Must Have Toddler Travel Toys: What we packed in our carry-on
When travelling on a 13hr long-haul flight with a toddler here's what we packed: 5 Must Have Toddler Travel Toys!
We’ve done a lot of travelling with toddlers — short-haul flights, long-haul nightmares, road trips, and café waits — and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: the right toys matter. Below are the five toddler travel toys we always pack in our carry-on. They’re compact, quiet, screen-free, and (most importantly) actually work.
1. Montessori Busy Board Travel Toy
This flat, lightweight board is our go-to for flights. With zippers, buttons, and buckles, it gives little hands something to do — all while building fine motor skills and encouraging quiet, independent play.
2. 8-in-1 Activity Travel Cube
We love this because it packs SO much into such a small cube — gears, poppers, puzzles, and even a mirror. Our toddler uses it in the car, at the airport, and even during café stops when we need five minutes of peace.
3. Matching Buckle Plush Dog Cushion (We call him Bruce)
Bruce is always in our bag. He’s soft enough for comfort and naps, but the colourful buckles are the real star — helping our little one practice coordination while staying calm and focused.
4. Suction Window Spinners
These stick to any window (plane, car, restaurant) and spin smoothly to calm our toddler’s nerves and keep their attention. Lightweight and silent, they’re also great for baths at the hotel!
5. Montessori Pull String Crab Toy – “Millie is her name!”
Millie’s legs move, buttons slide, and the pull string action is oddly satisfying. She’s a sensory winner — easy to throw in a pocket or snack bag, and guaranteed to buy you a few quiet minutes mid-flight.
Shop all 3–6 year travel toys and accessories we’ve handpicked to make flying (and parenting) easier, one distraction at a time.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Every family’s journey looks a little different, but one thing is certain — toddlers thrive when they’re prepared, comfortable, and engaged. Packing the right toys won’t solve every travel challenge (we wish!), but it gives you the tools to handle boredom, meltdowns, and long waits with more confidence.
These are the travel toys we trust on every trip. They've saved our sanity more times than we can count — and now they're ready to help your family travel a little lighter, laugh a little more, and stress a whole lot less.