Gifts for the Road Tripper: 15 Ideas for Every Budget
Gear and gift guide · For the road
Gear for long drives, last-minute detours and the snack stop that turns into lunch.
15 picks · 4 min read
The best gifts for road trippers keep the drive easy: phones charged, drinks cold, the passenger seat comfortable. Here are our picks for the person who would rather drive than fly.
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Our top three
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
Charges a phone several times over, plus a laptop. Nobody's navigation dies at the worst moment.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 40 oz Tumbler
Fits the cup holder and keeps drinks cold all day in a hot car.
YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
A tough cooler that keeps ice for days and fits behind the front seat.
Quick compare
| Pick | Best for | Good to know | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) | Long drives, campsites | Has a built-in display | $110 |
| Stanley Quencher H2.0 40 oz Tumbler | Cup holders, hot days | Handle and straw lid | $45 |
| YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler | Multi-day trips | Fits wine bottles upright | $250 |
Under $50
iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Car Mount
Holds the phone at eye level for directions. A small upgrade they'll use every drive.
Rand McNally Road Atlas
For the dead zones, and for planning the scenic route the old way.
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Supportive neck pillow for the passenger seat. Packs down small.
TableTopics Road Trip Cards
Conversation-starter cards that make hour four of the drive go by faster.
$50 to $150
JBL Flip 7 Portable Speaker
Waterproof speaker for the campsite, beach or motel patio at the end of the day.
Polaroid Go Generation 2
A tiny instant camera for the roadside diner and the scenic overlook.
Helinox Chair One
A light, packable camp chair for tailgates, campsites and sunset pull-offs.
The North Face Borealis Backpack
We love this backpack. It's our carry-on, day bag and road-trip seat buddy, with a padded laptop sleeve and pockets for snacks, chargers and a sweater.
The splurge
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Noise canceling for the passenger who wants a nap, a podcast or both.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Power Station
Portable power for camping and van trips. Runs lights, laptops and a small fridge.
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
More room for gear, so nobody rides with a cooler on their lap.
How we pick: we choose things that earn a spot in the trunk trip after trip, and we never take paid placements. More on how we pick
Rather give a day than a thing?
A night at a boutique hotel at the end of the drive. They'll remember it longer than anything wrapped.
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