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As a mom on the go, I’m always looking for easy toys to keep in the diaper bag or car that actually keep my toddler occupied. Whether we’re at a restaurant, on a road trip, or just stuck in a waiting room, having a few go-to toys has saved us more times than I can count.
👉🏼 Check out all of our favorite travel toys below!
What Makes a Good Travel Toy?
When I’m choosing toys for on-the-go moments, I like to pack a mix of electronic and non-electronic options.
That said, my toddler gets carsick if she watches anything on the iPad during drives, so we skip screens altogether in the car. For us, engaging toys that require hands-on play are a must.
I also want to share something I think is really important:
I always start off every road trip or waiting room with no toys at all. I save these special toys for when it’s clear my kids need a little extra engagement. I think it’s good for kids to experience boredom sometimes, it encourages creativity, observation, and patience. But I also believe in protecting my own sanity. So when things start to get chaotic or restless, I’m never caught without a toy or two on hand.
The Real Secret to Travel Toys
The biggest game-changer for us has been this simple rule:
Only use these toys during travel or outings.
Just like a toy rotation system works at home, keeping these toys tucked away until needed makes them feel fresh and exciting every time. Your toddler will naturally be more engaged because they haven’t had the chance to get bored of them yet.
Our Go-To Travel Toys:
- Travel Color Sort
A compact and mess-free way to practice colors and fine motor skills. - Magnetic Blocks
These stick together easily and are fun for building small towers on the go. - Micro Magnatiles (now in a bigger size too)
A total win for car rides and restaurants! They come in a little tin and pack up perfectly. The magnatiles also stick to the tin for easy building! - Travel Memory Game
Keeps little minds sharp and is durable to handle being on the go. - 100 Words / 100 Animals / 100 Things That Go (Talking Books)
These are the only electronics we bring, and they’re toddler-approved. - Unicorn Puzzle & Dinosaur Puzzle
Small, simple handheld puzzles that are perfect for quiet time. - Small Busy Block
Packed with zippers, buckles, and buttons, this one buys us a solid 20 minutes, easily. - Sticker Wow
A fun way to add a little creativity to waiting room time. - Drawing Tablet
Reusable and mess-free, this one is always a hit (and no screen sickness!). - Reusable Sticker Book
Great for pretend play, especially at restaurants or on flights. These Paw Patrol ones are a hit! - Buckle Me Practice Toy
An easy way to keep little fingers busy and build those fine motor skills.
When Do I Use These?
- Doctor’s appointments
- Long drives
- Restaurant outings
- Airplane travel
- Sibling pickup lines
- Anytime I need 10 minutes of quiet
The smaller, non-electric toys are especially perfect for quiet settings. My toddler loves the micro Magnatiles and the busy block, and I love how compact and low-mess they are.
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared the next time you’re out and about with your little one. And more than anything—I hope you know you’re doing an amazing job, mama. 💛
xx Ciara
Check out all our favorite travel toys here!
