Carry-On Friendly Gifting for £20 (and Under)
04 December, 2025
Because your suitcase is already full enough.
Holiday travel means juggling luggage, checking weight limits, and trying not to get side-eyed at security. That’s why I’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite under-£20 picks from the ETC collection - each small, light, and perfect for slipping into a carry-on or weekend bag. Ideal for Christmas visits, surprise gifts, or just a little treat to yourself without overpacking.
On our airport security tray: 1. Tinned Goods Playing Cards 2. Mad for Plaid Crew Socks 3. Mini Claw in Stripes 4. Juno Claw in Lime + Cream Plaid 5. Cat Mill Bag Charm

What makes these gifts perfect for jetsetters:
Lightweight & Compact - none of these gifts add significant weight or bulk to your luggage. Unless you buy a lot of them (which we would be totally fine with).
Carry-on Friendly - no glassware, oversized items, or liquids, which means easy security checks and no risk of breakage.
Universal Appeal - practical enough for everyday use (soap, socks, keychain), but thoughtful and stylish enough to feel like a real gift.
Budget-Conscious - all under £20, so you can buy a few without worrying about going over budget. Perfect for Secret Santa, family visits, or group gift swaps.
Last-Minute Lifesavers - they’re easy to slip in at the last minute when you realise you forgot a gift or want something small and meaningful.
Here's what we've got (lovingly) stuffed in our suitcase between phone chargers and Christmas jumpers:
1. Speckled Round Cork Coasters Set
A set of flat little coasters that pack neatly and make a surprisingly thoughtful home-loving present. Ideal for someone whose new flat you’re visiting over the holidays, or for friends who love small touches of design. Easy to slide into a tote or coat pocket for the journey.
2. Farfalle Keyring
Small, funky, and utterly un-bulky. This cheeky pasta keychain adds instant personality to keys or bags. It’s the kind of gift you give someone when you arrive at their door - and it won’t hog any precious suitcase real estate. For big pasta lovers, pair it with the Farfalle Hair Claw.
3. Cornflake, Marmalade + Dark Chocolate Bar
A delightfully cheeky foodie gift that delivers big flavour in a suitcase-friendly size. This dark chocolate bar slips effortlessly into a weekend bag, making it perfect as a stocking filler, a last-minute hostess gift, or a little treat for yourself on the journey home. Because it's really delicious.
4. Avocado Soap Bar
(Don't eat this one!) Travel-size, toiletry-friendly, and universally useful. A soap bar like this is perfect if you want to give something nice but practical. It's plastic-free and there's no issues with liquid restrictions, so it's a win win in our books.
5. Juno Hair Claw
A small-but-mighty accessory that slips easily into any bag, these colourful acetate claws are perfect for on-the-go hair styling without the bulk. They're lightweight, endlessly useful, and stylish enough to feel like a considered gift. Ideal for travellers who like to look put-together the second they step off the train or plane.
6. Bouclé Plaid Crew Socks
These aren’t the socks you get from Grandma, (unless your Grandma is really chic). These are the socks you pick when you want comfort and style, without bulk. The bouclé texture and subtle plaid pattern make them feel like a tiny luxury for your feet, and they’re light enough to slip into any suitcase or carry-on. Perfect for cosy winter nights, lazy mornings, or as a cheeky, comfy gift for someone who deserves better than boring socks.
6. Tinned Goods Playing Cards
A clever little gift for anyone who loves a game night - these playing cards come in a sweet “tinned goods” tin, making them easy to slip into luggage or a carry-on. Compact, lightweight and travel-ready, they’re perfect for holiday trips, family visits, or downtime on the sofa. A playful, quirky little gift that’s both practical and fun.
7. Wrap Tea Tea Towel
Replace that old, stained Ikea tea towel with style. With minimal patterns or cute, illustrative designs to choose from, it’s the kind of little kitchen upgrade that feels thoughtful without being fussy. Light, flat, and easy to pack, it’s perfect for gifting to someone who loves thoughtful home touches - and it seconds as a protector for any fragile bits in your luggage.
Consider this your permission - and maybe a gentle nudge - to treat friends, family, or yourself to something small, stylish, and easy to travel with. Check out our full Gifts for £20 and Under collection for more great ideas.



