These gifts are all great for the practical “only want things I can use” pilot, but I will also share some fun gifts as well.
Check out my gift guide for family travelers.
All coffee drinkers need a great coffee tumbler! We have one of these Contigo mugs and use it for all road trips. But pilots (and those that fly often) could really make some good use of these babies. I don’t like to purchase things that need replacing often. We have had ONE of these mugs for years and it’s still going strong. You can easily lock the lid so that it will not leak, even when turned over. Great for putting your Starbucks in before boarding the plane. It is insulated, so your cup of Joe stays warm until you are ready for it. Get your mug here!
If your pilot is a first officer they will get a lot of use out of a good flashlight. My husband has been using his Anker flash light for years. It is rechargeable, so he never has to carry batteries and only carries his charging cord. Even if your pilot does mostly day flying or has upgraded to captain, a great flashlight is still going to be a very appreciated part of their gear. This flashlight is very bright, lightweight and takes up minimal space in his bag.
If you have traveled much at all you have been a victim of the dying cell phone battery. Now, those who travel full-time for work just can’t be letting their phones die on the regular. A Battery pack for charging a phone and other devices is a must. We also like to take one when we go backpacking. Make sure when you get one it is lightweight, small, and has lots of good reviews. The particular power bank that we have isn’t available anymore, but I do love the Anker brand, so I would grab this one if I were in the market today.
The next item is one my husband purchased recently, a cockpit window sunshade. Not all of the planes he flies on has good sunshades, so he was able to snag this set. They fold up into a small pouch and weigh almost nothing, so they won’t be bulky in the bag.
My husband commuted for 12 years. His airport car was a reliable car, BUT dead batteries happen. Especially if you go weeks without starting it. He started using a solar trickle charger and never had another dead battery. A fantastic purchase when you think of the inconvenience of a dead battery at the end of a long day. With this charger you can plug it right into the cigarette lighter in the car.
A good roomy waterproof bag is essential!
A nice toiletry bag is a must for a full time traveler. When I was a flight attendant I had a hanging bag that was life. I used it at work and at home. A toiletry bag is a very useful tool for those that are living out of their suitcase! Make sure the one that you pick is waterproof in order to protect your clothing from any leaky toiletries! https://amzn.to/4129vVC
If your pilot comes home with stinky gym clothes or smelly socks you will appreciate that they have a dry bag for their dirty laundry to keep the rest of their clean clothes smelling fresh.
And now more fun, less practical gifts for the pilot on your list….
This Whisky decanter is beautiful and will look great on your pilot’s bar at home.
Of course a propeller is a great part of any pilot’s home decor.
Wall MapAs a lover of travel I am always checking out fun travel maps to add to our walls. I love the wooden look to this one.
Share this list with your friends that have a pilot in their family. Sometimes they are tough to buy for. And, if you have anything to add to the list I would love to hear from you.
