If you’re looking for affordable, thoughtful stocking stuffers for cruise lovers this holiday season, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best cruise-friendly gifts—all under $20—that will make any cruise enthusiast smile. These are fun and practical items that will make their next sea adventure even more enjoyable. Let’s dive into this list of perfect holiday gifts for your favorite cruise lover!
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1. Compact Travel-Sized Toiletries Are Great Stocking Stuffers!
Travel-sized toiletries make fantastic stocking stuffers for cruisers. They’re practical, affordable, and perfectly sized for both cruise cabins and TSA requirements. Some must-haves include:
- Sunscreen, sunscreen sticks, and lipbalm: Essential for protecting against the strong sun on the open sea.
- Hand sanitizers: A must-have for travel hygiene.
- Seasickness relief pills: Handy for first-time cruisers.
These compact items are easy to pack and use without taking up much space, making them ideal for any traveler. See on Amazon:
- Travel size liquids bottles: https://amzn.to/4fiuZlh
- Travel size spray bottles: https://amzn.to/4hDsKdX
- Leak Locks: Make sure your liquids don’t leak in your bag: https://amzn.to/40B8fZr
2. Reusable Luggage Tags for Cruisers are useful stocking stuffers
Reusable, durable luggage tags are a lifesaver for cruisegoers, especially with the hustle and bustle of boarding. Cruise-themed luggage tags are made of waterproof materials and come in fun designs.
Why They’re Useful:
With so many bags on board, identifying luggage quickly is essential. Durable tags reduce the risk of lost luggage and add a touch of style with nautical designs.
See on Amazon:
- Personalized luggage tags: https://amzn.to/3UCVR7c or https://amzn.to/3YvZNYB or https://amzn.to/3NX93Qw
- Carnival Cruise Luggage Tag holders https://amzn.to/4fqXPjL
- Princess Cruise Luggage Tag holders https://amzn.to/3NPWPJL
- NCL Cruise Luggage Tags: https://amzn.to/4ed21Sz ~
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tags: https://amzn.to/4fuAAVt
- Celebrity Cruise Luggage Tags: https://amzn.to/4hqFeFE
- MSC Cruise Luggage Tags: https://amzn.to/3CcXmTs
3. Mini Power Banks
A mini power bank is the perfect gift to keep travelers’ devices charged, especially during excursions. These small, lightweight chargers fit easily into a pocket or bag, ensuring phones and cameras are always ready for photos and calls.
Benefits of Mini Power Banks as stocking stuffers:
- Compact and portable: Fits in a pocket or small purse.
- Essential for day trips: Great for keeping phones charged during long shore excursions.
For under $20, you’ll find power banks with enough juice for a full charge, which is ideal for travelers.
See on Amazon:
4. Personalized Cruise Keycard Holders
Cruise lines issue keycards for cabin access and onboard purchases, so a dedicated keycard holder or lanyard is a must-have. Look for personalized or cruise-themed holders that let passengers carry their cards hands-free.
Fun and Functional:
A keycard holder ensures their card is always accessible, whether at the bar or pool. Some lanyards even have small wallets to hold cash or an ID, making them versatile and stylish.
See on Amazon:
5. Anti-theft crossbody Bags or Pouches
Safety is essential, especially on shore excursions, so anti-theft pouches or crossbody bags are perfect gifts. These small, lightweight bags often have zippered pockets and are made from slash-resistant material for added security.
Perfect for Day Trips:
Cruisers will feel more secure exploring new destinations, knowing their belongings are safely stored. These bags keep essentials like a phone, money, and passports close to the body, ideal for peace of mind on unfamiliar shores.
Find on Amazon:
6. Waterproof Phone Pouches
A waterproof phone pouch is a simple but essential gift for anyone planning to spend time near water. Whether at the pool, on the beach, or on a snorkeling trip, a waterproof pouch will keep phones safe from water damage.
Affordable Protection:
These pouches not only protect against water but also sand and dust, making them perfect for beach and pool days. They come in different sizes to fit most phones, and many have a clear front that allows for underwater photos!
Shop Amazon:
- Beach Towel Clips:https://amzn.to/40szsxj or Towel Bands:https://amzn.to/3Arwz5f Keep towels from blowing away.
- Waterproof Phone pouch: https://amzn.to/3YVpFig
protect their phone from splashes and spills.
7. Seasickness Relief Bands or Patches
Cruise lovers may occasionally experience seasickness, and relief bands or patches make thoughtful and useful stocking stuffers. These lightweight, affordable options are easy to pack and can provide all-day comfort.
Non-Drowsy Relief:
Unlike some medications, bands and patches often work without causing drowsiness, making them ideal for a day of activities onboard or at sea.
Check them out on Amazon:
Wrist bands https://amzn.to/48LQPLM
Patches https://amzn.to/3O2V4ZI
Meclizine: https://amzn.to/3YE4zmV
8. Reusable Straws
For eco-conscious cruisers, reusable straws are a great choice. Ships are increasingly moving away from single-use plastics, so a reusable straw aligns with both cruise line policies and environmental efforts.
Cruise-Friendly Materials:
Look for silicone or stainless steel straws that come in compact cases or collapsible options. This thoughtful gift allows cruisers to enjoy drinks onboard while reducing waste. Many people are not fans of the candy straws that are served onboard.
Shop Amazon:
- Reusable Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/48CkbMr
- Reusable straws: https://amzn.to/4hsiJ3n Stay hydrated and eco-friendly
9. Compact Travel Games
Compact travel games are a fun and inexpensive way to keep entertained for downtime onboard or in the cabin. Look for small, cruise-friendly games like cards, pocket puzzles, or magnetic games. These are especially fun activities to do during long days at sea.
Ideal for Relaxing:
These games are small enough to fit in a carry-on bag and perfect for sharing with travel companions, making for memorable game nights on the deck or in the lounge.
Search for your favorite game in a travel-friendly size on Amazon:
10. Packable Sun Hats or Visors
Stylish sun protection is essential for a cruise, and foldable hats or visors make great, packable gifts. They’re lightweight, compact, and stylish, protecting the wearer from the sun during excursions or while lounging by the pool.
Cruise-Friendly Options:
Wide-brimmed hats that fold or roll up are particularly convenient for packing, saving space in suitcases while still providing necessary sun protection.
Pro Cruiser tip: opt for a hat with a strap so that it doesn’t blow away!
Find your favorite hat on Amazon:
Stylish Sunglasses https://amzn.to/3NVkrNa
Hat:https://amzn.to/3UGASR1 Essential for sun protection.
11. Reusable Water Bottles with Filtration
Staying hydrated is crucial, and a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is a practical addition to any cruiser’s gear. These bottles help ensure clean, filtered water, especially during shore excursions.
Benefits:
Look for BPA-free bottles that are compact and easy to refill. They’re ideal for staying refreshed and eco-friendly, reducing single-use plastic waste.
Pro Cruiser tip: Many ports are getting away from plastic. They may provide water on a shore excursion, but you need to bring a bottle to refill with.
Find your favorite water bottle on Amazon:
12. Portable Travel Laundry
Keeping dirty laundry separate from clean clothes on a cruise is simple with a lightweight, foldable travel laundry bag or basket. These items are easy to carry and make post-cruise laundry much easier.
Pro cruiser tip: Bring a few clothespins. Use one of the clothespins to attach a laundry sheet to your basket to help avoid odors form smelly dirty laundry.
Organizational Benefits:
A laundry bag helps keep the cabin organized and is especially useful for longer cruises. It folds down to almost nothing, saving suitcase space.
Find your travel laundry needs on Amazon:
Laundry Bag: https://amzn.to/3Z16rrv
Pop-up Hamper: https://amzn.to/3O0O7Z5
- Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent: Freshen up your clothes between washes, perfect for longer trips. Link to Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent
- Wrinkle Release Spray: Look your best on vacation with this quick and easy wrinkle remover. Link to Wrinkle Release Spray
- Fabric Refresher: Keep your clothes smelling fresh, even after days of wear. Link to Fabric Refresher
13. Travel Journal or Cruise Diary
A travel journal or diary lets cruise lovers record their experiences, sights, and memories. Many come with cruise-specific prompts and are small enough to slip into a carry-on.
Capture Memories:
Encouraging journaling creates a lasting record of their journey, making it a heartfelt and personal gift for anyone who loves to travel.
Shop journaling on Amazon:
Travel Journal: https://amzn.to/3UK79GK
Travel Planner: https://amzn.to/3ULX38n
Travel Document Organizer: https://amzn.to/3NYkGqH
14. Travel Document organizer or folder
A travel document organizer is a lifesaver for any frequent traveler. It’s a dedicated holder for all your essential travel documents, keeping them organized and secure.
Here’s why a travel document organizer is so useful:
- Organization: It keeps your passport, boarding passes, visas, and other important documents neatly organized in one place.
- Security: Many organizers have RFID-blocking technology to protect your sensitive information from electronic pickpocketing.
- Quick Access: Easily find what you need when you need it, whether it’s at airport security or customs.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your important documents are safe and secure can reduce travel stress.
By using a travel document organizer, you can streamline your travel experience and enjoy a more hassle-free journey.
15. Collapsible Travel Mugs
For coffee or tea lovers, a collapsible travel mug is the perfect gift. Many cruise lines offer complimentary coffee or tea, so a travel mug allows them to take a warm drink wherever they go onboard.
Compact Design:
These mugs fold down to save space in luggage, and most are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Grab yours on Amazon:
Collapsable Cup
16. Insulated Wine Tumbler
An insulated wine tumbler is a fun and practical stocking stuffer for cruise lovers who enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail on deck. These tumblers keep drinks chilled even in warm climates and are perfect for sipping by the pool or watching a sunset from the balcony.
Benefits of an Insulated Tumbler:
- Keeps Drinks at the Perfect Temperature: The double-walled insulation keeps wine or other beverages cool for hours.
- Spill-Proof Lid: Many come with a secure lid, preventing spills while onboard or during excursions.
Pro Cruiser tip: If bringing wine, don’t forget the wine opener, and if traveling to the port by air, pack in your checked luggage.
Get your wine supplies on Amazon:
Wine tumbler: https://amzn.to/4hEwLPo
Wine Opener: https://amzn.to/3CoB4hK
Reusuabel wine packing sleeves: https://amzn.to/48PxFED
17. Cruise-Themed Socks
Cruise-themed socks add a whimsical touch to any cruise lover’s wardrobe. From nautical patterns to designs featuring anchors or ships, these fun and cozy socks are a delightful gift that can be worn while relaxing in the cabin or strolling on deck.
Why They’re a Great Gift:
- Comfort and Style: Keeps feet warm on chilly nights and adds a bit of cruise-themed flair.
- Lightweight and Packable: Easy to pack for any trip and doesn’t take up much space.
It’s a small, simple gift that can add a little comfort and fun to a cruiser’s outfit.
Find your mate on Amazon:
Cruise Socks: https://amzn.to/3YGLwsb
Cruise ties: https://amzn.to/3YKduTU
Cruise Tie Clip: https://amzn.to/48Gyq2S
18. Foldable Travel Hairbrush
A foldable travel hairbrush is a compact, practical gift perfect for anyone on the go, and especially useful for cruisers who want to keep their hair neat after windy days at sea. These brushes often come with a mirror and are small enough to tuck into a pocket or bag.
Compact and Convenient:
- Dual Function: Many travel hairbrushes include a built-in mirror, perfect for quick touch-ups.
- Space-Saving: Foldable design keeps it compact and lightweight.
It’s a thoughtful and inexpensive addition to any travel kit, perfect for cruises or any trip. Find yours on Amazon:
Mini Hair Brush: https://amzn.to/3YZM79C
Lighted travel makeup mirror: https://amzn.to/4eqeaDP
19. Sunburn Relief Gel or Aloe Vera Travel Pack
Sunburn relief gel or a small travel pack of aloe vera gel is an excellent stocking stuffer for cruise lovers who plan on spending time under the sun. These compact gels soothe sunburned skin, a common issue when spending extended periods outside on a ship or beach.
Why It’s Essential:
- Cooling and Soothing: Provides relief after a day in the sun, helping to cool and heal the skin.
- Travel-Sized: Easy to carry and store in a bag or cabin bathroom, without taking up much space.
It’s a thoughtful and caring gift for anyone spending time outdoors on a cruise.
Find yours on Amazon:
Reef Safe Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3YFDgc2
Lip Balm with SPF: https://amzn.to/3Yz60Ty
Face Sun Block Stick: https://amzn.to/4hRrunM
Cool Down Lotion: https://amzn.to/4hDIJIZ
Aloe Vera for sun burn relief: https://amzn.to/3YEAEeA
Bug Repellant: https://amzn.to/4fgjIlB
20. Magnetic Hooks for Cabin Organization
Many cruise cabins have limited storage space, so magnetic hooks are a perfect stocking stuffer to help cruisers stay organized. These strong magnets stick to the metal walls in cruise cabins, offering extra spots to hang hats, towels, or jackets.
Benefits of Magnetic Hooks:
- Maximizes Space: Provides extra storage in small cabins.
- Easy to Use and Remove**: No installation is needed; just attach to any metal surface.
These are practical, affordable, and incredibly useful for keeping a cruise cabin tidy. Find them on Amazon:
Fifty-pound magnetic hooks: https://amzn.to/3O2VEXe
Cruise door magnets for decorating: https://amzn.to/3UJhItW
21. Refillable Travel Perfume Atomizer
A refillable perfume atomizer allows cruisers to bring their favorite fragrance without packing bulky glass bottles. These atomizers are compact, affordable, and typically hold enough perfume for a week-long cruise.
Why It’s a Great Gift:
- Travel-Friendly: Small enough to fit in a purse or pocket, and refillable with any fragrance.
- Prevents Overpacking: Allows cruisers to carry just the amount of perfume they need.
- Perfect for freshening up on formal nights or special dinners on board, this is a sophisticated gift for a cruise lover
Grab yours on Amazon:
Mini perfume Atomizer: https://amzn.to/3UK80aq
Mini sample size perfumes: https://amzn.to/4enCaHu
22. Cruise-themed keychains
A cruise-themed keychain is a fun, inexpensive way to remind someone of their love for the sea. With designs like ship anchors, palm trees, or mini cruise ships, these keychains are both practical and adorable.
Fun and Functional:
- Useful Souvenir: Great for keeping keys organized or adding to luggage.
- Affordable and Customizable: Look for cruise-related designs or even personalized options.
It’s a small but thoughtful gift that makes for a nice memento of their favorite way to travel.
Find yours on Amazon:
Cruise Duck themed: https://amzn.to/3YWCqcg
Mermaid themed: https://amzn.to/4fIdw5L
Medalion holder: https://amzn.to/3YYLHk8
23. Waterproof Dry Bags
A small, waterproof dry bag is a handy gift for keeping valuables safe on water excursions. Whether for a beach day or a snorkeling trip, these bags protect phones, wallets, and other essentials from water and sand.
Why They’re Great for Cruisers:
- Perfect for Water Excursions: Keeps essentials dry while swimming or snorkeling.
- Lightweight and Packable: Many dry bags are compact and fold up easily when not in use.
For less than $20, these bags offer peace of mind and are incredibly useful for any cruiser. Find yours on Amazon:
Dry bags in assorted sizes: https://amzn.to/40EH0wP
Waterproof fanny pack: https://amzn.to/40GEQNy
Bags for carrying wet items like swim suits: https://amzn.to/4fXALJh
Quick dry travel towel: https://amzn.to/3YGNV6b
Beach towel Clips: https://amzn.to/3UJiLKk
Beach towel bands: https://amzn.to/3Cuso9f
24. Travel Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook
A travel toiletry bag with a hanging hook is a practical gift that makes organizing toiletries easy, especially in the limited space of a cruise bathroom. Look for ones that have multiple compartments for items like toothbrushes, shampoos, and makeup.
Benefits for Cruisers:
- Convenient Storage: Keeps toiletries organized and accessible.
- Space-Saving: Hang on a hook or towel rack to save counter space.
This thoughtful gift is useful for both the cruise cabin and shore excursions, providing a neat and organized way to carry essentials.
Many found on Amazon:
Hanging toiletry bag: https://amzn.to/48J83cz
TSA-approved toiletry bags: https://amzn.to/3CkjPOt
Travel-sized liquid and cremes containers: https://amzn.to/3UIWTP6
Toiltery skins to keep any liquid bottle from leaking: https://amzn.to/3UEkD6T
25. Pocket-Size First Aid Kit
A small, pocket-size first aid kit is a thoughtful and practical stocking stuffer for any traveler. These kits often include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and other basic items to handle minor mishaps.
Handy for Any Trip
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to pack in any bag for quick access.
- Basic Essentials: Covers small scrapes, cuts, or blisters that can happen during excursions.
This tiny first aid kit offers peace of mind and ensures they’re prepared for small emergencies. Buy one premade or learn how to make your own Travel Emergency Kit in this guide.
Find yours on Amazon:
Pocket first aid kit: https://amzn.to/48FdHwn
Empty Folding first aid kit: https://amzn.to/3UHLy1G
Travel sewing kit: https://amzn.to/4hIRCks
26. Compact Binoculars
A mini pair of binoculars is a fun and unique gift for cruise lovers who want to get a closer look at the scenery or spot dolphins and seabirds. Compact and lightweight, they’re easy to bring along on excursions or to use from the balcony.
Benefits for Sightseeing:
- Enhances Sightseeing: Perfect for nature lovers and those interested in sea life.
- Portable and Budget-Friendly: Affordable options are available for under $20.
For a cruise lover, these binoculars add an exciting dimension to their travel experience.
Find yours on Amazon:
Travel binoculars: https://amzn.to/3YYbJDV
Travel Monocular: https://amzn.to/4fi6e8J
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Conclusion to best stocking stuffers for cruisers
Finding the perfect stocking stuffers for cruise lovers doesn’t have to be a challenge. From practical items like travel toiletry bags and reusable water bottles to fun gifts like cruise-themed keychains and compact binoculars, there’s something for everyone on this list—all under $20. These thoughtful gifts add comfort, convenience, and a touch of fun to any cruise experience, ensuring that each item will be appreciated on their next adventure. Next, check out our Christmas gift guide for the new cruiser in your life: under $100 Or How to take Elf On the Shelf Cruising
Cruise Gift Stocking Stuffers FAQs
1. What are some practical cruise stocking stuffers under $20?
Practical options include compact power banks, travel toiletry bags, and reusable water bottles, all useful during cruises
2. Are there stocking stuffers to help with seasickness?
Yes! Seasickness relief bands, patches, and ginger candies are great affordable options for those prone to motion sickness.
3. What are some good cruise gifts for outdoor excursions?
Waterproof dry bags, portable power banks, and insulated tumblers are all excellent for excursions.
4. Can I find eco-friendly cruise gifts for under $20?
Absolutely! Reusable straws, collapsible travel mugs, and filtered water bottles are all eco-friendly and cruise-friendly
5. What are some unique stocking stuffers for cruise enthusiasts?
Unique ideas include compact binoculars, cruise-themed socks, and waterproof playing cards—fun and useful for any cruise trip.