Often, kids get just as excited (and sometimes more so) than adults about an upcoming trip. However, as most parents know, getting to and from the destination can be hard on kiddos. Then, there are times that you think your child is going to be totally excited about the things you have planned on your trip…only to get there and have them act unimpressed and bored (especially moody teens). Below are some great travel gifts for kids that will make traveling less stressful and more fun for everyone (& I've included links for your convenience)! Most items come in other colors as well.
1. Travel journal
I love a good travel journal. It’s a great way to capture what you did, what you saw and any funny or interesting things that happened along the way. It’s so fun to look back, even years later, and have all of those memories come alive for you once again!
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Kids' Travel Journal (Vacation Diary, Trip Notebook).
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Travel Journal for Kids: The Adventure Begins: Vacation Diary for Children: 100+ Page Travel Journal with Prompts PLUS Blank Pages for Drawing or Scrapbooking (Kids Travel Journals) (Volume 3)
2. Coloring books/pencils or crayons
Coloring can help pass the time for all ages and it can be a very calming experience (even for adults)! With so many options these days, you can find the perfect coloring book for every person in your crew.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Animated Coloring Books with Augmented Reality & Art Supplies Set [63 Piece] for Children – Arts and Crafts for Girls and Boys – Best Kids Gift & Travel Activity – Ideal Kid Toy Age 4 + Year Old!
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Faber Castell Coloring for Relaxation Gift Set – 60 Connector Markers & Coloring Book – Adult Coloring for Relaxation
✔PRO TIP: Make sure you grab your free packing checklist! It has everything you'll need in an easy-to-use PDF checklist that you can use over & over!
3. Travel games
Nothing passes the time on a road trip like playing games. I like to have games the whole family can play together and some that can be done solo (once the kids get tired of each other). Here are a few picks. Also, be sure to check out the article Road Trip Games Everyone Will Love for more fun ideas!
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Take ‘N' Play Anywhere – Hangman
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Brain Games Mini – Travel Games
My Amazon Pick for the whole family: Rubberneckers: Everyone's Favorite Travel Game
4. Luggage
Some luggage can be super helpful getting your little one through the airport (like my little ones pick below). Older kids will feel so grown up once they are old enough for their own luggage. I did a complete review of various ride-on luggage options. These are my top picks for kids.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Harley The Lady-bug Trunki Suitcase
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: iubest Scooter Luggage for Kids/Adult
5. Camera
Who doesn’t love taking pictures while on vacation? My kiddo loves taking his own pictures of whatever he wants (often a cool bug or some other critter). It’s a great way to get them engaged in their surroundings. Once your child is old enough for a phone, they may have all the camera they need on the phone. If they are really into photography, you might consider the Tweens & Teens pick below.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Goopow Kids Camera Toys for 3-8 Year Old Boys,Children Digital Video Camcorder Camera with Cartoon Soft Silicone Cover, Best Birthday Festival Gift for Kids Children – 32G SD Card Included(Light Blue)
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: HD Mini Digital Cameras for Kids Teens Beginners,Point and Shoot Digital Video Cameras for Birthday Christmas
6. Portable tech devices
Most of us parents try to limit the amount of time our kids stare at a screen, but when you’re several hours in to a trip with several hours still to go, a little screen time might be in order. We loved all LeapFrog products when my son was young.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet, (Frustration Free Packaging), Green
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Many tweens and teens will have their own smart phone or their own (or the use of their parents) iPads or similar device. If they don't, consider this Kindle Paperwhite, 6″ High Resolution Display (212 ppi) with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi – Includes Special Offers (Previous Generation – 6th)
7. Travel magazines
Want your little one to catch the travel bug? A great travel magazine can inspire all ages! Plus, they’ll learn all kinds of interesting facts & information.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Ranger Rick's Travels: National Parks
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Faces Magazine
8. Travel pillow/blanket
Okay, most kids aren’t going to get excited about your average travel pillow….BUT an animal travel pillow with matching sleep mask?!? Now that is a great gift! Okay, maybe your 13 year old won’t get excited about that one…not to worry, I’ve included a pick for them too. I personally use the adult version of the trtl Travel Pillow and I love it!
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Memory Foam Animal Travel Pillow, Comfortable Neck Pillow with Cute Eye Mask Lightweight Traveling Pillow for Airplane, Car, Train, Bus and Home Use (Tiger)
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: I have a flight attendant friend that swears by the Trtl travel pillow (I just got one and will use it on my next flight). I was exctired when I found this junior version! trtl Pillow Junior, Kids Travel Pillow with Built in Neck Support, Ergonomic Design and Hypoallergenic Fleece Travel Accessories for Kids Aged 8+.
9. Snorkel set
I don’t know about you, but I don’t love the idea of renting snorkel equipment. This will give your child their own stuff and they can practice before your trip in the pool or even in the bathtub. There is some controversy around the full face masks and some say they can be dangerous, so I have chosen to stay away from those.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Kids Snorkel Set Underwater Mask & Snorkel Set Comfortable Double Lens Snorkeling Mask & Breathing Tube with Flexible Silicone Mouthpiece – Swimming & Diving Gear with Anti-Leak Design
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: POPCHOSE Snorkel Set, Silicone Snorkeling mask Set for Adults and Youth, Foldable Snorkel Anti-Fog Anti-Leak Adjustable Diving Mask Gear Mesh Bag for Snorkeling, Diving, Swimming
👍ARE YOU TRAVEL OBSESSED? Join ‘Our Travel Obsession' Facebook group!
10. Binoculars
Another great way to get them engaged in their surroundings is to get them binoculars. I can’t tell you how many trips we’ve been on where we wish we had had a pair. Get them & pack them every time (And, of course, I have included them on The Ultimate Packing Checklist)!
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: LET'S GO! Binocular for Kids, Compact High Resolution Shockproof Binoculars
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Binoculars for Adults Kids, ZIPOUTE 10×25 Folding Compact Binoculars with Weak Light Night Vision Clear for Birds Watching Hunting Traveling Concerts Outdoor Sports with Strap Carrying Bag
11. Books
Books can be a great way to pass the time while on a trip. It’s also the perfect tool to use to get them excited about where they are going even before you head out the door. I often find books about the place we are heading that tells the story of the local history and we read it before our trip. Another way to keep them excited is to get a book about the local wildlife and have them mark in the book each one they see. We did this when we went to Costa Rica and our son loved marking which animals he had seen each day. I've used Costa Rica as an example here, but you can find similar books for tons of locations around the world!
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Costa Rica ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Costa Rica (Country ABCs)
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: The Wildlife of Costa Rica: A Field Guide (Zona Tropical Publications)
12. Backpack
Kids can carry their own backpack as a carry on and keep all their travel goodies in there. While I’ll admit that my tween/teen pick isn’t the most exciting looking backpack, I really love this one for traveling. It’s weather resistant & extremely light weight. It will even fold into it’s own little pocket!
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Buckle Toy – Buddy Backpack
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Bago 25L Packable Lightweight Backpack – Water Resistant Travel and Hiking Daypack – Foldable and Handy for Camping Outdoor Sports (Black)
13. Toiletry bag
Having each kid have their own toiletry bag makes bed time and shower time easier for all.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Kids Wash Bag, Yeiotsy Color Clash Portable Travel Toiletry Bag for Children's Camping Outing Short Trip (Blue)
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Bago Hanging Toiletry Bag For Women & Men – Leak Proof Travel Bags for Toiletries with Hanging Hook & Inner Organization to Keep Items From Moving – Pack Like a PRO (Green)
14. Scratch off map
You can get these for a specific country or the whole world. It can be a fun family activity to scratch off the places you go, especially if you travel often.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: STEM Geo-Literacy USA Scratch-Off Map Learning Toy for Kids | Durable Plastic | National Parks, Flags | 64 Landmarks & Learning Cards, Stickers| Writable Surface, Marker | Gift-Ready Packaging
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Scratch Off Map of The World – World Map (23.4″ x 16.5″) + Bonus Scratch Off USA Map with Full Accessories Set & Name-Tagged Gift Box – Perfect Gift for Travelers
15. Magnetic Toys
These are perfect for entertaining your kids for long periods of time. Since they're magnetic, they won't get away from you! My tween/teen pick was a huge hit with my entire extended family at Christmas last year. All of the adults wanted a turn too. They are kind of addicting to play with.
My Amazon Pick for Little Ones: Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set, The Original, Award-Winning Magnetic Building Tiles for Kids, Creativity and Educational Building Toys for Children, STEM Approved
My Amazon Pick for Tweens & Teens: Seriously, these are SO fun! My entire family loves playing with them. 1010 Sculpture Orbit Balls Beads Intelligence Developer DIY Creative Fun Home & Office Toy for Adults
And there you have it! A bunch of fun travel gifts your kids are sure to love. I hope you were able to find the perfect gift(s) for your little traveler!
If you enjoyed this post, here are some others you might like!
- 10 Amazon Travel Gift Ideas for Her
- 10 Amazon Travel Gift Ideas for Him
- Road Trip Games Everyone Will Love
Until next time…
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.
My Favorite Travel Booking Apps & Websites
⭐MY TRAVEL OBSESSION:
- Products & Services – My Travel Obsession's travel planning products, services, and freebies!
- What To Pack – See all of my personal favorite travel items.
- Travel Resources – Resources that I use most when planning, booking & traveling.
🏡FOR FINDING GREAT PLACES TO STAY:
- VRBO – My #1 recommendation for family-friendly lodging options.
- Expedia – My favorite for hotel bookings.
🚗FOR CAR & RV RENTALS:
- Discover Cars & Sixt – My favorite sites for rental cars worldwide.
- Turo.com – Rent a car from an individual owner – It's like VRBO for cars!
- RVShare – Rent an RV for your next family road trip!
🚁FOR ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS, & TOURS:
- Viator & Get Your Guide – The best sites to find and book activities & excursions.
- Gypsy Guide – An AWESOME audio tour app. ALWAYS check to see if they have a tour available.
🩺FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- SafetyWing – The lowest-cost travel insurance out there. Several options starting as low as $42 for 4 weeks of coverage.
✈FOR FINDING GREAT FLIGHT DEALS:
- Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) – My #1 recommendation for saving big $$$ on flights. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.
🥾FOR HIKING:
- AllTrails – THE APP for hikers. I recommend paying for the pro version so you can use the navigation feature while hiking.
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LOVE this list! ❤️❤️
Yay! Thanks – my kiddo helped 🙂