The art of spin
Ideal for the armchair traveller who likes to contemplate the spinning of the earth without the inconveniences of intergalactic travel, this five-inch floating globe hovers in space courtesy of a powerful magnetic field. If that's not enthralling enough, its magnetic properties mean you can use it to store paper clips while amusing yourself by sticking them on different countries. It costs £69.99 and you can get it from www.iwantoneofthose.com (0870 241 1066).
Fold-up trainers
Sports addicts who never travel without their trainers will kill for these - the Reebok Travel Trainer rolls, folds and can be crushed into a fraction of the space an ordinary pair of shoes takes. The fabric uppers come in grey/pink, green/orange, white/green, orange/chocolate or navy/red combinations for £39.99 a pair in all adult sizes. Stockists 0800 305050.
Laptop case for backpackers
For office bods who are so used to carting computer bags around on one shoulder they're getting that Quasimodo look, here comes the Delsey Comby laptop case. A backpack, its outer side has a lightweight hard case to protect the computer from unexpected knocks. It's not just practical; the silver casing looks pretty cool too. Costs £49.99 from Delsey. Stockists 020 8731 3530.
Picture perfect
This one's the perfect stocking filler - a digital camera that's not much larger than a credit card. With 1,024x768 pixels, the quality is good enough for holiday snaps and there's enough memory for up to 200 pictures. Slip it in a wallet or attach it to a key chain so it's always ready to record those precious moments. The GSmartMini camera also works as a webcam and shoots 10-second videos. Yours for £39.99 from www.iwantoneofthose.com (0870 241 1066).
Adventurous pyjamas
Who hasn't packed their suitcase only to realise there's no room for sleepwear? Adventure Silk Nightwear, whose product is as promising as the name, has a neat pair of PJs that fold up to sit in the palm of the hand and can easily be slipped into the corner of a suitcase. They weigh hardly anything and that slinky silk feeling is perfect for a tropical holiday. For women (yellow or royal blue) and men (dark blue) from Itchy Feet (01225 442618; www.itchyfeetonline. com) at £29.99.
Hip flask ski poles
Serious skiers still love to stop for a quick tipple but when off piste and without a bar in sight, that warming swig of alcohol can be frustratingly out of reach. The proud owner of hip flask ski poles, though, can stash away about a pint of the precious fluid in their hollow insides. It might make them heavier and tougher to swing, but who cares when you're suddenly friends with everyone on the ski lift? From Captain's Cabin, Sevenoaks (01732 464463; www. theski-shop.co.uk) for £69.95.
