Ten Great Gifts for Business Travelers

Business traveler gifts are sometimes very tricky to select. After all, what do you get for a person who is seldom home? Gifts for the business traveler should be personal or should make their lives easier. They should never be a waste of space or necessity, and above all, they should be chosen with the business traveler in mind. If you have a business traveler on your list, here is a list of ten great holiday gifts:

1. MP3 player - If your business traveler doesn't already have one of these fantastic devices, chances are the MP3 player is on their list of things they would like to have. Some models even support video and DVD. Depending on your budget, it is possible to find a low end model for under $30, but if you have a little more money to spend, shopping around for the DVD player that fits the business traveler's personal style is best.

2. Star Finder - The Stellarscope® is a compact object with which you can learn the stars and constellations. At just under $40, this black, high-quality tool can be used to chart the sky and identify constellations. This neat gadget works with a series of calibrated wheels and is soon to be one of the most favorite must-have stargazing items. Let your business traveler tell you what the constellations look like from his or her hotel room in Tokyo as he or she tells you how much you're missed. Stellarscope is available at telescope.com.

3. Digital Camera - Your business traveler can take quality digital photos to document his travels if you purchase a new 8mp + digital camera. One of the best is the Olympus SP 350, which can be fit with an underwater housing to get marine and pool pics. $200-$400 suggested retail.

4. Pocket Compass - An engraved brass compass from Everything Nautical will remind your business traveler where home is. This $25 gift comes personalized with three initials of your choice. It arrives in a velvet bag for presentation. This item measures 1 ¾" diameter, so it won't take up a bunch of space.

5. Passport Wallet - A Winn Passport wallet is a wonderful expression to any business traveler who travels abroad. Made of full-grain leater, it holds 5 credit cards (more if they are housed more than one to a slot), a windowed ID window, and a passport holder. Wallet is equipped with a divider for currency and can hold even the larger typed bills. This item measures 4 ¼ " X 5 ½" and is available in black or brown. It is available for $32 - $65 from Belt Outlet.

6. Correspondence Set - A neutral stationary set like that sold by Red Envelope is a nice item for travelers. Though email is convenient, sometimes the only way to express yourself across a distance is old fashioned pen and paper. This compact set retails under $25 and comes with a pen, a red leather box, and cards with envelopes.

7. Excursion (travel) Case - A monogrammed leather excursion case is a great item for business travelers. These items are basically special luggage items with special pouches for toiletries and accessories. Be sure to select a travel case with a hook for hanging and plenty of compartments for necessities and goods. Duffels are nice, but a good travel case unrolls for use and can act as a miniature valet.

8. Mobile Office - A front seat Mobile Office is an attachment for the front seat of an automobile that can turn a rental car into a roaming office. The sturdy models made by case logic have several file sleeves and compartments as well as a space for your laptop. Retail price can range $20-$40

9. Catchall - When a business traveler gets into a hotel room, chances are a catchall would be a happy sight. After all, who wants to fiddle with pocket contents at ten after a late night business dinner? Whether you give the business traveler a Rubbermaid desk organizer or a monogrammed leather compartment for keys and change, the catchall is a great traveling accessory to leave on the hotel night stand.

10. Dual Time Clock - If your business traveler loves to call home, the dual time clock can be a lifesaver. Displaying separate times for home and travel location, dual clocks can be simple or ornate. They can be desk style or wristwatch style. The Centrios Dual Time Clock from Circuit City is under $11. Frontgate offers a digital version of the global travel clock. It retails for about $50. When the business traveler is home, the dual time clock can be used to determine what time it is abroad for business partners.

Let's face it, traveling can be tough. Those who want to buy holiday gifts for travelers need to keep in mind the lifestyle of the person on the go. From accessories to make travel easier to fun gadgets that keep life interesting, there are many items to consider when purchasing a holiday gift for a business traveler. Good luck, and have a happy holiday!