Holiday buying guide: Gift ideas for the traveler

Got someone on your shopping list that spends more time at IAH than H-O-M-E? Check out these gift ideas, designed to make traveling easier, less stressful, and more entertaining -- and which won't add much bulk to their bag!

Flip MinoHD - The best-selling, flash-based video camera now does high-def. Just drop it in your pocket and pull it out whenever you need to grab a scene. The MinoHD captures up to 60 minutes of 720p video and is brain-dead simple to use. $230.

Microsoft Arc Mouse - It looks like a concept design, but this unique, folding mouse expands -- like a flip phone -- to grow from a minuscule wedge into a full-sized pointing device. Perfect for the heavy computer user who likes a full-sized mouse and is always on the road. $60

Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet - For the love of Pete, don't be so predictable that you give them yet another iPod this year. Check out the Archos 5, a media player and full-fledged web browser that lets them get online anywhere there's a Wi-Fi signal. Add a WWAN adapter via USB and you can get online anywhere there's not a Wi-Fi signal. It's like the iPod Touch, but for grownups. Capacities range from 60GB ($350) to 250GB ($450).

Phiaton Moderna MS400 Headphones - They aren't noise-canceling, but these red and black monsters -- built in part from carbon fiber -- are lightweight, super comfortable, and offer exquisite sound quality, among the best I've ever heard. More for listening in the airport than on the plane (or back in the hotel room), any audiophile is sure to offer a full year of thanks after finding these under the tree. $249

JLab J2 Earbuds - Got less of a budget this year? Check out JLab's J2 earbuds, which are bustingly loud and come in your choice of 12 colors. Nifty design, too, and just $30 a pair.

Audéo PFE Stereo Headset - An audio hacker's dream! This pint-sized set of earbuds includes a microphone on the cable (for cell phone use) and a wealth of tips and optional over-ear guides. But wait, there's more: Six tiny filters that you can insert into the earbuds, each of which changes the sound in subtle ways. If nothing else, playing with the rice-grain-sized filter set will give them something to do while the plane is delayed. $159 (Readers get 10% off at audeoworld.com if you use the code YTECH10)

Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale - It's bad enough that you have to pay for the bag at all. Avoid overweight surcharges with this nifty handheld luggage scale, accurate to the nearest tenth of a pound. $25

Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag - As savvy travelers know, with the right bag, you don't have to take your laptop out of the case any more. Styles and prices vary widely, but check MobileEdge, Targus, and Belkin for a good sampling of carry-ons.

Kensington 4-Port USB Charger - One tiny plug, four USB power outlets. Greatly reduces the need to haul a lot of power bricks on a journey. $30