So Mother's Day has come and gone {Did you get your mom something awesome? Did ya?} and now we're looking at high school and college graduation and Father's Day celebrations. If the dad(s) or grad(s) on your list is into travel - I mean, who isn't? - then something fun and travel-related that will last them on many vacations is way better than, say, that engraved pen, briefcase or tie you were thinking about getting. You know one of those was on your list. Wouldn't you rather have them equate your gift with fun, worldly memories than signing documents and going to work and being a grown up? I know I would, so here's a round-up of kick ass stuff to present them with this year and be a winner + a genius.
Is your recent grad thinking about backpacking through Europe or taking the summer to "find themselves" while they're off gallivanting the globe? That likely means a lot of trains and buses, and maybe even hostels, so aside from physical things, make sure they stay safe online and in real life.
eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior
This bag will come in handy on a weekend trip to Vegas, a week-long trip to visit Grandma or months in Europe. It doesn't seem like it's that large, but if you mix and match your wardrobe, then you can fit 20+ outfits in here. Perfect for when you need to carry everything with you at all times, including your laptop and other electronics. It can be carried like a backpack, briefcase or a shoulder bag. It fits under the seat on the plane, too, so that's pretty awesome. The bag expands for extra purchases along the way and has a ton of pockets to keep stuff organized. Get it on Amazon for around $70. If you need more reasons why it's cool, check out my review.
Skyroll Spinner Suitcase
This is a great bag for a recent grad and the dad that likes to jetset. It has a removable wrap-around garment bag to allow you to bring suits and other formal clothes without having them get all wrinkly in your bag. The main bag has a top pocket for your laptop (a must, right?) and a top compartment for things you need to get at easily. There's still quite a bit of room in the largest compartment for shoes, your toiletries and more. We took this bag to Europe and it was amazing. Super easy to wheel along and I knew all my belongings were safe, because it had the garment bag wrapped around it. It's a bit of an investment at $299, but it's well made and awesome, so it'll get a lot of use.Travelon RFID-Blocking Trifold Wallet
Insulated Stainless Steel Bottles by Laken
Chloe Hoodie from SCOTTeVEST
This hoodie has so many functions...and pockets! So many pockets! Your lady grad will never take another jacket with them on trips to the laundromat or to Spain. For real. I love this hoodie so much, I wish it were cooler now, so I could put it on. It's stylish, cozy and lets you walk around without a purse if you want. At $90, it isn't cheap, but the construction is rugged, it's flattering and they are going to wear it all the time. If you don't have a girl on your list, SCOTTeVEST has similar ones for men, including the 10-pocket cotton hoodie, the 10-pocket microfleece hoodie and the 13-pocket Knowmadic hoodie.Foldable Flats from Butterfly Twists
Help your girly grad pack more shoes or just look more stylish while packing light with these fab foldable flats. I wear mine all the time and my feet don't hate me. With a ton of styles, there is something for everyone, whether they are into these sweet peep-toes or are more into the a more sturdy loafer. They run an average of $50-65 and they pack super small, making them great for travel or for days at the office when you just can't take heels anymore.Traveling Scarf by Napper
Does your dad or grad travel a lot at night or on buses or trains? I think the Napper is a must for those that need to sleep up against windows, walls or such and also like to block out the light and some noise. With this on, your head stays warm, your ears are protected and people won't ever think you want to chat with them when you so clearly don't. With its length and softness, you can use it to stay warm in winter climates once you reach your destination, too. At $58, it's affordable and really unique.Travel HoodiePillow
Speaking of unique, the teens will love this one, especially if they spend a lot of time commuting or roadtripping with friends. The hoodie blocks light, is fun an keeps the a/c from giving your a headache and the travel pillow part lets you sleep comfortably in the car or in that dreaded middle seat. It's so soft, and it folds up small. The price tag is totally reasonable at just $19.95.Travelon Anti-Theft Urban Tour Bag
My husband adores this bag and we kind of fight over who's going to carry it when we travel. It fits everything we need in it, whether on the plane or just out sightseeing. It adjusts to everyone and I even took it on a bike ride at one point. It's stylish and has pockets to keep you organized and it's unisex. You can't really ask for more than that, can you? The $75 price point is a bit high for a bag, but it's theft-proof and can take you from the office to everywhere else in the world. We've taken it on countless trips and it still looks like brand new.
Tracks Air Wireless Headphones from Sol Republic & Motorola
If you have a music lover on your list, they will loooooove these headphones. I mean, they work wirelessly, have a long range, long battery life, look great, fit snugly and adjust to fit even the biggest and smallest heads. Really, you'll never have to buy another pair of headphones again, unless you need some for someone else in your house. At $199, that's as good a promise as you can get.
Of course there are lots of other fun gifts for the traveling dad and grad if you are looking for something more versatile. Peep this list from the holidays with gifts for all budgets. Do you have a successful travel gift you like to give for big milestones?