From a local automotive store we picked up a motorcycle jack/hoist, the smaller type that you wheel under the bike, not ride/push the bike onto that you find at bike shops. I don't think it was terribly expensive, but I like cause it not attached to the bike so no extra weight, and it has wheels so you can tuck the bike away in the garage easier.
Very simiular to this unit
http://www.motorcyclejacks.com/LATV-J.shtml but this wouldn't help you with a flat tire on the side of the highway though....
