The Best Toys For Travel
Mom's Bag of Tricks: 15 Things to Pack When You're on the Go
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One of the surest signs of a been-there, done-that mom is that she shows up not only prepared, but overprepared for any occasion. Whether you're venturing out for a quick lunch with friends or an eight-hour flight, the more ways to keep them occupied, the better. In the interest of not breaking your back (or your bag, for that matter), we've rounded up 15 tried-and-true toys that'll fit in your tote or diaper bag. No need to pack them all — be judicious in your selections, following the rule of thumb that you'll almost always need two or three more options than you might have thought.
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1 For Babies: Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
It may not have the cache of say, Sophie the Giraffe, but this musical Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes ($10) is the secret weapon of many a new mom.
2 For Babies: Manhattan Toy Winkel
This lightweight, multicolored plaything from Manhattan Toy ($14) is easy for infants to grip, can be frozen and used as a teether, and makes noise when shaken. More interactive than your typical rattle, babies can follow the multicolored paths with curious eyes and fingers.
3 For Babies and Toddlers: Cate & Levi Dog Hand Puppet
If mom and dad are game for some inventive storytelling, Cate & Levi's knit puppets ($25) will keep little ones entertained and laughing — both at home and on the go.
4 For Toddlers: Magnetic Curious George Set
This slim, easily portable magnetic set ($13) includes 52 magnets, plus an extra background scene (in case George wants to spend a day at the beach). Best of all, the tin carrying case clicks shut, so you don't have to worry about stray monkeys and bananas floating around the bottom of your bag.
5 For Toddlers: Hape Crocodile Threading Animal
Lacing toys are an old-school favorite for toddlers working on their fine motor skills. Hape's adorable series of lace-up animals ($9) is a smart way to keep little hands busy (and quiet!) whether you're at a restaurant or stuck in traffic.
6 For Toddlers: Buster Buckle Toy
When the Buckle Toy ($20, originally $25) showed up on our doorstep one day, I thought its purchaser (my husband) was crazy. Little did I know, it would soon become an essential part of every car trip we took with our buckle/latch/snap/zipper-obsessed 1.5-year-old!
7 For Toddlers: Fisher-Price Doodle Pro Classic
Whether it's a game of Pictionary or just some creative expression, the Doodle Pro Classic ($20) from Fisher-Price features tot-friendly grips and a duo of stampers.
8 For Preschoolers: Melissa & Doug Water Wow!
Those magic pen activity books that you may remember from your own childhood road trips (I certainly do!) haven't gone away; they've only gotten better. Melissa & Doug's Water Wow! books ($5) are affordable, portable, and mess-free. Choose from a range of themes — from the alphabet to construction vehicles, animals, and more.
9 For Toddlers and Preschoolers: Tegu 8-Piece Pocket Pouch
Tegu's magnetic blocks are a design-conscious parents' dream come true. They're beautifully designed, and the eight-piece miniset ($32) comes in a chic gray felt pouch. In the bag, and off you go!
10 For Toddlers and Preschoolers: Washi Tape
It doesn't have to be by Martha Stewart (though this pack sure is pretty!) — any sort of washi tape ($5) makes an ideal activity for little kids who have to practice patience and stay in their seats for any amount of time. The stickiness and size is just right for little hands to maneuver, and a few rolls fit easily into mom's makeup bag or change purse. Best of all, it comes off without a trace!
11 For Preschoolers and Big Kids: Wikki Stix
Wikki Stix ($7) are totally addictive, and their simplistic packaging makes them great for travel (even if it's only to grandma's house). The unique tactile experience of playing with these will keep kids busy. Plus, they can be reused and leave no mess whatsoever.
12 For Preschoolers: Hape Proud Peacock Embroidery Kit
Hape's Proud Peacock Embroidery Kit ($13) offers preschoolers-and-up a fun activity that comes with a sense of accomplishment upon completion. This would be a great challenge to give to them on a flight or road trip.
13 For Big Kids: Melissa & Doug Camp Bunk Box of Questions
We're all about finding a single activity that occupies the whole family, and Melissa & Doug's Camp Bunk Box of Questions ($10) is an interactive and fun way to spark conversation. The theme may be sleepaway camp, but it works wherever you are!
14 For Big Kids: University Games Scavenger Hunt For Kids Travel Tin
Whether they're running around or strapped in a car seat, kids can have fun with this scavenger hunt in a tin ($11). Added bonus? If they're running around uncovering their "treasure," the game encourages that they clean up along the way, too.
15 For Big Kids: Spot It! On the Road
This tiny tin holds hours (or at the very least, many minutes) of on-the-move fun. Fans of Spot It! will love the On the Road ($14) version, which can be played by up to eight people.
