Half Pint Travel's Holiday Gift Guide!
For our second annual gift list, I’ve selected screen-free toys, books, and tools that educate, entertain, and inspire kids to explore the world around them.
These gifts are also compact and travel friendly—perfect if you’re road tripping through California or wheeling a carry-on en route to Japan.
Merry merry, indeed.
Pipity Activity Case
Dreamed up by a mum of three in Devon, England, Pipity is beautifully designed and layered in learning moments that touch on everything from small motor skills to imaginative play. The star-studded case is packed with art supplies ranging from colored pencils to kid-friendly scissors, as well as an activity book filled with puzzles, games, and crafts.
Pipity Activity Case A quality on-the-go art set. Along with red (pictured), the pack comes in blue and pink.
Why I love it There are dozens of art cases out there, so why have I waited for this popular English pack to finally launch in the U.S.? It’s high quality thanks to its oil cloth case and curated supplies. It’s also super compact and more extensive than a traditional art pad thanks to its thoughtful and oh-so-fun paper crafts. It’s also perfect for the airplane, car, or even just a night out at a restaurant.
Buy it here
Lunii
Designed in France, the Lunii is an interactive storyteller where kids—using an intuitive dial and a couple of buttons—can help weave together the plot, choosing various characters and settings. It comes pre-loaded with dozens of interactive stories, and others are available for download on the Lunii app.
Lunii Oh-so French with its chic frame and imaginative stories.
Why I love it The Lunii is my kind of tech: It’s akin to an old-fashioned radio with a few knobs and dials, and it doesn’t have a screen. The stories are fun and focus on building vocabulary, and—should you be raising a budding linguist—you can play them in several languages. You can also listen on a speaker or on headphones, ideal for the airplane. (For my favorite travel headphones for kids, which are comfortable and have serious volume control, click here.)
Buy it here
Bespin Binoculars
Confession: I’m a binoculars snob. I’ve bought my kiddos no less than three pairs of kid-friendly binoculars, all of which have quickly fallen apart (looking at you, Melissa & Doug) and don’t really magnify. So I was thrilled to discover these smart, durable, and high quality peepers at a great price.
Bespin Binoculars For your amateur birder.
Why I love them They have a high resolution—8x magnification, where other kid models typically run at 2x or 4x—and they add another dimension to a nature walk or hike. They also come with a birding map as well as a neck strap, bringing your chances of losing them down by at least 75 percent.
Buy them here
FUJIFILM Waterproof Digital Camera
I love it when my kids take pictures, but I don’t love it when they reach for my phone. Albeit a splurge, this real deal camera is a great solution—it’s easy to use, snaps great shots, and can go underwater. Best of all—as the shop rep dramatically showed off by dropping the camera several times—it’s virtually indestructible.
FUJIFILM Waterproof Digital Camera Say cheese—on a hike, on the airplane, or even underwater.
Why I love it When my son started taking an interest in taking pictures (and I didn’t want to give him a phone) I pulled out an old digital point-and-shoot. A few drops later, it quickly bit the dust. I gave him this camera for his 4th birthday and it’s been worth it, both as a learning tool (at this point we’re up to flash or no flash) and to see how he captures the world.
Buy it here
This Is How We Do It
Whether you’re armchair traveling or need a good book for the airplane, this is a great trip primer. Written by Matt Lamothe, the story follows seven children through everyday life in different countries around the world. It explores human diversity and engages kids and adults alike in fascinating cultural norms.
This Is How We Do It My kiddo’s biggest takeaway from this book? Children get to eat dinner at 9 PM in India.
Why I love it You can stretch this story out by reading about one child at a time—a nice option if you’re working your way through a four-hour road trip. There’s also an activity-based version, This Is How I Do It, which includes stickers, postcards, and pages where young readers and writers can document their own daily lives.
Buy it here
Bananagrams
This anagram game, where you build crossword grids for the win, is a favorite in our family, from our speedy elementary school speller to an uncle who went to college “in Boston.” New version My First Bananagrams is also perfect for kids that are just learning their letters.
Bananagrams I’ve lost to my nine-year-old nephew in this game in three countries.
Why I love it My nine-year-old nephew has beat me in Bananagrams in no less than three countries, and yet I am still a fan—albeit one that now seriously doubts her spelling skills. It’s the perfect game to pull out on the airplane or, ideally, a beachfront coffee table.
Buy it here
Happy Holidays! Pictured: The Pipity!
What’s your favorite travel gift for kids? Let me know below!
Please note: While I’ve hand picked and road tested every item I’ve included here, this story contains affiliate links, meaning I might earn a commission
if you click and end up making a purchase. Affiliate programs help support Half Pint Travel, and for your support, I thank you!