There’s something incredibly fun about airline dopp kits—and not just because it’s free swag that comes with paying an arm and a leg for an airline ticket in 2019. Even though we rarely need an extra shoe horn or scratchy wool socks these days, they still feel like a collectible, since they’re exclusively doled out to passengers in cushy business and first-class seats.
On a recent trip, I set out to create my own amenity kit for long-haul flights. Because why shouldn’t the average traveler get a lovingly curated toiletries bag? My DIY version doesn’t include a Marimekko-designed eye mask like the one recently gifted to Finnair’s business class flyers. But with some research and pre-flight assembly, a homemade kit can be just as luxurious and about a thousand times more functional than the airline version, which isn’t tailored to your personal wants and needs. Best of all? It costs a heck of a lot less than a seat upgrade.
Here’s what I’ve been tossing into my own dopp kit lately. Feel free to mix and match as you see fit, because unlike most air travel experiences these days, this amenity is all about you.
Madewell x Harry's Shaving Kit
This kit helps dudes whip their five o’clock shadows into shape, time zones be damned. Designed in partnership with the shaving gurus at Harry’s, it includes an ergonomic razor handle, four five-blade cartridges, foaming gel, and a handsome travel pouch.
Buy Now: $58, madewell.com
Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask
Thanks to its contoured shape, Nidra’s lightweight mask blocks out as much light as possible, but you can still blink while it’s on. It’s a win-win that ensures you’ll actually get some shut eye on the flight.
Buy Now: $13.50, amazon.com
Marvis Original Mint Toothpaste, Travel Size
This minty Italian-made toothpaste is a cult favorite for its apothecary-style tube, and there’s a shrunken-down version for your travel convenience.
Buy Now: $6, dermstore.com
Bamboo Toothbrush with Travel Case
These brushers are eco-friendly—the bamboo handles are fully compostable—plus they're outfitted with charcoal-infused bristles for natural whitening.
Buy Now: $15, amazon.com
Old Fashioned Carry-On Cocktail Kit
Your seat may not be first-class, but that’s no reason your drink can’t be. This kit includes almost everything you need for a banging Old Fashioned, including a muddling spoon, aromatic bitters, and cane sugar. All you need to add? A mini-bottle of whiskey from the beverage cart.
Buy Now: $24, amazon.com
Tough As Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit
For the general health and emotional well-being of your fellow passengers, please refrain clipping your toenails in public. However, do give your cuticles a little touch-up before landing with this nifty manicure kit in the comfort of the lavatory.
Buy Now: $20, sephora.com
Trtl Pillow
This “pillow” isn’t really a pillow at all, but essentially half a neck brace wrapped in fleece. Trust us, it works: The device comfortably props up your neck at a gentle angle, so you when you fall asleep, you stay asleep—and don’t wake up with that dreaded crick in your neck. Best of all, it folds up to the size of a paperback novel. Buy Now: $30, trtltravel.com
St. Ives Hydrating Cactus Water and Hibiscus Hydrogel Eye Mask
These hydrating mini-masks are about a thousand times less conspicuous than a full face mask, the sight of which might thoroughly startle a flight attendant. The eye masks more than do the trick, though—you’ll hop off the flight looking relaxed and refreshed.
Buy Now: $2.50, target.com
Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Therapy Cream with Aloe
This bargain brand soaks into your skin immediately with nearly zero oily residue, plus it’s fragrance-free so your scent-sensitive seat mate won’t give you the stink-eye.
Buy Now: $5.40 for a three-pack, amazon.com
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm in Cucumber Mint
Sometimes the unfancy thing is the best thing. It may be cheap, but nothing says sky-high spa indulgence better than Burt’s Bees fresh cucumber mint flavor.
Buy Now: $3.30, target.com
Lumionskin Oxygen Mist
Spritz a bit of this on your face and it’ll instantly feel fresher and dewier, a lifesaver when you’re about to brave customs after a 12-hour flight.
Buy Now: $28, amazon.com
Mack's Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs
Each container comes with a whopping 50 sets of plugs, so toss a few in a plastic baggie for each leg of your travel itinerary and you’ll be good to go. Made with soft foam that molds to most ear shapes, these earplugs are critical in drowning out the screams of that fussy baby two rows over.
Buy Now: $10.25, amazon.com
Kiehl’s Eye Fuel
Look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with help from this men’s eye cream, which is boosted with caffeine (yes, really) and Vitamin B3. Both help reduce dark circles and eye puffiness after a long flight.
Buy Now: $22.50, ulta.com
Earth Therapeutics Aloe Socks
It’s not just your hands that dry out at high altitude. Keep your feet looking good with help from these comfortable socks infused with aloe vera. Even better, slather on a favorite moisturizer before pulling on the socks for peak hydration.
Buy Now: $8, ulta.com
Daneson Flavored Toothpicks
There are toothpicks, and then there are toothpicks. This set raises the bar with four distinct flavors—Cinna Mint (with extra notes of clove and honeysuckle), Mint (we’re talking both wintergreen and peppermint), Single Malt (flavored with 14-year-old Islay Scotch whisky), and Bourbon (steeped in six-year-old cask-strength Kentucky straight bourbon)—because luxury, baby.
Buy Now: $36 for a 4-Bottle Set, uncommongoods.com
Travel Packing Cubes Set
Toss everything in one or more of the packing cubes in this fold-up travel set, which can fit inside one another if creatively packed. Voila! DIY amenity kit mastery achieved.
Buy Now: $24, amazon.com
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