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Original poster

What to put in plane activity pack

30 replies

Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 13:43

As everyone was so helpful last time when asking what to get DNephews for their holidays, I was hoping you lovely lot might have some good suggestion to put into a pack to take on the plane for DNeice (2.5)? I've asked if there's anything she would like as her holiday gift as we now give her older siblings spending money, and the request was for something for on the plane.

I've had a look online and there seem to be all sorts of different pre-made activity packs but none that look suitable for her age range - they're all either very babyish or too old for her.

I was thinking of a bag of some sort (drawstring boot type bag maybe?) to house everything in, a book of some sort, and some snacks, but not sure what else!

Any suggestions would be hugely welcomed!

OP posts:
pikapikachu · 21/07/2019 13:47

Magnadoodle, stickers.

If you go to a Hawkins Bazaar or similar there's lots of good (quiet!) fiddle toys like stretchy men etc but I'm assuming that she's past putting things in her mouth.

Some little toy figures like people, ponies or other animals? Crayons? Colouring book?

Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 13:52

Definitely past putting things in her mouth thankfully!

They're all great ideas - thanks so much! I've added all of those to my shopping list!

OP posts:
REllenR · 21/07/2019 14:13

Usborne dolly dressing sticker books/Melissa and Doug soft stickers
Little playmobil sets (my 2.5 year old liked the dog walking one)
Magnadoodles are great for that age
Little pens and colouring book

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Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 14:32

Thanks @REllenR - I've not seen those sticker books before! And will definitely have a look at the Playmobil sets.

OP posts:
EskewedBeef · 21/07/2019 14:33

A kazoo is a must.

Limpshade · 21/07/2019 14:42

Magazines, the kind that have a free toy stuck to the cover, often have stickers, colouring, the lot inside - always a hit!

I picked up one of these mini kaleidoscopes as an impulse for my very difficult to please 2.5yo - she absolutely loves it and it's the perfect thing to pull out of a pocket when she needs a distraction www.babipur.co.uk/plan-toys-mushroom-kaleidoscope.html

AuditAngel · 21/07/2019 14:46

Water colouring mats. We got a travel aqua doodle. The pen can be refilled from a sports cap bottle.

Fuzzy felts

Colouring book with triangular pencils (so they can’t roll away)

Spot the difference/where’s Wally (suggested by my 8 year old)

Headphones to go with a tablet?

AuditAngel · 21/07/2019 14:47

A Kazoo is absolutely NOT a must for a plane trip

OhMyGodTheyKilledKenny · 21/07/2019 14:51

Definitely a comic/magazine with a free gift on but make sure it's not a noisy toy!! They usually have puzzles and activities in, stories etc so offer a variety of things to do.

Our 2 used to love choosing a comic for holidays.

goldpendant · 21/07/2019 14:57

How long is the flight?

Stompythedinosaur · 21/07/2019 15:29

Usbourne sticker books are really good. Sticky mosaics work well too. Usbourne do a good activity book for younger kids. Maybe a busy book or a little set with figures (My dc liked the Disney little kingdom sets).

Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 17:22

@EskewedBeef I really dont think my in-laws would thank me for that one Grin!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 17:25

Thanks everyone - I love these ideas! And will definitely be buying some of these for our DS when we go on holiday later in the year!

The flight is only a couple of hours but I think the plan is this will keep her busy during the waiting around at the airports too as she doesn't really like being sat down for long.

I've just had a look at Busy Books - how did I not know about these before! They're fab, and also added to the Christmas lists for other little ones!

OP posts:
Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 17:26

@AuditAngel triangular pencils are a genius idea, and I think a younger version of Where's Wally would be something she'd love.

I knew you'd all have great ideas!

OP posts:
ChicCroissant · 21/07/2019 17:28

Crayola do twist-up crayons which eliminate the need for a sharpener, I can highly recommend!

The aqua-draw kept my DD happy in many a restaurant so would recommend the travel version as a PP has mentioned.

Sticker book or magazine. Also a plain notebook or sketch pad for drawing as well as a pre-printed colouring book.

Di11y · 21/07/2019 17:31

those books with paint in the pages so plain water 'colours' them

Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 18:32

Thank you @ChicCroissant and @Di11y!

The aqua draw/water painting book would actually be something she could use in the apartment they're staying in too so one of those options is a great idea!

OP posts:
OhMyGodTheyKilledKenny · 21/07/2019 18:49

We used to have a magnetic versions of Snakes and Ladders and Hangman that were great for travel - they were tins that opened up to reveal the game.

Maybe have a look on Amazon for something suitable for her age. If none of the games are suitable you might find a magnetic version of a Fuzzy Felt-type activity

stucknoue · 21/07/2019 18:55

Crayola magic pens used to be great (going back some time so don't know if they still make them) otherwise ordinary crayons and colouring, those dress up doll books, CBeebies magazine, and (assuming eurozone) slip in some low value coins, there's always bracelets and the like at resorts.

Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 21/07/2019 20:48

I’d also never thought of magnetic games!

And love the idea of putting in coins for bracelets!

OP posts:
SmartPlay · 21/07/2019 21:13

My son was a bit younger than 2 when we flew, but that's what I packed - still suitable for a 2,5 year old.

balalalala · 21/07/2019 21:18

Water magic books are fab. I actually just did a pack like this for my just over 2.5 year old recently and went to the pound shop. They had some good paw patrol sticker and colouring books, mr men books, a slinky went down well and a spinning toy.

reluctantbrit · 21/07/2019 21:23

I found it useful to keep some items in our main luggage for the flight back. So maybe put not everything in the bag but hand the parents some items to keep away from her and to be used later.

DD definitely loved getting a magazine, that was always a absolute treat thing, I mad always clear to her that I would happily buy books but not magazines, so it was something very special.

Also, get some dry snacks, that breaks the whole journey up as well.

Original poster
Someaddedsugar · 24/07/2019 22:20

Thanks all! Will definitely be going to the pound shop this weekend!

OP posts:
CatsForLife · 24/07/2019 22:37

Koosh ball, there’s a travel mosaic sticker set around (might be Galt), I second the Usbourne Dolly sticker books, magazine, Playmobil blind bag, pencil case with cheap little plastic animals (Home Bargains), post-it notes to stick on seat in front. Also buckle toys - they have lots of different fasteners for toddlers to do and undo. There’s lots on Amazon/eBay. If you get a Where’sWally or search and find, a cheap magnifying glass always goes down well with it. Somewhere like Home Bargains for snacks. They do small packs of fruit-based chewy things. Like Haribo, but slightly more worthy due to their (tiny) real fruit content!!!