Familiar with checkpoint-friendly laptop bags? They’re bags designed in a way that allows them go through airport security while your laptop remains inside—no more removing the computer and placing it in a separate bin. We can all appreciate reduced airport hassle, right? Options for this style of bag started out pretty business-oriented, and then along came this pretty thing. Pretty, but hard-working, with built-in helpers including interior pockets, key holder and an attached clear quart-sized bag for your similarly checkpoint-friendly mini toiletries.

Out for sushi with some friends the other night and Yuko whipped out this bamboo utensil set. “I’m saving a tree,” she said, forgoing the disposable paper-wrapped wooden chopsticks in favor of her personal re-usable pair. Great for skipping to-go plasticware on the road, too.

Tip to get a single sip-sized amount of coffee into the “temperature control chamber.” The rest of your perfectly brewed morning jolt stays fresh and hot in the main body of the mug.

Break the plastic-baggie habit with reusable, dishwasher-safe, 100% stainless steel food containers. I like the sectioned-off version for two kinds of travel snacks, but there’s a single-compartment option, too. That one fits a sandwich.

Enter to win this and other eco-friendly items over at Fun Finds For Mom, where Elaina is offering a bunch of giveaways in honor of Earth Week.

I’m especially excited to give this one away, as it was one of my first TrustyPony finds nearly two years ago. The wee Point It “language kit” is packed with photos of everyday things—food, transportation, toiletries & toilets (yes, a nice clean squat version is pictured), medical items and much, much more—letting you simply point to get your meaning across when the language barrier is too firmly in place. Love the European retro look, too. Since it’s a slim paperback booklet, just 5X3 inches, Point It’s really easy to slip into any daypack or purse, just in case.

Win POINT IT by leaving a comment below before 6 PM CST this Friday, April 10th. Anonymous comments and those without a valid email address will be disqualified. The winner will be chosen at random, then contacted via email by Tuesday, April 14th. If I don’t hear from the winner within 5 days, a new one will be chosen. Please enter/comment only once per giveaway. Good luck!

And congrats to Julia who won last week’s giveaway, the tugo luggage drink holder. I’m thinking Wednesday’s the giveaway day from here on out—nice mid-week pick-me-up.

Is it a surprise that a self-described “multi-tasking mom” invented the tugo? Who else better knows the value of a free hand? This durable drink holder debuted at the Travel Goods Show last month. It attaches to either side of a dual-post luggage handle, creating an out-of-the-way, spill-resistant spot for your beverages, thus streamlining your airport time.

Win your very own tugo to keep handy in your luggage’s exterior zipper compartment by leaving a comment below before 6 PM CST next Monday, April 6th. Anonymous comments and those without a valid email address will be disqualified. The winner will be chosen at random, then announced and contacted via email by or on Wednesday, April 8th. If I don’t hear from the winner within 5 days, a new one will be chosen. Please enter/comment only once per giveaway. Good luck!

Key addition to any adult train ride activity pack.

AAs you recharge via any powered USB port to use hundreds of times over. Note they take five hours to fully charge, but you can always top them off to nab an hour or two of life here and there.

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.

The booster part deflates, allowing the whole thing to fold into a lightweight little pack, with handle, that’s less than two inches thick. Easily wipes clean.

(via Peter Greenberg)