The Best Travel Gifts for Kids - 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

These are the tried-and-true travel favorites that never fail. They’re the ones we reach for every single trip. From engaging toys to clever entertainment ideas, these go-to faves keep kids happy (and parents sane) on the go.

• Mini Jetsetter Magnetic Kit This is my best seller for a reason - it works! I created this magnetic playset 3 years ago for my kids as an open-ended travel toy, and it’s STILL their favourite to date. Thousands of families around the world love this set. 
• Yoto Mini I cannot imagine travelling without our Yoto Minis. Each of my kids has one and they come with us on every single trip. The Yoto Mini is a screen-free audio player for kids with cards that play stories, music, and podcasts. Use my code below to get 10% off your order (min. Purchase of $69usd or $99cad). And if they’re running a sale you can stack my code on top of it to get an EXTRA 10% off discount. 
• Make Your Own Yoto Cards Yoto Cards provide stories, music, and activities when used with the Yoto Mini player. My fave though is the Make Your Own Yoto Cards that allow you to creat your own personalized cards for your kids. own stories, add your favourite songs, books or podcasts. You can get creative here and get grandparents to record reading stories, add their favourite music, include language specific audio books, or make a themed card about your travel destination. For my daughter’s birthday, we had each member of the family record a message and then I put them all on a MYO card for her - she LOVES that one
• Kids Headband Headphones These are fantastic because they’re soft, comfy, and stay on even if the kids fall asleep. Plus, they double as a sleep mask, which is perfect for long flights. Also this is the best option for toddlers who have trouble wearing and keeping traditional headphones on
• Clixo Super Rainbow Pack Clixo is one of the best travel toys for kids, with a great STEM twist! They’re flexible magnetic shapes that snap together with the most satisfying click and fold into 3D creations. They’re also super lightweight and take up hardly any room in your bag. Hands down in our top 5 travel toys
• Stickikubes Another viral stocking stuffer this holiday season that I grabbed for my kids! These mini stacking cubes stick to anything except fabric. Kids can use them to make their own custom 2D and 3D designs. When they get dirty, you just rinse them off with soap and water and they're like new and sticky again! A fun alternative are these Crayola sticky squishy balls.
• BeyBlade X This line of spinning top toys are ALL the rage with kids right now! My 6 year old has been dying to get one since all the "big kids" at school have them. I can confirm it's amazing and it hasn't left his hand.
• Disney Tiny Books Miniature (like really mini!) storybooks featuring everyone’s favourite Disney characters! Perfect for little hands and on-the-go story time.
• Mini Jetsetter Travel Bag Don’t forget to grab one of my Travel Activity Bags to store and organize all your new travel toys and goodies! I designed them specifically for travel families, with plenty of storage, detachables pouches, and even backpack straps for kids! 

I love anything that sparks creativity, and what better way than giving kids the tools to capture all the fun memories of your family adventures? Check out these photo-related gifts in our travel gift guide for kids, perfect for helping your little ones get creative with their memories!

• Kids Camera These little cameras are super fun and easy to use! Let the kids snap their own pictures on family trips. You might be surprised by what catches their eye. These are also game FREE, which I personally like. For older kids I’ve also had my eye on Camp Snap Screen Free Digital Camera for a while - it lets you take retro digital photos that you can’t see until you plug your phone into the computer later. Nostalgic and screen free fun. 

• Fujifilm Instax Mini This instant film camera is such a hit. There is something so magical about watching a photo develop right in your hands, and kids are totally fascinated by it. If you’re not quite ready for a legit polaroid camera, this thermal printer instant cam is a great starter for younger kids.

• HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer Imagine printing photos straight from your phone. We have and love the HP Sprocket. The photos print on sticky backed paper so it’s also fun for scrapbooking on the go. Alternatively, the Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer is also popular for printing mini photos directly from your phone. 

• Tiny Photo Books I ordered these for my kids last year and they really loved them! You can make your own TINY (1.7" x 1.5") photo books. They make such a unique gift that's great for little hands. Toddlers are obsessed with looking at photos of themselves and their family. The coolest part is they have a magnetic back so you can stick them to the fridge. They come in a set of 3 tiny books and have really fun cover prints. I also got my kids a couple of the Mini Photo Books, which are equally cute but slightly larger (but still pocket sized at 3.5 x2.4″). Each Mini Photo Book of 50 photos is spiral bound with a clear laminate cover for extra durability (aka kid-friendly). Comes in a set of 2! 

• Go! Kids Travel Journal This journal is perfect for capturing all the fun memories from family trips. It’s full of prompts, stickers, and space for photos. I absolutely love the design - it's colourful, engaging but clean. 

• Chatbooks Monthly Minis You can get a subscription that allows you print these small photo books on a monthly basis. They are perfect size for little hands and great to travel with, plus they come with a “toddler guarantee” so the company will replace them for free if your kiddo loves them a bit too much. 

• Custom Baby Board Book  Artifact Uprising makes the sweetest custom board book photo books. They have lots of different templates to choose from that are guaranteed to be a hit with your little one. Shutterfly and Pinhole Press all have great options.

• Custom Photo Flashlight Such a fun, heartwarming gift! This flashlight projects your favorite photo when turned on, perfect for bedtime storytelling, camping trips, or just surprising the kids with a familiar face in the dark.

• Custom Memory Matching Game A personalized twist on a classic! Use family photos, pets, or travel memories for a game your kids will actually treasure. Great for packing on trips!

If your kids are curious about the world, these gifts are perfect for inspiring their inner explorer. From geography games to cultural activities, each one turns travel and learning into a fun adventure but no passport required 🙂

• Little Passports World Adventures Subscription Box  Monthly adventures delivered to your door. Each box explores a new country with fun souvenirs, activities, and learning fun.

• Little Passports Kitchen Adventures Subscription Box For mini chefs and curious eaters. Each month features global kid-approved recipes and kid-friendly cooking fun from around the world.

• KiwiCo Atlas Crate Subscription Box Hands-on geography fun. Kids learn about new countries through crafts, games, and cultural projects. Educational AND entertaining.

• Where in the World? Custom Search-and-Find Book  A one-of-a-kind personalized adventure! Kids search for themselves in bustling world scenes. Such a fun travel-themed keepsake gift.

• Custom My Search-and-Find World Trip Book Another personalized search-and-find option. Add your child’s name and watch them star in their own global hide-and-seek adventure. Such a cute gift! There’s also a Europe version Custom Search-and-Find European Trip Book  

• Worldwide Buddies: The Explorer Bundle Inspire global curiosity with this beautifully illustrated gift set featuring characters from around the world with activity, sticker and coloring books. 

• Unicef Paddington Postcards This is such a meaningful, travel-themed gift that gives back all year long. With a $25 monthly donation, your child receives a new package each month featuring a country to “visit” with Paddington -complete with postcards, stories, and activities - while your contribution supports children’s health, safety, and education around the world.

• Letters from Afar Snail mail? Yes, please! Beautiful, vintage-style letters mailed monthly from “a friend around the world.” Magical for curious kids who love receiving real mail.

• Interactive AR Travel Globe Bring geography to life with this augmented reality globe. Kids can explore countries, animals, and landmarks through scanning the smart globe with a device using the free companion app and watch it come alive on the screen.

We all know that keeping kids entertained during long waits or trips is the real challenge, so here are some tried-and-tested toys from our travel gift guide for kids that do the trick and would also make excellent gifts.

• Flat 2 Fast Card Racers Viral on Instagram! I got two of these amazing pocket sized car racers last year. Just press the launcher button and watch it transform into a superfast racing car - no batteries, remote control, or pull back needed! Super cool portable car toy. 

• Mini Buddha Board One of my daughter's favourite travel toys since she was 2 years old. You just need water and a paintbrush to draw without any mess. Kids love seeing their designs magically fade away as it dries.

• Loop Lasso My son has been begging for one of these viral glow-in-the-dark string shooter toys. They look SO cool, especially at night, and will guarantee a crowd of onlookers (great way to make friends). The ZipString is an alternative.

• Lite Brite Touch Remember the classic Lite Brite? This modern twist is just as much fun, and it’s great for travel - compact, with no mess! One of our most played with toys on trips. Even toddlers will love this one. 

• Lickable Bubbles Yes, they’re real and edible! Kids can actually lick these safe, flavoured bubbles while they play. They have flavours like Watermelon Splash, and Glazed Cinnamon Roll.

• Bitzee Digital Friend The Bitzee is basically a modern day Tamagotchi. This adorable digital pet reacts to touch, motion, and play. My son can’t get enough and it’s surprisingly interactive and screen-free fun.

• GiiKER Super Slide Puzzle Game I love this brand - they have lots of really cool travel games, and this one is genius. A handheld brain game that lights up and challenges kids to slide tiles into place. So addictive, even adults end up stealing turns.

If your holidays take you to warmer weather, check out these toys from our travel gift guide for kids that will make any beach day or outdoor play extra fun!

• Skipball Water Beach Toy A lightweight ball that skips across the water like a stone. Durable and perfect for fun games at the beach or pool. Great for keeping kids active during beach days or poolside afternoons.

• Kids Swim Fins These swim fins are small and are so much fun for kids who are learning to swim or just want to play in the water. They’re comfortable and perfect for building swimming skills.

• The Best Swim Googles These are amazing and we’ve purchased several pairs now. They look like sunglasses and have an adjustable stretchy cord at the back, so no rubber that pulls hairs! Super comfortable for kiddos.

• Catch and Release Aquarium This small, portable aquarium lets kids catch and observe small marine life before safely releasing them. It’s a great way to teach kids about nature while having fun at the beach.

• Topsy Light up Frisbee A total hit for night-time park hangs or beach trips! This glow-in-the-dark frisbee lights up mid-air and keeps the fun going long after sunset.

• Kids Endoscope This cute endoscope snake camera is so cool, stimulating scientific interest and creativity. It works in the water too! 

• Pocket Microscope with Camera I got my kids a couple of these for Christmas last year and we've brought it most trips since. This mini handheld microscope is perfect for curious kids to use outside so they can get a closer look at leaves, bugs, or anything they find. It even takes pictures and videos. 

• Kids Binoculars A simple but well loved adventure accessory. Great for hikes, zoo visits, or spotting Santa’s sleigh.

• Reef Tourer Underwater Viewing Bucket Such a fun viral find! Kids can peer right into the underwater world without goggles. 

Art supplies are always a win, especially when they're mess-free! Check out these travel-friendly options from our travel gift guide for kids that work great for both travel and a quiet afternoon at home.

• Melissa & Doug Mini Sketch Pad We always stock up on these spiral bound sketch pads when they're on sale. They’re the perfect size for doodling during road trips or flights.

• Small Colorful Blank Books These tiny books are perfect for journaling, drawing, or sketching. My kids love having their own little books to fill and they come in a set of fun colours.

• Solar Paper Kit If you’ve never tried solar paper, it will blow your kids’ minds! This kit lets kids create beautiful prints using the power of the sun. It’s such a fun way to blend art and science. Cool to bring along on a sunny vacation.

• Foil Fun My kids were absolutely OBSESSED with foil art last year. There are tons of sets on Amazon now, but Skillmatics is the OG and best. Foil Fun is a mess-free art kit that allows children to create vibrant, sparkling pictures by applying colorful foil sheets to adhesive foam stickers. Foil Craft - Famous Buildings Around the World is a fun travel themed one.

• Color-Changing Markers These are like magic and SO nostalgic. My kids love seeing the colors change as they draw and it adds an element of surprise every time.

• Crayola Clicks Twist-up crayons with no paper to peel. Perfect for travel art kits and easy for little hands to use without breaking.

• Fiber-Tip Pen with Cap-Ring No more losing caps. These smooth, vibrant pens make coloring and journaling on the go way more fun and keeps the caps together so you're no picking them up off the ground every 5 minutes. 

• Sticker by Letter Books We went through a phase where my 4 year old went through one of these books every week. They’re mess-free and keep kids busy for a long time. It’s also perfect for sharing as each page can be easily torn out with perforated paper. These My First Color By Sticker books are a bit easier for toddlers. 

• Origami Animal Craft Set My 6 year old recently got into origami and it keeps him entertained for SO long. We've tried a lot of different sets, and this Melissa & Doug one is still our favourite with the most clear instructions for kids to follow independently, and I like how it's very travel friendly. 

• Origami Fortune Tellers This book is such a blast! It comes with easy instructions and bright, colorful designs so they can make their own fortune tellers.

• Usborne Magic Painting Books These magic painting books are amaaaaazing. They're mess-free and easy to use - just add water and the colours come to life. It's kind of like a Water Wow, but a more advanced version with actual watercolour paint that appears when water is added. 

• Ooly Activity Cards Packed with doodles, games, and drawing prompts, these portable cards are perfect for flights or restaurant waits. Our all time favourite are the Joke Decoder cards. 

• Scratch & Sketch Travel Kids scratch away the black coating to reveal rainbow designs underneath - pure magic in a compact travel pad with themed landmarks from around the world.

• Spirograph Travel The classic design toy that lets you create endless patterns on the go in a travel-sized case. 

I’m all about gifts that are both fun and practical—something they’ll actually use every day. Check out these practical and fun extras from our travel gift guide for kids that I swear by! They all make GREAT stocking stuffers too and are under $15.

• Stopwatch A simple but super fun gift! Kids can time themselves running, jumping, and whatever else they're doing when when they say "watch this mom". It’s great for active kids and easy to carry around.
• Dinosaur Chopsticks If you have picky eaters, these chopsticks are a game-changer. Mealtime suddenly becomes a lot more exciting and it's easy to bring to a restaurant. They also come in other animals. 
• Cute Mini Tongs A simple multi-purpose item that all kids love. Great to bring to a restaurant (especially if you have picky eaters) or use for sensory play - toddlers especially love to pickup pompoms with these.
• Mark My Time Reading Timer for Kids A digital bookmark that’s a reading timer and saves your page, making it a fun multi purpose tool for readers of all ages, even on the go.
• Handheld Mini Pocket Fan Every single kid fights over these, so make sure you get one for each. I don't know why they're so obsessed, but this pocket fan is small, slim, lightweight and rechargeable.
• Hand Tally Counter My kids love using this to count steps, jumps, or just about anything! It’s such a simple but fun way for them to engage with numbers. Younger kids also just love clicking it - makes for an awesome fidget toy.
• Character Bandaids Paw Patrol, Disney, Star Wars, you name it. Honestly, these bring so much comfort during those small (but dramatic) bumps and scrapes. Or give a pack to a toddler when you need to kill some time, and I guarantee it’ll be a win! These shaped bandages are also a hit.
• Road Tape This tape is amazing for creating little roadways on tables or floors. It keeps the kids busy and gives them some direction (no pun intended) for their Hot Wheels and mini cars. It also doesn’t leave any sticky residue.
• Kids Head-Lamp This LED headlamp is perfect for outdoor adventures, camping, or just nighttime fun in the backyard. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and makes kids feel like real explorers.
• Gum - My husband recently came home with gifts for the kids, and they were both MOST excited about getting a pack of gum. Go figure. Also really helpful for ear pressure on flights! 
• Lipsmacker Coca-Cola Flavoured Lip Balm Smells exactly like a can of Coke that kids go nuts over.
  

I hope this guide has sparked some inspiration for your holiday shopping. Whether you're looking for creative travel toys or something to make those long car rides a bit more fun, this travel gift guide for kids has something on it for every little adventurer. And let's be real, the best gifts are the ones that make life a little easier for parents too :-)

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