Christmas travel gifts

Try a travel-friendly gift theme for Christmas this year. A miniature LED Lenser Mini Moon torch (above; GBP14.95/HK$240; www.naturalcollection.com) is ideal for the environmentally conscious. Compact and light (80 grams, 11cm by 2cm diameter), it gives up to 30 hours of energy-efficient light from one AAA battery (included).

Alain de Botton's thought provoking The Art of Travel (GBP6.99; www.amazon.co.uk) should be required reading for jaded travellers while parents will welcome the recently published Heaven on Earth Kids: The World's Best Family Holidays by Sarah Siese (GBP19.95). This 'bible' for stress-free family travel recommends genuinely family-friendly hotels and resorts in more than 40 countries.

The super-compact Belkin TuneTalk Stereo (HK$450; see www.newvision.com.hk for stockists) will keep anyone wishing to document their trip busy. Available in black or white, the miniature microphone clips onto an iPod base transforming it into a high-quality voice recorder.

For the left-handed, a specially designed six-piece manicure set (above; GBP24.95; www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk) will guarantee talons stay groomed while on the road.

Revive travel-weary feet and rebalance chi with massaging magnetic silk brocade slippers (above; GBP65; www.holisticsilk.co.uk) for men or women.

Insomniacs will appreciate the compact Smart Lite travel alarm clock (US$19.85; www.magellans.com). Sensors detect darkness and illuminate the easy-to-read LCD display.