Here in Minnesota, it’s that time of year when folks start going a little batty (see: cabin fever, SAD, the polar plunge). Or, in attempt to remain sane, especially in this season of extreme chilliness, they make a break for it. I live near the airport. Firsthand tales regaled while shuttling friends and family as part of my personal park-n-ride will have to suffice until my own warm-weather getaway in March. Lately, though, even the most basic suggestions of summer make my eyes glaze while my imagination hustles me off to a beach somewhere. Like this inexpensive warm-sunset-hued terry towel. A symbol of hope—or cabin fever.

Have a favorite beachy gadget? Comment about it below or drop me an email.

Not only did you manage to go carry-on only, everything fits under the seat in front of you. No harried wresting of anything out of the overhead bin upon debarkation for you. Pow! Pimped out with features including a matching easy-pack tote and a zip-out exterior water-bottle holder.

So Japanese, this toothbrush cap, for its smart little suction-cup back and total adorableness. A smiley face? Yes, please. If there’s anything I took away from my time living in Japan, it’s a better appreciation for anthropomorphism. Also: a sushi addiction, a deeper knowledge of what it really means to be hospitable and the ability to say I was once lead singer in a Japanese cover band.

Switch out the smooth protective back for the hinged one when you travel, so you can prop your iPhone up on your tray table and enjoy wide-screen video viewing. Because having an iPhone is no longer cool enough. You must also house it most effectively.

Valentine’s Day suggestion: Give him a set of these sterling silver cuff links made with a vintage map featuring a special place—the proposal site, your honeymoon destination, a favorite trip or perhaps your joint dream locale. Awww. So manly-sweet. Get on it, though. Custom orders take one to two weeks.

Happy Inauguration Day!

Let the world know that you, too, are ready for change.

Yet another handy luggage scale to help you craftily dodge at least one of the airlines’ ever-multiplying fees. Luggage scales help you pack appropriately on the way out and then spread the souvenir weight out accordingly on the way back, making for a nice, streamlined process that doesn’t involve crossing your fingers and/or desperately rifling through your overflowing luggage in front of a line full of impatient fellow travelers. Side note: This one is sold by my favorite new online travel goods store wejetset. Check it out.

A full-sized, stainless steel fork and spoon are hiding in there, alongside your standard pocket knife, file, bottle opener and corkscrew. A budget backpacker essential.

Wakes you up with an explosion sound, which you stop by unplugging the correct colored-wire connection, thus diffusing this “bomb.” (The diffusion code resets randomly after each use.) Clearly not your best choice for carryon.

(via Gear Diary)

Lately, I’ve gotten inquiries about travel sound-therapy systems and so ferreted out this gadget. It caught my eye because it’s small, doubles as a travel alarm, and has 18 lovely sounds to choose from, including thunderstorm, hidden cove, northwoods, night train, and one designed to combat jet lag (listen here). Comes with a travel pouch, too.