-Tool as a gift 12 years ago and used it almost every day while I was in the Army. It’s always in my purse and has been one of the best gifts I have ever received.
It’s funny, once you use one, you will realize how often they come in handy!
4. Reusable Water Bottle
Similar to the Yeti Tumbler, there’s nothing more frustrating than a water bottle that doesn’t fit in the cup holder or a lid that’s impossible to open while driving. This reusable water bottle is insulated, fits perfectly in cup holders, and comes with a straw, making it road-trip friendly and hassle-free.
5. Kindle
I was the person who refused to get a Kindle because I loved holding a real book. This is not ideal while traveling and trying to fit multiple books in a bag. They take up a lot of space, and you worry about the pages getting bent and all that other book stuff.
This is a great way to read multiple books without glare, and the best part? Kindles have weeks of battery life.
6. North Face 42L Duffle Bag
Not all duffel bags are built for the road. Some don’t open wide enough, others wear out too quickly, or they end up hogging space in the car. The North Face Duffle Bag solves all of that; it’s tough, compact, and easy to pack.
It’s water- and wear-resistant, comes in a range of colors and sizes, and even has adjustable straps so you can carry it like a backpack.
Bonus: I also love to use these compression packing cubes to keep clothes organized. (Plus, I use one to keep my dirty clothes separate.)
7. Yeti Cooler
Every road trip needs snacks, but no one wants a melted chocolate bar or a warm drink. A Yeti Cooler keeps food and drinks cold for hours, is durable enough for any adventure, and has plenty of space to store road trip essentials.
Practical Road Trip Essentials
8. Stanley Adventure 2 Gallon Water Jug
I didn’t invest in one of these till a couple of years ago, and now it goes on every road trip with me.
Once you start using a Stanley Water Jug, you won’t want to go back. It’s easy to fill at home or at water stations in grocery stores along the way, which is not only cheaper than buying bottled water but also better for the environment.
9. Car Rooftop Cargo Bag
Whether it’s for dirty gear, wet outdoor gear, stinky boots, or just to free up space in the car, this is a must-have item. The Rooftop Cargo Bag is waterproof, fits all cars (with and without top racks), and it’s anti-slip.
If there are multiple people in the vehicle or if you are planning on car camping, this is a lovely way to free up space so everyone isn’t crammed in there with all the luggage.
10. Headlamp
A great item to have in the car at all times. This Headlamp is very affordable, and the batteries last a long time. There are also different settings on it to make the light brighter or a red light. Perfect for travelers who love to hike or car camp!
Tip: If you’re looking to create a basket, I would add one of these!
11. Portable Vacuum
A car gets messy fast on the road, and this portable vacuum makes cleanup quick and easy. Compact, lightweight, and powerful enough to tackle crumbs, dirt, and pet hair, it’s a practical gift every road tripper will use again and again.
12. Travel Blanket
A Travel Blanket is an item that isn’t just handy for road trips, but for any car ride. I’ve used mine to lounge at a grassy park, nap by the lake, and wrap up on chilly ferry rides when the car had to be turned off
There were even times I couldn’t find a hotel or was too tired to keep driving, and having a blanket made car camping so much more comfortable. A travel blanket is a thoughtful gift that keeps your road tripper cozy no matter where the journey takes them.
13. Portable Car Jump Starter
A Portable Car Jump Starter is a gift that feels extra thoughtful because it’s both practical and a lifesaver on the road.
I’ve had to use mine more times than I can count, especially in cold weather when cars don’t always cooperate, and every time I’m grateful I packed it. The best part? This model doubles as a power bank, so your road tripper can charge a laptop, camera, or phone on the go.
It’s reliable, versatile, and honestly, way more fun to give when it comes in a rose-gold finish.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
– Book day tours here: Viator
– Best rental car service: Rentalcars.com
14. Cell Phone Mount
Even with newer cars that connect phones to the dashboard screen, technology doesn’t always cooperate. That’s where a Cell Phone Mount comes in handy.
It’s a simple but practical gift that keeps directions easy to see and helps drivers stay focused on the road instead of looking down at their phones. A small upgrade that makes every road trip safer and less stressful.
15. Gas Cards
Gifting a Visa Gas Gift Card is a generous and helpful gift. I wouldn’t recommend buying a gift card to a specific restaurant because they vary all over the country.
16. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Messenger
If the road tripper loves to hit the back roads or drive to non-populated places that don’t have service, this is a great gift! The Garmin inReach fits in the palm of your hand and has an SOS feature just in case.
You can also communicate via two-way messaging. The road tripper can communicate with their device to someone’s phone, who can then text them back. It’s very user-friendly.
Fun & Unique Road Trip Gifts
17. Polaroid
I actually bought my Polaroid specifically for road trips, and I love it! Make sure to stock up on extra film, batteries, and a photo album…trust me. You don’t want your photos ending up in the mud like mine did! It’s a thoughtful gift that helps any road tripper preserve their favorite adventures.
18. Nomadix Changing Poncho
Changing clothes on the road isn’t something we think about often, but it can be a hassle. Trying to switch shirts in the car is awkward, and public rest stops aren’t always private. A Nomadix Changing Poncho makes it simple: throw it on, swap your clothes, and stay covered.
If you spill coffee all over your lap or a burrito falls apart on your shirt, this Nomadix Changing Poncho is a great way to change without a fuss.
19. Two-Way Radio (for Caravaning Road Trippers)
Great for long road trips with your friends traveling in multiple cars. It’s easier to use these than calling for needed rest stops, or if you have a quick question. Plus, the Two-Way Radios can make it more fun if you also purchase #25 on this gift list.
The Two-Way Radios (aka walkie-talkies for adults) feel nostalgic in a way, like you’re a kiddo again playing in the woods with your friends or pretending to be in a spaceship… or was that just me?
Essential Gifts For Road Trips
20. Car Roadside Emergency Kit + AAA Membership
My dad always reminded me growing up: never hit the road without a safety plan. A solid roadside emergency kit covers the basics: first aid supplies, reflective triangles, and other essentials for a breakdown.
Pair it with a AAA membership, and you’ve got extra peace of mind for anything from a flat tire to needing a tow. Practical, simple, and something every traveler will appreciate.
21. Travel Pillow
Similar to the travel blanket, this is a love and need for road trips. I’ve taken naps in my car at a rest stop or stopped and put up my hammock at a park to relax and read.
This ultralight inflatable travel pillow weighs only 3.9 oz and is smaller than a can of soda! It saves so much space versus bringing a normal-sized bed pillow. The travel pillow is comfortable and gives great neck support for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
22. Traveling With Pets = Seat Covers
If you’re hitting the road with a dog, seat covers are a must. They protect your backseat from mud, rain, fur, and whatever else your pup brings in after an adventure.
A good car seat cover also adds a layer of safety by keeping your dog from slipping around while you drive. It’s a simple gift that makes traveling with pets so much easier, for both you and them.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Road Trippers
23. Annual National Park Pass
If you know your friend or loved one is planning on visiting national parks, this is a HUGE money saver for them. The National Park Pass admits the pass owner and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle.
The pass includes entrance fees to all parks for one personal vehicle, an RV/motorhome, or one motorcycle.
24. Spotify or Audible Subscription
Nothing kills a road trip vibe faster than losing service and having your music or audiobook cut out. With a Spotify or Audible subscription, travelers can download playlists, podcasts, or books in advance, so they’re fully prepared for hours on the road.
Bonus: It keeps conversations with yourself from getting too weird when the silence hits.
25. 3,000 Unique Questions Game
Long drives can get quiet, and sometimes you run out of things to talk about. The 3,000 Unique Questions game is packed with fun and thought-provoking prompts, perfect for solo trips or traveling with friends.
It’s a simple way to spark conversation, learn something new about your travel companions, and make the ride more memorable.
Final Thoughts: Gift Ideas for Road Trippers
If you’re shopping for a holiday, birthday, or just-because surprise, these road trip gift ideas are thoughtful and practical choices. Pick one (or a few!) to help the traveler in your life enjoy their next adventure even more.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
