Traveling this summer? Before you take off why not let your child make his own travel kit? Not only will this involve him in the process, it will also give him something to look forward to using.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
If you have visited your favorite online hangouts for ideas, you might be surprised at some of the travel suggestions you find. Do these people really have children? Here are a few things to keep in mind when building your summer travel kit:
- Permanent markers are…permanent. Think washable.
- Think big. Do you really want to chase little beads all over the car?
- Sticky? Forget it.
- Glue in a car? Mmm…no.
- Lots of little pieces will be hard to keep track of.
- A flat work surface will be very helpful. (See what we use below.)
- If it melts, it likely stains.
Kids’ Travel Kit Items
Your imagination is the limit here. But here are a few items you might want to include:/image
- Travel games.
- Books.
- Post-it Notes.
- Washable markers.
- Educational workbooks.
- Audio books.
- Magnetic board games.
- Travel bingo.
- Puzzle books.
- Stickers.
- Handheld Etch-a-Sketch.
- Map to mark route on.
- Coloring book with washable crayons or color pencils.
- Post cards.
- Alphabet I-Spy game.
- Card games.
- A few small familiar items from home.
- Surprise gift.
- Favorite stuffed toy for the youngest.
How to Hold All That Stuff
What to put it all in is almost as important as what goes inside! No matter what container you choose to hold your child’s travel items, let him decorate the container or otherwise personalize it and make it his own.
Of course size will depend on how many items you and your child came up with to put inside. Here are a few ideas:
- Plastic container with a lid.
- Large (very) Ziploc.
- Lunchbox.
- Pillowcase with a sewn button or zipper enclosure.
- Zip-up pocket binder.
- School box.
- Picnic basket.
- Tote bag.
- Toiletry kit.
- Fishing tackle box.
If you will be traveling several times over the summer, or going on a very long trip, you might even create more than one travel kit to swap out for variety.
Mom’s Bag
Don’t forget to pack your own travel kit! You’ll be happy to have wipes, paper towels, first aid items, a trash holder, and other necessaries when you are out in the middle of nowhere!
Additional Resources
Travel Lap Desk
Can’t live without these in a car. They double as a flat work surface, a holder of important items, and a tray to host a meal or snack.
Kid’s Travel Kit
Ideas for making your own from Martha Stewart along with templates for games.
License Plate Game
Printable at one of our Featured Sites!
Melissa & Doug License Plate Game
Or this beautiful wooden version geared to two players.
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