Travel gifts like rolling suitcases and passport covers are nice, but we think globetrotting families, who bravely tour the world with kids in tow (when they can), deserve something more creative for the holidays. If your loved one has a penchant for seeing the world, a clever travel gift, like no-mess art supplies or a portable DVD player, is a present that’s sure to please. Our list of fun and functional travel gifts is perfect for the traveling child or parent in your life.
Cloudz Plush Neck Pillow
The Cloudz Plush Collection, is a charming kid-friendly neck pillow, helps children stay comfortable and happy on long flights, car rides, and train trips. The pillow is in the shape of a cuddly unicorn, but more importantly, it’s machine washable, and specially sized to fit children ages 18 months and older. Price: $11.35.
Kids Travel: A Backseat Survival Kit
We love Klutz books because they take our kids’ attention away from glowing screens and allow them to engage in a more hands-on kind of play. While we recommend taking pretty much any Klutz book along on a family getaway, our favorite is the travel-specific Kids Travel: A Backseat Survival Kit edition. The book includes activities from a license plate checklist to a “Grown-Up IQ test,” and is recommended for kids ages 9 to 12. Price: $6.
Vacpower Kid-Tough Digital Camera
Encourage your little budding travel photographer with the Vacpower Kid-Tough Digital Camera. This clever camera comes in blue or pink, is easy to operate, and has child-friendly features like big colorful buttons and sturdy handle grips. The camera is specially designed to withstand rough handling — so you don’t have to fear the inevitable tumbles that will happen as your young child learns to use his or her first camera. This product is recommended for kids ages 36 months to 8 years. Price: $22.99
WONNIE Portable DVD Player
For many parents, a portable DVD player is as essential to family travel as luggage. After all, viewing a favorite movie is an excellent way for the whole family to pass the time during long plane trips, car rides, flight delays, rainy nights in the hotel, and more. There are literally hundreds of portable DVD players available for sale, for various prices. We recommend the WONNIE Portable DVD Player, because of its battery life (6 hours!). It also has a fifteen-inch high-resolution widescreen and it comes with a nifty remote. Also, it’s lightweight and easy to use. Priced under $200, this player is a fine gift for parents or older kids and teens.
Terrance Trunki Ride-On Luggage
Think your toddler will yawn when you give him or her luggage for the holidays? Think again! Terrance Trunki Ride-On Luggage is both a practical carry-on approved suitcase and a cute, colorful toy for young kids to ride on. Youngsters can have fun scooting around on the Trunki while waiting in the airport or hotel room — and it’s one less toy to pack. This product is suitable for kids ages 3 to 6. Price: $34.99.
Crayola Color Wonder
Crayola Color Wonder art supplies allow kids of all ages to express themselves creatively without getting marker or paint all over your leather car seats. Color Wonder markers and paints only color on special Color Wonder paper. There are even Color Wonder finger paints that are completely mess-free — who would have thought that finger paints would be appropriate for the plane! These products are recommended for kids ages 3 and up. Price: $24.99 and up.
Pathfinder Pandas Explorer Kit
For kids traveling to national parks, embarking on camping trips, or going hiking, the Pathfinder Pandas Explorer Kit is a good fit. The kit, which includes binoculars, a compass, a magnifier, and a flashlight, encourages young adventurers to explore their surroundings. The Explorer Kit is suitable for children ages 3 to 12. Price: $28.89 and up.
52 Fun Things to Do in the Car/Plane
Survive cross-country road trips and car jaunts to the grandparents’ house with the compact and convenient 52 Fun Things to Do in the Car cards. The deck contains tons of games, puzzles, crafts, and other activities to keep children occupied and keep the peace in the car. Plus, it makes a great stocking stuffer. And if you’re getting ready to hit the skies as well as the road, don’t miss 52 Fun Things to Do on a Plane. These card decks are suitable for kids ages 6 and up. Price: $10.
Homedics SoundSpa Sound Machine
It’s common for younger children to become frightened sleeping in strange hotel rooms or other unfamiliar places. But parents can drown out noises and help children relax by packing a sound machine on their travels. We like the Homedics SoundSpa Sound Machine because it’s affordable at under $20, compact and lightweight. This machine comes with six programmed sounds and an auto off-timer that can be set to 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Price: $19.99.
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