thanks for all the comments! I did a bunch of research on the gorillapod slr zoom, and ended up going with lola808's advice and just wrote them a nice, heartfelt card. they're really not taking much with them, and i didn't think anything i got them would make their "necessity" cut-off. i really appreciate the input!
(and pugrolls - yes, seriously, isn't it amazing?! taking a year off to travel is so far out of my comfort zone, i'm simultaneously thrilled and terrified just thinking about it! and msmoore - affordability was my first thought too, but they've saved enough to do this, the biggest cost is not making any income the next year. they're also avoiding places like western europe, japan, etc, which are much more expensive. i'm looking forward to reading about their adventures!)
Re: f/u to gift for globe-trotting friends