Do you have a hard-to-shop for business traveler on your holiday shopping list? Then look no further than this business traveler gift guide to find the perfect gift that they can use on their travels next year.
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What qualifies me to recommend gifts for your business traveler?
Because I am one! But seriously, I travel for work at least two weeks a month and try to be very thoughtful about what makes it in my briefcase and suitcase. I’m constantly looking for items that I can get more than one use out of, so I hope that some of these recommendations can help you find the perfect gift.
Gift guide for the “stylish traveler” business traveler
Does your traveler revel in looking the part of a sleek and stylish executive? You can help them embrace this image with fashionable gifts that will look great regardless of what city they find themselves in.
TUMI – Alpha 3 International Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On Luggage
Has someone been a very good boy or girl this year? Reward them with a luxurious carry on suitcase. As all seasoned business travelers know, never check your luggage (if you can help it) and this suitcase can hold all the clothing and other items needed for a week long business trip. This is the Cadillac of suitcases – with 4 roller wheels, integrated TSA locks, thoughtful design, built-in USB power, and more. You’ll find more Tumi suitcases (especially in black) in most consulting team rooms than any other suitcase manufacturer – and for good reason!
TUMI Delta Money Clip Card Case Wallet for Men (~$100)
In my opinion, Tumi is the gold standard for travel tested accessories. They just work and look great. Their Delta Money Clip is no exception. With a money clip for cash (first rule of Special Forces – always carry cash), RFID compliant slots for cards, and a handsome leather exterior, this wallet is sure to delight. I really love how slim this wallet is, so it won’t be a burden when traveling.
Conair Handheld Travel Garment Steamer – Travel steamer (~$25)
Business travel can be very hard on your garments and hotel irons are generally suspicious. Enter the travel garment steamer to the rescue. This small device packs easily in your carryon and will easily remove the wrinkles from shirts, suits, and other garments – ensuring that your business traveler shows up to meetings looking sharp. More details on the advantages of using a travel steamer in our detailed article.
Stylish watch band upgrade ($10-30)
Business casual can be a difficult attire to display any bit of personality but watch bands are an easy way for both men and women to accessorize. The key item to know to determine watch compatibility is the width of the lugs on the watch. This number generally runs between 8 and 32 mm.
Gift guide for the “runs every where they travel” business traveler
Is your business traveler the type that prioritizes early morning workouts over late team dinners? Do they use Strava to scope out routes to run when traveling to new cities? Help them live their fittest life with products to enhance their workouts.
WHOOP 4.0 With 12 Month Subscription – Wearable Health, Fitness & Activity Tracker (~$250)
If you’ve been reading the EffectivExec for long, you’ll know that we are HUGE fans of the Whoop 4.0. Between the 5 sensors to drink in data about your body, activity, and health and the app which provides insights about your fitness & recovery – this fitness tracker will highlight so much about how your behaviors impact recovery. More on Whoop 4.0 in our detailed review or focus on reducing executive burnout.
Whoop 4.0 Fitness Tracker
Fitness tracker that provides real time feedback on strain, recovery and sleep to maximize your day
- 5 sensors to measure multiple bodily functions
- Waterproof design
- Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone
- Slip over battery charger design
- Powerful analytics to uncover impact of habits
WHOOP Ultra-Soft SuperKnit Accessory Wristband 4.0 (~$50)
Does your favorite athletic business traveler already have a Whoop? Then upgrade / refresh their Whoop wristband for a new look (and clean slate). They have a few different colors on the Amazon website for immediate shipping – I’m a big fan of the freedom color scheme!
Patagonia Houdini wind jacket (~$110)
The Patagonia Houdini jacket is the ultimate go-anywhere, pack easy layer that’s ridiculously good at providing an extra layer at critical moments. I’ve used this jacket as an exterior shell for ski mountaineering, as a layer on a chilly morning run, as a make shift blanket for a chilly child, and as a barrier to get from the client to an Uber in a rainstorm. It weighs a ridiculous 3.7 oz and packs down to the size of a baseball. My Houdini lives in my briefcase and only leaves for use. I prefer bright colors for visibility during activities, but they also make muted colors that blend into business casual.
Merrell Men’s Packable Trail Glove 7 Sneaker (~$60)
One of the most common excuses for not working out when traveling is the lack of space in suitcases for running shoes. The Merrell Trail Glove fixes that problem with an ultra packable, 0 drop running shoe. At 7.5oz per shoe, you’ll barely noticed that you’ve packed these shoes. I’ve been using various versions of the Trail Glove for the past decade and I must say they are a wonderful travel fitness shoe. Before purchasing, know that these shoes are a “barefoot” running type shoe with minimal padding and a zero drop design (how they get them so light and packable).
Keyport MOCA 10-in-1 Keychain Multitool (Stainless) | EDC Multi Tool (~$10)
Sometimes having the right tool makes all the difference in a situation. From tightening a loose screen to opening a beer, an EDC tool can be very handy. This Keyport MOCA is an ingenious tool that integrates 10 different functionalities into a small package (key shaped) that passes right through TSA security.
Black Diamond Storm 400 LED Headlamp (~$45)
Headlamps are wonderful for making an early morning run possible or for fumbling around in an rental car late in the evening (trying to find the USB port). The Black Diamond Storm 400 is a full featured headlamp with a powerful spot light (also security feature) and a variety of flood and color options. The elastic band is reflective and keeps the headlamp stable even when running.
Gift guide for the “technically inclined” business traveler
Does your traveler embrace the newest tech and take pride in having a time saving tool before others? Then help them embrace that “nerdy” side of their personality with some technology selections as well as tools to keep their tech charged while on the move.
Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable 8 Spinner Wheel Luggage Carry On (~$225)
When Pilots and Stewardesses put their name on a piece of travel equipment, you know it’s legit. Travelpro is a pilot-designed suitcase that excels at everything a traveler would want – lightweight, highly durable, moisture resistant, easy to move around, and sturdy as hell. I’ve been using a Travelpro for the past decade and it’s taken me all over the world. This is a suitcase that you buy for many, many years and trips. Additionally, Travelpro designed a number of thoughtful features into this suitcase – extra hand room on handles, reinforced bottom, tucked zipper pulls, and a zippered system for packing optionality.
reMarkable 2 Paper Tablet Essentials Bundle (~$500)
We can’t say enough good things about the reMarkable 2 paper tablet. This device is a massive step up for organization and focus, and also includes features like handwriting conversion, e-reading, and wireless sych. The bundle includes the e-ink tablet, the premium Marker Plus stylus, an exterior case, and a 1-year subscription to their online service. Your loved one will thank you for many months to come for this wonderful gift!
Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo EMR pencil (~$40)
If your loved one uses an EMR tablet (e.g., reMarkable 2, supernote, XPPEN, Kindle Scribe, Wacom One, Bigme S6, paperlike 2.1), than the precision writing Noris Digital Jumbo stylus will be a huge upgrade. This stylus doesn’t require charging but is fully compatible with all EMR tablets. It’s made with German precision and is an absolute joy to write with. I really love how this stylus looks like a traditional pencil and how it feels in my hand. Don’t forget some extra tips / nibs.
Anker USB-C Travel Charger, 735 Charger (~$50)
When traveling, keeping your devices charged can be a hassle. The Anker 735 USB charger features three USB ports (1x USB-A, 2x USB-C) to charge multiple devices from one plug. You can charge a USB-C laptop while keeping AirPods (including the new mute/unmute feature), smartphones, and batteries charged from this 65W capable device. Your loved one will appreciate having topped off batteries when on the go next year!
Amazon Basics USB-C Charging and Data Cable (~$10)
Cables can take a beating when traveling. From getting pulled, smashed, and just abused, they eventually wear out. And nobody wants to deal with a finicky old cable. Put a clean, new USB-C charging cable in your business traveler’s stocking this year. If you’re feeling generous, get two so that they can keep on in their briefcase and a second one in their suitcase for use in hotel rooms.
Gift guide for the “sleep sheep” business traveler
Does your traveler prioritize quality sleep over social activities and even fitness? Then the below gifts may increase their ability to get a good nights sleep while staying in hotels.
Soundcore by Anker, Sleep A10 Bluetooth Sleep Earbuds, Noise Blocking Earbuds for SleepSleep (~$100)
Noise canceling headphones can be great for blocking out distracting noises but most aren’t designed for sleep. The Anker Sleep A10 are specifically designed to be comfortable while sleeping and come with soothing, sound blocking audio tracks pre-loaded on the ear buds (to maximize battery life).
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask for Men & Women (<$20)
With 3D contoured eye pockets, an ultra comfortable band, and a design that blocks 100% of visibile light, the MZOO sleep mask is sure to increase the quality of your loved one’s sleep. Eye masks have been shown to improve cognitive function following sleep by improving the quality and depth of sleep.
thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (~$30)
Unless your traveler is staying at the Westin, they’ll need to bring their own lavender pillow spray to be able to fall asleep in the luxurious scent of lavender flowers. Lavender has been shown to aid in falling asleep by decreasing anxiety and increasing relaxation by interacting with the neurotransmitter GABA. Ever ready for travel, the thisWorks sleep spray is 2.5 ounces (under the TSA limit of 3oz).
White Noise Machine Babelio Mini Sound Machine (~$20)
White noise machines are another great way to block out annoying background noise at bed time (which can be uncontrollable in some hotel rooms). The tiny Babeilo white noise machine features 15 non-looping sound tracks to block out other noises and is easy to pack in your traveler’s suitcase. The noise machine has multiple timer settings and a rechargeable battery to last for the whole trip.
Trtl Travel Pillow (~$60)
Most travel pillows are not actually that great for trying to sleep on an airplane because they don’t provide enough support to keep the traveler’s head upright. The Trtl travel pillow is different because it uses a plastic super structure to keep your head from flopping over on your fellow traveler (seat mate). If your loved one tries to sleep on lots of flights, this pillow will be a very welcome gift!
