These pretty, soft silk drawstring bags are perfect for packing jewelry or other small items for a trip — and make a lovely gift. The bags come in blue, pink and earth colors. $15, Bag'n Baggage, Ala Moana Center.

— Chris Oliver

VACATION INSPIRATION

TAKE THEM THERE FOR HOLIDAYS — IF ONLY IN THEIR DAYDREAMS

Even if there is no travel budget, we can dream about places we'd love to go. National Geographic's extensive print store covers the planet in all its magnificence: nature, adventure, deserts, weather, oceans, cities and space. Buy your traveler a print of a place they'd love to visit and it will serve as an inspiration. Unframed photos start at $19.95; matted, framed prints start at $129. http://photography.nationalgeographic.com.

— Chris Oliver

MICRO LOANS

HELPING TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY COSTS NOTHING IN THE END

If you're looking for a lasting and different kind of gift this season, a gift certificate for a loan through Kiva.org could be the answer. Let a friend or family member discover how far $25 can stretch.

Kiva is a San Francisco nonprofit organization that links third-world entrepreneurs with industrialized-world lenders who pool their money into short-term, interest-free business loans.

Kiva has so far arranged nearly $50 million in loans in 41 countries. Vetted by micro-financing organizations in their home countries, the borrowers pay the money back in monthly installments. Pictures, bios and updates appear on Kiva's Web site. See www.kiva.org for details.