Navigate the skies of gift-giving with our aviation-themed holiday guide crafted for pilots and AvGeeks.
An American Airlines employee dressed as Santa prepares to wing walk a Snowball Express flight from Washington-Reagan (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
Are you having a tough time shopping for the aviation enthusiast in your life? Pilots and AvGeeks are a unique breed of individuals who are fascinated by all things aircraft and aviation. Their passion for planes often makes them hard to shop for, as they seek unique items that reflect their deep interest in the skies. Thankfully, we have you covered with this perfectly curated list of practical, as well as unique holiday gift ideas. From vintage airplane models to advanced flight simulators, our guide features a wide array of options sure to delight any pilot and AvGeek.
MotoArt PlaneTags are collectible aviation tags made from the skin of retired aircraft. They are a unique way to own a piece of aviation history, offering not just a tangible connection to the skies but also a conversation starter. Each PlaneTag is upcycled from retired airplanes, giving them a second life as mementos, as well as AvGeek, aviation enthusiast, or pilot gifts. PlaneTags can serve as keychains, luggage accessories, or flight bag swag.
Price: $19.95 and up
The Midwest Model Store specializes in high-quality die-cast model airplanes, making it an ideal destination for aviation enthusiasts who appreciate detailed replicas of their favorite aircraft. They offer a diverse range of models, including commercial airliners that captivate AvGeeks with their precision and accuracy, military jets like the agile F-16 Fighting Falcon, and vintage aircraft such as the legendary P-51 Mustang. Customers consistently praise the store for its competitive prices, while their prompt and efficient shipping ensures that orders arrive swiftly for the holiday season.
Price: $45.99 and up
A sizable collection of airplane models on display at Volaris’ Mexico City headquarters (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Justin Sinanan)
Aeroswag offers a variety of fun aviation-themed products, including phone cases, coffee mugs, coasters, bookends, neckties, socks, tumblers, and more. Their collection provides an excellent opportunity for AvGeeks to display their passion for aviation in their everyday lives. Aeroswag even allows customers to turn their gift recipient’s favorite airport into customized products like T-shirts, hats, and towels, adding an individualized touch that is sure to be appreciated.
Price: $4 and up
The DogHouse Systems Flying Edition turn-key flight sim rig is the perfect gift for tech-savvy AvGeeks, offering an innovative and immersive experience that elevates virtual flying to new heights. This comprehensive system comes fully equipped with the latest technology to ensure exceptional performance with popular software like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 12. To enhance realism and enjoyment, consider incorporating accessories from reputable companies like Logitech G, Thrustmaster, and RealSimGear, which can transform this setup into the ultimate flight simulator.
Price: Starting at $3,695
The Airplane Globe Whiskey Decanter is a unique and stylish gift for aviation enthusiasts and whiskey lovers. It features a globe-shaped decanter with an intricate, hand-blown airplane inside, and comes with four glasses. The set is made from lead-free glass and has a handcrafted oak wooden base. It can hold up to 1000ml of your gift recipient’s favorite liquor.
Price: $190
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ Membership is an all-inclusive subscription that unlocks Sporty’s complete library of award-winning video courses. One thing all pilots know is that learning never ends in the aviation industry. This membership offers an incredible resource for pilots, both novice and experienced, to enhance their skills continually and stay up to date with the latest developments in aviation. With over $1,500 worth of online training, including over twenty diverse courses and more than 70 hours of engaging video content, the subscription ensures comprehensive coverage of fundamental and advanced topics.
Price: Annual subscription ($399); monthly subscription ($60)
The Bose A30 aviation headset is a top-of-the-line aviation headset designed for pilots. It offers high-quality performance every pilot appreciates, including active noise cancellation, audio clarity, comfort, durability, and versatility. Designed with high-quality materials, the Bose A30 ensures not just superior audio capabilities but also resilience and long-lasting performance, making it a smart investment for aviation professionals who demand nothing but the best.
Price: $1,299
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro is a high-end aviator smartwatch designed specifically for pilots. This premium gadget features a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, up to 25 days of battery life, and a built-in LED flashlight. Pilots will appreciate the holistic suite of aeronautical tools this watch offers. For their life outside of flying, the watch includes 30-plus sports apps, 24/7 health monitoring, and advanced sleep monitoring, making it an essential multi-tool in any pilot’s arsenal whether they are in the cockpit or on the ground.
Price: $1,399.99
A subscription to FLYING Magazine is a fantastic gift and resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Each issue is a little collectible, with its high-quality paper, striking visuals, airplane-themed cover, and engaging content. It is the most widely read aviation publication in the world and covers a wide range of topics, including aircraft selection, safety, maintenance, technology, training, and gear reviews.
Price (per year): Digital Only ($29.95); Print & Digital ($45); The Ultimate Bundle $149.99
The ASA Crew Trip Bag is a briefcase-style flight bag meticulously designed to meet the needs of professional pilots, ensuring both functionality and style. It is made from high-quality, weather-resistant ballistic material and features a ripstop nylon interior. The bag includes a large main compartment, multiple inner and outer pockets, and padded electronics pouches capable of holding devices up to thirteen inches in size. Its robust design is specifically engineered to withstand the rigors of frequent travel, and it offers a clean, professional look that aligns perfectly with the polished image expected in the aviation industry.
Price: $199.95
The Leather MA-1 Jacket by Flight Outfitters is a classic and iconic piece of aviation apparel, originally designed for military pilots. It is made from genuine cowhide leather for durability and comfort and features a classic MA-1 cut with a storm flap behind the zipper to block out the cold. This jacket’s heritage dates to the 1950s and continues to be a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike. Whether your gift recipient is an AvGeek looking to celebrate their passion or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted jacket, the Leather MA-1 is a commendable choice that marries history with contemporary utility.
Price: $299.95
Costa’s Rincon Sunglasses are a popular choice for aviation and outdoor enthusiasts, combining style with function to meet the demands of high-altitude flight. The polarized lenses provide excellent glare reduction, while the 100% UV protection helps shield the eyes from harmful rays. Additionally, the durable, scratch-resistant design ensures the sunglasses can withstand the rigors of aviation use, making them a long-lasting companion for pilots and AvGeeks alike.
Price: $280
The Dual Color LED Flashlight is an excellent, practical gift for pilots. This flashlight has both white and red LEDs, controlled by separate switches. The white light is great for routine use, while the red light is perfect for preserving night vision, a crucial feature during night flights or in low-light cockpit situations. The flashlight is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it rugged and durable. This easy-to-use flashlight operates on three AAA batteries, providing a runtime of up to 1.25 hours, which is sufficient for extended flights.
Price: $49.95
This handcrafted Classic Wooden Propeller with Brass Edging is not only a captivating decorative piece but also an artifact that embodies the essence of early aviation engineering. Painstakingly carved from rich mahogany, its craftsmanship speaks to the era of pioneering flight, when wooden propellers first graced the skies. The brass edging adds both aesthetic appeal and historical authenticity. Spanning an impressive six feet in length, this replica commands attention in any room. Aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike will appreciate its heritage and artistry, making it an ideal gift for those who hold a passion for the golden age of aviation.
Price: $199.99
The Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle is a great choice for pilots who must stay hydrated on the go. The water bottle’s double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and iced for 4 days. Made from recycled 18/8 stainless steel, it is lightweight, durable, and BPA-free. The leakproof, angled lid allows for quick and easy pouring, drinking, and cleaning. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle combines practicality with style, catering to the individual preferences of aviation professionals.
Price: Starting at $30 (16 Oz)
Sporty’s Flight Gear Smart Charging Kit is designed to keep your gift recipient’s aviation electronics charged and organized in-flight. The 20,000mAh battery with multiple ports ensures they have plenty of power for all their devices. The kit includes a USB-A to Lightning cable for iPhones and iPads, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for devices like the iPad Pro 11-inch and Garmin Aera 760. This charging kit is the perfect gift for keeping cockpit electronics powered up and organized, offering peace of mind to any pilot or aviation enthusiast who relies on their devices during flight operations.
Price: $99.95
The Travelpro 22” Expandable Rollaboard Flight Crew 5 is a highly durable and versatile piece of luggage designed specifically for flight crews. Made from high-density 1682d ballistic nylon fabric with a water, stain, and abrasion-resistant Duraguard coating, this bag is built to last. Despite its robust construction, the carry-on bag weighs just under ten pounds, making it lightweight for its size. Whether navigating busy terminals or enduring long-haul international flights, the Travelpro Rollaboard is the dependable companion that flight crews depend on.
Price: $199.95
The Apple AirPods 4 are the latest entry-level wireless earbuds from Apple. Their active noise cancellation feature helps pilots to drown out the ambient noise during long commutes or flights, while the comfortable fit ensures they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. The AirPods’ extended battery life and seamless integration with Apple devices make them a convenient and practical choice for busy aviators.
Price: $179
The Pilot Wings Leather Wallet and Passport Holder Set is a stylish and practical gift for aviation enthusiasts. The wallet is made from genuine leather and is debossed with the Pilot Wings shield. It includes four credit card slots, two currency compartments, a leather ramp pass insert with two see-through compartments, and a detachable six-slot photo holder. The passport holder is also made from genuine leather and is debossed with the Pilot Wings logo. It includes six additional holders for debit/credit cards, IDs, and an additional slot for currency. This beautifully coordinated set not only caters to the organizational needs of a frequent traveler but also reflects their passion for aviation in the most sophisticated manner.
Price: $69.99
The iPad Cooling Kneeboard/Mountable Case is a thoughtful and functional gift that any pilot would appreciate. The case is designed for iPad Pro 11 GEN 1 / 2024 Air 11″ / Air Gen 4/5 and is lightweight, can be powered by the iPad or a USB-C cable, and contains advanced CPU cooling technology. The case can be used either as a mountable case or kneeboard and is compatible with all MYGOFLIGHT Mounts and ArmorGlas.
Price: $329
As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect aviation gifts can be a daunting task, especially for AvGeeks with such a unique passion. Our curated gift guide seeks to cater to the distinctive tastes and needs of every pilot and AvGeek, ensuring your gift is both thoughtful and well-received.
Each item has been carefully chosen for its high quality, uniqueness, and the joy it can bring to your aviation enthusiast. Skip the long store lines and secure the ideal aviation gifts for your loved one today by making your purchase online before it is too late.
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