Best Gifts for Traveling with Kids and Babies (2026)

As traveling parents, we know the drill: the gear you bring determines whether your trip is an adventure or pure chaos. This year’s guide is (as always!) personally tested and approved by both us and our kids. For me, conscious gifting means investing in durable, quality items that last longer than a single trip and help cultivate a love for the outdoors and curisoity.

Now that my own daughters are out of the baby phase, I feel confident in my baby picks as well as the things they love to take along with them on thier getaways now too. Have a peek at our favorite family-approved gear that delivers long-lasting results, ensuring your next family journey is smoother and more memorable.

Happy Happy holidays from me (Eileen!) and the Pure Wander team!

Quick picks

• Splurge for family travel in style: Roam Large Check-In Expandable Suitcase
• Best for flying with a baby: Doona Stroller/Carset set and Moby Wrap
• Best for getting a toddler through the airport: Trunki Ride-On Suitcase
• Stocking stuffers under $25: Sakar headphones, Bluey magnetic playset, Melissa and Doug flashlight, Mini tripod selfie stick, Travel adapter plug, Scrapbook kit, Bracelet maker

Jump to

• Travel Bags and Luggage
• Baby Carriers and Gear
• Car Seats and Strollers
• Apparel
• Sleep and Comfort
• Feeding and Mealtime
• Toys and Entertainment
• Travel Tech and Accessories
• Camping and Outdoor

Travel Bags and Luggage

No Reception Club Getaway Bag

Price: $235

I packed for Hawai’i in the dark because it’s the only time my kids are asleep, and we flew 48 hours later. That was the perfect test for the No Reception Club V4 Getaway Bag, and I was obsessed with it from the first zip. It opens like shelves, so I’m not digging through the top of a bag. It has four main compartments built for feeding, changing, entertainment, and clothing. In my house that means tiny clothes, books, and about 34 snacks.

If you’re a type B mom who forgets or loses packing cubes, this is the whole system already in one backpack that can just about fit under your seat for takeoff. Snacks, clothes, toys, done! There’s also a bottom pocket for anything wet or dirty, and it counts as a personal item for the flight (check your airline).

• Opens like shelves, with four compartments for feeding, changing, entertainment and clothing.
• Holds 25 liters and weighs 2.86 pounds empty.
• Includes two detachable stroller clips, a padded laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, a luggage pass-through and two water bottle pockets.
• Made from recycled polyester with a limited lifetime warranty.
• Each Getaway Bag sold helps Baby2Baby provide 20 diapers.

Where to buy: No Reception Club -Eileen

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus Suitcase

Price: $315

Monos is a new-ish entry into the luggage game, but that youthfulness means newer, functional designs that appeal to business travelers and family travelers alike.

• A wheeled carry-on in a smaller size for European airlines and a larger size that is more common in the US (it still fits US carrier overhead bins).
• A front pocket that easily fits a laptop, tablet or game console.
• A sleek, robust polycarbonate shell, well-designed handles and smooth-rolling wheels.

Traveling with all the tablets and games to keep the toddler busy while we focus on the baby? You can find them quickly and take them out at security, then store them again and walk to your gate.

Packed the bags tight and crammed everything and everyone into a tiny rental car? With the Monos bag facing up, you won’t have to dig through luggage or drag other bags out of the trunk to give the kids their 1,000th viewing of Moana. Pulling out a larger device for navigation in a foreign country is just as quick and easy. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus will have you saying, “We were voyagers!” in no time.

It’s also a beautiful bag, a cut above bags from similarly priced retailers. What can I say except you’re welcome!

Where to buy: Amazon -Christian

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Price: $230

Cotopaxi is now a household name, certainly in houses with REI memberships! The company has built its reputation on thoughtfully designed travel gear made with sustainability in mind, including recycled materials and, in its Del Día collection, repurposed leftover fabrics that give every bag a one-of-a-kind look.

But is the gear any good? Still a resounding yes. The Allpa 35L is a suitcase-style travel backpack with room for trips of around a week. I use it for multi-day business trips with laptops and bulky chargers, as well as road trips and adventurous weekends away. It’s also a great larger carry-on when you’re traveling with young kids.

• Zippered compartments and pockets that make it easy to separate shoes, toiletries, electronics and clothing.
• A quick-access top pocket for passports, keys, boarding passes and chargers.
• Updated shoulder straps that are more comfortable on long walks through airports.
• A luggage pass-through sleeve so it pairs with a rolling suitcase, plus an exterior stretch pocket for a water bottle.
• Two versions: a classic model in a range of colors, or the Del Día edition, which is easy to spot on a baggage carousel. The matching Allpa X Hip Pack clips right into the system.

Separate compartments for the kids’ clothes, activities, travel documents and your own essentials make family travel much simpler. It’s a brilliantly versatile backpack you’ll happily reach for on years of business trips, family vacations and weekend adventures.

Where to buy: Cotopaxi -Christian

Roam Large Check-In Expandable Suitcase

Price: $775

Roam’s luggage is a colorful, customizable suitcase with an enormous interior that’s built for serious travel. Airline baggage fees make every checked bag count, especially for a family, and packing for babies and toddlers means extra clothes, diapers, snacks and all the “just in case” essentials. We’ve even packed the base of a car seat alongside clothes, diapers and formula with room to spare.

• Zippered divider panels, built-in compression panels and interior pockets, plus a removable laundry or shoe bag.
• Customizable: pick colors for each side of the shell, the wheels, handles, zipper and trim, and add a monogram. It’s easy to spot among a sea of black suitcases on the carousel.
• A telescoping handle with multiple height settings and smooth 360-degree spinner wheels.

We’re looking forward to longer summer trips across Europe and even farther with our Roam. It’s a durable, thoughtfully designed suitcase with generous space, excellent organization and enough personalization to stand out wherever you travel.

Where to buy: Roam -Christian

Trunki Ride-On Suitcases

Price: Starting at $61.99

Toddlers can be hard to keep track of in the airport, which is no surprise to any seasoned family traveler. Luckily, they’re much easier to spot when they’re riding on top of their luggage! Trunki ride-on suitcases are a fun and practical way to get little travelers excited about the journey.

• Colorful animal and character designs.
• Doubles as a carry-on and a ride-on toy, so your child can roll or ride their own suitcase to the gate.
• A tow strap for tired little legs, and a lightweight, durable build.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Baby Carriers and Gear

Moby Wrap Baby Carriers

Price: $29.99 to $94.90, depending on color and style

Tried and true, this is one of the most basic baby wraps for caregivers on the go. I rarely wore my first baby, intimidated by the very long fabric of some wraps. For my second, I was lucky enough to have a postpartum doula who patiently showed me how to babywear. She suggested a Moby wrap, and I never looked back.

Wearing my newborn has taken us to breweries, lantern festivals, apple picking and brunches with ease. She adapted quickly and naps well tucked into the soft wrap, and some parents feed babies while wrapped too. Having my hands free to wheel suitcases, fix snacks for the toddler and get myself ready has given me a lot of confidence to keep moving around with my kids.

• After a hundred wraps, it takes me less than 30 seconds to tie it on and put the baby in.
• I stuck with the classic wrap because friends and family of various sizes can use it. I also picked up a second-hand one as a backup.
• Moby also makes ring slings and hip seats.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Burley Honey Bee Stroller and Bike Trailer

Price: $499.99

Now that we’re rolling four-deep in this family, we’re having some hot debates about how to get around as a crew. I’ve done the bulky, ultra-fancy strollers and always feel frustrated when it’s time to pack up the car. I love my single convertible car seat and stroller for the baby, but soon I’ll need something for her and my toddler together. The Honey Bee has satisfied all our needs so far, especially for weekends and road trips.

• A two-kiddo bike trailer that converts into a walking stroller, compatible with road bikes and e-bikes.
• Folds down for storage, with plenty of packing space underneath for all the snacks.
• Aluminum roll bar, UPF 50+ tinted windows, an adjustable handlebar and a 100-pound capacity.
• Recent upgrades include many recycled materials.

My 3-year-old is getting a huge kick out of being a passenger and seems to have plenty of room. I haven’t packed it for a plane yet, but I can see it being simpler than huge, heavy double strollers that aren’t an option for checked baggage. The only small downside: it comes in red and black only, a tiny concession against all the features.

As a bonus, Burley is based in Oregon and has four decades of high-quality gear, including pet trailers and cargo bike trailers. I’ve been eyeing the storage accessories and off-road wheel kit too.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Car Seats and Strollers

Doona Car Seat and Stroller

Price: About $550 for set

The Doona was the first thing I added to my baby registry as a (hopeful) traveling mom at the time. And I was so sad to let it go! While I love the SUVs of strollers, the Doona is the smallest, safest, and most sturdy system I could find for flights and road trips with a baby. The stroller itself has a canopy and options for small storage bags. Then, with a click the wheels fold up and it fit snugly into a carseat base: without the need to transfer a sleeping baby! That’s worth the investment alone.

• Converts from car seat to stroller; can be used with base or without
• Do note that it’s meant for small babies/toddlers, after a year or so you’ll need something bigger. I used it for both kids though!

Where to buy: Amazon

WayB Travel Car Seat

Price: $667 for the bundle with carrier and tote

I’ll be honest: I haven’t taken this carseat for a spin yet. But almost all my friends who travel with kids swear by it as the lightest and easiest portable seat to take on trips that still fits safety standards.

It’s definitely an investment. But as someone who has carted massive carseats all over the country (and the world), having the seats fall off our wheeled cases, getting lost in the checked carseat bag realm, I see the appeal! I think this would be such a thoughtful gesture for friends to go in on a holiday gift for new parents, or grandparents who want to make an impression that they want thier grandchild to visit as much as they can.

Where to buy: Amazon

Apparel, Sleep, and Comfort

Flying Edna Organic Cotton Clothing and Accessories (From Babies with Love)

Price: Gift sets start at about $50, varying by collection

For literally twenty years, I’ve loved a local writer and artist named Brian Andreas (also known as Kai Skye). When I heard they were collaborating with a baby clothes brand, I had to add their pieces to my little one’s travel wardrobe.

• Organic cotton clothes and accessories that are soft and snuggly.
• The Flying Edna collection is colorful and gender neutral, with pretty prose and drawings from Kai.
• ALL profits go toward helping vulnerable children worldwide, such as refugee Sudanese kids.

I also bought gifts for expecting friends and family. The brand has done other cool collaborations with artists and initiatives, so the rotating apparel is well worth checking out.

Where to buy: From Babies with Love -Eileen

Cloud B Sleep Sheep Travel Sound Machine

Price: $34.99, varies by retailer

What’s cute and cuddly and will lull your baby into sweet, blissful sleep? This sheep, that’s what! Soft, soothing sounds become valuable to your child at home, and once you’re on the road you’ll find them invaluable for keeping your little one calm.

• Attaches to a car seat or stroller.
• Sound controls keep baby soothed while keeping you and your fellow travelers sane.
• The outer shell comes off easily for washing.

Where to buy: Amazon -Sara

Merino Wool Heartfelt Hoodie (Toad & Co.)

Price: $240

As I mentioned with the wrap above, babywearing has been a lifesaver, especially while traveling. When it’s cold, though, it can be a challenge. My little one can fit inside my coat, but she’s a hot water bottle and we both get too warm too quickly. The Heartfelt Hoodie was the perfect solution.

• 100% merino wool that is breathable and wicks sweat.
• Open in the front and covers me from head to bum, so I can slip it over myself, the wrap and the baby.
• Fun designs, several eco-certifications and a pre-loved resell program.

I plan to visit their new brick and mortar store in Portland, Maine, very soon!

Where to buy: Toad & Co. -Eileen

The Butterfly Swaddle

Price: $59.99, some colors discounted

If your variable for baby’s sleep is a new location, the rest should be routine. When I travel with my baby, I make sure we have the same sound machine, feeding schedule and lullaby to ease the changes. Most importantly, a good swaddle keeps her safe, warm and secure while she sleeps. Regular muslin blankets don’t quite work for me, and swaddles with sticky bits have worked best with both my daughters.

• Comes in two separate pieces so you can adjust as baby grows, like sticking an arm out after the initial newborn squeeze. Ditch the band and use just the main part.
• Patented wings that help reduce startle.
• Closes “silently.” Regular velcro often startled my newborn, and quiet changes matter in a hotel room.
• A two-way zipper for easy in and out, and no snaps.
• Three sizes and several cute colors.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Feeding and Mealtime

Busy Baby Travel Mat and Bungees

Price: Varies, bundles from $85 to $109

If I had a nickel for every time I picked up a toy, spoon or teether thrown by a child off the floor, I’d be a well-off woman. Keeping these things sanitary while traveling has been a problem since we took my first child on an airplane three years ago. Busy Baby is a great solution: a woman-owned, women-invented line of silicone helpers that is a great addition to any packing list (or high chair at home!).

• My favorite so far is the travel mat with suction cups and bungees for utensils, teethers and toys.
• Especially great on a plane, when I’m dreading digging around on the dirty floor for a lost toy.
• Fewer things go flying through the air when we eat out as a family.

Where to buy: Busy Baby -Eileen

Name Bubbles Custom Labels

Price: Varies by pack (they have a Gifts Under $20 collection)

I can’t afford to lose another water bottle or snack box, and my label stamper just doesn’t hold up to the wear and tear my kids put their stuff through. I loved designing labels with Name Bubbles for my daughter, and now I have a bright, clear way to recognize all her gear for school and our trips! They also make luggage tag labels, which I’m eyeing for the next big trip.

• Labels are waterproof, laundry safe and dishwasher safe.
• They make packs for school, daycare, camp, clothing, baby bottles and travel.
• Labels are BPA-free and printed with GREENGUARD Gold-certified inks, per the brand.
• Everything is made in the USA and the company is women-owned. Founder Michelle Brandriss started it after her son kept coming home from daycare without half his things.
• Name Bubbles says it has raised $319,960 for charity since 2010.
• Free tracked shipping on US orders over $65.

Where to buy: Name Bubbles -Eileen

OXO Tot Travel Drying Rack and Brush

Price: $21.98

If your baby gets her milk (breast or formula, we support all you mommas!) from a bottle, this is going to be the most important thing you purchase this year. Seriously. A hot water rinse after a day of travel just won’t do. Whether you’re on a plane, at the zoo, or traversing the cobblestones of a little town in Italy, you need to get those bottles clean, stat. (Nothing is more nasty than curdled milk.) It’s nice to have a spot to keep all the santized pieces out too. I washed and sanitzed little toys, binkies, and other food containers too.

• Scrub out bottles in the plane bathroom or back at your hotel.
• Fits in your diaper bag without sucking up space.

Your baby (and you!) needs this in her stocking, for real.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Toys and Entertainment

My Friendship Bracelet Maker Traveler (Crorey Creations)

Price: $22.99

Have you got a creative kiddo who likes to keep things moving on the road? Pick up a travel bracelet maker for her this holiday season! String stays conveniently stored in the small board, which fits nicely in any travel pack.

• A clip on top means your child doesn’t need a helper to make stunning creations on a plane, train or in the car.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Bluey Magnetic Playset

Price: About $12.99 (often on sale at Amazon)

You’re a parent, so I don’t need to explain how difficult little ones can be to entertain. Long flights, in particular, present unique challenges. Magnets, however, are fun and can provide some serious entertainment.

• 75 magnetic pieces with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, Chilli and friends.
• The storage tin doubles as the play space, so it’s easy to toss in a carry-on or car.
• Made for ages 4 and up. It has small parts, so it’s a choking hazard for babies and younger toddlers.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Tegu Magnetic Building Blocks

Price: $34 for the 8-piece set, price depends on set

Little ones like to build. Whether it’s wooden blocks, LEGO bricks or K’NEX, mental stimulation and creativity flourish when children are crafting something of their own. But those toys don’t travel well: the tiny pieces disappear and the bulky containers take up precious space. Tegu’s magnetic blocks solve both problems. They fit together to take up less space, and the magnets make sure the pieces don’t get misplaced.

• Natural wood tints and bright colors.
• Some sets come with a travel pouch for storage.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Vienrose DIY Travel Scrapbook Kit

Price: $19.99

Artistic kids will love documenting your family travels in a scrapbook. You can spend time as a family sorting through your favorite photos from the trip (or let them use their own if they have a kid-friendly camera), then let your child’s imagination run wild with embellishments. It’s a screen-free activity and a memory your child will look back on for years.

• Hardcover scrapbook, colorful pens, decorative tapes, stickers and photo corners.
• Everything they need to capture vacations, road trips and weekend outings.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Travel Tech and Accessories

Mini Tripod and Selfie Stick

Price: $17.99 with Prime, $22.99 regular

Go ahead and roll your eyes, we know selfie sticks have a reputation. But when you’re trying to squeeze the whole family into one vacation photo without asking a stranger for help, you’ll be glad you packed one. Better yet, hand one to your teen and then insist on taking family selfies every chance you get. Embarrassing them is half the fun, right?

• Doubles as a selfie stick and a sturdy tripod.
• Bluetooth remote for hands-free photos and videos.
• Lightweight and folds down small enough for a day bag.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

GoPro Max 2 360 Camera

Price: $499.99 list price, often on sale for less

This is a big gift, there’s no doubt, but it’s a serious score for a kid who takes their travel seriously. My 6-year-old loves to snatch my old-school GoPro while I’m working on my phone to do her own filming and vlogging: maybe someday I’ll edit it all together! I’ve been thinking about this smaller upgrade she can have on her own.

• Shoots 360-degree video (up to 8K), so you can capture the whole scene and pick the angle later.
• Waterproof to 16 feet, so it’s ready for the pool and the beach.
• Replaceable lenses, and a selfie stick that disappears from the final video.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000mAh)

Price: $34.99

Keeping everyone’s devices charged while traveling is one of those things you don’t think much about until you’re stuck with a dead phone or tablet halfway through a long flight or road trip. Whether it’s navigating to your next stop, entertaining the kids or pulling up boarding passes, backup power is essential. I’ve switched to the Anker Zolo because it packs plenty of power into a travel-friendly design.

• A 20,000mAh battery that can recharge a phone about four times.
• A built-in USB-C cable, so there’s one less thing to remember to pack.
• 30W fast charging, and it works with phones, tablets, earbuds and other USB-C gadgets.

It’s one of those travel essentials that quietly earns its place in my bag every single trip.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Volume-Limiting Kids’ Headphones (Sakar)

Price: $14

It took some practice (before flying!) to make sure my three-year-old was cool with wearing headphones, so keep that in mind! But they are essential for keeping your fellow travelers from being disrupted on a flight, train ride or boat ride. Headphones are fun for everyone, especially with all the character-themed options Sakar offers.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Universal Travel Adapter (EPICKA)

Price: $19.99

Whether it’s your teen’s first international trip or your family’s tenth, a universal travel adapter is an essential packing item. It’s a practical gift that will come in handy on adventures for years to come. And it’s way better than getting individual ones for each destination!

• Works in over 200 countries.
• Multiple USB ports to charge phones, tablets and cameras from one outlet.

Where to buy: Amazon -Eileen

Camping and Outdoor

UNP 6-Person Family Cabin Tent with Rainfly

Price: $112

I have loved the outdoors my entire life. From hiking and backpacking to kayaking and canoeing, those days out in the wild are when I feel most free. Now I want to pass that love on to my children and make fantastic memories together. Kids love camping, from campfires and marshmallows to getting cozy in a sleeping bag.

But with a growing family, camping takes on whole new challenges. Everyone needs enough room, along with considerably more stuff to stay safe, dry and warm. And it helps to be able to get up and move around the tent without waking sleeping little’uns.

• A cabin-style tent that sleeps six, about 10 by 9 feet.
• About 78 inches of height at the center, so most adults can stand up inside.
• A removable rainfly, mesh windows, a mesh door and a mesh roof for ventilation.
• Weighs roughly 17 pounds.

I love taking our young girls and our rescue dog on mini camping adventures with lots of space for all of us.

Where to buy: Amazon -Christian

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