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I'm practical. You know that by now.
So you won't be surprised that the majority of the items on my stocking stuffer list are just that.
1) Contoured blackout eye mask: This may be my most important travel item of all. My Bucky's Forty Blinks is a comfortable mask that will truly block out the light while not smashing my eyes. I keep one in my suitcase as well as another in my carryon, in case I lose (another) one along the way. It's probably the best twelve bucks I ever spent on travel gear.
2) Compression socks: Forever and ever, you could only find ugly compression socks. Now there are cute ones! They'll make your legs feel so much better in flight, like a gentle hug (don't buy the hardcore ones), and you're less likely to wind up with swollen ankles after all that sitting.
3) Slimline power brick: I love my low-profile power brick. It's the same size and depth as my phone (a little thinner, actually), so they fit together in a pocket pretty easily. I've now got my eye on an even smaller one. Go for at least 10,000mAh.
4) Multi-prong charger cord: so you can charge the power brick and your phone on the same outlet/plug/source every night.
5) Foot hammock: it's a sling-like foot rest that is suspended from your tray table. It's not so hot for tall people, but if you're in a main cabin seat and are under 5'8" or so, you'll love it.
6) Telescoping selfie stick: hear me out. I rarely use it for taking selfies. But it's a game changer if you want a shot from overhead or from higher than your arm can reach. Or maybe it will give you a great angle on the sunrise from your river ship balcony--when the phone might be more secure in that tight spring-clip grip on your selfie stick than in your shaky outstretched hand.
7) Airfly Bluetooth transmitter: this little puppy will let you use your own earbuds or headphones rather than the less-than-ideal ones provided by a tour or airline. Just plug it into the headphone jack of the whisper device or your plane seat and enjoy.
8) Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book: What more fun way to dream up your next wine trip than to dig into this little bible? It's a fantastic reference tool for any oenophile, and a terrific companion as you think about which wine regions you might want to visit in the future. It's published annually, but I usually buy a new copy every 4 or 5 years.
9) Apple Airtags: track your mishandled bags. 'Nuff said.
10) Mini sound machine: sometimes you just need some white noise. A teeny tiny sound machine will not take up a lot of room in your bag and will spare your phone (or power brick) from getting drained overnight if there's no plug near your pillow.
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