Gifts for Travelers Who Have Everything: Small Things That Earn Their Space

A frequent traveler already owns the bag, the adapter and the neck pillow. What they want is small, light, sturdy things that make the waiting and the evenings better: a game that fits in a carry-on, a deck of cards for the airport gate, something with a story for the pocket. Every item has to earn its space in the bag.

The test: will it go on the next trip, and the one after that? If it would be left at home to save space, it is the wrong gift.

For the pocket

Mini playing cards. A full deck about half the normal size, for airport gates, train tables and café trays. See mini playing cards for what they are good for, and card games for two for what to play.

A pocket compass. Phones die; a compass does not. A hinged bronze case looks like something an explorer carried. How to use a compass.

A decision coin. Yes or no, for the moments when two travelers cannot agree on which street to take or where to eat.

For the carry-on

A travel mahjong set. Small tiles and a compact case make it possible to play a full game on a hotel bed or a ferry table. How to play mahjong.

A magnetic folding chess set. The pieces stay put on a moving train or plane, and a game can be closed mid-move and reopened later. See travel chess sets.

Wire puzzles. A set of metal brain teasers takes no space and fills a long delay. How to solve wire puzzles.

For the beach, the campsite and the hotel table

A waterproof plastic deck. It survives sand, sun cream, wet hands and a spilled drink, and wipes clean. See plastic vs paper playing cards.

A rune set in a bag. For the traveler who likes a quiet ritual: draw one rune each morning of the trip. How to read runes.

Gifts for travelers: men, women and couples

• For a couple: a game for two — travel chess or mahjong — so the evenings away are spent together.
• For the solo traveler: wire puzzles, a pocket deck for solitaire, and a compass.
• For the business traveler: something that fits in a laptop bag and fills a hotel evening, such as the chess set.

How to choose

Weigh it in your hand. Imagine it in the bottom of a backpack. If it is small, hard to break and useful in a waiting room, it will travel. If it needs a table, a power socket or careful packing, it will stay at home.

Frequently asked questions

What do you get a traveler who has everything?

Small, sturdy things that make the waiting better: a pocket deck of cards, a travel chess or mahjong set, wire puzzles or a pocket compass.

What is a good Christmas gift for someone who travels a lot?

A compact travel game, such as a magnetic chess set or a travel mahjong set, that fits in a carry-on and makes hotel evenings better.

What is a good gift for a couple who loves to travel?

A game for two, such as travel chess, mahjong or a deck of cards with a list of two-player games.