Dear family travelers:

Maybe you've got a big family travel trip planned in 2013. Maybe someone you love has got a road trip or flight in their immediate future.

If you still are hunting for those last-minute gifts, you can't go wrong if you give a gift that is guaranteed to make travel easier and more comfortable, especially if you think about what makes you and your gang happy and cozy when you travel.  

Here's what I wish someone would give me:  

• A book, especially a pretty cookbook from a region you've visited in the past year. For your favorite kids, a book or movie set in a place you hope to visit in the coming year. Ask your local librarian for suggestions. 

• A list of your favorite travel apps and a gift certificate to cover their cost.

• An e-book or tablet to make interminable airport delays and road trips go by faster.

• A gift card to get the car cleaned of sticky juice, pretzel crumbs and smashed crayons after that holiday trip to the relatives.

• A monogrammed fleece throw for each of the kids for the car-under $30 from www.landsend.com .

• A travel version of a favorite board game like Scrabble. I also love the word game Bananagrams that comes in its own banana-shaped pouch.

• Comfy socks that wick moisture from www.smartwool.com for adults and kids. Because of the fiber, they won't stink and you can pack fewer pairs.

• Lightweight down "sweater" or vest that crumples into its hood and doubles as an airplane or car pillow. Look for them from www.mountainhardwear.com or www.patagonia.com, among others.

• A new light-weight duffel or carry-on bag that is easier to hoist into an overhead bin. You can find relatively inexpensive ones from www.llbean.com; I also like Eagle Creek .

• The promise of a trip together in the new year.

Also on TAKING THE KIDS