Travelling with a toddler is its own unique, challenging adventure. The bags are full to the brim, patience is in short supply, and little minds only stay occupied for so long. 

No matter whether you’re travelling for a few hours or most of the day, travel toys can be a lifesaver for the whole family. Here are some of the best that actually reduce travel day stress. 

What makes a good travel toy for toddlers? 

You may be wondering how to choose a good travel toy rather than one that will be left in the bag, taking up precious space. The best travel toys for toddlers are: 

• Small and light: When travelling, small toys are the best. Anything that requires its own bag, comes in multiple pieces, or is needlessly heavy is a no.
  

• No small parts: Pieces that can be dropped, lost or posted into a plane seat pocket are most likely better off left at home.
  

• Open-ended: A toy with only one purpose will be considered boring within 20 minutes into the flight. A toy that can become anything keeps kids happy for the entire journey.
  

• Familiar and comforting: Travel is unsettling for small children, so packing toys they already love and trust can entertain and reassure them at the same time. 
  
  

1. A comforting companion

One of the best toys to take on travel days with a toddler is a companion. They’re small enough to go in a bag or be carried in one hand, familiar enough to be immediately calming, and open-ended to sustain play across the entire day. 

The key is to bring one that your child already loves rather than a new toy. If they’re already connected to their doll, they can use it to anchor themselves in unknown places and reduce anxiety. 

2. Small collectable figurines

Pocket-sized travel toys that can be held, talked to, and carried in a small pouch are ideal. They weigh next to nothing, take up almost no space, and can support imaginative play on plane fold-away trays. 

The best toys have names and personalities that your child can build upon. Look for characters with backstories to keep them entertained for as long as possible. 

3. Small board books

Younger children love familiar board books, and they don’t take up too much space in carry-on bags. Reading together while waiting to board or while in the air is a lovely, calming experience for children. It can even help adults manage their cortisol levels. 

Choose a few books your little one already knows by heart, so they can benefit from the comfort of already knowing what’s coming next. 

4. Sticker books and reusable sticker sets

Reusable sticker sets, where the stickers can be peeled off and repositioned, are genuinely absorbing for children of all ages. They’re mess-free, quiet, and you don’t have to worry about losing any pieces. 

A good sticker book can last several trips, so make sure you find one that your child will enjoy looking at again and again! 

5. Colouring books

A small pad and a set of chunky crayons or washable markers are a great addition to your carry-on bag. It’s simple yet effective, reliable, and offers endless possibilities. 

The best part is that you’ll have several new pieces of artwork to decorate your home with after your holiday. 

What to leave at home when travelling with toddlers

While it might be tempting to raid the toy box and pack as many toys as you can, there are some things that are better left at home. These include: 

• Anything with batteries: They’re loud and will probably annoy other travellers. They also offer minimal imaginative play, which quickly becomes boring.
  

• New toys: Your child will most likely prefer toys with which they have an emotional connection over new toys, as novelty wears off quickly.
  

• Structured play toys: Things that have specific levels or objectives become obsolete if they’re achieved too quickly during the day. 
  
  

Foster creativity with Dinkum World

Every character from the Dinkum World arrives with a name, a personality, and a backstory. We include these details as an invitation for owners to build upon: your own story that no one else can replicate. 

Touch the rainbow over a Dinkum's heart. Close your eyes. You're already there.

Explore the Dinkum family at dinkumdolls.com