We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A bendy pillow capable of contorting itself to meet your ever-changing needs. Neck rest? No prob. Pillow to keep your face off the gross bus window glass on your way to grandma's? Of course!!! Round pillow to make sleeping on your cousin's floor after Thanksgiving more bearable? Almost!
Promising review: "I have a lot of neck pain and neck issues. This pillow is absolutely amazing!! I can adjust it to practically any size, and it stays put. The cover is soft, and it's removable for washing. It supports my neck and is soooo comfortable." —Andy/Denise
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight colors and multipacks).
2. A portable cupcake carrier to ensure your hard work makes it to your destination in one piece. While still delicious, a smushed cupcake just doesn't have the same wow-factor, especially when your judgy mother-in-law will be commenting on your M&M placement ("why is Rudolph's nose smeared up in next to his pretzel antlers?").
The case comes with a handle and can carry 24 cupcakes at once. When you arrive, you can disassemble the case and use it as a display stand.
Promising review: "I love making cupcakes to bring to events, but before I got this carrier, it was very hard to transport them, especially in an aesthetically pleasing way. This carrier is the perfect size and the piece with the holes can easily be removed to transport a small-to-medium cake or pie, too, although I haven’t done that yet. It’s a little bulky for places with small storage cabinets, but I think that’s unavoidable. Excellent purchase." —Nerdy Girl
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors).
3. A windshield ice cover because holiday traffic is no joke and you needed to be on the road hours ago! This waterproof protector holds onto your side mirrors and protects your glass from ice, snow, slush, rain, and whatever else the weather throws at you so you can stop scraping and start zooming off to your family brunch.
See a TikTok of the windshield ice cover in action!
It attaches to your mirrors with straps plus can be tucked into shut car doors to prevent theft (and to further keep it in place). It's waterproof and measures 69x41 inches, so it'll fit most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Promising reviews: "After a month of ice, lots of snow, and below zero temperatures, I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The amazing thing to me is its ability to withstand -20-degree temperatures with snow and ice. No cracking, tearing, or any problems with this windshield cover." —SunnyFunny
"Fit my Dodge Caliber like a glove. (If my car was any bigger, it wouldn't work.) The straps go around the side mirrors, then the flaps fold into the car, and you shut the doors. This keeps the fabric nice and tight so the wind will not move it. It covers the wipers and the little space between the wipers and the hood, so ice and snow won't accumulate there, either. I pulled it off after light snow last night and it just slid right off. I folded it and threw it in the back. Perfect for winter weather." —Paula
Get it on Amazon for $22.98.
4. And a giant foam snow broom with a telescoping pole so you can easily uncover the rest of your car in record time. It has two flashlights on the front, so you can see what you're doing when you need to hit the road before the sun even rises.
Because it's foam, it's super lightweight and it won't scratch your paint, and the telescoping handle makes it easier to fit in the trunk. The opposite end has a built-in scraper if you end up needing to remove a thick layer of ice, too!
Promising review: "Love this product! It's got a nice big 'sweeping' side that very easily moves large amounts of snow. I'm disabled and have bad joints and trouble lifting and stretching, and this item has been a lifesaver for me. It's soft; it won't scratch paint or cause damage. It's lightweight, so it's easy to maneuver. And you can telescope it out to make it longer. This allows my 5'6 self to fully clear my truck and even my camper on my own. Efficient, lightweight, easy to use. Can't go wrong." —mom4solidarity
Get it on Amazon for $19.99.
5. A digital luggage scale so there are no surprises when it's time to check your bag. Gifts are heavy, and there's nothing more annoying than having to wear four sweaters, three flannels, and two hats while carrying an extra pair of shoes onto your flight.
You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
Promising reviews: "I cannot imagine how we would have managed a big international trip without this. It saved us so much stress and, I’m sure, surprise charges at the airport." —Potter Freak
"This scale works and was accurate on four flights. The first flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49, but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel." —Robert
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in five colors and also a two-pack).
6. A drink caddy you can stick on top of your wheeled luggage so your hands can be free to check your phone for updates (another delay?!), scan your ticket, or push people out of the way at the gate (JK, JK). It even has two pockets for your phone, gloves — and some pumpkin bread, of course.
Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels so you don't tip over your drink. It'll still work for a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls; just be careful if the drinks are open at the top.
Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 24 colors and patterns).
7. An ultra-lightweight Wantdo puffer jacket able to keep you warm without hogging all your bag space; you need that room for gifts, after all! It even comes with a carrying case to help you squish the jacket down to its tiniest size.
Promising review: "I bought this coat to bring with me on a road trip in Iceland. It worked great! It's warm without being bulky. The hood stayed up despite the wind. Best part: It packs down so well in the little bag that it comes with! I was able to stuff the bag inside one of my hiking boots, which meant it took up virtually no space when I packed for our flight." —Laura Grace
Get it from Amazon for $65.97 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 16 colors).
8. An infinity pillow designed with 360-degree support, so it doesn't matter which way your head rolls when you conk out. Wrap it around your neck as you would a scarf and snuggle in.
This thing is basically a plush infinity scarf made with breathable, soft bamboo fabric. It's machine-washable so you can keep it fresh between trips.
Promising review: "We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self-supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, armrest… anything. It’s actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." —Tom Shaw
Get it from Amazon for $54.50 (available in nine colors).
9. Or an inflatable wedge pillow if you find neck rests simply don't offer the support you crave. You can faceplant on its padded top and loop your arms around the bottom. Now, you can catch some ZZZs and send a strong "do not disturb" message to your chatty siblings.
This item also doubles up as a backrest *and* seat cushion for optimal comfort.
Promising reviews: "Just received this, and so far, so good! Inflates within mere seconds and the same to deflate. Seems really supportive and comfortable. I was influenced by a TikTok review, so I’m assuming it’ll be a gem on flights!" —Katelyn
"Used this on four international flights last month, and it made all the difference in the world. It's compact, quick and easy to inflate/deflate, very versatile in how you can position it, and it doesn't rely on the tray table. I can very comfortably lean forward in my seat and sleep almost like I can in a bed." —Still Chilly in Colorado
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
10. A set of all-weather mats that'll protect your car from family members tracking in snow, mud, and slush. It's bad enough you had to buy gifts for your 50 cousins; you don't need to pay for a car cleaning on top of that.
These car mats are made of heavy-duty rubber that's designed to offer all-weather protection from snow, rain, and mud! The trim-to-fit material allows you to trim the mats to fit your vehicle.
Promising review: "I like how well they fit, and I especially like how it's one long mat for the backseat floor. They are thick rubber with deep holes to trap the snow I'll be tracking in it this winter. They were perfect and a good solid buy for me." —JK 45
Get a set of three from Amazon for $29.70+ (available in six colors and as a set of two).
11. An Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, which gives you access to over two million titles, plus thousands of audiobooks, so you can keep yourself busy in the face of yet another flight delay. Clocking in at 205 grams (the weight of a mini decorative gourd), it's a heck of a lot lighter than two million books.
This device lasts up to 10 weeks on a single charge, so you can count on it to last your whole vacation. The special glare-free, black-and-white display is adjustable and looks like paper even in harsh sunlight, so you can take this from plane to poolside (yep, it's waterproof!).
You can opt for Kindle Unlimited or Audible for books and audiobooks *or* download the Libby app and get free titles from your local library.
Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with my Kindle Paperwhite. And love the color in agave green! It's become my trusty sidekick for all my literary adventures, especially when diving into my favorite rom-com books. The 6.8-inch display is easy to read, and the adjustable warm light is very gentle on the eyes. I love slipping it into my purse; it's like having a library in my bag. It's an eco-friendly option for readers like me who can't resist a good story. The battery life is IMPRESSIVE, too; I've taken it on road trips, flights, and lazy Sundays in bed, and it never lets me down. If you're a book lover, this Kindle is a game changer. It's not just a device; it's a passport to countless worlds, all in the palm of your hand. Happy reading, fellow book enthusiasts!" —Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in three colors, with a 3-month Kindle Unlimited trial and an ad-supported lock-screen option).
12. A cooling, memory foam contoured sleep mask to shroud your face in darkness when it's nap time, but your neighbor's reading light or open window is getting in the way. It surrounds your eyes without putting pressure on them — that means it can completely block out light while still allowing you to freely blink.
Promising reviews: "The BEST BEST BEST and most comfortable sleep mask I’ve found. Night shifter for years and have tried everything. Many other sleep masks have some qualities, but not all. This one is AMAZINGLY SOFT, VERY THICK, plush, high-quality material, quality stitching that won’t come apart like so many others that are cheaply made, and it’s EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE even though it’s a good price. Very impressed and pleasantly surprised." —Amazon Customer
"Got this for an overseas flight. With this and headphones, I slept 90% of the way. I was afraid it would feel heavy, but it felt light and fantastic while not putting any pressure on my eyes or smudging makeup. I just got back online to order one for home use. Thanks for a great product!" —Maryland Girl
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in seven styles).
13. Vacuum seal bags so you can utilize every inch of your suitcase. Why are kids' gifts so darn big? These will shrink your clothes and presents down so you can shove even more stuff in your carry-on. They come with a hand pump so you can easily remove the air from the bags.
Promising review: "I've used these bags before, and they are so helpful. I even use the medium one for travel, and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out, keeping them safe and sound and very compact." —Susie Kochsmeier
Get a 6-pack from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in four pack quantities).
14. And a portable and packable handheld steamer because your clothes are certainly going to be a little wrinkly after getting packed down so tightly. This highly-rated steamer heats up super fast so you can revive your holiday attire with plenty of time to spare for, say, giving yourself a pep-talk in the mirror.
Promising review: "Bought this to de-wrinkle some linen tablecloths and lace table runners for my son's wedding reception. It worked very well. Linen tablecloths were a great test for it since they are a fairly hard type of cloth to get wrinkles out of. It only took a few minutes to heat up completely and I used it for a couple of hours nonstop. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase — especially since it was less than $35! You can't go wrong with this handy little steamer. If I had to complain about anything, it would be the size of the water tank. I wish it were slightly bigger, but since it heats up so quickly, there really isn't anything to complain about." —WeekendWarrior2017
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
15. Olly's Restful Sleep gummies, which are formulated with melatonin, l-theanine, lemon balm, and chamomile. The light-touch supplement has only 3 mg of melatonin so you can have restful sleep — something you'll need before being accosted by 5-15 screaming toddlers running around. 😨 And reviewers say these taste like blackberry candy, so it doubles as a nice in-flight snack!
Read more about short-term use of melatonin and jet lag at Mayo Clinic.
Promising review: "I've tried other sleep products like the sleep drinks and other gummies but I keep coming back for these! They've worked the best out of any of the others I've tried! I fall asleep fast and stay asleep for the whole night. I also wake up feeling great! No hangover feeling at all!" —Jaime Arnold
Get them from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in five sizes).
16. A pair of compression socks to help improve blood circulation, great for those suffering from swelling or long periods of sitting in cramped spaces (airplanes, packed cars, looooong dinners, etc). Reviewers love how the socks gently squeeze their legs and say it makes them feel lighter on their feet.
This particular pair has a staggering number of 5-star reviews — over 59,000! They offer 20–30 mmHg of pressure, come in a variety of fun-yet-subtle designs, and help travelers stay comfortable. Read more about compression socks and long flights at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "My ankles got really swollen after a 14-hour plane ride last year, so I thought I would give these a try. I recently completed another 14-hour plane ride, and these socks really did their job! I had them on for a good 24 hours straight, and they remained comfortable the whole time. My ankles were not swollen after the long plane ride. My legs and feet felt really good after the plane ride and the day after. The sock can be stretched over the knee but I did not stretch it that much and left the socks right below the knee. The socks stayed in place the whole time." —MYamo
Get them from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and 13 colors).
17. A set of Sea Bands for anyone who suffers from motion sickness if their ride even *thinks* about getting bumpy. The bracelets apply pressure to a specific acupoint on your wrist, which many reviewers say is the key to a successful, barf-free road trip, flight, or sleigh ride.
Reviewers swear by these nonmedicated bands for nausea relief; they've used them while traveling on airplanes, boats, and cars and for morning sickness during pregnancies. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "I flew on a four-hour plane ride using Dramamine and then a 30+ minute car ride to my hotel. I was so nauseous and wiped out that I spent the next day feeling like I had a hangover. Yesterday I took the same car ride and flight home (but using the Sea Bands), and I was unaffected by any of it! Any time in the stop-and-go traffic that I thought I was feeling motion sick, I rubbed the button against my wrist and immediately felt better. These bands are going with me anytime I travel from now on!" —Kindle Customer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.42+ (available in six colors and packs of two).
18. Or ginger pastilles that come in a variety of fall- and winter-friendly flavors like spicy chai and blood orange. The genuine ground ginger root can help soothe your stomach before you get hit with motion sickness.
Read more about ginger and nausea at John Hopkins Medicine.
Promising review: "Occasionally I get a little motion sickness as a passenger in a car. These help me feel better in minutes. I always make sure I'm stocked up for long trips." —iJean
Get 12 tins from Amazon for $28.50 (available in five flavors and a variety pack).
19. A pair of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers so food can actually make it into your little elf's mouth instead of, say, the car floor. The BPA-free, dishwasher-safe cups have handles and soft flaps that allow for easy grabbing, so you don't have to turn around every minute on the way to grandma's house.
Promising review: "The perfect companion for traveling with a toddler who loves to snack and prefers being independent. I can fit about 12 average-sized grapes in it, about 5–6 regular-sized cookies, about 8–10 mini cookies, a big handful or small cereal such as Cheerios, and about 10–12 standard Ritz crackers. These estimations are all things that I regularly place in there for him to snack on. Nothing spills out, and whatever does come out is whatever he grabs with his hands to get, which is amazing. The only thing I would suggest is placing foil or plastic wrap around the mouth of the cup to prevent any of the snacks from getting stale from being exposed. The lid doesn’t fully cover the snack from air exposure. It simply protects the snack from spilling over and promotes child independence." —Antoinette
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.95 (available in two color combos).
20. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter if you've forgotten your wired headphones and suffered through the tinny-sounding complimentary ones for the last time. With the power of Bluetooth, you can connect your wireless headphones and lock into the in-flight entertainment. I wonder if they have Elf on there...?
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. Traveling with a family member or friend? They can also sync their earbuds to this gadget!
See one TikTok user using it with their AirPod Pros here.
Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, has very clear and reliable audio, and takes the stress away from having to carry more than one headset! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in three colors and four editions).
21. Or a hands-free rotating phone mount you can install onto your tray table or chair arm so you can watch your own entertainment — because it's time for your annual Love, Actually rewatch. This can mount onto almost any surface, so it'll also come in handy pre-boarding when they delay your flight yet again.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multileg, ultra-long-haul trip, and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel, too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards, and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built, and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far, it still feels solid, and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $12.57+ (available in seven colors and multipacks).
22. A collapsible silicone water bottle that rolls up in a tiny package, making it perfect for when you want to stay hydrated but still save some space in your bag when the water runs out. It'll sure beat shelling for pricey water bottles at the airport — they've taken enough money from you already this holiday season. 😐
BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this bottle and has this to say:
"I bought this water bottle before a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam (where you don't drink tap water) and Malaysia (where you do). I didn't want to bring one of my ride-or-die S'well bottles because it would take up extra room in my bag when I wouldn't be able to use it during the majority of the trip. This handy silicone bottle did just the trick! It's very easy to roll up and *stays* rolled up thanks to the just-stretchy-enough loop. Said loop was also very handy while walking through airports and just around sightseeing. The bottle is easy to clean and doesn't make my water taste weird. I'm now using it as my daily water bottle and feel confident it'll serve me well for a long time. Plus! With a collapsible water bottle, it's easier to remember if you left water in it before you go through security."
Promising review: "Overall, I really like this bottle! The color is nice, and you can see through it. The lid is secure, with no leaking. I like the compact size that it folds up into. The material seems durable and thick. This is perfect for camping or hiking. It's annoying to take a big stainless steel cup when being active. The clip seems to work great." —Andrea
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in three sizes and 10 colors).
23. Bose noise-canceling headphones beloved by audiophiles thanks to their totally immersive, crystal-clear sound. The 24-hour battery life and soft ear cushions make it easy to wear these high-end headphones for hours on end without problem, so you can enjoy some (OK, tons of) Mariah Carey before landing.
These connect to devices via Bluetooth up to 30 feet away. A 15-minute charge offers 2.5 hours of playtime. There are touch controls on the earcups that let you answer calls and change the music.
Promising review: "These headphones are a game-changer. As an avid music enthusiast, frequent traveler, and love of movies in a loud and busy household, these headphones have improved my audio experiences in ways I never knew were possible. First and foremost, the noise cancellation is unparalleled. The moment you put these on, the outside world fades away. However, it still offers the ability to be aware of your surroundings when needed without stopping your audio. If you are traveling, you don't need to worry about the headphones going out on you because the battery life is incredible. As with all Bose products, the craftsmanship and quality are top-notch. I have been hesitant to purchase Bose headphones in the past because I just didn't think that I would be able to tell enough of a difference. I was wrong. I am beyond excited to have these headphones, and it has added so much to my entertainment enjoyment." —P.O.
Get them from Amazon for $429 (available in five colors).
If these are too expensive for you, this ultra-popular pair for Anker costs less than $50!
24. Or comfortable wax earplugs to help block out unwanted noises, from crying babies to your uncle's conspiracy theories. They comfortably mold to the shape of your inner ear, ensuring a perfect, personalized fit. That means more time to nap and less time explaining that the moon is, in fact, real.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord swears by these: "The moldable silicone of Mack's Earplugs contours easily to the shape of your ear to block out noise much more effectively than other foam or plastic varieties, and the noise reduction is so good that if I pair them with a white noise machine (or just like a white noise loop on Spotify), I genuinely don't hear noises from outside my room. Not only that, but once they're in place, they stay locked there until you decide to pull them out.
Granted, I can still hear my alarm, and like, if the fire alarm went off or something, I'd definitely wake right up. But noises that are distant and loud are pretty easily canceled out by these.
I've also *loved* these for traveling — if you put these babies in on a plane, not only does it help reduce some of the YIKES factor when the plane takes off (it's loud!!), but it cancels out the murmuring noises of passengers on the flight and makes it easier to get some shuteye."
Get 12 pairs from Amazon for $10.92.
25. An in-flight foot hammock that hangs on the arms of your tray table so you can kick your feet up and pretend you're on your way to a tropical locale instead of your mom's house in Minnesota. Many reviewers (especially the vertically challenged) say it helps with soreness and swelling on long flights.
Promising review: "I will never fly again without this. I've recommended it to everyone. East coast USA to South East Asia, 24 hours in long haul flights each way with serious low back pain condition to start. But being able to hang my legs, even in a sideways position, saved me from hours of pain that I have endured previously flying with economy leg room. So easy to loop over tray table brackets in both the stowed and open positions. This is a must-have for any flight." —DL Flin
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in multipacks).
26. Or an inflatable footrest you can adjust to three different heights to create a more comfortable seating arrangement. It can be compressed and fits into a drawstring bag, so you don't have to worry about it taking up all the space in your backpack. Speaking on things you don't have room for, reviewers say it's easy to blow up and deflate without a pump!
Promising review: "I didn't buy this for the longest time, thinking inflation would be annoying or it'd be too bulky — I finally ordered it and love it. It's very easy to inflate since it has the two inflation methods. Folds up smaller than our travel pillows. It's great for travel in car and planes, and our kid likes sitting on it at home too. Recommended." —D
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and multipacks).
27. A pair of high-waisted leggings that are breathable and great for all climates — fleece-lined and warm enough for fall but moisturize-wicking and cool enough for warmer destinations. They also have a hidden waistband pocket to keep essentials handy on your way to the terminal.
Promising reviews: "I bought this pair of leggings initially so I could have something warm and comfortable to wear while working at home that wasn't just a pair of sweatpants — they ended up becoming a staple of my workout wardrobe too! I ended up getting two more pairs in the no-pocket style, so I can cycle through them during the week for my outdoor walks/runs. Fit-wise, if you're not looking for something super-snug, I'd suggest going a size up. The legs are a little long on me, but I'm short (5'1"), and I'm used to things being a little long on me. My only gripe about these is that the side pocket isn't anywhere near big enough to hold my phone, but I've got a huge phone, so I'm used to it not fitting in pockets easily. Long story short: I love these, and if you're looking for warm leggings, either for working out or for lounging around the house, you should get a pair of these." —Beth Lynn
"Love the pockets: two deep ones on each side, with another credit card-sized pocket inside the deep one. Very comfortable and slightly loose but still very fitted. I wear these more than my other leggings because the pockets are so useful. They are now my choice for traveling and long flights." —Hillshores
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL, in 25 colors, two different pocket options, and a waterproof option).
28. A tray table cover so all your snacks, books, devices, and other essentials are within easy reach. You and your seat neighbors will appreciate that you're not bending into a pretzel and flinging your blankets and pillows around every time you need a sip of water.
Promising review: "I love this thing! I always hated putting things in the seat pocket on planes. It was easy for things to get lost in there, or sometimes the pockets were pretty tight. This thing was amazing. I was able to get everything out of my bag that I might need during the flight and had easy access to it all. It was so much better than having to pull my bag out constantly to get stuff I needed. It also folds up nicely, so it doesn’t take up much space in your bag." —Corey
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
29. Tower 28's daily facial spray designed to balance skin pH and help minimize irritation, redness, and flare-ups. It's perfect for giving your skin a reset after many hours locked into a stale-aired metal box with 300 or so people.
This renewing toner is alcohol-, oil-, and fragrance -ree, making it ideal for all skin types. The hypochlorous acid helps reduce redness and irritation.
Tower 28 is an LA-based, Asian woman-owned small business that creates nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types.
Promising reviews: "I’ve struggled with adult cystic acne for a while now! I decided to stop using all my actives and just use the SOS spray and the barrier recovery cream to just see what would happen. I cannot believe what this has done for my skin. I highly recommend! It’s truly been life-changing!" —Julie
"This product is magic in a bottle; I’m obsessed. I travel a lot, and this is truly amazing at saving my skin from the recycled air and new climates that I’m constantly adjusting to. For reference, I have extremely sensitive, blackhead- and acne-prone skin." —Ellie
Get it from Sephora, Tower 28, or Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
30. A seat extender that'll let your little one stretch out and even take a nap. The hammock-like device unfolds from a travel bag and buckles onto the chair and tray table arms. Hopefully, with enough sleep, your kid won't be too cranky to give the grandparents hugs when you arrive.
Promising review: "This product was lightweight, super soft, easy to use, and made my flight so much easier! My toddler was comfortable and loved being able to stretch out his little legs and lie down. He even napped on the flight! The install was quick and easy — very user-friendly. It fit the space in the airplane seat perfectly. The side pocket was useful to store extra toys and a pacifier. I would definitely recommend this product to families traveling with small children." —Bruna
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in two colors).
31. A heated massage cushion for anyone who reeeally wishes they had a heated carseat option. Instead of shelling out for a new car, let this addition keep you warm and relaxed as you brave the treacherous route to your aunt's house (why does she live on the windiest road of all time?). It has six vibrating massage motors, four intensity settings, an optional heat setting, and an auto shut-off feature.
This portable seat cushion comes with a wall adapter for use at home as well! Be sure to grab an auto adapter so you can use it in the car during the winter months.
Promising review: "I've been using this for a few days and LOVE it! I've never had a back massager that ACTUALLY vibrated with enough intensity to actually feel like I was getting a real massage. There are several different areas that this cushion conforms to and kneads and you can choose whether it alternates between them all or if you just want one or a few specific areas for it to concentrate on. You can control the intensity, whether it heats up or not, and it's all easily controlled by the built-in remote that's got its own innocuous home to the side for it to rest in, so it's not just hanging out in space. I've put this up both at my work desk chair and then changed it to my car to get better use of it. It's great to de-stress after a long day while sitting in traffic, and the heated seat will help out with these cold winter months." —Redd Summers
Get it from Amazon for $56.98 (available in three colors).
32. An airplane window tray to hold your drinks and phone when you want to keep your tray table up or free to hold your laptop. Time to play Stardew Valley for 13 hours! :)
Note: This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and behind you).
Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
33. A portable charger so you can watch Law and Order: SVU for the entire trip without Stabler and Benson having to come figure out why your phone died.
The 10,000mAh power bank provides almost three-and-a-half iPhone 8 charges or two-and-a-half Galaxy S8 charges. It has USB and USB-C charging ports, but you'll need to supply your own charging cord.
Promising review: "I bought this for my wife whose phone battery drains quickly. This small, lightweight backup battery fits comfortably into her purse and gives her plenty of reserve power. The unit has enough reserve power for several day's use. It does take a while to be recharged, so be prepared and maybe recharge it overnight." —asgood
Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
34. A school-inspired 4-in-1 makeup pen with everything you need — eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, and eyebrow filler — so you can free up some space in your bag. You'll be seeing some old classmates soon, so a bold eyeliner look is a must!
This thing has all the benefits of four makeup items and all the fun of those four-color clicky pens. Click to your heart's content and travel with a lighter load. Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products.
Promising review: "I bought this to help make my travel makeup bag not so bulky. I really like how smooth every product is. The colors were nice and pigmented. I probably wouldn't use this on a daily basis but when I travel, it'll be really nice and compact in my suitcase!" —Kara E.
Get it from Alleyoop for $15 (available in three colorways).
35. A bunch of Sriracha packets to help make the bland airplane food taste sliiiiightly more edible. It may also come in handy for that dry turkey and stuffing coming your way. I won't tell if you won't.
Promising review: "I travel extensively and often desire to spice up the food along the way. Carrying a bottle of hot sauce is precarious, so I welcomed these individual packets, which are TSA-compliant and easily packed." —Randy Becker
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $9.99.
36. A leak-proof trash can, which will come in handy as you play taxi driver for your younger family members. Now, those Monster cans can be properly disposed of instead of, say — rolling around your trunk for three days. It attaches to the center console or headrest and can hold up to five 16-ounce bottles! It also has three additional storage pockets for non-trash items to help keep clutter to a minimum.
Promising review: "This fit PERFECTLY in my car and attached snugly to the back of my center console. It's easy to reach, yet not in the way for people in the backseat. The size is perfect — not too small or big. The plastic side pieces are ingenious and help it keep its shape, making it easy to put trash in it. My daughter and I attached ours to the back of our center consoles and my husband to his back seat. We're all very happy with the purchase! I'm so impressed with the quality and thought that went into this. If you're in the market, don't hesitate to buy this." —Deb H
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four colors).
37. Or a mini trash can that fits in the cup holder because you can't just leave wrappers all over the rental car like you do your own car.
Promising review: "It’s ridiculous how much I love these! The push part is on a spring, so it stays closed when you aren’t pushing it, and of course, it perfectly fits in the cup holder of our vehicles. Pro tip: a quart-sized Ziploc is the perfect size to add as a liner and fold over the top to keep the inside clean!" —Chaos Coordinator
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four colors).
38. A cocktail tin with everything you need (syrup, bitters, mixing tools, etc.) to make an amazing drink — just add an airplane bottle and you're basically an in-flight bartender. Consider this pre-gaming before you're thrown to the wolves (meeting the in-laws for the first time).
The kit makes three drinks.
Promising review: "Love these little kits. Makes for cute gifts, host gifts, camping, and travel. Just need to supply your own booze. All packed very well in a tin. Has bitters, sugar cubes (also in a little tin), muddler, stirrers, coaster, and instructions/recipe. Add your own liquor and cherry." —Precise Disarray
Get it from Amazon for $22.89 (available in more flavors here).
39. An LED neck reading light to illuminate your current vacation read without bothering the sleeping people around you, whether it's on a plane or in a crowded guest room.
It has three color settings and six brightness levels and can last on a single charge for up to 80 hours — almost enough time to read all of Stephen King's It!
Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with this light. I use it for reading in bed and when I travel. It's comfortable, has many different settings, is easy to use, and the battery stays charged for a long time. You can turn on either one or both sides of the light, and its flexibility allows the light to be adjusted easily. I highly recommend this light for reading in bed, for outdoor walking at night, and for doing close work that requires good lighting." —Jean G
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two widths and eight colors).
40. A pair of shoe covers for when you only have room for one pair of shoes and they are NOT rain boots. Now that it's the rainy season, it's definitely worth being prepared, especially if you only have one pair of sneakers.
Promising review: "This product was a life-saver!! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try this out in the rain, but it DEFINITELY protected my new white shoes when I went to a music festival where there was lots of dirt, rocks, sand, and other people nearby to step on my feet. As you can see [above], my shoes were perfectly preserved! I didn’t get any blisters or uncomfortable rubbing around my ankles, which was nice since I was wearing those for about 10 hours straight!" —Aly
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and seven colors).
41. A pair of lightweight and durable escape tracks you'll be really glad you got if you ever get stuck trying to leave your parents' house. Quicksand might not be the ever-looming threat you'd thought it would be, but snow trapping you with family members can be just as perilous.
The heavy-duty tracks are built to be indestructible (they can survive temps as low as 5 degrees F and as high as 212 degrees F) and work in sand, mud, and snow.
Promising review: "I got my truck stuck in some very deep snow last week (Montana, where there's enough snow in early November to get you stranded). Nothing was working to get me out and I had to abandon the truck for a few days to figure out my next move, which likely was to pay for a wrecker to come out and see what they could do. I wasn't looking forward to that, as I was about 60 miles from the nearest town, and there was really no way to get any type of tow truck in the area. First thing I did when I got home was to order a set of these.
Well, they worked. I dug out some of the snow/ice that kept the truck from moving, put these mats under the front tires and in all of about five seconds, I was out. No damage to the mats, no damage to the truck, and I'm sure I saved a ton of towing money by buying these. They will have a home in my truck from here on out." —Meir
Get them from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in four colors and four styles).
42. A shockingly cute hardshell suitcase that's lightweight, glides like an Olympic ice skater, has 360-degree spinning wheels, *and* boasts a TSA combination lock, making it perfect for all your upcoming trips. You're gonna need something agile to weave through the crowds!
Promising review: "So cute and well made! I bought this suitcase based on looks alone. It is just so adorable and a perfect carry-on size. I traveled with it for the first time last week and was very impressed with the quality and construction. I dragged it all over Manhattan, and the wheels worked like a dream. The zippers are also very hardy and the handle extension is very smooth. Everywhere I took it, I got compliments from strangers on the street. I will definitely consider buying more sizes from this brand." —Anne Lindeberg
Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in four sizes, three colors, and a set of two).
43. A portable misting fan in case your family lives somewhere that's unreasonably hot in the winter (ahem, Texas). This can fold 180 degrees to balance on flat surfaces, is rechargeable, has three speeds, can continuously spray for about 40 minutes (after fully filling with water), and has a clip to keep it in place. If you're coming from somewhere cold, this will save you from the shock of a 90-degree December morning.
Promising review: "I took this fan with me on my two weeklong vacation to Italy in the middle of August, and it literally saved my vacation. We had to stand in long lines outside in the heat and inside cathedrals with no air conditioning or cooling. We took tours riding on buses and trains, you name, and the battery life lasted most of the day. It was easy to charge with my little rechargeable battery pack in my backpack. It’s not heavy at all, and I love the way it tilts so that I can put it on the table in front of me on the train or at a cafe. It didn’t tip over easily like my friends’ fan did (not this one). I just love it!" —Tracy L. W.
Get it from Amazon for $17.59 (available in four colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.