Updated January 25, 2023

Looking for inspiration for gifts for travellers? If so, shop Etsy travel products for some unique finds. Etsy is so well organized, online shopping is actually a pleasant experience. Even window shopping is enjoyable. Although, with so many creative sellers producing unique products, don’t be surprised to have something in your shopping cart before you’re done.

What is Etsy?

A key feature separating Etsy from other online marketplaces is that the vast majority of sellers create their own unique products. Merchandise is handmade or digitally created by talented entrepreneurs. Sellers create products for buyers who value human ingenuity and craftsmanship, and are looking for something different.

Why shop Etsy travel products?

• It’s a way to support the ‘little guy.’ It could be a parent working from home while juggling family responsibilities. It might be a young person unable to find a job. It may be someone whose geographical location makes it difficult to join the workforce. It could be a worker supplementing a meagre income.
• Sellers determine the value of their work. They establish their hours and working conditions. They organize and build their businesses on their own terms.
• Many are dedicated to sustainability and using environmentally safe products. Choosing Etsy merchandise over mass-produced products from offshore factories is a greener way to spend consumer currency.
• Etsy’s filters allow a customer to find sellers close to home. This reduces shipping costs, and the environmental impact associated with transportation over longer distances. Plus, there are many sellers who pledge to use eco-friendly shipping supplies.  
• Many sellers offer custom-made options. These might include different dimensions, an extra pocket, or supplying your own fabric.
• Etsy’s Purchase Protection Program guarantees that buyers receive a full refund for purchases that don’t match the item description, arrive damaged, or never arrive.

Etsy is easy to use

• Register by setting up an account with your name, gender, email address, password, and username.
• Set your currency preference.
• The user interface is simple, yet informative. The search engine expands your search criteria as you type. For example, type “travel” and a host of possibilities help narrow your search (e.g., travel accessories, travel mug, travel wallet).
• When browsing, set filters such as country-specific storefronts or colours of products.
• Each item for sale has photographs, detailed descriptions, reviews, shipping policies, and payment methods. I particularly like knowing exactly what it will cost to ship, rather than waiting until checkout. So many times at other sites, I’ve invested time inserting all my details only to discover the shipping costs are a deal breaker.
• A very handy “ask a question” button facilitates direct contact with the seller. A “Note to Seller” box allows the buyer to insert specific requests concerning modifications or shipping.
• A confirmation email is received within seconds. Another email arrives once the seller has shipped the order.
• Each of my purchases has been shipped promptly, and I’ve been very satisfied with the service.
• My purchases are conveniently listed in my purchase history in the event I’d like to reorder an item.
• My package invariably includes a hand-written note, uniquely wrapped item, or some other evidence of a personalized connection with the seller.

Shop Etsy travel products

For ideas on what’s available, here is a description of some of my Etsy travel purchases.

1. Scarves with pockets

My earlier purchases were infinity scarves with hidden pockets. The one in the photograph is from RubysDaughter1977. Each has a pocket that’s spacious enough to carry a passport. Scarves with pockets are triple-duty accessories. They provide warmth, dress up an outfit, and protect valuables. An infinity scarf wrapped twice around the neck offers greater security for valuables than a rectangular scarf.

2. Bracelet wallet

I love my bracelet wallet from HelgaRachinskaya. It’s light, classy, and functional, and dresses up an outfit beautifully. The pocket sits on the back of the wrist so it’s mostly hidden from sight. When it’s not, it blends perfectly into the design. The pocket accommodates a credit card, hotel room card key, and emergency money. It’s ideal for many situations when I don’t want to carry a purse.

3. Wearable travel pouch

Most packable stuffable backpacks lack internal organization. That’s when it’s handy to have a few packing organizers to contain, compress, and organize your stuff. My wearable travel pouch from KapomCrafts can be packed with individual items such as a small notepad, pen, business cards, cash, ear buds, chapstick, or flashlight. It can be worn under a jacket to keep a passport, IDs, and money safe while travelling.

4. Reusable snack bags

Reusable snack and sandwich bags help reduce the size of a traveller’s environmental footprint. They can be used for food or to carry out rubbish such as wrappers or food scraps while hiking. They’re lined and clean easily. Teebags2010 offers a variety of bags, wraps, and bowl covers in a range of patterns.

5. Packing pouches

Pouches with hardware such as plastic D-rings allow me to tether them to attachment points within a bag or pocket. Tracy McNeil from Teebags2010 made these pouches to accommodate a slim RFID wallet and an iPhone. A wide selection of fabrics posted online made it easy to place a custom order.

6. Travel pillowcase

I’m yet to find a travel pillow that’s worth the space (and weight) it consumes when I’m not flying. And I’m reluctant to use airline pillows and blankets of questionable cleanliness. An empty pillowcase stuffed with an airline pillow, merino sweater, or other clothing works for me while on the move. It comes in handy while staying in accommodation without bedding or acceptable pillows and pillowcases. My beautiful lightweight “All those who wander aren’t lost” pillowcase is from the Etsy seller ellebeetree.

7. Reusable panty liners

Panty liners are useful for long travel days, to absorb perspiration during exercise, or after an accident from laughing hysterically or a delay in finding a washroom. My reusable panty liners from LilyPadsShop are soft, durable, and comfortable to wear.

8. Soap bar pouches

After experiencing the wonders of the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case, I went looking for a smaller pouch to carry shampoo and conditioner bars. For my review of the Matador Flatpak Soap Bar Case, see A Matador Flatpak Soap Bar Case Review for Travellers. 

PUL (polyurethane laminate) is a breathable, waterproof fabric designed for hospital use as it can withstand hot washes and is durable enough to last through many uses. Unsurprisingly, it gained popularity as a protective waterproof layer in cloth diapers, and travellers have discovered it for keeping wetness contained in a travel bag. Wet bags made of PUL are useful for storing dirty clothes, wet swimwear, cloth diapers, reusable menstrual pads, and solid soap and shampoo bars. Mine are made entirely of PUL fabric from EcoAdorable. They keep wet bars contained, bars dry during storage, and unlike solid sap bar cases, the wet bags decrease in size as the bars become smaller with use. For my 

Looking for further inspiration?

Here are several travel products that caught my eye while window shopping. These are not recommendations, as I haven’t personally used any of them. They’re described to demonstrate the range of unique travel products available from Etsy sellers.

9. Camera strap

A camera strap has a pocket to store a lens cap or memory card. Choose from a selection of designs, or personalize your purchase with a custom order.

10. Pocket notebook

A pocket notebook is handy for recording information on the move. There are times when it’s inconvenient to reach for a Smartphone, or hand your phone to someone else for this purpose.

11. Travel savings bank

Saving for travel can be a challenge. Might a travel savings bank provide the motivation to get started and the satisfaction of watching a travel fund grow? Here’s a downloadable label to attach to a container of your choice.

 

If you’re in the market for unique travel products, for yourself or those on your gift list, shop Etsy travel products.

 

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. Have you shopped at Etsy for travel products? Please show and tell, in the comments. If you uncover any other travel-related gems at Etsy, please share. Thank you.

 

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