Style & Culture

16 gift ideas for mini travellers

Our favourite fun gift ideas for the little globetrotter in your life
15 travel gift ideas for kids

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Are you raising a budding explorer? In time for your next family holiday, it's time to consider some of these top travel gifts for kids and inspire a sense of wanderlust in your little ones. From essential kits for navigating far-flung destinations to smart solutions that will get them excited about packing, we have you covered. And, perhaps most importantly for parents and guardians, we’ve included lots of clever buys for keeping little ones busy on long journeys. For more inspiration, see our top tips for what to take on holiday with a baby plus out pick of the best travel toys to take on a flight.

  • Tunki children’s ride-on suitcase

    For tiny flyers, Trunki’s ride-on-luggage is one of the most popular children’s suitcases on the market. Lightweight yet built to last, the case has a storage capacity of 18 litres, allowing plenty of space for toys and books. The real highlight is the saddle design, along with horn grips for stability and a tow strap, so children can ride the case and be pulled along – a great way to kill time in the airport.

    £44.99 at Trunki

  • ARVRI Sensory Busy Board

    If the goal is to get maximum entertainment from just one toy, then busy boards are a miraculous invention for children from a few months to a few years old. The ARVRI Sensory Busy Board offers 15 different activities in a book-style carrying case that’s just a tiny bit larger than an A4 sheet of paper. I've packed our busy board on a couple of flights with my two-year-old, including the long journey to Australia. It's a great one to store right next to a tablet and any books in your luggage. To make it even more engaging, I've hidden little snacks and toys in the board too. Lauren Burvill

    £14.95 at Amazon

  • Stained Glass Unicorn Art Kit

    You wouldn't think that air travel provides an especially good time to tap into your child's creative side – especially given the amazing amount of mess their artistic endeavours usually generate – but the advent of mosaic picture kits prove otherwise. They come with sheets of adhesive foam tiles that children can peel and stick to colour-coded squares on the corresponding base image. This stained glass kit from Melissa & Doug is especially great if you manage to score a window seat on the plane.

    £10.49 £9.80 at Amazon

  • Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet

    This made-for-kids tablet could be the key to a peaceful flight, car journey, ferry ride and more. It comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ content so your little one can watch all the Peppa Pig they want, and has a sturdy kid-proof case (available in three different coloured) to protect it against the inevitable drops and bumps.

    £114.99 at Amazon

  • Melissa & Doug reusable sticker pad

    Does your mini traveller have a long journey on the horizon? Arm them with this reusable sticker book that will provide hours of fun on the trip and for many to come.

    £6.49 at John Lewis

  • Personalised Green Tonies headphones

    A pair of headphones is an essential piece of travelling kit. Make them extra special with the option of personalisation available at My 1st Years. 

    £26 at My 1st Years

  • Zinc Flyte scooter suitcase

    A scooter-suitcase hybrid, Flyte’s overhead-locker-sized scooter suitcases provide a  practical packaging option for all your child’s needs but also a fun solution to transporting their own luggage. A win for weighed down parents. 

    £95 at Amazon

  • 100 Things to do on a Plane book

    The title says it all – this book by Usborne Activities promises to provide endless ideas to keep boredom at bay on your family's next flight. 

    £4.49 at Amazon

  • Hunter kids wellies

    No winter weekend in the countryside is complete without a pair of wellies for stomping in puddles. And it doesn’t get more classic than a bright red pair by heritage brand Hunter.

    £55 at John Lewis

  • Yoto Mini

    The mini size of the popular Yoto audio player is perfect for travelling. Compact and easy-to-use for kids aged 3+, the collectable cards which play stories and interactive games are also easy to pack.  It also doubles as a speaker and alarm clock and the extended battery life means it's a great companion for long journeys.

    £59.99 at Amazon

  • Janod bath explorers map

    Let your child multitask by plotting out their next trip during bath-time with this explorers map bath puzzle. 

    £18 at Trotters

  • My First Smythson diary

    This autumn Smythson launched their first children’s diary. The colourful journal is perfect for planning trips or documenting adventures, and is inspired by research from the National Literacy Trust that found writing for children can make them happier and more creative.

    £175 at Smythson

  • Klean Kanteen sippy bottle

    The kid's version of Klean Canteen’s sustainable stainless steel water bottle keeps drinks hot or cold for the journey. The cleverly designed sippy cap means no spills and the metal loop can be easily be attached to luggage. 

    £16.95 at Klean Kanteen

  • Polaroid Now Instant Camera

    A great gift for your child and a dose of nostalgia for you, the Polaroid Originals Now is a fun way for your child to document their next adventure. Unlike the original model this update comes with a self timer and double exposure mode and produces instant snaps with retro charm.

    £119.99 £96.39 at Amazon

  • Check puffer jacket

    Cult Swedish brand Mini Rodini’s new collection was inspired by the Scottish highlands. This cosy check-print puffer jacket, made from 100% recycled polyester, will keep your child warm on festive rambles. 

    £130 at Mini Rodini

  • Adventure suitcases

    Packing light? Whether off to the playground or boarding a long haul flight, this suitcase has just enough room for your little one’s essentials and can be personlised. 

    £20 at Not Another Bill
TopicsChristmas Gift IdeasShoppingFamily Holidays