Taking a cross-country road trip is an unforgettable adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and plenty of memories. But long drives can also come with hours of downtime, so having a thoughtfully curated goodie bag can make all the difference! Whether you’re gifting it to a friend who’s hitting the road or preparing one for yourself, here are 7 incredibly useful ideas for a cross-country road trip gift bag.

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1. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks!

Long stretches of highway often mean limited food options, so including a selection of tasty, healthy snacks is a must. Snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and snack-sized portions of pretzels can be a great idea to include in any cross-country gift bag.

Energy bars like Bobo's Oat Bars, Clif Bars, or Fig Bars are also great snack ideas, as they're convenient, tasty, and provide a quick boost during long drives.

The truth is no road trip is complete without snacks, so including a variety of healthy snacks AND favorite treats is our top tip for putting together an awesome road trip goodie bag.

Tip: Choose individually packaged snacks to make them easy to grab and enjoy on the go!

2. Polaroid Camera

A Polaroid camera is a fun way to make instant memories on your road trip! There’s something special about snapping a photo and having a tangible print in your hand seconds later. It’s a great way to document the journey and create a physical keepsake of all the fun stops and stunning scenery along your route.

This is one of my favorite gift ideas for road trippers and it makes the perfect addition to any cross-country road trip gift bag. Consider a classic Polaroid camera like the Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera, which is compact and user-friendly. Or, for a more retro touch and larger prints, check out the Polaroid Now.

Bonus: Include a pack of extra film so they can capture even more road trip memories.

3. Extra Long Phone Charger

An extra-long phone charger is a game-changer for anyone on a cross-country road trip. Traditional chargers often fall short (literally), leaving you stuck close to the front seat and car charger port. An extra-long charger provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to use your device comfortably… even from the backseat of the car.

Here are two examples of extra-long chargers to consider including in a cross-country road trip gift bag:

• Anker Powerline+ III Extra-Long Charger (10 ft): This charger combines durability with an extra-long reach. At 10 feet, it gives you the freedom to move around while your device charges, plus the braided nylon design ensures it can withstand lots of bending and pulling, making it perfect for road warriors who need reliability on the go.

• Native Union Night Cable (10 ft): This charging cable also stretches to 10 feet, but its weighted knot design sets it apart. The knot can anchor the cable to keep it from slipping off car seats, making it easy to grab and use without fumbling around.

Bonus: Pair extra-long phone chargers with this car power inverter to keep phones—plus laptops and e-tablets—powered up on the go.

4. Easy Slip-On Shoes for Rest Stops

When you're making quick stops on a road trip, the last thing you want is to deal with laces. Easy slip-on shoes are perfect for hopping out of the car for rest breaks, gas station visits, or short walks to stretch your legs. Comfortable and convenient, they’ll keep your feet cozy while on the move and ready for whatever breaks you need.

Consider something like the Teva Re-Ember Slip on Shoes, an eco-friendly shoe with a collapsible heel for easy wear and a lightweight, durable design that’s perfect for quick on and off use.

Tip: Look for durable, breathable options with non-slip soles to keep things comfortable and safe.

5. Audible Gift Card or Spotify Subscription

Snacks are one form of entertainment during long road trips… Audiobooks and playlists are another!

Help your roadtripper keep boredom at bay with a Spotify Music or Audible Audiobook Subscription. (Audiobooks are personally one of our favorite ways to pass the time on the road. Check out our top audiobook suggestions here.)

Bonus: If you’re creating a Spotify playlist as part of a cross-country road trip gift bag, consider including a mix of upbeat tracks for morning drives and mellow tunes for evening cruising.

6. Soap Sheets

Soap sheets are super helpful for travelers who want to stay fresh on the road while driving through remote areas. They’re compact, easy to pack, and perfect for situations where soap isn’t always available, such as rest areas and campgrounds. Just add water, and they’ll lather up like regular soap, making them ideal for quick hand washes.

Bonus: A travel-sized hand sanitizer and a pack of wet wipes can also make it easier to stay clean and refreshed on the go. Windex, or glass wipes, are also super helpful for exterior window cleanliness and good visibility when driving. All of these are incredibly useful road trip gift bag ideas!

7. GPS or Garmin Watch

Parents and loved ones might love including a GPS device or Garmin watch with text messaging capabilities in a road trip goodie bag because these devices help maintain connectivity even in areas with limited cell service.

For example, the Garmin INREACH® Messenger offers texting in no-service areas by utilizing satellite communication technology, providing a reliable means of communication even in remote locations. This gift bag idea is especially useful for longer cross-country road trips.

Happy gifting!

A well-thought-out road trip gift bag can turn a long drive into a fun, comfortable, and safe adventure. Whether you’re packing one for yourself or gifting it to a friend, these goodie bag ideas offer a mix of practicality and enjoyment that will make any cross-country journey more memorable.

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Bonus: Looking for a cute bag for your road trip goodie basket? Check out this one on Etsy!

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