LIGHTS, CAMERA, COLOUR
The Olympus FE-46 Digital Camera Coloring Set is a novel gift the whole family can enjoy. Relive family vacations or keep little ones amused en route with personalized colouring pages. Mom or Dad can snap shots of the kids, then enter a code at Crayola.com/colorme and transform the photo into a colouring page that can be printed out. The kit comes with 12 megapixel camera, case, 64-pack of Crayola Crayons, software, code good for six months of unlimited prints, batteries and cables for about $129.
QUIET TIME
Sony's noise-cancelling headphones are designed to eliminate ambient noise such as crying babies, chatty passengers and the airplane engine. You can also use them to listen to your iPod, MP3 player or in-flight entertainment. Having your own headsets is also more hygienic (how many others have worn the airline issued earphones) and saves money (many airlines charge for headphones). Plus you'll get a better fit with these deeply cushioned ear pads. Widely available from electronic retailers and Magellan's, which offers a lightweight model with carrying case, two adapters and battery for $149 US.
Unfortunately you can't easily wear noise-cancelling headphones to bed. For that there's the Travel Sound Therapy System from Sound Oasis. In addition to keeping time, it has 17 soothing nature sounds designed to help you sleep in noisy hotels, $89.85 US. Magellan's.
LET IT RAIN
My cheap rain suit was no match for a downpour encountered on a day tour in Iceland. Sitting on a bus in wet clothes all day, I vowed to get quality gear next time. One good choice is the Gore-Tex Monsoon jacket ($155) and Typhoon pants ($98), from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), which are "guaranteed to keep you dry." It's the kind of gear you don't need often, but in inclement weather, the investment is worth every penny.
HATS OFF TO TILLEY
When it comes to hats for all seasons, no one does it better than Tilley.
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