THE ULTIMATE FAMILY TRAVEL GIFT GUIDE: HOLIDAY GIFTS & STOCKING STUFFERS THAT INSPIRE ADVENTURE
Updated: Aug 29
Every year in our house, the holidays mean family get-togethers, twinkling lights, and at least one living-room dance party to Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Last Christmas, my husband and I added a little extra sparkle to the season, we surprised our preschoolers with a Disney World trip. Once they realized that they were going to see Mickey Mouse, I was reminded that the best gifts aren’t always things you can wrap. Sometimes, they’re memories waiting to be made. As a family travel advisor (and mom of two littles), I’ve rounded up some of my favourite travel gifts and stocking stuffers for families who love to travel. Whether you’re planning ahead for a big adventure or just want to make your next trip smoother, these ideas are fun, practical, and perfectly packable.
THE BEST TRAVEL STOCKING STUFFERS FOR TODDLERS
We’ve personally used many of these over multiple trips, and they’ve all earned a permanent spot in our carry-on, especially the anti-throw straps, stroller hooks, and so many stickers. When the kids were younger, the Water Wow colouring pads and spinning suction toys saved us during more than one layover.
These toddler-friendly items are compact, practical, and meltdown-preventing:
Travel Toys & Entertainment
Water-Wow Colouring Pads - Shop Here
Spinning Suction Toys - My Son Loved These - Get Here
Suction Toys - Get These on Amazon
Toddler-Sized Headphones - Find it Here
Bubble or Light-Up Wand - Grab One
Going on an Airplane Book - My Kids Loved This - Shop Here
LCD Colouring Tablet - Great for kids too - Shop Here
On-The-Go Essentials
Reusable Snack Bags - We Use These For Lunches Too - Buy Here
Stroller Hooks - Shop Here
Anti-throw straps - Get These on Amazon
Foldable Potty Seat - Find Here
Disposable Placemats - Shop Here
Face Sunscreen - Get Yours Here
AMANDA’S ADVICE - Depending on your toddler's age and when you are travelling, keep a few of the toys hidden until you're en route, surprise entertainment is travel gold.
BEST TRAVEL STOCKING STUFFERS FOR KIDS
Our kids are obsessed with Imagine Ink books and Dot Art kits, they keep little hands busy on long flights and even at the resort. The I Spy and Look & Find books are always packed in our carry-on; they make great hotel downtime activities too.
These picks keep kids entertained on flights, road trips, or resort downtime.
Creative Fun
Travel colouring books (Theme to your travel destination)
Mexico - Get Here
Cruise - Grab Yours
Hawaii - Shop Here
Spiderman Imagine Ink - Find on Amazon
Disney Princess Imagine Ink - Find on Amazon
Dot ART
Stickers-
Puffy Sticker Books Sets - My Kids Love These - Find on Amazon
Princess Sticker Book Number - Grab Yours
Sticker by Number - Shop Here
Books & Learning
Airplane-Themed Book for Children - Find Here
Look & Find Books
Marvel - Get on Amazon
Disney Princess Search & Find - Grab Yours Here
Travel Toys & Games
"50 Fun Things to Do on a Plane" - Grab Here
Collapsible Beach Bucket Set - Find Here
Mini Magnet Tiles - Shop Here
Compact Travel Games
For Uno Jr. - Shop on Amazon
Guess Who (card version) - Get Here
Mad Libs - Get Yours Here
Disney Mad Libs - Grab Here
Princess - Shop on Amazon
Marvel - Find Here
Guess in 10 - Animal Edition - Grab Here
Guess in 10 - Disney Edition - Shop Here
Guess in 10 - Countries of the World - Find Here
Waterproof Cards - Get Your Deck Here
TIP FROM A TRAVEL MOM - Wrap these with a little tag that says “For our next adventure” to build travel anticipation!
BEST TRAVEL GIFTS FOR PARENTS WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL
Here are a few Christmas gift ideas for the traveller in your life. A few of these have become personal must-haves for our family, like the phone tripod for capturing family memories, shampoo bars and wrist strap lanyards for airports and theme parks.
Packing Essentials
Packing cubes (total game changer for family suitcases) - Get Yours Here
Compression Packing Cubes - Shop on Amazon
Tech Organizer Case - Find Here
Jewelry Organization Pouch - Get One Here
Travel Liquids/Cosmetic Bag - Find on Amazon
Travel Hat Clip - Shop Here
Personal Care
Purple Shampoo Bar - Great for my Blondies - Get Yours Here
Shaving Cream Bar - Shop Here
Laundry Strips - Find Here
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Gadgets & Memory Makers
Phone Tripod - Great for Mexico & Cruises but not Disney Parks - Shop on Amazon
Portable Power Bank - Find Here
Waterproof Phone Pouch - Shop Here
Wrist-strap Phone Lanyards - Get Here
Reusable Metal Travel Straw - Get Yours Here
Cruise & All-Inclusive Resort Travel Essentials
Tumblers - For hot coffee or icy poolside drinks - Get on Amazon
Magnetic Hooks — A cruise must have - Get Yours Here
Collapsible Travel Cup - Find Here
Towel Bands - Shop Here
BEST TRAVEL GIFTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
These gifts turn wanderlust into a shared experience. These travel traditions build excitement for what’s ahead and help your kids reflect on their favourite moments along the way.
Matching Luggage Tags - Get Here
Scratch Travel Maps - Find Here
Travel Journals - Find on Amazon
Memory Books - Shop Here
SKIP THE STUFF: GIVE A FAMILY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE INSTEAD
If physical gifts aren’t really your thing, consider giving a family vacation as a Christmas gift instead. An experience where your family can connect, unplug, and create lasting memories. Maybe it’s a surprise Disney trip tucked into a Christmas card, a spring-break beach getaway, or a multi-generational cruise. Whatever your version of magic looks like, experiences bring families closer together and that’s something no store can wrap.
Even if you’re just planting the seed for next year, start dreaming now. A simple “save for travel” envelope or a printed photo of your dream destination can be the first step toward the ultimate gift of time together.
LOOKING FOR MORE FAMILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION?
If you love chatting and learning about family travel, Disney, cruises and all-inclusive getaways, come join my free Facebook community: Elevated Family Vacation Planning with Amanda | Disney, Cruises & Mexico
You’ll find real travel tips, destination inspiration, and a group of families who love making memories together.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase at no added cost to you. I only share products our family has personally used or that I genuinely recommend for smoother, stress-free travel.
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