Valentines Day is less than two weeks away and we’re using every excuse for a countdown because it means we’re inching our way out of winter. Of course there is no need to give kids (or anyone really…?) gifts this February but we still like to give our kids a little something. But rather than another silly toy that’ll end up at the bottom of the toy bin we try to use this holiday as an opportunity to gift something that will travel well. We always try to sneak a few toys into the suitcase when we’re headed away but those have to been small and still pack a big punch. So, in case you’re in the same boat, we’ve rounded up our favorite toys that travel well, aren’t tablets, and would be perfect to give your little one this Valentine’s.
Tonie Box: This gift is a bit pricey but pays you back in screen less quiet time in spades. These little audio boxes are a way to get your kids away from the TVs and tablets while still enjoying stories and music. You buy the box then add some ‘tonies’ (the little figurines). Once you set it up on your phone, all your child has to do is set the figurine atop the box and boom story or music time begins! There are figurines for almost every major movie or show your children may like, there’s lullaby tonies, and even a ‘creative tonie’ which allows you to add music they love or even record yourself reading their favorite story. They’re easy to pack which is why it’s our favorite toy to give!
Sensory kits by Young, Wild + Friendman: We’ve lost travel of how many nieces, nephews, and friends’ kids we’ve gifted these babies to and our own kids have several each. The sensory kits have themes (think flamonigs, construction vehicles, race cars, mermaids, etc) and come with amazing housemate play doh, little toys and decorations. They kids can use their imaginations to create little scenes and ours will easily spend 30 mins playing solo with their kits. The minis are perfect for travel, only cost $15, and the play doh lasts forever!
Blippi Busy Book: If you’ve got a Blippi obsessed babe like we do, this Busy Book is the cats meow. It’s a book and a cute story that comes with 10 little figurines inside including a Blippi one as well as a large playmat with roads and towns. The figures are great for the plane and once you get to your hotel, bring the playmat while you unwind.
GöBe Snack Spinner: Ok so this ones not a toy but it will make your kids so happy. It’s a fun and unique solution to packing snacks! With 5 compartments, there’s plenty of room to pack healthy, varied snacks, and our kids love pushing the button in the center to change the compartments. It’s a game changer for flights and road trips and perfect to toss in your bag for the beach or while you explore a new city.
Wimmelbooks: These are todays version of Where’s Waldo books, expect there are dozens of things to find on each page. The books come in soooo many themes like school, airports, farms, and constriction sites so there is truly something to suit any kids interest. They pages are so fun to explore and not gonna lie it sometimes takes a while to find everything because each page is so packed with stuff. They’re sure to keep your little busy on planes and we love doing them before bed.
Polly Pocket: We loved these as kids and were so jazzed to rediscover them as adults for our children. The pieces are small so they aren’t meant for toddlers but our 4.5 yr old daughter is obsessed. The little compact playlets are perfect for traveling and some even fit in my purse. Once the imagination gets going, the kids spend so much time with these little things, it’s amazing!
LCD Doodle Board: If you’ve got a kid who loves to color these are wonderful! No need to pack a billion crayons or markers that you will enviably lose or have to keep track of all the beautiful artwork your toddlers makes you. (Don’t get us wrong, we love our kids art but you can only save so much!). This thing doesn’t use batteries so it won’t die, it thin enough to slide into a purse, and can be used a billion times (don’t hold us to that number!).
Magnifying Glass/Binoculars: If you’ve got a budding Sherlock Holmes on your hand, a magnifying glass and binoculars will be such a hit! Use them to explore while you’re at home and when you’re arrive a new place suddenly there’s a whole new world to explore!
Magnetic Shape Maker: If a puzzle and magnatiles had baby, this would be it. Inside, you’ll find 7 magnetic foam tangrams and 24 double sided challenge cards, ranging from easy to expert. Your kids will spend hours trying to make the pieces fit into the puzzle and since they’re magnetic, they’ll stick to the metal box the toy came in, meaning you don’t have to worry about them slipping and sliding all over the tray table!
Brain Puzzles: Older kids (and adults let’s be honest) will love using brain puzzle type games plus they’re STEM toys so you’ll feel goof about gifting them. Our favorites are games like Dog Pile and IQ Fit.
