We’ve just arrived home from a fun filled two-week break on Malta. Prior to our departure I rummaged through the kids’ toys looking for suitable items to take to keep them both entertained on the plane and for the duration of the trip. I thought I’d share with you the simple travel toys we took along on this particular journey. It wasn’t extensive, but kept everyone entertained.
For my 2 year old I took:
Trunki Suitcase – It’s a carry-on suitcase that can also be be ridden or dragged along. We have Harley the Ladybug and it fits all of my daughter’s (and son’s) toys perfectly, plus there is always room for other essentials that might be needed during a flight.
Sticker Books – I am a big fan of sticker books, and I particularly like the Usborne sticker book series. They come with hundreds of stickers and they also have great themes. We took along the Little Travellers and Little Aquarium books on this trip. Sticker books have been a staple item in my travel entertainment bag since my daughter was one and now that she is a little older and understands their purpose, she can create her own (albeit highly creative) scenes.
iPad – I must say this was the winner of this trip and particularly on the flight. Since the iPad arrived in our home and Miss M has realised the wonders that it beholds we actually have to hide it so that she doesn’t play with it all the time. There are loads of fantastic educational apps for toddlers to play with, as well as interactive books. Mid-air it is a sanity saver and provides hours of entertainment. Watch this space for a great round-up of the apps that keep my toddler engaged.
Animal figurines – We have a large collection of animal figurines and these are something that my daughter plays with everyday. So without fail we always travel (if even to the supermarket) with an eclectic crew of creatures. A lion, tiger, panda bear, crocodile, dinosaur, kangaroo, seal, polar bear and giraffe accompanied us on this trip.
Toy cars – these are small and pack easily and most young kids love cars. This set on Amazon is great for toddlers as they are a bit chunkier than normal.
Favourite stuffed toy – We have travelled around the world with a Jellycat white rabbit, by the name of Scully. The only caveat that I would offer here, is be very careful not to lose a toy that your child is very emotionally attached to.
Books – Another travel staple, we always travel with a handful of well-loved books and a new book for the flight.
My 4 month old is easy to entertain, he was happy with:
– His Sophie La Giraffe (who is called Arthur in our household)
– 2 favourite stuffed toys;
– A couple of baby books; and
– Watching his sister play with all of her toys!
7 Comments
Great article ! This is a recurring question when traveling with toddler and/or baby.
I’m going to be interested to check out your list of toddler friendly apps! 🙂
Mama Bee – we have lots of favourites. I compiled an email list today to send to a friend. I can forward it to you if you like?
Great suggestion! I would love a list of iPad apps you recommend for toddlers if you are happy to share? 🙂
Hi Rachel, I have a couple of posts dedicated to iPad apps for toddlers: http://whttp://www.babylovestotravel.com/?p=1542 and ww.babylovestotravel.com/?p=2004. I hope you find them useful 🙂
Hey, Lisa,
Great article! Some nice suggestions here and really love the angle and approach of your blog. First one ive seen like it before.
Keep up the good work 🙂
Selina
Hi Lisa,
Recently I took my kids to see their grandparents to Italy and I had big problem what to pack. We stayed there for a month. All kids have one special toy they drag everywhere but for longer period I really struggle what to brig. I did some researching and your blog really helped.
Keep up the good work.