If not for anything else, the Petzl E+LITE makes a fantastic party trick. Hardly bigger than a couple of Jolly Ranchers, it packs in three LEDs, two brightness levels, red and white strobes, and 45 hours of staying power. The head can pivot 360 degrees for all manner of situations, from camp cooking to examining an engine in the dark. And a small, hard-plastic case keeps it neatly tucked away in a glove compartment or the bottom of a pack for emergencies.
$29.95; www.petzl.com