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23 USEFUL travel gifts for kids

23 USEFUL travel gifts for kids

As a family who travel and move around a fair bit, I always prefer travel gifts for kids over regular toys as I know we will get a lot of use out of them.

Whilst most gifts are thoughtful and generous, I’m not a fan of kids’ toys that have a two minute novelty span, only to be thrown into the depths of the toy box never to be used again. Are you the same? Well if you’re looking for the perfect travel gift for kids, you’ve come to the right place.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission. And for those of you who follow us over at Peak District Kids, check out these Peak District gifts for all the family.

I’ve reached out to top family travel bloggers for their absolute best travel gift ideas for kids that are both practical and affordable, as well as thoughtful.

There are some brilliant ideas here, including some I’d not even thought of! So I’m sure it will bring some inspiration to you, even if you feel like your child has everything.

For very little ones, you may want to check out this guide: Best baby and toddler travel toys.

And if you’re needing inspiration on travel gifts for parents

Jenny Lynn in Vietnam

Travel gifts for parents

f you’re looking for that perfect travel gift for a parent then we’ve compiled some thoughtful ideas for you. Here we focus on travel gifts for mums and dads that are useful for them, not their kids, because trust us, most travel items they buy are for their kids.

1. Kids travel backpack

deuter Fox 30 Children’s Trekking Backpack
  • For children aged 8 and up
  • The backpack grows with your child thanks to VariQuick back length adjustment
  • Optimal load transfer thanks to the compact hip fins
  • Hydration system attachment (compatible with deuter Streamer 3.0 – not included)
  • Variable fastening options thanks to material straps in a wide range of positions

If you are serious about getting off the beaten track and seeing the world with your kids, then they really need to have their own kids travel backpack (especially if they are aged 7+).

We’ve tried a few and down to cost and durability, the Deuter Fox 30L gets our vote as the best one.

It ticks all the criteria – size, longevity, comfort, adjustable straps, different compartments. I can see the boys used them up to the age of 15 as the back straps are adjustable for height.

Plus, we’ve also used it as carryon for AirAsia and Firefly to/from Borneo, easyJet to Billund and from Milan, and also for Ryanair to Essaouira, Morocco (we just ensure the top compartment isn’t too full).

2. Kindle Kids for reading

Kindle Kids (2022 release) | Includes a cover, access to…
  • Great value—Kindle Kids (2022 release) now with an upgraded high-resolution display, double the…
  • Includes a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+: a subscription designed for children aged 3–12 to…
  • Establish healthy reading habits: children read, on average, more than 45 minutes a day when they…
  • Kindle Kids is purpose-built for reading (not a toy)—no apps, videos or games.
  • Now with a 300 ppi high-resolution, glare-free display for sharper text and images.

When you’re backpacking with kids, bouncing from place to place, it’s really not ideal carrying a pile of books, especially if you’re travelling long-term.

The Amazon Kids Kindle is an invaluable space-saving device for kids to read. I particularly love it as it’s a break from ‘screen time’ (there are no apps and games, it’s just a reading device) and the back light means they don’t need a light on to read. This is one of our top tips for packing light.

The battery life is incredible, and it includes a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ (a subscription designed for children aged 3–12 to have unlimited access to over a thousand books and hundreds of audiobooks).

3. Kids tablet or iPad

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet | ages 6–12, 10.1″…
  • SAVE UP TO £60: a tablet with full features (not a toy) with a wide, 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display…
  • ROBUST PARENTAL CONTROLS: manage everything from your phone, including screen-time limits, pausing…
  • ENTERTAINMENT CHILDREN LOVE: includes a 1-year subscription to the award-winning Amazon Kids+, which…
  • POWERFUL AND BRIGHT: the large 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display shows all their favourite content….
  • MORE TIME TO EXPLORE: up to 13 hours of battery life to keep up with them all day without multiple…

My kids always travel with their iPads/tablets and Alannah with her kindle. Alannah is a avid reader and the kindle means we can down load as many books as she likes and we don’t have carry multiple heavy books.

iPads/tablets are very handy, you can download movies for flights, books to read, a camera (if you trust them with it while out and about) and best of all they can keep in touch with family and friends while on the road. There are a number of educational apps that can be downloaded to all both android and iOS.

Sally, our3kidsvtheworld.com

4. Travel Journal

Check out our guide to Kids Travel Journals

Sale
Lonely Planet Kids Create Your Own Travel Journal
  • Hardcover Book
  • Kids, Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 96 Pages – 10/13/2023 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet Kids (Publisher)

Our two love using their kids travel journals when we travel. We’ve always talked about our travels at the end of each day as we love finding out what made an impression on them.

Last year, when our kids were six and four, we took them on a self-drive safari to Namibia and decided it would be a great time to start journaling. We all wrote them together while we sat by the campfire. It was a great way to bond and I loved the fact that we came home with their memories preserved. I’m excited to do this more with them as they get older.

Emma, Wanderlust and Wet Wipes

5. Little Passports

One of my favourite travel gift ideas for kids is a Little Passports World Edition subscription box.  This monthly gift opens kids’ eyes to the world and teaches them about other countries and cultures, inspiring their wanderlust for travel.

Fit for kids ages 6-10 years old, the first mailing includes your “kit”, with a little blue suitcase, world map, passport, and items related to your first country.

My kids loved meeting their new “pen pals” Sam and Sofia each month with the letter they received, activity pack, and treasure from each country.  Each month thereafter, they receive a packet focusing on a new country. 

It is a great educational gift for kids that keeps going long after they open that first packet.  It also supports social studies and geography learning for any homeschooling curriculum. 

Keri, Bon Voyage With Kids

6. Scratch Map

Scratch Off World Map Large 70x42cm | Ultra Detailed World…
  • NEW LARGE SIZE. 42x70cm scratch off world map, a unique piece of art in itself; the focal point of…
  • DELUXE DESIGN. Atlas & Green scratch off world map poster, printed on thick gloss black paper with…
  • IN THE BOX. Everything you need to keep your world scratch off map pristine – Scratching Pick, mini…
  • TRAVEL JOURNAL POSTER. The coolest way to capture memories & track where you’ve been & all the…
  • GEOGRAPHICAL DETAIL. A world map packed with detail including all US, Canadian & Australian states…

For the child who loves to travel, a scratch map is a perfect gift for them to keep track of all the places they have visited.  Our daughter has one in her bedroom and loves coming back from a trip and scratching it off.

It’s a great talking point for your child too when their friends come to visit.  The child can talk to their friends about the wonderful adventures they have had around the world.  It’s also a great way for a child to learn about the different countries in the world and where they are positioned.

Melissa, Queensland Camping

7. Walkie Talkies

Sale
Walkie Talkie Kids 2 Pack, AWANFI 16 Channels Rechargeable…
  • Walkie Talkie Rechargeable: Each AWANFI walkie-talkie is equipped with a 1200mAh rechargeable…
  • Complete Features: the AWANFI walkie talkies have a small size that can be easily held in the palm….
  • Security: AWANFI rechargeable kids walkie talkies with 16 channels and 121 privacy codes allow you…
  • Long Range Walkie Talkies: AWANFI walky talky can reach up to 3km of communication range under…
  • Service: The AWANFI walkie-talkies offer a one-year manufacturer warranty from date of purchase….

Walkies talkies are a super fun way for kids to communicate when they travel.  Whether it’s walking through an airport, going on a hike, or having fun in a hotel room or Airbnb, walkie talkies let kids have fun. 

Walkie talkies are great for kids ages 3 and above, as long as they have hand coordination and can understand the basics of how to press a button to talk.  We have used walkie talkies on hikes, camping as well as in airports.  It’s a great way for parents to communicate with their children as well without having to use cell phones!

Diana, Travels in Poland

8. Collapsible and reusable metal straw

Anpro Reusable Straws Metal – 2 Pack Stainless Steel…
  • Portable Collapsible Straws: Metal straws are available in retractable lengths from 22.86 cm/9…
  • Reusable & Built to Last: made of high quality by 304 stainless steel and food grade silicone, these…
  • Easy to Clean: Advanced polishing process was adopted for the first time makes the inner wall of the…
  • 2 PACK REPLACEMENT METAL STRAWS: Our straws include 1 pink and 1 gray metal straw composition,…
  • GREAT GIFT OPTION: Reusable straws for drinking from your travel water bottle for your family and…

This sustainable and environmentally friendly product is lightweight and hygienic. We find the straws particularly useful when buying ‘on the go’ drinks in bottles or cans that we don’t want to put our mouths to! We used them consistently when buying drinks from rail station platforms during our trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

These collapsible straws are the best reusable straw models we have found as the tube is wider so whether you use the dishwasher or the cleaning brush, the straw gets a thorough clean.  Our kids love the fact that each straw comes with its own colour coded silicone tip so no more arguing over which straw belongs to which child! 

Sinead, Map Made Memories

9. Souvenir T-shirt quilt

What do you do when your children outgrow their souvenir T-shirts? Instead of throwing them away, save them!

Get a separate tub for each child and tuck them away as they outgrow or tire of shirts. Be sure to buy destination T-shirts wherever you go, even if they’re ugly. By the time your child graduates high school, you’ll have a collection of vacation memories that you can turn into the ultimate souvenir…a T-shirt quilt.

A travel quilt makes the perfect grad gift for the young traveller in your life. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter in the freshman dorm! 

Kellie, 4WornPassports.com

10. Sleeping Bags

Sale
Trail Kids Sleeping Bag Mummy Shape 3 Season Camping 300gsm…
  • RED KIDS SLEEPING BAG: Little campers will go wild for the Overnight Adventure Kids Mummy Sleeping…
  • RUCKSACK STYLE CARRY BAG: Whether they’re heading on a family camping trip or sleepover round a…
  • GREAT FOR 3 SEASON CAMPING: The sleeping bag has a water repellent 190T polyester shell and 300gsm…
  • ELASTICATED HOOD FOR WARMTH & COMFORT: The Overnight Adventure has an elasticated hood for optimum…
  • 2 WAY ZIPPER, PLUS STORAGE POCKET: Of course, there’s no counting for the Great British weather….

A great gift idea for kids that love to travel is to buy them their very own sleeping bag!

There are so many fun designs and colours out there that are perfect for kids. You can find them their favourite colour or a movie character themed sleeping bags.

Buy them just the right size for any age of kids which they can use on camping trips, sleepovers at grandparents’ houses or toss in the back of the car for road trip hotel visits if they like to snuggle in their own bed every night. We also use them for family movie nights at home where they can lay on the floor and relax.

Nicole, The Passport Kids

11. gofindit cards

gofindit -the original outdoor nature scavenger hunt card…
  • gofindit is the original scavenger hunt card game that uses all your senses. A natural outdoor…
  • Fun game for all the family. Children of all ages will enjoy playing. Suitable for preschool,…
  • This travel game is a perfect companion to any outdoor trip, it fits easily and neatly into a pocket…
  • Great at encouraging sensory outdoor discovery. Supports STEM learning with a science and nature…
  • Game can last from 2 mins to the whole day. You set the pace, the level and the environment then…

A set of gofindit cards makes a great gift for kids aged 3 and up. We love our set which we always keep in our backpack that we take on walks. They’re great for taking camping too. They don’t take up much room (they’re the same size as a pack of cards).

Go find it cards are an instant outdoor scavenger hunt that can last as little or as long as you like. There are 32 cards with different sensory characteristics (think colours, textures, smells, size and more) to challenge your children to find items in the natural world that match the card. Find out more in this full review.

Claire, The Ladybirds’ adventures

12. Binoculars

12×26 HD Binoculars for Adults Kids Bird Watching,BIJIA Mini…
  • 1.【Ultra-clear and Super-bright Visual Effects】 Equipped with high-quality BAK4 optical lenses…
  • 2.【Accurate and convenient focusing】With the design of the central focusing wheel and the…
  • 3.【Durable, waterproof, anti-fog and anti-slip】 With the anti-slip design and environmental…
  • 4.【Wide range of use】 It can be used by adults and children for observation in various…
  • 5.【Perfect pre-sales and after-sales service】 3-year unreasonable warranty and 24-hour customer…

Binoculars are the perfect give for little nature lovers. It will allow them to get up close and personal with everything from the animals in the distance to the little critters crossing the trail.

If your family loves to get out in nature, then this is a great gift that will help keep your child interested in exploring.

travel gift for kids - binos

Binoculars make an ideal gift for kids as young as 3 years old, just be sure to look for extra safety features when purchasing a set for a young child. You’ll want to make sure they can withstand being dropped and that they are easy to use. Our son was fascinated with looking through the binoculars while we looked for California condors in Zion National Park.

Celine, Family Can Travel

13. LCD Writing Tablet

LCD Writing Tablet, 12 Inch LCD Coloring Drawing Tablet…
  • Interesting drawing board: This drawing board is like an endless sheet of paper, bringing you fun…
  • Soft light & eye protection: ERUW’s writing tablet adopts the latest LCD flexible screen that is…
  • One-key erase & lock screen: Our writing tablet can be erased more than 1,000,000 times that is 10X…
  • Healthy & Eco-friendly: It is a healthy and eco-friendly drawing board, enabling your kids or family…
  • Perfect gift for kids: It must be an attractive gift for kids, which not only stimulates their…

The LCD Writing Tablet is an electronic writing tablet. I bought them to use as a drawing tablet for my two kids.

I don’t know how they do it, but the battery lasts a really long time and never needs to be charged. I’ve had ours for over two years and I can attest that the battery still works.

We take them on trips to have an alternative to our other electronic devices. The Jot is a no mess way to let them draw to their heart’s content. We’ve used them from about ages 4 and up. I recommend buying a case at the same time, to help keep it safe during travel and at home.

Natalie, blissmersion.com

14. Microfibre towels

Eono Microfibre Towel, Perfect Sports, Travel, Beach Towel,…
  • Premium quality microfiber: Eco-friendly microfiber produced without harmful additives,…
  • Fast drying&super absorbent: This microfiber towel can hold 4 times its weight in water and can dry…
  • Antibacterial: The micorfibre towel is made by special microfiber with antimicrobal treatment that…
  • Compact & lightweight: Microfiber towel for sports & travel made to save the space and to be more…
  • Various sizes: They are great beach, backpacking, and camping towels because you have three size…

As full-time travellers, I can tell you how much we love having microfiber towels specifically for the kids.  

The major benefits being that microfiber is super-dooper absorbent, meaning you can dry the kids off really quickly when you need to (especially if it’s cold).  The other great thing is that microfiber dries really quickly in the breeze or sun, plus the towels roll up a lot smaller than regular bath towels.  As space and weight is at a premium when you’re travelling, these guys are perfect!  

We’ve got the Norwex kids towels as they’re extremely soft and plushy and come in really funky colours.  The kids have been using them daily for a few years now and the towels still haven’t really shown too much sign of wear and tear, so they’ve been great value for money.

Another option is the Tesalate Sand Free Beach Towel (see photo).

Emma, MY RIG Adventures

15. Snorkel gear

Gintenco Kids Snorkel Set, Dry Top Snorkel Mask Anti-Leak…
  • 🐬【Dry Top Anti-Splash Design Secures Kid’s Safety】Snorkeling Set installs an one-way…
  • 🐬【180 Degree Panoramic View and Anti-fog】The lens of snorkel mask is made of tempered glass…
  • 🐬【NO Leaking】The skirt of diving mask is designed with soft and flexible silicone to provide…
  • 🐬【For Youth Junior and Kids】Adjusting straps of snorkel mask from 10 inches to 19.6 inches…
  • 🐬【Premium Non-toxic Material】The skirts of diving mask and its mouthpiece is made of premium…

If you’re preparing for a family vacation to a tropical destination, there’s no better gift for your kids than right-sized snorkel gear! Kids as young as 2.5 or 3 can learn how to use it (with proper supervision and flotation aids) to immerse themselves in the beauty of aquatic life.

kids travel gift - snorkel

Many tour outfitters either don’t have kids snorkel gear at all* or it’s only sized for older children. We were so glad to have tiny masks and snorkels everywhere from Puerto Rico to Hawaii to Australia!

As a bonus, kids can use it at home in the pool to go diving for toy “fishies” even when you aren’t on vacation.

Melissa, The Family Voyage

*this is what we found when island hopping from Kota Kinabalu on our Borneo trip.

16. Head Torch

YURROAD Kids Head Torch Rechargeable Headlight for Boys…
  • 【USB Rechargeable Torch】This kids torch is powerful and the rechargable with 200 lumens led…
  • 【Adjustable Head Torch】This childrens torch can be adjusted to fit comfortably on heads of…
  • 【Waterproofing design】Although this head torch is waterproof and can avoid the rain, but please…
  • 【Multifunctional Usages】This kids torch fits for indoor and outdoor activities, such as camping,…
  • 【Preferred gift for kids】This torches for kids is a wonderful gift for children in festivals…

One of the best gifts we’ve given our two adventure-loving boys is a head torch. On the face of it, a head torch may not seem that exciting but they have so many uses and actually can be very exciting for big and little kids.

They’re great for exploring caves and castles and middle of the night trips to the toilet when camping.

kids travel gift - head torch

We gave them to the kids when we visited Petra in Jordan. Whilst most visitors were marvelling at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, we were making animal shadows in the caves. The head torches (along with lots of snacks) played a big part in helping the kids to complete a 7 km hike.

Jacquie, UK Family Travel

17. Simply for Flying Flight Logbook

A great gift idea for kids who travel is the Simply for Flying Flight Logbook. This amazing little book enables young flyers of all ages to record every flight they take.

Inside the book there are two pages dedicated to each flight. The first page is dedicated to details of the flight including the date, route, aircraft details, distance for the journey and also space for the captain and first officer to sign their names.

Simply for flying flight log book

On the second page, the captain can leave your little travellers a short message and, underneath, your children can record their own memories of the flight. It’s a lovely way of recording all the trips your kids have taken and would make a brilliant gift for little travellers.

Cath, Passports and Adventures

18. Lonely Planet Kids Books

Sale
The Travel Book Lonely Planet Kids (The Fact Book)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Kids, Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 212 Pages – 10/22/2021 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet Kids (Publisher)

As our family loves to travel, our kids are often gifted a Lonely Planet Kids book to add to their collection.

Lonely Planet creates books for babies through to tweens. The books have been cleverly written, with many offering activities that add an element of fun. The holiday scrapbooks and family travel maps can be kept as a keepsake to remind kids of their adventures. The beautiful illustrations hold children’s attention as they learn facts about places and people around the world.

If you are planning a city break, there are many books written for particular cities.

They are an excellent resource for kids, as they can learn cool things before visiting, which adds an element of excitement to an upcoming trip.

Sharee, Inspire Family Travel

19. Headphones

Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Stereo Foldable Headphones,…
  • ◆ Amazing Stereo Hi-Fi Sound: High definition stereo headphones, specially developed software and…
  • ◆ Soft Earmuffs & Ergonomic Design: Soft and comfortable memory-protein earmuffs and ergonomic…
  • ◆ Hand free call & Built in Mic: WorWoder Bluetooth headsets provide a quick and stable connection…
  • ◆ Wireless & Wired Function: This wireless over ear headphones are compatible with all Bluetooth…
  • ◆ Black&Red Color & Free Hard Protective Carrying Case: The WorWoder Bluetooth Headphone was…

Travelling with kids can get hard, listening to their music or games for hours on end can be harder. 

Trying to get the right size, style and type for them is difficult but noise cancelling is always the way to go. It can also help older kids stay focused and concentrate on their school work.

For younger kids, you can get pairs that cover their whole ears rather than earbuds that can easily be lost. For older kids, small earbuds can be the best for them or a set that incorporates Bluetooth connectivity so they can attach them to their devices.

Headphones are especially a family road trip essential as they allow everyone in the vehicle their own space to listen whilst reducing arguments into the bargain.

Bec, Wyld Family Travel

20. Globe

Sale
LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe, Interactive Childrens…
  • EDUCATIONAL LEARNING: Go beyond countries and their capitals with this enhanced kids globe that…
  • INTERACTIVE TOY: Tap anywhere using the stylus to hear thousands of facts, interact with unique…
  • 3 LEARNING GAMES INCLUDED: Race around the world with this educational game, discovering new places…
  • ELECTRONIC LEARNING TOYS: ideal to display video and animations with playful characters that guide…
  • GAMES FOR 5 YEAR OLDS+: Educational toy intended for 5, 6 and 7 + year olds that boosts geographical…

Our kids love to travel and a globe is a must have for any travel loving family. There are some wonderful globes that are suitable for all age groups that offer a perfect introduction to understanding the sheer size of a place. 

Our kids love pointing out the places that we have travelled to and a globe gives a wonderful understanding of the world. We have an illuminated globe that shows the world with the natural features such as lakes and rivers, capitals and all of the major cities but also doubles up as a nightlight.

For the younger travellers there are some lovely alternatives including puzzle globes.  

Katy, Otis and Us

21. Kids Camera

Heegomn Waterproof Digital Camera for Children, Full HD…
  • 【Outlet】【Waterproof Digital Camera】compact digital camera can shooting HD1080P video and…
  • 【16.5FT(5m)Underwater Camera】This kids camera is designed with waterproof, you can dive up to…
  • 【Multifuctional Digital Camera】This digital video camera supports 8x digital zoom, You can zoom…
  • 【32G TF Card & Webcam】This vlogging camera equipped with video mode and a built-in microphone,…
  • 【Charming Appearance】Based on kids preferences, This kids camera design colour with red and…

A great travel gift for kids is a camera. Allow them to record their memories through their own eyes, making their adventures just a little more special for them. Whether you are spending a day at the beach, or on your biggest holiday yet, there is always something amazing and memorable to take a photo of.

My twins are 4, and on our recent trip to Kenya, they started showing an interest in taking photos and were always stealing my SLR to get a few shots.

Anna, Twins and Travels

22. Kids pocket knife

Victorinox My First Victorinox Kids Swiss Army Knife, Small,…
  • MY FIRST VICTORINOX H: The pocket knife for kids for safely sawing wood or opening cans – 9…
  • FUNCTIONS: Swiss made pocket knife with 9 functions. Blade large with rounded tip, Bottle opener,…
  • A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Compact, agile and ready to face any adventure head-on. Our range of Swiss…
  • PRODUCT DETAILS: Length 84 mm, Width 23 mm, Height 14 mm, Weight 45 g, Scale material ABS/Cellidor,…
  • HIGHEST SWISS QUALITY: Victorinox is a Swiss brand with a worldwide reputation for craftsmanship and…

A pocket knife is a wonderful gift for kids that love the outdoors. They’ll treasure and use it for years to come! We wanted to buy our almost 7-year old a My First Victorinox knife for his birthday, but he ended up saving for it himself.

If you want to buy this for someone’s kid, make sure to consult with the parents first. There’s no set age for a child’s first pocket knife, but they need to be responsible enough to use it. In general this makes a great travel gift for kids age 7+. The rounded tip of this particular junior Swiss Army knife makes it slightly less scary, even though the edge is still very sharp.

Lisa, Flip Flop Globetrotters

23.Travel Scrapbook

It is said photographs speak more than words, and so if there is a combination of photos with mementos and descriptions, then wonder how beautifully that thing must be for preserving lifetime memories. Collect entrance tickets, coins, maps and hotel receipts from travels to then stick alongside photos with a few words into a scrapbook

travel scrapbook

Through a scrapbook, trip memories can be recreated again and again and it is one of the best ways to revive travel memories when you are not travelling.

Yukti, Travel With Me 24 X 7


You may also like to read:
Backpacking with kids: top tips to make it work
Family travel on a budget: how to travel cheap with kids in tow
Top 10 tips for PACKING LIGHT with kids: minimalist family travel