A holiday gift list for the frequent air traveler

Until short security lines and turbulence-free skies come gift-wrapped, here are some holiday gifts and a few stocking stuffers that can lessen the stress of your frequent flier. Most cost less than $35.

For help with this list, I consulted Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, Joe Brancatelli, who produces the JoeSentMe newsletter for business travelers, product developer Phil Baker, consumer writer Christopher Elliott, Matt Daimler of SeatGuru and George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.

Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale

What it is: A scale small enough to pack and strong enough to weigh up to 100 pounds. A new ergonomic version moves the digital scale into the grip and is positioned horizontally rather than vertically.

Benefits: This topped most lists. Even carriers that check a bag or two for free charge you for overweight bags, and once you’re at the airport, you can be slapped with hundreds of dollars in excess-weight fees. The Balanzza’s flexibility in measuring in pounds or kilograms makes it ideal for the international traveler.

Cost: $17.75

Where to buy:Amazon

Joby Gorillapod or Gorillamobile

What it is: A compact, lightweight tripod with flexible, wrapable legs to secure a camera or mini video camera to almost any surface for self-portraits and other creative shots

Benefits: “I’ve tested other mini-tripods, and this one just does the job without getting in the way of your art,” Elliott says. Daimler likes Gorillamobile because a flier can “attach your device to the seat back in front of you and avoid a stiff neck while watching your favorite movie or TV show.”

Costs: $21.95 to $29.95 (SLR and iPhone models cost $39.95)

Where to buy:Joby

The Travel Slanket

What it is: A blanket with sleeves (58 inches by 66 inches for travel)

Benefits: Most airline blankets are too short to cover you. Banas says the Slanket offers greater comfort, letting travelers “sleep, work, watch movies, wander the cabin, and eat your in-flight meal, all without leaving your Slanket.”

Cost: $24.99

Where to buy:Theslanket.com

Eurosocks TravelSox compression socks

What they do: The socks’ patented design is said to help stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling while you’re sitting in cramped quarters for extended periods. Coolmax helps wick away perspiration.

Benefits: Banas recommends this comfortable defense against deep vein thrombosis.

Cost: $29.85

Where to buy:Magellans, Eurosocks and Amazon

Brookstone’s lighted eyeglasses

What they do: Reading eyeglasses that shine a light exactly where you look. Magnification available.

Benefits: A great solution for reading in the low light of an airplane cabin.

Cost: $29.95

Where to buy:Brookstone

Lights Out Sleep Mask

What it does: This form-fitting sleep mask is designed to encourage Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep by allowing complete eye movement while blocking out even peripheral light.

Benefits: Banas recommends this for getting some shut eye on a red-eye or long international flights.

Cost: $10.85

Where to buy:Magellans

The Clear Bag System

What it is: This toiletry system for men and women is Transportation Security Administration compliant that contains pump bottles for liquids.

Benefits: Brancatelli says it’s the “best toiletries kit I know given the snoopy nature of the TSA. And much sturdier than a Ziploc bag.”

Cost: $24.50 to $32.19

Where to buy: ClearBagSystem

The 150 Country Travel Adapter

What it does: This pocket-size adapter has a built-in surge protector, an AC outlet and two USB ports.

Benefits: Brancatelli says it “works on every electrical system/wall plug I’ve seen anywhere in the world.” You can power or charge three devices simultaneously in more than 150 countries.

Cost: $34.95

Where to buy:Hammacher Schlemmer

Skooba Design’s Netbook Neo-Sleeve

What it is: A 6.4-ounce form-fitting, cushy neoprene sleeve protects a netbook with a screen up to 10.1 inches. It includes a front pocket for the power cord, a thumb drive pocket and a removable shoulder strap.

Benefits: Good quality and stylish design.

Cost: $19.95

Where to buy:Skoobadesign

TravelTow Rotating Luggage Handle

What it does: The handle attaches to any roll-aboard and can rotate 360 degrees to position your hand naturally, whether you’re strolling or dashing to your flight’s departure gate.

Benefits: Daimler says it prevents rolling luggage from falling over as you pull it behind you.

Cost: $9.95

Where to buy:Tamperseal.com

Suggested traveler stocking stuffers:

LaCie key USB drive for storage in a key-shaped device, $21.99 to $34.99

Kensington Portable Power Outlet lets you power up to five devices, $24.99

Tide stain remover sticks, Amazon or grocery stores, about $4 each

Vapur, eco-friendly, PBA-free, “fold-and-go” water bottle, $8.95

Silk Underwear top ($23.95 from WinterSilks). Hobica says this layering item is “indispensable -- washes and dries fast on the road and takes up little space in the suitcase.”

MagicJack, $39.95, for free international calls. Your digital or analog telephone plugs into one end of magicJack while its USB plug connects to your computer for voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP) calls.