whether close to home or on vacation in an unfamiliar city or country . Of course , my favorite gift of all would be a trip . Give those you love most the gift of an adventure together someplace new , or someplace that holds special memories , whether you are celebrating a special anniversary , birthday or simply a good year . Outfitters , cruise lines and resorts will help you arrange a custom itinerary -- and give you a good `` reunion '' deal too . Just make sure you get everyone on board with the idea before you fork over your credit card for those nonrefundable deposits . Give the adults different guidebooks about the region and if you are planning a trip to foreign shores , give each of the kids some Euros , Pesos , etc. , to spend when they get there . They 'll have fun and maybe hone a few math skills figuring out how much they 've really got to spend . Maybe you want to encourage your kids ' or grandkids ' interest in exploring the world beyond their community . Buy them a subscription to National Geographic Kids -LRB-
-LRB- Tribune Media Services -RRB- -- I 'm lost ! For American Girl book fans , the `` Happy New Year , Julie '' story is an ideal gift for holiday road trips . Hopelessly , completely lost on a winding , backcountry road somewhere in Westchester County , N.Y. . Did I mention it was night and pitch-black ? `` How could you do this ? '' asks my aggravated 16-year-old daughter , Mel . I 'm not even sure . One minute we 're on the highway and a couple of wrong turns later , here we are . None of the maps in the car showed the road we were on . Finally , we spot some open shops and a kind saleswoman in the Gap gave me directions . Guess what I want somebody to give me this holiday ? A portable GPS ! -LRB- Are you listening , elves ? -RRB- L.L. Bean -LRB- www.llbean.com -RRB- has some that are under $ 100 , TomTom -LRB- www.tomtom.com -RRB- , has some for under $ 250 . A GPS would be a welcome gift for any traveling family . It 's no fun getting lost ,