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Hey there, jet-setting parents!
If you’re like me, you know that traveling with toddlers can be a whirlwind of excitement and chaos all rolled into one adorable package. As a mom on-the-go and a firm believer in making memories with my little one, I’ve discovered a few tried-and-true, safe travel toys that have saved me from tantrums and tears on countless adventures.
These are some of the best travel-friendly toys for toddlers that will make your next road trip or flight a breeze!
Yoto Mini: The Ultimate Travel Companion
First up on my list is the Yoto Mini. This compact audio player is a game-changer for entertaining little ones on long journeys. With its interactive storytelling, music, and educational content, the Yoto Mini sparks imagination and curiosity, making it a must-have for any travel-savvy parent.
MAKE YOUR OWN CARDS
We love the “make your own” cards—they’re super affordable (less than $3 each), and each card can store up to 100 tracks/500MB of audio content! You can even choose your own pixel graphic to display on the screen for each audio file. This website has tons of fun pixel art to choose from!
Chatbooks Minis
These pocket-sized photo books are perfect for preserving precious memories. Simply upload your favorite photos from your smartphone and let Chatbooks do the rest. It’s a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to relive your family’s travel experiences for years to come. Print a new book before a trip and surprise your little one once you’re on the go!
TODDLER GUARANTEE
We have the 12-month “monthly minis” subscription (less than $100). It’s SO easy to upload photos from your phone through their app. Because it’s so effortless, we actually get these printed monthly. And, if your kids love their Chatbook too much, they’ll replace it for free!
Tablet + Shockproof Case
A tablet can be an absolute lifesaver for those super long-haul trips. It provides endless entertainment options, from educational games to favorite shows. We love this shockproof case—you can hang your iPad almost anywhere on the plane. And, these are our favorite toddler headphones—they work with an aux cord or wirelessly.
OFFLINE MOVIES & SHOWS
Most popular streaming services offer the option to download shows & movies for offline viewing. Plan ahead and download your favorites while on your at-home. Some of our favorites are Disney+ (shorts, Bluey, and fav films), Netflix (Shaun the Sheep, Peppa the Pig, Trash Truck), and HBO Now (Sesame Street). NOTE: Downloads usually expire after 30 days! Be sure to re-download between trips!
Reusable Sticker Books
Say goodbye to sticky situations with reusable sticker books! These magical creations allow toddlers to unleash their creativity without leaving a trail of adhesive behind. Perfect for perfect for planes, trains, and automobiles, reusable sticker books provide hours of entertainment without the cleanup hassle.
No-Mess Coloring
Let your little Picasso unleash their inner artist with no-mess coloring options like Water Wow pads and Imagine Ink books. Simply add water or use the magic ink marker provided, and watch as colors magically appear on the page. Mess-free and endlessly entertaining, these coloring solutions are a game-changer for travel.
PACK PAINTER’S TAPE
Pack a toll of painter’s tape on every trip! This stuff comes in handy for so many things—whether it’s taping up no-mess Magic Paper or covering up those annoying little lights in your hotel room!
Adhesive Coloring Paper: Stick and Create Anywhere
For a portable coloring solution that sticks with you wherever you go, adhesive coloring paper is the way to go. With sheets that adhere to any surface, from tray tables to windows, toddlers can let their imaginations run wild without worrying about making a mess. Pack some easy-to-hold crayons for little hands!
Busy Books & Fidget Toys
When fidgety fingers strike, a fidget spinner is a lifesaver. These handheld toys provide endless entertainment and sensory stimulation, making them an easy travel toy for your toddler on any adventure.
Playdough: Moldable Magic for Little Hands
Unleash your toddler’s imagination with travel-sized containers of playdough. From shaping animals to building castles, playdough provides endless opportunities for creative play on the go. This is the only “messy” toy we risk on trips, so I always recommend supervision with this one!
Wooden Lacing Beads: Fun and Functional
Encourage fine motor skills and creativity with wooden lacing beads. Compact and easy to pack, these timeless toys are perfect for keeping little hands busy during travel downtime.
Mini Magnetic Tiles
EPIC for plane travel but also for dining. You can build pretty much anything—for us, it’s car washes and garages for toy cars lol. But with an older toddler, these are a great imaginative toy to bring on a trip!
Wikki Stix
These nostalgic wax yarn sticks were a hit for 80s/90s kiddos! They’re fun on their own as you can make pretty much anything you imagine (glasses, shapes, jewlery, you name it!) Also look out for their different fun packs like alphabet cards and travel activity sheets!
So there you have it, fellow globe-trotting parents! With these top travel toys for toddlers in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to turn any journey into a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
Safe travels and happy adventuring!
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