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How to Keep Your Kids Entertained During Holiday Travel (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Let’s face it, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year — except for when you’re trying to get yourself and your kids from point A to point B. Travel with little ones can feel like you're preparing for a full-on Olympic event: navigating crowded airports, negotiating with grumpy flight attendants, and praying for a peaceful car ride where no one gets carsick. But don’t worry, mama, I’ve got you covered! With a little prep work and a few creative tricks up your sleeve, you’ll keep your kids entertained, and you might even squeeze in a moment of peace for yourself.


Here are my top picks for travel-friendly activities that will keep your little adventurers happy (and hopefully quiet) during your holiday trek:



Okay, I’m going to be honest here — I used to think that all coloring books were created equal. But then I discovered the Magic Ink Coloring Books featuring Disney Princesses, Moana, and Minnie Mouse. These things are a game-changer.

The secret? They come with an invisible ink pen that reveals hidden pictures and games. That’s right, no messy markers or crayons to ruin your seat-back tray. The best part? You don’t need to worry about the ink accidentally marking up your clothes, your neighbor’s clothes, or your phone (which, let’s be real, is probably within reach at all times).

Each set has 3 books — one with Disney Princesses, one with Moana, and one with Minnie Mouse. And for those moments when your kid gets a little too excited and needs an extra distraction, it also comes with a bunch of Disney Princess stickers. Plus, the compact size makes it perfect for travel. Win-win! ✨



If you're looking for something to keep those little hands busy and work on some fine motor skills, then a Mermaid Lacing Card Kit is where it's at. This set lets kids create adorable mermaid and sea animal crafts while working on their hand-eye coordination. I mean, it’s practically a sneaky way to improve their dexterity while giving you a few moments of quiet.

Plus, it comes in a cute, reusable box, so if you’re traveling light (or trying to avoid the landslide of toys in your bag), this is a perfect solution. It’s fun for kids 3+, but honestly, it’s so addictive that I’ve caught myself getting involved in a few projects here and there. #SorryNotSorry






For your little PAW Patrol fan, these restickable sticker sets are a must-have travel companion. Each set comes with scenes from Adventure Bay, classic missions, and ultimate rescues — and the best part? The stickers are reusable. That means hours of “rescuing” and “helping” without having to replace missing stickers every 5 minutes.

What I love about these is that they’re mess-free, so no worrying about a sticky car seat or hotel room. It’s an amazing way to keep your child entertained without the headache of constantly picking up lost pieces. Plus, the flip-flap feature? Pure genius. It keeps things fresh and new without requiring you to pack up 50 different toys.



If you want to really keep your kids occupied without hearing, “I’m bored” every 5 minutes, grab an Animal Sticker Book Activity. With over 500 stickers to place on 12 unique scenes, your kids will have a blast creating wild adventures featuring everything from ocean creatures to farm animals.

These spiral-bound books are fantastic because they lay flat, making it easier for your little one to focus on their sticker scene without needing to constantly flip pages. And since it’s quiet, portable, and mess-free, this one’s a no-brainer for car rides or flights.





If you’ve got a budding engineer or an architect in the family, the MAGNA-TILES microMAGS set is perfect for keeping them entertained while also letting their creativity soar. These small, magnetic tiles come in different shapes and can be used to build just about anything — from towers to rocket ships, you name it.

The best part? It’s all contained in a compact tin, which means no huge toy bags cluttering up your space. The tiles snap together easily, so your child can create wherever they are — on the plane, in the car, or at a restaurant. Plus, it helps develop fine motor skills and spurs creativity. I’ll take that over screen time any day!




Sometimes, you need a little distraction that’s not a screen. Enter the LED Telescopic Suction Cup Giraffe Toy. It’s ridiculously cute, bendable, and full of suction cup magic. Your kids can stick it to any flat surface, then watch as the giraffe extends its neck or twists and bends in all sorts of fun ways.

It’s small, light, and totally kid-friendly — no sharp edges or complicated buttons. Plus, it lights up, which is always a win in my book. It’s perfect for little hands and will keep your kids entertained without the usual fidgety chaos.



Ah, the joy of doodling. But what happens when your toddler loves to draw everywhere? Cue the Doodle Tablet. This brilliant little gadget lets your child draw to their heart’s content, but without the mess of markers or the constant need for new paper. The screen is super easy to erase with a press of a button, so when the drawing session is over, it’s clean and ready for the next masterpiece.

The best part? It’s totally travel-friendly. No more crumpled drawings or marker lids rolling around in the bottom of your bag. It’s like an Etch A Sketch for the modern era — perfect for keeping your child entertained on long flights or road trips.


Wrapping It Up

Holiday travel with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little creativity and the right gear, you can turn those long flights, car rides, or waiting-at-the-airport moments into enjoyable adventures for everyone. These travel essentials will keep your kids engaged and entertained without needing to rely on the digital babysitter (aka the iPad).

And who knows? You might even manage to finish that book you’ve been meaning to read. Or — dare I say it? — sneak in a quick nap.

 
 
 

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