Traveling for the holidays? As a mom, I am always looking for ways to make traveling with kids easier. Finding travel toys for kids this age can be very difficult; the toys must not only be tough enough but also very be safe, interesting, and able to entertain the child for longer time.
Here’s a checklist of toys which can be dumped in a small travel bag that toddlers enjoy:
Stacking cups
One-year-olds love to stack and nest, so stacking cups make an excellent travel toy. The “nesting” factor also makes them easy to pack into a carry-on.
Sunglasses
Find a pair of small children’s sunglasses. One-year-olds love trying to put them on their face and will play with these for quite a while.
Books
“Activity” books such as touch-and-feel books, lift-the-flap books, and soft, cloth travel books may entertain a one-year-old for a certain period of time.
Finger puppets
Finger puppets are a great activity. Parents can put on a little puppet show, sing songs, and tell stories with them. One-year-olds also like putting them on their fingers.
Laptop, iPad, or DVD player
Of course no screen time is good for the kids, but even parents who prefer not to plug their kids into electronic devices at home will happily bend the rules for a long flight. Nothing beats a movie for entertaining a one-year-old. This is probably the easiest, most entertaining option for toddlers. Don’t forget to download a few options before you leave the house. Though don’t start out your trip by plugging them into a movie. Wait until they are fussy before you push that magic button!
Toy cell phone
Pushing buttons and seeing things light up is a great activity for most toddlers. Add a toy cell phone to your travel toy menagerie: they are small and have a good play value for the plane or car ride. Be sure the sound effects are not too loud or obnoxious, though: you don’t want complaints from other passengers!
And lastly, have some surprises up your sleeve. Especially during long trips, it’s always a great idea to have a couple new toys or activities to distract your child. This might include toys they have never seen and food treats they only get on special occasions.