Holiday Gifts for Friends: 2026 Ideas They'll Actually Use

Holiday Gifts for Friends: 2026 Ideas They'll Actually Use

November 2, 2026 Allyn Hollingsworth

You want to give a friend something they'll reach for, not something they'll politely thank you for and tuck in a closet. Travel gifts tend to land because nearly everyone has a trip on the calendar, and most people's packing routines could use a little help.

This guide covers gift ideas for friends at every price point, from a charm that clips onto a bag to a carry-on worth splitting with the group. Each one can be made personal, whether that's through color, a monogram, or a small detail only your friend would notice.

What's a good gift for a best friend?

A personalized piece of luggage is a strong choice for a best friend, because a monogram or a color they love says you thought about them specifically. It's the difference between a gift and a gift for them. Away offers personalization on luggage, bags, and accessories: embroidery on nylon and fabric pieces (up to eight letters), and foil stamping on leather tags and accessories (up to three letters). Because each piece is made to order, personalized items typically take up to seven days to complete before they ship, and they can't be returned or exchanged. Order early.

For a friend who is always leaving for the weekend, the Signature Weekender is an easy yes. It holds 37.5 L and is made from water-repellent nylon with recycled leather trim, with a dedicated pocket for a laptop. It's built for a weekend away, and for the friend who swears they can make it work for four nights.

Every Signature Weekender comes with its own Signature Bag Tag, and you can personalize it using the Personalize button on the product page. Personalization is available for US orders only. The tag can be personalized with up to two characters. 

The tag hangs from a D-ring and is removable, so you can also clip on a charm. The Leather Plane Charm and the Micro Carry-On Charm are both $38 and sold separately. Together, the bag, the personalized tag, and a charm make a gift that already looks like theirs.

What are good small gifts for friends?

A charm or a luggage tag is a good small gift for a friend, because it's easy to personalize, easy to wrap, and easy to spot on a bag. It's also the kind of detail people notice on a carousel full of identical black suitcases.

The Leather Plane Charm is made from mixed leather in an origami-style design, with a swivel clip and a leather cord finished with a branded bead. The little paper airplane detaches, so it can live on a bag, a keychain, or a zipper pull. It's a small gift that ends up on the thing your friend uses most.

For the friend who still shows up in school colors every fall, the Collegiate Luggage Tag is an easy yes. Available in 20 school logos, so there’s sure to be a fit for the fan in your life. Browse the full charms and tags collection for more.

What's a useful gift for a friend who travels a lot?

Packing cubes are a useful gift for a friend who travels often, because they turn a suitcase into a system. Everything has a place, and nobody is digging through a bag in the airport.

Compression Packing Cubes expand when you need room and flatten to fit more in the same suitcase. They're the sort of gift people don't think to ask for, then tell everyone about after the first trip.

If your friend is more of a pack-and-go type, the standard Packing Cubes are the simpler choice. Either way, a bag that stays organized is a small gift that pays off every time they pack.

What's the best big gift for a friend?

The Topside Bigger Carry-On is a standout gift for a friend who has earned something special, and it's a good one to split with a group. It opens from the top instead of down the middle, so it takes up less space when it's open, and it gives you one deep, trunk-like compartment to pack into. It also features Away's StopLock™ wheel brakes, so the suitcase stays put while your friend digs for a boarding pass. It's the kind of piece that makes a trip feel like an event, and it's one your friend can use for years of trips to come.

Gifting as a group? Everyone chips in, one person orders, and the friend who's always the last to book a flight finally has a carry-on worth showing up with.

What are good friend gifts under $50?

The best friend gifts under $50 are packing cubes and luggage tags, which are practical, easy to personalize, and easy to ship.

For more options, shop gifts under $100.

Frequently asked questions

What's a good gift for a best friend? A personalized piece of luggage, such as a monogrammed tote, weekender, or carry-on, is a good gift for a best friend. Pair it with a luggage tag or charm in a color they love to make it feel complete.

What are good friend gifts under $50? Packing cubes ($48) and luggage tags are good friend gifts under $50. Both are practical, easy to wrap, and useful on the very next trip.

What do I get a friend who travels a lot? A carry-on or a set of packing cubes. The Topside Bigger Carry-On suits a big gift, and Compression Packing Cubes suit a smaller one.

What's a good small gift for a friend? A charm or a luggage tag. The Leather Plane Charm clips onto a bag, keychain, or zipper pull, so it's easy to give and easy to use.

Can you personalize gifts for friends? Yes. Away offers personalization on luggage, bags, and accessories, including embroidery on nylon and fabric pieces and foil stamping on leather tags. Personalized items typically take up to seven days to complete before they ship, and they can't be returned or exchanged, so order early.

The short version

The best gift for a friend is one that fits who they are. Pick something in their color, with their name on it, or built for their next trip, and it won't end up in a drawer. Start with a charm or tag if you want something small, or a carry-on if you're ready to go big.

 

Back to blog