A collection of souvenirs from around the world that the author says make great gifts. Ideas range from a batik tablecloth or silk pillow covers from China to rum or rum cake from the Caribbean to a pewter vase form Malaysia. -- Photo by Pam Davies, Sun Media

There's one tiny but happy segment of the population that won't have to deal with crowded malls, high-priced goods or long line-ups at check-out counters this Christmas. These are the people who shop for holiday gifts year-round - on their travels.

A friend who has been doing this successfully for years brags that she is able to shop at leisure with - out deadline pressure, find unique items particular to an area that often aren't available back home, and usually atmuch better prices.

Here's a sample of the possibilities to keep in mind for your next trip:

Clothing and Accessories

* Pashmina shawls are fashionable and useful items for the ladies on your list. They come in various colours and, if mixed with silk or wool can be had for as low as $6 in the Bangkok Night Bazaar, among other places. (They sell for about $20 in Canada).

* Beaded ladies purse, suitable for evening wear, with a drawstring from a market in Shanghai sells for $9 -- a similar one sells in Toronto for about $40.

* Child's hat embellished with shells, coins, and embroidery made by the Hill Tribes people of Thailand for $17.

* Menorcan sandals, "abarcas," from the Balearic Islands of Spain were originally worn by local farmers and are now worn by tourists as well. Still made in the traditional way with soles of rubber (often from car tires) and leather straps to fit the foot and ankle, they cost about $10 to $20 and are available in a range of vibrant colours and modern designs.

* If you have friends or family who like jewelry and gems, consider buying in the region from which they originate.

Examples include diamonds from the Northwest Territories, amethyst from Thunder Bay, silver from Taxco, Mexico, carved bone Maoritiki necklaces from New Zealand, pearls from Mallorca, Spain, and amber from the Dominican Republic, Poland, or Denmark.

For the Home

* You can't go wrong with pewter from Royal Selangor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Buying from the biggest pewter factory in the world ensures you'll get good quality and selection. Among the dozens of pewter items for sale are picture frames, goblets and candle holders. The vase, pictured here, costs about $ 33.

* Molas are a textile art made by the Kuna tribe of the San Blas Islands of Panama. The women who make these reverse applique panels (which may feature intricate designs or animals) sew them onto the front of their blouses, but also sell them to tourists as decorative items. Considering the work involved in making one, the prices are incredibly low -- $7 to $15. Available throughout Panama.

* Tablecloths and napkins from P rovence. Made of cotton fabric with the distinctive colours and designs inspired by the Provencal countryside they sell for about $25 at a market in F rance.

Eat & Drink

* Wine and spirits are often cheaper abroad. Many Caribbean countries, including the D ominican R epublic, Cuba and Jamaica, produce excellent inexpensive rum. Smaller sizes are often sold in plastic bottles, making it easier for travellers to bring home undamaged. Wine from France, Spain, Chile, etc are other good buys.

* Tortuga Rum Cake is the most popular item purchased by tourists on the Cayman slands and makes a great Christmas gift. They're vacuum-sealed and will last six months on a shelf, or indefinitely if refrigerated. Made from a secret recipe using premium five-year old, oak barrel-aged Tortuga Gold Rum, the cakes are available in eight different flavours and three sizes and sell for about $25 US.

Miscellaneous: Gifts for All

* It's easy to buy for friends who collect things. Foreign stamps, spoons, shells and snow globes are a few of the common items. One woman I know brings back coins from abroad to give to kids back home. They're small, inexpensive and easy to pack. Others appreciate receiving T-shirts from foreign lands or popular hangouts such as the Hard Rock Cafe or Planet Hollywood restaurants in different cities.

Canadian-Made

* Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia are all good places to buy aboriginal-made handicrafts such as Inuit sculptures, carvings, beaded moccasins, and masks.

* People around the world wear travel apparel from Tilley Endurables. The newest item is the Tilley F edora for men and women made from 100% premium fur felt and ideal for fall, winter, and spring. Crushable, packable and naturally water resistant, it has tuckaway cotton/ spandex ear warmers, and a secret pocket. Price $135.

* An ideal stocking stuffer for kids or adults is the sunglass-wearing maple leaf pin known as Buddy. Created by Toronto travel writer Lucy Izon, Buddy is named after the bud of a Maple tree and because Canada is a friendly nation/destination. Comes in a box with a gift card and fun facts about what makes Canada cool. Sells for $9.95. Or buy the pins on a card (5 for $24.95). Check canadacool.com.