road trip goodie bags for adults

55 Road Trip Goodie Bag Ideas for Kids

By: Author Couch Potato Camping

Posted on Published: May 18, 2024  - Last updated: May 21, 2024

Categories DIY

Travel goodie bags are the perfect way to eliminate boredom on a road trip. Hours of driving with nothing to do can wear on your morale and your mood. Road trip goodie bags offer something to look forward to and break up the monotony of travel. After all, who doesn’t love opening up a small present of items chosen just for them to enjoy?!

For kids, busy bags for car trips also encourage positive behavior during the drive. No more whining, complaining or melt downs in the back seat.

And you won’t hear “Are We There Yet?” moaned a hundred times before the end of the day! When there is the promise of a present, you will be surprised at how well the kids can behave for a while!

Make your vacation goodie bags extra special with our printable travel goodie bag labels ! These labels allow you to write down the times or reasons of when and why the bags can be opened.

Put a few of the items in the list below in lunch-size brown paper bags and fold over the top to secure. Staple or tape one of these labels to the top of each bag.

Goodie Bag Ideas

When finding the best items for car activity bags, you want small items that won’t take up much room, as well as fun things to do that don’t require electricity or batteries. These are some of the best ideas for travel goodie bags for adults and for kids.

Fun Stuff to Do

• Travel Journal
• Word Puzzle Book
• Crossword Puzzle Book
• Old-School Pen and Paper Games (get our free download!)
• Sudoku Book
• Window Crayons
• Pack of Cards
• Rubik’s cube
• Coloring Book
• Paper dolls
• Mini Notebook
• Drink Koozie
• Kaleidoscope
• Old Fashioned View Finder
• Mini Puzzle
• Mini Lego Kits
• Magnetic travel games (this Minecraft magnetic game is a great STEM toy)
• Wipe-off activity book
• Charm bracelet making kit
• Book to Read
• Flavored Lip Balm
• Sheet Masks for a Spa-like Experience
• Manicure sticker sets
• Cash or Gift Cards for Destinations You Will Stop At (McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.)
• iTunes Gift Card
• Gaming Gift Cards

See our list of 52 Road Trip Activities for Kids for some more great ideas.

• Snack Size Potato Chips
• Snack Size Pretzels
• Trail Mix Packs
• Cookie packs
• Granola bars
• Dried fruit
• Squeeze pouches of fruit

Be sure to see our huge list of 317 Non-Perishable Foods for Camping for even more great ideas.

• Bottled water
• Soda bottles or cans
• Juice Boxes
• Boxed Milks
• Energy Drink

How to Use Travel Goodie Bags

Travel goodie bags are perfect for encouraging good behavior from kids in the car. Think of it as a bribe of not complaining!

Road trip bags for adults are also great to have something to look forward to. They are a great way to share your love with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or partner when they are not traveling with you.

Nothing says that you care like a fun treat bag full of things you know they will like.

Remember, you can print out these fun labels in 3 different styles that have times or ideas of when to open the bags.

Here are some ideas for using car activity bags for both adults and kids:

• Give out a bag after good behavior
• Promise a goodie bag for not complaining or asking “When Are We Going to Get There?”
• Help kids learn time by giving out a goodie bag at a designated time of the day
• Have travel goodie bags for adults to open each time they stop to stretch their legs (this helps encourage physical activity when driving)
• Make a goodie bag with a theme of stops along the drive.
• Hide a goodie bag in their luggage or in the vehicle for them to find along the way.

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Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults>Vacation Goodie Bags

Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults   should include practical items like reusable water bottles and comfortable neck pillows. Entertainment options, such as books or travel games, also make thoughtful additions.

Putting together travel goodie bags for adults can transform a mundane journey into an adventure. With the right mix of practicality and luxury, these bags promise to cater to the needs of any traveler. Consider including versatile items that serve multiple purposes and cater to the typical challenges of travel, such as delays or discomfort and Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults.

Ideal contents can range from travel-sized toiletries for freshening up to electronic chargers and adapters for staying connected. The aim is to create a personalized experience that makes traveling feel like a breeze, ensuring the recipients start their journey on the right foot. When selecting products, prioritize quality and usefulness to create a memorable and appreciated travel companion.

Table of Contents

Why Pack A Travel Goodie Bag For Adults

 Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults

Imagine gliding through airports with a personal trove of treats and tools. A travel goodie bag does just that.  It turns a routine trip into a treasure hunt  for your favorite comforts. Whether a frequent flier or an occasional adventurer, a tailored Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults  becomes your trusty travel companion . Let’s discover why savvy travelers never leave without their curated kits.

The Art Of Travel Comfort

Comfort is vital in transit.  A thoughtfully packed goodie bag  offers a buffer against the unexpected. It’s filled with chosen items that  soothe, entertain, and refresh . Such a bag might include:

• A soft neck pillow for snoozing on the go
• Noise-canceling earbuds to mute travel noise
• Travel-sized skincare to fend off dryness
• Healthy snacks to beat hunger pangs

These items promise you a smoother,  more enjoyable journey .

Elevate Your Journey

It’s not just about comfort; it’s about  experience enhancement . Imagine sipping your favorite tea while flying above the clouds or jotting down thoughts in a sleek notebook. Such simple pleasures, packed in your goodie bag,  turn ordinary into extraordinary . Essential components might be:

  Item Purpose 

  Travel journal Capture memories  

  Herbal tea bags for Warm relaxation  

  Portable charger: Stay powered up  

  E-books Endless entertainment  

 These selections  upgrade your travel narrative , making every trip memorable.

Essentials For Staying Connected

Whether jet-setting across continents or road-tripping down the coast, staying connected is a priority for many travelers.  Smartphones ,  tablets , and  laptops  are lifelines to the world for both work and play. The right tools ensure these devices never run out of juice, even when a power outlet is nowhere in sight. Here are some top travel goodie bag must-haves to keep adults plugged in and fully charged, no matter where the adventure leads. View the home page link

Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults Pinterest>

Creating a Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults is a thoughtful and practical gesture to enhance their journey. Pinterest offers a wealth of inspiration for crafting the perfect assortment of items.

Consider including essentials like a stylish travel pillow for comfort during long flights or road trips, a compact yet powerful portable charger to keep devices juiced up on the go, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a curated selection of snacks for satisfying hunger pangs.

Personalized touches such as a handwritten note or a small travel journal can add a special touch to the bag, making the recipient feel appreciated and well-prepared for their adventures.

Portable Chargers and Power Banks

Portable Chargers And Power Banks

A dead battery is a modern-day traveler’s nightmare.  Portable chargers and power banks  crush this fear. These compact powerhouses fuel multiple devices on the go, making them  indispensable travel companions .

• High-capacity  models that can recharge a phone several times
• Lightweight and slim  designs for easy packing
• Options with  multiple USB ports  to charge more than one device

International Travel Adapters

Global explorers know not all power outlets are created equal.  International travel adapters  are saviors, converting plug shapes and voltages in over  150 countries . Go forth and power up, no matter the destination!

   Adapter Type Region Compatibility Device Support 

    Type C (EU) Europe, South America Phone, Camera  

  Type G (UK) United Kingdom, Singapore Tablet, Laptop  

  Type I (AU) Australia, China Power Bank, E-reader  

Satisfying Munchies And Hydration

Long journeys require tasty treats and proper hydration  to keep adults perky and content. Packing the perfect travel goodie bag should include satisfying goodies  and  ensure you stay well-hydrated and energetic throughout your trip. Let’s explore some ideal snacks and drink containers for adults on the move.

Healthy Snacks On The Go

Nourish your body  with these  healthy snack  options:

• Protein Bars>  A quick source of energy.
• Dry Fruits and Nuts>  They’re packed with nutrients.
• Whole Grain Crackers>  They’re filling and fiber-rich.
• Fresh Fruit>  Nature’s own candy, rich in vitamins.
• Vegetable Chips>  A crunchy alternative to regular chips.

Reusable Water Bottles And Coffee Cups

Stay  hydrated  and  eco-friendly  with these options:

   Item Benefits 

   Insulated Water Bottles Keep water cold for hours.  

   Collapsible Cups Save space in your bag.  

   Travel Coffee Mugs Secure lids prevent spills.  

   Filter Water Bottles Ensure water quality on the go.  

Credit: stuffedsuitcase.com

Entertainment For The Long Haul

Long journeys need engaging diversions.  A well-prepared Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults turns hours into moments of joy. Stock it with captivating entertainment. Think beyond digital devices. Appeal to the senses and reignite the joy of tangible play and immersive stories. Discover these travel-friendly entertainment twists for adults.

Compact E-readers And Audiobooks

Travel light with a library in your pocket. Compact e-readers are game changers. They save space and offer endless reading pleasure. Bold battery life keeps stories flowing. Encourage the joy of reading with preloaded bestsellers or handpicked novels.

• Space-saving>  Hundreds of books in a slender device.
• Customizable>  Font sizes and backlight for comfortable reading.
• Battery-friendly>  Weeks of power without a charge.

Not into reading? Audiobooks have your back. Engrossing tales come to life via captivating narration. Perfect for eyes-free entertainment.

• Diverse genres>  From thrillers to romance, options abound.
• Easily accessible>  Download favorites to your device before departure.
• Comforting> Close your eyes, listen, and relax.

Travel-sized Board Games And Puzzles

Ever tried mini board games or puzzles? They’re a blast. A small package delivers big fun. Interact, compete, and exercise your brain. They create laughs and memorable moments.

   Game Type Why It’s Great Players 

     Strategy games Challenge the mind 1+  

   Card games : Easy to carry, quick to play 2+  

   Puzzle sets Sharpen the Intellect 1  

  Look for travel editions. These are simpler and more portable. Share fun moments with fellow travelers. Or delve into a solo puzzle. Boredom stands no chance.

Comfort And Convenience

Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults – Comfort and Convenience

Long journeys often test our comfort levels. Packaging items that offer  comfort and convenience  is the key to a satisfying trip. Creating a goodie bag for adults that caters to these needs makes any travel experience enjoyable. From items that promote relaxation to those that save space, let’s explore travel essentials you’ll want within reach.

Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults Cheap>

A budget-friendly Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults can include essential items like a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go, a compact travel-sized toiletry kit containing shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, a portable phone charger to keep devices powered up during long journeys, a pack of travel-sized tissues for convenience, a small first aid kit for emergencies, and a travel pillow to enhance comfort on planes or automobile journeys.

Additionally, including snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruits can help curb hunger pangs while traveling without breaking the bank. These inexpensive yet practical items ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience without straining the wallet.

Travel Pillows And Eye Masks

Rest is paramount, especially when in transit. A well-rested traveler is a happy traveler. Including a  travel pillow  in your bag supports the neck and allows for peaceful rest, irrespective of the travel mode. Eye masks, on the other hand, block out unwelcome light, ensuring a more restful sleep.

• Memory Foam Neck Pillow > Contours to your shape.
• Inflatable Neck Cushion > Easy to pack when deflated.
• Contoured Eye Mask > No pressure on your eyes.
• Adjustable Straps > Ensures a perfect fit for any head size.

Collapsible Items For Space-Saving And Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults

Intelligent packing is crucial. Collapsible items are ingenious travel hacks. Save space in your luggage with items that fold, flatten, or compress. Enjoy convenience without compromising on your travel needs.

   Item Description Why it’s a Space Saver 

     Collapsible Water Bottle Flexible and leak-proof Takes minimal space when empty.  

   Collapsible Cup Useful for any beverage Can fit in a pocket or purse  

   Foldable Backpack Lightweight and durable Folds into a small pouch when not in use  

Personal Care Must-haves

Embarking on a journey  means preparing for comfort and hygiene. Personal care items are a top priority for savvy travelers. A well-packed Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults includes essentials that  keep you feeling fresh and cared for  during your adventures. These must-have products ensure  you stay healthy and comfortable , no matter where your travels take you.

Miniature Toiletries And Freshening Up

Small, travel-sized toiletries are an intelligent choice for any trip. They save space and are TSA-friendly. A list of miniature toiletries might include:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or soap bars
• Toothpaste and a foldable toothbrush
• Facial cleanser and moisturizer

Pack these in a clear, zippered bag for easy access. Remember, each container should hold no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

Sanitizing Essentials For Clean Travels

Cleanliness is crucial when traveling. Include items that kill germs and keep you healthy. Your sanitizing kit should feature>

• Hand sanitizer  with at least 60% alcohol
• Disinfectant wipes  to clean surfaces
• Face masks  for crowded places
• Tissues or a small pack of toilet paper

These essentials help protect against germs in airports, hotels, and public transportation.

Document Organization For Stress-free Travel

Imagine stepping off the plane, ready for adventure, without a worry about where your travel documents are.  Organizing documents  is critical to a relaxed trip. Your peace of mind starts here — no more rummaging through bags for passports or itineraries!

Rfid Travel Wallets And Passport Holders

Keep personal information safe with  RFID-blocking wallets and passport holders . Thieves can’t scan these! Choose one with multiple compartments to stay organized.

• Protection from electronic pickpockets
• Easy access to boarding passes  and IDs
• Variety of styles to suit anyone

Printed Itineraries And Maps

Digital is handy, but hard copies won’t let you down.  Printed itineraries and maps  are reliable companions. Display these in clear sleeves or  fold them neatly  to avoid tears.

   Document Type  Why Print?  

    Itineraries: Backup for digital copies  for quick reference .  

  Maps are Useful when phones fail; there  is no need for data .  

Frequently Asked Questions On Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults

What are adult goodie bags called.

Adult goodie bags are often called “party favor bags” or “swag bags. ” These phrases allude to the adult-oriented content served at events or parties.

What Do You Put In A Party Goody Bag?

Fill party goody bags with small toys, stickers, candy, temporary tattoos, themed items, keychains, and fun stationery. Aim for a mix of playful and practical treats that match the party’s theme and the guests’ interests.

What Is A Swag Gift Bag?

A swag gift bag is a collection of promotional items, often branded, given away at events or conferences to promote a company or product.

What Do Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults Include?

Goodie bags typically contain an assortment of small gifts, such as toys, candies, snacks, and promotional items or souvenirs. Their contents are often themed to match an event or party.

Crafting the perfect travel goodie bag transforms any trip into a remarkable journey. Tailor your selection with unique, practical items that guarantee comfort and enjoyment. Remember, personal touches make these gifts memorable. So, pack thoughtfully and elevate your next adventure with a touch of home or a spark of novelty and Travel Goodie Bag Ideas for Adults.

Happy travels!

I am a travel specialized writer and blogger based in the USA and UK, CANADA. I have four years of experience in travel and all types of tours. So I work on solving these issues and give various tips on these issues. I handling carefully of these issues. So, I will share this information with everyone.

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Road Trip Survival Kit for Adults

Hello! Summer is here! Are you planning a vacation? Growing up we did at least road trip every summer. I’ve been to San Francisco, Yosemite, San Diego and tons of places in between all around California.

Today I’m sharing a list of 20 Road Trip Must Haves to have in your road trip kit (so you won’t want to hide in the gas station bathroom after 3 hours of listening to the same song over and over because you forgot to update your playlist).

1. Screen shots of directions and hotel confirmations. Screen shot the ‘must have’ information in case you don’t have service at your location.

2. Neck Pillow – they’re not just for airplanes

3. Sunblock – yes, even inside the car.  I’ve been on long road trips and felt the sun beating through the windows burning me.

4. Games on your phone – if you like cash app games to win real money , Best Fiends is a free puzzle adventure game. You collect lil Fiends and defeat the slugs by matching color coded objects. And now the slugs are going to Boot Camp. I guess they want to be in tip top shape to fight the Fiends.

5.  Audiobooks or podcasts – A good book is a great way to pass the time!

6. Headphones – This is great if you’re listening to the audio version of War and Peace and your travel buddy is listening to Britney Spears.

7. First aid kit – you should have this in your car already!

8. Mouthwash and/or gum – especially if your road trip is to the annual garlic festival (that’s a real thing in California!).

9. Your best “Never Have I Ever” game ideas – after a few hours locked in a small space with someone you get real comfortable to spill your deepest, darkest secrets.

10. Gallon of water – Bring your reusable water bottle, but sometimes it’s hard to find a water fountain or angle it under a water fountain. Having extra water is a good idea.

Tip: Stay hydrated! But also consider skipping the romper so your entire wardrobe doesn’t have to be peeled off in order to use the restroom at a random seedy truck-stop.

11. Hitchhiker ground rules – before your trip decide what kind of hitchhikers you are open to giving a ride and if they are allowed to call shotgun.

12. Snacks – Stock up on snacks to save money on pricey gas station chips. Bring along some healthy options. Make sure to pack snacks with protein like beef or chicken jerky, protein bars , string cheese…

Tip: Portion out snacks in baggies so they’re easier to grab. This also keeps ya from mindlessly eating an entire bag of chips just to help the miles pass.

13. Patience – always pack extra patience when traveling. Something might go wrong – roll with it and don’t let it ruin your trip.

14. Napkins or toilet paper – You’ll need the napkins for snack time and hopefully you won’t need the TP. But bring it just in case.  You’ll thank me later.

15. Magazines or books – These are like podcasts but written down on paper. It’s wild.

16. Tums or Pepto Bismo – You know what’s worse than getting diarhea on a road trip?       Nothing.

17. Baggies – Baggies are great for snacks, deck of cards, rubberbands… they end up coming in handy.

18. A Towel – have a towel handy in case of major spills, to block the sun, as a blanket, to dry off after an impromptu dip in the ocean…

19. Baby wipes – Yeah, this is a list for adults but baby wipes can help with quick clean ups of your hands/face/random messes.

20. Duct tape, rope, a tarp and shovel – Just in case. Kidding! But put this on the list to freak out your travel partner.

And put it all in a container so it’s easy access and organized.

Question: Do you have any audiobook suggestions? Playlist suggestions?? Snack suggestions? 

Reader interactions.

2017-06-15 at 8:04 pm

What? Our road trips are always an end of summer event. Favorite snacks are – not in any order – raisins, beef jerky, and cinnamon pecan Kind bars.

2017-06-15 at 4:50 am

Do I have a long weekend? WooHoo!!!!! When I don’t show up Monday, I’m going to tell them a Monican told it was a long weekend. I hope it works…. Great traveling tips.

2017-06-15 at 6:46 am

Ha! Totally blame it on me. Sorry.

2017-06-14 at 8:49 pm

Never been on a road trip, sadly. Not really possible here in Hong Kong, it’s so small! I wish I could go on one though!

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http://charmainenyw.com

2017-06-14 at 5:31 pm

I think your post is a little late. Memorial Day was a few weeks ago. But, useful information none be less!

2017-06-15 at 4:18 am

Exactly! I was confused

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Adult Road Trip Goody Bag Ideas: Essential Items for a Memorable Journey

Are you planning your next adult road trip? Don’t forget to pack a goody bag filled with essential items that will make your journey comfortable and stress-free. A well-packed goody bag can make all the difference in ensuring that you have a memorable and enjoyable experience on the road. In this article, we will discuss some essential items that you should pack in your adult road trip goody bag.

Snacks and Drinks: Fuel Up and Quench Your Thirst on the Road

When you’re on a road trip, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in your car. It’s important to keep yourself fueled up and hydrated throughout the journey. Snacks and drinks are a must-have for any road trip goody bag. You can pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or beef jerky. These snacks are easy to pack and will provide you with the energy you need to keep going.

In addition to snacks, it’s important to pack plenty of water and other beverages. If you’re traveling with a group, consider packing a cooler filled with ice-cold drinks. A cooler can also be used to store perishable snacks like sandwiches or fruit. By packing snacks and drinks, you’ll save money and time by avoiding frequent stops at gas stations or restaurants.

Entertainment: Keep Yourself and Your Road Trip Buddies Entertained

One of the best parts of a road trip is spending quality time with your friends or family. However, it’s important to have some entertainment to keep you and your road trip buddies entertained during long stretches of driving. Music is a great way to pass the time and keep the mood upbeat. You can create a playlist of your favorite songs or download some podcasts or audiobooks.

If you’re traveling with a group, consider bringing some card games or board games. These games can help break up the monotony of driving and provide some much-needed entertainment. You can also pack some magazines or books to read during rest stops or before bed.

Comfort: Essentials to Make Your Journey Comfortable and Relaxing

A road trip can be a long and tiring journey, and it’s important to stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the trip. Packing some essential items can help you achieve this. One essential item is a neck pillow. A neck pillow will help you get some rest during long stretches of driving. You can also pack a blanket or a small pillow to make your seat more comfortable.

Another essential item is a travel kit. A travel kit can include items like hand sanitizer, tissues, and wet wipes. These items can help you stay clean and fresh during the trip. You can also pack some comfortable clothing like sweatpants or a hoodie. Comfortable clothing can make a long car ride more bearable.

Safety: Emergency Items to Keep You Prepared on the Road

While no one wants to think about it, emergencies can happen during a road trip. It’s important to be prepared for any situation. One essential item to pack is a first aid kit. A first aid kit should include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. You should also pack a flashlight and extra batteries in case of a breakdown at night.

Another essential item is a car emergency kit. A car emergency kit should include items like a spare tire, jack, and tire iron. You should also pack jumper cables, a portable air compressor, and a can of tire sealant. These items can help you get back on the road quickly in case of a breakdown.

Conclusion: Don’t Forget to Pack Your Goody Bag for a Stress-Free Road Trip

In conclusion, packing a goody bag for your next adult road trip is essential to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable journey. Snacks and drinks can keep you fueled up and hydrated, entertainment can keep you and your road trip buddies entertained, and comfort items can make your journey more comfortable and relaxing. Safety items can help you be prepared for any emergencies that may arise. By packing a well-stocked goody bag, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way on the road.

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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Planning » Road Trip Care Package Ideas

Road Trip Care Package Ideas

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• Pinterest 185

Do you know someone who is heading off on a road trip? Send them off in style with a road trip care package full of essentials and fun tokens for the road!

What is a care package? It’s a receptacle filled with indispensable items, luxury items, food, money, and more that’s given to a loved one to show you miss them or care about them.

A road trip gift basket makes a fun way to show someone you love that you care, whether it’s your daughter or son heading out on his or her first road trip, your husband or wife taking a business trip for work, your best friend heading out on the adventure of a lifetime, or all the passengers who are joining you on the road.

Fill up a box (or bag or basket) with road trip essentials like snacks and games, necessities like chapstick and hand sanitizer, and a few fun extras like a reusable water bottle or gift certificate to their favorite fast food drive through.

Need some inspiration? Read on to find out the best road trip care package ideas for adults, kids, or families, how to make them, and what to put in them.

Road Trip Care Package Ideas: How to Make a Road Trip Care Package

1. road trip snacks, 2. gift certificates, 3. cozy blanket, 4. hand sanitizer, 5. road trip games, 6. travel coffee mug or water bottle, 7. wet wipes, 8. car air freshener, 9. road map or guidebook, 10. chapstick or lip balm, save this list of road trip care package ideas to pinterest to save for your next road trip.

Making a road trip care package couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you need to do:

• Buy all the gift box items you want to include ( see below for ideas on what to get! ). Most of the items you can grab at your local dollar store, any drugstore, or online at websites like Amazon.
• Purchase something to put it all in! Every care package needs a package! Look for something that can hold as much stuff as you need and has multipurpose use: a plastic bin can double as a car organizer, a tote bag can be reused for groceries, a drawstring bag can double as a day pack, or a car organizer can be used to, well, organize the car! I like using a soft-sided shower caddy with plenty of pockets ( find the one I used here ). The pockets allow you to organize all the goodies and the bag can be used in the hotel to tote around toiletries!
• Arrange the items inside. To make the gift basket visually pleasing, stack the tallest items in the back and shortest items in the front. Use some crumpled tissue paper or newspaper under the items if you need more height. A couple of gift cards or a big of chips popping out between items gives the gift box an extra pop.
• Add a colorful label to let the recipient know just what (and who) this road trip care package is for!

Road Trip Care Package Ideas: What to Put in a Road Trip Care Package

You can put anything you want in a road trip care package but you mostly want to fill it with stuff that will be fun and useful while on the road. My top ten favorite items to include include road trip snacks , gift certificates, a cozy blanket, hand sanitizer, road trip games, a travel mug or reusable water bottle, wet wipes, a car air freshener, a road map or guidebook, and some chapstick or lip balm!

Other road trip care package ideas: include bottled water or soda, Tylenol, Dramamine, band-aids, sunscreen, bug spray, travel-sized toiletries, tissues, disposable cameras , journals , pens, markers, crossword puzzles, notebooks, or magazines.

Everyone loves road trip snacks to munch on in the car and so they should always be included in a road trip gift basket! Cater the snacks you include to the recipient’s tastebuds. Do they like salty chips? Sweets? Healthy granola bars? Include what they love. Avoid foods that might get messy: cheese puffs (while delicious) leave orange powder on your fingers and car and chocolate easily melts. Be sure to include a favorite drink too!

Gift certificates make great gifts for roadtrippers ! You can buy gift cards for chain fast food places, national restaurants, coffee shops or even gas stations. Whether your friend loved McDonald’s or Taco Bell, Starbucks or a stop at a Shell, a gift certificate can provide anything from a quick meal to an afternoon pick-me-up, to a much-needed tank of gas.

A good care package combines everyday essentials with a few special splurges. So a cozy blanket is a great luxury to include in your parcel amongst those bags of potato chips and licorice. Blankets keep passengers warm on long journeys, can double as a picnic blanket on a hike through a park, and offer a respite from itchy motel quilts. Everyone loves blankets and a cozy throw provides a warm hug from afar.

Let’s be real: you’re going to encounter a lot of germs on a road trip. From handling random gas pumps to sitting in old school diner booths to sleeping in run down motels to touching the balls of the world’s largest buffalo (not that anyone would do that), you’re going to touch a lot of germs. Hand sanitizer is a road tripper’s best friend.

Young or old: everyone loves road trip games. Throw in some road trip bingo cards, travel-sized favorites, conversation starters, or Mad Libs for everyone in the car to play along!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features fun and engaging journal prompts. plus 100 activities and games to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route.

Everyone taking a road trip should have a travel coffee mug and/or refillable water bottle. They save money by allowing you to fill up at the hotel’s free breakfast and are better for the environment than buying plastic bottles at the gas station convenience store. Add one of these to your road trip care packages and the recipient will thank you forever.

Wet wipes are always handy to have on hand in the car, especially on long car rides. Different types of wet wipes can be used in different situations: disinfecting the steering wheel, cleaning up a cola explosion, or in place of toilet paper when the gas station bathroom is out. Baby wipes can be used for many purposes and disinfectant wipes provide a stronger clean, so throw in a couple packs of each.

After a few days in the car it can start smelling less than fresh. A car air freshener can help! Throw in some retro trees, something cute and quirky, or a modern air vent clip to curb the scent that can only come from a pack of people stuffed in a car.

A road map or local guidebook for their destination or route is always a fun addition to a road trip care package! Buy something general that they can use again or again (like a USA road atlas) or something specific, like a Route 66 guidebook or map of Oregon , that will help them along their journey.

There are lots of little filler items that can really round out a gift basket: packets of tissues, travel-sized sunscreen, packets of Advil or Dramamine. One of my favorite “stocking stuffers” (car package stuffers?) is lip balm! These little tubes go a long way, help your recipient feel refreshed, and add an extra something to your road trip care package.

Plan Your Road Trip

Road Trip Goodie Bags for Adults

Road trips are a fun way to travel. You get to go where you want, see what you want, make as many detours as you …

Road Trip Journals to Record Your Adventures

I love keeping road trip journals while I’m traveling the open road. Sure, pictures say 1,000 words, but sometimes you want to say 2,000 and, …

Road Trip Bucket List Ideas and Experiences

What’s on your road trip bucket list? What are the things you most want to experience while traveling the open road? Do you dream of …

Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: December 22, 2023 Category: Road Trip Packing , Road Trip Planning

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Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip!

By valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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Budget Road Trip Ideas (+ Hourly Goodie Bags)

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Just in time for summer family travel, I’m bringing you my budget road trip ideas. Besides helping you save money on the road, I’m sharing my hourly road trip goodie bag ideas to keep your sanity while on the road too!

Budget Road Trip Ideas

There are two things you need to do before hitting the road:

• Determine the purpose of your trip
• Come up with a budget

The Purpose of Your Road Trip

Determining the purpose of your road trip is important because it determines your budget. For example, if the purpose of your road trip is merely a form of transportation to get to a destination (say a theme park or the beach), then you’ll want to spend as little money as possible along the way.

However, if your road trip is your vacation, then you’ll want to budget more for stops in each city for lodging and attractions. For example, we are taking several road trips this summer: one to see family, one for a baby shower and another for a mother/son event. Our budget looks very different for each trip. A trip where we don’t have to spend money on hotels allows us to spend more of our budget on eating out and sightseeing.

Road Trip Budget

After you decide the purpose of your trip, you need to come up with your road trip budget. You need to take the following factors into consideration:

• Gas/Car Maintenance
• Sightseeing

The total of each of these road trip budget items should not exceed your overall budget.

Once you know how much you’re going to spend, let’s plan your trip. With this method, you should be able to make multiple road trips with your family this summer!

When To Travel on Your Road Trip to Save the Most Money

You know how you can typically find cheaper flights Tuesdays & Wednesdays? A similar principle applies for road trips.

If you are going to a tourist destination, try to schedule your actual travel days for the weekends when traffic is light and attractions are more expensive. Then you can spend the weekdays at the tourist attractions when they’re less busy and hotels are less expensive.

The benefit of a road trip is you can bring (almost) as much as you want! Don’t wait until you get to a tourist destination to buy things like sunscreen , towels, goggles & sunglasses that could cost you high convenience fees.

But don’t pack too much – weighing your car down will affect your gas mileage. Also try to use soft bags/duffle bags and packing cubes so things will fit easier in your trunk or your backseat.

Save 25% off at eBags.com with code FRIEND

Hourly Road Trip Goodie Bags

One of the best ways to keep kids content on a long road trip (without devices) is to do hourly road trip goodie bags. The Dollar Store is your friend for this!

Simply get some brown lunch bags and fill them with small toys, gum, snacks, craft supplies, puzzle or even souvenirs that give your kids a clue about your destination. I love filling them with snacks because it keeps the kids from continually asking for food and you save a ton of money by buying them in advance versus waiting to buy them at a gas station once on the road.

An alternate to hourly goodie bags would be to have the kids open the goodie bags once you pass through certain cities. This would help account for pit stops and traffic. I love these road trip goodie bag tags I found online from It’s Always Autumn.

Bringing Food vs. Eating Out

Aside from the road trip goodie bag snacks I mentioned above, try to bring your own food from home on your road trip. Not only will you be able to infuse a few healthier options into your trip, but you’ll save money.

You know you’ll have to eat out at some point, so try to follow this method:

• Find a hotel with free breakfasts or bring your own food to tide you over until lunch
• Eat a large lunch as late as possible (ideally between 2-3); this would be your one meal out for the day
• Think snacks for dinner: popcorn, fruit, tea or even splitting one pizza as a family

Another way to save money on your road trip is to buy restaurant gift cards before you leave (for example, buy them from your local grocery store and rack up reward points, or use drugstore reward points to buy gift cards there).

Try a SoundWaves Water Getaway during their Flash Sale!

Save on Sightseeing

A few tips for saving on sightseeing and family activities:

• Don’t forget to schedule some activities along the way
• Break up a longer trip into several destinations along the way
• Check sites like Groupon or Travelzoo for local deals
• Try a fun scavenger hunt like Urban Adventure Quest to get to know the city (Use code FLBLOG to save 20% on your quest!)

Come back later to watch my segment from Talk of the Town or watch past Talk of the Town TV segments now.

Nashville Blogger, Media Personality, & Communications Professor. Sami Cone mentors others to live their dream life on less and pursue their passions through her blog and 30-minute TV show, "The Sami Cone Show". She authored the best-selling book, "Raising Uncommon Kids" and is known as the "Frugal Mom" on Nashville's top-rated talk show. She is proud to call Nashville home with her two teenaged children (a daughter & son) who are 19 months apart.

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What Should I Put in a Road Trip Goodie Bag?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a road trip with your friends or family? It’s always a good idea to prepare a fun and practical goodie bag for everyone to enjoy during the journey.

But what should you put in it? Here are some ideas:

Snacks and Drinks

1. Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is important, especially during long drives. Fill up reusable water bottles and keep them in the goodie bag. 2.

Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips is a perfect snack for road trips. It’s easy to munch on and gives you energy. 3. Chips and Crackers: Pack some of your favorite chips or crackers to satisfy those salty cravings.

Entertainment

1. Music Playlist: Create a playlist of everyone’s favorite songs and play it through the car speakers.

Travel Games: Classic games like Uno, Scrabble, or card games are great ways to pass the time. Books or Magazines: If you have avid readers in your group, bring along some books or magazines for them to read during breaks.

Emergency Supplies

1. First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so it’s always smart to have a first aid kit handy.

Flashlight: In case you need to stop at night or need to check something under the hood, a flashlight can be very useful. Blankets: In case it gets cold at night while camping out somewhere.

Miscellaneous Items

1. Wet Wipes/ Sanitizer : To keep hands clean if there is no water around 2. Sunglasses/Hats: Protect yourselves from the sun and keep a pair of sunglasses or hats handy.

3. Trash Bags: Don’t litter! Keep trash bags in the car and dispose of them properly.

In Conclusion

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Road Trip Goodie Bags For Toddlers, Kids, and Adults

A family road trip can be full of adventure but also long periods of anticipation and boredom.  To help overcome road trip fatigue, put together fun road trip goodie bags for the toddlers, kids, and even the adults to enjoy in the car!

There are only so many games of I Spy and License Plate Bingo that a family can enjoy before the novelty wears off. By implementing surprise goodie bags, it is bound to liven up that time spent on the road and replace, “Are we there yet?” with ” Is it time for another road trip goodie bag yet?”

What Are Road Trip Goodie Bags?

Road trip goodie bags are inexpensive, fun bags that can be given to toddlers or kids periodically throughout a road trip. Inside each bag is either a small toy, activity, or snack for them to enjoy. Some families choose to give a new bag every hour, while others opt for a new bag for each new state they enter. There is no right or wrong way to do road trip goodie bags. Choose things to put in the goodie bag that you know your child will enjoy.

Tips For Creating Road Trip Goodie Bags

Creating the perfect set of road trip goodie bags comes down to the age and interests of each child receiving the bags. While some children love to read and do crafts, others can get car sickness while trying to do those things.

• Keep in mind that you may want to create a few goodie bags for the return trip home.
• Choose items not overtly messy, or that could cause frustration. For example, giving my 3-year-old daughter play-doh while on the road resulted in a meltdown because she couldn’t roll it out, cut it and do what she wanted while contained in a car seat. We ended up finding hard bits of play-doh all over the car.
• Items do not have to be expensive. The majority of our items came from a Dollar Store. The total for 13 goodie bags was close to $30, which included snacks and bags.
• The most popular items in our goodie bags were the ones that contained a small toy. In our case, a little doll.  Little toys such as small cars, plastic figurines, or stuffed animals would work well too.

Road Trip Goodie Bags For Toddlers and Kids

• Consider getting a figurine set and dividing the figurines into different goodie bags over the course of the road trip. This is perfect if you have a little one into a theme such as Disney, Paw Patrol, or other popular characters.
• Throw in a fun snack every few goodie bags. We added applesauce pouches, fruit snacks, and other tasty treats to help make it through the long stretches between meals.
• Consider having a Halfway There Bag, which contains a very special item or toy that marks your trip’s half-way point. For us, this was a Jasmine doll since this was something she has been asking for.
• The Target dollar spot often has tons of great activities to put in bags. Especially for older kids.
• Take everything out of the packaging before placing it in the road trip goodie bag. You don’t want to have to haul around all the cardboard, plastic wrap, or worry about cutting something out of a box.
• Keep your Road Trip Goodie Bags a secret! Don’t tell your kids what is in each one; keep them guessing!

11 Road Trip Goodie Bag Ideas For Toddlers

A Magazine or Book

Books and magazines are always a great road trip option.  We squirreled away the newest High Five Magazine and her Nat Geo Animal Magazine to put in the road trip bags. Toddlers often enjoy books with lots of pictures of things they enjoy. Whether it is dinosaurs or princesses, a good picture book a great choice.

Little Figurines and Raisins

The Dollar Tree came in for the win with this little fairy for a buck. It was a great addition to our bags. Plus, we threw in a raisin snack to help curb any hunger.

Road Trip Bingo

This particular game will go over well for toddlers who are forward-facing.  It was lost on our little gal, who currently is rear-facing because she couldn’t see to mark off the items. However, she did make-up her own game and claimed the road trip bingo to be her map. I found these fun games at Target and the Dollar Tree.

Handheld Games and Apple Sauce

These fun little handheld games are perfect for keeping kids busy while on the road. I was on the hunt for the fun handheld water games, but the move the ball one proved just as fun.  My daughter and I took turns, trying to see who could move the ball into the hole the fastest!  Games like these can be found in dollar stores are a great addition to any great road trip goodie bag.  We paired it an apple sauce pouch because we snack often.

Halfway There Bag

The Halfway There Bag, we made special by placing a toy that we know she has wanted. For us, this happened to be a princess, Jasmine. Other ideas could be a stuffed animal, an interactive toy, or other highly revered toys in your toddler’s mind. It could even be a book with lift-a-flaps or one that makes music.

Colorforms and Fruit Snacks

One of the reasons I adore Colorforms is that the stickers are reusable. Peel them off and stick again and again. Perfect for toddlers.  They have a wide variety of different sets available. We got two sets, Frozen 2  and My Little Ponies, for a dollar each at the Dollar Tree.  One set for the way down, and one set for the way home.  Pair it with fruit snacks and you have a happy little traveler.

Crayola Mess-Free Coloring Pages

While I usually would insert coloring books and crayons here, my daughter loves her markers. Mommy loves markers that don’t make a mess, so this a match made in heaven.  The markers won’t color anything but the pages of this particular paper, which is perfect while on the road. She has a little travel tray, which she tolerated only while coloring. The hardest part was the constant putting caps back on the markers, but she enjoyed it.

Another Small Toy and Granola Bar

Have I mentioned how much I love the Dollar Store?! Another dollar store toy for the win! We paired it with her favorite Happy Tot Granola Bar.

Stickers and a Travel Journal

Grab a pack of stickers and a fun travel journal and see what they come up with. For my 3- year old, I will peel off the sticker edges, leaving only the stickers. This makes it easy for little fingers to peel the stickers off.

Look and Find Books

From the classic Where’s Waldo to themed look and find books, kids love trying to find hidden pictures. While these books can get pricy, I recommend heading over to a local resale shop. For example, I caught this Disney Princess Look and Find Book for $1.50 at Once Upon A Child. Half-Price Books is another excellent spot to find these books at a good price.

Colorforms Funny Faces Game

Our love of Colorforms runs deep, so when we saw that they had a funny faces game, we knew that this would be a big hit. Our friends over at Play Monster provided us with the Colorforms Funny Faces Game to review, and we couldn’t be happier. The Funny Faces Game is the ideal game for toddlers and kids. Not only was it easy to play on the road because the face pieces stick to your board, but we also enjoyed having a family game night during our vacation.

The game is simple, easy instructions and allows creativity to flow. Our daughter enjoyed playing the game and then started creating her own version of who could make the silliest face, the scariest face, etc. It was a hoot.  You can grab your game at Fred Meyers or online !

The road trip goodies bags are a great way to keep your toddler entertained during a road trip. For more ideas on how to have a successful road trip with a toddler, check out our Toddler Road Trip Tips .

A Few Ideas For Unique Road Trip Goodie Bags For Older Kids

Road trip goodie bags are not just for toddlers, but older kids as well. While older kids may not be as amused with little trinkets and toys as the toddlers are, they get equally excited about getting a goodie bag.  Here are a few ideas on what to stuff surprise older kids with during a road trip.

I am bringing back this blast from the past.  Latch-Rugs is a great way to keep older children entertained while on the road, and as a bonus, the completed craft is an awesome new rug for their room.

Latch Rugs are easy to learn and can chew up a reasonable amount of time while on the road. Our advice is to keep a special bag handy to keep the pieces and yarn organized. It is a craft that they will keep coming back to complete. Latch Rugs can be found at Michaels or online at Playmonster.

If you are traveling with creative kids who love arts and crafts, consider getting a spirograph. This toy will hands-down be a grand slam for older kids and the spirograph is built to travel and create. When you pull out the tray, pens, circles, and paper are neatly organized with a spot designated spot to create.

Adults enjoy the spirograph just as much as the children, if not more! It also makes for a great rainy day activity if you happen to have bad weather while on vacation. The Spirograph can be found at Michaels or online at PlayMonster.

Wipe Off Activity Pads

Older kids who can handle dry erase markers will enjoy the activity pads that are easy to wipe and go. Whether it is a book to connect the dot, search and find or other fun games, it an activity that can be used again and again. A few of our favorites are Melissa and Doug.

Dollar Store Activities

While the small toys are ideal for toddlers, look around your local dollar store for fabulous finds for older kids.  Word finds, crossword puzzles, silly putty, and other random fun items. Older kids will even enjoy things that they can use at their final destination such as, lip balms, fun cups, silly straws, a hairbrush, hand lotion, or a hat.

Other Ideas For Road Trip Goodie Bags For Kids

• A favorite magazine or new book
• Portable travel games
• A crazy craft or bizarre coloring book
• A kit for creating necklaces and bracelets
• Plenty of their favorite snacks with a few new ones in the mix.
• Post-it notes
• Small sets of Legos
• Window Markers
• Tape Activity Book
• Color Counts Activity Book

Check out our favorite Games To Play During A Road Trip.

Road Trip Goodie Bags For Adults

Good bags shouldn’t just be for the children in the car but also for the adults!  Have a little fun while on the road by preparing a few fun goodie bags for yourself and your adult roadside companions! Here are a few ideas for road trip goodie bags for adults.

Candy Sampler Bags

Grab a variety of different candy to sample throughout your trip. Choose a few of your favorite candies, travel companions’ favorite candies, and a few new candies to try together. Place them in one big bag and pull out a new candy at every designated treat time, whether it be entering a new state, a particular city, or every hour!

To avoid sugar overload, consider only taking a few bites of each bar and then placing them in an airtight container to stay fresh for you to enjoy throughout your vacation. 

Snacks From Around The World

These goodie bags may take a little effort as gathering a variety of snacks from around the world may include making multiple stops at a variety of grocery stores. Venture up and down the international foods section and grab items that are intriguing to try during a road trip. Another great alternative is to order one subscription box from Snack Crate  and enjoy one snack from the crate at each designated treat time. 

Progressive Spa Day

Pamper yourself while on the road by enjoying progressive spa day goodie bags. Bags can contain special lotions, cucumber slices for a snack, fruit-infused water, lip balm, a hand massager, and more. Fuzzy socks are always a hit. 

Look For More Great Road Trip Tips In Our Related Articles:

The Best Snacks To Curb Hanger During A Road Trip 

Tips For Taking A Baby On A Road Trip 

Hotel Tips For Toddlers and Babies

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Protect Your Trip »

32 road trip essentials for adults and kids.

Travel more comfortably with these road trip must-haves.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Read on to discover which items you should consider adding to your road trip packing list, or jump to the section on what to pack for kids .

Road trip essentials for adults

From roadside emergency must-haves to multipurpose gadgets you can use throughout your journey, these are some of the most helpful items to have on a road trip.

"Hanger" can make a road trip go south pretty quick. Pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.

Courtesy of ICEMULE

You might want to bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold. If you don't already own one, the best cooler bags include the ICEMULE Classic (available in a variety of sizes) and the CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag .

A seat organizer like this one by YOOFAN can help you keep snacks, tissues and any other essentials close at hand. Plus, it can double as a reusable bag for any small purchases you make during your road trip.

USB charging cables

If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts from your phone. Compatible with Apple devices, this two-pack of Amazon Basics cables is well rated; for Samsung devices, try these Anker cables . Both sets have 3-foot cords, which are the perfect size for car travel.

Portable charger

Courtesy of INIU

Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too. Travelers rave about the INIU Portable Charger for its slim, lightweight design and overall efficiency.

Jumper cables

A set of jumper cables is essential to have in your car at all times, whether you're driving 2 miles down the road or 200 miles away from home. The Energizer Jumper Cables are especially well rated. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, the 12-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage. Longer cables are also available.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty.

Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and a 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Courtesy of Snow Joe

If you're traveling during the winter months and/or to a destination where you might encounter snow and ice, make sure you have a snow broom in your car. The Snow Joe 4-in-1 Telescoping Broom is especially convenient for travel because of its lightweight, foldable design, and recent buyers confirm the foam head prevents any scratching. This snow broom also features an ice scraper and LED lights with a blinking functionality for emergencies.

Dashboard phone mount

Avoid distractions by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Car document holder

In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial – whether you're traveling or not. This two-sided holder , which comes in a pack of two for less than $5 on Amazon, does the job.

Roadside emergency kit

For peace of mind, many travelers recommend an all-purpose roadside emergency kit . These kits are typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, rain ponchos and other useful items.

Courtesy of Busy Co

Freshen up with the extra-large body wipes from Busy Co , which are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types. They address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Using disposable toilet seat covers can help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

Nausea relief

Courtesy of Sea-Band

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses by keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.

Book or e-reader

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Bring a good book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , which puts thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Rooftop cargo carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car trash can

Courtesy of Hotor

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leakproof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Dog waste bags

Even if you don't have a dog, hear us out: Dog poop bags are useful for a variety of needs, from general waste to dirty diapers to unexpected accidents caused by motion sickness. The Earth Rated bags are 100% leakproof, and buyers agree they're effective at eliminating odors.

If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones. For kids, consider the fleece CozyPhones , which are volume-limiting for little ears and come in a variety of animal themes.

Travel pillow

Courtesy of Cabeau

Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic neck pillow for travel . Top-rated options include the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the MVLOC Travel Pillow .

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Beach blanket

Courtesy of WEKAPO

A large beach blanket or towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. You can use it to have a picnic lunch, to clean up a spill, to dry off playground equipment after a rainstorm and more.

Reusable water bottle

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This  40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask  keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this  12-ounce YETI Rambler  fits the bill: Its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher-safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

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Road trip essentials for kids

In addition to snacks, headphones, reusable water bottles, sunglasses and – depending whether your kids are in a car seat or not – travel pillows, the following items are essential to a successful road trip with kids.

Seatback organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip.

Travel tray

Courtesy of LUSSO Gear

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry-erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Window shade

Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades. Many parents like the shades by Enovoe , which come in a two- or four-pack.

Bag of small toys and activities

Load up on small toys you can surprise your kids with throughout the journey. Wikki Stix , Melissa & Doug Water Wow pads and sticker books are all good, low-cost activities, and you can find other cheap options at your local dollar and thrift stores. You might even add some candy to the mix, especially for that last leg of the trip.

Most parents want to keep screen time to a minimum, but all bets are off when it comes to travel. Consider a tablet like the Amazon Fire Kids , which comes with a protective case and one year of Amazon Kids+. Amazon Kids+ features thousands of ad-free books, games and apps; for any streaming services you have at home, you can download TV show episodes and movies so the kids don't need Wi-Fi to watch them.

Small blanket

Courtesy of Cubcoat

Bring a small blanket and/or other comfort item from home to ensure the kids are cozy and content in the backseat. You could also bring a Cubcoat , which is a two-in-one stuffed animal that transforms into a hoodie. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. Plus, many kids journals feature world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more activities to keep boredom at bay.

Road trip tips

Plan your stops.

It can be helpful and fun to plan your road trip stops ahead of time. Break up the trip with stops at a pretty park, a quirky roadside attraction or a top-rated restaurant.

Debit cards and Venmo may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only. Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand.

Download a fuel savings app

You can save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• Vacation Packing List
• The Best Kids Luggage
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

The Best Attraction in Every U.S. State

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Road Trip Goodie Bags + Printable Tags Pack

This post may contain affiliate links and ads. Read our disclosure policy here .

When you are loading up the 4-wheel drive sleigh for a ride over the river(s), through the woods and across the country, there are plenty of great road trip hacks that make your journey easier. Of course, if you are road tripping with young kids, you know that there is nothing better than a quiet backseat. Check out this awesome road trip goodie bag idea and our printable tags pack. See how easy it is to make these boredom busters for your next adventure.

Traveling with Kids

I always get excited to chat about traveling and road trips. We have covered so many miles over the years with the kids and our travel memories are among my very favorite pastimes. This blog is just brimming with all sorts of family travel content .

Here are some of my very favorites:

• DIY Dollar Store Road Trip Treasure Box
• 15 Free Printable Road Trip Activities and Games for Kids
• FREE Printable Adventure Bucks for Family Travel
• Top 10 NON-Tech Boredom Busters for Long Road Trips
• The 13 Beach Bag Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget!
• 15 MUST-PACK Best Baby Beach Gear Items + Printable Packing List
• Little House on the Prairie Road Trip – Pepin, Walnut Grove, De Smet
• Disney World Road Trip Essentials for Your Car
• Printable Road Trip Game – 50 Conversation Starters

Keeping the Backseat Happy

Like I said, we have covered many miles over the years with our kids at varying ages. Our biggest travel undertaking to date was the drive to and from Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming from Pennsylvania. We logged more than 5,000 miles in just over 2 weeks on that adventure.

And after we returned home, I said I would take the trip again in a heartbeat. The biggest contributing factor to that sentiment?  The kids were exceptionally well-behaved throughout the many, many hours on the road. 

What was the reason they stayed so content and fairly quiet (they were 8 and 3 years old at the time)?  BOREDOM BUSTERS.  LOTS and LOTS of boredom busters. 

Road Trip Goodie Bags

Sometimes when we take a really long road trip, I will keep small prizes (trinkets like snacks, dollar store items, etc) in a bag in the front seat and toss random rewards for good behavior to the kids. Other times, I make up some road trip goodie bags before we hit the road. The kids absolutely LOVE when I do this and it really does make the time go by faster.

I am really excited to share this new printable with you. I hope that you will find that it makes it easier than ever to toss some boredom busters together. (And hopefully they help keep some sanity and peace in your car during the drive).

Supplies for Road Trip Goodie Bags

Here are the supplies to have on hand for these bags:

• Bags to hold the surprise items
• Small items to put in each bag (Keep it “cheap and cheerful!” Small items, snacks, etc will work great. You don’t need big, expensive items to keep things exciting. When I made up our “treasure box” for our Yellowstone trip, I put things like Post-It Notes and Pipe Cleaners into the bag. My kids went CRAZY over every single item I handed to them. Don’t overthink your items.)
• Our printable pack

You can grab our printable tags right here . Simply enter your email address in the box and opt-in to receive our free newsletter.  Check your inbox for this printable, which you will receive as a subscriber bonus. NOTE: This file is for PERSONAL USE ONLY. You may NOT sell the digital file or sell the printed work. You may NOT redistribute the digital file or printed work.

How to Assemble Your Goodie Bags

As you can see, our printable pack includes 4 pages (well, 5 if you count the cover). One page is FULL of ideas for all kinds of different things you could put in your bags. Use this page to brainstorm ideas and feel free to add your own ideas! This page would also make a handy shopping list if you want to bring it along to the store.

Go ahead and fill your bags!

The pack also includes 3 pages of bag tags. You will see that each page is worded slightly different. Choose whichever version fits your style! You can write times on the tags like I did in the example in this post, OR you can write cities along your route, landmarks you might pass, etc. You can get as creative as you feel like!

These tags can be printed on regular printer paper or card stock – your choice.

Fold the bags to close them. You can use a piece of tape to seal the folded top if you prefer. Tape one bag tag onto the front of each bag. I recommend using a small box or bin to keep your goodie bags inside of and keep them within arm’s reach. If you are taking a truly epic journey that entails days of driving, you might choose to stretch the times out longer than 1 hour intervals or simply use landmarks or cities instead. (Otherwise you might end up with more goodie bags than you can possibly pack!)

You can always keep a few bags nearby and stack the rest in a bin and keep them in the trunk. (Be mindful of the potential hot car factor when choosing treats! For example, if you are traveling during the summer months, you might want to skip anything chocolate or otherwise melt-able!)

Let us know if you end up using this idea on your next road trip! And if you decide to give our free printables a try, let us know how they worked out for you! If you post a picture of them on social media, feel free to tag us – we’d love to see them in action! 

Make sure you browse the rest of our travel content . We have tons of travel tips, tricks, hacks, reviews and, of course, more printables!

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1 thought on “Road Trip Goodie Bags + Printable Tags Pack”

I love this idea! It’s great for kids who need to have an exact time for everything and takes their mind off of the total amount of time they need to be in the car! Definitely using this this summer!

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35 BEST Road Trip Gifts for Adults Addicted to Adventure

By: Author Mitch Glass

Posted on Last updated: November 30, 2023

There’s nothing like hitting the open road for an adventure. 

And if you have friends and family who are planning a trip, picking up a thoughtful present shows you care.

The problem is deciding what to buy.

The best road trip gifts for adults depend largely on the type of person and the type of trip. 

To make things easy, we’ve found ideas for pretty much everyone.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Useful road trip gifts ideas for adults

Funny road trip gifts, road trip gift basket ideas for adults, road trip gifts for guys, road trip gifts for her, best road trip gifts for adults.

To help you find the best road trip gift STAT, we’ve organized ideas into five different categories.

You can scroll through all the ideas, or skip around to categories using the links below:

▶ Useful road trip gifts ▶ Funny road trip gifts ▶ Road trip gift baskets ▶ Road trip gifts for men ▶ Road trip gifts for women

And if you’re shopping for an RVer, here are even more gifts for RV owners .

1. GPS System

Sure, they can use a smartphone. But after our six-month van life experience , I can tell you there are downsides to this strategy. 

If you use your phone for your GPS and music for long hours, the battery may drain faster than your vehicle can charge it. GPS also stops working when it overheats from sitting in sunlight for too long while driving. 

By gifting a dedicated GPS — which has gotten much cheaper in recent years — you help solve these problems. 

2. Yeti Softcooler 

Let’s be honest, no road trip is complete without snacks. Well, at least it’s not enjoyable. Unfortunately, traditional coolers are big, bulky, and a pain to transport. The answer? 

A Yeti soft cooler. 

Not only is it considerably lighter and more packable than a normal cooler, but it also comes with a handy carrying strap. 

3. UV Window Shades

Long car rides expose travelers to more UV rays than they’d encounter during a plane or train ride. 

Keep the people in your life safe from premature aging, sunburns, and skin cancer with UV window shades for their car. 

Not only does it block out the majority of the harmful UV rays, but it also helps keep the temperature down in the summer. 

4. Spotify Premium Subscription

Listening to the radio is so 2000s. These days, people like more control over their music choices — especially during long road trips. 

If you want to earn the affection of the travelers in your life, a Spotify Premium subscription  will help you achieve that. 

Spotify lets your traveler download all their favorite songs to their road trip playlist. So when they don’t have a strong data signal, they can still jam out. 

5. Insulated Food Canister

With limited means to reheat food while on the road, tools to keep food hot as long as possible are clutch. 

This insulated food canister keeps food hot so people can bypass microwave ovens. It also helps keep food above the danger temperature zone, where yucky bacteria can grow. 

The last thing you want is a rumbly stomach on the road!

6. YETI Tumbler

Don’t let your road trippers settle for lukewarm coffee or hot water. 

These YETI tumblers are like magic. They maintain a drink’s appropriate temperature — whether hot or cold — for what seems like forever. 

These cups have a cult-like following, with over 100,000 5-star reviews. 

7. Portable Power Station

Depending on the number of people on the trip, it might prove tricky for everyone to keep their phones and devices charged. 

A portable power station easily solves this problem by providing portable power to charge everyone’s devices and even small appliances.

These also make awesome gifts for RVers .

8. Roadside Assistance Kit

Car trouble is the arch-nemesis of road trips. And sometimes it’s unavoidable and unpredictable. 

For roadies who find themselves stranded on the side of the road, a roadside assistance kit has the tools to help. 

Basic kits include jumper cables, motor oil, water, flashlights, and other things to help aid minor mechanical failure. 

9. Fun compression socks

Similar to long flights, long road trips without enough stretch breaks can affect your circulation . 

If blood isn’t moving well, it can cause sore and swollen feet and legs. This is especially dangerous for passengers prone to blood clots. 

These fun compression socks help prevent blood from pooling in your feet when sitting for prolonged periods. 

10. Dog booster seat

If the road trip lover in your life has a furry friend, a dog booster seat can make driving more enjoyable for everyone in the car. 

Dogs get a comfortable elevated seat that allows them to look out the window, and passengers don’t have to stress about their pooch jumping all over their lap for the entire journey. 

11. ‘Sorry For What I Said’ Pillow

There’s a slogan that goes, “What’s said on the road, stays on the road.” Okay, maybe that’s not an official staying, but habitual road trippers would do well to adopt it. 

Life on the road is a different beast that tends to test your patience muscles. Cramped quarters, long drives, and lack of bathrooms can make anyone a tad prickly. 

Help the road trippers in your life introduce a little levity with this fun pillow. 

12.  Carpool Chaos

No matter who you’re road-tripping with, this game will have you laughing the entire ride.

Full of fun and thought-provoking challenges and conversation starters, it’s also a great way to get to know your travel companions — whether they be friends, family, or a significant other. 

Best of all, the compact package fits perfectly in a seatback pocket.

13.  Public Toilet Survival Kit

Road trips often involve venturing into not-so-clean public bathrooms. When your bladder is about to burst, you don’t always have the luxury of searching for a clean one. 

Help to ease their germ anxiety with this public toilet survival kit. 

Though it’s more of a gag gift, it also comes with practical items like toilet seat covers, sanitizing wipes, and gloves to make the experience more enjoyable. 

14. ‘Girl’s Trip, Cheaper Than Therapy’ Pouch

Therapy has its benefits, but affordability usually isn’t one of them. This pouch acknowledges this and offers a reasonable alternative — a girl’s trip. 

For the women in your life who use girl’s trips to cope with life, this pouch is the perfect accessory and yet another funny road trip gift. 

15. Pamper Basket

Road trips might be unconventional, but that doesn’t mean personal pampering should have to take a back seat. In fact, a road trip makes the need for pampering even more crucial. 

After hours or days cramped in a car, the body needs a little extra nurturing. Show the road trippers in your life that you care by putting together a pampering gift basket. 

What you include depends largely on what the road tripper likes. Start building your basket with various lotions, shaving cream, loofahs, and scents. 

16. Snack Basket

Road trip care packages for adults don’t always have to be fancy. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a trip richer and more enjoyable. 

One simple way to show your traveling buddies that you care is to put together a snack basket. They’ll love you for helping them avoid extra stops at convenience stores and fast-food joints.

Even though they’ll likely have a cooler, you should opt for non-perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration. Things like chips, nuts, granola bars, cookies, and dried fruits are a great place to start. Just make sure you account for allergies. 

17. Book Basket 

There’s no better time to catch up on good books than during a road trip. 

For the bookish among you, consider putting together a book basket. Think about including a couple of novels, a crossword puzzle book, and another special book that teaches them something. 

If your road tripper is prone to car sickness, an alternative option is to buy them an Audible subscription . This gives them access to audiobooks while they drive.

18. Road Trip Games

For those travelers with a childlike spirit, a road trip games basket might be the thing they need in their lives. 

There’s a ton of downtime during road trips and games can help fill the time. Plus, it can help keep drivers from becoming disoriented during long drives. 

This particular idea is super easy to put together. You can just visit a dollar store, print off your games from Etsy, or check out this list of best road trip games . 

19.  Wipes

Life will be better for all trip attendees if their space is clean and tidy. Help them achieve this goal by gifting them disinfecting wipes. 

Include things like paper towels, hand sanitizer, and air freshener — all things you can find at the dollar store. 

20. Cozy Basket

Sometimes a road trip means sleeping in a car for a night or two. And whether that car is moving or parked for the night, your road-tripping friends will appreciate anything that adds to their comfort.

Think about things like neck pillows, moisture-wicking throw blankets, and maybe even thick mats to put over the car seats. Just don’t go overboard because their space is limited. 

21. Boozy Basket 

Again, this basket idea isn’t meant for the designated driver (at least until they safely reach their destination). But all other adults are game.

Putting together a gift basket of alcoholic drinks doesn’t have to be expensive. This isn’t the time to try to impress, you’re just trying to help them take the edge off during a long car ride. 

Cheap wine and spirits work like a charm.

22. GPS Watch

The best road trip gifts for guys are things that reduce the pressure of planning and coordinating a successful trip. 

And while larger GPS systems are great for the car, he can’t take it with him if the group decides to pull over for an impromptu hike. 

Help his mind rest by gifting him a GPS watch, which will help keep him and his loved one from venturing too far out. And if they do, they’ll be able to easily find their way back. 

As drones have become more mainstream, prices are coming down. There are now drones available at nearly every price point.

And what better time to whip out a drone than during a road trip? 

Whenever your friends reach a particularly interesting patch of terrain, they can use the drone to get some cool aerial footage.

We use the Mavic Mini , but this is a cheaper option with great reviews. 

24. McNally Road Atlas

Many men have a weird thing for maps. Especially physical maps.

This top-rated road atlas allows for road trip planning the old-fashioned way, which is certainly more adventurous than simply following Google Maps.

It also allows them to easily find the scenic driving routes that Google Maps is almost guaranteed to miss. 

25. ‘Pack This’ Notepad

Packing is a chore, no matter what the ultimate destination is. But what’s more annoying than the time it takes to pack is the stress that comes with accidentally forgetting necessities. 

Eliminate the guesswork with this ‘Pack This’ notepad. It comes pre-listed with the basic things a traveler needs — socks, underwear, clothes, and other basics. 

But it also delves deeper and includes things like travel documents, toiletries, and medicine. 

26. Travel Pillow

There’s almost nothing worse than a stiff neck after a long car ride. But sometimes it’s inevitable — cars just aren’t optimized for long periods of sleep.

Help your man friend avoid painful kinks by giving them a travel pillow that supports their muscles and keeps everything aligned. 

27. Toiletry Bag For Men

Don’t get it twisted, men also want to feel fresh and clean during road trips. 

Unfortunately, keeping up with hygiene habits can be tricky during road trips. Shaving on the road, in particular, can be a pain. 

Thankfully, this waterproof toiletry bag makes things easier. It’s small enough for easy packing, but still large enough to hold several travel-size hygiene items. 

28. Noise Canceling Headphones

Sometimes, you just need to drown out all the noise. 

When loved ones are screaming car sing-a-longs or arguing over whose turn it is to drive, he can descend into his happy place with these noise-canceling headphones. 

This makes a good travel gift for any type of traveler, whether they prefer the open road or flights.

29. Video Projector

When thinking of road trip gifts for her, consider things that add a little charm to her life. 

For those nights when it’s just too crisp to stay inside, an outdoor projector can be the perfect way to encourage her to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

This particular projector has built-in speakers and can connect directly to your phone or laptop.

30. Fairy Lights

Nothing can compete with the beauty of a star-filled sky on a clear night.

But when you’re cooped inside of a car overnight at a campground, fairy lights can make a cramped vehicle feel like a studio apartment. 

These lightweight lights are affordable, easy to set up, and are guaranteed to dazzle. 

31. Electric Candle

Candles and open flames are generally a no-go inside of vehicles. 

So where does this leave the wistful traveler who wants to unwind and meditate at the end of a long day? 

Electric candles, of course. These give ambiance without the risk. They also eliminate the need to remember to pack a lighter. 

32.  Leather Bound Journal

People travel for different reasons. Some want to experience new things, and others want to put some distance between themselves and their past. 

Figuring out why you’re traveling is just as important as the journey itself. Help push your friends and family towards introspection and mediation by giving them a leather-bound journal. 

33. Starbucks Gift Card

For some women, it doesn’t matter how far she travels, Starbucks will always be a priority. 

If this sounds like the woman in your life, help quench her thirst with a Starbucks gift card. 

Thankfully, you can find a Starbucks in nearly every major city in the continental U.S, so your money won’t go to waste. Go ahead, splurge a little!

34.  After Sun Body Spray

There’s nothing quite like taking a break from a long trip and exploring the local terrain.  But after a few hours in the blazing sun, your skin needs more TLC. 

Help her rejuvenate the sensitive skin on her face with this after-sun body spray. It’s formulated to rehydrate the skin and ward off sun damage. 

Best of all, it comes in a delicious lavender scent that lingers for hours. 

35. Sleeping Mask

Car sleeping can be hit or miss. For some, motion sickness makes it difficult. Others sleep like babies. 

No matter where the woman in your life lands on the spectrum, a sleep mask can only improve the situation. 

These particular masks block out 100 % of light, won’t smudge any of her lingering eye makeup, and won’t snag her hair. Win-win-win!

Mitch is your typical nomadic backpacker. Or at least, he was . But after stopping in Colombia to take “one week” of salsa lessons, his life took a sharp left turn. He met a cute Colombian girl in dance class, fell in love, and got married. Over half a decade has passed since he left his career to travel the world as a digital nomad, and he’s never looked back.

Nowadays, he’s the blogger behind Project Untethered — where he runs an awesome email newsletter and Youtube channel teaching adventure-craved wanderlusters how to escape the rat race, earn money from anywhere, and build an “untethered life”.

His advice has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, Reader’s Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.

Mitch's Travel Recommendations: Travel Planning Resources - Everything you need to plan your trip on one convenient page. Going Cheap Flights Newsletter - Get flight deals from your airport up to 90% off sent straight to your inbox. Safetywing Insurance - This cheap travel insurance has saved me over $15,000 in medical bills. Booking.com - Book accommodation without adding your credit card (in case you need to cancel). Trusted House Sitters - Take care of pets in exchange for free (sometimes luxury) accommodation. Flexjobs - Find remote jobs without having to sift through crappy ones. Skillshare - Free trial to take unlimited classes that teach digital nomad skills. Wise - Send and receive money abroad cheaply (great for freelancers).

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60 Useful Road Trip Gifts and Basket Ideas for Travelers in 2023

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 2, 2023

Planning a road trip or know someone who is traveling soon? For travelers that are heading out soon, how about you surprise them with some road trip gifts — perhaps you’ll even make them a road trip gift basket! As someone who has taken dozens of roadtrips, these are some of the best road trip gifts you can pack.

These ideas are also perfect for auction gift baskets – this road trip basket below is one I made for our class school auction!

In this article:

Best Road Trip Gifts Ideas

As someone who has taken a LOT of road trips, here are 60 of my favorite road trip gift ideas! This list has a mix of road trip gifts including road trip essentials, road trip gadgets, games for road trips, unique gifts, and even some ideas for family road trip gifts!

Affiliate links are included in this post so I may earn a small commission if you purchase with my link.

Road Trip Essentials

These items are essentials that will help make a road trip more comfortable, safe, and clean. They make great road trip gifts as they're practical gifts and most have a low price. Many of these can be added to a road trip gift basket to fill in space.

Rand McNally 2022 Large Scale Road Atlas

While we all rely on google maps on our phones these days, there's always a chance you'll lose your coverage while driving. A road atlas helps you navigate to where you need to go if you lose signal for some reason. Rand McNally makes great road atlases, this one is spiral bound with large-scale maps but they also make a traditional staple-bound atlas. A road atlas is one of the best road trip gifts.

If you're staying in one particular state or region, you might consider a paper map for that state that you can just store in your glove compartment versus a whole atlas.

Also, keep in mind that digital maps will probably tell you the best way to go to save time or mileage, but it might not be the most scenic way to go. A road atlas can help you look for scenic drives and routes.

While traveling in the car there's nothing worse than getting something on your hands and not being able to wash them. Wet wipes are a great item to pack as they can be used to wipe up spills and messes -- not just for kids! I recommend buying biodegradable eco-friendly wipes.

Hand Sanitizer

Of course over the past couple of years having hand sanitizer handy has been a big part of traveling. But our family has been packing hand sanitizer on road trips for a while. The 8 oz Purell pump bottles fit well in our van cup holders and is easily accessible for all. It's great for using after stops, after fueling up, and before eating.

Paper Towels

Going along with the keeping things clean theme, a roll of paper towels is a great item to pack for a road trip. These come in handy in a variety of situations, cleaning up messes, wrapping up wet or dirty items, or even cleaning up spills in the car.

Facial Tissues (Kleenex)

Having some facial tissues, aka kleenex on hand is helpful since there's a good chance someone will need to blow their nose at some point. These can also come in handy if you need to use an outhouse or "green latrine" while on the road. These travel packs work well for the car but I know some brands make canister-style facial tissues that are supposed to fit in cup holders, too.

Car Trash Bag

While you can certainly use a plastic shopping bag for this purpose, a car garbage bag can make a great road trip gift. This is the one we use and I love that it has an elastic neck which makes it easy to push trash in, plus it has a rolled velcro bottom that you can simply unroll to empty out the garbage when you get to a large garbage can. Great (cheap) gift for road trip travelers!

5 Organization Tips for Road Trips

Here are some tips for keeping your car clean and organized during a road trip -- which will help everyone enjoy the trip more!

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency gift is an excellent road trip gift idea -- especially for teen drivers! You never know when you'll have an issue on the road and one of these items might just help you avoid a serious issue or inconvenience.

5 Steps to Prep Your Car for a Road Trip

And don't forget to make sure your car is road-ready and any car maintenance is up to date. You'll also want to make sure your spare tire is in good condition and ready if you get a flat tire.

Car Battery Booster Pack

While the roadside emergency kit above comes with jumper cables, that relies on having another car available to give you a jump. When you're on the road, a car battery booster pack is a good idea since you can jump your car without relying on the help of strangers.

First Aid Kit

While you should make sure you're covered for serious medical concerns and can access a hospital, minor scrapes can be fixed with a travel first aid kit. Remember some ibuprofen/acetaminophen, stomach chews (Pepto Bismol), allergy pills, and bug bite cream. We've used them all on road trips.

Helpful Tips for What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit

If you're traveling as a family, here are some helpful tips for what we pack in our travel first aid kit - many items are useful for traveling with kids!

Odor Eliminator Spray & Air Freshener

Let's face it, long stretches in a car with one or more people are going to lead to some stink. Pack along a bottle of air freshener / odor eliminator to help manage smells while on the road. This is an item that many don't think about packing and so makes a great road trip gift!

Reusable Insulated Water Bottle

Water bottles are great for road trips as they help you stay hydrated and can save you money from buying drinks at every stop. Insulated bottles can also be used for coffee in the morning and water later in the day.

I like to have a bottle that has a flip/slider lid and a straw option as those are the easiest for using while driving in my opinion (versus a screw cap bottle). Just make sure to get a bottle that will fit in most cup holders (like these Simple Modern ones)!

A reuseable water bottle is one of the best travel gifts!

If you're planning a long drive with multiple rest stops along the way, it can be useful to have a simple day bag that you can grab if you leave the car for a hike or even to run into a store. A sling bag like this can even hold smaller tablets and books, plus it has a pocket for a water bottle or umbrella.

Facial Wipes

For long, multi-day road trips, facial wipes can come in handy, especially in the summer. These work for men and women and can be useful in helping you feel refreshed and

Being in the car for a long time can lead to some dry lips, so having some lip balm on hand

There's nothing worse than dry eyes, especially when you're driving! Having some eye drops packed in the car can be a real lifesaver on a long road trip.

Dental Floss Picks

Since eating in the car or on the go is pretty standard for road trips, having some dental floss picks packed can help keep your mouth feeling clean after meals. I also try to buy biodegradable ones so I'm not adding plastic to the landfills.

Another comfort item for road trips is lotion. We like to use a pump bottle, but you can also use a travel-size tube,

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

These microfiber cloths are especially handy for cleaning eyeglasses and sunglasses. But they can also be used for cleaning mirrors or windows or even the screens of DVD players, phones, and tablets.

Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in bright sunlight can be overwhelming and even dangerous. I have eyes that are sensitive to sunlight and a pair of polarized sunglasses is a huge help for driving during the day. Even people who don't normally drive with sunglasses can find these useful on the open road!

Slip-On Shoes

While these aren't necessarily a road trip gift you can gift someone you don't know well, slip-on shoes are definitely a road trip essential. You'll be making stops often and wearing shoes that tie will slow you down and become an annoyance for taking on and off when you're not driving. Of course, if you're a solo driver, you can wear whatever shoes you want since you won't be taking them off while in the car.

Travel Pillow

If you're going to be a passenger on a long road trip, you'll want to pack a travel pillow. Pillows like this one can be useful for traveling and make great gifts for a road trip passenger.

5 Reviews for the Best Travel Pillow

Check out my reviews for these different travel pillows.

Travel Blanket

Another road trip cozy item is a small travel blanket. This is useful for passengers if one person wants to keep the car at a cooler temp than others prefer. I also think being cozy makes it easier to fall asleep. This blanket also makes a great filling item for a road trip gift basket.

Travel Towel

If you're making stops along water and beaches, a travel towel can come in handy. We've stopped at roadside beach pull-outs and have always appreciated having a towel to dry off our legs and feet after taking a little walk in the waves.

Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

Planning some picnics or beach stops along the way? One of these fold-up picnic blankets is one of the best gifts for road trippers who like to enjoy nature along the way.

Reliefband Anti-Nausea Wristband

Keep in mind if anyone suffers from motion sickness while traveling. If so, be sure to pack some items to help with that. You can use medicine like Bonine, essential oils, ginger candies, or a Reliefband tech bracelet that uses electricity to help combat motion sickness.

Car Road Trip Accessories & Gadgets

For techy travelers, many of these road trip accessories and gadgets will seem like essential items! I'm making them their own category as they do offer some convenience and will certainly help plugged-in travelers stay connected while on the open road.

Car Power Inverter USB Charger

So many of us have electronics that will need to be kept charged during a long road trip. This power inverter also allows you to charge larger electronics like a laptop, in addition to having multiple USB ports for everyone to be able to charge their device. Great gift for a road trip with friends or family!

Portable Cooler Refrigerator

For road trippers that want to save money and eat on the road, a portable refrigerator that hooks to a car 12V outlet works great. It keeps food and drinks cool to enjoy later on the trip. This one comes with an AC plug too, so you can bring it in to plug in your hotel room.

We all know that driving can be dangerous, and these days proving who is at fault during an accident can come down to who has proof. A dash cam like this can help you prove what happened if something does go wrong while you're on a trip. (note, some US states do not allow you to mount dashcams to windshields, only dashboards)

If you're an Alexa-loving road tripper, consider "teching out" your car with one of these Echo Auto devices. You'll be able to go hands-free to play music, listen to audiobooks, and even play Alexa games.

Kindle Paperwhite

For travelers who love to read, having a Kindle can be a great gift idea. And for road trips, the glare-free Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for in the car. You can even get them with a trial for Kindle Unlimited which is a great service for avid readers!

Car Charger Phone Vent Mount

We love having this car mount in all our cars and I love that it charges my phone, too. Fits most phones and vents.

Handsfree Bluetooth FM Transmitter

If you or your friends have an older car, they might want one of these Bluetooth transmitters that let them connect their phones to their car through an FM radio station. Great for allowing you stream your favorite playlists and audiobooks from your phone to your car sound system.

If you like to keep your car clean while traveling, having a car vacuum on hand can be useful. This one plugs into a 12V outlet in the car and can help keep crumbs and dirt at bay. Make a great road trip gift!

Portable HEPA Air Purifier/Deodorizer

Since most road trips involve fast food and eating in the car, it's no surprise that your car can start to stink. This car gadget works to clean, purify, and deodorize the air. No more coming out to a car that smells like french fries from the day before!

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

This handy road trip accessory gadget helps you check your tire pressure. It's always a good idea to drive with proper inflation and know if you might have a leak so you can get it fixed quickly!

Car Trunk Organizer

Here's another handy organization item that makes a great gift for road trips! Help your best friend keep things in order with a hanging trunk organizer. This one is great for vans and SUVs, but you can get sedan-sized organizers that work well for cars.

Car Window Shade

If you're buying a road trip gift for a group or someone who is traveling as a group, these car window shades can be useful. Often they're used by families for babies, but they work well for any passengers that don't want the sun beating down on them while they watch movies or sleep.

Cleaning Gel for Car

Here's another fun road trip accessory that makes for an affordable gift. This cleaning gel (aka slime) will seep into tight crevices and pick up rogue crumbs that a vacuum just can't quite reach.

Family Road Trip Gift Basket Ideas

Here are some great family road trip gift ideas that are perfect if you're shopping for someone who will be road-tripping with kids! These road trip gift basket items will keep the kids entertained and comfortable on the open road.

Road Trip Travel Games Gift Box

Here's a fun set of road trip games and activities for kids and it's already packaged together, making it ideal for adding to a family road trip gift basket!

Kids Travel Tray with Dry Erase Board

This travel tray can be a lifesaver for traveling families. Kids will have a surface to help them draw and eat, plus handy storage pockets for keeping their toys and activities from falling in between the seats!

Backseat Car Organizer with iPad Holder

If the kids are planning to watch some movies or shows on a tablet during the road trip, having a hanging pocket or mount can come in handy. This seat organizer serves that purpose as well as offering pockets for storing away other items.

Car Seat Organizer with Cup Holders

If you don't like the backseat mounted organizers, these organizers can sit in the middle seat next to kids to give them easy access to toys and snacks. Plus this one has cup holders!

Car Seat Headrest Pillows

One of the best ways kids can stay happy on a road trip is by sleeping, whether you're talking toddlers or teens. This neat road trip headrest gadget creates a cushioned rest for kids or adults to lean against which supports their heads.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids - License Plate, Bingo, I Spy...

Check out my post with free printable road trip activities!

Shotgun! The Hilarious Family Card Game for Road Trips

Here's a fun road trip game perfect for grade school and teen-aged kids. Adults can even play along. This game is sure to bring laughs and great family memories!

Hidden Pictures Book Set

These are classics and I remember loving them when I was a kid. This pack of hidden picture books will keep kids entertained in the car and give parents a bit of peace and quiet while they search. :)

Free Printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Print off this fun road trip scavenger hunt.

These are fun sensory toys for kids, letting them use their imagination to craft and build. They're fairly mess-free although you likely don't want to leave them in the hot sun as they're coated in wax to allow molding.

Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free

The Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free art sets are perfect for traveling kids. The markers only work on the special paper, so no worries about marker messes on your car, and no stress about melting crayons!

Kids Travel Bag Activities to Pack for Vacation

Here are some fun travel activities kids can bring on the road.

Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal

This fun book is packed full of road trip games and activities for traveling kids. Great gift for kids who are writing.

LCD Writing Tablet for Kids

This brings back some memories of etch-a-sketch for me! Kids can draw whatever they want and then at the push of a button the screen is clear and ready for a new design. The name-brand version of this toy is Boogie Board in case you want to avoid the "knock-off" versions.

Dramamine Motion Sickness for Kids

If you're buying a road trip gift for a family who hasn't traveled much with their kids, adding these kids' motion sickness tablets could be a lifesaver.

Road Trip Gift Cards & Memberships

Another great idea for road trip gifts is to give travel lovers gift cards or memberships that will be useful on the road.

Roadtrippers Plus

One of my favorite tools I used on a recent road trip was Roadtrippers. It's a road trip planning app that helps you find great spots to see and things to do along your route. It even includes reviews and photos from fellow travelers. It's a perfect road trip gift!

National Parks Pass

If the road trip will be heading past national parks in the US, giving the gift of a National Parks Pass ($80) can be a great idea. Plus, there are even ways people can get a parks pass for free!

Audible Membership

Audiobooks are great to listen to on road trips, and a gifted membership to Audible will help road trippers stay entertained and maybe even learn something new while on the road.

AAA Membership

AAA is the leader in roadside assistance memberships, so a membership for their service can make a great gift. Many hotels also offer a AAA discount on hotel rooms which could help a traveler save money!

Gas Gift Cards

Buying a gift card for gas can be a bit tricky as you might not know what gas stations will be popular on the road trip route. However it's a fun gift idea with a definite road trip theme, so even a small amount to a local area gas station can get used.

Road Trip Snacks

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like snacks to help make a road trip great! Read my full list of road trip snacks , but these are a few of my favorites that make great gifts for a road trip gift basket!

• Fruit Leathers/Snacks
• Granola Bars
• Rice Krispie Treats
• Animal Crackers

I hope this list has been helpful. Many of these road trip gifts are a great way to prepare travel lovers for their upcoming trip while also providing useful gifts that they might not have thought of! Let me know if you have any other gift ideas I didn’t list.

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The 65 BEST Useful Road Trip Gift Ideas (2024)

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Table of Contents

Looking for the best gifts for road trips? Check out these 65 road trip gift ideas to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Who doesn’t love a little surprise to kick your road trip off on a high note? Think about it—your co-pilot’s face lighting up as they unwrap a quirky, handy travel gadget, or your kiddos squealing with joy when they discover some games specifically for the journey. Gifts are the secret sauce to elevating any road trip from “great” to “absolutely unforgettable!” And, if you have friends planning a road trip, why not tailor your gift-giving this year to their journey?

Thanks to my years of road trips (and giving gifts for them) , I’m diving deep into the world of road trip gifts—how to pick ’em, how to package ’em, and even how to present them for that maximum WOW factor. So buckle up, because we’re about to take this road trip planning into overdrive!

Top Road Trip Gifts

Packing Cubes

I have to admit, I thought packing cubes were a waste of $$ for many years, but on an impulse, I purchased a set and now I’m sold. They really do make organizing and packing your suitcase easier – I’m a convert. This set is super affordable and has terrific ratings.

I love having a road Atlas in the car. Although I do depend heavily upon Google Maps these days, there are times when I want to see what’s near where we are going, or I like to get an overview of a state or location.

Fodor’s BEST Road Trips in the USA

Why not package that Atlas with Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA? What a fun gift perfect for anyone who loves to plan a good road trip!

Personalized road trip map

If you have a friend or family who has a special road trip planned – or maybe you are going to plan a trip for your family, why not create a personalized road trip map? I have found it quite easy to make my own maps on Google Maps . This would be a terrific gift for a day trip too!

The perfect cooler

A terrific road trip gift is a cooler! Last summer I did quite a bit of research to find the perfect choices, so use my legwork and make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Hydrate with a new water bottle

Staying hydrated is super important while on a road trip, and a nice water bottle is a perfect choice for a road trip gift. You could fill it with a gift card or two or add it to a gift basket. Easy and useful!

Keep your coffee warm with a thermos

If your road tripper is more of a coffee drinker, how about a good-quality thermos to help them keep their coffee warm so they can refill their coffee cup throughout the trip? My husband LOVES his old school Stanley for extra coffee on road trips.

Stocking stuffer idea #1

A few chip clips would be a terrific stocking stuffer idea for someone who loves road trips, or a fantastic addition to a road trip gift basket. After all, how many times have you opened a bag of pretzels on a road trip and not had a way to close them? These chip clips or any of the next few stocking stuffers are great gift ideas for road trips.

Stocking stuffer idea #2

Wet wipes are also much needed on a road trip, right? Especially with kids, things can get messy. So add a package or two of wet wipes to your road trip gift basket or tuck them into a stocking.

Stocking stuffer #3

We all went a little crazy with hand sanitizer a few years ago, but thanks to that I got in the habit of keeping a bottle in the car. It’s incredibly useful on road trips when you find yourself eating on the go!

Stocking Stuffer #4

Although these days we don’t use change as often for tolls ( thanks EZPass! ) , it can come in useful for parking meters. So, having a bit of change (especially quarters) in the car can be a lifesaver. Why not keep it in a cute change purse ?

Picnic blanket

In the summer, I always keep a picnic blanket in the car. I use it for impromptu picnics or outdoor concerts wherever we travel. So consider a picnic blanket for your next gift idea .

Beach chairs

I’m not going to lie, I wish I’d had our beach chairs in the car on our last weekend getaway to Petoskey, Michigan . They would have come in so handy at the state park! A set of beach chairs is a great gift idea for road trips.

Car phone mount

I’ve tried several car phone mounts through the years and so far this has been the best. It’s so smart to use one for hands-free driving, and I like the placement of this one for when I’m following maps.

Glove box holder

This would make a terrific stocking stuffer – it will make life easier for your recipient to keep things organized and I LOVE the fun colors – my daughter and I both have this in orange.

Portable charger

I’ve purchased this portable charger twice now (somehow they keep disappearing in our family) , and it works great. It’s the ideal gift for anyone road-tripping to an amusement park or Disney !

Keeping a small flashlight in your glove box is a smart idea. So, that makes it a smart option as a road trip gift. It’s another nice item to add to a fun gift basket or stocking.

I don’t know how many times the small umbrella I keep in my car has saved me. It takes up little to no room and comes in so handy. If your road trip gift recipient doesn’t have one in their car already, get them one!

First aid kit

Just like an umbrella, every car should have a first aid kit. I used mine ALL THE TIME when the kiddos were little. Even today, I find myself reaching for a bandaid or some first aid cream regularly.

AAA roadside subscription

If you’ve got family members who frequently road trip, give them (and you) peace of mind with an AAA roadside membership.

Tire pressure gauge

Along with that AAA membership, how about a tire pressure gauge ? It’s a useful gift that would also be a good complement to that membership or any of the other auto-related gifts.

Trunk organizer

A trunk organizer is a fun and useful gift that can be used for road trips as well as just everyday running around town. And it’s super affordable.

Car trash can

This car trash can is more than just a trash can, it’s also a car organizer. So, two useful gifts in one!

If you are looking for a gift for the car riders on the car trip, how about a pair of headphones? Although my kids like their AirPods , my husband swears by these – and has convinced at least half a dozen friends to buy them!

Audible subscription

Add on an audible subscription to the headphones for a gift that will be used all year long! Entertainment while riding in the car on a long car trip is super appreciated.

Kindle Paperwhite

I absolutely LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite . I take it on every road trip and flight. I can load up tons of books, it is super light and takes up no room at all!

Kindle Unlimited Membership

Along with that Kindle, a Kindle Unlimited Membership would be an awesome gift. I have one and love having dozens of books at my fingertips.

National Parks Pass

If you need a gift for an outdoorsy type of person or someone who’s planning an epic road trip to visit several National Parks , how about a National Parks Pass?

Complete National Parks of the United States

Give that National Parks Pass with this comprehensive guide to the National Parks – it’s the perfect complement!

State Park Pass

If visiting all the National Parks isn’t on the road trip agenda for this year, how about a state park pass? Most states have them and they can inspire a year’s worth of fun and exciting day trips and mini-road trips!

State travel guide

Pick up a fun guidebook ( like this one for Indiana ) for the state park pass you selected and you’ll have a fantastic gift for any local explorer.

Give the gift of a tour

As someone who likes new experiences, I LOVE this gift idea . We’ve done a variety of tours that would be fantastic gift ideas – food tours , winery tours , e-bikes , you name it – just gear it to the interest of your recipient.

Attraction tickets

Attractions can be a very expensive part of a road trip, especially in a big city like Chicago , so save your friends and family a little money by gifting them tickets!

Museum memberships

Museum memberships can be a terrific gift because many of them have reciprocal memberships so they can be used all over the United States – perfect for road trips.

Go City Pass

If you know your road tripper is going to a specific city, you could gift them a Go City Pass for that location. It will be a huge savings for them, and allow them to do a LOT easily.

Cozy blankets

A warm, cozy blanket can be a lifesaver on a long car ride. I swear by these Vera Bradley ones – they hold up wonderfully!

Even in the summer, I like to have a pair of warm socks in the car on a long road trip. I can slip off my shoes (unless I’m driving🤣 ) and keep my feet warm and cozy. This would be a fantastic addition to road trip goodie bags for adults.

To make it easy to slip on those cozy socks, have a pair of flip-flops (or moccasins in the winter) as your road trip shoes. Give a pair along with some cozy socks for a great gift!

Compression socks

For a really long drive, compression socks can be a lifesaver. I don’t know how your legs get tired just sitting, but compression socks can alleviate some of that – this could end up being one of the best gifts for car travelers.

Road trip games

Help keep the kids busy on a road trip with some fun road trip games. Check out my printable packet with plenty of fun options!

I picked up these car bingo boards for gifts for my kiddos years ago before a road trip to Florida. They’ve been a hit ever since.

Wooden hangman game

Hangman is another fun car game, and this wooden version travels well! We’ve used ours for years on long car trips.

Road trip snack bags

Another great gift for kids going on a road trip is a set of road trip snack bags. Fill them up with goodies and the kids will be thrilled!

Daring & Dangerous books for kids

This series was a BIG hit for our kids on road trips. It kept them entertained in the car and at the final destination. There is a girls version and a boys version . My kids loved them!!

Car seat organizer

There were several years when we used these car seat organizers for every long road trip. They kept the kids organized and they had all their “stuff” at their fingertips.

100 Drives, 5000 Ideas

What a perfect gift for anyone on your list that LOVES a good road trip! I’m picking this one up for myself this year 🌞!!!

Travel Journal

Give the gift of creating memories with a beautiful travel journal. You can select one with prompts or just blank pages – tailor it to your recipient. I like this one .

Road Trip Planner

Help with the details to make the road trip successful with this road trip planner. This set of printables will ensure nothing is left to chance! Gift it with a travel book, or other road trip gift for a fun way to get excited about the planning process.

I know I’m not the only one who loves to visit local breweries when we travel, and having a growler on hand makes it easy to enjoy and share our beer discoveries once we return home. Pick one up at a local brewery – full of beer is best!

Restaurant gift cards

Restaurant gift cards can be a lifesaver for someone heading out on a long road trip. Especially for coffee or quick lunches! Gift cards are fantastic road trip gift ideas for adults.

Gas gift cards

Unless your recipient owns an EV, they are going to need gas for their road trip. So, make life easy and buy them gas gift cards.

Amazon Prime membership

I love having Amazon Prime while on a road trip. If you forget something, you can order it on the road and have it delivered to your destination. Ditto for groceries. You can watch Prime video on the road, and easily get everything you need FOR the trip.

Costco or Sam’s membership

Having a Costco or Sam’s membership can be a treat while you are on a road trip. You can get gas for less, enjoy a quick lunch, or pick up needed supplies. Consider giving a membership as a gift – it WILL be appreciated.

Fun road trip t-shirts

Get everyone excited for the trip with a fun road trip t-shirt! I found SO many cute ones online – definitely something for everyone.

Travel themed sweatshirt

Your family runs cold? Or maybe the road trip will be to a cold destination. Go for a travel-themed sweatshirt.

No road trip would be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Pick up a pair for everyone in the car as a gift for road trips.

Laundry Bag

It is SO convenient to have a laundry bag along on a road trip. No need to figure out where to put dirty laundry, and since you are driving you have room for another bag!

Beach/ Pool bag

When the kids were little I always had a separate beach or pool bag for our road trips. It was a great way to contain beach toys, sunscreen, swimsuits, flip-flops, etc.!

Beach towels

Having beach towels on your road trip isn’t just useful at the beach or pool. They are fantastic for muddy or wet situations too. That’s why they make a terrific road trip gift.

Rain Poncho

We always have a few rain ponchos in the van when we road trip. They are perfect for amusement parks , sudden storms, or hikes with a potential chance of rain.

Yoga travel mat

If you have fitness enthusiasts on your list for road-tripper gifts, consider a yoga travel mat. They don’t take up much room and can help keep the workouts consistent.

Subscription to Lindywell

Along with that yoga mat, why not give a subscription to Lindywell . With daily pilates routines you can do from anywhere (on your phone) , it’s a great way to stay consistent. I’ve been a member for years and love it!

Travel-sized sewing kit

Add a travel-sized sewing kit to a fun road trip gift basket. This would be super helpful and is perfect for someone who has everything.

Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Road Trip Gift

So how do you pick a gift that’s going to knock it out of the park? First things first, consider who you’re gifting it to.

Are they the organized type? A cute, pocket-sized journal and a travel planner might just make their day. Or perhaps they’re a foodie? How about curating a mini snack pack with local treats from every they will make on their route? Yum! The point is to match the gift with their interests.

Also, make it practical for the journey. If they are hitting some trails, think water bottle or a nifty first-aid kit. And hey, if all else fails, a good old gas card can be a lifesaver. Trust me, they’ll want to put that extra cash towards something more fun, like a surprise detour to that giant corn maze they spotted along the highway!

Tips on How to Package the Best Road Trip Gifts

The art of gift-giving doesn’t stop at just picking out the perfect present, does it? Nope, the wrapping and presentation are just as important, especially when you’re on the road. I mean, think about it—you don’t want a beautifully chosen gift tumbling around in the backseat, getting lost amid the bags and snacks, right? So let’s dive into how to package those road trip gifts to wow your travel buddies!

First off, go easy on the wrapping paper. Trust me, I’ve been there. I once wrapped a gift so meticulously with fancy paper and bows, only to find it crumpled and torn after just an hour into the journey. Lesson learned! Instead, consider reusable cloth gift bags or cute totes that can double as an extra carryall for the trip. It’s both eco-friendly and super practical. Plus, these bags are easier to open and close, so if your friend can’t wait to peek at their gift (and who could blame them?) , it’s simple to tie back up!

How about those smaller gifts like trinkets or snacks? Create a road trip kit. Small metal tins or sturdy little boxes are amazing for this. You can even add some personal touches like stickers or handwritten labels. Or put a bunch of smaller items together in cute road trip gift basketsMany of the best road trip gifts aren’t big or expensive so a road trip gift basket works well.

So go ahead, and add that extra pizzazz to your road trip gifts with some thoughtful packaging. Not only does it show you care, but it also makes the experience of receiving it all the more special. After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference on the open road!

Conclusion: The BEST Road Trip gifts

Well, there you have it, my fellow adventurers—your go-to guide for elevating your road trip with the perfect gifts! Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s also about the journey and the joy you bring along the way. Trust me, a thoughtful gift not only adds a sprinkle of magic to your trip, but also creates those priceless memories you’ll be chatting about for years to come.

So, as you map out your next route, make a pit stop at your favorite gift shop or hit up the internet, and spread some of that road trip love. Whether it’s a state park pass, a bag of local treats, or a fancy new thermos for those much-needed caffeine stops, the perfect gift will make your adventure all the more special.

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Meet Pam Howard, mom of two teenagers who loves to make the most out of every day. Pam's passion for exploring new places and discovering hidden gems has led her to become a travel enthusiast. As a blogger, Pam shares her experiences and insights on day trips, weekend getaways, and everyday adventures in the Midwest and beyond. Join Pam on her journey as she inspires and motivates others to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world around them.

42 BEST Road Trip Gifts: Fun, Useful, & Essential [2024]

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Short on time? Our picks for the best road trip gifts are the Tile Car Key Tracker and Nintendo Switch Lite .

BEST road trip gifts to make road trips a breeze and help the hours on the road fly by.

I grew up in the midwest of the United States. That means it took hours by car to get anywhere else in the country. 

Road trips were a staple of my childhood – long and short ones. 

My family often drove an hour in and out of the city that we lived near. Twice a year, we drove six hours each way to visit family in a nearby state. 

The most extensive trip of them all? We took 24-hour road trip adventures from Illinois to Florida for spring break. 

I’ve completed some road trips completely alone as well. I know what it’s like to be the backseat passenger as a kid and the adult driver behind the wheel. 

What I’m trying to say is, I’m no stranger to this form of travel. So, when it comes to gifts for road trips, I’m your girl. 

I’m here to share some of the best gift ideas for road trips based on my personal experience.  

Table of Contents

Tile Tracker

What’s the single most important item to keep track of? The car keys.

I mean, you can’t go anywhere without them – plain and simple! Therefore, a road trip lover can’t afford to lose them. 

Getting road trip lovers a Tile car key tracker will ensure they always have a way to know where their keys are. 

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Car Mount Phone Holder

What’s a good gift for someone who travels a lot in a car?

A phone mount.

We use our phones for everything nowadays. On road trips, a driver’s phone is usually their source of music, communication, and most likely their GPS.  

Gifting a phone mount like this allows the phone to be placed on the dashboard, as close to eye level as possible. Instead of looking down to check Google Maps, they can quickly glance to the side. 

I’m not encouraging phone use while driving by any means, but realistically, people glance at their phones. 

Phone mounts make navigation and DJing hands-free, so it’s a little safer.

Nintendo Switch Lite

When I was a kid, one of the best ways to pass time on a long car trip was playing my Nintendo DS.

The Nintendo DS has aged out, and the Nintendo Switch has entered the picture.

For a road trip, I’d recommend the Nintendo Switch Lite. It’s a bit smaller than the regular-sized switch console because it’s primarily for personal play and is more portable. 

There are endless games available for purchase, so they’ll never get bored!

I grew up before the era of Kindles. I was always torn between which book to bring on a road trip.  

Later, I’d find myself fidgeting with a clip-on reading light after the sun went down and the car was dark.

Kindles help eliminate both those problems. A world of books lives inside a Kindle, meaning they’ll have numerous books with them at one time. 

Multiple lighting settings allow them to read at any time of day, in any lighting. 

A Kindle is one of the best road trip gadgets, birthday gifts, or holiday gifts to get someone. They’re helpful during the car ride and after.

Car Backseat Organizer

An organizer is the perfect road trip gift for anyone riding in the backseat. 

I’ve been in some cars where the seats don’t have back pockets. Even when they do, a single pocket is usually hard to stuff belongings into. 

Road trippers don’t have to worry about that with a gift like this. 

They simply slip this organizer over the front seat headrest, and ta-da! There’s space for all of their belongings at their fingertips.

Car Window Screens

One time, my whole family was going on a long car journey, so we rented a larger and more equipped car for the trip. 

The car had pull-down screens for the windows, which made such a difference in keeping sunlight at bay during the trip.

This pack of window screens comes with both transparent and semi-transparent shade options. 

The screens have a no-residue cling design and work when pressed to a car window.

They’re helpful to keep sun rays at bay during any time of the year — especially, during the summer months, to help keep the car cooler. 

These are the best road trip gift ideas for road-trippers with babies in the backseat.

Foldable Car Seat Back Portable Tray for Food

My family didn’t eat fast food often during our day-to-day lives, but it was a staple during road trips. 

As a backseat rider, you have no idea what I would have given to have something like this foldable tray that attaches to the front seat headrest.

This cuts down on drink or dipping sauce spills, an unfortunate event I know too well!

Of course, my mind went immediately to food, but it also holds a laptop or book.

Any road trip lover who finds themselves in the back seat will appreciate this.

200 Conversation Cards

Consider conversation road trip games if you’re looking for the best road trip gifts for a family. 

It can be hard to get the whole family to be interested in the same thing. The prompts on these cards encourage conversations that everyone can partake in.

There are questions like, “What do children know more about than adults?” and “What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?”

My favorite thing about these cards is that they involve the driver, which is important.

It’s easy for all the passengers to plug into their phones or Kindles, but the driver has to keep their eyes on the road. 

Do note that some of the cards are not appropriate for kids, so parents might need to sort through the deck beforehand.

50 States 5,000 Ideas Book

As the title states, this book offers insight into the 50 states of the USA. It has valuable travel tips about where to go, what to see, and what to do in each one.

Inclusive travel gifts like these are great road trip gift ideas because they inspire future road trips! 

They probably won’t drive through all 50 states in one journey, but as they read, they’ll find places and sights to drive to next time.

Road Trip Journal

I’m sentimental – I  love to collect and document everything. If your giftee is anything like me, a journal like this is the perfect great road trip gift idea. 

There are two types of pages: open note-taking and easy-to-fill-prompt pages. 

They can quickly fill in the answers to questions like the weather, route taken, highlights, and so forth.

This road trip gift idea is suitable for a range of ages, meaning it’ll keep anyone entertained. 

Plus, they’ll have something to reflect on in the future.

Rand McNally Road Atlas

Nowadays, we rely on our phones or built-in car systems. But as a kid, I remember my parents opening up physical paper maps for directions.

This spiral notebook contains large-scale maps of highways for every US state.

There are no advertisements inside, which helps you focus on the routes. There are also maps of specific cities and national parks.

A physical road atlas is one of the best gifts for a road tripper who likes things old-school.

Personalized Road Trip Map

Before my family began our road trips, my dad always sketched out our route on a big paper map so my sisters and I could visualize our road trip route. 

We loved getting this perspective when we were kids.

If someone you know is heading on a monumental journey (like a cross-country road trip through the national parks or driving the Pacific Coast Highway ), this is the perfect gift to memorialize it.

Know someone who loves National Parks? Read our guides to the best National Park gifts , National Park Passport , National Park scratch-off maps , and the best National Park books .

Hammocking is a universally enjoyable pastime, so hammocks make great road trip gifts for guys and girls alike. 

Eno hammocks are popular but pricey. I recommend Wise Owl hammocks as a more affordable alternative. Wise Owl hammocks even come with straps to secure them to trees, which Eno hammocks don’t include.

There are plenty of color options, and you can choose a single or double-person size, making hammocks one of the top road trip gifts for friends heading out on long car rides that may have scenic stops along the way. 

They’re a particularly great option for those road-tripping through National Parks.

Ever heard of hammock camping? Read about the best hammocks with mosquito nets and portable hammock stands .

Car Headrest Tablet Holder

This car headrest tablet holder is a great way to entertain anyone in the backseat. Whether they’re using their phone or an iPad, they can stay hands-free and comfortable. 

It attaches quickly and easily without disrupting the headrest for the driver. The arm can be bent in a variety of angles and tilted.

This is a great road trip gift for road-tripping friends who are planning on watching movies or binge-watching a new series in the backseat.

Picnic Blanket

A picnic blanket is helpful in so many situations – whether you’re actually using it for a picnic or not. I use my blanket anytime I’m sitting on the ground in an open area. 

This is another perfect road trip gift for loved ones heading into nature. A blanket will come in handy, whether they’re going on a day trip or a long-haul journey.

This one is great because it’s waterproof and sand-resistant. Plus, it comes with large handle carry straps, making it easy to transport once it’s rolled up.

Doodle Boards

These kinds of doodle boards will keep kids entertained for hours. 

Not going to lie, I’ve also found myself fiddling around with them.

It’s easy to forget how relaxing and fun doodling is. They’re especially on a road trip, when any form of entertainment is welcome.

Compression Socks

I’ve gone road-tripping by myself and driven for 13 hours straight on multiple occasions. 

By the end of those long stretches, all I wanted was to put my feet up! 

Compression socks are one of those road trip accessories that can help a loved one have a more pleasant experience. They help prevent swelling during any period of prolonged sitting. 

I think compression socks are some of the best road trip gear or road trip gift ideas for adults because they’re the ones doing the driving.

Picture this: you’re best friend is rushing out of the house because they really need to get on the road. They have that nagging feeling that they’re forgetting something.

Pretty soon, they’re driving on the highway, blinded by the sun. That’s when it hits… they forgot their sunglasses.

This is why I always keep spare sunglasses in my car glove box. They’re solely my ‘car sunglasses’. My extra sunglasses have saved the day more times than I can count.

If you want to be that lifesaver, consider getting this set of polarized sunglasses for road trip lovers.

Slip On Shoes

I always preferred to be barefoot in the car. It’s just more comfortable and clean.

Of course, whenever it was time to make a pit stop for food, gas, or the bathroom, it became a scramble to find my shoes. 

Especially during winter road trips, my boots took too long to lace up and tracked snow or gunk back into the car afterward.

Gift someone special a pair of slip-on shoes. Your giftee can keep them in their car as their ‘road trip shoes’. 

This way they’ll always have something to slip on and off during those quick pit stops. 

A spare pare of driving shoes is also helpful for anyone who likes wearing heels but not driving in them.

My mom tried to keep our car as clean as possible. It wasn’t easy, and I wish she had a portable vacuum like this.

A mini car vacuum is the best road trip gift for anyone who likes a tidy car.

This handheld vacuum is wireless, rechargeable, and comes with an array of attachments – making it suitable to reach any crevice. 

Road trip gifts like these make it a quick and easy way to keep their limited space feeling clean.

Car Trash Can

As backseat riders, my siblings and I always passed our garbage up to my mom in the front seat. 

That’s why I think this car trash can would have been one of the best road trip gifts for her.

Instead of making someone in charge of the ‘garbage bag’, they can have a car trash can like this. Everyone knows where to put their garbage (cough cough, not the floor).

Engraved Tumbler

Road trippers don’t have access to heat their drink or add ice while driving. That’s why a tumbler that keeps coffee hot and iced tea cold is an excellent road trip gift idea.

Especially when I’m on a road trip alone, I like preparing my secondary beverage before leaving home. 

I take a juice or soda out of the cooler and pour it into a tumbler so it stays cold until I’m ready to drink it.

Tumblers are also a good road trip gift for anyone who appreciates personalization options. You can tailor this gift specifically to your road tripper.

Car Cup Holder Expander

If you want gifts for a road trip that go above and beyond (literally), check out this car cup holder. 

I use a large hydroflask water bottle. Because of the big base, it doesn’t fit in a standard car cup holder. I was so excited when I found an enlarged cup holder that could accommodate its size.

You can go a step further with this car cup holder. It has an enlarged cup holder and a standard-size cup holder above. 

Next to that is a swiveling tray. This creates a space to put some small, easy-to-grab items for the driver. If there’s a passenger riding, it could also function as a tray for them.

If you’re looking for funny road trip gifts for couples, this is a good choice. It benefits passengers and drivers.

Bendable Pillow

Road trip travelers know the struggle of finding a comfortable position to take a snooze. That’s why one of the best gifts for a road trip is a pillow that bends into any shape. 

Molding the pillow to meet their needs makes it much easier to get comfortable in an awkward space like a car.

There are also button snaps on either end of the pillow so that it will hold a standard travel pillow shape.

Great road trip gift ideas involve items that can stay in the car, so they never have to worry about forgetting them. 

This blanket is a perfect example.

It’s always nice to have a blanket like this in the car. Even if they’re traveling during warmer months because it zips up into a pillow shape.

Sound Proof Earphones

Road trips put everyone in tight quarters. Sound-cancelling headphones are the best way for your loved one to take a break. 

These headphones are budget-friendly, but you could always upgrade by gifting a brand like Bose .

Plus, this is one of those gifts for road trips that will be useful outside of the car, too.

Car Inverter

For the most part, I grew up as a road-tripper without iPhones or tablets. There was minimal electronic usage, and once the battery ran out, that was that.

By the time I was in high school and had a laptop, I always wished there was a way to charge it while in the car. 

When I discovered a car inverter, I was sold. 

This inverter distributes and maximizes the existing power from the cigarette lighter plug in your car. Once plugged in, your giftee can access regular outlets, USB ports, and a USB C port.

It’s one of the best road trip gifts for a car full of music streamers.

Solar Power Bank

Solar power banks make fantastic gifts for anyone going on an adventure. This power bank charges using the solar panels on the front of the device (don’t leave it in a hot car in direct sunlight, though). 

It’s a perfect gift for road-trippers headed through the national parks, where they’ll run their battery down taking pictures.

It’s waterproof and has a built-in flashlight. Portable chargers are a great gift idea that ensures they have a power source no matter what.

Inflatable Car Mattress

Sometimes the best road trip gift ideas focus on getting enough sleep. 

Road travelers who sleep in their car know that having the right set-up is essential for feeling rested enough to drive day after day. 

Most people I know heading on multi-day trips have a hotel room booked or plan on driving through the night. 

But sleeping in the car has grown increasingly popular.

This inflatable car mattress is perfect for overnight road trips. The pump plugs into the car cigarette lighter for quick inflation. 

I prefer this style of car mattress over others on the market because it lays across the backseats without emptying the trunk.

Here’s the thing about car air conditioning systems: they’re often not set up well for the backseat riders.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times my sisters and I bickered about the airflow direction from the small vents in the backseat section.

Solve that bickering problem with a gift like this: a car headrest fan.

Whether you purchase one or two for your road tripper, travel gifts like these will make their upcoming trip more peaceful.

Games on the Go

After a while, it can be hard to come up with road trip games on your own. 

If your friends are tired of the classics, Games on the Go prompts some of the best road trip games.

It’s a deck of cards full of guessing games, riddles, trivia, and searching games (to name a few). 

It’s perfect for the car because Game on the Go states, “The only material you need is your imagination”.

Drop Stop Car Seat-Gap Filler

This gap filler seems like a funny road trip gift, but it’s actually so helpful.

During road trips, my sisters and I constantly passed things up to my mom, who sat in the front seat. 

Quite a few times, whatever we were passing would drop into the abyss between the seats. 

I can guarantee even seasoned road trippers don’t enjoy crawling around on the car floor with a flashlight looking for dropped M&Ms and toys under the seat.

Eliminate that issue with a car seat gap filler like the Drop Stop.

A road trip lover will make many road trips in their life, and they can use a dash cam to capture all of their incredible adventures.

And for any road trippers turned full-time car travelers, dash cams add a level of security.

A dash cam can attach to the front or rear of a vehicle and record video. Should they ever need evidence of good driving habits or what really happened during an accident, they’ll have it. 

Other pros to having a dash cam include deterring theft and potentially lowering their car insurance premium. Dash cams are one of the best gift ideas for road trips when your loved one wants to take every precaution possible.

Fold Out Chairs

You may be looking for road trip gift ideas for someone heading to campgrounds at national forests. If your road tripper needs some outdoor gear, help them out. 

These chairs have armrests, pockets, and cupholders. They’re easy to keep tucked in a car trunk because they fold quickly and come in a traveling case. 

Grab this road trip gift idea for anyone who likes stopping to enjoy the view.

Ready for the comfiest camp chairs? Read our buying guides for reclining camp chairs and heavy-duty camp chairs .

My family always ran out of space on car trips to and from holiday gatherings. Not only did we have to fit all of our luggage in the trunk, but also gifts to and from family members.

Car travel gifts like roof bags are handy when the car is too full. This bag sits on top of a protective mat and securely attaches to the car’s roof with straps. 

It’s made from waterproof material, so belongings inside stay safe.

When it comes to gift ideas for the road, consider getting your favorite road trip travelers a collapsable cooler.

Soft-sided coolers are a good way to keep drinks cold and food temperature regulated on the drive. Road trip lovers will appreciate that this cooler fits in the middle seat and is less bulky than a hard-sided cooler.

This Maelstrom Soft Cooler Bag has a five-layer insulation design. The outside even features outer pockets, a bottle-opener key chain, and bungee gridding.

It also comes in a variety of colors, like blue, grey, black, and orange. 

Looking for more cooler recommendations? Read our article on the best coolers for camping .

Road Trip Gift Basket

I love unique gift ideas, like anything you assemble or personalize on your own. If you’re the same way, consider making a road trip care package.

This is the same premise as a road trip gift basket – but uses a road trip gift bag like the one pictured.

Throw in some road trip essentials like wet wipes, water bottles, road trip snacks, and so forth.

If your giftee is traveling with children, include some fun road trip gifts like these themed printable road trip games from Etsy.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Roadside kits are one of those gifts you hope they’ll never have to use. I know it sounds a bit backward – not wanting the recipient to use the gift?

A roadside emergency kit is a road trip essential. Thinking back, I would have been so relieved if someone had gifted me one.

This kit comes with survival road trip gear, like jumper cables, a seatbelt cutter, a glass breaker, and a portable air compressor. 

This specific option comes with a first aid kit – it hits two birds with one stone.

If you’re gifting it to a new driver or new car owner, there’s a good chance they don’t have an emergency kit like this yet.

Triple AAA Membership

Similar to a first aid kit, roadside assistance is one of those things you hope they’ll never have to use. Regardless, it’s important to have for a road trip. 

Triple AAA will help if their car breaks down and has complicated issues beyond a roadside assistance kit.

So, when it comes to road trip gift ideas, consider getting someone an annual membership to Triple AAA.

Pro Tip: Triple AAA offers special coverage for recreational vehicles, horse trailers, and boat trailers.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Consider getting a national park pass for road trippers heading to National Parks. 

The most popular choice is the America the Beautiful Pass.

Having this with them on their road trip covers park entrance fees for a driver and all passengers in the vehicle (up to 4 adults).

This pass works for national forests and sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. Check out the full list here .

Plus, when you purchase from REI, they donate 10% of the proceeds to outdoor beneficiary organizations!

Road Trip Gift Cards

What do you give someone who is going on a long trip?

What.they.want!

You can never go wrong with a gift card – especially if the other road trip gift ideas aren’t speaking to you.

When it comes to great road trip gifts, a gift card opens doors to so many options. And the best gifts make their life easier.

If you’re making someone a road trip gift basket, it wouldn’t hurt to throw a Starbucks gift card in.

When I was driving halfway across the country solo, audiobooks and music were my best friends. Find out if your friend or family member has Audible or Spotify Premium.

I even had a friend get a gift card to a gas station once. Anything helps! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monroe Dziersk

Monroe Dziersk is a gift giver by nature and an expert at finding gifts to show the people in your life you care. She comes from a family of designers, adding a unique flair to her gift-giving method.

Monroe was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After discovering a world outside of Midwest winters, she was quickly drawn to the southeastern coast of the United States. While attending Elon University, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. A switch was flipped, and she quickly fell in love with European culture and lifestyle. You can often find her accompanied by a good book and her calico cat.

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31 Incredibly Useful Road Trip Gifts For Your Next Long Drive

Post Summary: The Best Road Trip Gifts

What do you get that person who loves going on road trips ? From the fearless adventurer to the cross-country trekkers, these are the best road trip gifts to give!

Keep scrolling for road trip gift ideas ranging from camping , tech , comfort , organization , and entertainment . We know you’re going to find something for the road trippers on your list!

Road Trip Gifts For The Traveler In Your Life

This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a commission for purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

1. The Dyrt Pro SubScription ($35/year)

One of the easiest ways to save money on the road is to find free and cheap camping spots to stay overnight. To do this, we use an app called The Dyrt . The pro version is only $35 dollars a year, and we can search for campsites offline , use the trip planner, and even get gear discounts with their partners.

A subscription to The Dyrt pro is one of the best gifts for road trippers, in our opinion! Try it free for 30 days too, using our code MANDAGIES .

2. BackSeat Organizer ($27)

Your backseat passengers will love you for this road trip gift! This back seat organizer comes with two drink pockets, one clear velcro sleeve, and two deep storage pockets at the bottom.

It can hold everything you need to keep your passengers entertained the entire way. These organizers make great traveling gifts for parents AND kids!

Read More: 20 Popular Outdoorsy Gifts For Kids

3. ReachTop Car Window SCreens ($10 for 2)

The ReachTop Car Window Screens are the ultimate gift for road trips, especially if you are a big summer camper! The sock-like double mesh screen fits snugly over your car door windows, allowing you to keep out mosquitoes while still being able to roll down your window.

It also serves as a blackout screen , for extra privacy in the evening when sleeping in your car. This is absolutely one of the most useful road trip essentials !

4. Roadside Emergency Kit ($49)

Give the gift of roadside safety with this roadside assistance kit! It includes jumper cables, a safety triangle, gloves, bungee cords, a glass breaker, a first aid kit, and more.

This STDY Car Roadside Emergency kit will help you feel more prepared in unexpected situations on the road. ( Find a smaller, more compact version here ).

Ready to DIY your own kit? Click here to learn how to put together your own emergency car tool kit for winter!

5. YETI Hopper 18 Flip Soft Cooler ($299)

Nothing beats a refreshing drink after a long drive! The Yeti Hopper 18 soft cooler is the absolute perfect size for lunch on the road for the whole family.

The straps make it easy to tote to your next picnic destination, and the puncture-proof exterior makes it tough enough in any terrain. Lunch with a view? It’s easy to take this car cooler on the go !

Want something a little more inexpensive? The REI Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler is only $35 !

6. NAT GEO Road Atlas: Adventure Edition ($24.95)

When cell phone batteries die and service is nowhere in sight, do you have a paper map to rely on ?

This National Geographic Road Atlas covers the US, Mexico, and Canada . It also highlights national forests, national parks, and attractions along the way. With this paper road atlas, you won’t mind getting lost!

7. BESTEK Power Inverter ($29)

Charge up all your equipment with one simple piece of gear! The Bestek Power inverter is what we’ve been using for years and it keeps our phones and camera batteries juiced up and ready for action.

This small but mighty tech is probably one of the most useful road trip gifts out there!

8. Belkin MagSafe Car Phone Mount ($39.99)

When driving, it’s important to keep your hands free and your eyes on the road (and not your phone!). However, today, most people use their phones for directions and navigation.

Choosing a car mount for your phone keeps directions in sight, all while keeping your hands on the steering wheel. This magnetic c ar mount installs easily to your air vents , without obstructing any essential car functions.

If you have a Pop Socket on the back (like I do!), Pop Socket created their own car mount , where you can place your phone right into the holder. It’s one of the easiest road trip gifts to give!

9. BELKIN USB CAR CHARGER ($18)

Tight on space? All you need for a quick charge is this Belkin USB/USB-C car charger . It’s compatible with two kinds of ports (USB and USB-C) and can take an iPhone from 0-50% charge in just 30 minutes!

Read More: The Best Outdoor Gifts Under $25

10. Rumpl Original Puffy Travel Blanket ($99)

This cozy travel blanket should be a staple in every traveler’s road trip essentials list. Use it for a quick nap in the car, and bring it out for a cozy stay around the campfire at night. These Rumpl blankets come with stuff sacks that pack down small, so you can stow it away with ease.

But let’s be honest, you won’t have to pack it away because you’ll be cozying up in this blanket 24/7 !

11. TILE KEY FINDER ($34)

Know someone who is constantly losing their keys?

This can be a major problem on the road, especially if you’re far away from home! Never lose your keys again by attaching a Tile Mate to your keyring! The Mate can be found up to 250 feet and sounds a pretty loud alarm for fast locating.

Read More: The Best Gift Guide For Photographers

12. America The Beautiful National Park Pass ($79.99)

Discover all the national parks with the America The Beautiful Annual Pass ! This is the perfect gift for road trips, especially for people who are exploring more than one par k during their next adventure. This pass not only gives you access to National Parks, but access to over 2,000 federal lands all across the United States.

Read More: 7 Critical Pacific Northwest Forest Passes You Need (And Where To Use Them)

13. FJALLRAVE Kanken Hip Pack ($50)

Take the classic Fjallraven Kanken Backpack , but make it compact ! This hip pack has buckles and straps for an adjustable, comfortable fit. There are multiple pouches for keys, phone, and cards, while keeping your hands free!

14. Goal Zero Flip Power Banks ($30+)

Take a charge on the go with Goal Zero’s line of power banks . Charged by USB or Solar, this pocket-sized power bank can keep a phone, GPS or other small devices charged up until your next destination.

It’s ideal for quick hikes, day trips, or anytime you need a little bit of backup power , just in case.

15. AllBirds Wool Runners ($99)

For long hours in the car, comfy shoes are an absolute must. Allbirds wool runners are the perfect combination of serious comfort and durability .

These are the ideal shoes for quick pit stops and stretching your legs on breaks. The wool runners come in tons of colors to fit your style!

Read More: The Best Outdoor Gifts For Hikers

16. Paracord Planet Type III Cord Kits With Buckles ($18)

Paracord is arguably one of the most versatile and useful pieces of outdoor gear. Paracord also makes excellent gifts for road trips!

Use it for all kinds of things like hanging food from a tree, hanging up drying laundry, or securing your canoe to shore. The possibilities (and color combinations) are endless. Find all sorts of color combinations available on Amazon !

Read More: Outdoorsy Stocking Stuffers Under $10

17. Smartwool Tech Liner Gloves ($24)

Sometimes you just want to keep your hands warm without all the bulk . Use these Smartwool Tech Liner Gloves gloves for easy handling (hellooo touchscreen friendly!) and then layer up later when you’re ready for more intense adventures.

These are the perfect gloves to use when you need to address car issues and it’s cold outside!

Read More: How To Layer Clothes For Winter Adventures

18. Luno 2.0 Car Air Mattress ($329.99)

Don’t settle for a bad outdoor sleep ever again! This Double Mattress by Luno is the absolute perfect gift for road trips. Form-fitted to fit around wheel wells and customizable for your specific car make and model, you can search for the perfect one to fit your rig’s measurements.

It also comes with an air pump, storage bag, base extenders, and the ability to blow up just one side at a time too.

It’s the perfect outdoor gift for couples too , for those people that just love to take awesome adventures with their person!

19. Teva Re-Ember Slip-Ons ($79)

Why not get a shoe that can do it all? The Teva ReEmber Slip-On shoes are made from recycled materials, and feel like a sleeping bag on your feet!

Their sturdy soles and collapsible heel make it easy to hop in and out of the car. These are a must for every road trip lover!

20. Packing Cubes ($44)

Some of the most essential road trip must-haves include products that help with car organization! An easy way to do this is with packing cubes. These packing cubes by REI have a mesh front so you can easily see what’s inside.

This set comes in three sizes , so you can organize everything from small accessories to bulkier clothing.

21. Headphones

Driving with multiple people? Sometimes, it’s nice to shut out the noise and listen to your own thing for a little while. These Bose QuietComfort headphones are pricey, but they have been worth absolutely every single penny for us. We use them at our desks, on the road, on the plane, and anytime we are waiting for long periods of time.

Have conventional headphones? Buy this headphone splitter so you and a friend can watch movies together or listen to the same music.

22. ROAD TRIP BOOKS

Get inspired for your next road trip with Lonely Planet’s Epic Drives of the World . It’s filled with all sorts of incredible drives like the Pacific Coast Highway , Route 66, and other incredible international drives.

Other great books for road trip gifts include Roaming America by Matthew and Renee Hahnel, and The Open Road by Moon Travel.

Read More: The 15 Most Beautiful Coffee Table Travel Books

23. Audible Subscription

Similar to books for road trips, an Audible subscription is ideal for those times when everyone wants to hear the story! Audiobooks are great road trip gifts for kids, and can help keep them entertained on long drives. Start your Audible free trial here!

24. Aeropress Travel coffee maker ($35)

This portable travel coffee maker by Aeropress is the perfect camping road trip gift! It’s portable , lightweight, and packs down really small . Learn how to make coffee while camping before you go, and don’t forget to pack the coffee beans!

25. Compression Socks ($28)

Compression socks are excellent road trip gifts for people of all ages. These form-fitting socks by Comrad are designed to promote blood circulation when sitting for long periods of time.

26. Soft Top Cargo Roof Bag ($109)

Need a little extra room while you’re driving? Load everyone’s luggage in this soft top cargo roof bag for more space!

This one by Rigthline works with or without rooftop racks , making it a versatile road trip gift for any type of car.

27. Conversation Starters

Want to start cool conversations with your passengers? Try out a card set like Table Topics to prompt interesting and engaging questions in the car. These cards are road trip gifts that keep on giving! Looking for road trip games specifically? Table Topics made a road trip version too!

Need some conversation starters now? Here are 101 road trip questions to ask your friends!

28. Hammock ($55)

When you need a break from the car, it’s nice to have a portable way to kick up your feet and relax. That’s why an ENO hammock makes perfect road trip gifts for travelers because they pack down super small! Get a single hammock or a double hammock, and don’t forget to buy the straps too !

29. Foldable Travel Chair

A portable travel chair is the ideal road trip gift when camping! The REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair is known for its sturdiness and compact size. It’s a great choice for travelers who don’t have a lot of space to spare!

30. Camp Folding Table ($80)

Finish off your outdoor setup with a folding table to go with your folding chairs. This one from REI packs down mega small, keeping your precious storage space free for other road trip essentials .

With camping chairs and this table, you can easily set up an outdoor kitchen and enjoy a meal from anywhere!

31. Biolite Portable Lantern ($60)

These portable lights by Biolite make great road trip gifts for the family! With several settings, modes, and colors, you can adjust the lighting to fit any mood .

Use it around the picnic table for a lighted evening meal, or to easily grab and check around the car at night.

32. Instant Camera (Polaroid Go, $75)

Don’t miss a single moment of your epic road trip! Read our round up of the best Instant film cameras for travel . Personally, we think the Polaroid Go is ideal for stashing in a pocket – it’s pretty small!

The Polaroid Go uses Polaroid Go Film , which comes in frames of color OR black and white ($19 for 16 exposures), or you can try the fun filters as well.

33 Bonus: Make Them A Road Trip Gift Basket

Did you find multiple road trip gift ideas in this post? One way to surprise your intrepid traveler is to create a road trip gift basket for them! This is a great way to send them off with lots of useful tools for their journey. A road trip care package can be customized in any way, which makes it a great personalized gift.

Here are some road trip gift basket ideas:

• A cooler as the basket, filled with comforts like socks, card games, sunglasses, and lots of snacks.
• A backseat car organizer, full of items to keep tidy like a car trash bin, cord organizer, and packing cubes.
• A backpack full of handy car tech gear for the journey. Things like a car mount, phone charging cords, and navigation app subscriptions.
• How about road trip goodie bag ideas for adults? Pack them a koozie, their favorite beer, and a camping chair to enjoy after a long day’s drive.

What are some road trip gifts you are giving to someone this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!

More gift guides and travel gifts.

The Best Outdoor Gifts For Moms and Women

The 23 Best Gifts For Film Photographers

Amazing Outdoor Gifts For Men

How to Make Awesome DIY Family Road Trip Goodie Bags

Survive your next family road trip with diy travel activity bags that keep kids and teens occupied and entertained…road trip goodie bags (with free printable tags).

Man, I am totally tripping….

ROAD TRIPPING that is!!

Since we are still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our big travel plans have all been canceled so we’ve been doing A LOT more road trips with the kids.

And because 2020 has pretty much sucked in SO.MANY.WAYS. we are trying our best to squeeze the most amount of fun out of things we do with our family.

On top of that “fun list” is bringing back the old school style road trips.

Back in the olden days when I was a kid, my parents would make little packages of snacks and activities to open every hour to help make the ride go a wee bit faster and to help keep us kiddos entertained during the long periods of riding on the drive.

Looking back, the time spent together on these vacation trips were some of my favorite memories.

So, I decided to take a page from that early 80’s playbook of child-rearing and get cracking on some ROAD TRIP GOODIE BAGS for our next family road trip!

(Note: The links in this post are AMAZON affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Read our full disclaimer policy here. )

The first task at hand…I hit up the local dollar store…ya’ know, the Dollar Tree and the Dollar Spot at Target, grabbed some brown lunch sacks, made some fun printable tags, and I was off and rolling!

Seriously y’all, if you haven’t done this for your kids…do it! They will love it! No matter the age, whether you have young children or older kids like me, it’s a great addition to any long car trip you have planned!

Picture Proof Above: Happy Teen holding a road trip goodie bag!

Listen, my kids are teenagers, and when you are an adolescent, you are way too cool for school….and even THEY loved it, so I guarantee your kids will too!

Prepping for a vacation, especially if you are traveling by car, can be stressful, so I’m going to make one thing easier in life for you…I made the cute printable goodie bag tags just for you for your next road trip !!

So all you’ve got to do is buy some “goodies”, print the tags, and fill the bags with all the fun stuff you’ve found. I’ve made them for our last two trips, and if my pandemic weary mind can do it, you can too!

Seeing the kids happy while you are logging the long miles in the car will totally be worth any extra effort it takes!

Here’s a breakdown of the steps one by one and some helpful tips for you…

1. Stan with the Plan – Prepping Your Road Trip Goodie Bags

The first step in planning your epic road trip goodie bag extravaganza is to first take into consideration how long your trip is going to be.

So first you need to count how many hours you will be in the car on your road trip!

My rule of thumb is to plug in the destination in my Google Maps app and if the trip is 6 hours, I’m gonna make 5 bags (starting at hour one)…if it’s 9 hours, then plan for 8 bags to keep the troops happy and so on. However long your trip is will determine how many bags you make.

We did not open bags as we returned home but if you want to really be industrious, you can make double the amount for your return trip home.

Have at it, momma – you will certainly earn the distinction for “Mom of the Year” with that one!

2. Get the Goods – What to Purchase for Your Road Trip Goodie Bags

The next step is to visit your local discount store or Dollar Tree and load up on some cheap yet entertaining “goodies”.

This is the time where you let your cheesy mom factor shine!

If you have teens, think about what your kids loved when they were little and run with it! Mine loved those magic pen coloring books like these below, so yep, I picked up a set of those!

Hello, Disney Princess toys!

Was silly putty a fave in your house?

Then grab it!

Remember you don’t need to spend tons of money! Buying expensive items is not necessary, and I would actually caution against it.

Search for items that won’t break the budget! Stick to the cheap stuff!

You’ll be surprised how much your “big kids” like the little kid’s things because it brings back some good childhood memories for them!

Also, be sure to get some junky snacks…my kids don’t normally get junk food, but hey, you are on vacation, so get a little C-R-A-Z-Y… hello, Ring Pops and Kinder Joy eggs!  Grab a fun snack that your kids love!

*A word to the wise*…don’t overload your kids with too much bad food, especially if they are not used to eating that poison …um, I mean sugary goodness.

On our first road trip, my son ate every single crappy treat I packed, and he didn’t feel so great when we arrived at our end destination #liveandlearn

Our goodie bags had the following items:

• Bean Boozled Game
• Fidget Spinners
• Ball of Whacks Puzzle Game
• Cheez-it Snacks
• Kinder Joy Chocolate Treat
• Road Trip Bingo Game
• Other Random Entertaining Toys

Also, if you are short on time and don’t want to run all over town looking for goodie bag items, you can order some super fun things on Amazon…

ROAD TRIP GOODIE BAG IDEAS

– Car Bingo

– BeanBoozled Jelly Bean Game

– Ball of Whacks

– Travel Connect Four Game

– Take N’ Play Hangman Game

– Magnetic Tangrams

– Rubik’s Cube

– Paint By Sticker Picture

– Magic Snake Puzzle

(OMG, This was my fave in 3rd grade)

Hey 80’s kids…remember this one…the magic snake?

Oh, yeah, and one more tip…you don’t have to buy all new things!

Some of the items I grabbed from the store and others we had around our house, so be sure to check out your own stash of small toys at home!

I looked through our game cabinet and found a few things we already owned that would be boredom busters in the car, like the “Ball of Wacks” & Rubik’s Cube….and I know you’ve got a fidget spinner somewhere around your house!!

If you have younger kids, I would suggest packing some simple crafts like coloring books, one page Hidden Picture worksheets, or even pipe cleaners to make shapes or “sculptures”.

Heck, you can even plan some fun family competitions for the car ride…”Who can make the silliest face”, “Name that Tune” or the “Quiet Contest”. Anything that will help pass the time!

If you need more inspiration, I created a whole board of Road Trip Ideas on Pinterest filled with all sorts of creative car activities and games!

3. P.P.S. – Print, Pack, and Staple Your Road Trip Goodie Bags

Once you’ve gathered your goodies, it’s time to package them.

I’ve made these bag tags just for you…

Oh, and I have two versions for you…one that’s more colorful…

and one that uses less ink…um, have I mentioned that I am frugal? (yes, even with computer ink!)

When you are ready to label the bags, you can put a specific time for kids to open them or you can write the location along your road trip…for me, going the location route seemed to be harder for me to figure out, so I went with the time….K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple, Sister!

Once you’ve packed the bags, added the tags, and stapled them, you are ready to roll, mama!

See, now wasn’t that easy!?!? (Hint – the answer is “YES”)

Also, do you have all the essentials for your road trip?

Check out my 13 Road Trip Essentials!

And, now you’ve got the recipe for a fabulous family road trip!

What do you think?

Did you find any amazing finds at your dollar store that I should add to my list…my kids would love some new ideas in our rotation!

Until next time, cheers to being a Rocking Road Warrior, and cheers to YOU!

P.S. Got pinterest and want to remember this post for later?  “Pin” the image below!

Magan Weber

Your Go-To Mama For 

Organizing your health , , home, & happiness.

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32 Road Trip Essentials for Adults and Kids

W hile you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Read on to discover which items you should consider adding to your road trip packing list, or jump to the section on what to pack for kids.

Road trip essentials for adults

From roadside emergency must-haves to multipurpose gadgets you can use throughout your journey, these are some of the most helpful items to have on a road trip.

"Hanger" can make a road trip go south pretty quick. Pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.

You might want to bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold. If you don't already own one, the best cooler bags include the ICEMULE Classic (available in a variety of sizes) and the CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag .

A seat organizer like this one by YOOFAN can help you keep snacks, tissues and any other essentials close at hand. Plus, it can double as a reusable bag for any small purchases you make during your road trip.

USB charging cables

If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts from your phone. Compatible with Apple devices, this two-pack of Amazon Basics cables is well rated; for Samsung devices, try these Anker cables . Both sets have 3-foot cords, which are the perfect size for car travel.

Portable charger

Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too. Travelers rave about the INIU Portable Charger for its slim, lightweight design and overall efficiency.

Jumper cables

A set of jumper cables is essential to have in your car at all times, whether you're driving 2 miles down the road or 200 miles away from home. The Energizer Jumper Cables are especially well rated. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, the 12-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage. Longer cables are also available.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty.

Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and a 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

If you're traveling during the winter months and/or to a destination where you might encounter snow and ice, make sure you have a snow broom in your car. The Snow Joe 4-in-1 Telescoping Broom is especially convenient for travel because of its lightweight, foldable design, and recent buyers confirm the foam head prevents any scratching. This snow broom also features an ice scraper and LED lights with a blinking functionality for emergencies.

Dashboard phone mount

Avoid distractions by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Car document holder

In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial – whether you're traveling or not. This two-sided holder , which comes in a pack of two for less than $5 on Amazon, does the job.

Roadside emergency kit

For peace of mind, many travelers recommend an all-purpose roadside emergency kit . These kits are typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, rain ponchos and other useful items.

Freshen up with the extra-large body wipes from Busy Co , which are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types. They address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Using disposable toilet seat covers can help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

Nausea relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses by keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.

Book or e-reader

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Bring a good book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , which puts thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Rooftop cargo carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leakproof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Dog waste bags

Even if you don't have a dog, hear us out: Dog poop bags are useful for a variety of needs, from general waste to dirty diapers to unexpected accidents caused by motion sickness. The Earth Rated bags are 100% leakproof, and buyers agree they're effective at eliminating odors.

If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones. For kids, consider the fleece CozyPhones , which are volume-limiting for little ears and come in a variety of animal themes.

Travel pillow

Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic neck pillow for travel . Top-rated options include the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the MVLOC Travel Pillow .

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Beach blanket

A large beach blanket or towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. You can use it to have a picnic lunch, to clean up a spill, to dry off playground equipment after a rainstorm and more.

Reusable water bottle

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This  40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask  keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this  12-ounce YETI Rambler  fits the bill: Its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher-safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

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Road trip essentials for kids

In addition to snacks, headphones, reusable water bottles, sunglasses and – depending whether your kids are in a car seat or not – travel pillows, the following items are essential to a successful road trip with kids.

Seatback organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip.

Travel tray

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry-erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Window shade

Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades. Many parents like the shades by Enovoe , which come in a two- or four-pack.

Bag of small toys and activities

Load up on small toys you can surprise your kids with throughout the journey. Wikki Stix , Melissa & Doug Water Wow pads and sticker books are all good, low-cost activities, and you can find other cheap options at your local dollar and thrift stores. You might even add some candy to the mix, especially for that last leg of the trip.

Most parents want to keep screen time to a minimum, but all bets are off when it comes to travel. Consider a tablet like the Amazon Fire Kids , which comes with a protective case and one year of Amazon Kids+. Amazon Kids+ features thousands of ad-free books, games and apps; for any streaming services you have at home, you can download TV show episodes and movies so the kids don't need Wi-Fi to watch them.

Small blanket

Bring a small blanket and/or other comfort item from home to ensure the kids are cozy and content in the backseat. You could also bring a Cubcoat , which is a two-in-one stuffed animal that transforms into a hoodie. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. Plus, many kids journals feature world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more activities to keep boredom at bay.

Road trip tips

Plan your stops.

It can be helpful and fun to plan your road trip stops ahead of time. Break up the trip with stops at a pretty park, a quirky roadside attraction or a top-rated restaurant.

Debit cards and Venmo may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only. Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand.

Download a fuel savings app

You can save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• Vacation Packing List
• The Best Kids Luggage
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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18 Road Trip Goodie Bags to Make Your Kids Smile

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

“Are we there yet?” road trip goodie bags will be the solution that you’re looking for to fight boredom on your next family road trip!

Quite possibly the most simple and easy fix to keep kids occupied during long-haul car rides, road trip activity bags will keep your kids entertained when the hours on the road seem endless.

Keep the surprises coming with easy-to-assemble road trip goodie bags!

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. By clicking on them, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you .

Table of Contents

Road Trip Goodie Bags: Who are they good for?

Containing snacks, trinkets, printable games, and activities, “Are we there yet?” road trip goodie bags are the perfect addition to adding fun and pizazz to a classic family road trip.

In addition, road trip goodie bags are good for children of any age!

At the time of our first epic road trip, our 3 boys were ages 7, 10, and 12. Though our 10 and 12- year-olds wouldn’t have normally played with trinkets or dollar store arts and crafts, in comes the exception!

All 3 of our children, despite their ages, were fascinated by the road trip goodie bags given to them in the form of a ‘gift’ along a boring stretch of Interstate.

Those of you with younger children will need to substitute age-appropriate snacks and toys.

Likewise, parents of girls vs. boys may choose to add in some gender-specific trinkets .

Alternatively, consider adding Itunes gift cards, books, magazines, and sugary snacks suitable for tweens and teens.

In other words, go with the general idea of these road trip goodie bags and add things that will excite you and your kids!

Additional planning tip: For the most successful, grumbling-free adventure, combine the use of these activity bags with my Top 10 Tips for a Family Road Trip .

Likewise, because traveling with kids ages 1 – 4 presents its own set of ‘challenges’, read up on these toddler-specific road trip activities that are sure to keep them preoccupied!

Click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list and BONUS Disney Day Bag packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Road Trip Goodie Bags: How much should I spend?

Each and every one of the following items was purchased at The Dollar Store knowing that their use is intended to be simple and short-lived.

They are basically ‘in-the-moment-sanity savers’.

In other words, nothing don’t buy anything fancy or expensive.

I made 18 bags for each of our 3 children. 9 bags for the way to our destination, and 9 bags for the return trip home.

Each bag contains 2 or 3 Dollar Store items with the exception of a few activity bags that contained more expensive items.

Additional planning tip: The total cost for our 54 “Are we there yet?” road trip activity bags was $90.00.

“Are We There Yet?” Road Trip Goodie Bags

“Are we there yet bags” are intended to be small surprises to give your children throughout the duration of an extended road trip.

They do not replace healthy snacks and meals that should be alternated with the candy and treats mentioned below.

Instead, refer to a reliable road trip food list for healthy meal and snack ideas when traveling.

Select bags based on their portability and size, and be sure to purchase treat bags that children cannot see through.

Likewise, buy enough bags to give to your children every 30 minutes to 1-hour throughout the duration of your family road trip.

1. Notebooks, markers, and stickers

Notebook of plain white drawing paper and a fresh new pack of markers. Insert some stickers for a little something extra.

2. Hand-held pinball game

Hand-held pinball game and a snack-size treat. Perfect to keep small hands busy!

3. Portable dry erase board

Travel size dry erase board and sweet and salty snack mix (or other fun snack!).

Everyone loves a good dry-erase board, but be careful, some of the markers’ ink are hard to get out of clothing.

4. Party favors

Why not have a party in the car?

Colorful party favors can be used as a small, fun toy. Add in some gum to keep the kids extra occupied!

5. Minnie Mouse chapstick and Minnie snack bags

Purchase themed-baggies to make individual portions of various snacks. Accompany the themed bags with a coordinating toy or accessory!

Pick and choose the characters of your choice.

6. Word search puzzle book and multi-colored pen

Help pass time in the car by playing road trip word games that involve family interaction and fun!

For silent play, purchase age-appropriate word search puzzle books, crossword puzzle books, or Sodoku puzzle books.

They may not be exciting for kids, per se, but they sure do pass a huge chunk of time!

7. Travel size play dough

Travel size playdough and a sweet treat that perhaps they have never had before!

Bypass this activity if you’re worried that your children are too small to use playdough without getting it all over the seats’ upholstery.

8. Punch balloons or bubbles

Punch balloons or bubbles are a great idea for a pit stop or roadside activity when everyone is needing to get a little energy out!

9. Felt-art or other coloring Kit with a sweet treat

Pre-packaged art kits are an awesome road trip activity and a perfect addition to your road trip goodie bags!

Because these are something that children are not always exposed to, opening this will be a sweet surprise.

10. Glow stick necklaces for nighttime travel

Kids love nighttime travel! Seeing the surrounding citys’ lights is always so fascinating to little ones.

Build on their excitement by gifting them with their own light bracelets or necklaces.

11. Bubble-Goo bubble blower

Insert any off trinket of your choice here. Though I typically don’t like trinkets laying around the house, they’re a perfect match for fighting road trip boredom !

12. Themed crayons and a marching snack-bag treat

How cute are these themed Ziplock baggies?

Check out every square inch of your local dollar store to find these and other clever dollar store items that are perfect for kids!

13. Sporty water bottle and water flavoring

Our kids get a kick out of adding their own flavoring to plain-ol’ water.

For added fun, they love to switch flavors and add more than one flavor to their water bottles to make their own flavor varieties.

Though this is a great addition to your road trip goodie bags, be sure to gift the water bottle when a restroom break is up and coming.

14. Balloons to blow-up and bop around

Another great pit-stop activity! Watch for small pieces around little ones, however, as balloons are known to be a choking hazard.

15. Squish-able bubble wrap and collector cards

A genius, but noisy way to beat road trip boredom!

Who doesn’t love popping bubble wrap? Especially when given your own small supply that is just enough to get under Mom and Dad’s nerves?

Pair this activity with a quieter option, like collector cards such as Pokemon’ or sports cards.

16. Color activity book and a calculator for pushing buttons and computing fun

Kids love pushing calculator buttons, especially when it’s not because they’re doing homework.

Dollar store calculators and coloring books are an inexpensive way to keep kids happy while on the road.

17. Putty, slime, or anything gooey!

You may cringe at the thought of a potential mess, but your kids will indeed have loads of fun with a hand-sized amount of putty of slime to keep them occupied.

Find a unique fluffy slime recipe here!

18. A destination-appropriate travel cup (Disney!)

Where ya headed? Stir up the excitement for your ending point by adding in some toys and trinkets that pertain to your destination.

Disney paraphanelia for a Disney vacation, hiking supplies for a National Park vacation, or sand toys for a beach vacation. Your options are endless!

There ya have it!

Easy peasy road trip goodie bags and surprise treats that can be customized per child!

Trust me, they will keep the kids entertained for hours!

What road trip activity is your favorite way to help pass time? Thanks for responding! Jen

If you liked this post on 18 ideas for Road Trip Goodie Bags , click here to check out our Related Posts:

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• Top 10 Family Road Trip Tips That Are A Lifesaver!
• Family Vacation Packing Tips: How to Pack Like A Pro
• Top 16 Tips For Flying With Kids (& Strategies to Keep Them Calm and Happy)

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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I can’t wait to use these ideals the next time we take a trip. My son is 12 so I thought of even other ideals I can add to the bags.

Yay! I’m glad you came up with some fun ideas! Our oldest is 13 years-old and, yes, it is still fun picking out stuff for him too 🙂

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Road trip goodie bags: keeps kids occupied + count down the trip.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer .

In today’s post: Make your next road trip a little more fun with road trip goodie bags. Let kids open one each hour to count down the trip! Find 25 ideas for road trip goodie bag fillers.

Aaaah, road trips. You can say that phrase to a hundred people and half of them will tell you how much they love road trips and the other half will tell you they’re a necessary evil (and a few will tell you they’d rather poke their eyes out than spend 20 hours in the car with the entire fam). Compared to the road trips we all took growing up, we’ve certainly come a long way: most of our cars have great A/C, there are plenty of places to stop for lunch, and electronic devices make spending that many hours with a toddler in the car a little less like torture. But it’s still hard to be stuck in the car for a long time with little kids.

So today’s idea is one you may have heard before: prior to the trip, gather coloring books, small toys, and other fun things to do in the car and wrap them up as road trip goodie bags. Each hour, the kids get to open a goodie bag. It helps them count down the hours on the road and gives them something new to play with when the iPad battery dies 😉

Click here for more road trip with kids hacks!

Road Trip Goodie Bags

I’ve made a sheet of printable goodie bag tags for you. Click here to download the tags . Print them out on 8.5×11 paper at 100% or full size.

Cut the tags apart and decide whether you want kids to open the bags based on distance traveled or time spent in the car. If you’re going based on distance, look at a map of your route and choose cities that are somewhat evenly spaced apart. If you’re going by hours, just fill in the times!

You’ll want to wrap and tag each item separately. I just used lunch sacks for most of my items because it’s a whole lot quicker than wrapping them.

25 Road Rrip Goodie Bag fillers

So what should you put inside each goodie bag? Well, you can find lots of ideas at the dollar store:

1. Wood travel games

2. Small lego set (yup, the dollar store has fake legos now!)

3. Elastic strings and beads to make necklaces (grab a plastic container to keep the beads in)

4. Dice and a small notepad to play the dice game

5. Wordsearch book

6. Coloring book: my dollar store even had some nice mandala coloring books! grab colored pencils as well

7. Small notepad + pens so kids can write stories

8. Flash cards: younger kids can just look at the pictures while older kids can work on sounding out words and doing math problems with you

9. Dry erase boards: check the teacher section – sometimes you can find a dry erase board with lines to practice words and letters

10. Snacks + small containers to put them in: you might want to add a little container in a few different bags

11. Post it notes: you’d be amazing how long kids will play with a pack of post it notes!

12. Candy necklace

13. Brain teasers

14. Stickers

15. Pipe cleaners (fun to make creations with and no mess!)

16. A roll of scotch tape: tell kids whoever can make the silliest face using scotch tape on their features wins

17. Small sticker mosaic packs (check the arts + crafts section)

And here are some ideas from Amazon that cost more than a dollar, but are worth the investment. These are items your kids will use long after the road trip is over! Please note the links below are affiliate links.

18 Mad Libs : These are a classic travel game for a reason! The one I linked to is a junior version, so even younger kids can play along.

19. Window Markers : Window markers are the brightly colored Crayola markers you love, specially made for glass surfaces! Kids can color a scene on the windows while you drive, and the markers wipe off easily with a wet paper towel or window wipe.

20. Wikki Stix : Wikki stix are a bit like pipe cleaners, but way cooler. They are pieces of yarn that have been coated in wax which helps them keep their shape and stick to each other. That means kids can create really fun sculptures and structures with no mess.

21. Water Wow! books :

Melissa & Doug Water Wow! books include 4 reusable coloring boards and a water pen. When a child paints with water the colors in the pictures appear, but the coolest part is that when the boards dry, the colors go away, leaving the boards ready to be painted again. The small size and lack of mess makes this perfect for little hands and great for car travel as well. You can find lots of different varieties, including princess books and ABC learning books.

22. Dot to Dot Books:

23. Tape Activity Book :

24. Color Counts coloring books :

25. Me Readers :

More Road Trip Hacks

If you’re looking for even more great road trip ideas, visit this post: Best tips for road trips with kids for tons of ideas on how to prepare, what food to pack, and plenty of fun things to do in the car.

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Hello there! I’m a busy mom of five who loves to make things. Crafts, recipes, sewing, holiday projects: I’ve tried them all, and you can too! I love EASY projects anyone can make.

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Posted on 7/6/23 at 3:37 pm

So cute! I live in Mt. Vernon, IL haha

Annamarie says

Posted on 9/19/21 at 12:19 am

I made up the goody bags for my grandchildren. What a hit… And definitely the best oumie. Thank you. They going on the next trip and yes… I now have to think of something even better to keep them busy. What to do? Thst tops goody bags. Thank you so much Annamarie from South Africa

Posted on 3/20/21 at 8:50 am

I used your idea for goodie bags a few years ago and am doing it again! I just went to print out the tags and noticed Peru, IL is on one of them you used. I grew up there! Small world.

Kanika Bakshi says

Posted on 7/5/18 at 4:49 am

Awesome ideas. I enjoyed reading your post as it has given me a unique idea of making our upcoming trip with our kids interesting. Keep sharing such great ideas with the parents.

Posted on 12/19/18 at 8:51 am

I love this idea. Getting maps with the miles marked taught me how to read a map and the amount of miles left to go.

Posted on 5/4/18 at 8:44 am

Reminds me of trips to the beach with my family. My mom would give my brother and me Tootsie Pops with the challenge “Let’s see who can be the last to get to the center.” Rule: it must remain in your mouth. We quickly figured out that holding it in our mouth but not letting it touch anything would insure a win. What we didn’t realize until much older was that our parents won because we remained quiet trying to keep the sucker from melting.

Posted on 12/19/18 at 8:49 am

I am the oldest of five and my mom would pack a small suitcase that was child size with some of the same items you have listed. Plus I learned to knit when I was 10 years old. So I had yarn and needles and word searches, magazines like Highlights and books. The game “I spy” and naming the colors of the Volkswagen Beetle was a fam fav.

I've spent 300 hours on road trips across the US. Here are 8 things I always pack for a long-haul drive.

• Americans are opting for road trips over air travel this summer, according to recent studies.
• After 300 hours of US road trips, I know exactly what to pack to make your drive easier.
• Wear your comfiest shoes, and don't forget to bring trash bags, wipes, and a camera.

Americans are tired of flying .

According to a recent study by Advance Auto Parts , 70% of the US population is more likely to take road trips this year than last to avoid air travel stress.

Another recent study by the Vacationer found that 196 million Americans plan to drive to their destinations this summer.

When it comes to American road trips , I'm no newbie. From the Southwest to the Northeast, I've traveled more than 20,000 miles to destinations around the US.

When it comes to packing up the car , I've certainly made some mistakes. I've forgotten important items and longed for essentials that I didn't even think of.

But 300 hours and more than a dozen trips later, I think I've mastered the art of packing for a road trip . Here are the things I'll always bring with me, no matter the destination.

I often forget to pack motion sickness medicine on road trips and stop for some on the way.

I've always been prone to motion sickness , but even if you're not, driving through the mountains could make you feel queasy.

I hate that I need caffeine to stay alert, but that's where I'm at.

On a road trip, I prefer Mio Energy, a flavorful boost to add to water, because it keeps me hydrated.

I download playlists and podcasts to keep myself entertained.

When you're driving on open roads, you never know when you'll lose service.

I've always road-tripped with other people. And as someone who values alone time, packing headphones is the only way to get it in a cramped car.

For introverts like me, using headphones allows me to take breaks from socializing. 

Especially when road-tripping with others, comfy shoes feel essential to sustaining my good mood.

I typically wear cozy shoes that slip on and off easily. 

Another mood booster for me is a clean car.

From empty food containers to candy wrappers, a road trip can quickly make a car messy. So don't forget to bring a small trash can or bag to keep things tidy.

Don't forget wipes — especially when eating in the car.

When something spills or your hands are sticky, you'll be glad you packed them.

And lastly, don't forget a camera to capture those stellar American landscapes.

Of course, there are other essentials for road trips , like emergency gear, sunglasses, and a  reusable water bottle . But the items on this list have helped me make a long, bumpy ride go smoothly.

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10 Surprisingly Spacious Personal Item Bags to Score Ahead of Your Summer Travels — From $10

Shop comfy backpacks, duffels, and tote bags up to 67 percent off.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

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With options from brands like Rockland , Travelpro , Matein , and more, we’ve rounded up the 10 best personal item bags on sale at Amazon right now. And seeing as deals extend up to 67 percent off, we’re sure you’re not going to want to miss out. Regardless of what trips you’re looking forward to in the near future, you’ll have no trouble finding a selection that fits your exact requirements — starting at just $10.

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Keeping your hands free while traveling can make the entire experience significantly easier, and this roomy Matein backpack will help you do just that — and it’s even on sale for just $34 right now. The exterior of this bag is made with water-resistant material that will keep your valuables safe and dry, while the extra large design opens like a suitcase with the capacity to fit up to five days of clothing and essentials within. It measures in at 19 inches by 13 inches by 6 inches, and even meets the parameters of airlines such as Easy Jet, Spirit, and JetBlue. A ventilated back panel remains cool, comfy, and supportive, plus, it comes in nine gorgeous colors to add a pop of personality to your adventures.

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This genius backpack is a dream come true for travel — all thanks to a roomy interior, well-padded yet breathable shoulder straps, and a hidden shoe compartment. If you’re looking to maximize your organizational capacity, you’ll be happy to find that this bag is complete with a wide assortment of pockets to keep your essentials easily accessible while you’re on the go, plus, while the main pocket is large, the bag itself is still compact enough to fit underneath the airplane seat. Whether you’re wearing it hiking, sightseeing, or for a long day at the airport, this $31 bag is a top-notch companion.

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Some people are partial to traveling with a sizable purse that can be used for multiple purposes throughout the trip, so if this sounds like you, the Dreubea Faux Leather Tote will be a worthwhile addition to your baggage collection while it’s on sale for a mere $15. Secured at the top with a simple snap closure, this no-frills bag functions as both a personal item and a stylish purse — either way, it’s sure to elevate any outfit it's worn with. The spacious interior is well-suited for holding your electronics, toiletries, and other items you may want to keep easily accessible during air travel, and it’s even small enough to tuck under the airplane seat with plenty of legroom to spare. With nearly 39,000 five-star ratings from happy customers speaking to its value and quality, you’ll be in good hands with this sleek bag this summer.

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