21 Fun and Stylish Gifts for Pilots, Aviators and Airplane Lovers
What has 2 wings but is not a bird, a nose but is not a person, and a tail but is not a dog?
Unless you’re an airplane fanatic, you may have had a tricky time with that question. It’s an airplane, of course!
We all have that one friend (or two, or three) who is obsessed with the aviation industry. If that’s the case, you may be at a loss when it comes to gift ideas for your pilot and airplane enthusiast friends—especially with the holidays just around the corner.
While you probably can’t give the gift of an actual airplane, you can certainly cater to their interests by giving them a personalized gift. We’re covering gift inspiration, and today we’re tackling gifts for all the pilots, aviators, and airplane enthusiasts out there! From comfy shirts to passport covers and everything in between, here are 21 fun gift ideas to give to your pilots and aviation-loving friends.
Men’s Airplane Socks
With these fun, decorative socks, anyone will be prepared to take their shoes off at the airport security line. It’s the “happy medium” of socks—these are subtle enough so they can be worn for business occasions, but they’ve got their own charm to take an outfit from bland to “wow!”
Where to buy? Amazon
PopLife Jet Airplane Pop Up Card
Who said your gift had to be handheld? Some people just love getting gift cards—and that’s okay! You can still add a special touch to your monetary gift by pairing it with this pilot-themed card.
Where to buy? Amazon
Airplane Beer Bottle Opener
You can never have too many beer bottle openers! Give the gift that keeps giving (and opening) with this airplane bottle opener. It comes in a classy bronze color and is packaged with the phrase, “Our adventure begins!” It’s also a great gift to give out as a wedding party favor.
Where to buy? Amazon
Men's Boeing 747 Airplane Necktie
When was the last time you saw someone wearing an airplane-themed necktie? This gift screams unique with a capital U, so it’s a great go-to for your friends who like to stand out in the crowd.
Where to buy? Amazon
Boeing 747 Airplane T-Shirt for Men or Women
Here’s a comfy way to show your friends and family members that you care. This airplane t-shirt comes in 5 different colors and 7 different sizes. It’s lightweight and comes in a design that works for any body type. With this gift, you can lounge around in the house or show it off at the airport on your next journey!
Where to buy? NJ3 Family Designs
Airplane Weather Station
The next time someone needs to check the time, try this out. This display comes with a clock, hygrometer, and thermometer. It’s a thoughtful gift for any of your friends who like to feel like they’re in the pilot seat. Not to mention, it can be mounted on the wall or it can sit at your desk.
Where to buy? Amazon
Sterling Silver Airplane Necklace
Not everyone has to love planes in order to love this gift. The airplane is often associated with travel and exciting journeys, so you can gift this necklace to anyone you know that is into the wanderlust movement. It lays daintily around the neck and has a minimalist design, so it’s a great fit for anyone!
Where to buy? Etsy
Jet Power Coffee Mug
Wake up, smell the coffee, and get inspired with this coffee mug. Sipping out of a travel mug is a reminder that you’re going places—whether that be to the office or out of the country!
Where to buy? Society6
Airplane Jet Engine Cufflinks
Are you stumped on a gift idea for your shy friend? Some people are less in-your-face about their interests and they like to keep things to themselves. If that sounds like an aviation-lover you know, give them a quality pair of cufflinks. These are subtle enough, and they allow custom engraving if you want to take it to the next level.
Where to buy? Etsy
Wright Brothers First Flight Canvas Print
Did someone say decorations? A home’s decorations say a lot about a person and their interests, so if you’ve noticed your pilot friend doesn’t have any aviation-inspired decorations around the house, this might be just the gift to give. This canvas comes in black and white and is frameless, so it can go with just about any type of interior decorations.
Where to buy? Society6
Personalized Aviator Shades Notepad
Everyone needs to jot down notes or start to-do lists every now and then, but in the digital world, we’re so accustomed to using our phones to do so. Take it back to the good ole’ days with a personalized notepad designed with aviator shades. You can even personalize the notepad with the gift recipient’s name for an extra special touch.
Where to buy? Etsy
Aviator Bookmark
The aviator bookmark is perfect for pilots and aviation enthusiasts who love reading about planes, planes, and more planes. Aviation jokes aside, this bookmark puts a huge stop to dog-earing and wrinkling pages. It’s made out of leather and comes with an aviation-themed charm of your choice.
Where to buy? Etsy
“Still Playing with Airplanes” T-Shirt
A lot of people joke around that kids stop playing with airplanes when they’re little, but that’s far from the truth. There are tons of airplane lovers that never grow tired of the aviation industry. If you know one of those people, give them this shirt to honor their passions. Not only is it eco-friendly but it’s also durable enough to withstand all wash cycles.
Where to buy? Etsy
Airplane Pilot Engine Turbine Wall Clock
Designed with simplicity in mind, this wall clock can be hung anywhere. It’s a great gift for one of your airplane loving friends or family members for any occasion—holidays, birthdays, weddings, to name a few. It’s truly timeless (pun intended).
Where to buy? Zazzle
The Wright Brothers Book by David McCullough
There is a history behind the art of flying and anyone who calls themselves an aviation enthusiast should know the story of the Wright Brothers. This story gives the behind-the-scenes of Wilbur and Orville Wright, which is both inspiring and informative for those who love to fly.
Where to buy? Amazon
Personalized World Travel Passport Cover
If you’re going places, you might as well remind yourself of it. Travelers shouldn’t settle for a run-of-the-mill passport cover. It should be a symbol of the endeavor, with a plane and a world map to show for it. This passport cover has a simplistic design and will match anything—you’re sure to wow your friends with this fun gift.
Where to buy? Zazzle
Modern Travel Luggage Tag with Monogram
The first thing you do when you get off the plane is look for luggage. Remind your airplane lovers that their baggage is almost as important as the trip itself! Every time they embark on a new trip, they’ll think of you when they’re packing their suitcases.
Where to buy? Zazzle
Vintage Airplane Throw Pillow
Are you wondering how to incorporate aviation into the bedroom decorations? Here’s how! This vintage airplane throw pillow is comfy and neutral, so it’s perfect for any type of bedding. Plus, it says, “Flight plans,” which is a nice reminder first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed.
Where to buy? Zazzle
Airplane Window Wall Decals
Wall decals are great for apartments and rental properties where you can’t change around the colors too much. Instead, you can stick on an adhesive wall decal to make it uniquely yours. Give this to one of your friends or family members that needs an extra something in their home!
Where to buy? Wayfair
Jet Airplane Wall Decal
Here is decal for your favorite pilot or airplane lover to make a statement . . . a jet airplane silhouette! This makes the perfect centerpiece for any aviator's living room.
Where to buy? Wayfair
Wright Brothers Airplane Machine Patent Comforters
Okay—these may not be the original sketches, but this comforter shows off the first figures created by the Wright Brothers. Pretty cool, right? This comforter gets major bonus points for uniqueness and comfort. It’s one of a kind!
Where to buy? Society6
Speaking of flying, that list flew by. You’ve got a lot of options, so no need to fear the upcoming holidays. No matter what gifts you get for your loved ones, they’ll be happy to know that you went the extra mile for them, keeping their interests in mind. Good luck and happy shopping!