Traveling with a one-year-old is an adventure, to say the least! Whether you're heading on a family vacation or just running errands around town, keeping your little one entertained and engaged is essential for a smooth journey. We've put together this list of 11 must-have travel toys that are perfect for 12-month-olds, designed to spark curiosity, encourage development, and most importantly, prevent boredom meltdowns!
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Stacking Cups/Rings: These classic toys are a hit with babies and toddlers alike. They promote hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and color recognition. Look for soft, lightweight versions that are easy to pack.
- Cloth Activity Books and Busy Boards: Cloth activity books are a sensory delight for little hands. They're soft, safe to chew on, and often feature different textures, crinkly sounds, and interactive elements like ribbons and pockets. Busy boards take this concept to the next level, with zippers, buckles, buttons, and other features that keep curious fingers busy and learning through play. We have a great option here at Tiny Explorers that's perfect for travel!
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Teethers & Rattles: Teething can be a tough time for babies, so having soothing teethers on hand is essential. Rattles are also great for stimulating their senses and keeping them engaged.
- Activity Cubes: These multi-sided cubes offer a variety of activities to keep your little one entertained, like spinning gears, bead mazes, and shape sorters. This one is a great one that is lightweight and can be easily packed for a trip.
- Board Books: Choose sturdy board books with bright colors and simple pictures. Reading to your baby on the go helps promote language development and bonding.
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Finger Puppets: These silly characters can bring stories to life and encourage imaginative play. Plus, they're small and easy to pack.
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Pompoms and Empty Water Bottle: This simple yet surprisingly entertaining activity is a favorite of our daughter, Aria. She loves transferring the pompoms in and out of the bottle, which helps develop her fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it's incredibly lightweight and easy to pack!
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Crinkle Toys: The crinkling sound of these toys can be fascinating for babies and help them develop their sense of touch. Look for crinkle toys with different textures and patterns.
- Magnetic Drawing Board: A fun and mess-free way to encourage creativity! Toddlers can doodle, draw, and create colorful masterpieces with the magnetic pen and stamps. Plus, it's compact and easy to pack.
- Easy-to-Pack Beach Toy Set: Pack a lightweight mesh beach bag filled with a few colorful, BPA-free beach toys for your little one. This could include a small, soft pail, a couple of beach cups, and a silicone mold in the shape of a sandcastle or animal. Look for toys that are easy for small hands to grasp and manipulate. We have a great beach set for you to enjoy! The mesh bag allows the toys to dry quickly after a fun day at the beach, and it's easy to store or clip onto your bag for on-the-go fun.
- Tablet: We know, screen time is a last resort, but sometimes it's the only thing that can keep your little explorer sitting for more than two minutes. Load it up with their favorite educational apps, shows, or games for those moments when you need a little peace and quiet.
Bonus Tip: Don't forget to pack a small bag or container to store all these fun toys!
With these must-have travel toys, you'll be well-prepared to keep your 12-month-old entertained and happy on your next adventure. Remember, a little bit of preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for the whole family.
Happy travels,
Tiny Explorers!