Are you gifting your kids a vacation for Christmas and want affordable, travel-friendly gifts to go along with it? This kids’ gift guide is packed with practical items that hint at the exciting trip ahead and will come in handy when you hit the road, all without breaking the bank! These fun and functional gifts are perfect for having a few things to wrap when their big gift is a vacation. If you’ve been here before, hopefully you are booking that trip on points instead of dollars!
If you’re new here, check out my free beginner’s guide to learn how.
The Details
This Snackle Box Container is the MVP of snack containers. I was actually really surprised at the level of excitement my kids showed for this handy little box. It’s compact, organized, lightweight and spill proof. It works for both airplane rides and road trips, and the kids love the variety of snacks they get. I don’t know about you, but I love NOT hearing “Mom, can I have a snack?” 85,000 times.
I have never met a kid that doesn’t love a new pair of goggles. The polarized lenses block out harsh glare from the sun, so no more squinting in the pool or at the beach. Plus, the super-soft silicone and adjustable strap mean they fit comfortably without leaving marks or pinching. They are leak-proof, anti-fog, and 100% UV-protected. Any kid will love these goggles.
We used these bands the firsts time on a cruise, and even picked up some adult versions for us grown-ups. I love that they are simple, safe and natural. They work through the ancient practice of acupressure to relieve motion sickness symptoms. My kids feel great when they wear them, and they even work on field trips on the bus. You might get a cursory “thank you” giving them as a Christmas gift, but they will absolutely thank you later.
If it doesn’t fit in the bag, it doesn’t come. My kids love the autonomy that a bag like this gives them. The snack container always makes the cut. The rest, they get to decide! Shop here.
The biggest prerequisite for travel headphones for kids is how well they pack. These fold up compactly and are comfortable. We have multiple pairs for each kid because they love to use them at a school as well.
Sunglasses that fold like this get broken a whole lot less. My kids love feeling big like the adults having their very own sunglasses.
If you bring a water bottle empty on to the plane, you can fill it up with whatever you want after you pass security. My favorite water bottle is the Hydro Jug, but my kids insist this one is the the best.
I love girls swim suits with a bit more coverage because it means less skin to worry about burning. This one is affordable and chlorine proof for those high chemical hotel swimming pools.
I love these shorts for the same reason as the girl’s suit. It’s so nice not to have the colors fade with the cholorine!
I have bought so many coloring books, and my kids seem to gravitate back to plain paper. Writing notes, drawing pictures, playing games, and doing origami, they just love a blank piece of paper. Loose printer paper ends up all over the place, so we love these tear away pads.
Battery operated and portable, this mini noise machine can be a life saver. Noisy neighbors, too many kids in one room waking each other up, snoring: better sleep makes everyone happier.
From sticky hands to dirty airplane tables, these are a must have for any of our vacations.
Travel-Friendly Christmas Gifts for Kids Who Love Adventures
No matter where your family is headed, these small, travel-friendly gifts make the countdown to your trip even more fun and functional. From keeping snacks organized to making sleep (and sanity) easier on the go, each of these gifts helps your kids get excited about the adventure ahead. Whether you’re flying across the ocean or driving a few hours away, these thoughtful, affordable items make the perfect pairing with a “we’re going on vacation” surprise. And they work for every kind of trip!
If you haven’t booked your trip yet, don’t forget, you might be able to cover a big part of it with points instead of dollars. Start with my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles and see just how far your next family vacation can go.
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