Is it cold where you are? Toe warmers.

Although I really like my bentos.

my toes are naturally bent. i vote for a vintage paramount dressed in campy. oh, wait...

which way?

sounds like a toe cramp. those hurt.

Many good ideas here. I packed some lube, C02, patch kit, spare tube, zoggs citris wipes, and a pack of jelly belly sport beans.......$15
Bento box is a small nylon box that straps onto the top tube and carries a cell phone or cliff bar, or small candies. I rarely use mine, sometimes I put my camera in it for those times when you need quick access for a picture.

I'm a big fan of both the superflash and Spokelits. Nothing like being lit up like a Christmas tree for night riding during the holiday season.

The lowest price I've seen on the Spokelits is here for $5.99 each. Shipping is $4.95, but doesn't seem to go up if you buy a bunch of them at once. So if you want to buy a pair for yourself ($11.98 + $4.95) while you're buying a pair as a gift for someone, the shipping on the second pair is basically free. I bought mine here and got them pretty fast.

Edit: On Saturday December 13, the price of a Spokelit had increased to $7.95 on the website I included above. The price seems to vary from time to time. Keep checking back to see if the price drops again.

Multitool maybe? I could use a second.

How about some of the Soma steel core tire levers? I bought a few a while back, and they're seriously the best $10 I've spent on bike gear after the bike itself.

This travel coffee mug from Trek is pretty cool. It's made for the Trek Soho and fits into a standard bottle cage.

http://media.trekbikes.com/images/pr...ium/270903.jpg

You can find it here for $14.99 plus shipping.

socks - I can always use wool socks.
knog frogs
gloves - a backup pair is always good.
helmet cover - sure
some form of cycling cap.
knitted cap
reflective tape or stickers
stuff sacks
a stack of chloroplast so I can make a tailbox or fenders or ...
zip ties
electrical tape
more zip ties
I could think of more if I wanted.

Since you ride with him, has he ever mentioned what he wishes he had, or have you noticed anything missing?

For commuting, lights, PB Super Flash if you can find a sale. I really like the Crank Brothers speed levers for easier tire changing, Incredibells, velcro pants clips if he ever has to ride in street clothes, helmet mirror, beanie, or doo-rag. If there's a bike store in the area he likes, a gift certificate is a bit lame but lets him get what he wants. We had a gift exchange at work today (with swapping) and the big hits were a bottle of wine and several Starbucks gift cards. I was tempted to bring something cycling-related, but I'm the only regular bike commuter in the group.

Walz Cycling Caps.

Haven't bought one for myself yet but they look great and fit under a helmet.

Different commutes actually. :( However, I think she has most of the basics covered. I just ordered the spoke light for her, and I know she'll dig that. Also found this really cool compass/bell combo at Nashbar. I will pick that up too if I can figure out what else I need. Not paying for shipping on a 3 dollar item alone!

Hmmm... perhaps the motivation I need to finally order the Gatorskins I've been eyeing. :innocent:

$20 for a safety vest with LED lights (3 mode)

Where can you get one of these for $15? I need one.

PB Superflash, Handlebar tape, Small Soma Fab Hemp seat bag ($20 when i got mine), Seat cover that's not just a grocery bag, pair of metal toe clips (if he's running plastic ones or whatever), coffee cup that fits in water bottle cage, etc.

and if he's not really mechanically inclined, and you are, offer him a free tune-up done by you.

Right time of year for Woolie Boolie thick wool socks: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=22910

I have been using these a lot this winter and really like them. They increase side visibility, which is critical during these long, dark months. You can order them here. Would make a great present. The "disco" multicolored ones are the most fun.

http://www.niteize.com/info/images/spokelit_main.jpg

DeFeet Woolie Boolie cycling socks. They are the bestest in cold weather, and you can buy them for about $10.

Cage Rocket for storing gear in a water bottle cage, also costs about $10.

Brass bell (I've got a nice Incredibell) if your friend is a commuter, but otherwise he will probably thing it's Freddish. Less than $10.

Some new bar tape. I like Cinelli cork, and it comes in lots of colors.

6-12 pack of beer, bottle of wine. Hip flask :D