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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, December 14, 2008

Nifty gadgets never go out of style for traveler on your list

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Timbuk2 hidden tote.

Photos by ANDREW SHIMABUKU | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Totseat.

Courtesy of Totseat

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Knirps travel brolly.

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The financial crisis may have Islanders reining in vacation plans, but living in Hawai'i demands that many of us must still take trips, whether it's to a Neighbor Island or the Mainland or farther afield.

"Folks are still traveling and we're very busy; perhaps it takes their mind off things," said Chantal Migita, manager of the Bag'n Baggage store in Ala Moana Center. "Gift-giving budgets may be smaller, but there are so many useful travel items to choose from."

With that in mind, here are suggestions for popular — and practical — gifts for the traveler in your life.

1. TIMBUK2 HIDDEN TOTE

Fold it, pack it, carry it around. These strong, colorful and stylish bags are ready to go anywhere. The bags are made from 90 percent recycled fabrics and come in three styles: backpack, shoulder bag and a two-handled version. $20 at Bag'n Baggage, Ala Moana Center.

2. TOTSEAT

This colorful, cotton-fabric, easy-to-pack seat allows you to strap your infant into virtually any chair. The Totseat hooks onto the top of the chair and drapes onto the seat. You place your child on the seat, pull a strip of fabric up between his legs and buckle a couple of adjustable straps in the back. There's also a strip of fabric that you can Velcro around the chair back for added support.

The Totseat is easy to set up, washable and packs away into its own travel pouch. Or you can keep it at tutu's house. The seat works best for babies who can sit up, unaided, up to about age 30 months. Comes in several designs. $34.99, trendykid.com.

3. KNIRPS TRAVEL BROLLY

A stylish compact travel umbrella that opens into a large canopy. The dense microfibre fabric means it dries instantly. It's ultra-light, has an automatic opening and closing mechanism, is stable in high winds and easy to fold and repack. Comes in a range of beautiful designs with a handy travel container that attaches easily to your bag handle (it will remind you to take it with you from the restaurant). $48, Bag'n Baggage, Ala Moana Center.

Note: Gift list will continue in next week's Travel section.

Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.