From luggage tags to lounge passes, here are nine luxury Christmas gift ideas that make First Class travel feel even smoother. These are items I use myself — tried, tested, and worth the space in your carry-on.

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1. Aspinal of London Leather Luggage Tags

There’s something reassuring about spotting your suitcase instantly on the carousel. We use Aspinal’s red leather tags, embossed with initials, which elevate an otherwise standard black Samsonite. They look good when porters are lining up luggage at a luxury hotel and make sure your bag never blends in with the crowd. A timeless travel accessory that makes a thoughtful luxury travel gift. (They often have them on Black Friday deals so keep an eye out!)

2. Apple AirTags (with Leather Covers)

Indispensable. I keep an AirTag in every suitcase, and the first thing I do after passport control is check the Find My app to see if my bags have landed with me. It’s peace of mind that’s worth its weight in gold. You can leave them loose inside, but pairing them with a leather case (Aspinal, Hermès, or Apple’s own) adds polish and durability. One of the best tech gifts for travellers this Christmas. Buy them in packs from Amazon, Apple or your preferred electronics retailer.

3. Holafly eSIM Travel Pass

Most roaming plans cover the usual business hubs, but gaps appear in places like the Maldives. Resorts have Wi-Fi, but the airport and seaplane transfers are another story. That’s when I switch on a Holafly eSIM for two or three days. It was also invaluable on a cruise around Japan, where backing up travel photos quickly exceeded my roaming allowance. The eSIM gave me the data I needed without the eye-watering charges that follow — a perfect stocking filler for digital nomads and frequent flyers. NB there are other travel e-sim providers out there but I haven’t tested them. You can also look at Airalo or Saily.

Jamie holding his mobile phone up to demonstrate an esim — Have 'Sim will travel

4. Louis Vuitton Wearable Wallet/ ‘Man Bag’

As a male traveller, I’ve found the “man bag” an underrated luxury. My Louis Vuitton Steamer Wearable Wallet keeps my phone, passport, and battery pack in one place — without bulging my jacket pockets. Whilst it still feels odd using this in the UK, it fits in perfoectly acrodss Europe or further abroad. My particular ‘man bag’ doesn’t have a cross body strap, which would be helpful, althouhg other makes and brands do. This one tucks nicely under the arm or can safely dangle if you are taking pictures. A standout designer travel gift for someone who loves to travel in style which can also be personalised.

Jamie’s well travelled ‘man bag’ at the Chevre D’Or

5. Cashmere Cardigan

Airports and cabins shift from icy to stifling in minutes. A cashmere cardigan is the perfect balance: warm without bulk, soft without losing shape after hours in a carry-on. A step up from a scruffy hoody, mine has travelled everywhere from Tokyo to the Côte d’Azur, always looking presentable enough for a hotel check-in yet comfortable enough for a long flight. A soft luxury travel essential for those who value comfort on the move.

6. Handheld Travel Steamer

Even the finest hotels can’t guarantee a properly pressed shirt. A compact travel steamer (like the Steamery handheld) ensures jackets and linen trousers look sharp straight from the suitcase. For me, it’s as much a staple as a wash bag — a small device that makes a big difference. A must-have travel gadget for the well-prepared traveller.

7. AirPods Pro (or Max)

Noise-cancelling headphones are still non-negotiable. AirPods Pro offer discreet, in-ear comfort while AirPods Max bring fuller sound and style. Either way, they turn a noisy terminal into your own space. A refined travel tech gift that every traveller will appreciate. My Airpods Pro, complete with Rolling Stones airpods cover (well what’s left of it) has seen many many miles and great service. The larger Airpods Max sound incredible and sit atop my Christmas list this year.

An Apple Airpods cover is partially covered by a Rolling Stones 'tongue' airpod cover next to a book about George Harrison — Airpods and a good book - two travel essentials

8. Airport Lounge Membership

One of the best gifts you can give: calm before take-off. A Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge membership, or airline upgrade voucher transforms even a short layover into something close to First Class. Priority Pass offer gift membership options, making this an excellent gift that frequent travellers will actually use. Some of these lounge access memberships will also work for the Eurostar Lounges for London and Paris.

The Beautiful Eurostar Lounge at Gare Du Nord — The new Eurostar Lounge at Paris Gare du Nord

9. Travel Tech Organiser

Luxury doesn’t have to mean chaos. A leather or waxed canvas tech pouch (Smythson, Carl Friedrik) keeps cables, chargers, and adaptors neatly in place. It’s one of those Christmas presents for the organised traveller that makes life smoother on the road. Amazon have some fairly priced options or you could always go for something fancier, but less practical.

Happiness is a well organised tech bag for travel!

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9 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Luxury Traveller