17 Things You Need To Consider If Traveling With Christmas Gifts

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Any gifts that contain liquids or gels have to either be packed in checked luggage, or adhere to the TSA's rules for carrying liquids on the plane. All liquids, gels, creams, aerosols and pastes have to be in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less. Those containers must fit in one quart-sized resealable bag, and each traveler can only have one such bag.

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Gifts containing alcohol have to be under 70% alcohol (140 proof), and must in unopened packaging under 5 liters per passenger if they are over 24% alcohol. Alcohol packed in carry on bags must adhere to the carry-on rules for liquids.

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The rules for alcohol and liquids apply to wine. Corkscrews are allowed in carry-ons if they don't have a blade.

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Food is allowed in carry-on luggage as long as it is solid. Included in liquids are things like hummus, yogurt and peanut butter.

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Toys that looks like guns or bladed weapons are not allowed in carry-ons and should be packed in checked luggage. Toys that look like hand grenades or other explosives are prohibited in carry-ons and checked luggage. Magic 8-balls are prohibited in carry-on bags.

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All electronics larger than a cell phone — including tablets, game consoles and computers — must be placed in separate bins when going through airport security, so make sure they are easily accessible if packed in carry-ons.

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If giving someone a gun for Christmas, they can be packed in checked luggage unloaded and locked in a hard sided container. Knives or other bladed gifts such as cigar cutters and saws must be packed in checked luggage.

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The TSA suggests wrapping your gifts after you have arrived at your destination, although wrapped presents are not technically prohibited. There is a chance that TSA will have to unwrap gifts as part of the screening process.

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Christmas Crackers, a wrapped cardboard tube filled with a prize that makes a loud snap when opened, are not allowed in carry-ons or checked luggage due to the small explosive cap in them. All fireworks and explosive materials are prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage.

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Liquid rules apply to snow globes as well. According to the TSA, a snow globe smaller than a tennis ball is likely filled with less than 3.4 ounces and would therefore be allowed in your carry on.

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Make sure to thoroughly check the bins after getting through the security check point to make sure you have all of your gifts and personal items. The TSA maintains a lost and found at each airport. Items will be held until 30 days, fter which they will be sold, with the profits going to the Treasury to pay down the national debt.

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If you are unsure if an item is allowed, you can tweet to @AskTSA or send a Facebook message to AskTSA, or call their call center at 866-289-9673. The agency's website and app also has a comprehensive list of prohibited item

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Check with your airline or travel agent before packing to ensure that your bag isn't too big and doesn't contain items that the airline prohibits.

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If the your items are damaged or lost in transit, you may file a claim with the TSA, but investigations can take up to six months. You should also check with the airport and airline.

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Consider shipping gifts to your destination ahead of time, especially if the gift is hard to pack or isn't allowed on a plane. Amazon allows customers to mark orders as gifts, which will notify the recipient who it is from, hide the price and include a personalized message. Gift wrapping is also available.

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If shipping gifts yourself, the U.S. Postal Service lists deadlines for delivery by Christmas Eve: Dec. 14 for retail ground shipping; Dec. 19 for first class mail; Dec. 20 for priority mail; Dec. 22 for priority mail express.

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If you're arriving in your destination a few days before the holiday, try to get some of your shopping done there if you aren't able to pack all of your gifts in your luggage.