If you’re travelling this holiday season, you’ll see the value in some of the gift possibilities below. If you aren’t, have mercy on those who fly in to visit you. Do you really want to be the person whose coffee-table book tipped the scales on their luggage allowance?

The following gifts are aimed at a variety of travellers: those just starting out, those who tolerate travel, and those who lust after it.

Thermos stainless steel water bottle
This bottle is great for two reasons. One: it’s insulated, so it keeps water cold for up to 12 hours—welcome whether you’re hiking or just lying on the beach. Two: its pop-top lid doesn’t leak, so you can throw it in your bag without worry. ($24 for the 500-millilitre size, Mountain Equipment Co-op [130 West Broadway; 1341 Main Street, North Vancouver])

Trunki carryon
These adorable suitcases are brightly coloured, decorated like animals, and suitable for kids aged three to six. Made of hard plastic, they have a saddle so tots can sit on them, wheels to make them go, and a long strap so parents can ensure everyone arrives together. If only adults could ride their luggage”¦ ($42.95, Wanderlust [1929 West 4th Avenue])

Eagle Creek TSA Superlight Lock
Since the U.S.’s Transportation Security Administration can break your lock and inspect your bag anyway, you might as well avoid the hassle of replacing the busted lock. This one allows the TSA to open it without damaging it with their master keys. ($7.95 each, the Travel Bug [3065 West Broadway])

GoToob toiletry bottles
In cute pink, blue, and green shades, these bottles are made of flexible silicone so you can squeeze out liquid easily. A rotating ID window lets you label the contents as shampoo, suntan lotion, et cetera. Both sizes meet airport carryon restrictions. ($9.95 each for 37-millilitre size, $13.95 for 88-millilitre size, the Travel Bug)

A Week at the Airport
As Heathrow Airport’s first writer in residence, Alain de Botton explores its inner sanctums, including the multifaith room and the facility where airline meals are made. With interesting observations on everything from the reactions of passengers who have missed their flights to the shoeshine guy as psychologist, it makes for a good in-transit read. ($18.99, McClelland & Stewart)

Absolute Spa gift card
Those who frequently pass through YVR can soften the blow of an unexpected delay with a gift card from Absolute Spa. The spa has three locations beyond the security gates, one before, and one that’s in the attached Fairmont hotel. Popular services include chair massages (10 minutes for $20, 45 minutes for $50) and express manicures (30 minutes for $45). Gift cards are available in any denomination and are good at any Absolute location, airport or otherwise. Check the Absolute Spa website

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, With Recipes
Any woman who loves Paris and appreciates French food will enjoy this book. American Elizabeth Bard’s memoir of falling in love with a Frenchman and her subsequent life in Paris gives a unique window into the city and French culture. Each chapter is punctuated by recipes that Bard picked up along the way. ($28.99, Little, Brown and Company)

Victoria getaway
A trip is the ultimate travel gift. If whisking your loved one off to Paris isn’t an option, how about a surprise escape to Vancouver Island for a night or two? Tourism Victoria has a great promotion for a range of hotels from now until January 10. Rooms go for $69, $99, or $129 per night—including stays on December 31, although some hotels have limited availability. What are you doing New Year’s Eve? See the Tourism Victoria promo.