Since pilots risk their lives daily, they should be showered with lavish gifts on special occasions. However, what do you get a pilot for a gift? They most likely have everything they need.
Explore our collection of gifts and novelties that delight any aviator. We have something for everyone on your list, from thoughtful tokens of appreciation to whimsical items of amusement.
Sections
Gifts Under $50
1. If They Truly Hate Mess
Lewis N. Clark Document Organizer
You can not go wrong with this durable document organizer by Lewis N. Clark if you are looking for gifts for pilots. It is crazy how many legal requirements need to be met for EVERY SINGLE FLIGHT. So, pilots must always have with them a lot of important documents, cards, plans, checklists, maps, and other valuables.
2. Most Fun Gift Idea
ThisWear Flying License Plate Frame
This personalized license plate holder is an excellent choice if you want to give a pilot a funny gift. Your friend or family member can use this frame to personalize their license plates if they are a commercial pilot, own a private plane, or are pilots in the Air Force, Navy, or Army.
3. If They Like Aircraft Collectibles
YKLWORLD Airplane Night Light 3D Illusion
One of the most extraordinary aviation-themed gifts you can buy online is this 3D holographic acrylic plate with a clear airplane pattern. This clear LED lamp lights up in the shape of an airplane to give the room a cool, futuristic look. The best part is that your pilot friend or family member can change the lamp’s colors to make it their own.
4. For The Avid Aviation Fan
Flight: The Complete History of Aviation
If you’re looking for gifts to buy your favorite pilots, consider getting them some aviation-related books. Flight: A Complete History of Aviation by DK Smithsonian is a fascinating history of powered flight from the Wright brothers to the British Concorde and beyond. This book has beautiful pictures, interesting facts, and heartwarming stories that make reading fun and educational.
5. If They’re Obsessed With New Specs
SUNGAIT Polarized Sunglasses
Pilots, aircrews, and ground crews need as much eye protection as possible because they spend a lot of time working on airfields and flying at high altitudes, where they are exposed to intense UV rays. The frames are made of a durable metal alloy that is lightweight and comfortable at the same time.
6. For The Note-writing Pilot
Tactical Pen
If you know a pilot who prefers to write things down instead of keeping a list on his phone, a tactical pen is the perfect gift for flight planning or avi. This tactical pen is small and light, so pilots can easily attach it to their uniforms for easy access. The pen is made of strong, lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum and has an EDC flashlight built for emergencies.
7. For the Newly-Graduated Pilot
FlyBoys Reversible Kneeboard
If your friend is getting ready for his first flight or just got his license, he will need a kneeboard as one of the first things he needs. The kneeboard is made of solid polymer materials and has elastic leg straps that can be adjusted. It has a lot of pouches and pockets on each side so the pilot can store things they need while flying.
8. A Fun Gift for a Pilot Friend
Aviation-Themed Premium Crew Socks
These aviation-themed socks are funny and valuable gifts for pilots who like to show their love of flying through what they wear. With their bright colors and pictures of flying, these socks spice up the plain, sensible uniforms of commercial pilots and aviation workers.
9. Keep Them Caffeinated
Best Pilot Ever Travel Mug
Whether your pilot prefers coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, keep them happy with this straightforward travel mug. The easy-to-grab handle allows for a secure grip on the flight deck or in the car. Thick, double-walled stainless steel keeps your drink hot or cold for hours.
10. If They Can’t Stand Drain Batt
Anker Portable Charger
No matter how prepared you are, your batteries will eventually run out. Make sure the pilot in your life is not worried about it. Place the Anker PowerCore Portable Charger in their flight bag. This lightweight charger weighs less than a pound, making it ideal for travel.
11. A Must-Have For Any Pilot
PEGAI Personalized Passport Cover
A pilot who travels the world needs a safe place to keep their passport and vaccination cards. Pegai leather products are handcrafted by artisan leather workers. It is also essential to have a passport holder with RFID-blocking materials so that scammers can not scan the contents of the billfold.
12. For Your Retired Pilot Grandad
Bullet Shell Casings Air Force Jet
This badass military plane is the perfect gift to honor your grandfather, who retired as a pilot. Made from actual bullet casings, this is a must-have for any aviator or member of the armed forces. This pilot gift is one to be proud of.
Gifts Under $100
1. If They’re into Tech Stuff
Rugged Air RA200
The Rugged Air RA200 is an excellent gift for new pilots and people who like to fly as a hobby. In addition to a 50mm audio performance that is crystal clear, the headset has noise-cancellation technology. This makes it easy for flight instructors and ground control to talk to each other in a way that keeps everyone safe while flying.
2. Out of this World Gift
Whiskey Decanter Globe
If you know someone who loves to fly, this globe decanter and glasses are a fantastic gift! They’ll enjoy displaying this stunning decanter on their home bar or mantle while sipping their favorite liquor from the globe-shaped glasses. The decanter will remind them of all the unique places they have visited and things they have accomplished in their career.
3. Best Pilot Tool Kits for All Pilots
Pilot Tool Kit
Strangely, pilot-specific toolkits like this did not exist until fairly recently. Pilots had to improvise with parts from more extensive toolkits they brought from home or the repair bays to get the job done. Cruz Tools has loaded this kit with valuable extras, such as a hex set and thirty feet of aviation wire.
4. For The Ipad Users
Apple Smart Folio
Most pilots today carry and use iPads regularly. It is not like they have time to waste on a cheap Hello Kitty faux leather iPad case while their equipment has to last year after year. As a token of appreciation, consider purchasing one of these leather iPad cases.
5. If They Want to Take Flight in Content Creation
MyPilotPro Swivel Mount for GoPro
Every pilot wishes for better flight videos. Pilots are probably too busy to set up video cameras, and the cockpit is another wrong spot to film. Where is the best place? Outdoors. MyPilotPro mounts a GoPro to a plane’s tie-down ring. The mount has neoprene washers to reduce camera vibration.
6. For Pilots Who Want a Compact Flight bag
Lift XL Flight Bag
This Flight Outfitters flight bag with the FLYING brand is an excellent gift for a pilot who needs a small new bag. This bag has many features, like a pocket for a water bottle or a backup radio, a pocket for a fuel tester, and two outside chart pockets, so you will have plenty of space. Flight Outfitters has a variety of styles to fit any pilot’s needs.
7. For the Executive Who Enjoys Flying
Custom U.S. Aeronautical Chart Cufflinks
These handmade 24K gold airplane cufflinks are the perfect choice for professional pilots and executives who want to dress up their professional attire. The cufflinks are available in white or yellow gold and are also presented in a gift box.
8. For Aspiring Aviator-Home-Bartender
Godinger Airplane Bar Tools Set
This sleek, nickel-plated airplane bar set would make a great gift for your pilot. It has everything you need, like a strainer, jigger, bottle opener, and a knife for garnishing. It would look great in any home bar or hangar. Get them the matching airplane shaker to make a great set of gifts.
Gifts Under $500
1. For Pilot With a Fancy Look
Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Anyone, not just pilots, can benefit from a quality pair of sunglasses. And vintage Ray-Bans in the classic aviator style are sure to be a hit with any aviation enthusiast. Spend your money wisely and give this Ray-Ban to your favorite pilot.
2. For Pilots Who Enjoy Playing Poker
DA VINCI Monte Carlo Poker Club Set of 500
Who deserves to have more fun than hardworking pilots? This poker chip set is exactly what a pilot needs to have a good time with close friends and family. Instead of worrying about turbulence, they will be concerned with determining who is bluffing in their poker game. What a fantastic collection of pilot gifts!
3. Best Relaxing Presents for Airline Pilots
Aviator Custom Draper Whiskey Decanter Box Set
Pilots will feel loved and appreciated when they get a gift as excellent as this whiskey box set. The fact that their name is on everything in this set makes it a great and very personal gift. Pilots work hard and long hours, so this glassware makes it easy for them to relax when they are off duty.
4. For the Bookworm In Your Life
Kindle Paperwhite
A Kindle Paperwhite is the best way to catch up on reading while away from home. Pilots can use Paperwhite to read books or listen to audiobooks when they have free time. The screen does not have glare, so you can read it almost anywhere, even in bright sunlight.
5. For Soon-to-Be-Flying Pilots
Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System
This next item is a high-end present for aspiring pilots: a flight simulator that can help them get a feel for the job. The Flight Yoke System is an essential piece of equipment for any serious flight simulator pilot, regardless of whether they fly commercial or private aircraft.
6. Must-Have For Stylish Aviator
Landing Leathers Flight Bomber Jacket
Pilots and aviation enthusiasts who travel the world for work often encounter harsh weather conditions, making this flight bomber jacket the ideal choice. This jacket is made to the United States Air Force A-2 pattern’s specifications and has a genuine leather exterior. It finishes with elasticated, ribbed cuffs and hems to help trap heat.
7. If They Are Avid Video-Shooters
GoPro HERO9
Aside from the adrenaline and excitement of flying, the best parts of a pilot’s job are the fantastic views. That is why the GoPro Hero 8 is one of the best gifts for pilots. Even when you zoom in all the way, the camera can take videos with a resolution of up to 5K.
8. For the Pilot Who Carries Everything
Lightspeed Aviation The Markham Leather Flight Bag
The size of this flight bag makes it useful for any pilot, even on days when you are not flying. It has plenty of pockets and storage space for your headsets, flight logbooks, radios, and other items. Lightspeed Aviation’s durable and beautiful flight bag will keep you organized.
9. For Professional Pilot in Your life
Garmin D2™ Air X10 Aviator Smartwatch
If a professional pilot needs anything, it is accurate timekeeping. A pilot must keep track of many things in a single day, from strict arrival and departure times to early morning alarms. This smart, efficiently designed pilot’s watch includes pre-flight weather updates, directions to nearby airports, and essential runway information.
10. If They Can’t Afford To Get Lost
Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro
It is not the Elf on the Shelf, and it is not a helper for Santa Claus; it is the Bad Elf GPS, the go-to handheld navigational aid for pilots and others who can not afford to get lost. You can simultaneously connect up to five iOS devices to the Bad Elf for simultaneous data sharing.
