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Looking for some great gift ideas for kids in your life? Here are some of our favorite gifts you could take on a trip! Any of them easily pack in a diaper bag, purse, or backpack. Also, check our my favorite books for kids who love to explore!
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Tegu Blocks
Tegu blocks ($25) are wooden, magnetic blocks & a great open ended toy! We have a big set but sometimes bring a small collection like this when we travel.
Water Wow Books
WaterWow! books ($5 each or 3 for $13) were one of the first mess-free toys we started bringing on trips. Fill the pen with water and uncover a picture. Then let it dry and do it all again. Even at 7 our kids still enjoy them.
Block Crayons
Filana Beeswax Block Crayons ($23) Beeswax crayons with vibrant colors. We used there for our Waldorf homeschool art program and have really enjoyed them. Bonus for travel: they can’t roll off the tray tables, are non-toxic, and nearly impossible to break.
Finger Puppets
Finger puppets ($10 for 10) Buy a bunch on Amazon, or buy at your local Ten Thousand Villages Store
Peg People
Peg People ($59) This set from Grimm’s is adorable and has color coded cups to match. You could just take a few on a trip. Also you can make your own peg people if you’re feeling crafty or support a seller on etsy.
Stacking Cups
Mini Bilibos stacking cups ($19.99) Another great open ended toy. These can get wet, too — so would be a great addition for a beach vacation. Great for sorting, stacking, hiding games, and so much more.
Play scarves
Playsilks ($45 for 3). Playsilks are so versatile that they always come with us. Cape, scarf, blindfold, peek-a-boo, toy hammock, the options are endless! We dyed our own with food coloring following this tutorial they turned out great.
Boogie Boards
Boogie boards (from $26.99) are one of our favorite travel toys! Think of it like a modern magna-doodle. We love this version because it is translucent and comes with other games and activities. We also use it for homeschooling. Costco has had them lately, too, so check there if you are a member for a great price.
Reusable Puffy Sticker Books
Reusable puffy sticker books ($10 for 3) from Melissa and Doug. At around $5 a book or less when they are bundled, these are a great toy to bring on trips — and not have to worry about if it doesn’t last for years. We used to let our kids pick out one of these each time we went on a new trip.
Hi Katie, thanks for the ideas. As a parent, it always gives us a few sleepless nights thinking about how the kids are going to behave on a long flight! Gonna definitely try the Boogie boards next time! Cheers
Hi Katie, thanks for the ideas. As a parent, it always gives us a few sleepless nights thinking about how the kids are going to behave on a long flight! Gonna definitely try the Boogie boards next time! Cheers