If you're traveling for the holidays and plan to bring any gifts with you [1], do yourself a favor and keep them unwrapped. Though TSA does allow travelers to bring wrapped presents [2] through security, they will make you unwrap it for further inspection if the item triggers an alarm.
To avoid having to undo your work, put any items in gift bags instead or bring wrapping paper with you. TSA even suggests shipping the present ahead of time to make the screening process a breeze. But if you really want to travel with your wrapped gifts, your best bet is to check your luggage in — but remember that even then it's not guaranteed that you'll pass without an additional search.
Also keep in mind that toys that look like weapons, sporting goods (including bats and hockey sticks), snow globes larger than a tennis ball, and liquids and spreads that don't meet TSA's liquid rule [3] are not allowed in your carry-on. To make sure you're not bringing any prohibited items, double-check the TSA website [4] for a comprehensive list!
