Top Travel Gifts for Kids: Make Family Adventures Fun

My favorite things are always experiences! But sometimes, kids want to be able to unwrap something tangible. Luckily, finding things to make those experiences and travels more enjoyable is pretty easy. Here is my list of top travel gifts for kids and families who love to travel.

This blog may feature affiliate links where I get a small commission at no cost to you. All the opinions are my own. Thanks for the support!

Travel Day Entertainment

There are so many options to help keep kids busy on long travel days. I like to mix old favorites with a few novel things. My favorite items are small, quiet, reusable, mess-free, and keep their attention. Bonus points if it is cheap! Some of these, such as crayons and a coloring book, are timeless classics, but they have stood the test of time for a reason.

1. Sticker Books (With a wide variety of pictures for all interests!)
2. Crayons and Coloring Books/Activity Books
3. Doodle Pad — these are perfect for traveling. You can reuse them; they suit various ages, there are no loose pieces, and they are inexpensive and quiet.
4. Where’s Waldo Books.
5. Kids’ Tablet-we use the Fire Tablet from Amazon, but there are many options. Check out Khan Academy (for kids) and PBS Kids for awesome free apps with educational value. We also use Disney+.
6. Headphones for screens-These are great starter headphones for younger kids (under 6) because they are cheap and don’t need charging
7. Kid Luggage or a great backpack. The exact type depends on your kid’s size and how much they need to be responsible for. If you have a favorite, please feel free to share it in the comments below.
8. MagnaTiles (for car trips, not plane trips). These are an absolute favorite among my kids, and as they get older, the structures they build become increasingly intricate; yet, the toy still holds their attention.

Experience Gear

I crave adventures and love bringing my kids along for the ride. Some things that help them stay comfortable and excited about adventure are needed. I like stuff to use at hotel pools since that is a typical weekend trip for us. I also look at things for special destinations we have planned. We are going to Puerto Rico this winter, so I’m looking for beach stuff like snorkel gear and swimsuits. We also gift things for ongoing favorite experiences, which for us include hiking and biking.

1. Goggles (we love the bungee strap) or Snorkeling Gear (I picked ones without fins because my kids aren’t ready for those yet).
2. Dive toys and pool toys-So many options depending on their current interests!
3. A low-pack blanket (this one glows in the dark!)
4. Binoculars (these have held up well for us)
5. Hiking backpacks (I love having one with a bladder for easy hydration. Camelbak is a well-known brand we love).
6. A flashlight or headlight for late-night adventures. (We like these cheap flashlights. I don’t like it when my kids’ flashlights are too bright because they will absolutely shine in my eyes.
7. Sport-specific items. We love biking, so accessories, gloves, knee pads, helmets, jumps, etc. This could be applicable to any of their favorite activities.
8. Sleeping bags (so many options depending on what your situation is, we just got cheap ones because right now we are fair-weather campers)
9. Hammocks (We have adult ones that can accommodate multiple kids to play, and we can use them too. If you are backcountry camping, a kid’s one might be better).
10. A kid’s camera

Clothes to Keep Comfy and Moving

Perhaps these are less exciting options at the time of opening, but so helpful and necessary for fun! This is the sort of gift that keeps on giving, as it makes them more comfortable staying outside and playing!

I also include “fun” safety items here. I read a story about a kid getting lost in the wilderness that really spooked me, so I bought whistles. I packed them for our trip but forgot to hand them out, and then my father, at 67, got lost on a trail in Yosemite! Thankfully, there were others on the trail to help him, but that night, everyone, from kids to grandpas, got their safety whistles for the rest of the trip.

1. Whistles for Safety – These come in different colors and are often accompanied by lanyards. Do your kids know what to do if they get lost in the wild?
2. A great raincoat,
3. New swimsuit
4. Layers! Look for quick-drying, low-pack-volume options. Our go-to place is REI.
5. Hats/Mittens/Gloves (We find REI’s are water resistant, warm, and affordable)
6. Band-aids -We like the Welly ones, but you can find them in any character or current interest.

Prepare to Inspire

I love researching and planning our trips. Maybe my kids will follow that love, and maybe not, but giving kids ideas about where they may want to go and what is possible is a great way to inspire some wanderlust.

1. Books about adventures, there are so many options! For books, our first stop is always the library. We also enjoy browsing Lonely Planet books, as well as those by Sophie and Stephie, the travel sisters, or National Geographic books.
2. A Scratch off Map-Here is one for USA travel, and another for a budding globe trotter.
3. A globe-This one turns into a nightlight with constellations that glow!

In Conclusion

Are you getting excited for your next trip? I know I am! What else are great gifts for little travelers? Share your ideas for top travel gifts for kids below!