Are you looking for the perfect gift for your favorite road trip enthusiast’s upcoming holiday season or birthday? Are you looking for a road trip-related gift for someone who has it all?
Well, worry no more! I’m here to share the best road trip gifts of 2022 with you.
This list of the 50 best road trip gifts is organized by type of gift to help you find what you’re looking for. I’ve even included a few suggestions for road trippers that seem to have everything!
So let’s dive into the gift guide and find the perfect gift for every travel lover in your life!
Are you looking for more ideas for those who love exploring the great outdoors? Check out these posts!
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Overall Best Road Trip Gift Ideas
Before diving into the rest of the article sorted by type of gift, I wanted to highlight the absolute top gifts for road trip lovers. If you’re short on time, consider getting one of these gifts!
The top gifts for road trips include:
- Belkin Magsafe Car Phone Holder Mount
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
- Kindle Paperwhite
- HydroFlask Water Bottle
Keep reading for even more gift-giving inspiration!
Road Trip Essentials
1. YETI Hopper 18 Flip Soft Cooler
A cooler is one of the best ways to keep your food and drinks cold. The YETI Hopper 18 Soft Cooler is perfect for packing a picnic lunch for every family member or snacks for the drive. The durable exterior and convenient carrying straps make this cooler bag a must-have.
Get the YETI Hopper 18 Flip Soft Cooler.
2. EVERLIT Roadside Emergency Kit
Safety is crucial for road trips, so every road tripper should have a roadside emergency kit. The 100+ piece kit includes bungee cords, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and tons of safety equipment in case of a breakdown. All this gear is packed into a portable, compact case easily storable in the car’s trunk.
Get the EVERLIT Roadside Assistance Kit.
3. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
A pillow is essential for long road trips. Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow is made from 60% recycled materials and filled with soft foam. A cinch cord allows you to adjust the firmness of the pillow. The pillow is machine washable and packs down easily when not in use.
Shop the Therm-a-Rest Travel Pillow.
4. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a road trip essential to treat any unexpected injuries. This 298-piece first aid kit is filled with everything you could need, from bandages to ointments to pain relievers and medications. The First Aid Only Kit is perfect for treating minor injuries and wounds on the go, in the car, or at home.
Get the First Aid Only First Aid Kit.
5. Ray-Ban Aviators Polarized Sunglasses
Ray-Ban has made the best, high-quality sunglasses for decades. These polarized sunglasses eliminate glare, offer UV protection, and reduce eye strain, all essential for driving on a sunny day. So whether you’re looking for a gift for a man or woman, Ray-Ban sunglasses are the perfect gift.
6. PackTowl Microfiber Travel Towel
Whether for quick spills or a roadside swim, a microfiber travel towel is a great road trip gift. The PackTowl Personal Towel is made from a unique blend of polyester and nylon microfiber that can absorb four times its weight in water. PackTowl comes in several sizes, from face towels to large beach towels.
Get the PackTowl Personal Towel.
7. Swiss Army Knife
A Swiss Army Knife is an excellent gift for any type of road tripper. More than just a knife, this compact multi-tool offers plenty of functionality, like a corkscrew, bottle opener, screwdriver, wire stripper, wood saw, and wire stripper. The Swiss Army Huntsman Knife eliminates the need to carry around a set of tools on a road trip and saves space.
Get the Swiss Army Huntsman Knife.
Perfect Road Trip Gift Ideas for Organization
8. Car Backseat Organizer
For every road trip, staying organized is critical, especially when traveling with kids. This backseat organizer from Amazon is the ultimate budget-friendly gift for families. This organizer comes in a set with features like kick mats to protect the seats, nine different storage pockets, and a clear tablet holder that fits a standard-size iPad.
Shop the Backseat Car Organizer on Amazon.
9. ReachTop Car Window Screens
For those taking a road trip in the summer, the ReachTop Car Window Screens are an excellent gift. This two-pack of heat-blocking screens is tailored for front or rear windows and fits snuggly into the window frame. In addition, the blackout window screens filter out light, keeping the car cool all summer long.
Get the ReachTop Car Window Screens.
10. Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are the key to traveling light on a busy road trip. The Eagle Creek Packing Cubes come in three sizes, allowing you to organize everything from knick-knacks and accessories to oversized clothes. Plus, the cubes include compression technology to save even more space.
11. High Road StashAway Car Trash Can
From snacks to lunch on the go to caffeinated drinks, trash cans pile up on a road trip. One of the best ways to keep the car tidy is with the High Road StashAway Car Trash Can. This leakproof and waterproof mini trash bag securely attaches to the center console and features three additional storage pockets.
Get the High Road StashAway Car Trash Can.
12. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage
Luggage is one of the most used road trip gifts. So if you want to splurge on your favorite traveler, consider gifting them Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage. This stylish and durable luggage can be purchased as a set or individually. All suitcases feature 360-degree spinner wheels, side-mounted TSA locks, and expandable sides, perfect for all types of road trip travelers.
Shop the Samsonite Omni PC Luggage Set.
13. Rightline Soft Top Cargo Roof Bag
For those traveling with a group that needs extra storage space, a rooftop cargo bag is a perfect solution. The Rightline Soft Top Cargo Roof Bag ranges from 15 to 20 cubic feet. This soft top carrier is protected from rain, snow, and dust. It is collapsible to be easily storable when not in use. Better yet, it works with or without a roof rack!
Get the Rightline Soft Top Cargo Roof Bag.
14. REI Co-Op Flexlite Travel Chair
For road trippers who love to camp and have picnic meals, the REI Co-Op Flexlite Travel Chair is a great gift. This sturdy yet compact camp chair packs away easily in the trunk on road trips and provides the perfect place to sit around a campfire. In addition, the Flexlite chair is made with durable ripstop nylon, ensuring this chair will last for years.
Shop the REI Flexlite Camp Chair.
15. REI Co-op Camp Roll Table
The REI Co-Op Camp Roll Table is the best cooking surface, dining table, or activity table on a road trip. In a matter of minutes, you can set up an outdoor kitchen and dining area with this aluminum heat-resistant slatted table top. In addition, the table folds into a compact stuff stack for easy transportation and storage when it’s not in use.
Get the REI Co-Op Camp Roll Table.
Must-Have Electronics for Road Trippers
16. Belkin Magsafe Car Mount Phone Holder
It’s vital to be hands-free when driving on a road trip. This Belkin Magsafe Car Mount Phone Holder secures an iPhone to the air vent, perfect for providing easily accessible directions and navigation. This budget-friendly tool is an excellent stocking stuffer used on road trips and around town.
Shop the Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount.
17. Anker USB Car Charger
The Anker Car Charger and Adapter is the perfect stocking stuffer for those that need to keep devices powered on the open road. This compact, budget-friendly road trip gift features high-speed charging ports that can fully charge a smartphone in two hours! In addition, the Anker charger is highly-rated and comes with an 18-month worry-free warranty.
Get the Anker USB Car Charger.
18. Bestek Power Inverter
The Bestek Power Inverter is a budget-friendly gift for the technology-loving road tripper. This 300W power inverter features a car adapter that plugs directly into the vehicle’s 12V power socket. This inverter allows you to power larger devices like laptops and cameras that can’t charge on standard USB ports.
Get the Bestek Power Inverter.
19. Riapow Solar Power Bank
A rechargeable solar power bank is an excellent way to charge devices when on the road. The Riapow Solar Power Bank can sit on the dashboard while driving all day and then be used to charge portable USB-powered devices like cell phones. This high-power charger can fully charge an iPhone 8 times and four devices simultaneously!
Shop the Riapow Solar Power Bank Charger.
20. Bose QuietComfort Headphones
When traveling in a group, it can be nice to filter out the noise and listen to your music, podcast, or simply silence for a peaceful nap. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a splurge item that any road trip enthusiast will love. These premium headphones are Bluetooth and wireless and feature a high-quality noise-canceling mode with 24 hours of battery life.
Get the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones.
21. Tile Pro Bluetooth Key Tracker
The Tile Pro is a must-have gift for the road tripper constantly losing something. Simply attach the Tile Pro to the key ring and track the keys via the Tile mobile app. The Tile Pro is lightweight and made to fit easily on any key ring. In addition, the tile can be pinged from your phone within 400 feet and will update the app with its last known location when out of range.
Shop the Tile Pro Key Tracker.
22. BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern
For campers and road trippers that enjoy an evening picnic or night by the campfire, the BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern is a great choice. This powerful lantern casts 250 lumens of light in all directions. The lantern can last for 200 hours on low mode or 5 hours on high and shines in several colors, including white, red, blue, and green.
Get the BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern.
23. Kindle Paperwhite
For those that want to read while on a road trip but don’t want to lug around heavy books, the Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect gift. This e-reader can hold thousands of books. Unlike other Kindle devices, the Paperwhite is waterproof and anti-glare, making it optimal for outdoor or car use. Plus, it’s super lightweight at only 6 ounces!
Shop the Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon.
24. GoPro HERO10 Black
GoPro has made a name for itself in photography as the go-to for outdoor adventures. The newly released GoPro Hero 10 is redesigned and better than ever. The GoPro Hero 10 takes video in 5K and 20MP photos. A GoPro is the perfect gift for road trippers who love documenting their journeys but don’t want to carry a heavy camera.
Get the GoPro HERO10 on Amazon.
25. Astro AI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
One of the essential safety items for a road trip is a tire pressure gauge. The Astro AI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge can help you keep the correct tire pressure and avoid expensive wear and tear. This lightweight, compact stocking stuffer provides accurate, quick tire pressure readings on every type of vehicle.
Get the Astro AI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge.
Road Trip Gift Cards & Memberships
26. America the Beautiful National Park Pass
One of the best gifts for road trip lovers is the America the Beautiful Pass. This simple gift unlocks the door to infinite adventures! The annual pass gets the pass holder and everyone in their vehicle into all 400+ national parks and historic sites for 12 months. At only $80 per year, a national park pass has incredible value and the potential for hundreds of dollars in savings.
27. Audible Subscription
One of the best ways to stay entertained on a long drive is with audiobooks. Audible by Amazon is the premier platform for audiobooks. An Audible subscription offers audiobooks across all genres, from biographies to mysteries to self-help books. Best of all, credits from the Audible Subscription rollover each month so your favorite road tripper can stock up on audiobooks for long trips.
Learn more about an Audible Subscription from Amazon.
28. AAA Membership
For frequent road trippers, a AAA membership is a convenient gift. The membership provides roadside assistance in the United States at a low annual price! Plus, frequent travelers get special discounts on a hotel room, events, and attractions.
Read more about the perks of a AAA membership.
29. Visa Gift Card
Hands down, the most practical gift on this list is a Visa Gift Card. A stop at a gas station or roadside rest stop is essential on any road trip. This gift card allows the user to spend nearly anywhere, perfect for road trips in the United States. A Visa Gift Card is ideal for the road tripper who already has everything.
Shop for Visa Gift Cards.
30. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for protecting the finances on a road trip. Whether they need to cancel plans, get extra medical insurance, or require emergency evacuation, a budget-friendly travel insurance policy is a great gift. If you’re looking for more tips on purchasing travel insurance for a loved one, check out this guide on the best travel insurance companies.
31. Book a Day Tour through Viator
Give your favorite road trip enthusiast the gift of an experience. If you’re looking for a wide variety of experiences for road trips, consider booking a Viator tour. They offer all sorts of tours, sightseeing excursions, and day trips. Viator also offers free cancellation for all tours, perfect for changing plans.
Explore tours and excursions on Viator.
Best Road Trip Books
32. Rand McNally 2023 Road Atlas
Any frequent road trip should have a paper map, even in this day and age of GPS maps and cell phones. In remote areas with limited service, a paper road atlas is the best way to navigate the old-fashioned way. The Rand McNally 2023 Road Atlas covers all 50 states and features large, easy-to-read maps with zoomed-in views of cities and national parks.
Get the Rand McNally 2023 Road Atlas.
33. National Geographic Road Atlas 2023: Scenic Drives Edition
Another excellent option for paper maps is the National Geographic 2023 Road Atlas. This atlas covers all 50 United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. This atlas also features hand-picked and researched scenic drives and covers 20 US national parks!
Get the National Geographic 2023 Road Atlas: Scenic Drive Edition.
34. Lonely Planet Epic Drives of the World
A coffee table book filled is the perfect gift for anyone with wanderlust! Lonely Planet’s Epic Drives of the World features 50 world-famous scenic drives, featuring the Pacific Coast Highway in California and Route 66. This colorful hardbound book is filled with beautiful photos and inspirational tips on the best road trips in the world.
35. 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
Give the gift of inspiration to someone planning a cross-country USA road trip! The 50 States, 5000 Ideas Guidebook from National Geographic details the best things to do in all 50 states, from beaches to museums to national parks. This guide is filled with practical and inspirational information, perfect for someone planning a road trip.
36. 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
Are you looking to give the gift of endless inspiration to a national park lover? Like 50 States, 1000 Ideas, National Geographic’s 100 Parks, 5000 Ideas Book shares thousands of awe-inspiring ways to adventure America’s national parks and notable state and local parks. In addition, the guidebook contains ideas on the best things to do, places to see, and more!
37. Letterfolk Road Trip Passport Journal
Are you looking for a compact, pocket-sized journal to help your favorite road tripper document their travels? Then, don’t miss this miniature road trip passport from Letterfolk. With 48-pages, this journal is an excellent way to record favorite memories and all the details of every road trip. Plus, the passport includes bonus pages with bucket list road trips and rites of passage.
Shop the Letterfolk Road Trip Passport Journal.
Unique Gift Ideas for Road Trip Lovers
38. Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is a must-have for campers and road trippers. Made from durable ripstop polyester with water repellent coating, it’s resistant to weather, odors, stains, and dirt. This blanket is made for outdoor use and is perfect for a cozy night at camp or as a picnic blanket on the road.
Get the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket.
39. Aeropress Go Coffee Maker
Coffee is a road trip essential! The AeroPress Go is the lightweight cousin of the best-selling original AeroPress and makes road trip coffee quick and easy. It packs up small to fit in a backpack or tote bag. It even comes with hundreds of tiny filters. All you need is water and coffee grounds! The Aeropress Go is the best way to make delicious, high-quality coffee.
Get the Aeropress Go Coffee Maker.
40. Teva Re-Ember Slip-Ons
The Teva Re-Ember Slip-On shoes are the perfect road trip slipper for indoor and outdoor use. These slippers keep feet comfortable and warm inside the car on long driving days but are also ideal for outdoor use around camp or at a quick roadside stop! The protective coating keeps these shoes free of water, and the recycled materials are eco-friendly.
Get the Teva Re-Ember Slip-Ons.
41. ENO DoubleNest Hammock
A hammock is one of the best ways to relax at a campsite or during a road trip. The ENO DoubleNest is perfect for one or two people. Simply strap the tent between two trees and hop in! It easily packs into its stuff sack and fits into a backpack or overnight tote. The nylon material is also highly durable, perfect for heavy use by frequent road trippers.
Shop the ENO DoubleNest Hammock.
42. Pendleton Yakima Camp Wool Throw Blanket
Pendleton Blankets are one of the highest quality pure wool blankets on the market. This American-made premium blanket provides comfy warmth with a stylish and historic design. The Pendleton Yakima Camp blanket is a unique, luxury gift for any road trip lover that can be used on the road or at home.
43. TableTopics to GO Road Trip Game
To keep the conversation going on long road trips, consider the TableTopics to Go Road Trip Game. This best-selling conversation card game features 100+ questions developed to break the ice and keep conversations going. This budget-friendly game is an excellent way to get the whole family off their phones and reconnect during long drives!
Get the TableTopics to GO Road Trip Game.
44. Syntus USB Car Essential Oil Diffuser
An essential oil diffuser is one of the best ways to keep the car smelling fresh and clean during a long road trip. This incredibly unique USB-powered essential oil diffuser is compact and portable but can freshen the entire vehicle. Plus, this essential oil diffuser also acts as a humidifier which can help with dry skin and congestion that commonly happens while on the road!
Shop the Syntus USB Car Essential Oil Diffuser.
45. Crave Box Road Trip Gift Basket
Snacks on a road trip are a must! One of the best ways to ensure your favorite road tripper is well-stocked in snacks is with the CRAVEBOX Snack Box Variety Pack Care Package. This gift basket includes popular snacks like Chex Mix, Goldfish, Oreos, and Rice Krispies. The gift baskets come in several sizes, ranging from 45 snacks to 75 snacks, perfect for families of all sizes.
Best Travel Gifts Stocking Stuffers
46. Physix Compression Socks
Physix Compression Socks make the perfect stocking stuffer for every road trip lover. These budget-friendly knee-high socks are moisture-wicking and odor-free. Compression socks are a must for the long-distance road tripper to relieve swelling and improve circulation!
Get the Physix Compression Socks.
47. HydroFlask Water Bottle
It’s essential to stay hydrated on a road trip. The high-quality, stainless steel HydroFlask water bottle is eco-friendly, durable, and holds 32 ounces of water. Best of all, the insulated HydroFlask water bottle keeps drinks cold or hot for hours!
Shop the 32-ounce HydroFlask Water Bottle.
48. Febreze Unstopables Car Air Freshener
Consider getting car air fresheners as a stocking stuffer for an incredibly budget-friendly gift that makes road trips more pleasant! These compact air fresheners from Febreze clip onto the air vent to disperse a light odor of fresh laundry, perfect for eliminating all odors and smells on a long drive.
49. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel
Staying clean and healthy on the road is vital! In this day and age, a great way to do that is with hand sanitizer. So consider gifting your favorite road tripper a multi-pack of miniature hand sanitizers for their next road trip. This multi-pack hand sanitizer from Purell features essential oils for a pleasant odor that won’t dry the skin.
50. Nivea Lip Balm
Like staying hydrated, staying moisturized improves comfort when driving for extended periods. Unfortunately, many people neglect their lips, so gifting a lip balm is perfect for every road tripper! This Nivea Lip Balm features SPF 15 and delivers all-day hydration and smoothness!
Shop Nivea Lip Balm.
Final Thoughts on the Best Road Trip Gifts
While there’s no shortage of excellent gifts for road trippers, a few fall into my Top 5 Favorite Road Trip Gifts.
The top gifts for road trips include:
- Belkin Magsafe Car Phone Holder Mount
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
- Kindle Paperwhite
- HydroFlask Water Bottle
Are you looking for more great ideas for those who love exploring the great outdoors? Check out these posts!