Gift Guidance

Need help picking out presents? (Who doesn't?) Here are suggestions for everyone on your list

It's that time of year again, when even the most shopping-adverse must buckle down and think about presents to show friends and loved ones we are thinking about them.

You may think that being on the road makes shopping more difficult. But the truth is, your job offers some unique opportunities for shopping that could result in finding just the gifts you need.

What follows is a list of some of the more popular and unusual items found either at the travel store of your nearest TravelCenters of America or online at www.amazon.com. Not only will this make holiday shopping easier and faster for you, but it will also result in gifts that reflect a little bit of you, as they were bought on the road.

Keep Rolling

Gift: Model truck
Description: 1:32 scale truck with cool TravelCenters of America graphics.
For: Future truckers
Price: $16.99

Know When to Hold 'Em

Gift: No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Poker
Description: This video poker game plays through your television screen, with six individual controls, so you can play with the whole family.
For: The video game fanatic on your list, as well as anyone who needs a diversion, such as a house-bound relative
Price: $69.99

Open Wide

Gift: Truck and storage box
Description: This conventional wooden truck serves a dual purpose, with a trailer that opens to serve as a storage box.
For: Anyone needing a little extra storage space
Price: $19.99

Big Green Ogre

Gift: Shrek 2 DVD
Description: The wildly popular sequel to the animated hit Shrek, starring an adorable green ogre, a wise-cracking donkey and lots of laughs.
For: Anyone needing a little escape from reality or a good laugh
Price: $24.99

Hello Dolly

Gift: Victorian doll
Description: This 22-inch doll comes with a metal stand.
For: The good little girl on your list
Price: $19.99

If You Can Bear It

Gift: Giant plush "Bubba Bear"
Description: At 50-inches tall, this bear offers big, cuddly fun at a not-so-big price.
For: Children of all ages
Price: $59.99

Pretty in Pink

Gift: Hello Kitty CD Player
Description: A CD player in the shape of popular cartoon figure Hello Kitty, with stereo headphones. The player has 45-second anti-skip protection and takes two AA batteries, which are not included.
For: The little girl on your list; recommended for ages 8 and up
Price: $49.99

Music to Go

Gift: CreativeLabs MP3 Player
Description: This ultra-light digital audio player has 128 MB of built-in flash memory, a built-in USB connector and comes with Neodymium earphones.
For: Teens who need their music with them at all times, wherever they go
Price: $61.74

Pamper Her

Gift: Spa gift set
Description: Here's a little basket of luxury that contains shower gel, sponge, body lotion, pumice stone, nail brush, wooden massager and slippers, everything for a spa day at home.
For: The stressed lady in your life who needs some "me" time
Price: $17.99

Keep It Hot

Gift: Zojirushi Premium thermal carafe
Description: This one-liter brushed stainless steel carafe keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
For: The coffee or tea lover on your list
Price: $19.99

Zoom Zoom

Gift: Gas scooter
Description: Super Bigfoot Go-Ped is powered by a gas engine that makes it capable of top speeds of 28-30 mph, achieving 60 mpg. Features 10-inch off-road pneumatic tires, to make those dirt-road jumps.
For: Anyone who has been really good this year and likes some speed
Price: $849