It’s upon you! In less than a week you are headed overseas for an amazing trip with your little ones. You are READY: sunblock, matching outfits for Instagram and a completely mapped out itinerary from the time you land… but what about in the sky?
Flying with toddlers can be rough and some children are more equipped to sit still than others. I must admit I have a pretty chill munchkin and flights have been pretty amazing so far, but that is not to say they don’t come with their own special set of challenges. Because I have a major Amazon Prime addiction and have been on over 30 flights, many of which lasted over 7 hours with my little one, I would say I know what REALLY has been a lifesaver.
Here is a list of what I consider must brings for any trip! Everything on this list is available on Amazon Prime for my fellow last minute mommies out there and is less than $15. Honestly- be prepared to lose all of them by the time you get home.
1. Felt activity book
Felt activity books are great in general! There are some amazingly gorgeous ones on Etsy that can run well over $100 (check some out here) but for a trip where everything ends up 3 rows back and covered in peanut dust I found this great alternative!
Creativity for Kids My First Fun Felt Shapes
$, Amazon
2. Play-Doh
Because Play-Doh is life. I think this is my FAVORITE on the list. With that little tray table and nothing but time my daughter literally has never been so focused. I thank play doh for letting me get through 20 whole minutes of Hidden Figures… side note: they WILL want to stuff the play doh in the electrical socket AND headphone jack… keep your eyes peeled.
Play-Doh 10-Pack of Colors
$, Amazon
3. Magnetic books
Magnetic books: much like felt books this is a fun one and there are a lot more options out there!
Under the Sea (Magnetic Story & Play Scene)
$, Amazon
4. Magnetic drawing board
You totally had this as a kid and it is as great now as it was then!
Kidolino Magnetic Drawing Board for Kids
$, Amazon
5. Sticker books
Sticker books- sticker books are FANCY now! A lot of them come with coloring pages too. Choose a theme your kid loves! Let them decorate your arms with stickers too! The rules don’t apply on flights!
Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Pads Set
$, Amazon
6. Vocabulary-building books
Books to improve vocabulary! Time is your friend, why not learn a little! I always try to choose books that really take time to get through and involve learning an repetition!
First 100 Animals
$, Amazon
7. Cute headphones
Cute headphones- yes, the time will come when she wants to watch a movie. Make it special and more sanitary with his or her own headphones!
Hello Kitty Kid Safe Over the Ear Headphone
$, Amazon
8. Snack stack
Snack stack! Snacking is half the fun for a toddler on a flight! I like filling this with goldfish, raisins and lots of quasi junk. That said definitely bring lots of fresh fruit and a sandwich on long flights. You will feel panicked at times if your finicky toddler won’t eat the only dinner option for her or him.
BlenderBottle GoStak Twist n’ Lock Storage Jars
$, Amazon
9. Books about your destination
Bring a book about the place you are traveling to! Get creative! Going on safari? Choose a book about a lion.
Living in . . . Italy
$, Amazon
10. Book from a favorite series
Some of your children’s favorite book series have books with travel like this book about Olivia in Venice!
Olivia Goes to Venice
$, Amazon
In general you have to find what works for you! My daughter doesn’t really get on board with those tiny activity books made for travel but it may be great for your child. My advice above all else is DON’T let them see all of your goodies. Stash half for the ride back and pull things out one by one as they get bored. For me, though it is always a challenge some of my favorite moments of my trip are playing and learning with my daughter on the airplane!
