As we grow, the items that entertain Maximo change as well. In honor of our first train trip to Baltimore/DC this weekend, I thought I would share the five essential items that go us through with ease – yes EASE! These can keep a curious toddler busy for hours, AND they’re compact so they travel easy when you need to pack light.
1. Tiggly
These four little shapes pack up nicely in your travel bag, and go with your iPad (which I KNOW you didn’t leave home without.) They have a bunch of different apps and games that you can download to coordinate with them and age levels as well. Amazon price: $26.71
2. Melissa and Doug Reusable Sticker Pads
These are the toys that keep on giving. This huge book full of hundreds of – you heard correctly – REUSABLE stickers – keep toddlers busy for hours. They can stick and re-stick till their hearts content and then re-stick again. There are tons of different themes available AND they’re only $5!
3. Crayola Color Wonder
If your child loves to color, this is the best way to allow them that freedom without getting it on everyone (and everything). Crayola’s Color Wonder was introduced to me by a mom, and I feel I have to pass on the knowledge. It’s the best thing ever, and you can find new coloring books in almost any toy store or even drugstores! AND they even make travel-totes that can hold the coloring books and markers INSIDE, while providing a hard cover to color on OUTSIDE. Oh we love you, Crayola. Amazon price: $9.70
4. Usborne Wipe-Clean Activity Books
You’re going to look at this book and think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Yes, it’s like a wipe-away calendar only as an activity book for kids. Did you hear that? It’s REUSABLE TOO! The kids can color and draw and connect the dots all day long, and then all you have to do is wipe it clean with water. You’ll never have to buy another activity book again! Amazon price: $5
5. Munchie Mug
Well we know you’re not going on a trip without snacks. I’ve been in love with this thing forever and I still am. It’s light-weight and the perfect size to actually hold a substantial amount of snacks, AND it has a cloth opening – that means it holds the food in and let’s little hands grab it easily. How many times does your snack holder spill everything everywhere? Exactly. This is life changing. Trust me. Amazon price: $16.99
Looking for more tips on traveling with kids? I have you covered. Try these articles:
1. How to Travel With a Toddler – Survival Guide
2. 5 Must-See Places in the Hudson Valley
