20 holiday gift ideas from Nat Geo staff
Can’t decide what to get friends and family this year? Here are a few tried-and-true favorites from Nat Geo.
It’s the season of giving, but it isn’t always easy to find the right gift for the special people in your life. To help, we turned to National Geographic’s globe-trotting staff members for inspiration. They shared the gifts they’ve given or received that have become year-round favorites. From sweat-defying earbuds and an indispensable “manny pack,” to cozy boots and portable power banks, there’s something on this list to spark some great ideas.
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Find it now on Amazon
“I love to travel but always get anxiety when flying. One of the things that triggers it are the loud jet noises. My mom gifted me these headphones last year to help and I’ve never looked back. They’re super comfortable for over-the-ear headphones. I have a few piercings and they never get pulled on when I have the headphones on.
They really are noise-canceling, too, which is great for when the plane takes off. I just pop them on and I’m in my own little world listening to my favorite tunes. It’s nice having a comforting piece of tech that not only helps me travel but is stylish too.” —Chrissy Garcia, Partnership Development & Solutions Manager
(Enjoy the sound of silence with these noise-canceling headphones)
National Parks Surf Posters
Find it now at Wave Arcade
“As a Southern California girl at heart, I appreciate that these posters are the perfect blend of nostalgia and beauty. I love the combination of the retro national parks aesthetic with the beautiful ocean and beach elements. These are perfect for someone who is always dreaming of the ocean or wants to add a little tropical something to their home.” —Erin Fox, Social Media Coordinator
Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots – Women
“After moving to D.C. from Florida, I was getting ready for my first real winter and needed a good quality boot that I could wear around town or out on the trail. My sister recommended Blundstones after years of wearing and loving hers. They’re so comfortable and durable for everything I need. Blundstones come in so many colors and styles and are truly built to last. Plus, they keep your feet warm during the winter.” —Mackenzie Duffy, Associate Manager, Social Media
Electric Lunch Box Food Heater
Find it now on Amazon
“This electric lunch box is a lifesaver when I need a hot meal on the go. Whether I’m in the office or on a 13-hour road trip to Georgia, it heats up my food fast (in like 20 minutes!) and holds more than enough for lunch.” —Starlight Williams, Digital Editor
Fenglaoda Compression Socks
Find it now on Amazon
“These might not be the fanciest out there, but they’ve transformed my long flights and runs. They keep my legs feeling fresh, plus they’re super cute, adding a fun touch to any travel outfit.” —Starlight Williams, Digital Editor
Apple AirTag
Find it now on Amazon
“They make a great gift for someone who’s always on the go and/or is prone to losing their stuff. I’ve purchased multiple AirTags over the years for various purposes (my keys, AirPods, even my passport), and they’re pretty simple to set up and track.” —Delaney Gordon, Partner Development & Solutions Manager
Lego Advent Calendar
Find it now at Disney Store
“One of my favorite traditions as a kid was setting up the Lego advent calendars. My brothers and I would build them first thing in the morning before breakfast and play with the little sets for the rest of the year.” —Erin Fox, Social Media Coordinator
Sorel Explorer III Joan Women’s Waterproof Boots
Find it now at Zappos
“These are the perfect all-weather boot, especially for snowy/rainy winter days. Whether I am embarking on a fall hike in the mountains or trekking to work after a winter snowfall, these versatile shoes are the perfect mix of style and utility. Plus, the insulated lining gives them an extra cozy feel, making them my go-to for cold-weather endeavors.” —Victoria Lawrence, Partner Development & Solutions Specialist
Tumi Luggage Scale
Find it now at Macy's
“Save yourself the stress of standing at the check-in desk wondering if you’ve packed too much and whether you’ll have to pay extra for your checked luggage. This portable digital scale is the ideal gift for extended-stay travelers before and after a trip, especially if you’re heading home with extra weight from adding trip mementos.” —Kwin Mosby, Senior Digital Editor, Travel
Jesebang Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Sport
Find it now on Amazon
“Whether you’re going on a hot girl walk/run or taking a long flight, these snug earbuds provide comfort, are noise-canceling, stay charged forever, and stay in your ears even on the sweatiest of adventures.” —Starlight Williams, Digital Editor
Nonlock Portable Hand-Held Fan
Find it now on Amazon
“For my peeps who also need a power bank and flashlight, this 4-in-1 handheld fan is a win. It’s not just a fan—it’s a power bank, flashlight, and mini desk lamp all in one. I’m giving these out as wedding favors since we’ll be in the tropics. The foldable design makes it super easy to carry, and the strong airflow is perfect for travel or at home.” —Starlight Williams, Digital Editor
Lego Wildflower Bouquet
Find it now on Amazon
“Lego flowers and plants make perfect holiday gifts for anyone over the age of 18, especially Gen Z and Millennials because these toys blend nostalgia with a modern, sophisticated twist. These low-maintenance sets provide creative relaxation while adding stylish decor to any space. With their mindful appeal, sustainability focus, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, they’re a unique, gender-neutral gift that resonates with younger generations.” —Amanda Petty, Affiliate Marketing Specialist
Amazon Kindle for Kids
Find it now on Amazon
“I love reading, but I’m always on the go, so I’ve finally committed to e-reader life. I have the kids’ version of the Kindle because it has similar capabilities as the regular Kindle, and mine has a very cute Ocean Explorer case. (I’ve gotten lots of compliments on it.)
For parents, it comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and a two-year warranty. It’s also pretty easy to check out books via the Libby library app and have them sent to your Kindle. It charges with a USB-C, which is convenient since most of my gadgets can be charged on the same cord. It’s also small enough to fit into my crossbody and belt bags. I’ve even taken my Kindle to concerts to read before the show begins.” —Leanna Lakeram, Account Manager, International Magazines (Kids Media)
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Buds
Find it now at Loop
“I’m on my third pair of these ear buds. I keep them in my travel bag, backpack, and bedside table so I always have a pair on hand. They don’t need to be charged, and they block out enough sound so I can get a good night’s sleep no matter where I am. They come in an adorable and durable container that I can clip into pockets and key rings. I’ve started to gift them to friends I travel with, so they can enjoy the peace and quiet as well.” —Ariel Deiaco-Lohr, Director of Licensing & Partnerships
Anker 337 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
Find it now at Anker
“Whether I’m traveling for business or leisure, I never forget to pack my power bank. It’s especially useful on those long excursions when I’m nowhere near an electrical outlet—this gadget is a godsend!
Don’t miss capturing those jaw-dropping, unforgettable moments, while keeping your phone and other gadgets powered up. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who travels. And yes, Anker also has wireless chargers too.” —Kwin Mosby, Senior Digital Editor, Travel
(These are the best portable chargers for travel and adventure)
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
Find it now at Patagonia
“The Patagonia Mini Hip Pack is small but mighty. The material is super lightweight and 100-percent recycled, plus it can fold into itself to be about the size of a glasses case. It has the perfect capacity to hold my daily essentials like keys, phone, credit cards, and sunglasses. I usually wear it over one shoulder, which is nice and comfy thanks to the padded back panel.
Whether I’m headed to the office or out on a trail, I never leave without my hip pack—or as I like to call it, my ‘manny pack.’” —Jeremy Brandt-Vorel, Manager, Digital Marketing
(These are the best fanny packs for travel)
Stubble & Co. The Rolltop Backpack 15L
Find it now at Stubble & Co.
“I love this backpack because it is super comfy, completely waterproof, has lots of pockets, and has quality stitching and clasps. I think it has some real class and is great as both a work bag and backpack for weekend excursions.” —Lorna Parkes, Executive Editor, National Geographic Traveller UK
Voited CloudTouch Blanket
Find it now at Voited
“This is the coziest blanket you can own, with faux fleece on one side and recycled ripstop on the other. Perfect for adventures, it can change into a pillow, a sleeping bag, or a hands-free cape, and it’s available in multiple designs. I use mine at home, on camping trips—you name it.” —Georgia Stephens, Features Editor, National Geographic Traveller UK
Suunto Race S Performance Watch
Find it now on Amazon
“With this GPS-enabled smartwatch, you never need to stop on a hike, bike ride, or run to check your map—it’s all strapped to your wrist. You can plan a route in advance and access it offline, with lots of additional features to keep you on track, whether you want to know the temperature, altitude, sunset time or whether a storm’s coming. It has a battery life of up to 13 days and it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters. It’s the ultimate adventure accessory.” —Georgia Stephens, Features Editor, National Geographic Traveller UK
(These are the best fitness trackers for achieving your health goals)
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Find it now on Amazon
“I gave these to my wife last Christmas and they are one of her most used pieces of technology. It's the best way to listen to podcasts or audiobooks and talk to relatives via WhatsApp, particularly if AirPods keep falling out of your ears. They’ve transformed how she records videos for her painting classes and they continue to improve over time. This week, they just got the ability to set reminders and record voice messages. I am hoping she gets me a pair this Christmas.” —Marcelo Galdieri, Leader of Digital and Consumer Touchpoints
