The Holiday Gift Guide For All Your Loved Ones

Holiday gift shopping is fun, but can be a little challenging at times. Trying to find that perfect something for your loved ones might feel overwhelming. There’s so much to choose from nowadays—how do you know if what you get them is something they’ll not only like but actually use?

From parents to partners and BFFs to siblings, we’re here to help make things a little easier for you this year. For finding those practically perfect presents, we’ve curated our holiday gift guide replete with packs, backpacks, and more for every special person in your life. Because what’s more useful than a top-quality, fashionable backpack that goes with their personal style, but also lets them get from A to B with everything they need?

Let’s dive into our favorite packs and backpacks. Who knows: You might even find some self-gifting moments here, too.

Gifts for the Practical Person in Your Life 

No matter whether you’re searching for a loved one young or old, you really can’t go wrong with a Right Pack backpack as a practical yet stylish gift. A classic for good reason—check out that signature suede bottom—this is a style that’s been going strong for years. But it’s been upgraded with a side water bottle pocket and padded laptop sleeve for even easier carrying. Aside from being everything you need for effortless packing, this backpack also comes in a huge array of colors and prints, from punk pansies blue to mushroom melancholy brown. So, whether your loved one is excited by bold colors or subtle prints, there’s a style for everyone on your list.

And since we’re talking about the practical loved one, they’ll likely appreciate going hands-free from time to time. The Washington Waistpack is ready to help them do just that, taking things back to the ’80s and ’90s with a retro feel. The main body of this fanny pack is made from 100% recycled nylon 420 Denier with recycled nylon ripstop inset. Along with a main compartment, there are two outside pockets that carry all the small stuff. It’s perfect for that practical person who needs everything on hand, but hands unoccupied. 

Gifts for the Modern Adventurer

For those who love to be off traveling more than being at home, the Venture Pack System is all they’ll ever need—and then some. Forget the power of one, this pack is a double whammy. It combines the Venture Day Pack and the larger Venture Pack, giving much more room and major travel perks. There are attachment buckles and just-right sizing for a flight's overhead and under-seat spaces, and the system is designed with tons of space, plus pockets for a laptop and water. Plus, the two packs can be attached and detached as needed, making this the most versatile pack system ever.

On the other end of the scale is the Mini Skip Pack, a retro wonder. The original '67 JanSport Tahoma design is the inspiration, taking the wearer back in time as they venture forth into the unknown. There’s a collapsable water pocket and an accessory pouch, plus a top-load cinch closure. And don’t forget the secondary side zippered access to the main compartment, padded and adjustable shoulder straps, and a fully padded back panel for long-wear comfort. 

Gifts for the Eco-Conscious

A perfect gift for any eco-conscious loved ones, The Lounge Pack is a green machine. The main body fabric is made from 100% recycled 600 denier polyester, and there’s a 100% recycled polyester 200D liner inside. But it’s also a practical bag, too, with a deep, front flow, drawcord pocket that makes easy access a cinch.

The Basic Accessory Pouch might be a nice, well, accessory to the Lounge Pack. Its main body fabric is also 100% recycled 600 denier polyester, and it has a great webbing zipper pull that makes for easy opening. It’s just the thing for the small essentials like makeup, pens, pencils, and even small notebooks.

Gifts for the Always-Active 

If you know someone who is always on the go, consider the Swing Waistpack as the perfect gift. It’s stylish, functional, and can stash all of your essentials without looking bulky. This small pack features two internal/external zippered pockets, and it attaches to the waist with an adjustable belt. It comes in four great, varied colors so it will suit just about anybody in your life who’s on the go. You can style it so many different ways—around the waist, cross-body, or over one shoulder. What’s not to love? It really makes the going get easier.

Or for a backpack that becomes a roller bag (and vice versa), there’s the handy Driver 8 Backpack. Versatile with tuckable straps plus wheels, this backpack features a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, side water bottle pocket, and front organizer pocket. It has two main compartments for a ton of space and organization potential. Plus, there are skid rails on the bottom, so your stuff will never be in danger, no matter how much it's used.

Gifts for Traveling Light 

Forget bulky, heavy packs and take things a little lighter and freer with a Highlands Mini Backpack. Still surprisingly spacious and easy to carry, this mini pack is the perfect alternative to a purse—it is the ultimate throw-on-and-go pack. It comes in so many cute colorways, which is perfect because just one bag is never enough. The bag has a top flap opening with a drawstring closure for even more utility. 

Or maybe the Right Pack Mini is what your loved one needs in their lives. Really, it’s so adorable, and like its parent bag that we mentioned earlier, it also has a suede bottom with suede zipper pulls. It has not one, but three super-convenient pockets for secure storage, all in one mini package for traveling with exactly what you need. Best of all, it comes in a ton of colors for maximum personalization.

Gifts For the Foodie

Your food-loving friend or family member likely experiments with recipes. Or they want to try something new every day. Or maybe they’ve cracked the meal-prep code. In any case, they probably need a separate bag to carry their unique lunch, right? Consider the Super Snack, making brown paper bags unnecessary since its inception. It has an insulated, BPA-free main compartment and an easy-access front compartment that’s perfect for utensils or small condiments. It has a padded, adjustable shoulder strap for bringing it anywhere it needs to go and a haul handle for moving it all about. Plus, it comes in some super cute styles.

Gifts for Your Artsy Family and Friends

The artist in your life needs somewhere to put all their tools. JanSport’s ArtLifting Collection features artists impacted by disability and housing insecurity. There’s a series by Sylvia Burnstein, who uses art as a means to express herself. And there’s one by MJ Cooper, who dealt with her meningitis by turning pain into art. Finally, Mia Brown’s abstract paintings are characterized by dynamic color combinations and varying textures, each alluding to the experimentation Mia allows in her process.

Gifts for the Outdoors Types

Got any friends or family members who love the great outdoors? Then this is the section for them. Ideal for any outdoor adventure, the Hatchet Pack has it all—especially pockets on pockets on pockets. Think multiple zipped organizers and a padded sleeve to protect your tech. If your loved one is going to spend long periods of time out exploring, they’ll need a backpack that’s unashamedly into organization and totally comfortable overdoing it. It has not one, but two side water bottle pockets, so dehydration will be a distant memory. Plus, the U-shaped opening makes for easy packing and quick access to all your stuff.

Gifts for Every Member of the Family

Need gifts for specific members of your family? We’ve got you covered. Here, you can find the perfect gifts whether Grandma needs a new fanny pack for trips to the store, your cousin coyly mentioned wanting a new backpack for college, your brother could stand to actually put his lunch in a real bag once in a while, or your sister finally got tickets for that music festival she’s been raving about.

For the Grandma on the Go

Give your nana a helping hand by freeing up her hands with a fanny pack. Whether she’s going to the supermarket or taking an exercise class in the park, the Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack will let her carry all her essentials while keeping her hands free. The bag has an easy-to-use main compartment and front zipper for wallet storage, plus an adjustable waist belt so it’s never sitting too snug. In 22 bright colors and patterns, this bag will definitely keep grandma looking stylish no matter the occasion. 

For the Cousin Who Travels for School

We don’t blame you if the sheer beauty of the Hatchet Backpack takes your breath away—the color choices alone are enough to impress the pickiest college-aged cousin, even if organization isn’t their thing. Modern and functional, this spacious backpack has a padded laptop sleeve, deluxe organizer panel, internal zippered mesh pocket, and dual side water bottle pockets. The adjustable chest strap provides extra support while your cuz loads it up with textbooks, and the U-shape opening makes it easy to access anything they might need quickly. Plus the Hatchet is made of recycled fabric, so you can feel good about making this purchase. Give your cousin the gift of a fresh, organized start in the new year. 

For the Brother Who Needs the Most Help Getting Organized

Remember we mentioned your bro finally putting away his lunch instead of carrying it with him in a paper bag? The Lunch Break simple front zipper gives even the most reluctant-to-be-organized person that little nudge in the right direction. Plus, the insulated inside is easy to clean with a wipe-down interior, so you know he’ll be grateful to no longer use a flimsy paper bag. Actually getting him to make that lunch? Well, that’s another story entirely.

For the Stylish Sister Who Loves to Accessories 

Whether your sis is embracing ’90s fashion or just wants something light and compact to take to concerts, the tiny-yet-stylish Half Pint Mini Backpack should be right up her alley. This itty bitty bag comes in 23 bold colors and patterns, ranging from psychedelic Power to the Flower to standout Surreal Shine Gold. While it has a smaller profile, this mini pack still has plenty of space for essentials between its roomy main compartment and smaller front pocket, as well as an additional slip pocket on the outside. Adjustable webbed straps make sure she’s comfortable, even if she’s on her feet all day at a festival.

For the Dad Who’s Also a Huge Foodie

How can the gastronomy connoisseur in your life truly express himself without being able to carry his impressive lunch in style? Dad could be the envy of everyone in the office with the spacious Big Break Lunch Bag, which comes in five colors, from basic Black to out-of-this-world Cyberspace Galaxy. From an insulated main compartment that keeps items hot or cold to an external zippered pocket for utensils, napkins, or other small items, this is the perfect gift for dads who take lunch seriously. 

For the Uncle Who’s a World Traveler

The retro-chic Seattle Pack will look just as at home on the Eurail as the trail, so pick up this bold bag for the uncle who’s always seeking out adventures. The main zippered compartment offers extra-large capacity for all the gear he needs for a weekend away, and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve with a separate tablet section promises he won’t have to leave any electronics at home. Dual large water bottle pockets, an upper pocket organizer, and a separate accessory pocket offer plenty of storage options, while the luggage pass-through makes it easy to balance this backpack on top of a rolling suitcase. The reinforced, padded bottom ensures that this bag can handle all of your uncle’s future adventures.

For the Mom Who Doesn’t Need Another Tote Bag

Good thing the Everyday Large Tote isn’t just another tote bag. This spacious shoulder bag can hold everything from electronics in the padded, plush-lined laptop sleeve to water bottles in the dual expandable side pockets. An internal zippered stash pocket and spacious front pocket keep valuables separated and sunglasses and keys handy, and the padded bottom is reinforced so your mom can load it up with her work stuff, groceries, or any other bulky things she needs to carry around. She can sport this bag in classic shades like Black or Party Plum, but your mom can really make a statement with the leopard-inspired Animal Illusion print.

For the Aunt Who Wants to Stash Her Crochet Supplies

The Perfect Pouch offers plenty of options for the crafty aunt. This versatile bag has three dedicated pockets to keep loose items organized and a webbed wrist strap for easy carrying. It’s spacious enough to keep anything from knitting supplies to coloring pencils organized and at arm’s reach. Offered in 13 colors and patterns, this bag has a cheerful design to fit any aunt’s style.

For the Grandpa Who’s Handy

If your grandpop is always looking for something to tinker with, he’ll love working on a new project with the DIY Repair Kit. The perfect companion to a family of bags, this kit will let him easily patch and mend any worn or damaged bags with self-adhesive iron-on patches and a paper template to create custom shapes.

Gifts that Work for Just About Anyone 

If you’re looking for a more universal gift that everyone on your list will find practical, you can’t go wrong with the Move Sling. Designed to keep all of your essentials in one place but not too far away, it features a roomy main zippered compartment, internal mesh pocket, and a zippered vertical front pocket. And you don’t have to just wear it one way: It has an adjustable shoulder strap with left/right wearing options.