[su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF”]// I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps me support my family at no extra cost to you. //[/su_note]
Every year, I do a series of gift guides (one for the ladies, one for the men, one for Melanie, and one for Finn) and always try to add a few fun ones to mix, too.
Like these gifts for the feminists in your life, these ones for your friend who loves to swear, and gifts perfect for anyone who has a period.
This year, I decided to do a fun guide on the best gifts for families who travel. I mean, my crew flies around the country all the time so I'm kinda an expert at this.
I mean, I'm willing to bet that every single one of you knows at least ONE family who loves the jet set life and will be giving them a gift.
The Best Gifts For Families Who Travel
As someone who went YEARS without investing in good gear and luggage for everyone in my family while we travel, I am here to tell you to NOT BE LIKE ME.
Ask, ask, ask for the things you need to make flying and road tripping easier. There's no shame in wanting things that will make your family travel life better.
Wanna help out the families who travel in your life (or maybe, pick up a little sumpin' sumpin' for yourself)? Here's my picks:
Car Seat Travel Bag:
We almost always end up driving a car or using a rideshare when we travel so we have to schlep our car seats.
After years of manhandling them without bags and then buying CHEAP bags – here's the one I found that works great and is affordable.
This one is under $25, has carrying straps, a pocket for identifying information, and folds up into a small bag when you're not using it.
Colorful, Hard-Sided Carry On Luggage With Spinner Wheels:
I am a huge advocate of carrying on your luggage. So, as soon as my kids are old enough to pull their own – it's on.
I let them pick out a hard-sided piece with spinner wheels in a color they love.
Honestly, one time with a stubborn kid dragging a standard wheel suitcase upside down through an airport WILL TEACH YOU. Learn from my agony, y'all.
Tablets With Cases:
Get thee a tablet and never look back. Get thee a durable case and never find thineself sobbing over a broken screen in the TSA line.
Honestly, I appreciate people who bring all kids of crafts and games on the plane to do with their kids but… they are not me. It's all screen time, all the time over here.
Sure, I bring back up games and crayons and stuff but really, it's the tablets. GET THE TABLET.
Skip Hop Leash/Backpack:
I love these backpacks SO much. I apologetically use leashes for my kids when they're little and have zero regrets.
I also make my kids carry their own personal item at airports (i.e. a backpack) because I've got better things to do with my life. These have an exterior pocket and a spot for a water bottle.
After my kids graduate from the leashed backpacks, they get the traditional version which has more design options but is just as durable and cute.
Foldable Carry On Bag:
The BEST thing I have ever taken with me when I travel.
The bag folds up into a small square and then unfolds into a nicely sized carry on bag that is waterproof and can slip right on to the handle of your luggage.
I use it as a laundry bag for us when we travel. Just open the bag, hang it in the closet, and check it as a second bag (or carry on – it has a handy built-in strap to carry on your luggage).
Portable First Aid Kit:
I love this one because it's small and soft-sided which makes it easy to shove in a bag and go.
It comes pre-packed with basic first aid supplies but also has space for me to add any extras I need (like an infant thermometer, kid Band-aids, and a nose sucker thingy).
I also like that it unzips and opens completely which makes finding things while holding an anxious child much easier.
Disposable Ponchos:
If the weather where you're going looks uncertain – pack ponchos.
Sure, you could buy fancy ones and then repack them all sopping wet and stuff.
OR, you could just buy a pack of disposable ones and toss them when you're done.
Canon PowerShot Digital Camera:
Recommended to me by the amazing Jill, this camera takes both photos AND video.
It's much more portable than the traditional DSLR cameras which is super important to me when traveling with my family.
Travel Wallet And Passport Holder:
Are you the keeper of the passports, boarding passes, and money? This travel wallet is also holds multiple passports.
I like that it also has slots for boarding passes and itineraries plus, a space for money and coins.
There's also a key fob and wrist strap so everything is in one place and less likely to get lost or stolen.
Packing Cubes:
I am a huge packing cube fan – especially when traveling as a family.
I like to pick one color for each family member and use it to pack their things.
That keeps everything so much more organized and efficient. Plus, it saves room in our luggage.
Leave a Reply