Wirecutter - Heading home for the holidays?

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If you’re braving travel this holiday season at an airport, a train station, or on the interstates, we highly recommend preparing for packed terminals and mind-numbing delays.

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Streamlining your travel equipment will make it easier to navigate the chaos and pass the time. Pack a sturdy carry-on with the essentials: noise-cancelling headphones, a portable charger, a travel pillow, and some gadgets that’ll distract and calm you. Here’s everything we’ll be keeping on us this holiday season.

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If you’re worried about jamming all this gear into your bag, don’t worry—we have some guidance on how to maximize space as you’re packing.

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What else is going on

A few of our recommendations for the best last-minute gifts.

34 excellent last-minute gifts

Present procrastinators, this one’s for you. These gifts can all be delivered to your loved one’s doorstep in about two days, picked up curbside in minutes, or sent to their inbox in seconds.

A variety of iPad keyboard cases with a stylus and a pair of glasses.

Our new favorite iPad keyboard cases

If you’ve recently upgraded to the new 10th-gen iPad, your old keyboard case will no longer be compatible. Check out our new lineup of the very best models to get the most out of your tablet.

A silver baking sheet layered with soap suds and scrub sponge inside of a sink.

The easiest way to clean your baking sheets

After baking batches and batches of holiday cookies, you might need to give your baking sheets some TLC. Here’s how to do it.

Chasing Paper’s Cane and Palm Wallpaper in Orange.

30 dAYS OF GIFTS

For the nesting teen

Teens love tricking out their rooms. A gift card for one of our favorite peel-and-stick wallpapers can make them feel empowered—and won’t leave a trace once they’re onto the next vibe.

Get the Chasing Paper Gift Card

Today’s best deals

ToiletTree Products Bamboo Bath Mat

Deal price: $43 | Street price: $48

Price reflects in cart

The ToiletTree Products Bamboo Bath Mat is the best option we found for a wooden, platform-style mat. It feels better constructed and more stable than other wood mats we tested, with rubber feet to prevent it from slipping across the floor.

Buy now from Toilet Tree Products

Sony DualSense Controller (PS5)

Deal price: $50 | Street price: $70

This is a good PC controller if you already own a PS5. The large wireless controller feels great, and its headset jack actually works properly with Windows when it’s plugged in through its USB-C port.

Buy now from Target

$100 Ace Hardware Gift Card

Deal price: $85 | Street price: $100

This emailed gift card makes a great last-minute present for anyone who has upcoming DIY projects around the house or is looking to stock up on tools and lawn equipment.

Buy now from Kroger

For more deals on our picks, check out the Wirecutter Deals page.

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Wirecutter - Heading home for the holidays?

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