Looking for some great gifts for the traveler in your life?

Recently I broke my habit of hard-sided luggage and test drove a soft-sided bag, the Atlantic Compass Unite. The bag’s claim to fame is its’ four-wheel spinners. They work in all directions even when linked with Velcro to matching bags, making a family’s worth of luggage easier to manage. I loved that it was lightweight and seemingly indestructible. After two weeks and six flights, this bag looked like I just bought it. Available starting from $130 at Bentley and CAA.

Small travel bags such as purses, shoulder bags, etc. by Baggallini are very popular. They have the over the shoulder safety straps, brightly coloured internal pockets and a wallet that is attached on the inside. Under $100 varying prices. www.baggallini.com or www.thetravelstop.com in Toronto.

Conair’s Travel Smart products include minis made for travelling. Whether a clothes iron or curling iron, their products are mini-sized for your packing convenience. Each of the personal appliances offers worldwide voltage and works anywhere in the world as long as you have a plug adapter. Available for under $40 at www.conair.com or www.thetravelstop.com.

Eye masks are an easy and small sized gift. The GoodNightFlight eye mask not only blocks out the light but it promises to eliminate the head bob; that uncomfortable head loll and jerk as you are nodding off. It comes with straps that anchor your head to the head rest and prevent you from face planting into your neighbour’s shoulder. Designed for plane travel, it can also be used in cars and trains. Retails for $24.95 US. Allow ten days for shipping. www.goodnightflight.com

Toob – travel toothbrush and refillable toothpaste container that allows you to travel with your own toothpaste. They attach together. Not a lot of selection in “minis”….this solves that. $5.99 www.thetravelstop.com

Zip It – The Sock with a Pocket – cushioned sock with secret pocket at the top. Zipper will not set off metal detectors. $18.00 www.thetravelstop.com

Travel On set of two Leak Proof Wine Pouches – to pack wine in your checked baggage. Still need to cushion them but will prevent leaks if a bottle should break. $15.00 www.thetravelstop.com

Chalkboard Door Hanger - $22 (Cdn)

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1730067

Ultimate Smart Charger Lightning - $59

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2701626

(charges your phone, tablet, etc and doesn’t need to be plugged in. You charge it first, then it gives your device a few hours of juice.

For those who prefer providing an experience versus giving something tangible, Travelzoo has launched an online Holiday Gift Guide, offering unique experiences, including spa days at the Four Seasons or Bliss spas, romantic getaways, and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. Each experience can be sent as an e-gift or mailed as a gift certificate. Gift-givers can expect savings of 30%-50% off rack prices without sacrificing the wow factor. www.travelzoo.ca

For those looking for less practical gifts, I love vintage travel posters. There is something romantic about these nostalgic pieces of art. You can usually find small selections in poster and print shops across the country, but for a large selection under one digital roof, check out www.vintagepostersnyc.com . It’s the website for New York City’s renowned Chisholm Gallery Vintage Posters. Prices vary.