Crossword puzzle books are just the ticket for long flights. (QMI Agency files)

A word of warning about today's column on Christmas stocking stuffers: When it comes to travel accessories, I've been known to be wrong.

Exhibit A is a travel flashlight, called a Mini Maglite, gathering dust in the top drawer of my dresser. I put it on my gift list after reading it was indispensable for the traveller. My wife bought me one. That was back in the 1990s and I've yet to use it.

I'll draw a veil over other gadgets I've enthused about, only to be disappointed.

But we'll start with items I've actually used on countless trips. Prices may vary from store to store.

-- Security pouches: These come several shapes, styles and sizes. I've tried a couple and prefer a neck wallet. Mine has two zippered compartments, one for a passport and a smaller one for credit cards.

I found one from Design Go for $19.99, another, by Protech, for $22.99 and a small nylon one by Tatonka with velcro fasteners for $12.95. Take your passport, or something that size, along to make sure it will fit inside the pouch before you buy.

-- Quick-dry underwear: Stick with Canadian-made Tilley, whose products are renowned for their quality. Polyester men's briefs were $20, women's high-cut briefs $18. They'll dry overnight if you follow the instructions.

I'm on fairly safe ground -- no pun intended -- mentioning the next two items.

-- Yaktrax, which fit on your shoes and provide better traction. Endorsed by a couple of women who do a lot of escorted hiking/walking trips, these go for $24.95.

-- Trekking poles. Too big for Christmas stockings but highly recommended for hiking by a professional guide I was with in Jasper last summer. Made by Rockwater Designs, they were $29.95 each.

Now we're into uncharted territory -- items that simply caught my eye. They might be great, or they could wind up, unused, in the recipient's dresser drawer.

-- Lifeventure's bed bug barrier, a silk sheet impregnated with Permethin. According to the label, it's intended to keep mosquitos at bay and prevent malaria but also "helps prevent bed bugs from biting." The sheet is $29.95, a matching pillowcase $32.95.

-- Velcro strap luggage identifier. When all those black bags come around the carousel, you'll know which is yours. One by Design Go was $15.99.

-- A Mini Time travel alarm clock, the smallest I've seen, $21.95.

-- Moisture-repellant toiletry bag. A small one, by Sea to Summit, was $21.95.

-- Travel guides/maps: Provide endless hours of pleasure planning a trip, and practical help on the ground. Some of the very specialized ones around include ones to Camino de Santiago in Portugal, which is also called The Way of St. James. The guidebook was $32.95, the map $17.95.

Still stuck? Here are four more:

-- Paperbacks Sudoku or crossword puzzle books. Just the ticket for long flights.

-- Toiletries in legal carryon sizes (liquids and gels not exceeding 100 mL), such as toothpaste, hand lotion and eye drops. Or solid products, like Throw in a travel toothbrush or disposable razors (I carry Bic sensitive skin ones).

-- Currency for the country the recipient will be visiting. Ask for small bills. Buy some coins, too. They're particularly useful for tipping. (Note: The smallest-denomination pound note is a fiver, ditto for the euro).

-- Gift certificates for activities at Ontario Parks, such as a day permit, canoe rental or overnight camping. These can also be used for park merchandise. Visitparkreports.com/parksblog/?p=1310.

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