Babies grow so fast, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re stuck with them on a long flight! Luckily there’s solidarity in millions of parents and caregivers before you. They’ve all braved planes, trains, and automobiles to make lasting memories with littles. Or simply get them to grandma across the country when you need a break. Either way, there’s some great gifts you can give others with babies, kids, or yourself this holiday season that can make travel a little bit easier.
Alongside our traditional gift guides, we have one this year just based on experiences to gift your loved ones. So make sure you check that one out, too. Giveaways are happening to say THANK YOU to all our readers! Bookmark our giveaway page and follow us on Instagram for a chance at more than $600 worth of prizes! -Eileen
Chunky Deli gourmet board books and onesies
Reading colorful, engaging books is something we love to do as a family to prep for exciting trips together. I’m obsessed with the dynamic and mouth-watering range of board books from Chunky Deli, which brings food and travel together. We have fun trying out the pronunciations of pastas in The Little Book of Pasta with bold pictures and cute rhymes.
The women who founded Chunky Deli are wonderful. They started their line of books, apparel, and toys to inspire littles in the kitchen and to expand their palate. After diving into the pasta book and our other favorite Gourmet Rainbow, we might have to book a trip to Italy sooner rather than later.
Retail: Gift bundles $34.99
- Eileen
Crann Organic kids apparel
Kids clothes are tricky for me. I personally often wear sustainable, quality clothes for myself but sometimes get discouraged when I need to find similar things for my young children. I want wonderfully made apparel that is fun, bright, organic, and can withstand wear and tear that traveling kids handle. My four-year-old never takes off her Crann Organic hoodie with cute patches in a bright peach color. And I love the classic Peter-pan dollar on the sweatshirt dress.
Retail: Varies, sweatshirt $54
- Eileen
There’s a Robot in my Socks kids book
Speaking of books, I also like to use them to prepare my kiddos for changes in their routines, especially when we are about to go on a big trip. They are fairly adaptable, but can get thrown off with time differences, new foods, and unfamiliar sounds in a hotel.
This lovely book by Meredith Rusu has beautiful illustrations. It’s about a young girl who goes to grandma’s for the day. She has a tough time with all the changes. But her grandmother patiently works with her (and her anxious robot) to work through these new things and process big feelings.
Retail: $19.99
- Eileen
No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel
We’ve tested and reviewed lots of luggage, backpacks, and cases over the years. But for parents, especially those with babies and diapered toddlers, this is a wonderful duffel/backpack that can hold all the little bits you need to succeed. You’ll find movable compartments inside the Hideaway Duffel, which also doubles as a comfortable backpack. It’s stylish enough that you’d never guess it’s tailored to kiddos until you open it up—where there are really cute family travel graphics. It meets carry-on requirements of most airlines and I think could easily fit a week’s worth of baby gear.
As a bonus, proceeds of each sale go toward buying diapers for babies in need. There are so many necessary compartments to ensure you don’t forget anything. I’ve been shoving all my kids’ stuff into traditional cases and backpacks, but no more. The Hideaway Duffel bag has made things so much more organized and simple.
Retail: $295
- Eileen
Busy Baby bungees and accessories
If I had a nickel for every time I have 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 I’ve had ever since we took my first child on an airplane 3 years ago.
Busy Baby is a great solution. This woman-owned, women-invented line of silicone helpers for babies is a great addition to any packing list (or high chair at home!). Busy Baby has a wide selection of items. The travel mat with suction cups and bungees for utensils, teethers, and toys is my favorite so far. It’s especially great on a plane when I’m dreading digging around on the dirty floor for a lost toy—this takes away the issue with little ones. It’s great for us as a family that go out to eat often, as far less things go flying through the air with this innovative system.
Use code PUREWANDER for $10 off your first order!
Retail: Varies, bundles from $75-93
- Eileen
Travel Percs single-serve coffee
No, we don’t think you should give your kids or baby coffee. But I haven’t met many parents who are traveling with young children who aren’t at least a little caffeinated.
I’ve stayed in enough hotels with bad coffee to start bringing my own along on most trips. Travel Percs is a great option for super easy, brewable coffee anywhere you have hot water. It comes in tea-bag style portions for on-the-go, tired parents almost anywhere. I love that Travel Percs was founded by a busy mom and traveler too. And the filters are compostable.
PS: We’ll be giving away Travel Percs coffee during our prize-packed holiday contests. Bookmark our giveaway page for more info!
Retail: $30 for 12 servings
- Eileen
Handzies
Traveling is gross. I’m against an uphill battle trying to keep my family safe and germ-free while we navigate airports, flights, taxis, and even public transport. Hand sanitizer was something I often had with me, but with young children, I didn’t love using it on their delicate skin.
Handzies works perfectly naturally. Made with castile soap imbedded in a wipe, I can give one to my four-year-old in the car or on the plane for a quick cleanse. My smallest 15-month-old is prone to rashes, but Handzies has minimized the irritation on her skin when I need to clean her hands after meals and while traveling.
Retail: $14.25 for 24-count
- Eileen
Repurpose compostable, green products
When we sit down at a restaurant, we’re immediately bombarded with single-use plastics. Each kid gets a plastic up and straws for milk, plastic-wrapped crayons for drawing, and plastic toys if we hit up a drive-thru. As a fan of road trips and travel, I’m working diligently to cut back on this issue and bring our own compostable single-use items when needed.
Repurpose makes wonderful items such as cups, plates, straws, silverware, and more you can take with you to use while you travel. I bring them when we rent a holiday home, and try to have straws on hand in my bag the kids can use when we eat out. I also love the stemless wine glasses when we have big get-togethers at home, too.
Retail: Mini party bundle $54.99
- Eileen
Curvd Earplugs
I’ve long been a user of earplugs as someone sensitive to sounds when awake or asleep. However, most fall out, get stuck, or feel awkward. Not Curvd! These earplugs are the best I’ve ever used! The ergonomic design is so comfortable and easy to place and remove. These babies don’t get lost in bed or lodged in your ear. I love the easy grab design.
I’ve used them on the plane to drown out noise, when sleeping for a better night’s rest at home and during travel, and when tuning out sounds I don’t enjoy. My Curvd earplugs are now a staple at home and away. I keep a pair in my suitcase and a pair on my nightstand at home. When I’m with kiddos, they tend to take the edge off as well if things get too chaotic.
Retail: On sale for $19.95
- Jeannine
Pup2Point Travel Food Bag
We can’t forget our fur babies in this list! Whether you’re packing your pup up for a day outside or dropping them off at the dog-sitter, having a dedicated bag for their stuff is a must. Enter the Pup2Point Travel Food Bag. This nifty bag is made from food grade fabric, so you can store kibble right inside. It also comes with zippered pouches at the bottom of the bag that fits collapsible food and water bowls. It has internal pockets to put toys in, and an outside zippered pocket for medicine or other items. However, it’s the little thoughtful additions that really separate this bag from the rest. It has a name tag (similar to a luggage tag), so that when you drop your dog off at a daycare or kennel, there’s no confusing their items with others. The straps to hold the back double as a leash, which is amazing because I can’t count how many times I’ve left the house without one!
Retail: $55
- Christian
I love the Chunky Deli concept.
It’s so cute right??
New sustainable twists on the old school kid travel must haves,nice.
Travel with kids can be a challenge ! Great product ideas