Last updated on November 22, 2024
We’re experts at buying gifts for kids who love to travel! Our little explorers give us ideas every day. And our travels as a family have given us loads of inspiration for practical and entertaining gifts that kids love.
From useful kids travel bags to travel games the whole family can enjoy, here’s our ultimate list of travel gifts for kids that will be appreciated by children and adults alike.
The best travel gifts for kids
Kids travel bags and accessories
Kids travel backpack
A great travel backpack is a perfect gift for young adventurers. For younger kids, colourful and fun designs from brands like Smiggle are a hit and they can double as a school bag. Or for older kids, the Deuter Fox 30L, is a proper, but kid-sized, backpack for carrying all their stuff on a trip. As well as being useful, it’s a nice way for kids to gain a sense of responsibility for their belongings.
I also really love all the bags by Walker Family Goods – the owners have four kids so know what families need (plus they’re really stylish too).
Ride-on suitcase
Ride-on suitcases like Trunki add a touch of fun to travel. They’re lightweight and designed to be ridden through airports, turning long walks into enjoyable rides. Kids can also store their travel essentials inside, so they double as hand luggage. I actually prefer the Stokke JetKids BedBox to the Trunki as it’s a million times easier to steer. It also doubles as a bed box, so you can add a sort of foot/leg rest to the plane seat and convert it into more of a bed.
Scooter suitcase
A scooter suitcase takes airport entertainment to the next level. We haven’t used one yet, but I’ve seen loads of kids zipping around airports on them, and our kids are always jealous! They essentially combine the functionality of a suitcase with the excitement of a scooter, making it ideal for kids with lots of energy. Plus, it looks like a fun way to help them keep up during long treks through the terminal.
Kids’ luggage tags
Bright and colourful luggage tags are both practical and stylish. Personalised tags make it easy for kids to identify their bags while adding a touch of personality. They’re a small but thoughtful gift that kids will love.
Practical travel gifts for kids
Kids’ travel pillow
A neck pillow is super useful on long journeys. It’ll keep kids more comfortable whether they’re napping in a car, plane, or train. Look for fun designs featuring animals or favourite characters to make the gift extra special. Our kids want Stich-themed ones for Christmas this year!
Passport cover
A colourful passport cover not only protects your passport, but also adds a bit of flair. Choose from designs with cartoon characters or travel-themed patterns to make it more exciting for kids. You can even get personalised ones.
Cool water bottles
A must-have travel essential is a reusable water bottle. And there are loads of fun designs to help make hydration fun for kids! Brands like Hydro Flask or Klean Kanteen have lots of durable options in bright colours and child-friendly designs (we have the Klean Kanteen space and tiger designs). Leak-proof and easy to clean, they’re perfect for travel days, hikes, or picnics.
Reusable metal straw
A reusable straw is an eco-friendly addition to any family’s travel kit. Lightweight and fairly easy to clean, it’s great for sipping smoothies or juices while reducing waste. Some even come with carrying cases and fun colours that kids will love. We have shiny rainbow ones for the boys!
Binoculars
Our kids are obsessed by their binoculars, and I think they really encourage curiosity. Whether it’s spotting wildlife on a hike or getting a closer look at landmarks, kids love the sense of exploration. Compact and durable models are perfect for little hands.
Quick drying towels
Lightweight and quick-drying, microfibre towels are ideal for travel and have come a long way since I first started using them about 20 years ago. They feel a lot nicer these days! Brands like Dock & Bay have fun patterns that kids enjoy – we all have different colour rainbow stripes, which looks particularly satisfying on the washing line!
Head torch
A head torch adds a sense of adventure to camping trips and outdoor explorations. Kids will enjoy having their own light source for evening walks or reading in the dark, plus it makes feel like a proper adventurer.
Kids sunglasses
Protect kids’ eyes in style with high-quality sunglasses like Babiators. They have excellent UV protection while being durable enough to withstand active play. With plenty of cool designs to choose from (we have the hearts!), they’re a perfect gift for sunny vacations.
Tech travel gifts for kids
Kids digital camera
A kids’ camera is a really great way to encourage both creativity and curiosity when travelling. Otis started asking for a camera when he was about 3, and even from that age, he started to experiment with photography. Both our kids have the Vtech Kidizoom, which is no longer available, but I’ve heard good things about the xxx. Or, for an extra creative touch, the Kodak Printomatic lets kids print their photos as stickers!
Polaroid Go2
Who doesn’t love the novelty of a polaroid? And this compact instant camera is perfect for kids. It prints their snapshots instantly, which they can use to decorate a travel journal or share with friends.
Kindle
While I’ll never forsake proper books for a Kindle full time, there’s no denying they’re convenient for travel. It’s lightweight and can store hundreds of books, so if you know a bookworm, this would be a fantastic present.
Kids tablet or iPad
We haven’t gone down this route with our kids yet (I’m more of an 80s-style childhood kind of parent!), but I know many people swear by tablets/iPads as a travel companion for kids. You could preload it with educational apps, movies, and travel guides to keep little ones entertained for hours. Make sure to choose a durable case to protect against drops and bumps.
Mini Yoto
The Yoto is one of our kids’ favourite possessions. Otis has the big one and then Arlo has the Yoto Mini, which we take with us when we travel. They are essentially portable speakers that you can play stories and music through. There are cards you can buy with books preloaded, or you can also connect it to your phone. We’re big fans of the Yoto daily podcast too.
Kids’ headphones
I think a good pair of kids’ headphones are essential for flights. They can plug them into the inflight entertainment or your own tablet/computer. There are plenty of other models available with fun designs and colours. I like these ones with ears.
Creative keepsakes and memory makers
Pin map or scratch map
A pin map or scratch map is a fun and creative way to track all the places you’ve visited as a family. You could even colour code the pins to mark of places everyone has been or just the adults. We have a big pin map in our house. But another nice option is a scratch map. It’s a lovely way to remember past adventures, learn about geography and inspire future travel.
Travel journal
A travel journal is an excellent way for kids to document their experiences on the road. You could go freestyle with a classic scrapbook, some scissors and stick of glue. Or buy a guided travel journal with prompts for drawing, writing, and reflecting. I like this one by Lonely Planet.
I used to make books like this as a child and they’re amazing keepsakes to have.
Travel shadow box
A travel shadow box is a fun way to preserve mementos from a family vacation. Whether it’s ticket stubs, postcards, or small souvenirs, these boxes are a cool way for kids to display their favourite memories in a personalized way. Over time, it becomes a beautiful record of a family’s adventures.
Charm bracelet
Charm bracelets are a fun and meaningful gift that can evolve over time. Every trip can inspire a new charm, so the bracelets become a visual collection of your travels. Kids especially love picking out charms that represent each destination, whether it’s a tiny Eiffel Tower for Paris or a beach umbrella for their seaside adventures. To be honest, I’d like one myself!
Travel toys and games for kids
Plus Plus
If I had to recommend just one toy for keeping kids entertained in cafes and restaurants, it’d be Plus Plus. The little building blocks keep our kids entertained for hours. And because they’re so small, they’re ideal for travel and won’t take up much space in our bag. You can buy loads of different colours, and some come as sets with instructions of specific things to build. Our kids tend to go freeform though.
Card games
Compact card games like Uno, Dobble/Spot It, and Eye Found It are perfect for family fun on the road. Easy to pack and quick to play, these games will entertain kids (and adults) during any downtime. We always bring them with us to restaurants and cafes, even when just in Bristol.
LCD drawing screen
An LCD drawing screen is absolute perfect for travel, especially on road trips or on a place. The mess-free, reusable canvas lets young artists draw, doodle, and erase with the touch of a button, all without the worry of losing crayons or markers. Perfect for long trips, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, offering hours of entertainment on the go.
Felt tips on a ring
These are a big sanity saver – avoiding lost lids and dried out marker pens. The clever design keeps markers neat and accessible with a ring that holds multiple felt-tips. It’s a travel-friendly, organized way to carry around colouring stuff.
Go Find It cards
The Go Find It cards are a fantastic way to engage kids during travel and nature walks. Each card challenges them to find a particular item, turning the whole trip into an interactive scavenger hunt. These cards are perfect for outdoor adventures, walks, or exploring a new city.
Travel activity books for kids
How-to-draw books
Otis is obsessed by how-to-draw books, especially the Drawing with Rob books. They’re an excellent way to keep kids entertained while encouraging their artistic skills. With step-by-step instructions, these books teach kids how to draw anything from animals to landmarks, in an easy-to-follow way. We love them!
Aeroplane activities book
There are soooo many kids activity books to choose from, and they’re a great way to keep kids entertained. Packed with puzzles, games, and colouring pages, they’re both fun and educational entertainment. I like the Usborne travel activity books.
Search and find books
Search and find books like Where’s Wally? or Where’s Bluey? are excellent for keeping kids engaged and sharp-eyed. Plus they’re fun for adults too, so it’s a good family activity. They’re ideal for road trips, downtime at the airport, or while waiting for food at a restaurant. A definite family favourite in our house.
Sticker books
One of the most obvious, and also effective, ways of keeping kids entertained are sticker books. From sticker scenes to activity sheets, they provide hours of fun and are easy to carry along. They’re especially handy for keeping little ones busy during quiet moments of travel, like in airports or at cafes.
Magazine subscription
A subscription to a magazine like National Geographic Kids gives kids a regular source of travel inspiration and education. Or even a non-travel magazine – like Okido – is useful as then kids can take them on trips. These magazines often include puzzles, fun facts, and activities that help kids learn about the world around them. Plus it’s the gift that keeps on giving, month after month. The favourite in our house is The Phoenix comics.
Travel books for kids
Lonely Planet kids books
As a long-time Lonely Planet fan, I was delighted to find they do kids books too. They have specific Lonely Planet guidebooks for kids. But perhaps best of all are the coffee table books, packed with cool illustrations and facts. There are loads to choose from, from atlases to books on minerals. We’ve already got some for the kids for Christmas this year!
Destination-inspired books
Destination-inspired books let kids dive deep into the culture and geography of a place before visiting. Whether it’s a book about the ancient pyramids of Egypt or the culture of Tokyo, these books bring new places to life. They’re a great way to get kids excited and prepared for their next family vacation. I love the See-Inside books for younger kids.
Atlas
An illustrated atlas for kids is a wonderful way to teach geography while exploring the world. These atlases are often filled with fun facts, landmarks, and activities to engage young minds. We have the Lonely Planet atlas, which the kids love.
Personalized adventure storybooks
I remember loving these as a kid myself, and now my children are no different. The personalised adventure storybooks make kids the heroes of their own travel tales. You can customise the characters’ names, making it feel like a unique adventure for each child.
Interactive and Educational Travel Gifts
Interactive globe
An interactive globe is a fantastic gift that blends learning with fun. Kids can touch different countries or landmarks to hear facts about them, making geography come alive. Otis got one for Christmas one year and it quickly became a firm favourite.
Little Passports subscription
If you’re in the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you could get a Little Passports subscription box. It sends monthly kits filled with travel-themed activities and stories. Kids can learn about different countries, cultures, and languages in a hands-on way, making it an excellent learning tool for any young traveler. Sadly, they’re not available in the UK.
Geocaching starter kit
For older kids, a geocaching starter kit an turn a family trip into a treasure hunt. With a GPS or app, kids can search for hidden caches in the real world, teaching them navigation skills and fostering a sense of adventure. We haven’t tried this yet, but I love the idea of it!
Travel-themed LEGO sets
LEGO sets based on travel and adventure themes are perfect for creative kids. Whether it’s building a tuk-tuk from Thailand, a plane, or a globe, these sets let kids build and explore iconic landmarks and scenes from around the world. I particularly love these LEGO postcards.
Language learning games
Language learning games for kids are fun and interactive way to learn key phrases and vocabulary in a new language. Whether you’re heading to Spain, France, or Japan, they’re an excellent way to introduce kids to a new language before the trip. A subscription to Duolingo would also be a good choice.
Gifts for parents and families
Family passport holder
We just got this cool family passport holder, which holds four passports, and also has space for documents and cards. It’s super handy for staying organised and keeping everything in one place. Plus it also looks good. It’d an ideal gift for families that love travel.
Walker Family Goods bags
We’ve already mentioned these in the kids’ bag section, but they also do great family-sized bags. I’m a huge fan of their style and love my duffle bag from them. I also have my eye on the roll-on case, which has loads of well thought-out compartments and features.
Packing cubes
I know I bang on about these, but packing cubes really are the key to successful packing. They allow you pack in more stuff while also keeping organised. They’re especially great for families as you can all have your own cubes and not get all your clothes mixed up even if using one bag.