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Best Gifts for Travelers and Adventurers (2022)

Shopping for an adventure traveler this year? Here are some of the best adventure travel gifts currently on the market. But wait…

We all know that the holidays are a time for giving, so why not celebrate with a present that gives back to a cause you care about? The following gifts are sold by cause-driven companies who have committed to sustainable sourcing, paying a fair wage, and making a positive impact on others and this world. In some cases, for each purchase, a pair of socks may be provided to a homeless shelter, or a tree may be planted. In other cases, a percentage of your sales may benefit environmental research or a training program in sanitation. No matter the benefit, you can be comfortable knowing that your money goes further this year by supporting these cause-driven companies.

Check out this list of best adventure gifts that give back to charity.

 1. Leather Passport Cover

Leather Passport Cover cause driven gifts

If you are like us, a passport is a treasured possession. Every stamp collected is like a brushstroke in a piece of art that takes 10 years to complete. Keep your cherished passport free from spills and crumpled pages with this classy leather passport cover, handcrafted with love by artisans in India.
Price: $32

The Noonday Collection identifies artisan entrepreneurs around the world who share the dream of creating meaningful opportunity in vulnerable communities. Since 2011, Noonday has created dignified work for over 4,500 artisans in 15 countries, impacting 20,400 vulnerable family members.

2. Unisex Do Good Hoodie

Hoodie Best Gifts for adventure travelers that actually give back

Cotopaxi makes some of the best gifts that give back to charity. While there are many travel gifts to choose from, we love the “Do Good” Hoodie. It is simple, but it just feels right wearing it. Sport this cozy “Do Good” Hoodie while fall hiking or keeping warm on a chilly airplane, all while spreading a positive message.
Price: $65

Cotopaxi is a company built on the spirit of adventure, optimism, and determination. In addition to exercising sustainable and fair production practices, each year Cotopaxi earmarks 1% of its revenue for providing targeted grants to global nonprofits. Grantees are selected on their commitment to sustainable solutions and generating positive results within their communities. Previous grantees include organizations such as Nothing but Nets in Sub-Saharan Africa, CHOICE humanitarian in Latin America, Kilimanjaro Kids Community in Tanzania, and the Maria Imaculada Orphanage in Bolivia.

Related Content: Best Hiking Carriers for Babies and Toddlers

3. Parks Project National Parks Checklist T-Shirt

Gifts for outdoor lovers - Parks Project

Inspired by vintage tees and a love for national parks, this t-shirt is a unique gift for any adventure traveler. The front includes a simple Parks Project logo while the back features a visual checklist of all the great American National Parks. When considering gifts that give back to the environment, gifts from the Parks Project are a perfect fit.
Price: $38

The Parks Project has a passion for the outdoors and takes responsibility to promote, protect, and preserve public lands. Purchases from their collection help fund a project in one of America’s national parks. Their impact includes 1,658 square feet of invasive species removed (Channel Islands), 29 Native American speaking programs sponsored (Glacier), and 23,388 feet of trail restored (Yellowstone). In total, over, $1,086,690 has been given back to United States parklands.

4. Pretty Peak Bracelet Pack

Pura Vida Jewelry gifts that give back

There are many bracelet companies that give back to charity, but PuraVida Bracelets is probably the most popular. This bracelet stack from PuraVida, is the perfect gift for lovers of the great outdoors. With rose gold tones and gemstone mountain charm, this gift is simple yet stylish. Pair this gift with the matching Gem Mountain necklace and stud earrings. Each gift is packaged in a biodegradable bag that breaks down after 180 days when buried.
Price: $35


Founded in Costa Rica, PuraVida Bracelets are a movement symbolizing the simple things in life. The company’s name “Pura Vida” comes from the Costa Rican philosophy encouraging the appreciation of life’s simple treasures.  Each item is handcrafted by one of the 800+ global artisans employed by PuraVida Bracelets. Your purchase provides a steady income and positive working environment while spreading the message to slow down and live in the moment. Pura Vida has donated over $2.8 million to charity.

 5. Love Heals Leather Journal

Leather journal Gifts that give back

This organic cotton canvas tote features the message “Love Heals”, written in various languages around the world. The handles of the tote are constructed from recycled saree fabric, making it an eco-friendly and thoughtfully made gift for the traveler in your life.
Price: $38

Thistle Farms support women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Through the support of donors and customer purchases, the organization provides a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support. Over the past year, Thistle Farm has provided over $2 million in income for survivors.

6. Lightweight Travel Yoga Mat

Lightweight travel yoga mat gift

Practice yoga and meditation anywhere in the world with this lightweight travel mat. The Jade Travel mat is 1/8″ thick, 24″ wide, and is available in two lengths: 68″ and 74″. It weighs just over 3 pounds and folds up easily into a suitcase making it the perfect yoga mat to take on the go.
Price: $64.95

Jade yoga mats are sustainably made from natural rubber trees, a renewable resource. Through a partnership with Trees for the Future, Jade plants a tree for every mat sold. Since 2000, Jade has planted over 2 million trees!

7. Bombas Merino Tri-Block Calf Sock Gift Box

Bombas Merino Socks adventure travel gifts

If you’ve ever been trekking, hiking, or even on your feet for a long time, you know the importance of using quality gear, particularly when it comes to socks. A hole in the toe, thinning material, and the development of funky odors are a common occurrence with cheap socks. Merino wool socks, on the other hand, provide lasting comfort with its anti-microbial, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking properties. The Merino wool gift box set from Bombas is a perfect gift for any outdoorsy guy or gal.
Price: $78 set

 Do you know what the most requested item is by homeless shelters? While I was working at the Manchester FoodBank, I discovered that the answer is socks (and underwear). Bombas exists to help solve this problem through its 1 pair purchase = 1 pair donated program. Since its inception, the organization has donated over 42,388,605 pairs to homeless communities in the United States. The socks donated are not the same as the socks sold through their website, rather, they are specially designed to fit the needs of their beneficiaries with anti-microbial treatment and reinforced seams for greater durability. 

8. Double Hammock with Stuff Sack

eco-friendly Hammock

A good hammock is almost ubiquitous with outdoor adventure. It makes a great travel gift for those who frequently camp, glamp, hike, or lounge at the beach. Triple stitched seams and 70D nylon make the ENO hammocks durable and long-lasting. The double hammock is strong enough to hold 400 lbs. When traveling, the hammock conveniently packs down to the size of a softball inside the included stuff sack.
Price: $69.95

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) believes in the conservation and preservation of our wild spaces. In addition to planting 2 trees for every hammock sold, ENO committs 1% of all sales to support nonprofit organizations focused on environmental solutions. These organizations include Trees for the Future and 1% for the Planet.

Related Content: Glamping for Beginners + 7 Essentials

9. Vintage Embroidered Strap for Camera or Bag

Embroidered camera strap

Each Hiptipico strap is hand-woven and crafted with a repurposed vintage belt called a faja. The belt was previously worn by an indigenous woman and holds deep-rooted cultural significance. This is a one-of-a-kind gift that is truly made with care.
Price: $128

Hiptipico is an ethical fashion brand showcasing the handmade creations of Maya artisans. Products include embroidered straps, coin pouches, bags, and other accessories. The name Hiptipico comes from the Spanish wordtipico meaning the traditional dress of the indigenous Maya people. Incorporating this name into their brand reflects Hiptipico’s commitment to preserving indigenous culture and creating sustainable job opportunities through this art form.

10. Reusable Dopper Water bottle

best water bottle for travelers

The Dopper bottle is a great eco-friendly gift that reduces the use of single-use plastic water bottles. It can be conveniently used both as a bottle and as a carafe with a cup. The bottle is BPA-Free and dishwasher safe meaning it is both safe to use and easy to clean.
Price: $16.59

The Dopper Foundation was established in 2013 with the mission to bring safe, clean water to underserved communities. They also aim to educate the public about waste management, water scarcity, and sanitation.  5% of all proceeds go toward creating new sources of clean drinking water and providing sanitation training to families in developing countries. The Dopper Foundation has contributed over $100,000 to date for sanitation projects and education programs in Nepal and other developing countries.

11. Carry-on approved toiletries by Ethique

awesome gifts for travelers carry-on toiletries

For travelers, there is nothing more annoying than getting to the airport security checkpoint and realizing that you forgot to remove all your liquid toiletries. Into the trash they go! Ethique provides a simple and sustainable solution through their solid soaps and shampoos. Ethique was originally created as an answer to plastic waste left over from liquid hygiene products. This eco-friendly brand creates soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and face cleansers all in bar form. They are then packaged in compostable packaging rather than plastic. Ethique solid products are great vegan gifts made with only biodegradable, palm oil-free, naturally-derived and sustainably sourced ingredients.


Price: $2.50 – $46.00

 Since its founding, Ethique has prevented over 13 million plastic bottles from being sent to the landfill. One tree is planted for every online order, and 2% of sales are donated to conservation, animal welfare, and environmental groups around the world.

12. Rethreaded Multi-tool

Multi-tool gifts for adventure travelers

A multi-tool is an essential item for any adventure traveler or outdoor enthusiast. This handcrafted leather keychain by Rethreaded contains a scoring point, file, serrated edge, screwdriver, and bottle opener. Each multi-tool keychain is made of genuine leather upcycled from retired airline seat covers and is carefully handcrafted by survivors of human trafficking. While much smaller than a typical swiss army knife, you may still need to check this multi-tool into a checked luggage when traveling by plane.
Price: $28


Rethreaded is a conscious gift company that uses business to benefit communities around the world. The company couples long-term employment with life and career development for survivors of human trafficking. Each purchase directly gives freedom and hope to women impacted by the sex trade. To date, Rethreaded has helped over 4,000 women.

13. Wild Pine Dad Hat

Gifts for outdoor enthusiasts

Don’t let the name of the hat fool you, this cap is perfect for either him or her. Inspired by the Ponderosa Pines in the northern US, this one-size-fits-all wilderness hat is ideal for any outdoor adventurer.
Price: $24

Keep Nature Wild does so much more than selling outdoor apparel. They are on a mission to build community by picking up trash outside. For every product sold, the company and their community of Wild Keepers commit to picking up 1 pound of trash. To date, Keep Nature Wild has picked up 361,232 pounds of trash.

14. United By Blue 9L Sidekick Pack

Backpack for adventure traveler

This gorgeous backpack is made from 100% recycled polyester with a durable water-repellent finish making it an ideal pack for adventure travelers. Padded, adjustable straps allow for maximum carrying comfort. The pack has ample space including interior tablet sleeves and expandable side pockets.
Price: $78

United by Blue is committed to ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials, and a cleaner planet. For every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. 3,439,767 pounds of trash have been removed. They are determined to spread the idea that if one business can make a difference, so can one person.

15. Bolivian Woven Tote

Sustainable gifts for travelers

Her Future Coalition’s woven tote is made with 100% woven sheep’s wool with hand-cut leather thread and leather straps. This gift is your ideal companion on the open road!
Price: $65

The Her Future Coalition is composed of female artisans who have overcome trafficking, child marriage or other abuse. 100% of the proceeds from your purchase benefits these women as well as the children in their shelter and education programs.

16. Handmade Bamboo Straws – Set of 6

eco-friendly gifts

Single-use straws may be convenient, but they are having a dangerous impact on the environment. Most plastic straws are not biodegradable and cannot be broken down naturally. Instead, they break into smaller particles which are often confused by marine animals for food. According to the World Wildlife Fund, plastic has been found in an estimated 90% of all seabirds and sea turtles! These small plastic particles release harmful chemicals into the soil, air, water, and into the animals that consume them. Enter Bamboo straws – a reusable, natural and sustainable way to enjoy your beverage! With the convenient pouch this straw set is easily packable for your next trip. The bamboo straws from Collective Humanity are also environmental gifts that give back.
Price $10

The vision of Collective Humanity is for at-risk communities throughout the developing world to be empowered with a strong foundation of economic opportunities, education, and community support from which they can choose their future and transform their lives. All profits from sales are reinvested into community empowerment programs for participating artisans and their families. To date, Collective Humanity is helping over 60 hard-working female artisans to earn dignified pay and over 75 family members to access community support programs.

17. Zippered Travel Pouch

Patagonia sustainable gift for traveler

Patagonia not only makes excellent clothing for outdoor adventures, but they also make some of the best gear for travelers including packs, totes, and pouches. From toiletries to cosmetics and electronics, zippered pouches are an essential travel item for keeping all those loose ends organized. At 1.1 ounces, the Patagonia travel pouch is both lightweight and compact. It is made from 100% organic cotton and is fair trade certified, meaning that workers receive a living wage.
Price: $15

Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. They’ve awarded over $140 million to both domestic and international organizations making a difference in their local communities and the environment.

18. Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle

Gifts for travelers and adventurers

Lightweight gifts are typically also the best gifts for travelers and outdoor lovers. No one wants to lug around an extra 60 lbs of luggage and cargo when they don’t have to. Imagine climbing Kilimanjaro or hiking the Appalachian trail. Every ounce of gear adds up quickly.

Hydroflask already makes superb quality water bottles, but their lightweight stainless steel model tops them all. Less weight means you can do more including hiking longer and traveling more easily.

Related Content: The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List

Hydro Flask supports non-profit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and providing better access to parks. Since 2017, they’ve supported 151 nonprofits, donated more than $2.5 million dollars, and have donated 68,822 bottles.

19. Cozy Blanket

Camping blanket gift for adventurers

Blankets are a great gift for outdoor lovers and adventurers. They are perfect for impromptu picnics in the great outdoors, and they make any tent and campfire a bit cozier. In fact, a cozy blanket is one of our essentials for creating the perfect glampsite. Sackcloth and Ashes blankets are made from recycled materials and produced in a water-free, dye-free, and chemical process. Their unique designs are inspired by natural features found in some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes like colorful ridgelines and mountainscapes.

Sackcloth and Ashes has a mission to donate one million blankets to homeless shelters by 2023. For each blanket purchased, a blanket is donated to a shelter in your local community.

20. Powerbank to charge on the go

Power Bank gift for travelers

Not every airplane, train, or bus is equipped with an outlet for charging up and you definitely don’t want to be caught on an 8-hour flight with a dead cell phone or headphones. Power Banks are a practical gift for those on the go. The BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank charges to full in 4 hours and has the capacity to charge a 13-inch laptop, or several smaller devices. It is also carry-on compliant making it a perfect travel companion.

Every purchase supports Biolite’s mission to provide 20 million people with access to clean energy and to avoid 3 million tons of CO2e by the year 2025. Through their campaign, 3,612,951 people have been reached in Africa and Asia.

Still wondering what to gift someone who travels a lot? Maybe consider gifting an experience. Those who travel frequently are often in pursuit of experiences, epic stories, and memories. There is a way to give them just that. Head on over to our other article where we provide an ultimate guide for giving an experience gift.

*Disclaimer: Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.*


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Cecilia

Cecilia is a bubbly Filipino-American with an affinity for constant change...that or a 10 second attention span. Refusing to sit still, she travels the world, in pursuit of adventure, excitement and meaningful experiences. She holds a Masters degree in International Development and Public Policy, and a BA in Business Management.

This Post Has 23 Comments

  1. Tanya Korteling

    Love this list, just sent it to my hubby, fingers crossed 🙂 Even better that they all give back!

    1. Lovicarious

      Exactly! We love to support companies that give back, both locally and around the world.

  2. Medha Verma

    Some pretty cool ideas here! My fav – the Tri-Block Calf Sock Gift Box. I wish someone would gift me that haha. I also like the artisanal face masks, that’s something I don’t need to wait for someone to gift me, I could gift them to myself!

    1. Lovicarious

      Merino socks are always a great gift because they are of high quality. We both have a few pairs, but they do get expensive after a while, so we would always be happy receiving a pair or two as a gift!

  3. Agnes

    Great gift list. Such great ideas, especially now when Christmas is approaching. I love the Handmade Bamboo Straws and Lined Copper Mug the most. But I think Artisanal Face Mask is also a fabulous idea as a gift.

    1. Lovicarious

      Glad you found this list helpful! We like those artisanal face masks too. Great way to stay stylish AND safe this holiday season 🙂

  4. Chloe Beaver

    THANK YOU for including gifts that are sustainably sourced & fair companies! Supporting businesses that do good for the world make me feel so much better about making so many purchases around the holidays. Also, that tote is beautiful… might have to treat myself to an early holiday gift…

    1. Lovicarious

      You’re welcome! I am so glad that you also appreciate sustainably sourced and fair companies. If you are going to buy anyway, why not make your purchase go further, right? Changing our buying habits is a small act that can make a HUGE difference.

  5. Linda (LD Holland)

    It is that time of year where we start getting panicked about gifts for people that have everything. Your list has some good suggestions. Although I am not sure we would go backwards and get a Polaroid Camera. We probably have an old one buried in a storage container somewhere. Good wool socks are always on the Christmas list so will need to check out the Bombas ones.

    1. Lovicarious

      We love our merino socks. Like you said, they are a must for any outdoor enthusiast or really anyone who likes to keep their toes warm in winter!

  6. Ummi

    No one in my close circle is very passionate about travel unfortunately, so I think I’ll get these for myself hahaha. I love all the things in this list, especially the puravida bracelet and merino wool socks. The bracelet looks classy without being over the top. And I’ve been meaning to get proper hiking socks for a while now. I remember going on a long hike (240km to be exact) wearing thin socks. It wasn’t a smart idea ?

    1. Lovicarious

      Good quality socks are a must for long hikes, not only to keep your feet warm but to also keep them free from blisters. Fun fact: Merino wool is antimicrobial meaning you can go without washing them for a few days if need be and they won’t stink! They were a lifesaver on Kilimanjaro! Also, I have quite a few bracelets and rings from Pura Vida. They are simple but cute. Love them!

  7. Umiko

    I wish someone will send me the socks. Haha… The hoodie and the bracelet are also great gifts. They will keep you warm and look a bit stylish when hiking. And of course, the face mask is perfect at this time of year.

    1. Lovicarious

      Don’t you just love he face masks? They are so stylish AND support local artisans.

  8. Jas

    I’m a big sucker for polaroid cameras (I already own two) and that Yosemite one looks so cute! How does it work without batteries though? Or did you mean that the batteries are rechargeable? Anyways, what a great list! I’ll definitely be sending this along to friends and family, and hopefully they take the hint hahaa.

  9. Hannah

    I really love that these gifts also give back. What a great way to give two gifts at once! Last year instead of a traditional advent calendar for my boyfriend I did a daily donation to charity instead but some of these gifts would also be perfect for filling the pockets! I especially love the Love Heals Leather Journal – it’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing these lovely gifts!

    1. Lovicarious

      The daily donation is a beautiful idea and a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays. We might have to take a lesson from your playbook and adopt that tradition!

  10. Krista

    I love brands that give back to charity when you purchase something from them. I really like the Do Good hoodie!

    1. Lovicarious

      Cause marketing seems to be picking up steam lately, but I only see that as a good thing. Why not make your dollar go farther by supporting an important cause with a purchase?

  11. Amanda

    I will be honest these are the most useful tips I have read to date. Thanks for putting all this together. I really love those brands.

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