6 Game-Changing Travel Gifts for Kids

Top Travel Gifts for Kids

Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, but it does require a bit of extra planning to keep the little ones entertained and comfortable. We’ve handpicked an assortment of travel gifts that aim to make your family journeys more enjoyable for everyone.

Wikki Stix Doodler

We think this is an exceptional pick for keeping kids amused on trips, fostering both creativity and calm.

Pros

• Encourages imaginative play and creativity without any mess
• Offers stress relief for kids with a need to fidget
• Compact design perfect for travel and on-the-go entertainment

Cons

• May leave a waxy residue after use
• Not as durable after repeated bending and shaping
• Some kids might lose interest quickly

Traveling with kids can often be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping them occupied during long journeys. The Wikki Stix Doodler emerges as a savior for parents, offering a creative and mess-free diversion that fits conveniently into a purse or carry-on. This compact creativity toolkit tames restless hands with 24 vibrant sticks that can be twisted and shaped into all sorts of interesting figures and forms.

While on the road, it’s common for kids to become a little agitated, but the soothing tactile sensation of bending and shaping Wikki Stix can serve as a stress reducer. Shaping these flexible sticks into 3-D creations can be a peaceful experience, diverting children’s attention from the monotony of travel and allowing them to engage in a serene, artistic endeavour.

However, some setbacks including the waxy residue may cause a slight nuisance, and over time, these sticks can bear the marks of their previous adventures. While incredibly fun and imaginative, not every child may remain fascinated by these sticks for extended periods. Parents seeking durable and endlessly engaging travel toys might need to pair these Wikki Stix with other activities.

Overall, we find them a smart addition to any family’s travel gear, certain to inspire young minds and provide a bit of tranquility during those inevitable moments of travel-induced restlessness.

Kids’ Travel Journal

We think this journal is a splendid pick for young travelers to document their adventures and foster a love for writing.

Pros

• Sparks creativity with engaging prompts
• Portable and easy to carry
• Doubles as a keepsake of travel memories

Cons

• Suitable for only one trip
• May require prompting for younger kids
• Some may prefer a more open-ended journal

Selecting a gift that both entertains and educates can be quite a task, but the Kids’ Travel Journal strikes a balance. It’s designed to capture the essence of travel from a child’s perspective. The prompts challenge young minds to reflect on their experiences, enhancing their observation and writing skills.

Carrying the journal is hassle-free due to its compact size. Kids often have their hands full, so a travel-friendly option like this makes perfect sense. They’ll be more inclined to use it on the go, making sure no detail is left behind.

Despite being limited to a single journey, the journal becomes a treasured repository of memories. While it may need a gentle nudge to get the younger ones started, the outcome is a personalized travel chronicle to reminisce over for years to come.

Coogam Travel Tangram

If you’re seeking a travel-friendly, educational toy that grows with the child, this magnetic puzzle is a solid choice.

Pros

• Offers a variety of 360 patterns for ongoing challenges
• Magnetic pieces reduce mess and hassle
• Compact size is ideal for travel

Cons

• Some puzzles may be too advanced for younger kids
• Magnets may occasionally fall out of the book
• Quality of materials could be better

As parents, educators, or relatives, we seek gifts that are charming, educational, and can keep kids engaged during travel. The Coogam Travel Tangram magnetically captures the essence of what a travel game should be. It’s truly a pocket-sized wonder, spurring intellect with its geometric puzzle challenges. These puzzles not only subtly boost cognitive skills but are also a delightful pastime that can allay the “are we there yet?” chorus.

The travel-friendly aspect is nailed perfectly with the item’s small stature, proving to be an effortless tag-along in any sort of trip. Whether zipping through the skies or cruising down highways, this tangram puzzle fits snugly in bags and backpacks, providing a handy distraction from the tedium of long travel hours.

While the Coogam puzzle set shines as a travel buddy, it’s important to consider that not all the puzzles will strike a chord with every young mind. Some younger travelers might find certain puzzles a formidable opponent, possibly leading to more frustration than fun. And for the meticulous, the tendency of magnets to occasionally wander astray could be a slight hindrance. Lastly, although strong enough to endure the rigors of road trips, the materials of the tangram may leave some yearning for greater reinforcement. Despite these caveats, its educational value and portability make it an ally in the development and entertainment of children on the go.

Skip-Bo Card Tin

We think this Skip-Bo card game is a fantastic travel gift for kids, offering a blend of strategy and fun that can involve the whole family.

Pros

• Engaging and strategic gameplay suitable for a range of ages
• Comes in a decorative tin for convenient storage and portability
• Skip-Bo wild cards introduce dynamic twists that enhance the fun

Cons

• Some might find the tin bulkier than expected for travel
• The game’s competitive nature might not suit all children
• May take a few rounds for younger players to understand the rules

Gathering around for a game of Skip-Bo can quickly become a highlight of family trips. The element of strategy keeps us on our toes, while the game’s pace is perfect to fill in those quieter moments during vacations. The wild cards are particularly exciting, as they add an unpredictable twist that can change the course of the game.

The decorative tin isn’t just for show; it keeps the cards safe and sound, ensuring they don’t get bent or lost in transit. It’s a practical choice for parents who appreciate tidy and efficient packing, and kids will love having a special tin for their favorite card game.

While the tin is handy, its larger size may take up more space in a bag than a standard deck of cards. For highly competitive kids, the game may sometimes lead to disputes, and the strategic aspect might require a bit of learning for the younger ones. However, once the rules are grasped, Skip-Bo promises hours of engaging play for kids and adults alike, making it a treasured item in any travel bag.

UNO & Friends Card Tin

We think this trio of classic card games makes a brilliant gift for kids, ensuring a heap of fun whether on the road or during family game nights.

Pros

• Offers variety with three different card games
• Comes in a convenient storage tin for easy portability
• Appropriate for a wide age range, starting from 7 years old

Cons

• Some users have reported the cards are not full-sized
• The tin might get dented, being made of metal
• Possibly not as engaging for very young children

Getting the Mattel Games Set for your family means you’re bringing not just one, but three times the entertainment wherever you go. UNO, the evergreen favorite, is fantastic for teaching kids about numbers and colors while keeping them engaged. With DOS joining the mix, they’re in for a fresh challenge that’s similar yet distinct from UNO, doubling the fun. And Skip-Bo introduces a strategic angle to their play, making it a complete set for different moods and preferences.

The decorative tin box isn’t just for looks; it’s super practical as well. Keeping all the cards organized and in one place is a breeze, so you’re less likely to lose them during your travels. Moreover, this compact design means it fits in backpacks and carry-ons without occupying much space – ideal for travel.

Bear in mind, though, that the cool-looking tin might also be its weakest link. It’s susceptible to dents if handled roughly, which could be a consideration if it’s going to be tossed around by excited little ones. That said, these card games from Mattel are a fantastic choice to entertain the kids (and adults) and create shared memories, one game night at a time.

Melissa & Doug Paw Patrol Adventure Game

We think this Melissa & Doug game is a charming choice for kids who enjoy Paw Patrol and can benefit from playful development of their social and fine motor skills.

Pros

• Encourages imaginative and cooperative play
• Made with FSC-certified materials for eco-conscious parents
• Durable wooden components for long-lasting fun

Cons

• Components may be challenging for the youngest players to manipulate
• Potential for missing pieces as noted in some reviews
• Specifically themed to PAW Patrol, thus not suitable for children not interested in the series

Creative storytelling and team cooperation come alive with this Paw Patrol-themed game. Kids can imagine themselves on a rescue mission, promoting both social skills and dexterity as they use the fishing rods to save characters. The tactile wooden pieces add to the enjoyment, making the experience hands-on and engaging.

Focusing on durability and responsibility to the environment, this game consists of wooden pieces made from FSC-certified materials. The commitment to sustainable forestry resonates with us, and we appreciate this responsible approach to toy manufacturing.

Variety and replayability are key when traveling, and this set delivers, with double-sided activity cards that challenge kids to find new solutions with each play. A built-in spinner ensures that each rescue mission remains unique, maintaining excitement for repeated fun during long trips.

Buying Guide

When we select travel gifts for kids, it’s important we focus on a few key features to ensure we’re choosing the best products. Here’s what we should look at:

Age Appropriateness

Check the age range – Always confirm that the gift is suitable for the child’s age. We want to strike a balance between challenge and skill level without causing frustration or boredom.

Age Group	Considerations
Toddlers	Safety, simplicity, educational value
School-age	Interactivity, engagement, learning potential
Teens	Trendiness, functionality, durability

Type of Travel

Match the gift to the travel type – Consider if the travel is by car, plane, or another mode of transportation. Compact and portable gifts are ideal, especially ones that can easily fit in a carry-on or backpack.

• Compactness
• Portability
• No loose parts or pieces

Educational Value

Look for learning opportunities – Gifts that educate as well as entertain offer dual value especially during long travels.

• Cultivates curiosity
• Teaches new skills or knowledge
• Encourages discovery

Entertainment Factor

Ensure it keeps kids engaged – We want something that will be captivating enough to hold their attention for a good stretch of time.

• Interactive features
• Replay value
• Variety of activities

Durability and Safety

Prioritize longevity and safety – We should look for robust items that can withstand some wear and tear, and are also safe for the child.

• Non-toxic materials
• Sturdy construction
• Able to withstand drops or spills

By paying attention to these details, we can make better choices for travel gifts that are fun, educational, and suitable for the little ones.