best 1 year old travel toys

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20+ travel toys for a 1-year-old: entertainment for road trips and long flights.

Keeping your infant entertained on your next vacation

I won’t deny that one-year-olds can be one of the most difficult ages to travel with (ok, for parents!) especially flying! They are still so tiny but wriggly and active and unsure of what is happening around them; they are not quite a toddler but beyond a baby .

How on earth do you entertain your one-year-old while you’re travelling?

There are plenty of great one-year-old toys, but for this age group, they are often large, clunky, interactive (i.e. noisy!) and not particularly luggage friendly!  You really do need to consider a separate set of portable plane and travel toys for 1-year-olds. 

Other than our baby travel essentials , here we’re going to talk you through over 20 great ideas on what you should be packing to entertain a 1-year-old while travelling – our big focus is on being road trip and flying friendly toys.

This post is part of our tried and tested travel gear series – don’t forget to also check out our baby travel advice home page

Buckle buster, finger puppets, classic baby beads, cute character snack cup.

• Lamaze Plush Puzzle Toy

Sensory Fidget Toys

Learn to dress monkey, felt quiet books, stacking cups, tissue pouch toy, board books, soft activity book, chunky crayons, magnetic drawing board, fubbles bubbles, sand toy kit, toy safety straps, what 1-year-old toys should i leave at home, more tips for baby travel.

If your child is slightly older, don’t miss our post best travel toy ideas for a 2-year-old . 

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The Best Travel Toys for a 1-year-olds

The most difficult thing about this age group is their propensity to want to either a) insert everything they find into their mouth or b) throw it on the floor! 

Therefore, finding travel toys for 1-year-olds that are made for chewing is great, but also look for items that are easy to clean and not too small so you can find them if they fall into a small confined space! 

Here’s our selection of the best travel toys that have stood the test of time with our 1-year-olds.

Buckle Toys Buster is ideal for travel as he folds up quite small and is great for those fine motor skills and problem-solving.

There are six different clasps and buckles, allowing for several different activities. Buster also has many colourful pals these days, some bulkier than others, but all offer great opportunities for your tot to work on their hand-eye coordination while keeping them occupied on the move.

An interactive fun way to play along with kids is  finger puppets .  They definitely fit well into the portable category, much smaller than most soft toys but not too tinee tiny that you will lose them under a plane seat!

These are the best toys for one-year-olds in any situation, as there are plenty of imaginative games you can make up—and worst case, if they simply end up in your tot’s mouth, it’s not the end of the world!

Manhattan Toys Classic Baby Beads  are a baby essential from this maker of unique educational toys ( do check out the  full Manhattan toys range   – we ended up with a toy box full of their stuff we loved them so much! )

The beads are solid wood but portable, and the rattle is fun but not an overpowering noise it won’t annoy your neighbours on a plane. It’s great to see young toddlers through the  teething stage , and also perfect for those fine motor skills.

We all know just how important it is to keep little bellies satisfied, whether it’s at home or on the move. And we all know how quickly kids knock these things over?

Cue the latest generation of infant snack cups from Skip Hop that are not only designed with an (almost) spill-proof lid; they come in some cute and fun designs too that will only add to the enjoyment factor of snack time – hence we include in here amongst our favourite travel toys for 1-year-olds as they have definitely been a saviour in the past for quick and easy toddler entertainment – two birds and all that.

Lamaze Activity Spiral

Have we mentioned before how much we love Lamaze products? Their activity spiral is an absolute beauty and the perfect travel toy for a 1-year-old.

With all the sensory pieces that we love above Lamaze, it is easily attached to your tot’s infant seat, ideal for long road trips.

A reluctant inclusion as I truly hate any baby travel toy that makes an irritating sound – if it’s annoying me, it’s got to be annoying others around me too – but car keys really are one of those wonderful reality toys that infants simply can’t get enough of, perfect for long car rides.

No losing your own keys mid-journey, these B.Toys Funky Toy Keys are super easy to fit into any diaper bag and a sure-fire quick win for teething tots – even if just a little noisy, they are the closest to ‘the real thing’!

These simple plastic contraptions have taken the world by storm! Even since my bubs have grown into tweens , they STILL love these sensory toys .

The small but satisfying pops and different textures are a great way to keep fingers busy in a way that’s non-disruptive to other passengers.

Bonus if you can find a fidget toy with a suction cup , too, for on-the-go; they can easily be placed on windows, an airplane tray table, and even bathing; a sensory toy is perfect for a 1 year old when travelling.

Learn to dress mo n key is a wonderfully loveable teddy that comes with 11 different activities for small hands, from ties to zips and buttons. A guaranteed entertainer and perfect for long flights, he’s pretty loveable and cuddly too.

Also comes in Learn to Dres s Kitty if you are after different designs, a great toy for travel and at home.

Felt Quiet Books are a fabulous baby entertainer and make the perfect travel toy for 1-year-olds in any situation.

Young children can independently explore with a variety of different scenes to choose from. All the parts attach to the quiet book, so no missing spare parts, and no problem if it ends up in their mouth as it’s machine washable.

Such a simple but vital travel toy. We never went anywhere without our stacking cups – in fact, I’d argue these were our favourite travel toys!

Because they so stack away so small, they’re an easy grab-and-go item, and most importantly, we have been able to double these up as a portable bath toy and a baby beach toy on the go, too – these should be in every family travel bag!

Hands up whose infant LOVVVVVVES pulling tissues out of the box? OK, any infant worth their grit in cookie crumbs will work out this is a fake next to the real thing, but the My Tissue Pouch Travel Toy is as close as it can get to the real thing for this super fun baby activity!

With 11 brightly coloured, machine washable and totally reusable ’tissues’, plus a fun character packet to play with, this will surely gain you 5 minutes of peace on long road trips with your 1-year-old, right?!

We will always throw in at least one set of board books traveling with babies and toddlers.

They’re great travel toys as they’re small enough to slip a different one in your diaper bag or carry on each time you leave the house and pretty robust against little fingers and searching teeth!

Another great book option for a one-year-old is a soft activity book.

The MAMMA Kiddie soft activity book is a great travel toy for a 12-month-old as it comes with lots of added extras, including sensory touches that are chewable and bead counters. It’s still super light, so an easy carry-on bag inclusion for your one-year-old.

As your baby transitions to the toddler years, colouring games are great, but finding the right sort of product is tough.

We love the chunky crayons by Honeysticks – completely infant safe made from Beeswax and easy to grip in those sweet chubby little hands, an ideal travel tour for 18 month old.

Is your infant ready for a car seat travel tray? As infants progress to toddlers, they may benefit from having a good surface to eat and play on on long car journeys especially – see all our favourite car seat trays here!

Another super portable toy that’s not too chunky for travel is a magnetic drawing board, best from 18 months+. Always best not to go too cheap in design for these products – and not too many ‘extras’ that can go missing.

We like the design of Fly2Sky Magnetic drawing board as it has a sealed back to prevent scratching, and it’s small enough to still slip into a carry-on.

This one is not for you to hand to your one-year-old unsupervised, but more an emergency piece of kit that every travelling parent should have handy!

Be it making a roadside stop and getting your little one to stretch their legs, or when you’re waiting for rides at an amusement park, a quick bubble blow is an INSTANT crowd pleaser! – be warned, though, other kids will always want to join in!!!

We like Little Kids Fubbles No Spill Bubbles , which are much less messy than larger novelty wands if it’s for travel. (NB, obviously this includes liquid, so not a good one for the plane – but it’s one of our favorite camping toys for toddlers )

This was another reluctant inclusion as we know it can be a little bulky for travel – we’re hardly suggesting this will work for the plane – but no beach vacation with the kids is complete without your very own sandcastle!

From activity moulds to a watering can, you’ll want some sort of beach activity kit if you’ll be travelling anywhere with sand; these are the best travel toys for 1-year-olds on a beach vacation.

We share more beach toy ideas for toddlers over here!

Last but not least, we’d be remiss at this point not to introduce you to the sheer genius of Toy safety straps .

No more dropped pacifiers on the plane floor or sippy cups that have fallen in the seat well at your child’s feet. Anything that you can strap on – do! These work great for all types of toys with a loop that can be locked into any of your 1-year-old travel toys.

These are items that we have either had bad experiences with or, for the sake of safety or commonsense, we do not recommend using as a travel toy for one year olds:

Tablets/iPads – I won’t deny that I’ve let my kids use our devices from a pretty young age. But not all the time, and certainly not on the plane. The main reason is the best younger kids’ apps tend to be noisy, and a one-year-old is not for keeping headphones on. Save the screen time and toddler apps for at least 2+.

Playdoh – there, I said it. I’m going to have some haters shouting NOOOOOO!! But sorry, this one is on my banned travel toy list!! Some love it, but it’s icky, messy and ends up everywhere, but where you want it (mashed under fingernails, smushed into the airplane seat), you get the picture. At your peril.

Reusable Stickers – these are still really a bit too small and chewable for the one-year-old age group and they may not yet have the fine motor skills for peeling, leading to frustration. Felt books are the best alternative for this age.

Musical instruments – no matter how much they love these at home, loud, noise-making toys on a plane or transport with others is a big no-no.

Jigsaws – again, these may be favorite toys at home, but too many items have been lost down the side of a seat over the years. I recommend this as a good travel toy.

Shape sorter – for much the same reason as jigsaws. We love the hand-eye coordination aspect and won’t deny that they’re great toys for 1-year-olds, but with small pieces that can easily get lost, they don’t make our best travel toys list.

Novelty Suitcases – sorry folks, one is waaaay too young for these!! When they reach at least 2, you can start introducing their own cute independent toddler backpacks with a harness , but I would wait until at least 3 or 4 before trying ride on or wheeled luggage for kids.

Leave us a comment below if there are any other one-year-old travelling favourites you think we should add to our list! (or something that should definitely be left off!!)

Search Different Age Groups

Toys for 2-year-olds

Toys for 3-year-olds

Toys for 4-year-olds

Toys for 5-year-olds

Are you new to travelling with a baby , or would you like some more pointers and advice to make your first trip run smoothly? We recommend you also pop over to these pages:

• Our very best baby travel advice
• Safety, essential gear and tips & hacks you will want to know road tripping with a baby
• 10 baby travel essentials for every journey
• How to tackle your very first baby flight
• Are you ready for a camping trip with a baby?
• How to fly with a baby once they no longer fit the baby bassinet
• Do I really need a travelling high chair?
• Best pop-up sunshades for babies and toddlers at the beach
• Best lightweight strollers for travel (that can even fit on the plane)
• The best infant sleep solutions on the go

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2 thoughts on “ 20+ Travel Toys For A 1-Year-Old: Entertainment For Road Trips And Long Flights ”

My 1 year old son loves Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter. I gave it to him to keep him busy on his first plane ride. The shapes are of good quality and a good variety. I was worried that it would be too difficult for him in such many shapes, but he caught up in no time. It’s easy to move, overall, he loves it! I would definitely recommend it to others. It is made of excellent quality materials and will keep your child entertained.

So glad you enjoyed it, it’s definitely a winner travel toy.

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The Top Airplane and Car Toys for Toddlers on the Go

Whether you’re journeying across the state or across the country, traveling with little ones can be stressful—which is where airplane and car toys for toddlers come in handy. The right mix of gizmos and gadgets will do wonders for keeping kids entertained and well-behaved along the way. The best travel toys for toddlers are lightweight and mess-free, and can be easily packed into a carry-on bag or the backseat.

Need some suggestions? We’ve curated a list of our favorite toddler travel toys and trinkets that are almost guaranteed to get your next vacation started on the right note. Shop our top picks below.

Best Airplane Toys for Toddlers

There isn’t much wiggle room on airplanes, no matter which airline you fly. So, you’ll want to keep your kiddo’s entertainment a bit streamlined so you aren’t spending half the flight reaching under the seat in front of you for missing pieces. Below, we’ve included some fantastic airplane toy options for self-contained play.

Textured cube toy

• Shapes are attached so they can’t get lost
• Fosters fine motor skills
• Some reviewers say it’s a bit tricky to fit some shapes in

On the hunt for an airplane toy for toddlers? This dynamic cube will have you covered. The textured toy is full of sorting fun. Better yet, all six textured, rubbery shapes are tethered to the cube, so they won’t get lost along the way.

Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 4.3" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 4.3" (H) | Weight: 12.2 oz.

Montessori travel toy for toddlers

• Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone
• Can be hung from a stroller
• Lots of sensory options
• Best for younger toddlers

Keep your child engaged while you’re out and about with this fun travel toy for toddlers. The UFO-shaped design is full of textures, colors and shapes for your kiddo to explore. What’s more, as they grasp, hold and pull at this toy, they’ll develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Age rating: 18+ months | Dimensions: 8.3" (L) x 4.7" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 7 oz.

Foil scratch pictures for kids

• Mess-free way to draw and color
• Each pack comes with five printed art boards
• One-time use
• Wooden stylus isn’t attached
• Best suited for older tots and little kids

Searching for an airplane toy for toddlers who love arts and crafts? This two-pack of scratch-away foil pictures would be a great fit. Simply use the wooden stylus provided to reveal colorful scenes of doggies, dinos and more! And if your little one prefers sugar and spice, don’t worry: A sweet fairy bundle is available as well.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 7.5" (L) x 0.3" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 4 oz.

Screen-free audio player

Looking for travel-friendly entertainment that doesn’t involve screens? Turn to the Yoto Mini—a compact audio player designed with tots and kiddos in mind. While on the go, your little one can insert a content card, turn the large dials and listen to an array of best-selling audiobooks, music, children’s podcasts, radio and more. And—thanks to the audio jack—they can plug in their own headphones . Better yet, no WiFi is needed for it to operate and you can count on its all-day battery to withstand small and large outings alike.

Age rating: 4 to 12 years | Dimensions: 2.8" (L) x 1.6" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 4.5 oz.

Portable doodle board

• Mess-free way to draw
• Rubber clip for easy portability
• Pen is attached so it can’t get lost
• Requires a button-cell battery

Next up on our list of the best travel toys for toddlers is this portable doodle board. Your kiddo can draw to their heart’s content (without any of the mess!) while you’re out and about. When they’re ready to create a new masterpiece, simply press the character’s nose to erase the canvas. This excellent airplane toy comes in a cute ladybug shape, but there are several others to choose from as well (like a puppy or dinosaur ) and the rubber clip allows it to easily attach to backpacks or suitcases .

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 8.3" (L) x 5" (W) x 0.5" (H) | Weight: 6.4 oz.

Travel-friendly stuffed animal

• Various textures to inspire sensory play
• Clips on to car seats, strollers and more
• Lightweight design
• Intended for younger infants

Searching for a stuffed animal that will keep your kiddo entertained and comforted whether you’re on a roadtrip or a longhaul flight? Look no further than this friendly moose. The super-soft toy is made up of several textures and interactive elements for your little one to explore—like its satin, knotted legs, crinkly hooves and squeaker belly. Ensure it’s always within arm’s reach by clipping it to your tot’s car seat , travel stroller or even their airplane seatbelt.

Age rating: 0+ months | Dimensions: 11.5" (L) x 5.3" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 1 oz.

Water-based drawing pads

• Easy for even the youngest of tots to use
• Super lightweight
• Pen has a small fill opening
• Pages may take longer to dry if your child uses a lot of water

You can count on these reusable water activity pads to keep your tot entertained through long wait times at the airport gate. Your little artist can color in fun scenes and practice writing, counting and shape recognition without the stress of a potential mess. Just fill up the included water pen and let your child learn and explore!

Age rating: 3 to 5 years | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 7.3" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 0.8 oz.

Sensory travel toy for toddlers

• Inspires open-ended, sensory play
• Made of BPA-free, food-grade silicone
• Compact design
• Rubber may pick up hair and fuzz

The best airplane toys for toddlers are those that are simple, portable and provide endless fun. This sensory toy from Fat Brain Toys is no exception. Your little one will love popping the colorful, silicone bubbles, and you’ll love how easy it is to tote in your diaper bag or carry-on luggage.

Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 5.5" (L) x 1" (W) x 5" (H) | Weight: 4.8 oz.

Magnetic drawing kit

• Comes with 25 double-sided activity cards
• Pen storage slot and carrying handle
• Suitable for toddlers and kids alike
• The plastic panel scratches easily, according to reviewers

One of the best entertainment options for travel are magnetic toys ] ( https://www.thebump.com/a/magnetic-toys-for-toddlers). .) Take this art kit, for instance. The dot art board comes with 25 double-sided activity boards that easily slide in behind the plastic panel. Then, your kiddo can use the magnetic pen to drag and drop colorful circles into place, allowing them to create an array of vibrant patterns and illustrations.

Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 9" (L) x 1.2" (W) x 9" (H) | Weight: N/A

Puffy sticker pack set

• Reusable stickers for endless fun
• Colorful, detailed backgrounds
• Carrying handle
• Stickers may pick up hair and fuzz

Your little explorer will love creating animal-filled adventure scenes with this travel toy for toddlers. The play set consists of 42 reusable puffy stickers and a fold-out, double-sided background of jungle and savannah landscapes. What’s more, the activity set has a handle so it can be transported by you or your toddler.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 8.2" (L) x 0.2" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 3.2 oz.

Best Car Toys for Toddlers

Car rides just aren’t a whole lot of fun for anyone, no matter the age. But while older kids can bring a book or a portable video game to stay entertained, little ones can struggle to keep busy, which often spells trouble. These car toys will stave off the boredom, even for the youngest set.

Imaginative magnetic play set

• Pieces can be stored in the tin for easy portability
• Inspires creative thinking
• Several themed sets available
• Best suited for older tots and kids
• Magnets have to be punched out before use

Engage your tot with imaginative play on the go, thanks to this portable play set. It includes two illustrated backgrounds and three sheets of magnets that your little one can mix and match to create fun, veterinarian-inspired scenes. Chef- , scientist- and space-themed magnet sets are also available.

Age rating: 4+ years | Dimensions: 6.3" (L) x 1" (W) x 8.8" (H) | Weight: 13.5 oz.

Educational travel toy for toddlers

• Suitable for a wide range of ages
• Offers an array of activities in one set
• Teaches kids everyday skills
• According to some reviewers, the zippers break easily

Have a long travel day ahead? This 25-in-1 montessori toy is sure to keep your little one busy. The board features a variety of activities that will teach your child about everyday skills, like tying shoes and telling time as they play. The lightweight, compact design also easily folds closed and has a carrying handle—score!

Age rating: 1 to 6 years | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 0.8" (W) x 1" (H) | Weight: 9.9 oz.

Shape-sorting carrying case

• Bright colors stimulate younger tots
• Two-sided for added fun and learning
• Heavier than other options on our list
• Some say the shapes fall out of the holes at times

Is your tot fascinated by colors and shapes? Then this toddler travel toy is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. It comes with a convenient carrying case that doubles as a two-sided activity bag. Your child will love exploring the nine different shapes included and discovering the crinkly, illustrated flaps on the back.

Age rating: 9+ months | Dimensions: 13.5" (L) x 3.8" (W) x 9.8" (H) | Weight: 1.5 lbs.

Pretend play steering wheel

• Encourages imaginative play
• Includes a variety of interactive elements
• Bulky design
• Requires batteries

Beep beep! Have a mini backseat driver? Then your little one is bound to love this steering wheel toy for the car. Your toddler will have a ball imitating you while you’re driving—plus, they’ll learn about animals, vehicles, colors, numbers, opposites and more as they play.

Age rating: 6 months to 3 years | Dimensions: 10.8" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Buckle toddler learning toy

• Nurtures fine motor skills
• Decorated with colors, numbers and shapes
• Suitable for toddlers of all ages
• Some reviewers say they wish the straps were longer

Some of the best car toys for toddler are those that seamlessly combine learning and entertainment—just like this plush turtle. Its shell features several colorful buckles for your little one to clip and unclip, strengthening their fine motor and color-matching skills on the go. This plush plaything even has a zipper on its back for your kiddo to store mini treasures and trinkets they find on their travels.

Age rating: 1 to 4 years | Dimensions: 7" (L) x 5" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 6 oz.

Kid-friendly camera

• Durable design
• Features a selfie function and games
• Comes with SD card
• Battery only lasts one to two hours

This adorable camera is a must-have for any tots who love to take pictures on their parents’ phones! Made with durable plastic, this colorful device takes real pictures, and comes with an SD card that can store thousands of photos. And when you arrive at your destination, your little photographer can continue exploring all the new sights through their very own lens.

Age rating: 3 to 10 years | Dimensions: N/A | Weight: 6.7 oz.

Lace-and-trace boards

• Parents say these keep their kids entertained for a long time
• Strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Encourages lacing practice
• Edges of the holes aren’t smooth, according to reviewers

Arts and crafts don’t have to be off limits just because you’re on the move. Case in point: These lace-and-trace boards. This set of car toys for toddlers includes five double-sided animals, color-coordinated laces and a storage box. While your kiddo practices their hand-eye coordination, they’ll be able to thread vibrant strings through several wooden pets, like a puppy and a goldfish. A farmyard-themed bundle is also available for extra fun!

Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 8.4" (L) x 1.2" (W) x 6.6" (H) | Weight: 9.6 oz.

Portable nursery play set

• Convenient carrying case doubles as a playset
• Great for young travelers who can’t read or draw
• Carrying case features a hole in the back

This sweet car toy for toddlers is perfect for kiddos who love imitating their parents. The set comes with mini twin dolls that your tot can feed, bounce and put down for naps. Then, when playtime (or the ride!) is over, simply zip up the pieces inside the convenient carrying case.

Age rating: 1 to 5 years | Dimensions: 12.3" (L) x 4.5" (W) x 9.9" (H) | Weight: 1.4 lbs.

How We Chose the Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

We get it—choosing the best toys for your little one isn’t always the easiest, especially with so many options out there. To simplify your search, we browsed dozens of toddler travel toys from leading brands and trusted online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. We considered several factors when sourcing playthings, including size, weight, age rating, quality and durability, ease of use and value. We also read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products have worked for families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

The 9 Best Travel Strollers for Stress-Free Trips

13 Best Toddler Suitcases of 2023

6 Best Travel Car Seats for Your Next Trip

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Last Updated on 01/01/2024 by jettsetterstravel

25 BEST Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds (2024)

The best travel toys for 1-year-olds! Ideas for planes, road trips, vacations, and more!

This post may contain sponsored or affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Please see my full  disclosure policy   for details.

Are you getting ready to take a trip with your little one? Looking for a way to entertain your toddler in the car?

It can be tough to keep a 1-year-old entertained while traveling because they tend to be very “busy” and have short attention spans!

The good news is you don’t need to go out and buy a million new toys for every trip. Planning ahead and packing a few essential items that will help keep your 1-year-old occupied can make travel easier and less stressful!

We’ve compiled a list of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds, including some classics and new favorites. These toys are easy to take on the go and can help keep your toddler happy and entertained on long flights or long car rides.

So, whether you’re headed across town or around the world, be sure to pack one (or more) of these great toys!

Things to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Travel Toys:

• Sound – selecting toys that don’t require batteries or make too excessive noise will help prevent disruptions in public places
• Size – pick toys that are small, so they don’t take up much room and are easy to pack
• Convenience – avoid toys that are messy or contain small parts that can easily get lost
• Preferences – of course, it’s important to choose toys that your child will actually enjoy playing with (which can honestly depend on the day!), but try to choose fun toys you think your toddler will be interested in

25 Awesome Family Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds

1. busy cube.

This busy cube is genius. It is basically a bunch of random things that toddlers are always wanting to mess with (keys, light switches, knobs, etc.) attached to a wooden block.

2. Interactive Books

Board books with flaps, animal noises, mirrors, touch-and-feel, and other interactive features help to keep young children occupied for longer. You can read to your child or let them look at books in the car, on plane rides, or in the stroller.

Consider leaving noisy books at home if you will be in public places. 🙂

3. Busy Board

A Busy Board is one of the best toddler travel toys because of its compact design and different activities. A great way for those little minds to work on their problem-solving skills.

It can be frustrating for a one-year-old who can’t quite figure out how to manipulate and maneuver everything on the board, so it may be better to pull out the busy board when you are able to sit and play with your toddler (i.e. on an airplane).

4. Jellyfish Toy

This neat little silicone sensory toy allows toddlers to pull textured ropes in and out of the holes. It also has little buttons on the sides to push in and out. Plus it doubles as a teething toy.

5. Buckle Toy

There are many different versions of buckle toys. This penguin one is a stuffed animal + a buckle toy all in one! Soft toys are safe for using in the car and can be soothing for small children.

Most young toddlers love playing with buckles, but this is another one that might not be a good idea if you aren’t nearby to help.

6. Stacking or Nesting Cups

Stacking cups might be a little trickier to take on the go since they have multiple pieces to keep track of, but still a great activity for 1-year-olds.

This lion stack-n-stow nesting cup set is easy to carry around. Stacking cups are great for the beach or bathtime too – there are so many different ways to use them!

7. Finger Puppets

These cute little finger puppets provide easy on-the-go entertainment & are great for imaginative play and are the perfect size for taking on the go.

8. Montessori Quiet Book for Toddlers

This soft and durable cloth busy book has many interactive features, which are attached with reinforced fabric, making it a great travel toy.

This little book has many different textures, making it great for sensory development, fine motor skills, and other early learning skills.

The book is machine washable, making it easy to keep clean.

9. Car Keys

Keys are a hot commodity for one-year-olds, making a fake key set one of the best toddler toys. This toddler key set is pretty realistic looking, and won’t set off your car alarm. 😉

Take the batteries out if you don’t want them to make noise.

10. Cell Phone

Keep your toddler from stealing your phone by giving them their own toy cell phone . A fun toy for any age group!

We have this phone, remote, and key set . They are all very realistic looking, but they all make noise, so keep that in mind if you’re taking them on a plane or in other public places.

11. Indestructible Books

These little toddler books are called Indestructibles . Indestructibles are chew-proof, rip-proof, washable, and non-toxic, making them a great option for young kids who put everything in their mouths. They are just the right size for little hands.

These small and thin books are easy to bring along in your diaper bag or carry-on bag.

There are more than 40 different Indestructibles books to choose from.

12. Sensory Pop-It Toy

This toddler pop-it is small and inexpensive, making it one of the best sensory toys for on-the-go entertainment.

13. LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet

The Leapfrog Toddler Tablet has many features – 25 pretend apps, lights, songs, words in different languages, animal sounds, colors, numbers, shapes, and more.

14. Shape Sorter

Shape sorters are one of the best toys for one year olds. There are so many different designs to choose from.

This take-along shape sorter set is a great choice for travel. We brought this shape sorter on my son’s first flight, and he spent nearly 30 minutes figuring out the different shapes.

15. Stacking Rings

Stacking rings are great for hand-eye coordination. This stacking ring set is good quality and has occupied our toddler for extended periods of time on numerous long journeys!

16. Toddler Flash Cards

This flashcard set is one of the best car travel toys (great for planes too)! The cards are thick and durable, and the set comes on a ring, making them easy for little ones to look at without dropping them everywhere.

Our one-year-old loves studying the cards and looking at the bright colors and different animals.

17. Plush Car Set with Playmat Carrying Bag

This soft, lightweight car set is easy to transport because it comes with a convenient carrying bag that converts to a playmat with roads for “driving” the little cars around.

The best part is that the cars are friction-powered, so they don’t require any batteries.

18. Magnetic Wood Block Travel Set

This 8-piece magnetic block set is a fun way to let your little one build on the go, even in a small space. The blocks are aesthetically pleasing and come with a convenient carrying case.

The magnets help keep the blocks from falling constantly, making this set a better building option for travel than other block sets. These blocks are a good choice for one-year-olds but can be used for older toddlers and little kids as well.

19. Hedgehog Fidget Friend

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog is a small fidget toy that will keep toddlers occupied on the go.

Turn the wheel, spin the crank, press the button, twist the knob, push the plunger, and move the switch!

20. Mushie Press Toys

These Mushie press toys are a similar concept to the sensory pop-it toy listed above, but these are so cute and aesthetically pleasing that I had to add them to the list!

21. Clip-On Steering Wheel

This adorable little steering wheel allows your little one to “drive”! It can clip onto the back of a car seat, plane seat, or stroller. It makes noises and plays songs.

A few reviewers said the horn sounds so realistic that they thought someone honking at them from behind, so be aware of that!

22. Toniebox

The Toniebox is one of our favorite travel toys. My kids listen to it in the car, in the stroller, and around the house. We have taken it with us on vacation and used it in our hotel room. We have even taken it on an airplane and used it with headphones.

My older toddler loves listening to stories through the Toniebox, and my one-year-old loves the songs and playing with the Tonie figurines. 

23. Reusable Sticker Books

These Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker books are recommended for older kids (ages 4+), but my one-year-old likes playing with them.

I usually just let him play with the bigger stickers because the smaller ones end up getting lost or he tries to put them in his mouth.

The reusable stickers are nice and thick, making them easier for little fingers to maneuver.

24. Window Clings

These stickers are not actually sticky, instead, they cling to the book and other surfaces. I think the best way to use them is as window clings.

My kids love taking them on and off windows. We have used them on airplane windows and tray tables and love taking them on vacation. The best thing is that because they are so small, they are easy to pack and fun for the kids to play with in rental houses or hotels.

25. Suction Cup Spinner Toys

This little suction cup fidget spinner has been one of the top travel toys for my toddlers. They absolutely love spinning it and watching the vibrant colors go around and around.

The suction cup keeps it securely attached to any flat surface, including a tray table, windows, and stroller trays, making it a perfect toy for travel.

TRAVEL TIP : Try to have designated travel toys that you save for playing with only in the car or while traveling. It will make them seem more special and will hopefully help keep your toddler entertained for longer!

Other Ways to Entertain Young Toddlers On the Go

Here are a few more options for entertaining 1-year-olds on a plane, in the car, in restaurants, on walks, or anywhere else on the go!

Sing Songs or Play Music

Another way to entertain your 1-year-old (especially during car rides) is by singing songs. If you aren’t sure what to sing, try some classics like “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” or “Wheels on the Bus”, or make up your own songs about things you see out the window! And don’t worry if you’re a bad singer – I guarantee your toddler doesn’t care!

If singing isn’t your thing, you can play songs through the car speakers. You can find a toddler-friendly playlist on any music streaming app. And if you get tired of listening to kids’ songs, many toddlers will be entertained by “grown-up” songs too. 🙂

Give Them Random Objects

Because wallets, sugar packets, and rocks are much more fun to play with than all of the fancy toys you just purchased.

Snacks provide entertainment and keep everyone happy! Bring a variety of travel-friendly snacks – nothing too sticky or messy. The most important thing is to choose snacks that are safe for eating on the go.

These  snack cups  are helpful for containing messes, easy to clean, and they collapse for easy transport.

This snack spinner is so cool! It allows you to offer your toddler a variety of choices for a long haul. They can simply press the center button to open each snack compartment.

On-the-Go Snack Ideas

• Freeze-dried fruit
• Applesauce pouches or other food pouches
• Cheese stick
• Granola Bars
• Veggies – carrots, peppers, celery
• Fruit – apple slices, bananas, grapes, blueberries 

Ask Questions

Ask your toddler to point to their nose or other body parts. What sound does a cow make? What are some other animal noises they know? Can they point to objects that are different colors?

Asking questions can be a simple, quick, and easy way to entertain or distract/redirect a one-year-old!

Watch a Show or Movie

If your one-year-old will sit and watch a show or movie it can be a good way to keep them occupied during a long car ride or flight. Download a preferred show or movie onto an iPad or tablet. This can be one of the best ways to keep your little one entertained while traveling, even if you normally limit screen time at home.

Our toddler watches shows on the TV at home sometimes, but we save the iPad strictly for long road trips and flights so that it seems more special and exciting.

Tips for Keeping Toys Clean On the Go

Here are a few tips for keeping toddler toys clean on the go:

• Pack wipes – great for spills, sticky messes, toys dropped on the dirty floor, etc.
• Bring ziplock bags that you can throw dirty toys in until you have time to clean them
• Use hand sanitizer/wash hands often
• Use toy clips to keep your toddler’s items from falling (or being thrown) in hard-to-reach or dirty places

I hope you got some great ideas from this list of the best baby travel toys and activities for 1-year-olds. Happy travels!

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22 Best Travel Toys for 1 Year Olds!

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The best travel toys for 1 year olds to make your trip easier!

Traveling with a one year old is not always the easiest of feats. In fact, in our experience the time between one and two is actually the hardest time to travel with a young child. 

One year olds are mobile, opinionated, and hard to contain. It’s also difficult to keep them entertained because their attention spans aren’t that long yet.

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to bring some great travel toys to engage, distract, and pacify your 1 year old during travel.

In this list we’ve included the best toys our there that are compact and easy to pack for road trips or flights. Read on for some of our favorites!

Best travel toys for 1 year olds

In this list you’ll find some of our very favorite travel toys for 1 year olds. We’ve included options for car rides, plane rides, and toys for in your hotel room or  when you’re out and about on your trip. 

The gap between what a newly-turned one-year-old and an almost-two-year-old enjoy can sometimes be quite large, so consider your child’s stage and development level when thinking about what toys will be most suitable. 

Stacking cups

One toy that toddlers always seem to love is stacking cups. Stacking cups can be used for nesting, making towers, holding objects, or hiding objects underneath them. 

The Bright Starts Stacking Cup Set comes with eight brightly colored cups with numbers on the bottom for number recognition and counting.

They can also be used for water play and have holes on the bottom for the water to trickle out.

Suction cup spinner

These cute little suction cup spinners are perfect for all kinds of travel and so entertaining for little ones! They can be suctioned to windows, tray tables, high chairs, and other hard, flat surfaces. 

In addition to the spinning feature, each of the ends has a little pop button for babies to press. 

Unlike some suction toys, these actually stick well and don’t come off easily when your baby spins them. 

Indestructibles

Indestructibles are the perfect books to withstand the rough combination that is travel and toddlers. When these books say indestructible, they really mean it. These books claim to be waterproof, ripproof, and chewproof…and they live up to the claim!

The bright pages and fun illustrations are good at capturing and keeping a toddler’s attention.

Unlike board books, Indestructibles are made of thin, paper like material and take up practically no space, making them perfect for travel!

This buckle toy has been one of our go-to travel toys for years! It’s perfect for kids who love buckling and unbuckling straps. 

On the buckle toy are a variety of different kinds of buckles for children to try. The buckles are fairly easy to fasten and unfasten, although younger toddlers will probably need help with it at first.

Each of the straps is a different color, so your toddler can work on matching the colors. 

There’s also a zippered pocket on the top where you can store some small toys (we always keep a few finger puppets in there). 

On the back are numbered flaps with pictures of sea animals underneath. Each flap is made from a different material with a different texture. 

There are so many fun things going on with this toy, it’s no wonder all of our kids have loved it! And even our older kids have fun fastening the buckles and mixing and matching the straps.

Animal/Character Figures

For some creative and open ended play, some small figures can be a great addition to your travel toys. There are all sorts of ways you can play with these little figures and you’ll likely come up with some creative ideas over the course of your travel.

Cater the figures to what your child is interested in so that they will be excited to play with them. For example, you could get a set of animals , dinosaurs , Bluey characters , Mickey Mouse , Daniel Tiger , etc.

Sorter toy cube

This baby sorter cube creates a fun problem for babies to solve. How do they get the shapes between the elastic bands to fit in the cube? And then how do they get them out again?

The toy comes with six textured blocks of various shapes and colors to place into the cube. 

Both the cube and the blocks are lightweight and easy for a young child to hold and manipulate. 

This is such a fun and engaging travel toy for 1 year olds! Not only does it keep their attention, but it also stimulates their curiosity and helps them develop problem solving skills.

Sensory pull tissue box

What baby doesn’t like pulling all of the tissues out of the tissue paper box or clothes out of drawers? Well this toy recreates that experience in a way that is fun and easy to recreate (unlike with a real box of tissues…). 

This sensory tissue box comes with a soft-sided box and 15 reusable tissues. Twelve of the tissues are colorful scarves and three are crinkle tissues. 

You can choose to just stuff all of the scarves in the box or accordion fold them so that when you pull one out the next pops up and is ready to be pulled next. 

A weighted bottom on the box allows young children to pull out the tissues without the box coming too.

Toy Vehicles

Our boys have loved cars and trucks from a young age, so bringing little vehicles when we travel has always been a big hit. 

This little set has six small vehicles, including trucks and emergency vehicles, that toddlers can zoom around on a tray table, in a hotel room, or on a high chair at a restaurant. These are chunky little cars that are perfect for little hands to hold.

At this young age, trucks are always something that will capture our kids’ attention, so we try to always have a few on hand when we travel.

Poke-a-Dot book

Our babies and toddlers have always loved the bigger Poke-a-Dot books, and this smaller version that is perfect for travel! 

Each page of the book has a button which makes a satisfying “pop!” when you press it. This is endlessly fascinating for little kids who naturally love to push buttons. 

There are a lot of different versions, including first words , first colors , construction vehicles , and animal families .

Fat Brain Dimpl Toy

For all the button pushing toddlers out there, this Dimpl Toy is so much fun! 

Toddlers will love pressing the five brightly colored buttons and hearing the quiet pop sound it makes. This is a great fine motor, sensory activity that toddlers will love doing over and over again.

We’ve loved bringing our fidget popper on flights, on long car rides, and out and about while we’re traveling. This is also a great calming activity for when toddlers are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.

My babies have always been drawn to keys but aren’t very interested in the fake plastic ones.  However, this set of baby and toddler toy keys is so realistic that your child will think they are playing with the real thing!

These keys come with four sound buttons for toddlers to push as well as a little flashlight. And unlike real keys, they don’t have any jagged or sharp edges to worry about. There’s also a strap that you can use to attach it to a car seat, stroller, or carrier.

This is not a toy that you’ll want to take on the plane, due to the sounds. However, it is perfect for road trips, hotel rooms, or just days when you’re out and about. 

Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center

The Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center has several different elements that young toddlers will enjoy playing with. The primary feature is the colorful wheel, which has beads around the edges that trickle down as the wheel spins. This wheel is super mesmerizing and fun to play with, even for adults!

Various textures encourage young children to explore the surface of the toy, while clatter rings at the base provide a fun element to hold and rattle.

The toy has a suction cup on the bottom to secure it to a tray table, high chair, or table while your child plays with it.

Soft cloth book

A cloth book can be a great travel activity for a 1 year ol because it’s engaging and hard to destroy. You can easily leave this book with your toddler in their car seat or attach it to their stroller without feeling like you have to supervise when they use it.

This Who Do You See? soft book contains various sea animals whose tails, feet, claws, etc. extend beyond the page. Inside there are fun interactive elements such as crinkle pages, a peek-a-boo flap, a squeaker, and a baby mirror. 

It also comes with a teething ring, which can also be used to attach it to a stroller or car seat, and a teething corner on the front page.

Melissa and Doug Pop Blocs Farm Animals

This set of Pop Blocs by Melissa and Doug contains five mix-and-match farm animals. 

Each animal has two pieces that come apart, so you can separate them and then work on matching them back together. Or you can create your own bizarre animals (head of a horse, behind of a pig, etc.), which little kids usually find pretty funny.

These animals are easy for little kids to hold and even separated are not small enough to be a choking hazard. 

One of our favorite travel toys for 1 year olds has always been the Oball . This simple toy is a classic that babies and toddlers always seem to love. 

It’s brightly colored and the large holes are perfect for little hands. It’s also flexible, which makes it fun for babies to squish and easy to pack away when not in use. It’s also great for attaching to a car seat or stroller with a pacifier clip.

Board books

Another way to keep a toddler entertained during travel is to bring along a couple of books to read with them. 

Some awesome small books include Peek-a Who? and basically any Sandra Boynton book ( Blue Hat, Green Hat and Snuggle Puppy were some others that were well loved at this age).

You can bring new books for novelty or some tried and tested favorites from home. I’m always surprised by how many times my toddlers can read the same books over and over again, so a couple of books can go a long way when traveling.

A teether is a great travel toy for 1 year olds, especially if they actively have new teeth coming in. 

This cute little carrot teether by Infantino has sturdy handles for little hands to hold. You can also use them to attach the teether to a car seat, carrier, or stroller with a pacifier clip (this is a must for me when traveling to prevent the teether from being dropped on the dirty floor.) 

The teether is made from a soft silicone which is easy to clean and the surface has textures for little ones to explore.

Touchy feely book

We love touchy feely books! They are so much fun for kids because they contain so many things to capture their attention! 

Some of our favorite touchy feely books are Usborne books. For travel, we love the Baby’s First Touchy Feely Lift the Flap Books . These books have peep holes, finger trails, textured elements, and flaps on each page.

I’m always amazed at how long my small children can spend looking at these books, especially if we’re pointing things out and talking about it with them.

Finger puppets

For a fun toy you can use to interact with your child, consider bringing along a few finger puppets ! My 1 year olds love it when I use finger puppets to sing nursery rhymes or play tickle games. 

This set comes with ten cute animals and the puppets are the perfect size to fit both adult and child fingers. 

I love that finger puppets take up virtually no room, making them easy to keep on hand if you need something to distract your child.

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Fidget Friend

To keep your little mover entertained, Spike the fidget friend is up for the task! This hedgehog toy from Learning Resources has six different ways to play with it, including a wheel to spin, a knob to turn, a button to push, a switch to flip, and a plunger to pull. 

It’s compact size is perfect for little hands to hold and to fit easily into your bag for travel. This is a great activity for kids who love fidget toys and pushing buttons (which, let’s be honest, all toddlers do!).

Skip Hop Jitter Cactus

This adorable little cactus is a perfect novelty toy to capture your toddler’s attention while traveling. When you pull the ring, the plush cactus vibrates and shakes. 

A ring at the top makes it easy to attach this toy to your toddler’s car seat, carrier, or stroller so that they have something to keep them entertained on the go. It’s also great for airplane travel.

I can never make a list of travel activities for young kids and not include snacks. Snacks are an absolute must when traveling with a 1 year old. 

Not only will they prevent your toddler from getting hungry and grumpy, snacks are also a great activity for keeping a young child entertained. 

Snack catchers are perfect for holding a toddler’s attention because they allow them to feel the independence of feeding themselves while also practicing their fine motor skills. And they prevent snacks from spilling all over the floor!

Tips and tricks

Here are a few helpful tips and ideas for making the most of your travel toys for 1 year olds!

• Choose toys that your child will return to over and over again to maximize the use of the few toys you bring.
• Go to the dollar store and pick up a few cheap toys that you can pull out at random when your child starts getting bored.
• For long flights, wrap a couple of toys and bring a new one out every hour or so. Your child will love unwrapping each toy to see what it is! It also makes the toy feel more special to play with.
• Don’t bring any toys that make noise if you’re flying- the other passengers will thank you.
• For road trips, bring a car seat tray for your child to place their snacks and activities on.
• For both drives and flights, get your toddler up and walking around at regular intervals. This is good for their circulation and can also help break up the travel time a bit.
• Bring out your toys one by one instead of pulling the whole bag out. In my experience, my toddler just ends up grabbing the whole bag and rummaging through it, which takes away some of the novelty of introducing new toys.

Final Thoughts

Prepare yourself for an amazing trip with your child by bringing along a few of these amazing travel toys for 1 year olds. You’ll feel so much more confident knowing that you have some great activities you can pull out to keep your child entertained. 

I remember the first time we traveled with a 1 year old, I was so nervous about how it would go! But after many trips with young children, I’ve learned that it’s best to focus on what you can control rather than the things that you can’t. 

Bringing great travel toys is one way you can set yourself up for the best possible outcome when traveling with a young child.

Although travel with a 1 year old isn’t always the easiest, it can be an amazing experience if you’re prepared. We have very fond memories of our trips with our toddlers over the years!

Other posts you might be interested in:

The Best Travel Toys for 2 Year Olds!

25 Best Travel Toys for 3 Year Olds!

The Ultimate List of Toddler Travel Essentials (+Toddler Packing List!)

How to Have a Successful Road Trip with a Toddler

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > 15 Top Travel Toys For 1 Year Olds – Babies On The Go

15 Top Travel Toys For 1 Year Olds – Babies On The Go

Traveling with a curious and active 1-year-old can be both exciting and challenging. As parents, we understand the need for engaging and portable toys that keep our little adventurers entertained and happy while on the move. Whether it’s a long car ride, a plane journey, or a restaurant outing, having suitable travel toys can make all the difference.

In this post, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top travel toys specifically tailored for 1-year-olds, designed to captivate their young minds and spark their imagination. From sensory play to interactive learning, each toy serves a unique purpose, providing a delightful mix of entertainment and educational value.

Join us as we explore a collection of travel-friendly toys that are not only easy to throw in your carry-on bag, but also promote fine motor skills, cognitive development, and imaginative play. Let’s make your family adventures even more enjoyable with these must-have toys for your little ones on the move!

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

General Travel Toys For 1 Year Old Kids

1. montessori travel busy board with buckles + more compact fun for tiny explorers rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars).

The Montessori Travel Busy Board has been a game-changer during our family trips ! It’s ideal for 1-year-olds and has a compact design that is perfect for on-the-go entertainment, and my toddler absolutely loves it. The board offers a diverse range of sensory activities, from zippers and buttons to gears and buckles, promoting fine motor skills and cognitive development. The quality is exceptional, ensuring durability and safety. Highly recommended for little adventurers!

2. Montessori Sensory Toy Made From Silicone Endless Sensory Delight! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Montessori Sensory Silicone Toy has become an instant favorite in our household. The soft silicone material is perfect for teething toddlers, providing relief while stimulating their senses. Its versatile design encourages exploration and imaginative play. We love how easy it is to clean and sanitize, making it a go-to toy for daily use. A must-have for every parent seeking a safe and engaging sensory experience for their little ones!

3. Melissa & Doug Soft Travel Baby Dol For Toddlers And Babies Adorable and Travel-Friendly Playmate! Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

The Melissa & Doug Soft Travel Dress Up Baby Doll is a delightful companion for our little one. Its soft and huggable design is perfect for cuddles on the go. The included travel dress-up accessories add to the fun, sparking creativity during playtime. However, it would be even better if the doll came with more outfit options. Nevertheless, it’s a compact travel toy that brings comfort and joy to our child during long journeys.

4. My First Crayola Double Doodle Board Mess-Free Drawing Fun! Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

The My First Crayola Double Doodle Board has been a hit with my toddler, especially during car rides and flights. The dual-sided design offers endless drawing possibilities without any mess. The triangular crayons are perfect for little hands learning to grip. My only wish is for the board to be a bit sturdier, as it can bend easily. Overall, it is a fantastic travel companion that encourages creativity and keeps my child entertained for hours.

5. First Coloring Quiet Book & Triangular Unbreakable Washable Crayons   Vibrant Coloring Fun for Tiny Artists! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Creative Toddlers First Coloring Book, paired with the MASSRT Toddlers Unbreakable Washable Coloring set, has been an excellent addition to our travel essentials. The triangular crayons are easy to hold and prevent rolling off surfaces. The coloring book features large, captivating images perfect for little artists. The best part is that the crayons are washable and durable, ensuring peace of mind for parents. An excellent set for creative expression during journeys!

6. Put-And-Peek BirdHouse Toy Peek-a-Boo Joy for Curious Minds! Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

The Put-And-Peek BirdHouse Toy by Manhattan Toy has been a hit with our toddler. The engaging peek-a-boo doors and colorful bird friends provide interactive fun. It’s well-made and encourages cognitive development through exploration and observation. However, the doors can be a bit tricky for younger children to open independently. Despite this, it’s a delightful toy for playtime both at home and on the go.

7. Nesting/Stacking Cups Versatile Stacking Fun for Little Learners! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The mushie Nesting/Stacking Cups have been a fantastic source of learning and play for my child. The cups are made of high-quality material, ensuring durability and safety. They come in a variety of attractive colors and sizes, promoting fine motor skills and spatial awareness. My little one loves stacking them up and nesting them inside each other. A versatile and entertaining toy that is perfect for travel and everyday play.

8. Fire Kids Tablet  +  Toddler Friendly Headphones Entertainment and Safety in One Package! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Fire Kids Tablet paired with the BuddyPhones Bluetooth Limiting Headphones has been a lifesaver during long car rides and flights . The tablet offers a vast selection of kid-friendly content, keeping my child engaged and entertained. The toddler-friendly headphones are comfortable, and the volume-limiting feature ensures hearing protection. The combination provides peace of mind for parents while allowing kids to enjoy their favorite shows and games.

9. Yoto Mini Portable Audiobook, Music & Podcast Player  +  Yoto Toddler Book & Music Cards Portable Learning Adventure at Its Best! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Yoto Mini Portable Player paired with the Yoto Toddler Book Cards has been a revelation in our travel activities. The player is intuitive and easy for young children to use. The book cards offer a vast library of audiobooks and music, including classics like “Hungry Caterpillar & Other Stories.” It’s a brilliant way to introduce children to the world of storytelling and music while being compact and travel-friendly. They are highly recommended for curious minds!

10. Collapsible Snack Container & Catcher Lid No More Messy Snacking on the Go! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Toddler Collapsible Snack Container with Catcher Lid has been a game-changer during our outings and travels. The silicone material is safe, and the collapsible design saves space when not in use. The lid effectively prevents spills and keeps snacks fresh. It’s dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze. It is an absolute must-have for parents of toddlers who love snacking on the go!

Brands We Use And Trust

Best travel toys 1 year olds to entertain on road trips.

Having a travel toy for a 1 year old on a  road trip is a great idea ! These toys engage their young minds, promote development, and keep them happily occupied. With sensory elements, interactive features, and portability, these toys minimize fussiness and make the journey enjoyable for both kids and parents.

11. Wooden Magnetic Animals + Cookie Sheet W/Lid Mess-Free Magnetic Playtime Fun! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Animals paired with the Artisan Professional Classic Aluminum Cookie Sheet have been a fantastic combo for car rides. The magnets adhere perfectly to the cookie sheet, keeping them in place and preventing any loss. The set is well-made, and the variety of animals sparks imaginative play. A mess-free way to entertain kids during travel, and the cookie sheet doubles as a convenient storage container!

Travel Toys For Airplane Travel

Airplane travel toys for 1-year-olds are a lifesaver!

They entertain curious minds, ease restlessness, and promote learning. With compact designs and interactive features, these toys keep kids engaged during flights, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to happy and content little travelers!

12. PipSquigs Suction Toys and PipSquigs Ringlets Suction Fun for Tiny Aviators! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Fat Brain Toys PipSquigs Suction Toys and PipSquigs Ringlets are a hit with our little one during flights. The suction cups easily stick to tray tables and windows, providing endless fun and sensory stimulation. They’re easy to clean and can be combined in various ways for imaginative play. A wonderful in-flight entertainment option that keeps kids engaged and happy.

13. Highway Easy Peel Washi Tape + Wooden Play Cars Imaginative Highway Adventures on Board! Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

The YUBX Highway Easy Peel Washi Tape with Wooden Play Cars has been a creative solution to entertain our child on flights. The tape sticks well to tray tables, creating instant highways for the wooden cars to zip around. While the tape could be a bit more adhesive, it’s still a fun and imaginative activity for airplane journeys.

Travel Toys To Keep A Toddler Busy At Restaurants

Having travel toys for 1-year-olds at a restaurant is a brilliant idea! They keep little ones engaged and content during mealtime, reducing fussiness and distractions.

With interactive features and portability, these toys offer sensory stimulation and promote the development of fine motor skills. Parents can enjoy a peaceful dining experience while their child explores and plays. It’s a win-win situation that makes restaurant outings enjoyable for the whole family!

14. Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks W/Carrying Case Magnetic Marvels for Restaurant Playtime! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks with Carrying Cases have been a savior during restaurant outings. The blocks’ magnetic feature keeps them in place on tables, offering hours of building fun for my child. The carrying case is compact and convenient for travel. A brilliant way to keep little ones engaged while waiting for meals.

15. Disposable Restaurant Table Mat Clean and Fun Dining Experiences! Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The Disposable Restaurant Table Mat has been a fantastic addition to our restaurant visits. The colorful alphabet design keeps our children entertained while protecting them from any unclean surfaces. The disposable feature makes cleanup a breeze. A must-have for dining out with toddlers!

Overall, these items have made our family travels and outings much smoother and enjoyable, providing endless entertainment and learning opportunities for our little ones.

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Wrap Up On The Best Travel Toys 1 Year Old

Traveling with a 1-year-old doesn’t have to be a daunting task when you have the right tools to keep your little one engaged and entertained. Our handpicked selection of top travel toys for 1-year-old kids offers a perfect balance of fun and learning on the go.

From sensory boards that stimulate exploration to interactive puzzles that promote cognitive development, each toy on our list serves a specific purpose in enhancing your child’s travel experience. The portability of these toys ensures that your little adventurer will stay captivated during long car rides, flights, and even restaurant outings.

As parents, we know how essential it is to provide our children with the best opportunities to learn and grow, even during travel. These toys not only encourage creativity and imagination but also help develop fine motor skills and early learning concepts.

So, whether you’re planning a family vacation or a short outing, these travel-friendly toys are here to accompany your child on every adventure. By investing in these thoughtful and engaging toys, you’re sure to create cherished memories of fun-filled travels with your little one, making each journey a joyous exploration of the world around them.

What are the best car toys for a 1-year-old?

For 1-year-olds, soft plush toys, teething rings, and lightweight rattles can be great car toys that are safe and engaging.

Are travel toys for 1-year-olds expensive?

Travel toys for 1-year-olds can vary in price. There are affordable options available, and it’s possible to find budget-friendly toys that are suitable for travel.

Are travel toys for 1-year-olds needed?

While not essential, travel toys can be beneficial for keeping 1-year-olds entertained and engaged during long journeys. They can help make the travel experience smoother for both the child and parents.

What are the best travel toys for one-year-old?

Some of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds include soft books, stacking cups, interactive toys with lights and sounds, and sensory toys like squishy balls.

Do car toys for 1-year-olds make a lot of noise?

Car toys for 1-year-olds can vary in noise levels. Some toys may have sounds and music, while others are designed to be quieter and focus on tactile or visual stimulation.

What are the best toys for a 1-year-old on an airplane?

When traveling on an airplane, lightweight and compact toys like small stuffed animals, mini board books, and soft building blocks can be excellent choices for 1-year-olds.

Best airplane toys for a 12-month-old who is deaf?

For a 1-year-old who is deaf, toys that focus on visual and tactile stimulation are ideal. Soft toys with different textures, brightly colored objects, and interactive toys with lights can be great options.

What are some great travel toys for toddlers?

Some great travel toys for toddlers include busy books, hand-eye coordination toys, Melissa & Doug products, fidget toys, buckle toys, reusable sticker books, finger puppets, and water play toys.

How can busy books help keep toddlers entertained during travel?

Busy books are interactive books with different activities that can keep toddlers engaged. They are a great way to occupy their minds and hands, providing a variety of learning opportunities in a compact format.

Are there any specific recommendations for long haul flights or car rides?

For long flights or car rides, items such as travel car mats, travel doodle boards, sensory toys, travel playscapes, and travel cubes can be excellent options. They provide entertainment and stimulate imagination during extended periods of travel.

Are there any travel toys suitable for younger toddlers?

Yes, there are travel toys suitable for younger toddlers. Some options include teething toys, dot books, sensory toys, and soft fabric toys. These toys are designed with their specific developmental needs in mind.

What are some good travel toys for older toddlers?

Older toddlers can enjoy a variety of travel toys such as pop-it toys, magnetic building blocks, take-along shape sorters, lift-the-flap books, and personalized busy bags. These toys engage their curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Are there any recommendations for safe and quiet toys on flights?

Finger puppets, quiet books, and water coloring sets are among the best options for safe and quiet toys on flights. These toys do not make noise and can keep toddlers entertained without disturbing fellow passengers.

What are some travel toy recommendations for small children?

For small children, options like buckle toys, busy cubes, window clings, and lacing sets can be a great choice. These toys enhance fine motor skills and provide hours of entertainment in a compact size.

What is a list of top picks for toddler travel toys?

Yes, some top picks for toddler travel toys include busy books, fidget toys, Melissa & Doug products, travel car mats, water coloring sets, travel cubes, sensory toys, buckle toys, and finger puppets. Fellow parents have highly recommended these toys.

Where can I find the best travel toys?

Travel toys can be found online, in toy stores, and in baby product retailers. Many can be purchased on platforms like Amazon, where you may find a variety of options and different designs to choose from. 

Happy family travels!

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On-the-Go Fun: The 12 Best Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Kim Orlando

When it comes to family travel, keeping your 1-year-old entertained and engaged is key. With the best baby travel toys in your arsenal, airplane travel , long car rides  and hotel room stays can become exciting adventures.

Say goodbye to excessive screen time and hello to interactive and stimulating play! These carefully selected baby and toddler travel toys will captivate their attention, foster learning, and spark their imagination.

Let the excitement begin!

1. Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Memory Game

• Portable wooden travel memory game with 25 flaps and sliding scorekeepers.
• Durable bungee-hinge design for enhanced durability and ease of use.
• Features 7 double-sided, laminated game cards with colorful illustrations.
• Melissa & Doug is a trusted brand known for high-quality, imaginative play products.

The Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Memory Game is a great travel toy thanks to its durable wooden design and easy-to-use features. It will provide hours of memory-building fun during travel. Compact and portable, it’s an essential road trip companion. Let your child enhance their memory skills and enjoy screen-free play with this engaging game from Melissa & Doug, a trusted brand in childhood play.

2. KOKODI LCD Writing Tablet, Toddler Doodle Board Drawing Tablet

• 10-inch LCD colorful screen for creative doodling and drawing on the go.
• Long battery life of 3-6 months with replaceable batteries
• Safe and child-friendly design
• Lightweight, shock-and drop-resistant durability
• Pen is attached, so it won’t easily get lost
• One-button erase means it can be used over and over again

Unleash your child’s creativity with the KOKODI LCD Writing Tablet. Its vibrant 10-inch screen, long battery life, and child-safe design make it an ideal travel companion. Whether on road trips or plane rides, this educational and mess-free toy provides endless entertainment while fostering artistic development and learning.

3. Large Pack for Girls (Ages 1-3) – Travel Entertainment and Snack Kit

• Perfect for international journeys, long flights and road trips.
• Includes 9 entertainment items and 3 healthy vegan-friendly snacks.
• Comes in a KeepEmQuiet rucksack for convenient portability.

The Large Pack for Girls (Ages 1-3) is the ultimate travel companion, providing entertainment and snacks to keep your child engaged and happy. With a curated selection of 9 entertainment items and 3 healthy vegan-friendly snacks, this pack is designed for long journeys, flights, and holiday adventures. The pack comes in a KeepEmQuiet rucksack, allowing your child to take their goodies wherever they go.

4. Buckle Toys – Buster Square – Learning Activity Toy

• Mom-approved learning toy for colors, numbers, counting, and more.
• Sensory stuffed toy with zipper pocket, numbers, shapes, and colorful buckles.
• Perfect quiet travel fidget toy, easily attachable to strollers, high chairs, and car seats.
• Develops fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

The Buckle Toys Buster Square is a sensory stuffed toy designed to engage and educate. With its interactive features, including a zipper pocket, numbers, shapes, and colorful buckles, it promotes learning and development. This travel-friendly toy keeps little ones entertained on the go. Enhance your child’s fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities with this engaging learning activity toy from Buckle Toys.

5. Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray for Car Seat – Essential Travel Accessory

• Convenient travel tray for kids’ car seats, providing entertainment and organization.
• Made from sturdy and kid-safe materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
• Features a no-drop tablet holder, safety strap, mesh pockets, and cup holder.
• Ideal for road trips, airplanes, trains, and other forms of transportation.
• Lusso Gear Promise: Dedicated customer service and satisfaction guaranteed.

The Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray is the perfect companion for traveling with young children. It includes a secure tablet holder, a safety strap, and convenient storage pockets. Whether on a road trip or an airplane journey, this travel tray keeps kids entertained and organized.  

6. MAMMA Kiddie Soft Activity Book – Educational Cloth Book for Babies

• Engaging cloth books with stimulating features on every page.
• Covers various themes such as mealtime, toys, animals, colors, and more.
• Promotes important skills like sensory exploration.
• Durable and non-toxic, designed to withstand rough toddler handling.

The MAMMA Kiddie Soft Activity Book is an educational cloth book designed to captivate and engage babies. With vibrant colors and interactive features, it stimulates learning and exploration. This soft book allows for bonding moments while promoting essential skills like language development and sensory exploration. Made from durable and safe materials, it withstands the rough play of toddlers and is easy to clean.

7. YowellGo Baby Simple Sensory Toys – Portable Silicone Fidget Toy

• Features 5 vibrant silicone pieces for sensory delight and fidgeting fun.
• Made from non-toxic, durable, and BPA-free materials.
• Compact size suitable for little hands to hold during travel.
• Attaches easily to strollers or car seats for on-the-go entertainment.
• Promotes sensory exploration.

The YowellGo Baby Simple Sensory Toys are portable fidget toys designed to entertain and engage babies and toddlers. With vibrant silicone pieces and different textures, they provide sensory delight and stress relief for your 1-year-old.

Made from safe and durable materials, these toys are perfect for travel and can be attached to strollers or car seats. Promote sensory exploration and keep little ones entertained with this convenient and engaging fidget toy.

8. Fish Baby Books Toys – Interactive Cloth Book with Teething Toy

• Engaging cloth book with lift-the-flap, peek-a-boo, and touch-and-feel features.
• Introduces basic themes and stimulates language, imagination, and sensory skills.
• Safe and durable materials for baby’s exploration and teething.
• Perfect for 1 to 2-year-olds
• Portable design with a flexible teether ring for on-the-go entertainment.

The Fish Baby Books Toys offer an interactive and educational experience for babies and toddlers. With its captivating features and vibrant illustrations, this machine-washable cloth book encourages exploration and discovery.

It introduces basic themes and enhances language development, imagination, and sensory skills. Its portable design, along with the flexible teether ring, makes it ideal for on-the-go entertainment. Foster your child’s curiosity and learning with this engaging and travel-friendly cloth book.

9. RIY 10Pcs Story Time Finger Puppets

• Set of 10 adorable finger puppets featuring characters from the beloved nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald Had A Farm.”
• Made of durable soft velvet cloth for a comfortable and long-lasting playtime experience.
• Perfect for interactive storytelling, engaging puppet shows, and imaginative play.
• Compact and portable, making them ideal for travel, road trips, and on-the-go entertainment.

Bring the beloved characters of “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” to life with the RIY 10Pcs Story Time Finger Puppets. Made of soft velvet, these durable and portable puppets provide endless entertainment for little ones on the go. Spark their imagination, engage in interactive storytelling, and create memories with these charming finger puppets that are perfect for air travel and road trips.

10. Samoyed Shape Sorter Toys for Toddlers – Montessori Car Stacking Toy

• Montessori-inspired toy set with 12 silicone space toys and 4 cute animal toys.
• Encourages shape sorting, color recognition, and problem-solving skills.
• Safe materials, including food-grade silicone and unfinished beech wood.
• Perfect gift for toddlers, promoting learning and convenient storage during travel.

Ignite your toddler’s curiosity with this take-along shape sorter. This Montessori car stacking toy fosters cognitive skills, shape recognition, and problem-solving abilities. With its safe materials and compact design, it’s an ideal gift for on-the-go learning and entertainment during travel.

11. BST SHIER Magnetic Puzzles for Kids – Travel-Friendly Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

• The set includes two 20-piece wooden jigsaw puzzles with exciting dinosaur scenes.
• Made from durable and safe wood with round edges for added safety.
• Easy-to-complete puzzles with color illustrations as a reference, fostering a sense of accomplishment for children.
• Perfect travel toys for kids, ideal for airplane travel, car rides, restaurants, and quiet time.

The BST SHIER Magnetic Puzzles for Kids are the perfect travel companion. With their durable wooden construction and compact size, these easy-to-complete puzzles offer engaging and educational entertainment for kids on the go. Let your child unleash their creativity, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills while enjoying screen-free fun during travel and quiet moments.

12. Dorjee Magnetic Maze Game – Travel-Friendly Toddler Activity

• Educational magnetic maze game board featuring a space explorer theme.
• Perfect travel toy for quiet play during road trips, train rides, and flights.
• Develops concentration, fine motor skills, strategic thinking, and color-matching abilities.
• Compact size resembling a book easily fits into backpacks or luggage.
• Durable design with secure nails and plexiglass to prevent bead loss.

The Dorjee Magnetic Maze Game is a must-have travel toy for toddlers. With its engaging space explorer theme and magnetic wand, it keeps children focused while improving concentration, fine motor skills, and strategic thinking. Its compact size and all-in-one design make ensure endless hours of entertainment and learning on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do i keep my 1-year-old entertained on a plane.

To keep your 1-year-old entertained on a plane, consider these tips:

• Pack reusable toys like stacking cups or nesting dolls for endless play.
• Use baby travel toys with sensory features to engage your little one.
• Bring busy board books with flaps and textures for interactive reading.
• Create a carry-on bag filled with favorite toys, snacks, and comfort items.

What do you need to travel with a 1-year-old?

When traveling with a 1-year-old, it’s important to be prepared with a few travel essential items to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your little one.

• Diaper Bag: A well-stocked diaper bag is crucial. Pack an ample supply of diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, changing pads, and disposable bags for soiled items.
• Favorite Travel Toys: Bring along your child’s favorite toys to provide comfort and familiarity during the trip. These can be plush toys, small dolls, or interactive toys that your child enjoys playing with. A spinner toy can be a great distraction for young toddlers. Keep in mind that young toddlers have short attention spans. Pack a variety of toys to cater to their changing interests and avoid meltdowns. Interactive toys with buttons, lights, or sounds can capture their attention for longer periods.
• Toys with Suction Cup: Consider packing toys with suction cups that can be attached to tray tables or other smooth surfaces. These toys can help keep your child entertained while seated.
• Other Travel Essentials: Apart from toys, there are other essential items to bring along. These include extra clothes, bibs, burp cloths, snacks, baby food, formula or breast milk, bottles, pacifiers, and a blanket for comfort.

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Best Travel Toys for 1 Year Olds: Plane, Road Trip & Hotel Toys for Toddlers

May 12, 2021 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Keep Your One Year Old Entertained With These Great Toys for Traveling

Traveling with a one-year-old can be a tricky age for a family trip, particularly during the “getting there” phase of travel via a plane or car.

1-year-olds aren’t quite old enough to completely zone out with a tablet, or even if they will watch a show or two, they probably aren’t fans of headphones yet. Plus, they’ve likely just discovered the awe and wonder of walking and don’t like to sit — they want to explore!

I’ve been on many trips with my daughters when they were young toddlers and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about traveling with a 1-year old, it’s that proper preparation is key! This is especially the case when it comes to forms of entertainment while flying or driving. Over the course of many trips, I found some tried and true toys for one year olds that will help to make traveling with the little ones a bit easier.

Below, I’ve listed out my top toy picks for any type of travel with a 1-year-old plus more favorite toys of mine for traveling with a young toddler in a plane, car, or hotel.

My Top 3 Picks for Travel Toys for Young Toddlers

Before I get into specific toys for flying, driving, or staying in a hotel, here are my top three picks for the best toys for travel overall with a 1-year-old. I chose these because they’re easy to pack, they are handy to have on just about any type of trip, and they can provide hours of entertainment for toddlers over the course of the trip.

#1 Indestructible Books

One year olds love books, especially ones they can do what they want with. So I especially love the Indestructibles series of books for travel because they are thin and can be easily shoved in a bag — plus, per the name, they are tear-proof, waterproof, and chew-proof, so they can double as a book to read that you don’t mind turning into a teething toy (or was it just my young toddler that destroyed all her board books by chewing on them??). They’re also ideal for taking to the beach or pool for that reason, too.

This one about things that go is perfect for a trip!

#2 Stuffed Animal with Buckles

Give them a new stuffed animal to hug on the trip and promote sensory skills — while keeping your child entertained — with this adorable penguin stuffie that has buckles for your one year old to practice clasping. There are also numbers and shapes on the penguin’s belly and back to promote more learning opportunities.

#3 Chain Link Toy

Basic round link toys might not seem that special, but it is a hard hitter when it comes to best toys for traveling with a 1-year-old. These toys can be chewed on, they can provide long periods of concentration as your little one tries to link and unlink them, they can be stacked, they can be tossed. But best of all for travel: they can be attached to a carseat or plane tray so you’re not constantly having to pick toys up off the floor!

You can up your chain game by adding something like this into the mix .

Best 1-Year Old Travel Toys for Road Trips

I know a lot of us parents are road tripping these days, and there’s nothing much worse on a road trip (well, besides a car disaster) than a screaming or whining child in the backseat for hours on end. So, here are my favorite toys to bring along on a road trip with a 1-year old to keep them entertained and as quiet as possible (ha!) in the backseat.

Steering Wheel Toy

This Turn and Learn Driver toy has provided our family with endless entertainment. It’s fun on road trips for toddlers because your little one can pretend to be driving, too, plus it has lights and sounds to keep them engaged. This toy goes the distance, too, as they grow. My kids may not be little toddlers anymore, but they still play with this at home when they build car forts and airplanes out of boxes. Well worth the money!

This genius quiet book is soft and easy to hold onto in the car. Plus, it will keep your little one entertained in his or her carseat while figuring out how to navigate each page. This quiet beach helps with sensory skills such as learning how to zip and buckle, and also has activities to teach shapes, numbers, and letters, plus more hands-on activities to keep little ones engaged on long car rides.

Best 1-Year-Old Travel Toys for Airplanes

Oh the joys of flying with a 1-year-old on an airplane. Wait, did I say joy? I mean stress…lots and lots of stress. If you’re like our family, then your one year old little cutie is still a lap baby on the plane. And keeping a child contained on your lap for the duration of a flight is no easy task.

These are the toys and books that I have found most entertained my young toddlers on a plane ride. We even brought my youngest to Italy when she was one! And the flight went about as smoothly as we could hope.

Lift-the-Flap Books

Lift-the-flap books are also great at keeping young toddlers entertained. I recommend them more for airplane rides than road trip since back in a carseat those flaps might be ripped all the way off! This lift-the-flap book about airplanes is perfect for flight entertainment.

My kids also loved this lift-the-flap Pout, Pout, Fish book when they were toddlers.

Sorting Puzzle Toy

This Montessori-style shape sorting puzzle is ideal for plane rides. It fits on the seat tray and the pieces are big enough that (hopefully) you’ll be able to easily find any pieces that fall under the seat. Plus, the carrots are an easy shape for 1-year-olds to grab and easily try to get into each hole on their own, keeping them entertained so you can maybe take a quick mental break from the stress of flying with a toddler ! Also, there aren’t sounds so you don’t have to worry about annoying your neighbor.

Fidget Toy for Toddlers

This is another quiet game that doesn’t take up much space and will keep a one-year-old entertained. It’s a fidget bubble “popper” with large bubbles young toddlers can push and play with.

Best 1-Year-Old Travel Toys for Hotel Stays

Now for the hotel or resort or vacation rental stay after you get to your destination. If you’re not staying with family members who (hopefully) already have toys at their house, then you’re going to want to plan for some room in your luggage for something to keep your kid entertained during the downtime in your accommodation.

Also, I don’t bring a ton for this because I inevitably buy a couple souvenirs while traveling for my kids to play with during (and after) the trip. But here are my faves that always got put in the suitcase when I had a 1-year-old traveling with me.

Take-Along Play Mat with Figures

I loved having this toy for hotel stays when my girls were little because it was easy to pack (it folds up and keeps the characters inside) and the built-in play mat provided a playing surface that wasn’t a gross hotel room floor. (You never think about how disgusting hotel room floors probably are until you have a crawler!)

There’s also this version with cars and trucks.

Shape Sorter Toy

Another great hotel toy is a shape sorter that also serves as a toy. I brought one along with me on an Alaska cruise with my 1-year old, during which we stayed in a very small inside stateroom and this toy was great for her to play with in the room and didn’t take up much space. They don’t make the one I brought anymore, but it was similar to this barnyard shape sorter .

Hope this toy guide for traveling with a 1-year-old helps you on your future travels with your little one. And let me know if you discover another awesome toy for young toddlers on trips! 🙂

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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The 50 Best Toddler Travel Toys — All Mom-Tested and Approved!

When we set out for family adventures with our two toddlers, toys are always a priority on our packing list. Although we’ve been known to travel with large toys like our daughter’s Fisher-Price Piano and our son’s Strider Balance Bike , it’s important to find options that are compact, lightweight, and engaging for little ones away from home.

We’ve rounded up the 50 best toddler toys for travel, all tested from our personal experience with two young children. 

Table of Contents

The Best Toddler Toys for Travel Day 

From noisy musical toys to educational activities, here are our favorite toddler travel toys for the car, plane, or train ride (and they double as excellent entertainment once you reach your destination!):

Travel activities 

1. coloring books.

Coloring books are battery-free and budget-friendly. Bring a few along when traveling by plane, like these Mickey Mouse or Frozen themed choices that include sticker pages. 

2. Non-rolling crayons

If your toddler is coloring on a plane or train, crayons that don’t roll down the aisle are a must. Try this triangular pack from Crayola, or these princess or truck sets from Melissa & Doug.

3. Sticker books

Sticker books , sticker sets , and activity books are great ways to keep toddlers entertained on road trips, airplane rides, and restaurant nights . 

4. Doodle board

An LCD writing tablet or a doodle board is the perfect way to let youngsters create and erase over and over, without the mess. Just make sure you have fresh batteries loaded up for your trip!

5. Etch-a-Sketch

Try a full-sized Etch-a-Sketch to maximize space for creativity, or opt for a pocket-sized version to keep in your diaper bag or purse.

Slinkies and other fidget toys are ideal to have on hand for travel. Just be sure to pick age-appropriate products that are safe for your child.

7. Busy board 

Our son loves to undo the latches and buckles on his busy board . He even carries it through the airport like a briefcase. 

8. Dry-erase cards 

Help your toddler practice the alphabet in flight with these miniature dry-erase cards , or invest in a dry-erase activity book and markers . 

9. Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Cards

I almost always include Melissa & Doug’s Poke-a-Dot cards and books on my lists of favorites for toddlers and babies. They’re simple and educational, and the novelty of their satisfying popping sound doesn’t wear off for young tots.

10. Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books

Another winner from Melissa & Doug is its collection of Water Wow Activity Books . Each book comes with a refillable water pen that toddlers use to reveal hidden colors and objects on each page. Once the page dries, they get to do it all over again. The brand makes Wow Water books in a range of themes, including animals , sports , and children’s shows like Blue’s Clues and Paw Patrol .

Sound-making toys

11. fisher-price smart purse.

Although sound-making toys aren’t the best for trains or airplanes, they’re lifesavers on road trips. This interactive purse comes with a set of small toys inside and talks to toddlers when opened and closed. 

12. Learning Journey Wheels on the Bus Toy

If your toddler can’t get enough of the “Wheels on the Bus” song, they’re going to love this button-activated singing toy from Learning Journey. Just make sure you’re ready to hear the same lyrics on repeat in the car! 

13. Melissa & Doug Vroom & Zoom Steering Wheel

Help your young one feel like they’re behind the wheel with this creative pick from Melissa & Doug. The interactive steering wheel toy has music stations, classic car controls like turn signals and flashers, and a steering game all incorporated into its design.

14. Phone toy

Let’s be honest — your toddler sees you holding your phone constantly. Offer them their own cellular or corded telephone with buttons, lights, and music. 

15. Fisher-Price Counting Koala Linkimal 

Fisher-Price’s Linkimals are musical toys that sing in sync when placed close to each other. This adorable Counting Koala Linkimal is an excellent road-trip choice for toddlers learning their numbers.

16. Board books

If you’re looking for quiet activities for air travel, you can’t go wrong with board books . Opt for favorites your child already knows by heart, or invest in a boxed set . Toddlers will love going through each book in the group and placing them back in the box when reading time is finished. We love Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Boxed Set and these cute Books of Kindness .

17. Lift-the-flap books 

To add an interactive dimension to story time on the plane or train, try a few lift-the-flap books, like Dear Zoo , Where’s Spot? , and Spot Goes to the Farm .

18. Ready-to-Read Books

As your son or daughter starts to crave independence, the Ready-to-Read book series is a road-trip gem. Each page has a corresponding button that children can press to hear the text read aloud. These books feature characters from favorite movies and shows, like Mickey Mouse , Frozen , Moana , and Spiderman .

Toys to snuggle

If you’ve planned to have your toddler sleep on travel day, it’s helpful to bring a few well-loved toys from home for them to snuggle. A classic babydoll and bottle helps encourage pretend play on the road and at your destination, and softer dolls make for great companions at naptime.

20. Stuffed animals

Plan to bring your kids’ favorite stuffed animals and blankets along for the trip, especially if they love to sleep snuggled up with them. Jellycat is a beloved brand for stuffed animal friends, like this adorable bunny , pig , and chick .

The Best Toddler Travel Toys to Bring for Your Destination

Having a variety of toys on hand can help keep toddlers entertained and happy when outside their familiar home environment. From puzzles and blocks to cars and games, we’ve rounded up our favorite toys to pack in the suitcase and bring along for playtime away from home:

21. Wood puzzles

Whenever we go on trips by plane or car, we always bring a few puzzles. They engage toddlers for extended periods of time without taking up too much space in the suitcase. For a few classic wood options, try these alphabet , numbers , and shapes and animals puzzles.

22. EeBoo puzzle pairs

Toy brand EeBoo makes lightweight puzzles with chunky pieces and simple pairings. Try these colors , numbers , and opposites puzzle pairs for some educational playtime.

23. Wee Gallery puzzles

We love the sturdy paired pieces in Wee Gallery’s animal-themed and dinosaur-themed puzzle sets. 

24. Kidoozie Peek ‘N Peep Eggs

The Peek ‘N Peep Eggs from Kidoozie have been a winner in our household for years. Each egg sports a different face expression and pops open to reveal a colored inside. The snap-shut egg carton doubles as a shape-sorter and offers almost as much entertainment as the eggs themselves. 

25. Clock puzzle 

Our son is at that curious age when he always wants to know what time it is. Help your child build on their interest in the time of day with a shape-sorting clock puzzle from Melissa & Doug or Fat Brain Toys .

26. Gear toys and puzzles 

Every toddler seems to love objects that spin. Try a simple gear toy like this colorful caterpillar , or add an engaging dimension with Melissa & Doug’s interchangeable gear toy or Fat Brain Toys’ wooden gear puzzle .

27. Block puzzles

Each cube face in Melissa & Doug’s block puzzles sports the missing piece of a different puzzle, adding an extra challenge to traditional wood puzzles. These sets come with six kid-friendly puzzles in one package, which helps to save space when traveling. Parents can choose from pet-themed , farm-themed , or Blue’s Clues sets, each of which comes with its own carrying tray.

28. Kidoozie Lights ‘N Sounds Shape Sorter

There’s something about Kidoozie’s noisy Lights ‘N Sounds Shape Sorter that keeps youngsters coming back again and again. This compact toy has catchy jingles, rattling puzzle pieces, and multiple modes of play.

Toys on wheels 

29. friction-powered trucks.

Toy cars and trucks pack a ton of fun into a compact package. These friction-powered monster trucks do hilarious stunts and spins when pushed across the floor, and they’ve been long-standing favorites in our family. We also love these sets of friction-powered trucks and construction vehicles .

30. Hot Wheels cars

Hot Wheels cars add up in weight in a suitcase, but at just over $1 each , they’re affordable and space-saving. Use household items to make creative jumps and ramps when you arrive at your destination. 

31. Cars with music and lights

If your child is more entertained by lights and sounds, try this set of music-making Hot Wheels cars with multiple buttons, sounds, and glowing colors.

32. Motorized Hot Wheels Car

Skip the bag of small cars and invest in one big one that’s sure to make your child smile. This battery-powered Hot Wheels car changes color and zooms across the floor with impressive speed.

33. Pull-back cars

If you’d rather not worry about keeping batteries on hand, classic pull-back cars make for great games between parent and child when away from home. 

34. Mega Bloks ABC Musical Train

For under $10, this Mega Bloks ABC Musical Train includes 46 blocks in a lightweight set. Just be sure not to leave any of the pieces behind when you pack up to head home. 

35. Lego Duplo Train

Lego’s Duplo Number Train combines your toddler’s passion for trains with their love for building, with chunky pieces and smiling characters. Check out the brand’s fire engine , tractor , and other building sets for more Lego fun.

36. Shape stacker train

Shape-stacker trains, like these from Melissa & Doug and Fat Brain Toys , offer an educational fine-motor activity for younger and older toddlers alike.

37. Remote-control cars

If you’re like our family and willing to travel with any toys to keep kids entertained away from home, throw these remote-control cartoon cars or construction vehicles in the toy bag. For older kids, try this smaller remote-control Hot Wheels car.

Building toys 

38. magnetic tiles.

Magna-Tiles and Picasso Tiles are on the heavier side, but they’re compact and offer endless building opportunities for growing minds.

39. SmartMax magnetic toys

SmartMax offers a whole suite of animal and vehicle sets that encourage creative play.

40. Learning Resources Preschool MathLink Cubes

Our son loves to play with his small, lightweight MathLink Cubes . Toddlers can build freely or follow the educational activity cards with an adult’s help. Also try the brand’s kindergarten math activity set and additional building cubes .

41. Bath blocks

If you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to remember some bath toys . These ultra-lightweight bath blocks (with mesh travel bag included!) let your toddler build something entirely new each time they sit in the tub.

42. Balancing toys

This clever toy set encourages children to balance the colorful animal pairs on the curved wooden ark without tipping it over.

Other toddler toys we love

43. window crayons.

Crayola’s window crayons and markers let families play games together or draw creatively on any glass surface when away from home. 

44. Fat Brain Toys RollAgain Ball Sorter

Our son received this unique game by Fat Brain Toys as a gift almost a year ago, and it’s been a mesmerizing toy for him and his sister to play with since. Place the colorful, rattling balls into the gradually widening track, and watch as they drop into their perfectly matched landing spots.

45. Melissa & Doug Bean Bag Toss

This foldable bean bag toss game is compact and lightweight for travel. 

46. Memory matching games 

If you’re traveling to visit family, Fat Brain Toys’ Ladybug Memory Game and Fisher-Price’s Make-a-Match Card Game are perfect ways for your toddler to play back and forth with loved ones.

47. Bead maze

If we’re traveling by car, we often bring our bead maze toy along. It’s lightweight and doesn’t include any loose parts that could be lost in transit or during packing.

48. Play-Doh

Play-Doh tubs are small and compact, and packing a Play-Doh set provides us with a nice family playtime activity when we have some downtime during vacation. 

49. Learning Resources Preschool Letters 

This Learning Resources Preschool Letters set comes with 91 pieces, including tiny letter beads, sturdy letter cards, strings for lacing, a color spinner for games, and multiple activity sheets to complete together with your toddler. If you’re worried about traveling with too many tiny pieces, opt for a simple lacing card activity instead. 

50. Popping tubes 

A set of popping tubes is one of our favorite simple toys for traveling with babies and toddlers. The tubes make silly noises when stretched and squashed, and children can connect them together to create various shapes and loops.

The Upshot: Choosing the Best Toddler Travel Toys

We hope our comprehensive list of favorites helped you find some winning toddler toys to add to your packing list for your next family trip. No matter which you decide to bring with you, sitting down on your toddler’s level, giving them your full attention, and using your imagination for dedicated, interactive playtime makes all the difference.

If you’re looking for travel toys geared towards younger toddlers and infants, check out our list of the 50 Best Travel Toys for Babies .

With a background in medicine as a licensed physician assistant, Christy is a freelance writer and mom of two young kids. As someone who loves to ski, run, and hike, she most cherishes introducing her son and daughter to the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her precious family.

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Best travel toys for toddlers

• Best travel toy for toddlers overall : 8 Piece Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set
• Best car travel toy for toddlers : Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad: My Town
• Best plane travel toy for toddlers : Buckle Toy Buster Square
• Best travel size toy for toddlers : Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Art Desk with Stamps
• Best travel toy for babies : BrainUpToys Busy Activity Cube
• Best sticker travel toy for toddlers : Melissa & Doug On the Go Felt Friends Craft Activity Set
• Best travel toy for 1-year-olds : Melissa & Doug K's Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter
• Best travel toy for 2-year-olds : AILA Sit & Play
• Best travel toy for 3-year-olds : deMoca Quiet Book for Toddlers

What are travel toys for toddlers?

Traveling with toddlers, by air or car, takes thoughtful planning and a lot of patience. There’s a lot of gear to pack, but don’t be tempted to skimp on the toys, because they’re one thing that can make a big difference at those inevitable tense travel moments.

The best travel toys for toddlers are small or otherwise easy to pack, store all in one piece, and are easy to play with in limited spaces. It's a big job for a little toy, so we looked for answers in BabyCenter's Community, searching through thousands of posts for real-world mom and dad recommendations, then funneling their choices to our expert team for research and vetting. Keep reading for the best car travel toy for toddlers, the best plane travel toy for toddlers, and more.

Why trust us?

Best travel toy for toddlers overall, 8 piece tegu pocket pouch magnetic wooden block set.

With this little set of blocks children can build automobiles, creatures, stacks, or structures, all of which stick together due to a small upgrade to the classic wooden block: small magnets embedded inside the tropical hardwood that make them cling to each other. They feel smooth and pleasant in your hands, so much so that adults may find themselves wanting to stack, sort, and arrange, too. And the whole set comes in a small fabric bag that keeps everything tidily stored. 

Parents say 

“We brought Tegu blocks and they were a hit.”

“We have a little set of Tegu blocks that our little one likes at restaurants.”

Tegu blocks are on the pricey side, and once you get one set you may want more. 

• 4.6 x 3.55 x 1.8 inches
• Recommended for age 1 and up

Best car travel toy for toddlers

Melissa & doug reusable sticker pad: my town.

This sticker book is a whole little immersive world: simple images of a school bus, a grocery store, a city street, with stickers of the vehicles, people, and objects that can be used to populate each. There are over 200 stickers, so there’s a lot of quiet sticking that can be done, and the pad is the perfect size to fit in a toddler’s lap. Plus, our favorite thing: the stickers adhere to (and can be easily removed from) just about any smooth surface, up to and including airplane and car windows. 

After some use, the pages can fall out.

• 11 x 14 x 0.25 inches
• Recommended for age 3-10

Best plane travel toy for toddlers

Buckle toy buster square.

Kids seem to love buckles, buttons and anything that snaps, which is why this toy was made to snap and click. It’s just a simple fabric pillow with a happy face and straps with different clasps protruding from it, but somehow it casts a magic spell on little ones, who practice their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while they play. A zipper on one end opens to a small pouch where you can hide little surprises for your child to discover while on your family adventure. 

“I recommend this toy to everyone! My DD is so quiet in the car now!”

Some wish the buckles were adjustable.

• 6.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• 3.87 ounces
• Recommended for age 1-4

Best travel size toy for toddlers

Crayola color wonder mess free art desk with stamps.

This is such a great mess-free toy for creative kids on the go. It comes with a color wonder paper pad, an ink pad, a stamper with five different stamps, and an art desk sized to fit nicely on a little lap. The ink from the toy only appears on the special Color Wonder paper, not on hands, furniture, car seats, or other important places. Thus kids can go wild with their creations, without making any cleanup for parents. Everything stores neatly in the desk, which is thin and flat enough to pack and snaps shut firmly, keeping everything secure. 

The kit comes with 15 pages of Color Wonder paper; once you’re out, you have to buy replacement packs instead of using any old paper from home. 

• 13.75 x 12 x 2.63 inches
• 1.75 pounds
• 5 Color Wonder markers, 5 jungle-themed stamps, Color Wonder non-drying ink pad, and 15 pages of blank Color Wonder paper
• Recommended for age 3 and up  

Best travel toy for babies

Brainuptoys busy activity cube.

This toy packs a lot of interesting activities into a 4-by-4-inch cube. One side’s a classic clock, one has a spinner with colored beads whirling inside, other sides have a magnet run, beads and shapes on strings, and interlocking gears. It’s ideal for kids who like to explore with their hands, and small enough to throw into a diaper bag or glove compartment. All loose parts are fastened securely so you won’t have to worry about losing pieces during travel, either. 

Some parents complain that the cube’s sides come off if the cube is dropped. 

• 4 x 4 x 4 inches
• Recommended for age 1-3

Best sticker travel toy for toddlers

Melissa & doug on the go felt friends craft activity set.

In one travel-sized container, you’ll find four background scenes (an ocean, a farm, etc.) and 46 felt shapes that allow your child to create the fuzzy creatures that live in each setting. It’s quiet, creative, compact, and tidy; kids can follow step-by-step instructions to make their creatures, or make up their own. Either way, it’s a lot of play for a toy tiny enough to carry in your purse. 

There are a lot of pieces to this set so some may get dropped or lost during play. 

• 10 x 6 x .4 inches 
• Recommended for age 4 and up  

Best travel toy for 1-year-olds

Melissa & doug k's kids take-along shape sorter.

This portable activity center is great for short trips, and comes with plastic shapes that fit into a padded carrying case. Figuring out how to fit each piece into its same-sized and -shaped hole is a glorious challenge for toddlers’ fine motor skills and object recognition; once that palls, flip the case over to entertain your child with a grid of nine fabric pictures, all covered with crinkly peek-a-boo flaps they’ll love lifting to see what’s underneath. Everything fits inside for on-the-go scenarios, and the top handle makes it easy to tote. 

Some wish there was a way to cover the holes on one side of the case, so it can be used for secure storage while traveling. 

• 14 x 10 x 4 inches
• 1.25 pounds
• Recommended for 9 months - 3 years

Best travel toy for 2-year-olds

Aila sit & play.

A fantastic first tablet toy for toddlers, the AILA (Animal Island Learning Adventure) Sit & Play system comes pre-loaded with a library of 60 storybooks, 45 songs, and preschool learning lessons that will teach your child letter and number recognition and cognitive reasoning skills. Kids can listen to stories, dance, or sing, or set the tablet to Learning mode for language and STEM content. AILA keeps track of the curriculum milestones your child has reached, and parents can check in on their kids mid-lesson and monitor screen time. 

Some say the battery life lasts about two hours, though product specs claim four hours. 

• 7.4 x 6.4 x 4.6 inches
• 23.3 ounces
• 1 lithium ion battery required, not included  

Best travel toy for 3-year-olds

Democa quiet book for toddlers.

This Montessori quiet book is wonderful for kids that love to learn through play. With nine different activities, this book is machine-washable and designed to keep kids busy with buttons, buckles, zips and more, with all loose parts tethered to the soft cloth book cover. Kids can practice tying a faux shoe, telling time, zipping up a dress, snapping on a set of cloth balloons and so on, improving their fine motor control with real-world skills. 

Some wish there were more pages included in the book.

• 9.96 x 8.07 x 2.17 inches

Travel toys for toddlers are great to have on hand whenever you’re on the move. Made to be compact and self-contained so that they are easy to pack without losing pieces along the way, travel toys for toddlers are intended to be high-engagement toys that will buy you time, keeping little ones entertained when they need to be quiet and still, or just keeping them busy at idle moments. 

The best toys for traveling with little kids are ones that will stimulate children’s senses and encourage creativity: puzzles, stickers, mess-free craft supplies, magnetic toys, miniature sensory toys . Travel toddler toys should be mess-free, easy to clean up and keep together, and keep children’s attention span for periods longer than a few minutes.

When shopping for travel toys, consider: 

• Size and shape: The best travel toys pack well in suitcases or travel bags. Think flat, thin, light, and small. Consider also how much room you need to play with a toy, and where you’ll be playing it. 
• Storage: Are there small parts? Do they store together securely for mobility? 
• Play options: Toys that allow children to play alone or harmoniously together can do double duty when there’s time to play with siblings or cousins.
• Age range: Toys that can be used by children of different ages are great to have on hand when traveling and meeting up with new friends or various branches of your family. 
• Clean up: Toys that can cause damage or stains are off the menu, unless you want to risk hotel security deposits or you enjoy apologizing to angry relatives. 
• Durability: Fragile toys that easily fall apart aren’t sturdy enough for travel; choose toys that are up to the rigors of being packed and banged around a little.   

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10 clever travel toys to pack for your next flight

By Jessica Macdonald

With half of our family located in Scotland and the other half in South Africa , my two children have been flying long distance since they were a few months old. The first time we set out for the airport with a small baby in tow, I was wracked with nerves: What if she kept the entire plane awake for hours with her screaming? In the end, I needn’t have worried. The drone of the engine had her snoozing in her sky cot for the majority of the flight.

Fast forward a year or two and I discovered that flying with an active toddler is a whole different ball game. With some careful packing , though, it’s possible to minimise the stress for everyone involved. First on your list should be travel-friendly toys. Look for ideas that are mess- and noise-free, take up minimal space and don’t involve too many parts. Because carry-on space is precious you’ll only be able to bring a handful of options, so making sure each one is as engaging as possible is also key. Here are our tried-and-tested top picks for all ages from babies to pre-teens.

Sticker books

It’s a universal truth that kids love sticker books. They’re great for in-flight entertainment since they’re lightweight, easy to pack and can be used on little laps even when tray tables have to be stowed away. For younger children we love reusable sticker books like the Make-a-Face series from Melissa & Doug. Available in pet, farmyard and safari versions, they provide hours of educational fun as your little ones add facial features to their favourite animals. And for parents and airline staff , the fact that there’s no sticky residue to contend with is a major bonus.

Travelling with older children and don’t necessarily want them passing their flight time with four back-to-back movies? Creative pre-teens will love the challenge of Imagimetrics , a sticker-by-numbers concept that results in some truly beautiful multi-dimensional works of art.

Activity books

From as young as two or three, children can be kept entertained for hours by a good activity book. Wipe-clean versions like the Zoo Activities book from Usborne are the best, since they can be used over and over again on your outward and return journeys. Activities range from spot-the-difference and maze games to join-the-dots and line tracing. All of them encourage focus and help to develop pen control. If you’re lucky, your child might be able to do some of them independently, giving you the chance to eat that in-flight meal in peace.

If giving your child a marker pen in an enclosed space sounds like a recipe for disaster, don’t worry – there are 100 per cent mess-free options as well. Like the iconic Where’s Wally books but better, these personalised Where Are You? books from Wonderbly enthral children with the novelty of finding themselves on each page.

Why we recommend: My daughter’s Where Are You? book is one of my tried-and-tested go-tos for long journeys . Even though she’s had it for several years and knows where to find herself, there are hundreds of other interesting things to look for on each brightly coloured page.

Drawing boards

If your child loves to draw, tap into that passion for an easy way to keep them engaged at any stage of the flight. Obviously their standard pencil case and paper setup isn’t going to work in the tight confines of a plane seat, though (I’m imagining uncapped felt tips rolling unchecked along the aisles and reams of paper flooding over onto the neighbour’s tray table). Travel-friendly alternatives include digital drawing boards like this one from TEKFUN , which lets little hands draw precise, multi-coloured lines with an LCD screen and stylus. For toddlers, we also love the travel-sized Aquadoodle with its easy-to-grasp water pen and scribble-friendly pad.

Why we recommend: Our Aquadoodle kept our daughter occupied for several hours on a flight from South Africa to the UK, and was easy to refill with tap water from the plane bathroom.

Organiser toys

My 18-month-old son isn’t interested in books and couldn’t care less about screen time. But he absolutely adores packing and unpacking everything around him; which makes trying to leave for the airport difficult, and any kind of organiser toy a veritable lifesaver. These stacking cups from Adalex are a particular favourite. I’m not sure if it’s the bright colours, the fun marine life shapes or the fact that they can be nested, stacked or clicked together to form a chain – but they provide a level of entertainment that seems completely disproportionate to their compact simplicity.

Shape sorters are another surefire hit with dextrous babies and toddlers. This cat-shaped one from Playskool is cute, collapsible (and therefore eminently packable), with shapes that come apart and click together again to help with matching and fine motor skills.

Why we recommend: The stacking cups were my son’s favourite time-waster on a recent trip to Greece, whether on the plane, in the terminal while waiting for a connection, or at any of the many restaurants we visited while we were there.

Busy boards

If the goal is to get maximum entertainment from just one toy, then busy boards are a miraculous invention for children from a few months to a few years old. The ARVRI Sensory Busy Board offers 15 different activities in a book-style carrying case that’s just a tiny bit larger than an A4 sheet of paper. These range from a wipeable doodle board with four coloured marker pens to a page of buckles, buttons, zips and laces that inquisitive little fingers just can’t resist. Alternatively, if your baby is obsessed with the TV remote at home, this travel-sized Montessori busy board from SUNACE is the ideal switch-and-button-packed substitute.

Why we recommend: I've packed our busy board on a couple of flights with my two-year-old, including the long journey to Australia. It's a great one to store right next to a tablet and any books in your luggage. To make it even more engaging I've hidden little snacks and toys in the board too. Lauren Burvill

Fidget toys

The clue is in the name: Fidget toys are a win for restless children who just can’t sit still for extended periods of time. Deploy them at the right moment, and you might be able to save yourself a few late-night circuits of the darkened cabin. Push-pop toys are an obvious contender in this category. We love this frog-shaped option from Zayin , which upgrades the traditional push-pop experience by adding lights and (mutable) music to create four different playing modes. Competitive kids will be kept captivated by their attempt to achieve a new high score.

Paul Richardson

Amy Abrahams

CNT Editors

For babies and toddlers, Jumble Dream’s Sensory Activity Cube is a clever alternative. Made from smooth wood and fitted with a whole range of gadgets designed to boost cognitive development, it includes everything from a fidget spinner to an integrated lock and key set. Reviewers report that it can be really helpful for children with autism and ADHD as well.

Why we recommend: My son loved these, especially when he was around 18 months old. I usually find that the flight is never as bad as you think it's going to be, but the journey from the airport is often an unexpected tricky part. When everyone is tired, and it's just that last little bit of time until you get to your destination. For those moments, I recommend saving a fidget spinner in your bag and pulling it out, just to give your little one something fresh and relaxing to play with. Lauren Burvill

Teething toys

Teething babies can be challenging at the best of times, let alone in an enclosed space several thousand feet above the ground. A good teething toy can give them (and you) some much-needed relief. In addition, encouraging your infant to chew or suck on a teether during takeoff and landing can help their little ears cope better with the change in cabin pressure. You could keep it simple with Nuby’s IcyBite Keys , which are colourful, easy for tiny hands to hold and filled with a gel that can be cooled in the fridge when you reach your destination. Or you could opt for a plush toy like this crocodile clip-on from MEERO LONDON, which serves as a teether, a fidget toy and a snuggly comforter for when your little one is feeling sleepy.

Why we recommend: The first time we flew with my daughter, I wasn’t allowed to breastfeed on takeoff. When she started to cry, her IcyBite Keys helped distract her and also probably assisted with clearing the pressure in her ears.

Traditional games

Sometimes the old methods are the best. If your children are big enough for board games, consider investing in a few travel-sized versions to keep them occupied through your next flight. For younger kids aged roughly 3 to 6, we love Little Bug Bingo from Orchard Toys. It’s ideally sized for playing on a tray table and features colourful, sturdy cards adorned with adorable garden beasties. Bingo is also a more compact option than Pairs or any other game that requires space to spread out. Our top tip? Bring along a Ziploc bag for keeping errant picture cards and counters contained.

For older children, teenagers and even adults, chess offers hours of in-flight fun. This compact travel set from Peradix is beautifully made, with a foldable board and magnetic pieces that won’t slide off if you hit a patch of turbulence.

Arts and crafts

When we’re at home, my default way to entertain my daughter is to tap into her creative side with a craft project. For years I didn’t think there was a way to translate this to air travel, given the amazing amount of mess these artistic endeavours usually generate. But then she was given a mosaic picture kit from Baker Ross for her fifth birthday: game changer! The kits come with sheets of adhesive foam tiles that children can peel and stick to colour-coded squares on the corresponding base image. Other ideas for mess-free, peel-and-stick fun include this stained glass kit from Melissa & Doug (especially great if you manage to score a window seat ).

Why we recommend: We haven’t had a chance to test my daughter’s mosaic kit on an aeroplane yet, but I can vouch for it keeping her entertained for hours at a time on a camper van adventure around the Inner Hebrides.

Let’s be honest: There are times when we win at keeping our kids entertained without resorting to a screen, and there are definitely times we don’t. And trust me, the middle of a long-haul flight is not the place to be stuck without access to your last resort. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet Kids Pro Edition comes with a robust kid-proof case, extended battery life and the ability to pre-load all of their favourite games, books, series and movies. For bookworm school-age kids and older you could also keep things simple with a Kindle Kids e-reader. Just be sure to download enough content for the flight ahead of time.

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The 20 Best Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds for Flights and Road Trips

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Table of Contents

The Best Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds

We’ve been traveling with our toddler since he was two months old, and did most of our traveling before the quarantine when he was 1 year old. Based on our experience we compiled a list of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds that helped us make traveling with a baby easier.

Disclosure: Kindly be aware that certain links provided below may be affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It’s important to note that I am an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases. For the comprehensive disclosure statement, please click here .

Many people believe traveling with a baby is too difficult when reality, it’s I think traveling with a baby is much easier than  traveling with a toddler .

Although you need more  baby gear ,  you don’t have to chase them around, and they haven’t started using the word “no” yet.

Babies are the perfect traveling companion because they only need food, a clean diaper, and affection. Plus, they are free almost everywhere, so I recommend traveling with babies.

By the time our son was one year old, he’d been to Oahu , Playa del Carmen (where we lived for nearly two years), Guatemala, Colorado, and B eijing . 

Travel toys helped keep our little guy entertained whether we were traveling on an airplane, train, bus, or car. 

These travel toys will help your baby’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and exploring their senses.

Here are our favorite travel toys for 1-year-olds.

Related Post: Best Airplane Toys for Toddlers

How To Entertain a 1 Year Old While Traveling

Innybin shape sorting baby toy.

The   InnyBin Shape Sorting Baby Toy  is a fun and unique travel toy for 1-year-olds. Parents rave about this toy in the reviews, which is it is one of our favorite toys for babies. 

This toy has over 1,200 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. With rave reviews like this, we had to include it on our list of the best travel toys for babies .

There are several different shape sorters, but this one has elastic bands that challenge them to help build their problem-solving skills. Your baby will work on spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and tactile exploration. 

What we love most about this travel toy is how your little one can use it as they continue to grow. You and your little one will love this fun travel toy.

InnyBin Shape Sorting Baby Toy Price

Fat Brain Toys for Babies

Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Read More: 20 Travel Toys for 3-Year-Olds

LeapFrog 100 Words and 100 Animals Book Set

We purchased the  LeapFrog 100 Words and 100 Animals Book Set  for our son’s first birthday, and it’s been one of our son’s favorite travel toys ever since.

It’s one of our favorite travel toys for one-year-olds because it encourages speech development, vocabulary expansion, language skills, and object recognition.  

This book helps your baby learn words, animals, opposites, fruit, food, and more. It’s the perfect toy to grow with your baby into their toddler years.

Based on our experience, this is one of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds, especially for   road trips . 

LeapFrog 100 Words Book Set is one of the toys we used to  survive our road trip  from  San Diego  to  Colorado Springs  when we started our  family gap year .

What I love most about this toy is that the volume is loud enough to hear but soft enough so that it isn’t annoying for parents. 

Toys without volume control drive me crazy, so I’m happy Leap Frog got the message and provided volume control to keep us parents sane.

This road trip travel toy for babies is a win/win scenario for everyone. You can keep your little ones entertained while they learn.

LeapFrog 100 Words and 100 Animals Book Sett Price

Soft Stacking Blocks

Soft Stacking Blocks   are one of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds because they are soft enough to chew, have different textures, shapes, animals, and make a whistling sound.

These travel toys are a must for babies as young as 6 months to young toddlers up to 3 years old . The money you spend on these blocks will be worth it. I just purchased these after finding them while researching this article :).

These stacking blocks have letters, numbers, animals, fruit, and a matching game for shapes. Plus, they double as a teether because we know how much 1-year-olds love to put things in their mouth.

Soft Stacking Blocks Price

Read More: 10 Mess-Free Travel Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Stacking & Nesting Rings

We love this  Stacking & Nesting Rings  set because it is soft enough for 1-year-olds to chew on, and they can stack them anyway they want. Each ring has a different texture for them to touch and whistles when they squeeze them.

The rings can be stacked in different ways, so they will not get frustrated trying to stack them properly. These travel toys are great teethers, so it’s a two-in-one combo.

On top of being functional, these stacking rings have attractive colors. They are the perfect size for little hands, and your baby can keep using them well into their toddler years.

Stacking & Nesting Rings Price

Related Post: 25 Travel Toys for Babies

Fisher-Price My First Fidget Cube

If your baby is full of energy (like our son is, he’s such a busybody), you need a travel toy that’ll keep their attention. Our son likes to figure out how things work, so the Fisher-Price My First Fidget Cube was a win.

We purchased it when he was 10 months old for a flight to Mexico, and he played with it. Now that he is 2 years old, he still likes to mess with it and try to take it apart.

There are six different sides for your little one to play. You don’t think about their finger development, but this toy helps strengthen your baby’s fingers. They have to grasp, spin, toggle, and push different textures, colors, and shapes.

Your 1-year-old will love this travel toy on a road trip or an airplane. It’s fun, inexpensive, and educational.

Fisher-Price My First Fidget Cube Price

Read More: Best Travel Toys for 3-Year-Old

Buckle Toy – Blu Whale

Buckle toys are fun developmental toys for 1-year-olds. We wish we would have used this as our son’s comfort toy instead of the large blanket (bigger than a throw blanket) he uses to comfort himself.

This fun plush toy has six buckles that help babies develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, colored clasps, shapes, and numbers. It’s soft and cuddly, so your little one can take it for bedtime.

There are different designs to choose from, so your baby can play with their favorite character during long car rides or on an airplane. These are the ultimate baby toys for airplanes , especially for kids 18 months to 2 years old.

Buckle Toy Price

Related Post: Disney World with Babies, Toddlers, or Preschoolers

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter

We couldn’t write a blog post about the best travel toys for 1-year-olds without including the  Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter .  This shape sorter is one of the most popular travel toys for babies and toddlers.

There are different elements to this travel toy that your baby will love. The blocks are textured so they can feel the differences between the shapes. Plus, the other side of the toy has crinkly flaps that reveal pictures of common items to help your baby with object recognition.

Your baby can learn and play, which is why this is one of our favorite baby toys for airplane rides. There is no sound so you do not disturb the people around you.

The carrying case is part of the toy, so the blocks will not get lost as you travel. This is one of the best road trip toys for babies and toddlers.

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter Price

Soft Alphabet Cards

My wife always has flashcards for our son. As a preschool teacher, she can’t help herself. He has several educational toys, so soft alphabet cards are perfect for 1-year-olds.

These cards are cloth, so you don’t have to worry about ripping them, which is always our toddler’s goal. The letters are upper and lower case with words and pictures to help your little one learn.

Your baby will have a blast while learning. Plus, they are virtually indestructible, which is exactly what toddlers need.

Related Post: Best Road Trip Toys for Toddlers

Soft Alphabet Cards Price

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

Stacking blocks are one of the most popular toys for babies. You can entertain a lap baby on an airplane by stacking and unstacking the cups, as well as hiding objects underneath.

What we like about these stacking cups, in particular, are the holes in the bottom. The holes make these great bathtub or pool toys for your baby.

Along with the holes at the bottom of these stacking cups, there are numbers. Your baby will learn how to count and number recognition as they get older.

These are one of our favorite car toys for 1-year-olds. Learning, fun, and more importantly, no sound.

Related Post: Top 20 LEGO Alternatives for Babies and Big Kids

Stack Up Cup Toys Price

The Best Airplane Toys For 1-Year-Olds

We created a separate section specifically for airplane toys for a 1-year-old. The toys in this section are perfect for traveling on a plane with a one-year-old. These travel toys are quiet, functional, and fun.

Read More: The 15 Best Crayons for Toddlers

Sea Animal Fabric Cloth Book

The sea animal cloth book is perfect for traveling with babies. There are different interactive elements to this cloth book that babies will love.

What makes this book fun is the elements of the book are toys. The hook ring is a teething toy, with a mirror on the back page, crinkle paper, and eight fun legs.

We know books aren’t the most exciting toys for babies, but they’ll enjoy this cloth book.

Related Post: Best Travel Books for Toddlers

Sea Animal Fabric Cloth Book Price

Last update on 2024-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You must admit you can’t help yourself when there is bubble paper around there is something in you that has to pop it. If that is the case for adults, it’s most certainly the case for kids. 

Toys Dimpl  is a fun travel toy with silicone bubbles for them to pop again and again. Your baby will learn cause & effect, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration.

The toy is the size of an average adult hand, so it will not take up too much space in your travel diaper bag . It’s the perfect size for traveling with a baby.

Toys Dimpl Price

Sensory Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Egg Baby Teether

The  Dino Eggie Teether  became a lifesaver when our son started getting his teeth. He didn’t get his first tooth until he was one, but we purchased this when he was three months old.

My wife wasn’t happy about the purchase, but it came in handy when we were in Hawaii, and he wanted something to chew.

After over nine months, this was the best teether we had to relieve his pain, and it was crucial on our flights, from the time he was 18 months old to almost 2 years old.

Our son loved this teether, so if you are traveling with a teething 1-year-old, this may be a good option.

Egg Baby Teether Price

Baby Touch & Feel Baby Animals

Our son loves touch-and-feel books. Even now that he’s 2-years-old, he still plays with them. Touch and feel books are one of the best plane toys for a 1-year-old, especially if you plan on flying with your baby in your lap.

The best plane toys for a 1-year-old are quiet, functional, and fun. Touch books help your baby learn and recognize different textures. They will enjoy the fur of a soft bunny, puppy, and little duckling.

Related Post: Must-Have Items When Traveling With A Baby

Baby Touch & Feel Baby Animals Price

Touch & Feel Books

Baby Beads Wood Rattle

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The  Baby Beads Wood Rattle   will have your 1-year-old transfixed trying to figure it out. I know your first thought is if these are a choking hazard, and they are not.

The balls are large, but they are drilled, into the structure, so it is unlikely they will become loose enough for your baby to put in their mouth.

This rattle is heavier than other rattles to will help your one-year-old with their hand and arm strength. The developmental toy is one of the best-selling wooden toys on Amazon. You can trust the hundreds of positive reviews.

Although this toy is a little old-fashioned, it still gets the job done. If you are looking for a travel toy from a brand you can trust, this wood rattle is a good choice.

Paw Patrol Finger Puppets

Finger puppets are the ultimate plane toys for 1-year-olds because they do not take up much space, do not make noise, are easy to use, and are easy to clean.

The Paw Patrol puppets are the most popular finger puppets for babies, but there are many other characters to choose from, so if your little one loves Mickey Mouse, they are available too.

We used puppets when our son was 9 months old, and he enjoyed loved peek-a-boo. Even now, he still loves to play peek-a-boo with one of the puppets we decided to keep after he turned 2-years-old.

Paw Patrol Finger Puppets Price

Best-Selling Puppets for 1-Year-Olds

The Best Road Trip Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds

The travel toys in this section are perfect for taking road trips with your 1-year-old. They are the best car travel toys for babies from six months to 2 years old.

These travel toys are perfect for 18-month-olds learning how to become more independent. Here is our list of the best travel toys for road trips with 1-year-olds.

Related Post: 15 Travel Games for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Lamaze Walla Koala, Clip On Toy

The  Lamaze Walla Koala Clip-On Toy  is a cute clip-on toy that can hang from your baby’s car seat while on a road trip. The tail is silicone, so they can chew on it to relieve teething pain. 

It’s an easy travel toy that clips onto a travel diaper bag, stroller, or high chair. The bright colors and patterns support your baby’s visual stimulation.

Your baby will feel different textures since this toy helps stimulate their sensory play. The best part, it’s machine washable, so after your baby has slobbered and chewed on it, you can throw it in the washer.

Lamaze Walla Koala Price

Lamaze Clip-On Toy

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Singin Soccer Ball

The  Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Singin Soccer Ball  is a fun travel toy that your baby can play with in the car during a road trip and while on vacation.

It’s a travel toy that will help your baby learn with songs and phrases. There are three different play modes, which encourage learning, music, and imagination.

To activate the soccer ball, all your little one has to do is roll or shake it. We all know 12 to 18-month-olds are experts at shaking things. 

They’ll learn about counting, opposites, colors, sportsmanship, and sharing. This is one of the travel toys that your baby can continue to play with as they get older.

Luckily, there is a volume button, so you can decrease the volume when you are tired of hearing the songs in the car. Plus, it’s machine washable, so all you need to do is remove the electronic portion and throw the ball in the washer.

Laugh & Learn Singin Soccer Ball Price

Pull-Back Plush Car Set

The Pull-Back Plush Car Set is a fun car set for babies, especially those still chewing on their toys. These plush cars are perfect for traveling on a road trip with a baby.

Since these cars are powered by friction, there are no batteries; these cloth cars can be washed in water.

Babies 12 months and older will enjoy playing with these cars, which include a travel bag. The travel bag doubles as a road, which makes playing on the floor with the taxi, police car, ambulance, and donut truck even more fun.

Pull-Back Plush Car Set Price

Related Post: Our Baby First-Aid Kit for Travel

B. toys – FunKeys

I don’t know what it is, but babies love playing with kids. When our son was a baby, he always managed to pull my keys off the counter (by the lanyard) and play with or hide them.

To keep him from playing with my keys, we purchased the B. toys – FunKeys . These keys are the perfect road trip travel toys for babies 18 months and older. The material is non-toxic plastic, so they are safe for teething little ones.

The buttons on these keys are perfect for a baby’s tiny fingers. Each button makes a different sound, so your baby can imitate you. Plus, there is a flashlight button, which may come in handy when you are looking for your keys if your baby gets ahold of them.

These toddler keys will be great as your baby becomes a toddler. They’re one of the most realistic keys for toddlers that want to be like mom or dad.

B. toys – FunKeys Price

iPlay, iLearn Baby Stacking Toy

There is already a stacking toy on our list, but the iPlay, iLearn Baby Stacking Toy is a fun travel toy for babies because it sings.

Each of the six rings has a different texture. The rings include a sunflower rattle, teething ring, windmill rattle, crinkle ring, and a beeping duck.

Your baby will love the sounds this road trip travel toy makes, as it simulates a white noise machine.

iPlay, iLearn Baby Stacking Toy Price

Check out our other travel toy and activity guides:

• The 25 Best Travel Toys for Babies
• 20 Toys to Keep Toddlers Busy on an Airplane
• 25 Beach Toys for Toddlers
• Our Favorite Travel Toys for 3-Year-Olds
• 15 Travel Games for Toddlers
• 20 Fun Travel Toys for 4-Year-Olds
• Our Favorite Headphones for Toddlers
• 20 Screen-Free Road Trip Toys for Toddlers

10 Mess-Free Travel Activities for 2-Year-Olds

• 50 Road Trip Activities for Toddlers
• LeapFrog Tablets for Toddlers to Promote Learning
• 20 Educational Travel Toys for 5-Year-Olds
• 15 Fun Airplane Activities for Toddlers
• The Best Learning Tablets for Toddlers
• 20 Snow Toys for Toddlers and Big Kids

Related Posts

Best Kids Travel Pillow for Families on the Go | From Toddlers to Teens

Best Baby Carrier for Travel

The Perfect Toys for Keeping your Toddler Busy on an Airplane

6 thoughts on “the 20 best travel toys for 1-year-olds for flights and road trips”.

Buckle Toy – Blu Whale toy is a hit with my two-and-a-half-year-old. I bought it to keep her occupied and quiet on a long trip. The small zippered mouth pocket was also ideal for storing small gifts for each flight (four total round trip). This is an excellent product.

That’s great!! Anything that keeps them happy is a win in my book. Our son recently got into the Water Wow color pads and mess-free coloring books. They’ve been great for keeping him busy on flights.

She sat silently all the way through which was a huge win for us. Highly recommend it!

I like that you mentioned getting stacking blocks with different textures and shapes to them. My wife and I are going on a road trip with our 13-month-old and are looking for some fun new ways to entertain him. Thank you so much for the article on what toys are best for traveling!

I love this post! I have a one-year-old and I’m always on the lookout for toys that will make road trips and flights easier. This list is great!

I love this post! I have a one-year-old and I’m always on the lookout for the best airplane travel toys for him. Thanks for the list!

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Top 10 Kids’ Travel Toys for Road Trips

Let’s get straight to business. If you’re traveling with children soon, you probably don’t have time to read my eloquent introduction with adorable anecdotes about how amazing my children behaved, and how patient and entertaining I (the mom) was on our 8-hour road trip to Ohio for holiday travel. It’s possible, of course, that I don’t have these lovely stories to tell…but that’s not the point. You need novel stuff to entertain your kids…and you probably need it fast. This I can help with.

*For my most up-to-date article on the best travel toys for kids — tech and non-screen time — which just dropped May 2021, go here . The post links here have been updated for 2021, but check out the comments at the bottom of the post from 2018 and 2019—so many AWESOME ideas!*

Traveling With Kids: Toy Prep Tips

1.  If you are flying, go to  this post for a full guide of what to pack in a kid carry-on bag .

2.  Even if you aren’t flying, I recommend packing the exact same toy categories in the kid backpack for ALL travel…makes things simple.

3.  For road trips, I throw in some extra toys (besides the backpack toys ) that are especially good for car travel (from the Top 10 list below). This is the perk of road tripping, right? You can just throw in a bunch of fun stuff that might come in handy (even if it’s bulky).

Road Trip Prep: Best 10 Toys For Kids

• Car Seat Tray   2.  Plus-Plus Play Tube   3.  Easy Origami Book 4.  Mini Squigz   5.  Puro Headphones   6.  Travel Bingo   7.  Magnetic Drawing Board  8.  Brainstring   9. Schylling Sports Video Game   10.  Robot Claw 

1.  An Organizing “Toy”

Okay…these aren’t toys, but I do think it’s important to have a thing or two to help keep toys organized in the back seat. To start with, it’s often helpful to have a surface to play on. A surface with an edge is even better, so little pieces or pencils or whatever else they’re playing with doesn’t slide right off immediately. It’s also helpful to have places kids can put “stuff”… this could be plastic cups that fit nicely in the cup holders (which can hold pencils and little building toys) or a full-on back-seat organizer that the super-organized kids may have more fun organizing than playing with the toys themselves. Or if you have two kids, a cooler in-between them (filled with healthy stuff they can eat on their own any time they want) can also serve as a joint play surface. Don’t forget someplace to put trash — how cute is the little trashcan below that fits into a cup holder!

2.  A Building Toy

For building play in the car, I’ve found the key is to have enough building materials that when the pieces fall on the floor (because they WILL fall on the floor) the kids don’t freak out. Besides having a largish quantity of building materials, it’s also important to make sure the materials are pretty much all the same (so there’s no way they can drop the one specific part they need to complete their engineering masterpiece). We sometimes set a timer and see what creation everyone comes up with during a set amount of time. A big set of WikkiStix , a ton of pipe cleaners , or a big tube of Plus-Plus works really well for open-ended building play on a hard surface or even in laps. If you have never played with Plus-Plus, stop and order them right now. They are SO fun and so addictive.

3.  A Crafty Toy

You have more space in the car than in the airplane bag for creative craft kits, but it’s bumpy and supplies are going to drop on the floor, so again….having a lot of the same materials is important.  Origami is great for older kiddos (just make sure to pack a ziplock for the paper) . Or put kids’ extra time to use making holiday gifts with a potholder set . I’m not usually a fan of these types of “have to follow directions” kits, but my son was super into making these potholders for EVERYONE a few years back. He was so excited to be able to make something that grandparents could actually use. A reader suggested finger knitting during travel days, which is genius — I  don’t know how to finger knit, though, so my kids would need the guide below.

4.  A Window Toy

You can get a little more creative with the car windows (vs. the tiny airplane windows).  Window gel clings or a big set of reusable stickers are fun and there’s a bigger surface to work with in the car. For more elaborate window art engineering, get Squigz.  In the car, they are so fun on windows or even in laps, and once you’ve reached your destination they are awesome for restaurants or floors or bathtubs (If you have two kids, though, I’ve found it easier to buy two tubs…plenty of material for each window.) We use the mini ones , but they are small(recommended for ages 5 and up), so if you have a little one who still puts things in their mouths…this is not the toy for them.   I’m intrigued also by these funny spinner things made by Squigz. Even though they are made for babies, I think my kids would be thoroughly entertained by sticking these on the window and keeping them spinning.  Squigz also has a new version called 2.0 that offers more building versatility.

5.  A Listening Toy

One of my kids’ favorite activities in the car is playing DJ. We rotate selecting one song at a time. It’s amazing how much time this takes up and of course how fun it is to at least try to appreciate everyone’s taste in music. For those times that I’ve had enough of appreciating everyone’s musical taste, headphones come in handy. We used to use these, but based on my good friend V’s advice (an expert family road-tripper with 3 kids), we switched over to Puros, and they are totally worth it. There’s also a newer noise-canceling version that look fantastic. Audiobooks from Audible or free audiobooks from the public library ( Libby App ) are also an amazing car activity (the kids can enjoy some passive chill-out entertainment, but still look out the windows and appreciate where they are in the world).

6.  A Car Specific Game

It’s fun to play at least one car-specific family game.  We usually play a range of alphabet games…finding things that start with letters of the alphabet, finding license plates using the whole alphabet, signs, etc, but the games below look really fun too.  The Melissa and Doug game has those flaps that I love from the airplane guide  that are fun for kids to fidget with even if they aren’t actually playing the game.

7.  A Drawing Toy

I love the little drawing sets and boogie boards in our airplane guide that fit nicely in a backpack or purse, but here are a few more options for something a little different. I like keeping white boards in the car, even for shorter trips. The kids can draw, write notes, and use it as a play surface. Plus, they come in a pack of 6, so you can leave a couple in the car, a couple in their rooms, and have one in the kitchen too. They come in very handy. I find the click dry-erase markers easier in the car so the tops of markers don’t get lost.  Etch-a-sketch , of course, is a classic, and it’s especially fun for kids who don’t have one that they play with regularly. Folks love the travel-sized Magnatab from the airplane guide , but below is the bigger one that would add some additional fun for the car.

8.  A Puzzle Toy

NOT traditional jig-jaw puzzles…no way…road trip disaster. I’m talking brain puzzler puzzles. My 10-year-old loves his Perplexus, but this size is a little better for the car. Easier mazes are great for little ones as are those fun little water “pusher-upper” things.   Riddle books can be a great brain puzzler for the whole family.

9.   A Video Game Toy

You can of course go with the versatile iPad, but if you want to change it up a bit, there are several good options. I’m a huge fan of the Nintendo Switch for many reasons (I go in to more detail here ), but one of the reasons I love it, is it’s incredible for travel and now they have the Nintendo Switch Lite ! So good! My friend V shared with me the fabulous retro sports video games from Schylling below…she said her kids are obsessed, and they were a great road trip addition.

10.  An “It Dropped-on-the Floor, I Can’t-Reach-It…Help, Mom!”…Toy Grabber.

No more words needed. This was my 10-year-old’s suggestion, and I have to say…I think it’s quite brilliant and probably the best thing on this list.

And when you’re done here, b e sure to head to Holiday Central for more sales, style and gift ideas!

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17 comments.

Yes! Love this post and I have to say your 10 year old is brilliant. The toy grabber is in our car in a couple of weeks, for sure.

I think so, too, Sarah…I’m of course a tad bit biased, though.

Any ideas for a one-year old?

Sarah – I found that travel toy suggestions were kind of worthless until my kid reached 3, when his attention span got longer. My best bets were battery-operated noise/music toys (which other parents are only too happy to hand-down! (for 1 yr)). I also had a grab bag of things like plastic spoons, toothbrushes, compact mirrors, and assorted tactile things. At 2 we had matchbox cars and plastic dinos, but my kid didn’t put things in his mouth so we were safe with those smaller toys. But realistically, everyone I know just drove while their toddler/baby was asleep.

One universal item that we still travel with is a $5 cookie-baking tray. It’s the perfect surface for activities from drawing to Legos, it has a lip, and it’s MAGNETIC.

I’m so glad you replied Tanaya. It’s been a while since traveling with a one year old for me. I do remember the frustration that EVERYTHING was thrown on the ground with my kids at that age, so toys felt a little useless. Music was key for us…my kids took Music Together Music Classes and we played those CD’s over and over and over and over and over and over…you get my drift. And cheerios..lots of cheerios. Will let you know as my memories come back to me…I may have blocked them out for good reason. 🙂 .

Also meant to respond, Tanaya, that I love your grab bag suggestion. I totally forgot about that! We used to do that on the plane too….with just random household stuff….post-it notes, scotch tape, crinkly paper….and love the cookie-baking tray idea too. Thank you for chiming in.

Sarah- If you can reach the back, or have an older sibling, puppets are good too. I second the small musical/noisy/annoying toys for younger kids. and snacks. ALL THE SNACKS!

Thanks, Linzi! These are great ideas and I’ll be stocking up.

My son has started to want to bring legos in the car – just when running errands – which is just as bad of an idea as everyone over age 5 can see, so I think the “identical building materials” is brilliant. I’m going to get some for my car. (something childless me a decade ago would have thought was insane).

Strongly second Wiki Sticks! Surprisingly non-messy and works well for a very wide age range. In a car situation, doll them out gradually so that the entire stash isn’t on the ground within the first 15 minutes.

For older children (age 8+…), I recommend a ‘knot a quilt’ kit. Melissa and Doug, Alex, and Hearthsong have versions. For age 6+, clover spool knitters have been worth an hour or two.

We mainly do road trips, and one of our forehead slapping additions was ear muffs! Younger kids can use them at nap time. Older kids wear them when younger ones are screaming. Middle children can use them to be passive aggressive.

We also get a lot of use out of the old school car games: Road sign alphabet and 20 questions. Works best with 5+.

Take and toss cups in carseat cupholders for *everything*: snacks, crayons, legos-now-plus, etc.

Erin! These suggestions are GOLD! Thank you! Such a good idea to give out the wiki sticks a few at a time. And ear muffs?? Amazing. I will definitely be sharing some of these ideas in our next version of this post…too good not to share with everyone. Thanks!

Just started stocking up on all of these items during black Friday. Thanks again for all of the suggestions–especially those for a one-year old. And love the passive aggressive middle child ear muffs. Definitely have one of those in this family. He may even start wearing them on the regular.

Yeah, These are way more fun for the kids to play with. The problem is, what they are told to want and what peer pressure tells them — and usually it’s the kind of expensive toy that does virtually nothing to stimulate their imaginations.

These are great toys for children. It provokes and stimulates senses for babies

The best options for portable toys are ones that keep kids entertained, without being too noisy, messy or bulky. An added bonus is when the game appeals to kids of different ages and can be fun for the entire family.

We recently upgraded to Puro noise-cancelling headphones, and for anyone balking at the price–YES, they are that much better than cheaper kids’ headphones. And not just “nicer” better, but actually safer. I spent too much time researching children’s headphones and hearing damage, and found this article most helpful in making my decision: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-kids-headphones/ . We went with the active noise cancelling set because we fly a lot and it was important to me to offset the engine noise; for car rides and around the house, I imagine the Puros linked here in the article would be totally sufficient (also not quite as expensive!).

Squigz are a family favorite! Getting the tube squigz to add to our collection and the toy grabber is genius! Also in my cart.

If you don’t have the time, money, or room to buy more STUFF, a box of foil and roll of painters tape for each child (with their name written on it) is something I take on every road trip. My boys (5 & 8) are little builders and love the versatility and “grown up” aspect to these materials they don’t usually play with. For younger kids watch out for the metal edge of the foil box; a parent might have to dispense the sheets for safety reasons.

LOVE this idea, Christy!

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The Best Travel Toys To Occupy Your Toddler On A Plane (Because Flying With Kids Is Brutal)

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Having the right travel toys for toddlers on planes can be the difference between a happily occupied baby or an hours-long tantrum plus a plane full of new enemies. When you’re traveling with your kids, packing travel toys for toddlers might not be the first priority. You tend to pack your travel bag with the necessities first, like snack containers and kid-friendly hand sanitizer . You might be afraid of diaper blowouts or scary turbulence, but travel toys should also be top of mind. After all, the last thing you want to do at 30,000 feet is realize you have absolutely nothing to keep your child entertained. (Sorry but the corny jokes for kids don’t always cut it, Mama.)

As an adult, flying with (or near) small children is one of the top three most tedious experiences in life. If the child isn’t yours, you can order some snacks, turn on a loud movie, and try to power through it. But as a parent, there is no way around it. It’s going to suck, and I find it best to just accept that you will spend the entire flight wondering if you actually died on the way to the airport and the flight is you in actual hell. That way, if the trip just ends up being boring and long, it feels like a win!

In their defense, toddlers are just learning to walk and have super short attention spans, so being confined to a seat for hours at a time is literally torture for them. While no amount of in-flight movies or tiny bags of peanuts can help, the art of distraction can.

How do I keep my 2-year-old entertained on a flight?

The best strategy is to be sympathetic to their growing brains and limited patience and have plenty of toys on hand to keep them as calm and entertained as possible. (And snacks. Don’t forget the snacks .) The best plane toys for kids are anything that keeps them quiet, requires little to no cleanup, and can be stashed in a diaper bag or carry-on without taking up too much space (because checking bags is EXPENSIVE and I am CHEAP).

Below, check out the best plane toys for toddlers so y’all can conquer this treacherous journey in peace. Godspeed, my friend. See you on the other side.

Best Travel Toys For Toddlers On A Plane

With over 1,200 5-star ratings on Amazon, this educational Busy Book helps toddlers practice basic skills like buttoning and buckling, and it’s completely silent. The plush design and soft handle make it a great travel toy for travel, and if it gets funky from the airplane, it’s machine washable.

Giving credit where it’s due, Crayola consistently churns out winners, and these Stow & Go Sets are fantastic for travel. The mess-free markers mean you don’t have to watch your kid like a hawk, and the small case keeps everything contained. This kit comes with a 30-page drawing pad so your toddler has plenty of room for doodles or tic tac toe.

This egg sorting toy teaches both shapes and colors, helps develop motor skills, and all the pieces close tightly in their case for easy storage. It has over 24,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and it’s one of my personal favorite go-to’s for keeping little ones busy.

Magnets, betch! For free or guided play, this Magnetic Face Puzzle comes with 78 pieces so you could basically make a magnetic portrait of anyone on the plane. It also has a dry erase board and comes with a marker for doodling. It closes up into its own box for easy transporting, too.

For colorful doodling on the go, this 10-inch drawing tablet has a 6-month battery life and eliminates the need for tons of paper and loose crayons. It’s super lightweight and easy to use, and the best part: There’s no cleanup involved.

These silicone pipSquigz can stick to surfaces like your tray table or window and can be thrown in the dishwasher once you reach your destination. They come in a zippered travel bag and are great for teaching hand-eye coordination. Amazon Reviewer Noah Haftel loves them, saying, “These are perfect for my 1-year-old! Even my 7-year-old loves them! Easy to clean! Great for car rides, airplanes, high chairs, bathtubs, and so much more! I will be ordering another pack for my 3-month-old soon!”

Learn colors and numbers with this plush backpack buddy. With 12 colorful buckles and an easy zipper, your toddler can put those busy hands to work and carry some of their own crap for a change.

This set includes over 150 puffy reusable stickers and 3 different “scenes” — safari, farm, and chipmunk — for imaginative play. Little hands love the thick texture of these stickers, which they can place around each background to create art or even a role-play game. When they’re done setting up one scenario, the stickers can be removed and used again!

No, these are not actual toys. But once I drew “owies” on my arm with lipstick and my toddler spent almost 25 minutes patching me up with these. Was it adorable? Yes. Was it sorta wasteful? Also yes, but this is what happens when you’re stuck in the sky and out of ideas. Also, these are just great bandaids to have on hand in case there’s an actual injury.

For even the tiniest travelers under the age of 1, this 6-piece magnetic wooden puzzle is perfect for little hands and developing minds. It can be assembled to make almost 50 different shapes, and the magnetic design means you’re less likely to lose a piece.

Keep those hands busy and mouths quiet with this fruity lacing toy set, which is great if you have multiple tots in tow. The watermelon, apple, and pineapple boards come with little worm lacers to practice fine motor skills. The set fits easily in your carry-on or diaper bag so it won’t take up any precious cargo space.

For fashion and function, this Frozen-themed coloring purse comes with four markers and gemstones so your child can unleash their inner designer. It’s a great in-flight activity and they can use it to stash smaller toys, too.

These familiar characters are sure to soothe a fussy toddler. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Friends set comes with over 40 magnets and 4 scenes so they can create their own stories or retell some familiar favorites. The cute hinged travel tin keeps everything in one place and is smaller than a standard notebook, so it’s easy to stash in your carry-on.

If your toddler is ready for dot-to-dot and maze puzzles, this Wipe Clean Activity Book has over 50 pages of activities that can be wiped clean and done over again. Amazon Reviewer Jackie thinks it’s perfect for beginners, saying, “I got this for my 3-year-old grandson and he loves it. It’s perfect for those just learning how to write. He can erase everything and start all over again and again.”

Have a budding artist on your hands? This Magnetic Drawing Board Set comes with both a large 15-inch board and a smaller 7-inch board in case you’re super tight on space. It also includes 5 magnetic stamps that stick to the board for easy access, 6 stencils, and a bunch of stickers. Bonus: You won’t have to bring a stack of paper and art supplies with you.

This pack of 36 Wikki sticks comes with 26 alphabet cards so your toddler can practice their letters on the go. The Wikki sticks are great for developing motor skills and can also be used for sculpting fun designs if your child doesn’t feel like learning (the goal is to keep them occupied, so who cares?). Plus, they’re super lightweight so you could pack a set for each kid.

These textured nesting balls are tethered together so you won’t lose any pieces while your toddler is trying to nest them. Each ball is sized and textured differently so it’s the perfect amount of trickiness for growing brains. It’s also BPA-free and teaches sensory exploration.

It’s like a portable safari! For the animal-obsessed, this colorful board book has over 50 flaps for your toddler to investigate — they’re organized by animal category to educate new learners. Plus, there are activities on each page for extra engagement.

These water-reveal activity pads have saved my freaking life on planes, car rides, conference calls — you name it. Simply fill the included pen with a bit of water, and as soon as it dampens the pad, color appears! They’re mostly mess-free, super easy for young toddlers, and small enough to throw a few in your carry-on. This set includes 6 different activity pads and chunky water pens for small hands. They’re also reusable – as soon the page dries, it’s ready to go again.

Don’t be a hero. There is no prize for who suffers the most. A screen is the ideal plane toy. You can pre-load their favorite games and shows, hook it up to headphones, and order a coffee or a cocktail. Even if your toddler has a shorter attention span, if this buys you ten minutes of peace every hour of the flight, it’s worth its weight in gold. This tablet has over 125,000 5-star reviews, and my guess is they’re all left by grateful parents who just survived a flight with their kids.

SHOP THE STORY

This article was originally published on March 31, 2021

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9 best travel toys that’ll keep kids entertained no matter the journey

Wave goodbye to backseat boredom with these child-approved toys and games for your little ones, article bookmarked.

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While family holidays are a great opportunity to create new memories together, the journey to your sunny destination can be stressful, sending even the most laidback parents into a spin.

Much like any daunting task – particularly where children are involved – preparation is key, and if games of eye-spy and singalong songs aren’t silencing the inevitable cries of “are we there yet?”, it could be time to pick up a reliable travel toy.

Whether you’re travelling by train, plane or automobile, the best travel toys are compact and easily packed away without faffing to find missing pieces. You want options that are quiet, so not to bother other travellers or you and something they can play with independently or in harmony with a sibling (one can dream, hey).

Although screen time may be the obvious answer, we tried to steer clear of typical technology in the hunt for simpler options, and gave bonus points to those that managed to be educational too.

No matter where or how you’re planning to venture with the kids this summer, these are our favourite travel toys to keep tantrums at bay.

Related stories

How we tested.

Our four- and six-year-old testers tried out an array of travel toys on long car journeys and trips on the train. We also gave them a thorough testing when out and about, including when we were grabbing lunch, during downtime on the beach or enjoying picnics in the park. However, it’s safe to say for the favourites toys, the playing continued at home too.

The best kids’ travel toys for 2023 are:

• Best overall – Janod dinosaurs magneti’book: £18, Kidly.co.uk
• Best value for money – Fiesta crafts airport stickabouts: £5.95, Dottyhippo.co.uk
• Best for portability – Spirograph the original travel set: £10.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best for learning a new skill – Galt travel learn to draw set: £15.99, Booghe.co.uk
• Best for older kids – Nexcube 3x3 classic: £8, Smythstoys.com

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Janod dinosaurs magneti’book

• Best : Overall
• Type : Magnetic book

It looks like a book, but it’s so much more. From traditional toymaker Janod, the portable magneti’books are boredom busters for three- to eight-year-olds, and they can fit in most handbags. There’s over 15 themes to choose from, but we tested the dinosaurs version, much to our mini testers’ pleasure.

Kids of all ages are fascinated by the magic of magnets, and this rather sturdy box is filled with 40 magnetic cardboard pieces to play with. The magnetic board features a tropical Jurassic scene, which our testers loved attaching their magnetic dinosaurs to while adding their own sound effects along the way and comically mixing and matching body parts.

We were also super impressed with the quality of the materials and the fact that it’s wipe-clean. It encourages imagination and is great for siblings playing together on the go.

Fiesta crafts airport stickabouts

• Best : Value for money
• Type : Stickers

We’ve all been there battling the stickers that get stuck to our children’s fingers or everywhere other than the sticker book… here’s where Stickabouts steps in. Reusable, washable and glue-free, Stickabouts stick to any flat surface, including aeroplane seats and train tables, but fortunately, our mini testers were more interested in filling the airport scene with the 42 pieces.

Perfect for airport delays or long journeys, the set is recommended for three to seven years and is a purse-friendly, portable and pleasurable option. Our testers even used the stickers in the bath at the hotel.

Playfoam Go! squishy sandcastle

• Best : For sensory play
• Type : Interactive toy

If you’ve yet to discover the wonders of Playfoam, with that long journey ahead, now’s the time. Playfoam is the squishy, squashy, sculpting toy that offers sensory and creative play by the bucket load, or in this case, by the sandcastle load. Because Playfoam only sticks to itself and never dries out, it’s great for on-the-go fun.

It comes in a portable case with a handle and is ready to use from the offset with built-in shell moulds to sculpt and squish the Playfoam into seashell shapes. However, our six-year-old tester’s favourite bit was squashing the perfectly formed shapes and starting all over again.

Kudos to those who can encourage players to keep the colours separate. Lightweight, no mess and self-contained, plus you’ll get five animal friends, Playfoam Go! Squishy Sandcastle is a fun on-the-go toy.

Spirograph the original travel set

• Best : For portability
• Type : Drawing

The humble Spirograph filled us with all the nostalgic feels, and this travel set has nailed on-the-go creativity. The Spirograph studio has a built-in design ring, work surface and storage compartment for holding all the implements: six wheels, two pens, a 2-page pad, a design guide and, of course, any finished artwork. It was too advanced for our four-year-old, but our six-year-old tester – with a bit of adult help – loved seeing her different designs take shape.

Bigjigs toys holiday kit

• Best : For holiday role-play
• Type : Interactive toys

This nine-piece set from BigJigs is holiday vibes in a case and sure to get any jet-setter excited about an upcoming trip. Our four- and six-year-old testers loved discovering what was inside this pretend travel suitcase.

There are wooden role play toys such as sun tan lotion with a fun working pump, a pretend camera, a comb, toothbrush and toothpaste and some play spending money. Our testers saved the postcards to send while on holiday and enjoyed playing “holidays” with the passport and map. You’ll also get a handy red cap, stickers – which never fail to entertain – and four colouring pencils.

This set is perfect for drumming excitement but also when on the move. The testers temporarily argued over who got to carry the case, but we also managed to fit a few more, colouring books and small toys in too.

Galt travel learn to draw set

• Best : For learning a new skill

Time on your hands? Fill the void and learn a skill with this activity set from Galt. It is designed for on-the-go-drawing, and budding artists aged four+ can learn to draw in three easy steps using the 10 step-by-step drawings. Simply slide through the three discs that start with the drawing’s outline and progress through to the finishing touches using the pen provided (which handily slots in the back of the board).

The pen is a child-friendly size, and the eraser on the end means each drawing can simply be wiped off when your little ones are ready to move on to their next masterpiece. This toy is brilliantly portable and great for car or train journeys. It kept both our testers entertained and stimulated – sharing, however, was questionable.

Tonies starter set

• Best : For story lovers
• Type : Audiobook

If you’re trying to steer your young ones away from screen time this holiday, we believe we’ve found the answer with Tonies. The device is a child-friendly audio player that is geared towards independent play for children as young as three years old – just the ticket for a long journey.

While it’s not specifically designed to be a travel toy, add a set of foldable headphones (£24.99, Tonies.com ), and you’ll hear no mutterings of “Are we nearly there yet?” or “I’m bored.” It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that you will need to connect to wifi initially, but once you’ve placed on the Tonie, the story is downloaded.

Encouraging a love of audio learning and reading, our little testers enjoyed adjusting the volume using the rubber ears and swapping stories by placing the Tonie figurines on top of the cube. There’s a vast offering of stories to choose from, including the hugely popular Peppa Pig and The Gruffalo , and even Disney classics, but at £14.99 a pop, we’d suggest going for their favourite character.

In the starter set you’ll get a Toniebox, a Creative-Tonie, which has 90 minutes of space for you to upload online audiobooks, music or even recordings of your own stories and messages, and a charging dock. We can’t deny it’s a considered purchase, but can you put a price on a peaceful journey? Plus, it’ll be your child’s companion way beyond the end of the holiday.

Aquabeads deluxe carry case

• Best : For craft lovers
• Type : Crafts

If you have a child that’s pleaded with you to take their Aquabeads on holiday, your prayers have been answered. The newly released Aquabeads Deluxe Carry Case allows creative play to continue wherever on the horizon. New to the phenomenon, our six-year-old tester’s eyes lit up when she saw this – quite possibly due to the shiny buckle – but the excitement continued as she opened the case.

The portable carry case comes with more than 1,400 solid, star and jewel beads in 4 colours. There’s a built-in tray to make creations on the move and a double-sided Aquabeads pen for execution – we found this worked well on a train table where there’s a little more room. If you’re familiar with the craze, you’ll know water is required to stick the creations together.

There’s a spray water bottle provided, but you’ll need to fill it up, and it’s worth remembering that creations take an hour to dry. It’s certainly something craftspeople will enjoy beyond the journey, and the carry case design makes it transportable, even if you do require a still space for smooth work.

Nexcube 3x3 classic

• Best : For older kids
• Type : Puzzle

A fidget toy is the ultimate distraction, just what kids need on tedious journeys. You’ve probably heard of a Rubik’s cube, but let us introduce Nexcube, the world record-setting speedcube. They may look similar, but we found this brand less abrasive on the hands, and the movement has been ergonomically designed with a unique mechanism for smooth turns.

While our testers were below the recommended age for the Nexcube (eight years plus), they did enjoy twisting and turning it, and it’s a toy that’ll undoubtedly hold the attention of slightly older kids and, dare we say it, adults too!

The verdict: Kids’ travel toys

We love the portably playing possibilities that the Janod Magneti’books provide. We found it fun, suitably silly, great for siblings and affordable. Plus, there’s a great selection of themes to choose from to suit different interests.

From Star Wars to Harry Potter, we’ve found the best kids’ Lego sets

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45 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Tween Girls and Boys That They'll Actually Appreciate

They won't roll their eyes at these trendy, popular, and unique gift ideas.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

In some ways, younger kids are easier to figure out. The best gifts for 4-year-olds involve cars or princesses. Six-year-olds like Bluey or Gabby's Dollhouse . But 12-year-olds? They're in the swing of figuring out who they are. Maybe they're on the more introverted side and like journaling and reading. Perhaps they're outgoing, artistic, or athletic. The key to gifting is zeroing in on a budding interest and giving them something that will help them explore that side of themselves.

Below, we've pulled together the best gifts for 12-year-old boys, the best gifts for 12-year-old girls, and gender-neutral gifts that will delight whoever receives them. Unusual gifts, crafty gifts, sentimental gifts , we've got 'em all!

Our top picks for the best gifts for 12-year-olds in 2024:

• Tower 28 LipSoftie™ Lip Treatment , $16 at tower28beauty.com
• Klutz LEGO Gear Bots , $21 on amazon.com
• ModernMade Glow in the Dark Blanket , $30 on amazon.com
• FlashCatch Light Up Football , $30 on amazon.com
• Radio Flyer Flyer Kickstart Max Kick Scooter , $57 on amazon.com
• Essential Popover Hoodie , $59 on ambercrombie.com

Not seeing what you need? Check out our related gift guides for kids:

55 Best Gifts for Kids of All Ages | 40 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls | 40 Best Gifts for Teen Boys | 37 Must-Have Gifts for Any 11-Year-Old

ModernMade Glow in the Dark Blanket

Every night can be movie night with this glowing blanket, which comes in three colors. It'll easily become their go-to for sick days and snuggles. No age listed

GoSports Slammo Game Set

This volleyball-style game pits two teams of two against each other. It comes with its own carrying case, can be set up anywhere, and has thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon. All ages

BaubleBar Kali Tennis Bracelet

Gifting jewelry to a 12-year-old can be a tricky affair. You want to get something nice, but not too nice. At a perfectly reasonable price point, this colorful tennis bracelet from BaubleBar is just the ticket! No age listed

Ooly Chroma Blends Watercolor Set

Encourage them to express their creativity with premium watercolor paints from Ooly. This set comes with 12 pearlescent paint colors, a brush, and a heavy-duty paint pad. No age listed

Tech Deck Competition Legends 8-Pack of Fingerboards

Celebrate the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with this very cool set of fingerboards from Tech Deck. Each board represents a different legendary skater, and you can even get a limited-edition ramp to go with the pack. Ages 6+

Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Sk8 With Destiny

Whether they're only just dabbling with the occasional manicure or they have a full-on salon in their bathroom cabinet, you can't go wrong with Essie's line of quick-dry polish. There are nearly 50 glossy colors, all of which dry in about a minute. No age listed

RELATED: Best Gift Ideas for Girls of Every Age

Lola and the Boys Sequin Ombre Dress

Sweet and sparkly, the sequin ombre number from Lola and the Boys will make her whole day. The brand's bestselling dress comes in sizes 1-14 and will be the envy of every other 12-year-old at the party, we promise.

STMT D.I.Y. Custom Candles

STMT has a bunch of cool D.I.Y. projects for tweens and teens. This highly rated kit has enough supplies to make two scented candles, but if that's not their jam, check out the brand's bath bomb kit , agenda set , or crystal terrarium maker . Ages 8+

Big Feelings Madden Cropped Pajama Set

If Big Feelings hasn't already taken over her Instagram, it will soon. These coveted PJs are as cute as they are cozy. They come in size XX-Small to XX-Large, but grab 'em while you can — this color will sell out quickly!

FlashCatch Light Up Football

Give them a reason to stay playing in the backyard past sunset with this cool football. While it may look like a toy version of a football, it grips like a real one — laces and all. Ages 8-15

America's Test Kitchen 'The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs'

Are they always trolling around the kitchen, wondering what's for dinner? Put them to work with The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat . Ages 8+

RELATED: A Tween Chef Will Love These Cooking Gifts for Every Level

Klutz LEGO Gear Bots

This little LEGO box contains enough parts to make eight creatures! Kids will learn about gears, cranks, and basic physics by putting these together. Ages 8+

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera

Smartphones are cool, but can they print out all your photos the moment after you take them? Nope. Help them put all the pictures on their bedroom wall with this instant camera from Fujifilm. There are five colors and you can even purchase a bundle that comes with a bunch of accessories . No age listed

"Awesome Since 2012" T-Shirt

Everybody loves a novelty shirt! This one comes in 16 colors and tons of sizes — seriously, every size from 2T to 6X Tall.

Super 3D Pen

Kids can create whatever they want to with the PLA filament in this crazy-cool 3D pen. It comes with three colors included, which is enough to start building, but you may want to include some extra refills . No age listed

'EXIT: The Game: The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes'

EXIT: The Game is the perfect way to engage kids and teens on a rainy night. Filled with brain-bending puzzles, these boxes are basically escape rooms that you can do from the comfort of your living room. There are also tons of different themes , ranging from novice to expert depending on the players' skill level. Ages 12+

Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

It's hard to go wrong with a pair of Nikes these days. The beloved Air Force 1 sneakers come in four standard colors or you can customize them for $20 more. The unisex shoes come in sizes six through 18 for men or five through 12 for women.

'Holes' by Louis Sachar

Not sure what kind of books they're into? Gift them one of your favorite books from when you were 12! In this editor's humble opinion, Holes by Louis Sachar is age-appropriate and an absolute classic. No age listed

Uncommon Goods Madok's Interactive Treasure Hunt

When the experience is just as important as the gift, consider a treasure hunt! This one, designed by Yacine Merzouk and Michelle Rundbaken and available on Uncommon Goods, will take them on a journey to find where you've hidden their prize. The recommended age is 14, but the savvy 12-year-old could definitely do it.

Radio Flyer Kickstart Max Kick Scooter

Amazon reviewers love the sleek, lightweight design of this popular scooter. Radio Flyer's Kickstart Max is adjustable, foldable, and durable enough to keep them scooting well into their late teens. Ages 8+

After over a decade as a digital editor, Maggie Panos is navigating freelance writing and full-time parenting. She covered entertainment for POPSUGAR from New York and San Francisco before setting down roots in tree-covered Portland and focusing on local journalism. A self-proclaimed "okay baker", Maggie is interested in all things lifestyle — especially if those things involve Bravolebrities. 

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ZGXIONG Busy Board Montessori Toys for 1 2 3 4 Year Old, 8 in 1 Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3, Busy Book Toddler Travel Toys, Sensory Board Educational Activities for Learning Fine Motor Skills Blue

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• 【Large Capacity-8 Pages】: This toddler busy board includes zippers, shoelaces, buttons, belt buckles, alphabet, number, shape, color, animal, clocks, calendar and weather learning board are are designed for basic life skills!
• 【Safe and Durable】: Safe educational toy suitable for toddlers aged 1 year and above, including autism. Made of safe, high-quality wool material, it is extremely durable and has no sharp edges. The sensory toys are CPSC, ASTM, CPSIA certified, soft and harmless to children. All parts on the busy board are securely fastened to keep your child busy yet safe. If you are not satisfied in any way, we support 100% unconditional refund service!
• 【Learn While Playing】: This Montessori toys allows your baby to develop cognition while playing, cultivating basic skills such as dressing at your own pace, improving fine motor skills and finger dexterity. It’s a good parent-child interactive toy!
• 【Portable Travel Toy】: 11 × 9 inches, designed with handles for easy carrying. This toddler travel toys keeps children engaged and quiet during long journeys, providing opportunities for fun and learning without the need for screens, while reducing travel stress for parents, a great travel toy when traveling by plane, train and car!
• 【Perfect Gift】: Are you still wondering what kind of gift to give your toddler? Our busy book is a great educational learning gift that can help children develop a variety of skills. Suitable for various occasions: birthdays, Christmas, Children's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. Perfect gift for preschoolers!

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Three-year-olds are just too cute, and yes — they deserve spoiling. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday or a milestone of theirs, finding something to buy (that they don’t already have, no less) can be an incredible feat.

But, it doesn’t have to be. We turned to a handful of child development experts who know the ins and outs of the 3-year-old age group to recommend wonderful gifts and toys for you to reference. Almost all of their recommendations are available at easy-to-shop stores such as Amazon , Target and Walmart .

After conversing with seasoned experts, we understood one thing about 3-year-olds: they’re always learning and on the move.

“Three-year-olds are pretty smart human beings who are defined by curiosity,” Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD , psychology professor at Temple University and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution — whose research centers on the development of early language and literacy, as well as the role of play in learning — told the New York Post. “They have mastered language skills to determine how the world works and, while we’re not interested in the slugs, bugs and worms that make up the ground, they are. They’re naturalists.”

With even more insightful knowledge about the 3-year-old age group in our in-depth FAQ section (including the ‘why’ behind their constant ‘why? why? why?’ questioning), you’ll have a better grasp into this adoring age, thanks to five childhood learning experts chiming in. Check out the expert-recommended toys below, and find toys for other age groups here: best toys for 1-year-olds , best toys for 2-year-olds , best toys for 4-year-olds and best toys for 5-year-olds .

Click to jump to a specific section:

Developmental & Educational Toys

General toys, creative toys, outdoor toys, musical toys, puzzles & shape-sorters, blocks & building toys, cars, trucks & vehicles, push, pull & ride-on toys, stuffed animals & dolls, meet the experts.

• Alice Cady, EdM , classroom teacher for 2- and 3-year-olds for 8+ years
• Ali Mierzejewski , editor-in-chief at “The Toy Insider”
• Caitlin Sanschagrin , occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics
• Sonia Pruneda-Hernandez, PhD , Montgomery College acting education dean
• Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD , Temple University psychology professor
• Keri Wilmot , pediatric occupational therapist, also known as the Toy Queen
• Claire Diamonstein , child therapist and parent coach at Family Therapy Center of Bethesda
• Dr. Jacqueline Harding , international child development expert and author
• Yesim Kunter , child’s play expert and independent consultant
• Dr. Lauren Loquasto , Chief Academic Officer at The Goddard School
• Heather Barnum , Senior Librarian at the New York Public Library
• Rachel Ritlop, M.Ed , mom and expert toy reviewer at The Confused Mom

Help your child develop a love of learning by treating it like a game. Lingokids The Playlearning App has more than 1,000 fun and interactive activities to help them read, learn math, music and other useful skills like routines and mindfulness. Voted the number 1 learning app for kids, you’ll actually feel good about giving your little one extra screen time with this download in your parenting arsenal, and they’re enjoy learning something new each day.

Stapelstein Special Rainbow Fusion

This is the kind of toy that kids intuitively understand better than adults. Each piece is made from a firm foam and can be stacked to create chairs or steps, or used outside to play in the pool or at the beach. They encourage open-ended play and are great to use indoors and outdoors.

“These lightweight, colorful pieces can be used creatively in so many ways to help kids get sensory input that improves their developmental skills,” said Wilmot. “Scatter them to use like stepping stones, stack them up to serve as a chair or use them for sensory play in the sandbox or the bathtub.”

AMOSTING Color-Matching Mosaic Pegboard

“This pegboard has so many developmental skills to facilitate,” Sanschagrin shares. “Fine motor for putting the pieces in, visual skills to put matching colors in the right spot and problem solving to identify which piece goes where and how to locate it.”

Not to mention, the AMOSTING Color-Matching Mosaic Pegboard she recommends is less than $25, comes in vibrant colors and is on-the-go friendly.

Ladybugs Garden Memory Game

Using five double-sided puzzle cards and 20 toy ladybugs, children work on their memory and recall skills in an intuitive and enjoyable way.

“Ladybug’s Garden Memory Game is a memory game that is fun for children and parents alike,” said Diamonstein. “The game offers an exciting opportunity for kids to practice taking turns and engaging in friendly competition.”

LeapFrog Slide to Read ABC Flash Cards

Over a dozen double-sided flash cards give kids a clever introduction to letters, letter sounds, words and sentences — all the essential language building blocks. The device also makes music and has sound effects to accompany the cards, which helps to keep children engaged.

“These electronic flash cards teach kids the underlying concepts of reading,” said Wilmot. By prompting kids to use their finger to follow the information on each card, Wilmot said this toy also “reinforces letter sounds and vocabulary.”

Magnetic Creation Station

With 46 colorful magnetic pieces and a blank canvas (that doubles as a carrying case), this toy is an excellent way for kids to practice shape play and visualization.

Dr. Lauren Loquasto , Chief Academic Officer at The Goddard School, recommended this educational toy because she said it “challenges young minds with visual-spatial and geometric skills.”

“Engaging a child’s curiosity, children are challenged not only to replicate the images with the appropriate shapes but are then able to self-evaluate their success,” she said. 

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Kids Microscope

“This introductory microscope is perfect for curious kids and will encourage them to discover new things,” Mierzejewski shares. “They can explore close-up looks at different objects around the house or that they find in the backyard.”

The beginner microscope has big and chunky dials for them to focus, so it’s easy for little hands to maneuver and perfectly sized for three-year-olds, too.

hand2mind Tactile Turtles Math Activity Set

“This math activity set not only has the educational benefits of a learning toy, but also the developmental benefits of tactile play, so it’s a true two-for-one,” Mierzejewski adds. “It’s packed with tons of activities and facts for kids to learn about turtles, but also provides the tools for open-ended play as well.”

This STEM-based toy includes turtles of three different sizes, six colors, six shell textures and six belly shapes, adding to how it’s a wonderful sensory toy in addition to a learning-development aide.

Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set

“Social-emotional learning is so important for 3-year-olds, and this adorable pineapple is great for helping kids identify, recognize and communicate their emotions,” Mierzejewski notes.

Aside from being adorable and unique, this toy helps develops important coping habits and communication skills that will serve as an important foundation for mental health, too, according to Mierzejewski.

Montessori Peg Board Toy

“For a three-year-old, the Montessori Peg Board Toy helps a three-year-old understand one-to-one correspondences, cardinality and subsitizing [the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects without actually counting them],” Cady highlights.

Be sure to note that pegs are choking hazards on this one, but they make ones with larger pegs as well, if highly concerned.

TOOKYLAND Hammer & Nails Game

“Hammer and nail toys are wonderful toys to expand creative play as well as fine motor skills like precision and bilateral coordination,” Sanschagrin adds. “Visual skills can be used by trying to match a visual model and example.”

Not to mention, a 3-year-old holding a hammer in their hands help improve their critical thinking skills, like how to allow for a certain piece to firmly grasp the included board.

Soft Bowling Set

The pins and ball in this kid-safe bowling set are made from a soft material that won’t scratch floors or cause any injuries — and because the pins are numbered 1 through 10, they double as a counting and number ordering exercise for children.

Dr. Jacqueline Harding , a child development expert and author , recommended this toy for hours of indoor fun. “When you are three years old, getting moving is one of the main activities on your mind,” said Harding. “There is hardly any time to sit still when there is a big world to investigate! This bowling set is simply great fun and offers a chance to recognize and name numbers and colors.”

Aizweb Wooden Burger Stacking Toy

“Stacking and sequencing toys are a wonderful way to work on those fine motor skills as well as visual and sequencing skills,” Caitlin Sanschagrin , an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics — specifically, feeding, sensory processing and regulation and neurodivergent-affirming care, told The Post.

What’s more, the addition of the imaginative play component allows your 3-year-old to serve your customers a burger makes playtime even more fun.

MindSprout Dino Blasters Kids Rocket Launcher

Take aim and grow those gross motor skills by launching these dinosaur rockets into the sky! “This helps work on coordination and strength by making them go sky high! ” Sanschagrin notes.

Plus, these interactive toys are just $20 on Amazon, making it a budget-friendly toy to snag.

StoryCaptain

It can be difficult to know what to read to your child, especially when they’re young. Fortunately, the folks at StoryCaptain have you covered. The monthly children’s book subscription curates its selection, so your little one will always have age-appropriate reads that spark the imagination. Three board books arrive in every order, and each offer a chance to encourage curiosity, critical thinking skills and a love of learning.

If you have older kids that you need a gift for, StoryCaptain also has a book subscription for ages 4 to 7 .

Hape Gourmet Kitchen Wooden Pretend Play Kitchen Set

“Play kitchens ignite children’s imagination and are such a great way to encourage unstructured, pretend play,” said Claire Diamonstein , child therapist and parent coach. “Adding play food to the set opens up even more opportunities for increased fun and creativity.”

Made from non-toxic materials that are easy to clean and easy to assemble, this kitchen set will delight any kid with hours of pretend play opportunities.

Educational Insights The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

“Educational Insights creates fantastic toys for preschoolers, designed to nurture and stimulate young minds,” said Diamonstein. “The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game is one of my favorites because it’s fun for the whole family. It’s easy to learn and makes a wonderful first board game for young kids. It’s also a great opportunity for kids to practice counting and color-matching skills while they play.”

This entry-level board game involves practicing color-matching skills and is interactive enough to keep young children engaged the whole time they’re playing. Plus, as an option for family board game nights, this is a toy that parents and siblings can also enjoy.

Learning Resources Primary Science Sensory Tubes (Set of 4)

“These tubes are amazing and open ended! I add them to my sensory bins, fill them with items to shake, roll them, use them to mix in, and explore volumes with them,” Alice Cady, EdM, an eight-year classroom teacher of two and three-year-olds told The Post. She has an education doctorate degree from the University of Buffalo’s Early Childhood Research Center, with a focus on computational thinking in early childhood.

“You can fill them with counting toys to ‘fill and spill,’ fill them with natural items to observe, fill them with spices to smell or even use them to blow bubbles!” she adds. Each tube comes with dual openings and twistable lids and also leaves you the option to create your own sensory tubes to help with self-regulation.

Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Activity Set

“Crayola’s Color Wonder line is a great gift for kids, not only because of its affordable price point, but because it is a perfect, no-mess, creative art line,” Ali Mierzejewski, editor-in-chief at “The Toy Insider” and childhood play expert, told The Post.

The Color Wonder markers only show on the special Color Wonder paper, so it’s great for traveling on airplanes, roadside restaurant stops, or for kids’ independent playtime as well.

Chuckle & Roar Family Bingo

“Family game night is super important for kids during this age window for social development, and games geared toward preschoolers like this bingo set are the perfect way for families to play together,” Mierzejewski adds.

This game in particular, aside from having cute artwork, also provides four ways for kids to learn, so it’s packed with educational value in addition to fun.

LOYO Medical Kit for Kids

This 38-piece play set includes a plethora of pretend tools, costumes and a convenient storage box that let kids play doctor for hours on end. It also has specialized dentist equipment, as well as a large set of plastic teeth to brush and clean.

“Role play, or sociodramatic play as it is sometimes called, is perfect for developing empathy and understanding the perspectives of other people,” Harding said. “Imaginative play with super-fun toys like a medical set does wonders for confidence and self-esteem.”

Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Set

In addition to six containers of colorful Play-Doh, kids get a Fun Factory toy for pressing the Doh into different forms, as well as over a dozen cookie-cutter style shapes for creating animals and other objects.

“The world of creativity and imagination is at their fingertips with this flexible Play-Doh set,” said Harding. “Malleable materials can offer children deep emotional satisfaction as there are never ending ways to manipulate the substance, which is a rich source of sensory stimulation.”

Innorock Flower Garden Building Toys with Portable Storage Box

These stackable building toys let children design their dream bouquets (and give you a convenient box to store all the pieces when playtime is over).

“Children absolutely love this flower-building kit,” said Diamonstein. “It nurtures their creativity and enjoyment while enhancing their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities. With so many interchangeable flower pieces, this kit definitely keeps kids engaged and entertained.”

Boogie Board Magic Sketch

Keri Wilmot , a pediatric occupational therapist who has over 24 years of experience helping children develop sensory and motor skills through play, recommended this doodle toy as a way to stimulate artistic exploration in kids. This kit includes four drawing tools and has a durable, water-resistant design.

“Three-year-olds are beginning to turn their scribbles into real pictures, and writing tablets can help foster their creativity without all the paper waste,” Wilmot said. “These boards are lightweight, portable and perfect for travel and trips to restaurants.”

WikkiStix Sensory Fidget Toy

Infinitely reusable and entertaining, these colorful bendy sticks let kids build characters, animals, plants and anything they can imagine, then take pride in their creations.

Diamonstein said these are a favorite at her office. “They offer endless possibilities for creative fun,” she said. “There are a million different ways to use WikkiStix. You can use them for crafting, in imaginative play, as a fine motor activity and even as a fidget tool.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sock Puppet Kit

This puppet creation kit includes fuzzy socks, finger puppets and self-adhesive felt patches that bring characters from the classic children’s book to life — and let kids take a turn at telling their own stories.

Yesim Kunter , an independent play consultant who has worked as a designer for LEGO, Hasbro and Toys “R” Us, recommended this kit for 3-year-olds. “Storytelling tools like puppets are great for enhancing children’s imagination and creative thinking, and developing their language skills and future thinking,” she said.

Pretendables Nacho Set

“This set allows kids to use their imagination and fine motor skills to creatively design their own favorite nacho combinations,” said Wilmot.

It includes a variety of pretend ingredients, condiments and serving trays, all in vibrant colors. Kids can practice designing dishes for themselves, as well as friends and family members, and start engaging with super rudimentary concepts of food preparation and sharing.

Kinetic Sand

Made from natural sand and dyed a mesmerizing color, this hands-on toy encourages creative play and building. Since the sand particles stick to one another, this toy is also amazingly easy to clean up after and won’t stain hands or surfaces.

“Kinetic Sand is another favorite in my office because it can be used in so many different ways,” said Diamonstein. “Young kids love to play with it, create with it or just squish it between their hands. It’s also an excellent and versatile tool for sensory play and is a great addition to any sensory bin.”

Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter

“This delightful toy is made of wood and is wonderfully calming,” said Harding. “As parents, it is exciting to discover that playing imaginatively has an impressive brain-building result for our children. The brain relishes the opportunity to be creative with play activities like this!”

The set includes an array of ice cream flavors and toppings that kids will enjoy combining (with the option to pile all the scoops together into one mega cone). The pretend dollar bills and menu also give kids the opportunity to role play with their friends, parents or siblings.

Play22 12-Piece Kids Gardening Tool Set

“With summer fast approaching, I would recommend gardening and insect catcher toys that parents can easily purchase at dollar stores, Walmart, or Target,” Sonia Pruneda-Hernandez, PhD , acting dean of education and social sciences at Montgomery College —and doctorate of education with a concentration in early childhood education and higher education — told The Post.

She recommended items like a bucket, shovel, trowel and watering can. Specifically, the Play22 12-Piece Kids Gardening Tool Set is one she brought to our attention for fun outdoor play.

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe 3-Wheeled Scooter

“The Micro Mini Scooter is the perfect toy because it offers a stable and fun ride to help young children hone their balance and coordination skills,” said Diamonstein. “It also boasts the remarkable feature of adapting to a child’s growth, allowing them to stay entertained and active as they gain confidence on the scooter.”

This scooter’s easily-adjustable handlebar lets kids set it at the most comfortable (and safe) height for themselves. Plus, some models have light-up wheels that add a real wow factor to this gift.

Kidoozie Sand ‘n Splash Activity Table

“Kids love sensory activities to play with water, sand and all sorts of slimy goo,” said Wilmot. “An outdoor sensory bin is a great way to offer sensory play while containing any messes.”

This comprehensive kit includes enough sand and a variety of tools to let kids explore their creative side. The two-bin system — one for sand and one for water — provides a sense of beachfront playtime at the convenience of home. Plus, the snap-on lid can turn it into a functional table when not in use.

Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse

Wilmot said that “playhouses are a perfect way to bring a child’s imagination outside,” and she recommended this model because offers plenty of room for hours of pretend play.

The cute little cottage has a mail slot, swinging doors and window frames and even a spot to hold up a flag on the front. All the pieces snap together for easy assembly, and once it’s built, it’s designed to be sturdy and safe. Also available in a cute pink and purple color .

Europa Kids Adventure Nature Explorer & Bug-Catching Kit

“Parents can also add items for insect catching such as a net, magnifying glass and insect catcher,” Pruneda-Hernandez adds. The Europa Kids Adventure Nature Explorer & Bug-Catching Kit fits the bill at just $25, and one our expert recommends.

Do note that parents and caregivees should check and ensure that their 3-year old can easily hold and manipulate the items with their hands before use.

PlayVibe 40″ Tree Swing

Saucer swings are great toys to have outside. “From a sensorimotor perspective, they facilitate various body movements through space,” Sanschagrin says. “You can even work on developing eye skills by tossing a soft ball to the kiddo while they are swinging!”

Of course, 3-year-olds may not be able to catch it, but being able to use their eyes to track the ball while their body is moving assists that development, per Sanschagrin. “You can even do bubbles so that your kiddo is looking in all different directions while swinging, teaching their nervous system and body how to accommodate with these new movement patterns,” she adds. 

Piano Musical Mat

“Piano mats can be used for similar skills to the musical sets but on a gross motor scale,” Sanschagrin says. “See if they can imitate different walks across the keys to make similar rhythms and sounds.

According to Sanschagrin, it’s also great for sensorimotor skills being able to discriminate between the keys and for understanding the way the mat feels different then the floor as they move across this interactive toy.

Stoie’s International Wooden Music Set

“Musical sets are a great way to facilitate those fine motor and bilateral coordination skills,” Sanschagrin notes. “You can practice different rhythms and see if your kiddo can imitate and join in!”

The Stoie’s International Wooden Music Set is less than $40 on Amazon, one that our expert recommends and is backed by more than 5,000 rave reviews. Plus, it includes a tambourine, a castanet, a hand drum, two hand bells, a maraca, a flute, a wooden block with a stick, a wood sounder with a stick and a chime bar with a stick.

Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set

Give kids a screen-free listening experience that sparks their imagination and offers them a wide selection of music and stories. “By placing different collectible characters from their favorite shows and books on top of the Toniebox,” Wilmot said, “kids will love being in control of choosing the songs and stories they listen to.”

This device can be a great way for kids to wind down before bedtime, and its built-in interactivity keeps kids feeling engaged. Plus, once you buy this, you can pick up additional Tonie figurines to give as gifts for future holidays. The starter set, shown here, includes a Playtime Puppy Tonie with 52 minutes of popular children’s songs.

Loog Mini Acoustic Kids Guitar

“Preschool age is the perfect time for kids to start discovering what they’re interested in — including music!” Mierzejewski shares. “This Loog Mini Acoustic guitar is great for kids this age because it’s easy for them to handle and gives the look of a real guitar.”

With the Loog Mini Acoustic Kids Guitar, 3-year-olds can start learning the basics with this three-string guitar, and even have a jam session with the grown-ups in their life who play, too.

Taimasi 33-Piece Kids Musical Instruments

“A variety of musical toys such as the kit above allows children to develop their fine motor skills and their hand-eye coordination,” Pruneda-Hernandez explains. “Kits such as the one above can also grow with the child.”

Whereas a 3-year old may enjoy using the maracas, a four-or five- year-old may be more interested in the xylophone or rhythm sticks. “The kit also allows for more than one child or for an adult to be involved in the musical play with a child,” she adds.

Right on the money, Cady also recommends this play bundle for musical fun.

Halilit Mini Orchestra

“Open ended music toys, like the Halilit Mini Orchestra, all offer chances to experiment and jam along to rhymes, rhythms and favorite songs,” Cady highlights. For less than $35 on Amazon, this four-pack is perfect for 6-month-olds and 3-year-olds alike, thanks to its musical, take-around-with-you nature.

Learning Resources All About Me Sorting Neighborhood

These colorful toy houses may seem simple, but they’re a quite innovative way for children to intuitively practice both counting and identifying and matching colors. Kids can add and remove color-coordinated figures into their respective houses, engage in pretend play and even recreate their own family size by organizing a number of figures to match the number of people in their household.

Rachel Ritlop, a mom and  toy review expert , recommended this toys for 3-year-olds. “Kids can use these with a train set, magnetic blocks or other building toys to create a little neighborhood in open-ended play,” she said. “Or you can work on color matching and counting.”

Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Cube Puzzle

“Cube puzzles are a fun way to address in-hand manipulation and fine motor skills as well as problem solving and visual skills,” Sanschagrin adds. “The borders along the outside of the puzzle can help give spatial reference while in the process of building the puzzle.”

To better help your 3-year-old learn about common farm animals they’ll find in preschool and kindergarten, we approve of this affordable toy that’ll keep your little one engaged for hours, too.

Upbounders Fun Outside 48-Piece Floor Puzzle

“This puzzle features families of mixed races and ethnicities, encouraging diversity, inclusion, and representation,” Mierzejewski highlights. “This Black-owned company was founded by a mom who wanted her son to feel represented in the toys he played with, and now it expands that offering to all kids.”

Even better, parents can build along with their kids as they piece together this puzzle that stresses the importance of playing together and kindness.

Mudpuppy Kindness 4-in-a-Box Puzzle Set

With four puzzles picturing different colorful settings and made of large, easy-to-grasp and easy-to-connect puzzle pieces, this box set is an excellent introduction to the kind of game that can grow into a lifelong hobby. It also gives parents opportunities to help kids figure out shape-fitting skills in real time.

“Puzzles are great at keeping young kids busy and entertained, with the added bonus of building their cognitive and fine motor skills,” said Diamonstein. “I love sets like this one because it includes four distinct puzzles, each offering varying levels of difficulty, allowing kids to advance as they conquer each puzzle.”

ThinkFun My First Rush Hour Brain Game

Kids practice all the fundamentals of setting up and playing games with this car-themed shape and color matching board game. It includes 15 puzzle cards of easy, medium and hard difficulties, so kids won’t outgrow this toy right away.

“This brain teaser for young kids helps them to learn about following instructions even just by setting the game up,” said Wilmot. “Activities like this one include cards that are graded, where kids can experience success and build to more challenging problems by starting off simple and getting more complex.”

Battat Lock & Learn Activity Cubes

“Shape sorters have so many developmental benefits for kids this age, including fine motor skills, shape and color recognition, introduction to cause and effect and experimentation, and more,” Mierzejewski lists. “This set of activity cubes stands out because it is brightly colored and engaging — and kids can stack the cubes as well, in addition to just sorting the shapes, opening up more possibilities for open-ended play.”

Plus, there’s much variation with this Amazon toy. With four nesting cubes, three numbers, three letters and seven fun shapes, your 3-year-old will praise this stackable toy over and over again.

Melissa & Doug Mix ‘n Match Wooden Bear Family Dress-Up Puzzle

“The Melissa & Doug Mix ‘n Match Wooden Bear Family Dress-Up Puzzle is great for three-year-olds,” Cady recommends. Not to mention, we recommend nearly any toy from the brand as they’re (1) adorable and (2) always a hit with our nieces.

“This puzzle sorter helps build upon self-help skills and pushes toward dramatic play,” she adds.

Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads Educational Toy

“The Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads Educational Toy is wonderful for three-year-olds and older,” Cady shares. “It helps develop fine motor skills, patterning, counting and sorting.

For less than $20, you won’t find a more interactive or colorful toy, either. With an included play box, it’s especially perfect for neatly storing in your playroom.

Dreampark Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles (6-Pack)

“Small puzzles are great for spatial orientation and fine motor skills,” Sanschagrin notes. “Having smaller puzzles makes it less overwhelming to see when your puzzle is ‘done'”

You can downgrade this activity by taking a picture of a completed puzzle and let your three-year-old use that visual model to complete the puzzle, she recommends.

“Thank a Farmer” by Maria Gianferrari

Heather Barnum, Senior Librarian in the Reader Services division of the  New York Public Library , recommended this book for 3-year-olds. It’s an excellent way to introduce children to the farms and farmers that grow and produce all the food they love to eat.

“Vibrant illustrations connect foods and sources,” said Barnum, “while a simple refrain, ‘Thank a farmer,’ repeats from page to page and slightly more detailed, but still child-friendly, information is shared.”

“Kicks in the Sky” by C. G. Esperanza

Vibrant colors, active imagery and an intriguing artistic style make this storybook engaging for little ones. The story centers around everyday items that can become fantastical, inspiring kids to get excited about the world around them.

“A fun-filled, joyful, and magical read-aloud rhyming story,” said Barnum, “‘Kicks in the Sky’ will make readers want to lace up their sneakers and dance along through the psychedelic illustrations.”

“Pancakes!: An Interactive Recipe Book” by Lotta Nieminen

This book offers kids an introductory cooking lesson without any mess in the kitchen. The thick pages have hidden pull-tabs and moveable parts that kids can move around as you read to them, imitating the actual motions of measuring ingredients, mixing food and cooking dishes. Other books in the series include pizza , cookies and other recipes.

“The ‘Cook In A Book’ board books have great interactive recipes where kids can lift, turn and shift the pages to ‘cook’ in the book,” said Ritlop. “It also doubles as a real recipe, so when your three-year-old is ready to bring the fun out of the page and into the kitchen, they can follow along.”

Scissor Skills Preschool Activity Book

Containing more than 50 activities, this book helps children build their scissor-handling skills in a safe and fun environment. The pages are filled with simple line and shape art that kids — with adult supervision — can cut out. The slightly thicker-than-normal paper is easy for kids to handle, too.

“Three-year-olds are ready for a little more responsibility, and a scissor skills activity book is one of my favorites,” Ritlop said. “Kids can work on hand-eye coordination, hand strength and refine motor skills with each of the pages. Once your child is able to handle scissors on their own, parents will love the newfound independence of letting your kid cut open their snack bags instead of always having you open it for them.”

“Spidey and His Amazing Friends” by PI Kids

What better way to play than with everyone’s neighborhood-friendly superhero?

“This set is awesome because it features look-and-find activities so kids stay busy,” Mierzejewski notes. “Plus, this Marvel-based story will deeply engage your little one, especially if they’re fans.

“Beyonce: A Little Golden Book Biography” by Lavaille Lavette

“This book is just one of many celebrity biographies that will be available from this line,” Mierzejewski shares. “Parents will love sharing their love of Bey with their little ones and the nostalgia of the Little Golden Books that they had as a kid. It’s the perfect inspiring story for young readers.”

Not to mention, it’s a super fun gift for the Beyoncé-loving parents in your life.

“Milo Imagines the World” by Matt de la Peña

“Providing children books with pictures that include diverse people is critical,” Pruneda-Hernandez notes. “Regardless of the age, children should be able to visually see people in books that look like them and those that are around them.”

That said, our expert shares that “Milo Imagines the World” by Matt de la Peña as one of her favorite books for 3-year-olds.

“Carmela Full of Wishes” by Matt de la Peña

“Another one of my favorite books that I still keep in my own home for nieces that visit is ‘Carmela Full of Wishes,'” Pruneda-Hernandez shares. It also is wonderful to promote diversity and representation, infused with a unique hopeful tone that’ll help spread optimism to your 3-year-old.

“Too Many Tamales” by Gary Soto

“One of my personal favorites is ‘Too Many Tamales’ because it brings back memories of my childhood,” Pruneda-Hernandez shares. Not only does it help explain numerical quantities and living in abundance but it’s also available in Spanish, so it’s especially ideal for ESL students.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle Felt Learning Toy Set

“Other books that I recommend are books include Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,'” Pruenda-Hernandez adds. And, according to Sanschagrin, we love a good storytelling set!

“You can incorporate so many interactive activities to engage with this Felt Learning Toy Set bundle, Sanschagrin adds, also recommending Carle’s best-selling read. “My favorite is putting the pieces away from where I’m reading the story and have the kiddo do a silly walk to go find the corresponding stuffed item.”

This way, you’re adding movement which can regulate their nervous system in a way that increases their ability to focus on the book or story, according to Sanschagrin.

“Melissa & Doug Poke-A-Dot: Who’s in the Ocean?”

“My occupational therapist heart adores these Poke-Dot books,” Sanschagrin adds. “It’s an interactive way to talk about animals while using that index finger to poke each dot.”

Much like reusable bubble wrap, this interactive book can help develop fine motor strength and coordination. Not to mention, our nieces deem this one of their favorite books to pull out of the bookcase.

KIDWILL Toolkit for Kids

Get young ones interested in working with their hands at an early age with this wooden play toolkit. It includes easy-to-follow instructions so kids can use the provided wooden pieces to create different toy models in an engaging way.

“This comprehensive building kit can inspire children to get busy building their own models, [which is] great for developing early strategy skills,” said Harding. “Children can begin to think and plan ahead or just go with the flow. Another great feature is that all the bits and pieces can be popped away neatly in the transportable toolbox.”

LEGO DUPLO Classic Heart Box Building Toy Set

With 80 easy-to-grab pieces, this block set is a wonderful way to inspire kids to explore building and nurture an interest in LEGOs that they can enjoy for years to come. The pieces in the set can be used to spell out a heart-warming message of love, too.

“Virtually anything from the world of LEGO DUPLO can provide endless hours of fun and serve as a wonderful toy for a three-year-old,” said Diamonstein. “For a child inclined toward open-ended creativity, this brick set provides a canvas for free play, imagination and construction, all while enhancing fine motor skills.”

Ravensburger Bluey 35-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Watch kids bring the popular animated children’s show to life with this large jigsaw puzzle that features Bluey and her family. The pieces are made to be extra durable and can be used over and over again as kids improve their shape-fitting abilities.

Wilmot recommended this puzzle because, as she said, “three-year olds can improve their visual spatial skills and motor planning while putting together scenes from their favorite show.”

hand2mind Numberblocks

This intuitive counting toy encourages young kids to practice fundamental math skills in a way that lets them focus on having fun.

“Numberblocks are a really popular show for preschoolers that helps teach kids about the concept of simple addition, subtraction and counting,” Wilmot said. Parents and older siblings can also engage with the characters to create learning and developmental opportunities for youngsters.

Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo 40-Piece Set

After building their own custom racetracks, children can race cars down them and learn first-hand some pretty elementary principles of physics. With 40 magnetic pieces, this set lets kids think creatively about how to make the toy cars gain speed, and it’s a smart buy for siblings because it allows multiple tracks to be built at the same time.

“ Magna-Tiles are classic building toys that connect to each other to create structures using magnets,” said Wilmot. “The Downhill Duo set introduces fun roads that can be added to the blocks for added competition and problem solving.”

John Deere Build-A-Buddy Tractor Toy & Screwdriver

“Kids love to mimic what they see grown-ups doing, and this little tractor is a great way for them to get their hands on some power tools in a very kid-friendly way,” Mierzejewski highlights. “The battery-powered drill and large, chunky screws are easy for preschoolers to maneuver and the Johnny Tractor’s face is so adorable!”

Sanschagrin also recommends this toy, as it’s great for cause and effect, executive functioning, motor planning, and bilateral coordination. “They can play around with spatial relationships outside of their body as well, like focusing on how far the car is from the wall rather than themselves as the reference point,” she adds.

CreateOn Sesame Street Coloring with Elmo Doodle Tile Set

Kids can not only build with their favorite Sesame Street character, but they can also color with this set!

“Since there are multiple activities, kids will stay busy for awhile,” Mierzejewski says. “The kid-safe magnetic building pieces are fun for kids to construct with, helping them to hone their spatial awareness, motor skills and more.”

Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks

Children’s blocks that allow for a variety of uses in play make great toys, and this Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks is recommended by our expert.

“Blocks should not just be squares but come in a variety of shapes to include spheres, rectangles, triangles and squares so children can build in many different ways.” Pruneda-Hernandez recommends. “Blocks not only provide children the opportunity to enhance their fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination, but allows them to problem solve and begin to use their critical thinking while building.”

Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 100-Piece Deluxe Building Set

“Building sets that not only have blocks, but gears provide opportunities for cognitive development and opportunities to test hypothesis, make wonderful toys,” Pruneda-Hernandez recommends. That said, she recommends the Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 100-Piece Deluxe Building Set for an engaging, well-varied bundle that’ll keep your 3-year-old as busy as a bee.

Magna-Tiles House Set

Building toys are a staple toy for toddlers. And, Magna-Tiles can teach 3-year-olds spatial relationships, problem solving, bilateral coordination and creative play.

“The open-ended-ness expands their imagination on top of the motor skills developed,” Sanschagrin adds. “You can even practice working on emotional regulation if the structure they build doesn’t work out (i.e. falling down or can’t figure out how to build how they want) by talking through different strategies for calming enough to solve their problem.”

Picasso Tiles 120-Piece Bristle Lock Tiles STEM Building Set

“Bristle Lock Tiles are similar in their skill building as the Magna-Tiles, however they require more strength,” Sanschagrin explains. “There’s also more flexibility for tile assembly rather than depending on the magnet attraction.”

Additionally, this toy adds an interesting sensory aspect with different textures to explore.

VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels 4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway

“Kids who love cars, trucks and vehicles can use their problem-solving skills to modify the tracks on their own, using one of four builds, then race to see whose car is fastest,” said Wilmot.

The multiple setups give this toy excellent replay value and encourage experimentation. Plus, this gift offers kids an opportunity to play with siblings and friends, which makes the toy doubly engaging.

Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Rescue Mission Wooden Dashboard

This interactive dashboard from Melissa & Doug provides ton of tactile and imaginative play for preschoolers.

“They’ll love to pretend to drive as they move the steering wheel and engage with all of the other interactive features,” Mierzejewski adds. “Plus, it’s PAW Patrol, so it’s a guaranteed hit for your little one.”

CatToys Construction Vehicle (2-Pack)

“My recommendation for vehicles for three- and four-year olds are those that allow them to experiment with,” Pruneda-Hernandez says. “Bulldozers, excavators and dump trucks all can be used in many different ways, providing young children opportunities to experiment, explore and manipulate with their hands.”

For a two-pack that’s less than $30, it’s a wonderful unisex toy as well, especially for sandbox play.

Beestech Construction Toys (4-Pack)

Contrary to popular belief, vehicles do not have to have sounds or need to be battery operated. 

“Vehicles without batteries should be durable to be used indoors and outdoors in dirt or sand,” Pruneda-Hernandez shares. “Vehicles provide children more opportunities to use their imagination to make their own sounds.”

Not to mention, parents, teachers or caregivers can enhance the play opportunities by interacting with the child while they play. Pruneda-Hernandez recommends that the adult gets on the floor or grass, play with the child and converse with the child during play.

Pull-Back Animal Toy Cars (6-Pack)

What better way to work on grading muscle force and motor planning than a pull back toy car?

“Your three-year-old will get to think through how their movements will impact the future of the car’s path,” Sanschagrin adds. Oh, and they’re quintessentially adorable.

Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike

“A durable tricycle that will last for several years and can even be passed down to another child is my recommendation,” Pruneda-Hernandez says. “For children just turning three, parents or caregivers should be able to push the child when taking the child out for walks.”

However, the push handle should easily come off when children no longer need that support. Tricycles build children’s gross motor skills, too, according to our expert.

Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike

Three words: balance, coordination, and body confidence.

“Balance bikes offer a chance for children to rely on their own sense of balance to navigate the use of a bike,” Cady explains. “Without pedals, children can focus on balancing and coordinating both sides of their body while using the bike, building skills and muscles to have eventual success with a future two-wheel bike.”

Yvolution Y Velo Balance Bike

Sanschagrin also recommends balance bikes for 3-year-olds, namely the Yvolution Y Velo Balance Bike that comes in a wealth of vibrant colors.

“Balance bikes are great beginner bikes to work on bilateral coordination — using both sides of your body, arms and legs to work together in a coordinated manner — as well as core strength and overall balance,” she adds. “This is a great way to introduce beginner bike skills!”

Kid Trax Unicorn Quad Ride-On Toy

Push button ride-on-cars are so much fun (and are great at keeping your 3-year-old entertained for hours on end).

“They help develop those bilateral coordination skills by steering correctly and even hand strength by maintaining that push button to GO!” Sanschagrin explains.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

“I really like the Cozy Coupes because they do have a push option for parents but they also give the kiddo the option to use those feet and develop leg muscles and overall gross motor coordination,” Sanschagrin says.

Of course, parents and caregivers all need a break from time to time, so having the option to push your 3-year-old around the neighborhood when they need a little rest is a great option to have. “It also can help with their body awareness for when they are climbing in and out of the car while maneuvering the door,” she adds.

Sloth Warmies

While other stuffed animals are nice to hug and to hold, this Warmies doll can also provide warming or cooling relief that can help children relax. The doll can be warmed up in the microwave or chilled in the fridge or freezer, depending on what feels best for your child.

“Great for kids to develop social connection, empathy and soft skills,” said Kunter. “It is scented with natural lavender to sooth and calm children.”

Disney Princess Royal Collection 12-Piece Shimmer Fashion Dolls

“Disney toys are always wildly popular, but they are this year especially with the Disney100 anniversary celebrations,” Mierzejewski adds. “Classic fashion dolls allow kids to engage in creative storytelling and imaginative, open-ended play, and these allow kids to do so with their favorite Disney characters!”

At a great value, kids can build up a whole Disney squad to create their own adventures.

Terra By Battat Wooden Animal Barn Toy

When going to a real-life petting zoo isn’t an option, the next best thing is this farm-themed barn that comes filled with animal figurines. This toy offers a lot of room for creative, imaginative play, and does a good job of familiarizing children with some of the most common animals they’ll read and learn about in school.

“The Battat barn comes with 20 pieces to recreate a fully functioning farm,” Ritlop said. “The top lifts up to where you can use a pulley to crank the bales into the loft on the upper part of the barn. It’s great for reining motor skills and engaging in pretend play.”

Schleich Farm World Starter Set

Animals can be fascinating to young children, and this set of four friendly animals allows kids to study their barnyard friends up close. These are a great hands-on educational toy for helping kids learn to name and identify different animals, and after you get the barnyard set, you can try other options, such as the forest set .

“These work great with the Battat Wooden Animal Barn or on their own,” Ritlop said. “We’ve used them for animal matching games, in kinetic sand, in the bath and pretty much everywhere. They are a must have for every playroom.”

GUND Audrey Flamingo 12″ Plush Stuffed Animal

“Stuffed animals that are durable, easy to wash, and do not have parts that may become loose or fall off are the best purchases,” Pruneda-Hernandez explains. “Children may become attached to a stuffed animal and may want that toy at all times since it may provide them comfort.”

The stuffed animal or doll is going to depend on the child and, if a child becomes attached to a stuffed animal or doll, the child may keep that toy for many years. “”I still have a koala from my childhood that I was attached to and I just turned 50 this year,” she adds.

Viral Toys Dinosaur Weighted Stuffed Animal

“I love weighted stuffed animals for my kiddos that I work with,” Sanschagrin shares. “It can offer deep pressure as a tool to regulate and calm themselves, especially when they are feeling anxious.”

What’s more, the weight can also provide good feedback for where their body is in space, essentially helping them feel ‘ground’ to the world. It’s also perfect for imaginative play.

Squishmallows 10″ Hanna the Purple Hippo

Squishmallows can also offer a safe sensory experience.

“The texture often encourages squeezing of the toy which can also offer similar deep pressure benefits as the weighted animals,” Sanschagrin adds. “They make for great comfort items and sleeping companions.”

An FAQ on the 3-year-old age group, from experts

Ahead, our team of child development experts provide insight into the 3-year-old age group and what defines playtime at this stage.

For more, check out our expert-backed guides to the best toys for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds and 4-year-olds .

What child development skills come to light among 3-year-olds?

Three-year-olds are like 2-year-olds in the sense that they’re moving, but they’re noticing more, according to Hirsh-Pasek. Ahead, she details all of the wonderful learning stages three-year-olds — generally — are up to in age.

• They can tell a story well and can run pretty fast (though skipping is far away).
• They are much more coordinated, with their body proportions more formed.
• They are very conversational and particular. If a three-year-old boy wants milk out of a dinosaur cup, he’s usually referring to a specific cup that you should know about.
• They can live in fantasy worlds they create, as well as line up toys and tell a story with them.
• They’re “not bad” toward the end of the third year but “great” as they move toward year four.
• They are glued to characters like Elmo who serve as conversational agents for them.
• They’re pretty dexterous and can put small pieces into large puzzles.
• They’re interested in putting crayons on paper.
• They like when you read stories to them and can talk about the characters in a book in finer detail.
• Their scribbles are becoming more sophisticated and symbolic. To them, things stand for something else: the rocks symbolize the tower they want to build; the drawings begin to turn into family portraits. They start to symbolically represent, and that’s one of the best human development skills — the move toward language and symbolism.

What are the best toys for 3-year-olds?

Of course, every 3-year-old has a different imagination and a different view of play. However, it’s most important to find a toy that suits their needs as they’re becoming more curious by the day.

“I highly recommend toys that allow children to explore, use their imagination and will enable them to hold or use their hands easily,” Pruneda-Hernandez says. “Children should not become frustrated with toys that may not be age-appropriate such as providing a 3-year-old with a fifty-piece puzzle.”

What’s more, parents, teachers and caregivers should always review the manufactures age range for a toy. “Three-year-olds may put toys or items in their mouths, so toys with small pieces that children may swallow are inappropriate,” she adds.

There’s a multitude of evidence recognizing the importance of play in children. According to Sanschagrin, at age three, one of their primary occupations is play which is a massive facilitator of their learning.

“Toddlers are much more likely to absorb new information when using the modality of play. Play is also a great way to process emotions that they might be unable to express or even understand. It encourages creativity and even problem solving!” Caitlin Sanschagrin, an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics — specifically, feeding, sensory processing and regulation and neurodivergent-affirming care

Overall, staple toys for the 3-year-old age group would include building toys (like Magna-Tiles and LEGO), shape sorters, drawing and coloring toys (like MagnaDoodle), and open ended pretend play toys (like Little People sets), per Sanschagrin.

How do toys facilitate learning in the 3-year-old age group?

“Toys introduce kids to the foundations of storytelling, coding, creativity, dexterity and more thorough fun and engaging play patterns, so they spark curiosity for a future love of learning,” Mierzejewski explains. “Through play, 3-year-olds can develop their motor skills, start to learn the basic concepts of STEM skills, flex their imaginations, and start to role-play what they see adults doing through pretend play.”

During this age, kids can also start to establish physically active and social-emotional habits early that they will carry with them as they grow.

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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