Every year at about this time, the great-gifts-for-travelers lists come out.
And every year, I dream of being able to justify splurging on one or more of
those items--the Bose noise-cancellation headphones, the cashmere blankie, the
luscious leather satchel or maybe a year's worth of airport lounge access.
But I’m happy to say that it's still possible to treat yourself (and your
traveling friends, colleagues and loved ones) to wonderful swag that’s actually
affordable. Here are some of my favorites, all for less than $25:
Contour Foam Sleep Mask. For napping on planes or in hotels without
blackout drapes, a comfortable sleep mask is as essential as earplugs for
drowning out unwanted stimuli. The free ones you get in business class are nice,
but they often don't fit very well, and they can get hot. Sharper Image's
version is designed to block virtually all ambient light without touching eyes
or eyelashes; a special technical fabric regulates body temperature. $19.95 from
SharperImage.com.
Aloe Comfort Travel Socks. These are infused with aloe vera to keep
feet soothed and hydrated during long flights. A blend of nylon microfiber and
spandex makes the socks fit like a second skin, and the aloe vera treatment
lasts through 25 to 30 washings. One size fits most; the three colors--aqua,
sage or black--are all pleasant shades. $9.85 from
Magellans.com.
Flight Spray. You may be taken aback if someone gives you nasal spray
as a gift, but for road warriors who've experienced the unpleasant consequences
of dehydration, it's actually quite thoughtful. The spray not only relieves
symptoms but can also help prevent colds--and it soothes if you’re flying when
you already have a cold or congestion. This spray is all-natural, made from
turmeric root (an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agent), spearmint (a natural
antiseptic) and purified water. The 1-ounce spray bottle is small enough to pass
TSA rules about onboard liquids. $14.85 from
Magellans.com.
Brocade Jewelry Roll. Beauty meets function in this cleverly designed
jewelry case. Lay it flat and pack the two zippered pockets; there's a strap in
the center that keeps your rings in place. Roll up the fabric, tie the ties--and
you have a light, compact tube that will transport your jewelry safely in purse,
briefcase or carry-on. $15.95 from
Wrapables.com.
The Plane Clean Air Filter. Does it work? I have no idea. But it seems
a cheap, sensible alternative to the kind of air purifier you wear around your
neck. The company that markets these filters, which slip onto the above-the-seat
vent on the plane, claims that the filter "meets FAA certification requirements"
and "removes 99.5 percent of viruses and bacteria from your airstream while
flying." $19.95 from filtersfast.com.
CARGO DailyGloss is a collection of three shades of lip gloss,
packaged in individual tear-away "bubbles." They’re an easy and light way to
carry several shades of lip color. Each sheet of 30 pouches has three shades of
sheer color, enriched with shea butter and vitamin E. $12 from
Sephora.com.
Peace of Mind On-the-Spot Relief. Dab this amazing, pale yellow potion
on earlobes, temples and neck. In a few minutes, you'll feel a delicious
tingling and warmth which, as farfetched as it may seem, actually does elicit a
surge of peacefulness. I always keep a bottle in my flight bag. $10 from Origins
(at various retailers and
Origins.com)..
Timberland Global Tracking ID Tag. When the airline loses your bag and
you don’t fully trust the gods--and airport workers--to return it, nudge your
chances along with this tracking service. These tags have an ID number and a
hotline that a third party can call collect to help begin the process of
reuniting you and your bag. $4.99 from
TravelersShoppes.com.
Water Bottle Clip. What to give the traveler who has everything? A
device that keeps a water bottle from dripping all over the floor or a laptop.
The rubber ring fits snugly over the bottle's neck; the carabiner fastens to a
belt loop, tote strap or backpack. $6.75 from
TravelSmith.com.
iGo power splitter accessory. If you're forever needing to charge your
mobile devices, this gadget is a godsend. Along with a compatible iGo adapter,
you can charge and power two mobile devices at the same time. $9.99 from
iGo.com.
Silk Travel Pillow Case. Carry a travel pillow, or don’t like hotel
pillowcases? These midnight blue covers are cool to the touch, ultra-smooth and
launder beautifully by hand or in the machine on the gentle cycle. A special
bonus: The covers air-dry quickly and weigh a mere half an ounce. $16 from
DreamSack.com.