23 Gift Ideas Road Trippers Will Love (2025 Gift Guide)
Looking for the perfect gift for the road tripper in your life? You’re in the right place!
Jonathan and I (and our road trip sidekick, Lincoln 🐾) have been hitting the highway since 2019, from quick weekend escapes to full cross-country adventures. After thousands of miles of driving, we know exactly which things make the biggest difference on the road.
This guide is filled with gift ideas that road trippers will love (and actually use!). No filler gadgets that’ll collect dust, just the items that have truly earned a spot on our road trip must-have list.
Whether you’re shopping for someone who practically lives in their car, a couple planning a bucket list journey, or a friend who loves spontaneous weekend adventures, you will find something here that makes the ride better. From practical lifesavers like gas cards and roadside kits to fun extras like Polaroid cameras and sauce holders for Chick-fil-A nuggets (yes, that exists), here are 23 gifts road trippers will love in 2025!
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Best Overall Gifts For Roadtrippers
Here are our top overall road trip gift ideas.
1. Food or Coffee Gift Cards
One of the best, most convenient gifts for road trippers is a food or coffee-related gift card. If a loved one spends a lot of time on the road, you can bet they stop at a few fast-food restaurants or chains on the way.
Found everywhere: McDonald’s, Subway, Wendy’s
These are restaurants we’ve never had an issue finding on the road. We can usually find a Taco Bell or Arby’s along our route, too. Gift cards to restaurants that can be found just about everywhere are super useful gifts for road trippers and people who drive a lot.
Most Beloved: Chick-fil-A, Chipotle
These are our personal most beloved restaurants to stop at during a road trip. It’s always super exciting when we find a Chick-fil-A or Chipotle along our route and easily accessible! It doesn’t happen everywhere, and these restaurants aren’t as common as the ones above, but if you’re buying a gift for a road tripper who loves CFA or Chipotle, you won’t go wrong with a gift card for either. (You can also think about their favorite fast food or chain restaurants and look for one along their route!)
Coffee Lovers: Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Tim Hortons
If the roadtripper you’re shopping for enjoys coffee, hot chocolate, or donuts, then a gift card to somewhere like Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Tim Hortons is a great gift idea. We usually have no issue finding one of these on the road no matter where we’re headed.
💡 RTL Tip: Check Sam’s Club for discounted bundles of gift cards. You can often stretch your budget further, which makes them an even better gift.
👉 Want to make it more personal? Put together a road trip goodie bag instead. Grab a lunch box or a cute snack bag and toss in protein bars (Bobo’s oat bars, Clif bars, or Nature’s Bakery fig bars are some of our favorites), sunflower seeds or beef jerky, water, Gatorade, one or two packets of liquid IV (great for staying hydrated while traveling!!), wintergreen mints, Twizzlers or sour patch. Just remember to skip the chocolate as it’s likely to melt in the car.
Snacks are the unsung heroes of any successful road trip, so this is one of our top gift ideas for roadtrippers!
2. Driving Accessories
When on the hunt for gift ideas for road trippers, think about things that would make long periods in the car more fun and comfortable. Besides snacks, there are a few other road trip essentials that can make a great gift.
Here are the things that always earn a spot in our car:
Sunglasses: A must for road trips! The glare can be brutal, especially when the sun’s beating in from the side. I personally like the Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses for road trips because the removable side shields help block out that extra sunlight. When you’re driving, just pop the shields off so you still have good peripheral vision. Jon loves these Justin Classic Ray-Ban Sunglasses for driving, hiking, and everything in between!
Hats: Simple but effective. A baseball cap or trucker hat helps keep the sun out of your eyes, especially when you’re not driving.
Lightweight Layers: This is one of those road trip rules. For one person to be comfortable, the other has to be freezing or too hot, right? Having a hoodie, flannel, or light jacket within reach helps solves this problem. We love Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodies because they’re light, breathable, and comfortable in different temps.
Phone Mount: A secure phone mount is essential for navigation. We like the WeatherTech CupFone because it sits in your cup holder, which means no suction cups on the windshield and no fumbling around when you need directions.
Car Seat Gap Filler: This one’s a fun but seriously practical gift. This nifty gadget fills the gap between your car seat and the center console so you never lose your phone, fries, or keys again!
Lumbar Support Pillow: For someone with back pain (or anyone who just gets sore on long drives) a lumbar car pillow is a thoughtful gift idea. We like the QUTOOL Lumbar Support Pillow because it straps securely to the seat, fits most cars, and makes even all-day drives more bearable.
💡 RTL Tip: Keep accessories in a small grab-and-go bag or someplace that’s easy to reach when driving. Sunglasses, a lightweight layer, phone charger, hand lotion (this is my absolute favorite brand of hand lotion, it’s not greasy at all which is a huge plus for driving!), windshield wipes, and mints are the things we reach for constantly while on the road.
Accessories like these make every trip easier, and that’s what makes them some of the best gifts for roadtrippers. They’re practical, useful, and guaranteed to get used.
3. Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothing is one of the most underrated gifts for roadtrippers. In addition to lightweight layers, clothing that repels stains, is odor-resistant, super comfortable, and wrinkle-resistant are incredibly useful gifts for road trippers.
Over the years, we’ve tested plenty of options and have a few favorites that always make the cut.
Stain-resistant: These trailhead shorts from Coalatree are amazing for the simple reason that they repel stains. Perfect for when you spill a little Chick-fil-A sauce or drip coffee mid-drive. (Just us?)
Joggers we actually live in: Jon wears either his KÜHL Suppressor Joggers or Coalatree Evolution Joggers constantly (and he gets compliments on the green color everywhere we go). I love the Woolx Lola Joggers because they’re lightweight, soft, and just the right amount of cozy without being heavy.
Merino wool layers: Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodies are seriously our most grabbed road trip layer. Merino wool is odor-resistant, breathable, and holds up really well over multiple wears. If your road trip turns into two days in the car instead of one, this is the kind of clothing you can rewear without anyone noticing. (This hoodie is also great for getting out of the sun without overheating!)
💡 RTL Tip: Merino wool is worth the investment for roadtrippers. It resists smells, regulates temperature, and packs down small. Perfect for both long drives and what you’ll be wearing once you get out of the car.
4. Travel Pillows
Travel pillows are one of those items that can make or break the drive AND the trip itself. Long hours in the car often mean stiff necks and sore backs, and having the right pillow on hand makes a big difference.
For real sleep: We always bring these full-size pillows when we’re car camping or staying in cabins and hotels along our route. They’re bulkier to pack, but nothing compares when you actually want to get a good night’s sleep. We use pillow carriers to keep ours clean and packable.
For in-the-car naps: If you’re shopping specifically for road trip naps, headrest pillows or inflatable options work better than full-size. They won’t take up as much space and are easier to stash when not in use.
For kids & passenger princesses: A soft, supportive neck pillow can be a game-changer, making short naps at rest stops or long stretches in the car way more comfortable.
💡 RTL Tip: Look for pillows with washable covers. After a few road trips, you’ll want an easy way to freshen them up.
5. Car Cooler
Road trippers love and need a good cooler, especially if you prefer cold drinks or like to pack your own meals on the road. The best car coolers are durable, portable, and capable of keeping water bottles, drinks, fresh fruit, and sandwiches cold for an entire day.
Soft-sided coolers: Soft-sided coolers are our go-to for everyday road trips. The RTIC Soft Pack Cooler is lightweight, easy to carry, and keeps drinks cold all day. It’s perfect for water bottles, sandwiches, and fruit when you want quick access without dealing with a heavy cooler.
Backpack coolers: A comfortable backpack cooler is great when you need to carry food and drinks beyond the car, like to a picnic spot or trailhead.
Hard-sided coolers: The YETI Roadie is a sturdier option if you want something that doubles for camping or longer trips. It’s heavier but keeps ice longer, which is great when you don’t have daily access to a fridge.
Electric coolers: For the next level up, a car refrigerator like the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator or BODEGACOOLER is both a fridge and a freezer in one. It plugs right into your car and chills from room temp to freezing in under an hour—no ice required, no soggy food to deal with, and far more space for meals, drinks, or even groceries when you’re road tripping.
A car cooler is one of those gifts that gets used again and again. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country drive, having cold drinks and fresh snacks on hand makes the trip better every single time. (It also helps you stop less and get where you’re going faster!)
6. Slip Ons (or Foldable Shoes)
Road trips are all about comfort, and this might be the ultimate upgrade: shoes just for rest stops. If you’ve taken a long road trip (and especially if you’re someone like me who makes a lot of stops), then you understand the rush of quickly putting on your shoes for an impromptu stop at a rest area or gas station. After hours of driving, the last thing you want to do is wrestle with laces, so that’s where slip-ons (or any foldable shoe) comes in handy. Slide them on, stretch your legs, and head inside with zero fuss.
Why they’re great: Slip-ons or foldable shoes also work beyond road trips. They’re great for overnight flights, campgrounds, or lakeside stops when you want quick, comfy footwear that still holds up outside. What feels like a luxury gift quickly becomes an everyday essential for both cross-country drivers and weekend road-trippers.
Everyday Favorite: Crocs Classic Clogs are lightweight, waterproof, and surprisingly versatile. They work just as well for campgrounds and beaches as they do for quick gas station stops.
Cozy Option: Allbirds Wool Loungers are slip-on sneakers that are soft, comfortable, and breathable, which makes them ideal for long drives.
Outdoor-Friendly: Teva Re-Ember Slip-On Shoes are cushy, warm, and have solid traction, so they hold up for quick errands or setting up camp.
Flight or Hotel Pick: Snoozies Foldable Slippers pack down small and are perfect for overnight flights or when you want something lightweight in a hotel room.
Hands-Free Sneaker: The Kizik Venice Slip-On is designed so you can step right in without bending down. Easy and quick, especially for frequent stops.
Water-Friendly: Women’s Classic Fitkicks are flexible and great for water activities or when you need something compact in your bag.
Slip-ons are one of those road trip gifts that people don’t realize they need until they try them. After that, you won’t take another trip without them!
7. Audible or Spotify Subscription
Similar to snacks, entertainment is essential for long drives. That’s why an Audible or Spotify subscription is one of the best gifts for roadtrippers. While snacks help pass the time, audiobooks, playlists, and podcasts keep the miles rolling by!
Audiobook Lovers: An Audible subscription is perfect for roadtrippers who like getting lost in a story while they drive. We’ve listened to countless books this way, and it makes hours on the highway feel shorter.
Music Fans: A Spotify Premium subscription removes ads, lets you download playlists for offline use, and keeps your road trip soundtrack going even when service is spotty. Perfect for cross-country trips or spontaneous getaways.
Make It Personal: Create a custom playlist or gift an audiobook you know they’ll love. These small, personal touches make the gift feel even more special.
💡 RTL Tip: Download everything before you hit the road. Not every stretch of highway has cell service, and nothing kills the mood faster than losing your music or book in the middle of nowhere.
Useful Gifts for Road Trippers
Road trips are fun and adventurous, but long drives also require extra preparation. These useful gift ideas for roadtrippers help make the journey smoother. These are things you don’t really want to buy for yourself but you’re happy to have with you on the road.
8. Garmin Messenger
The Garmin Messenger is one of the most practical gifts for roadtrippers who like to drive into remote areas where cell service disappears. (Making it a great gift for both the roadtripper and the loved one! 👈)
It uses satellite technology to send and receive text messages, providing a reliable means of communication even in remote locations where traditional cellular networks aren’t available.
Stay connected: Send and receive text messages even in no-service zones.
Emergency ready: Built-in SOS feature connects to emergency services worldwide.
Peace of mind: Loved ones at home can stay updated no matter how far off-grid the trip goes.
Road trip tested: Compact, durable, and easy to stash in a glove box or backpack.
The Garmin Messenger is an investment, but it’s one of the most practical gifts for roadtrippers who head into backcountry areas. It adds safety, reliability, and peace of mind on every adventure.
9. Car Roof Storage & Car Organization
When you’re road tripping, space disappears quickly. Car storage solutions like trunk organizers, backseat pockets, and rooftop cargo bags create room where there was none. They keep everything from snacks to snowshoes in order so you can actually find what you need.
Rooftop Cargo Bag: A spacious and weather-resistant storage solution that attaches to the roof of a vehicle, providing extra space for luggage and gear during road trips. If you’re hitting the open road in search of adventure, a rooftop cargo bag allows more room for things like hiking boots, snowshoes, or rock climbing gear. Or, if your loved one is planning a longer road trip, a rooftop cargo bag is amazing for packing more and freeing up interior space in your car. We use our rooftop cargo bag all the time, and especially love that it gives us extra room for car camping!
Car Trunk Organizer: A foldable, non-slip trunk organizer is a useful gift for road trippers, helping to keep essentials organized and secure on the go.
Helteko Backseat Car Organizer: A backseat car organizer is another great option for keeping road trip must-haves in one place.
SURDOCA Car Trunk Organizer: You an even attach a car trunk organizer to the back seats of your car to double your trunk's storage capacity. (We use this on road trips but also for everyday storage, too!)
Car Trash Can: Okay, hear me out. A car trash can doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s one of those “thank you later” gifts. Road trips mean snacks, coffee cups, and receipts everywhere, and instead of piling them on the passenger floor (hi, Jonathan 👋), a trash can keeps it all in one tidy spot.
Vankor Car Trash Can: Big, adjustable, and easy to hang.
Car Trash Can with Lid: Multipurpose design that also works as a storage bin or cooler bag.
Portable Vacuum Cleaner: Road trip cars are snack central and crumbs can pile up fast. A portable vacuum is another one of those gifts you don’t want to buy for yourself, but end up reaching for regularly once you have it. Compact enough to stash under a seat, it makes it easy to do a quick sweep at gas stations or campground stops so your car feels less like a rolling trash bin and more like a comfortable ride.
JONYJ Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner: Doubles as an air duster for keyboards. (Great for loved ones who also work from the road!)
Fanttik Slim V8 Apex Car Vacuum: Compact with attachments for cup holders and corners.
10. Headlamps
Headlamps make a versatile gift for road trippers, campers, and hikers, offering hands-free lighting for dark trails, campsites, and even nighttime packing.
Our friends surprised us with headlamps when we went camping together in Acadia National Park, and we’ve been using them all the time on our roadtrips ever since!
Whether for car camping, packing in the dark, or chasing beautiful sunsets on hikes, headlamps are a useful gift for road trippers who love the outdoors.
Shop on Amazon.
💡 RTL Tip: Keep one in your glove box and one in your bag.
11. Car Power Converter
If you enjoy taking photos and capturing the scenery as you explore, you know there’s nothing more frustrating than your camera dying just before you’re about to take an incredible shot. Backup batteries are helpful, but so is having a way to charge your devices on the road.
A car power inverter converts a vehicle's DC power into AC power, allowing road trippers to charge their electronics—like laptops, smartphones, and cameras—while driving. Being able to plug in laptops, cameras, or other devices directly from the car is a game-changer on long drives!
Stay charged: A car power inverter is perfect for roadtrippers who need to charge laptops, tablets, and/or cameras on the go.
Multi-use: Works for phones, GPS units, and other electronics too, making it versatile for every traveler.
Compact design: Small enough to tuck in the glove box or center console when not in use. (We keep ours full-time in the center console of our Prius.)
12. Roadside Assistance Membership and/or Roadside Emergency Kit
This might not be the most fun thing to receive but it’s definitely one of the most practical gifts for people who drive a lot! Breakdowns and unexpected situations happen, and having roadside help or an emergency kit ready takes the stress out of it.
Peace of mind: A roadside assistance membership (like AAA) covers towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockouts. Many insurance companies also offer roadside assistance as part of their plans.
Real-life example: We recently got a flat tire and called State Farm Roadside Assistance (included in our insurance). They sent someone out within the hour to change the tire and put on our spare. From there, we drove to Sam’s Club—where we bought our tires—and got a free repair while we did our grocery shopping. Between roadside assistance and Sam’s tire perks, it didn’t cost us a dime.
💡 RTL Tip: If you or someone you’re shopping for is in need of new tires, consider Sam’s Club. We’ve used their tire benefits from Texas to Montana to Maine, and it’s been a huge bonus for roadtripping. Combine that with roadside assistance, and you’re set for just about anything.
Emergency essentials: A roadside emergency kit like this one or this one usually includes jumper cables, a flashlight, reflective triangles, and basic tools. There are even kits that include air compressors.
Extra comfort items: Look for kits that have (or consider adding) a first aid kit, gloves, blankets, umbrellas or ponchos, GPS, and seasonal items like ice/snow scrapers. These make a big difference if you’re stuck waiting. A road atlas also makes for a neat, practical gift in case service drops in the middle of a drive.
13. Gas Gift Cards
Gas gift cards are one of the most useful gifts for roadtrippers because fuel is the biggest ongoing cost of any road trip. A gift card at the pump means more miles covered and fewer worries about the budget.
Universal use: Brands like Shell, Exxon, BP, and Chevron are easy to find almost anywhere in the U.S. They’re a safe bet when you’re not sure which routes someone will be driving.
Truck stop favorites: Love’s, Pilot, Flying J, and TA Travel Centers are built for truckers but perfect for roadtrippers too. They’re usually open 24/7, well-lit, and stocked with snacks, coffee, and even showers.
Regional icons: Depending on where your traveler is headed, regional chains are worth considering too:
Buc-ee’s (TX, TN, AL, FL, GA, KY, CO, MO, SC): The road trip legend, famous for spotless bathrooms, endless snacks, and more gas pumps than you’ll ever need. Plus, there’s so much happening inside Buc-ee’s that this is actually a super fun gift for roadtrippers in addition to being practical! If you’re recommending Buc-ee’s to loved ones, tell them to try the chopped brisket sandwiches and check out the seasonal blankets and T-shirts (yes—they release special designs for Halloween, Christmas, and more).
Wawa (Mid-Atlantic & Northeast): Beloved for fresh hoagies and clean, modern restrooms.
Stewart’s Shops (Upstate NY): Small-town charm, great ice cream, and reliable stops.
Casey’s (Midwest): A staple known for pizza as much as fuel.
Royal Farms (Mid-Atlantic): Famous for fried chicken and sandwiches.
Sheetz (PA, OH, Mid-Atlantic): Made-to-order food and plenty of snacks.
Budget-friendly gift: Even a small amount helps offset the cost of filling up, which roadtrippers really appreciate.
Multi-purpose stops: Gas stations double as snack stops, so the card can cover road trip essentials like drinks and food too.
💡 RTL Tip: If you’re shopping for someone who’s always on the road, look into warehouse memberships like Sam’s Club or Costco. They often have lower fuel prices, and when combined with a gas card, it stretches the gift even further.
💵 If you’d rather give cash instead of a gift card, make it even more fun by tucking a few bills into a cute gas money holder. They’ll think of you every time they fill up!
14. Portable Trays
A portable tray might not sound exciting, but it’s one of those gifts that ends up getting used all the time. For roadtrippers who spend hours in the car, it’s a practical accessory that makes life on the road easier.
They’re especially great for kids or people who work on the road. It gives you a stable surface for eating, working, or entertainment while traveling in the car, plus its compact design allows for easy storage when not in use.
For Drivers and Passengers: Steering wheel trays are simple and practical. They hook right onto the wheel and give you a quick place to set up a laptop, eat lunch, or jot down notes without balancing things awkwardly. Shop steering wheel trays on Amazon.
For Kids: Backseat trays can be a lifesaver on long trips. They provide space for snacks, coloring, or even holding a tablet so kids can watch movies without juggling everything in their laps. Shop kid’s trays on Amazon.
💡 RTL Tip: Keep a pack of sanitizing wipes handy if you plan to eat off a tray. They get dirty quickly in the car, and a quick wipe-down makes them feel fresh again.
Fun Road Trip Gifts for Couples and Friends
Driving the open road with a loved one is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. The journey becomes not just about the destination but the shared experiences along the way. Here are our top picks for fun gift ideas for couples, friends, and families venturing on road trips together!
15. Polaroid Camera
This is one of my favorite gift ideas for roadtrippers! Whether on a romantic getaway, girls’ weekend, or a family vacation, bringing along a Polaroid camera is a fun way to instantly capture moments and create physical mementos of your journey.
I love the Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera for its compact size and easy-to-use design. It’s simple enough to hand to a friend or kid in the backseat, and you’ll end up with a stack of prints by the end of the trip. For bigger prints and a more retro feel, the Polaroid Now is another great option.
The best part is that these photos double as souvenirs while you’re still on the road. Hang them in the car, stick them in a travel journal, or save them to frame when you get home.
💡 RTL Tip: Pack extra film. Once the photos print out, everyone wants in on the fun. If your loved one is headed somewhere with sun & sand, this Polaroid album is the cutest way to store all those instant beach memories!
16. Rove Dash Cam
The ROVE Dash Cam is one of those gifts for roadtrippers that hits two categories at once: peace of mind and memory-making. At first glance, a dash cam sounds like a safety gadget, and it is. But once we started using the ROVE R2-4K PRO Dash Cam, we realized it’s also an amazing way to capture road trip memories without any effort and that’s why it gets a spot in this section.
Why we love it: We picked up the ROVE R2-4K PRO to test it out on our road trips, and it quickly became part of our essential setup. Jon originally researched it for safety, but I noticed right away how perfect it is for documenting those wow moments on the road: a herd of bison walking through Yellowstone, an epic sunset in Utah, or the twists and turns of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier. Instead of scrambling for your phone, the dash cam is already recording in crisp 4K.
Key Features:
Ultra HD 4K video that actually does mountain passes and open highways justice.
Built-in GPS that logs your route, so you’ll know exactly where that perfect stretch of road was.
Wi-Fi and the ROVE app so you can pull clips straight to your phone.
Night vision that works for pre-sunrise national park drives or late-night arrivals.
Loop recording and G-sensor that auto-save if there’s an impact.
Easy setup and compact design that tucks behind your rearview mirror.
Dash Cam vs. GoPro vs. Phone: We like to think of the dash cam as your built-in co-pilot. It records everything you drive past without you even thinking about it—wildlife crossings, surprise waterfalls, quirky roadside attractions. A GoPro is awesome for adventures off the road (kayaking, hiking, etc.), and your phone is perfect for capturing personal moments (like campfire chats or coffee stops). But the dash cam is the simplest way to consistently record the drive itself.
💡 RTL Tip: ROVE recommends using their SD card, and you’ll have to purchase this separately. We went with 256GB to start.
17. 3000 Questions
Long road trips are full of quiet stretches, and sometimes you run out of things to say after hours in the car. Or, maybe you just want to take advantage of the built-in time together to ask fun questions and get to know one another even better!
That’s where conversation starters like 3000 Questions About Me come in. It’s a deck of prompts designed to spark new stories, funny debates, and even deep conversations you might not expect to have on the road.
Questions range from lighthearted (“What one word in the English language would you like to lock in a box before throwing away the key?”) to thought-provoking (“What are the three things in your life you’re most proud of?”). By the end of a drive, you’ve not only passed the time—you’ve learned something new about the people in the car with you.
The best part is that you can use them however you like. Pull out one or two questions on a short drive, or turn it into a full-on game on a cross-country trip. Either way, it breaks up the monotony of the road and makes the journey feel more meaningful.
Shop more road trip games on Amazon!
18. Custom Souvenirs
Custom souvenirs are special gifts for roadtrippers who love to look back on their adventures. Instead of something generic, give them a keepsake that highlights a specific trip or route.
Road Trip Map Gifts: Etsy has amazing options for outside-the-box souvenirs, such as photo map collages, adventure maps, push pin maps, and customizable travel maps (like these and these). Consider gifting your loved one a map of their route, framing a photo for them that you know they love, or gifting a scrapbook for them to keep notes about memorable stops.
Photo Books: Shutterfly photo books or Mixtiles are another great way to turn road trip photos into something tangible. Pick favorite moments from the trip and put them together in a format they can flip through or hang on the wall.
Ornaments and Keepsakes: Personalized ornaments, custom travel journals, or engraved keychains are meaningful gifts that roadtrippers will appreciate.
💡 RTL Tip: If you’re not sure which souvenir style to choose, think about their favorite moment from a recent trip. Was it a scenic drive, a big hike, or a stop at a quirky roadside attraction? Center the souvenir around that.
Best Road Trip Stocking Stuffers
Looking for a little something to fill out a stocking for a roadtripper in your life? Here are our favorite stocking stuffer ideas that make great gifts for roadtrippers!
19. Soap Sheets
Soap sheets are one of those tiny but mighty gifts for roadtrippers. They barely take up space but come in handy all the time on the road.
Portable: Slim packs that fit easily in a glove box, backpack, or purse.
Simple to use: Just add water and they lather like regular soap.
Road trip tested: Perfect for rest stops, trailheads, or gas stations where soap isn’t always available.
💡 RTL Tip: Keep a pack in your car and another in your daypack. You’ll use them more often than you expect.
Shop on Amazon here!
20. Travel-Size Hand Lotion and Sanitizer
Hand lotion and sanitizer are simple but essential gifts for roadtrippers. Between gas stations, rest stops, and hours in the car, they get used constantly and easily fit into bags, pockets, or glove compartments.
Compact: Travel sizes fit easily in a glove box, cupholder, or bag.
Comfort factor: Lotion keeps hands from drying out after long drives or dry climates.
Bonus: Toss in wet wipes or glass wipes for windows—both get used more than you’d think on the road.
Favorite Pick: This is my absolute favorite brand of hand lotion. It’s the only one I’ve ever found that actually moisturizes without being greasy, which is huge when you’re about to grip the steering wheel.
21. Sauce Dip Holder
Sauce dip holders are one of those road trip gifts that sound funny at first but end up being surprisingly useful.
They clip right into the car’s air vent and hold dipping sauces securely, which means no more trying to balance a Chick-fil-A sauce on your knee or worrying about spills in the cupholder. It makes eating nuggets and fries on the go way less messy and way more enjoyable!
Pair it with a fast-food gift card and you’ve got a lighthearted stocking stuffer that roadtrippers will actually use and love.
Shop on Amazon.
22. Bag Hooks
Bag hooks are another small, but incredibly convenient accessory for road trips.
They attach to the back of car seats and give you a place to hang purses, backpacks, or shopping bags instead of piling everything on the floor. We love them to keep must-haves like snacks, water bottles, or even our dog’s travel bag within easy reach. They free up floor space, keep the car less cluttered, and make it easier to grab what you need during a quick stop.
It’s one of those inexpensive, practical stocking stuffers that ends up being used on every single trip.
Shop on Amazon.
23. Travel Game Disks
Staying entertained in the car doesn’t have to mean endless screen time. This clever set of reusable dry-erase disks clips together with a carabiner and comes with classics like Tic-Tac-Toe.
They’re washable, durable, and perfect for road trips, restaurants, or any time you need distraction on the go. Each set includes six games, three dry-erase markers, and a canvas pouch that’s compact enough for the glove box but fun enough to keep kids (and adults) busy for hours.
P.S. Want something bigger than a stocking stuffer but still in the “fun road trip games” category? Check out these larger Dry Erase Travel Boards. These acrylic boards are compact, reusable, and come with games like road trip bingo, Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman, the license plate game and even a road trip scavenger hunt!
Happy Gifting!
Road trips are our favorite way to travel, explore new places, and annoy bond with 😜 loved ones. We hope you enjoy these 23 gift ideas for road trippers and people who drive a lot. Cheers to making memories and having more fun on the road!
Planning a road trip? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide here.
Browse all of our road trip itineraries here.
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