Best Travel Gifts For Kids
Emmie has helped me pull together this list of 50 best travel gifts for kids! I love buying gifts that are practical and will get used – and gifts for traveling kids are ALWAYS handy. So here is our list of the best travel gifts for kids, the best gifts for kids on holidays and gifts that they will use while home and away. Hope you find something helpful in here – Emmie assures me you will!
This post contains affiliate links which means should you buy something I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you 🙂 Thanks so much!
Table of Contents
- Best travel gifts for kids
1.1 Olympus Tough – Cameras for kids
1.2 Eyemasks for kids
1.3 Kids snorkels and snorkel sets
1.4 Wireless headphones for kids
1.5 Fun experiences all over the world
1.6 Helmets for kids
1.7 GoPro Hero Black 6 - Travel games for kids and family
2.1 Uno
2.2 Monopoly Deal Card Game
2.3 Simon Micro
2.4 Best Ever Backseat Games - Fun travel gifts for kids
3.1 Micro Scooters for kids (and adults too)
3.2 Lightweight travel kite
3.3 Lightweight Bocce set
3.4 Luggage tags for kids
3.5 Colouring pencils in a roll up case
3.6 Pencil case
3.7 Drawing books - Best travel books for kids
4. 1 The Travel Book: Mind Blowing Stuff (Lonely Planet Kids)
4. 2 My Travel Journal (Lonely Planet Kids)
4. 3 Amazing World Atlas: Bringing the World to Life (Lonely Planet Kids)
4.4 Ultimate Explorer Guide: Explore, Discover and Create Your Own Adventures with Rea
4.5 Travel and road trip books for kids - Practical gifts for kids
5.1 Sleeping bag (up to six years)
5.2 Osprey Hiking Pack for Kids
5.3 Camelbal Eddy Water bottle
5.4 Kids own flashlight – Maglite Mini
5.5 Packing cubes for Kids
5.6 BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
5.7 Mac in a Sac – packable rain jacket for Kids
5.8 Ultra Waterproof Natural Kid Friendly and Baby Safe Mineral Sunscreen - Gifts to make your kids feel a little grown up
6.1 Passport holders for kids
6.2 Unicorn Tote Bag
6.3 Cobiz Kids Binoculars
6.4 Kids toiletries/wash bag - Technology for kids
7.1 iPad
7.2 Kindle Paperwhite
7.3 iPad cover
7.4 Kindle Cover
7.5 Travel pillow for the iPad
7.6 Fun iPad case/stand for kids - Sustainable gifts
8.1 Reusable organic bamboo straws
8.2 Reusable stainless steel straws
8.3 Reusable cutlery set
1 .1 Olympus Tough camera for kids
This is our favourite camera for kids and for adults. I bought this Olympus Tough for Emmie when we first left on our travels and it took the most amazing underwater photos, especially for a camera at this price point. The only problem was she threw it into a spa when the housing was open so it went kaput. We are definitely getting another one as soon as we can!
1. 2 Travel eyemasks for kids
Emmie can usually sleep anywhere at any time of the day, but travel eye masks are essential for plans, trains and anywhere else you lay your hat. If kids sleep, parents get a rest and can maybe sleep too. Emmie loves having her own eyemask
Check out this range of eyemasks for boys and girls. Again with the unicorn – this is Emmie’s dream eye mask. We always wear them on planes, trains and any transport really, and when we are spending the night at an airport Starbucks! It’ so important for kids to sleep as much when traveling as they can – mostly for our sanity…and these cute travel eye masks are as fun as they are practical.
1.3 Kids snorkels and snorkel sets
There is nothing like snorkelling over ocean reefs and checking our the fish and marine life, especially if you get to see a turtle or manta! We love traditional snorkels but full face masks are helping more kids and adults explore the sea. Here are some of our faves:
You can find a range of awesome snorkels here >>
Here are snorkel sets including flippers and carry bags >>
Take a look at full face masks for kids here >>
1.4 Kids Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Headphones are super important when you’re traveling – when you need to whip out the iPad for some peace and quiet you want to make sure you’re not annoying anyone else with Barbie or the Wiggles. I love the wifi headphones cause there’s no annoying cords to worry about. LilGadget headphones are tried and tested, developed just for kids with durability and safety in mind PLUS they donate funds to prevent bullying and are enviro conscious.
If you’re in Australia click here!
1.5 Fun experiences all over the world!
Giving experiences is a great way to open kids eyes and minds to the world around them! Check out Get Your Guide for amazing activities in your town or at your next destination.
1.6 Helmets for kids
You can’t rely on bike and scooter hire places to have kids sized helmets so we always travel with Emmies. We just clip it to her daypack and it means she always has a helmet to keep her dafe should we ride bikes or do anything else that requires skull protection. Emmie’s helmet was a green Mike from Monsters Inc but now it’s all about the unicorn.
If you’re in Australia click here!
1.7 Go Pro Hero 6 Black – accessory bundle
I love my GoPro – it’s given us the best action videos on zippiness and underwater photos with turtles and mantas. We are due for an upgrade and the 6 looks just amazing.
There are lots of packages you can get or you can just buy the GoPro outright.
2.1 Uno
We love Uno – it’s one of Emmie’s best gifts for kids and we have played it everywhere, just like so many families that love it too. You can play this game anywhere – we’ve played on trains, planes and ferries and we have bonded with people from different cultures over a game of Uno!
There are a few different versions of Uno nowadays including Uno Attack – love this one!
2.2 Monopoly Deal Card Game
Who doesn’t love Monopoly! And this handy card version fits so easily into a backpack. Fun and compact – the perfect combination.
You can find a range of awesome Monopoly games here >>
2.3 Simon Micro
I had Simon when I was little and I loved introducing Emmie to it too – and as he was just as hooked as I was. It’s a memory game where you have to remember sequences of lights and colours as time speeds up and the patterns get longer and longer. Ah I love it! We carried A Simon along in our backpack with our Uno.
If you’re in Australia click here!
You can find a range of Simons here – in full size and super small keychains! >>
2.4 The Best Ever Backseat Games: Fun games to play while you are traveling
We all need to give the kids lots to do when driving, flying or on any kind of transport. Here’s some great ideas!
If you’re in Australia click here!
You can find a range of awesome travel books and car trip games here >>
3.1 Micro Scooters for kids (and adults too)
To be honest we didn’t take our Micro with us on our big trip but it comes down to the caravan with us – and if we had room in the backpack it would have come along to Asia. It folds up so easily and is lightweight and so great for kids who are whinging about walking – they can scoot instead. Don’t forget to take your helmet too.
If you’re in Australia click here
3.2 Lightweight travel kite
We had a kite with us for some of our trip, travel kites can fold up really small and are super light weight. It’s an awesome outdoor activity for kids on the road or holidaying at home.
If you’re in Australia click here!
There are heaps of super cool kites – you can check them out here >>
3.3 Lightweight Bocce set
We fell in love with bocce after playing Paris with kind locals on the Seine! What a morning. We carried a little set with us and it’s so fun to set up anywhere -on the beach, in the park or inside! You can get lightweight sets to carry with you, or if your camping or at home there are many beautiful sets to buy. It’s so mu h fun for the whole family and friends.
If you’re in Australia click here
3.4 Luggage tags for kids
Emmie loves having her own luggage tags. It makes her feel a bit special and when we are not traveling she has them on her school bag (it’s the in thing apparently). You can get so many different kinds of tags – there’s really fun ones, colourful ones and picture ones like these unicorns.
If you’re in Australia click here!
There are so many super cute tags here! Good luck deciding. >>
This is Emmie’s fave at the moment (because, unicorns) – you can check the prices on Amazon >>
3.5 Colouring pencils in a roll up case
These fabbo pencils roll up in a canvas carrier and come with a sharpener. Perfect for a kid on the go and easy to carry in their backpack. They’re easy to pull out for sketching or colouring. A great gift for a traveling kid.
If you’re in Australia click here!
Check out prices and availability here : Colored Pencils, COVACURE Premier Color Pencil Set With 36 Colouring Pencils,Sharpener and Canvas Pencil Bag for Kids and Adult Coloring Book,Ideal for Christmas Gifts >>
If you’re in Australia click here
If you already have your pens for your trip. but just need a pencil case, check out these wraps. Just slide in your pencils and roll them up. Great for travel, home and school.
If you’re in Australia click here!
Em loves drawing and these books with drawing instructions are so great for creative little minds, especially when on the go and needing to settle down and focus.
4.1 The Travel Book: Mind-Blowing Stuff on Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet Kids)
Another fabulous title from the gang at Lonely Planet with fascinating tips to ignite your child’s wanderlust and thirst to explore.
If you’re in Australia click here!
You can find a range of awesome Lonely Planet kids books here >>
4. 2 My Travel Journal – Lonely Planet
We haven’t had great success with journaling but we persevere! It important to make it fun, like the Lonely Planet My Travel Journal – it has topic suggestions, lists and space to write and draw plus it’s loud and proud! Much better than trying to get them to do it in an exercise book FYI!
If you’re in Australia click here!
You can find a range of Lonely Planet books for kids here >>
4.3 Amazing World Atlas: Bringing the World to Life (Lonely Planet Kids)
I could do with a bit of help from this myself – for some reason I only know where somewhere is once I’ve been there…and even then I can be a bit hit and miss. From the fabulous gang at the Lonely Planet, make sure to fit this in your kids backpack.
If you’re in Australia click here!
4. 4 Ultimate Explorer Guide: Explore, Discover, and Create Your Own Adventures with Rea
This National Geographic Ultimate Explorer Guides are amazing. There are so many titles – I’m ordering Emmie the star gazing and amphibian books, and there are so many more to learn from. Awesome!
Click here if you’re in Australia
4.5 Travel & Roadtrip books for kids
There’s whole lot of great activity books for kids – grab a couple and watch them learn, play quizzes, draw and be entertained on flights, trains and on rainy days.
If you’re in Australia click here.
Check out this bumper travel activity book on Amazon >>
Take a look at all the kids travel activity books on Amazon >>
5.1 Kids Sleeping Bag (up to six years)
Soft and lightweight, the Kelty Kids sleeping bag is wiggle-proof and super soft.
You can find a range of awesome kids sleeping bags here >>
5.2 Osprey hiking pack for kids
This Osprey pack gets a five star rating on Amazon for its lightweight, durability, zippered compartments and mesh sides – and its makers guarantee to repair or replace any defects or damage free of charge.
Click here if you’re in Australia
5.3 Camelbak Eddy water bottle
This is our favourite waterbottle. Easy to drink from and super durable. We’ve carried these with us all throughout our trip and recommend them for adults and kids.
Click here if you’re in Australia
Check the price on Amazon CamelBak Eddy Water Bottle, Iris.75 L >>
5. 4 Kids own flashlight – Maglite Mini Incandescent
Emmie loved having her own torch. We’ve tried out a few from some more novel styles to the awesome Mini Maglites. THey’re the best for durability, reliability and brightness in my opinion. I even took one backpacking on my first trip in 1997 – and it was blue and just like this one!
Click here if you’re in Australia
Kids need their own packing cubes for their gear – cubes make packing easy and finding things even easier. Cubes make your clothes much more compact and you can see through the mesh to find your gear. If you buy a set you can group clothes in each bag – one for underwear, one for shirts, one for swimmers etc. We like this set of four plus laundry bag. Go on, make life easier and get the kids to be responsible for their packing and laundry management!!
Click here if you’re in Australia
5.6 BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting travel pillow
I love this pillow cause it now only support kids necks, it stops that awful chin drop too! Perfect for long flights and train rides.
Click here if you’re in Australia
Check BCOZZY chin supporting travel pillow prices on Amazon >>
5.7 Mac in a Sac mini rain jacket for kids
I love Mac in a Sac. I first bought one gosh maybe 20 years ago and it was such an awesome idea! A rain jacket, with hood, that fits into a little sack!
I love this blue one as it’s bright and easy to spot. perfect in rainy or misty weather when visibility is to that great.
Check prices and sizes here >>
If you’re in Australia click here.
You can find all the Macs in a Sac for kids and adults here >>
5.8 Ultra Waterproof Natural Kid Friendly and Baby Safe Mineral Sunscreen
Grab your child their own travel sunscreen to keep in their bag so they can top up as needed and protect their skin. If youre traveling or kids are exploring camping groups or hiking it’s super handy to have their own cream to reapply when they’re in the sun. We love this all natural reef-safe cream.
Giving your child their own passport holder is a huge exercise in trust! But as they get older and can go through immigration individually it’s nice to have their own cover – and you can keep control of the actual passport!
You can find a range of gorgeous passport holders here >>
If you decide to get yourself one (as I am) you can check out fancier covers for adults here >>
Em is a huge fan of carrying her own tote when we are strolling around town. She feels so grown up, especially if she has a few dollars of local money to spend. It’s really nice to see that independence creeping in, and that she is still young enough to be a unicorn tote (although there is no age limit on living unicorns right?’
Birdwatcher or secret sleuth? These binoculars for kids are so cool – they have 10x magnification and are lightweight for little hands to hold for long periods of time. They adjust and fold and come with a neck strap and cleaning cloth. They’re perfect for bird watching, wildlife spotting, fishing and hiking – I think Em might find some from Santa this year for our trip to Borneo.
Kids love getting their own toiletries or wash bag. They can add their own little soaps, washcloth, shampoo and other bits and bobs. The featured bag to the right hangs and folds our, with multiple compartments, strong zipper and is perfectly compact for travel.
Check out the cute toiletries bags for kids here on Amazon >>
We all love our Apple iPads and they’re really a sanity saver when traveling and you need some downtime and peace and quiet.
I was a late starter to the Kindle world and now Emmie and I share a Kindle and we LOVE it. I love how I have an entire library at my fingertips for me and for Emmie that we can use at any time. Plus I remember backpacking in the 90s and carrying books with me (actually I was doing that last year too until I bought the Kindle) – the Kindle is so lightweight n comparison. Def worth a purchase!
And now you have the Kindle you need the Kindle cover!
7. 5 The eZView iPad Travel Pillow – perfect for planes and transport
It’s so helpful to have a stand for your child’s iPad! They don’t have to worry about trying to balance it and have it falling over. The Travel Pillow is perfect!
7.6 Fun ipad case/stand for kids
Emmie’s friend has this case and stand and it’s awesome because it’s like a carry case, and is turns into a stand. The soft silicone keeps the iPad protected and its multiple uses make it a winner in my book.
Check the price on Amazon >>
8.1 Organic bamboo straws – set of 10
Stop the single use plastic straws and use these awesome bamboo straws instead. Carry them with you and say no to straws. It’s so so good for the environment, and its great to see kids leading the way and caring for Mother Earth!
8.2 Stainless steel straws with silicone tips and cleaning brush
Another great way to protect Mother Earth is with these stainless steal straws. There’s enough for the family, and the kids can lead the way.
8.3 Stainless steel reusable cutlery set
Kids will love having their own reusable cutlery set in bamboo or stainless steal.
Check out the bamboo cutlery set here. >>
These Coleman Kids Camping Glow-in-The-Dark Teal Quad Chairs are so awesome – they glow in the dark; have cup holders and the lower seat gives it extra stability for little ones.
Check out these Coleman camping chairs on Amazon. >>
We love totem tennis. We have one down at our van and we just shove the pole into the grass and GAME ON! It’s a fun game for everyone and especially for kids on camping holidays or in the backyard at home.
You can find a range of awesome totem tennis options here >>
9. 3 Fishing kit for kids with hand line
Emmie has one of these fishing kits at the van and we are going to give it a shot on our next holiday. It comes in blue. green, red or pink and has all the beginner tools you need to learn to fish with a handline. So much fun to do together.
If you’re after reels or something a bit more advanced you can check out fishing products for kids here >>
9.4 Kids Exploration Kit
This kit looks so unreal – it includes binoculars, a flailsght, magnifying glass, whistle, compass, butterfly net, bug containers, tweezers, and a binocular bag, all in this awesome little backpack!
We’ve just joined in the Nerf craze and I have to admit I do enjoy making Em run in front of me like a fairground duck while I take aim with the darts. I love this Nerf Elite pack cause it comes as a pack with the darts and the blaster. Just don’t try to take it on a plane as carry on as it will be confiscated. I know this for a fact 😉
Ahh these are the best – Emmie has one for nippers and it’s so easy to throw on after a swim and just go!
