Leatherman's newest multitool, the Surge, has stronger pliers and scissors, longer knives, and four outside-opening blades to save unfolding the tool to access a cutting edge
(€145, 53 Degrees North, Carrickmines and Blanchardstown, Dublin, www.53degreesnorth.ie). A limited edition to mark the company's 25th anniversary has silver grips hand-tooled to designs by Argentine silversmith Adrian Pallarols. You may want to think twice before using the €695 knife to prise open a tin of paint.
Relaxed travel? You've got to be joking. But even the check-in queue at Dublin airport will seem a little more serene when tuned in to a series of locally produced guided relaxation CDs that aim to ease the burden for adults and kids (€20 per disc, downloads €15, www.ichievement.com, 087-2402599). Mags Corbett uses music and imagery to bring you on an inwardly serene journey, even if your outward-bound experience doesn't quite match. There's guided relaxation for adults and a "dolphin escort" to lead your youngster through a trip of the imagination. Topics include exams, pregnancy and sleep.
The Grobag Egg baby thermometer changes colour with a room's temperature, so that travelling parents can ensure baby doesn't overheat. It comes free when you buy two Baby Sleeping Bags (€36 each, www.babytravel shop.ie), which are wearable blankets - with zips and arm holes - that are designed to stop babies escaping their blankets on cold nights.
aharvey@irishtimes.com