If there’s one thing that makes traveling with kids look easy, it’s traveling with kids and gifts.  Sometimes it’s unavoidable though.  If you’ll be schlepping through airports this holiday season, follow these guidelines to avoid hassles.

Remember the Rules

TSA guidelines forbid bringing any sharp items, liquids, gels, or aerosols in your carry-on bag.  This includes perfumes, lotions, oils, jams, wine, pocket knives and even snow globes.  Also, never wrap gifts ahead of time, even in your checked luggage.  Throw in some gift bags and tissue paper and take care of this task on the other end instead.

Check Gifts in Your Luggage, But Carefully

It’s never a good idea to place valuables in your checked luggage since you’ll be more or less out of luck if your bags go astray.  If you do need to check gifts, try to conceal them deep inside your suitcase (maybe even inside a paper bag marked, “dirty laundry”).

Downsize

Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, think small and lightweight.  Stocking stuffer-sized gifts are the easiest to pack along.  Books, DVDs, and magazine subscriptions are available from amazon.com; theater or sporting event tickets can be had at stubhub.com, and almost everybody loves gift cards.

Send Ahead

It requires a little more advance planning, but sending gifts ahead can be the most stress-free option.  If you can’t stand paying the usurious gift wrap fees that so many online retailers charge, throw a roll of wrapping paper in your luggage and wrap everything when you get there.  If that’s your plan, be sure to let your hosts know not to open anything until you get there.  For toys, books, electronics and apparel, try to shop at stores that have retail locations and generous return policies.

Gifts of food

While it is possible to bring food items with you on the plane, it’s infinitely easier to send them ahead.  GourmetGiftBaskets.com offers a wide selection of delicious food-themed handmade gift baskets that will please just about any foodie on your list.  Choose from chocolate, breakfast, barbecue, Italian, kosher, pizza, popcorn, Tex-Mex, or cheese baskets, and keep your fingers crossed that the recipient will feel enough holiday spirit to share!