25 Popular Christmas Gifts Not Allowed in Your Carry-On

Heading home for the holidays? Make sure you and your loved ones know which gifts needs a little extra attention before you head to the airport.

This seems like a no-brainer, right? Before you get all excited about your Red Ryder BB gun and forget to properly pack it, have a heart for the TSA agents who seem to break records every year for the number of guns they come across.

OK, maybe you won't actually put your eye out with these, but even the most unrealistic fake weapons are a no-go.

Technically it's not against the rules to have wrapped presents in your carry on. There's just a good chance TSA will unwrap them. So, save yourself the hassle and buy a giftbag at your destination.

They might bring back great memories, but be very careful bringing your favorite foods home and remember that anything spreadable or pourable is a liquid by TSA standards.

Sneaking one of grandmas cookies (or two, or 10) is probably OK, but an entire container of her chicken noodle soup is going to get red-flagged pretty fast. Make sure everything is tightly wrapped and don't be surprised if it ends up getting tested.

If someone gifted you a nice bottle of wine, you're better off popping the cork and sharing it with the gifter on the spot. Wine, beer and spirits fall into the same liquid rules as everything else. So, if you must travel with it, wrap it well and stick it in your checked bag.

Anything over 140 proof can't make it through the airport at all-even in your checked luggage. Check the bottle again before you head to the airport.

No matter how magical, any snowglobe larger than a tennis ball is going to get confiscated immediately by TSA. Smaller than that? It still needs to fit nicely in your one, quart-sized plastic bag.

Nostalgic? Sure. A great gift for the kids? Maybe. Will it make it through airport security in your carry on? Outlook not so good.

Technically, cigar cutters are allowed according to TSA rules, but agents have wide latitude to remove anything they find objectionable. Be safe, not sorry and send your classy new accessory back in your checked bag.

The same rule applies to kitchen gadgets. Anything with a blade or that could conceivably be used as a weapon is going to get extra scrutiny. Remember, your friendly TSA worker may not appreciate foodie culture like you.

These little popping Christmas traditions might end up thrown in your bag at the last minute-especially by kids who love them so much-but, while harmless, they're technically fireworks and are subject to airline bans on any pyrotechnics.

Get anything electronic this year? There's a good chance the battery may not meet the TSA's ever-changing and very specific guidelines.

Not only are hoverboard batteries a (major) issue, but anything motorized that you can ride is a no-go as well. In fact, many airlines don't let you check hoverboards either. So, you may be better off getting the kid a giftcard.

Technically, a drone can make it through, but TSA rules are murky and various checkpoints will become an issue. Also, different airlines have different policies as well. Batteries, again, are a big issue here, but various states and countries also have ever-changing laws governing drones that you should check before you fly.

It's a (hopefully) great smelling liquid, but it's still a liquid.

Ladies already know how much of a hassle packing make-up and skincare products can be, so this tip is for the men in their lives. It may be a great gift idea, but make sure you take the extra step and have a plan to get it where you need to go.

Handcrafted soaps, lotions, bath bombs and such make a fantastic gift but are very likely to come under the watchful eye of a TSA agent who sees that as a jar, bar or vial to be tested. Normal liquid rules apply here, but even solids and powders are safer and better off in your checked bag.

Ski poles are an absolute no. (Take one look at them and you shouldn't be that surprised.) Also on the no-no list: baseball bats, hockey sticks, surfboards and more. A surprising item you might be able to get on the plane? Ice skates! But, make sure you're checking with your airline.

You're trying you get your new gift back to your workshop, but TSA sees someone who can take apart a plane. Anything longer than seven inches or powered definitely needs to be in your checked bag. However, even allowed tools could potentially be seen as weapons.

Whether you're actually a throwing star expert or it's just an interesting conversation piece, you can't bring martial arts or self-defense items on the plane. This includes both novelty items and self-defense sprays and electronic stun devices.

Domestically, this can be an OK item for the plane, but internationally, you will face some issues. Make sure to check with both your destination and the airline.

Giving the gift of more comfortable walking? Great, but make sure they're either in your shoe or in your checked bags. This same rule applies to gel candles as well.

Regular lighters (and Zippo-style lighters) are allowed in your carry on-but not in checked bags, unless they're empty. However, anything that utilizes a torch-style is forbidden and should be checked. This rule also applies to novelty lighters that look like guns or other weapons.

Luggage can be an awesome holiday gift, but recent trends toward smart luggage and even motorized luggage have airlines and TSA scrambling. When in doubt, double check before you make a purchase. You may be required to leave your battery or leave your luggage altogether.