Hey ladies, I have a girlfriend who is planning on movie to Australia in 6mo. I want to get her and her daughter something for christmas that they will be able to take with them easily on the plane. I was thinking for her daughter, almost 3yrs I would get a bag put crayons and color books. Like an activity bag for the plane. My friend is only taking a couple suitcases with her so everything she wants to live over there needs to fit in those few bags, Any Ideas? Small things that are good for traveling?
TIA
For mom, make her a beaded bookmark and get a book. Google beaded bookmark, lots of great sites will show you. Love the idea of an activity bag for the girl, can you personalize the bag, or maybe get one of the bags that the girl can decorate before going on the plane?
I've seen some activity/sticker books at the dollar store. Most had to do with shapes/colors and sorting. That'd keep a kiddo occupied for a little bit. They're pretty flat and weigh very little. If you do crayons, do just 4 or 5 colors. You don't want the kid dropping crayons all over the plane, plus the 3 yr old doesn't need more than 5 colors to choose from. Give her a balloon or two to blow up and play with while they wait for boarding of the plane. It'll help her little one get some wiggles out before-hand. Don't forget to buy your friend a calling card so she can call you!
On top of Laurie's answer: They sell a lot of cute backpacks that the little ones can carry on their backs. Or they also have cute ones that have rollers. When my son was just 2 yrs, he got a Toy Story backpack that had a handle and wheels. He loved pulling his own backpack in the airport. Since I had to buy him a seat, it counted as his carry-on. I put a change of clothes in it, his blankie, toys, dvd player, etc.
When I flew to Indonesia I took a "change" bag for myself and my daughter. So, it had a way for us to "shower" (wet wipes), wash my face (facial cleansing wipes), brush my teeth (disposable tooth brush), stuff for my hair, and an ENTIRE new outfit (undie pants, socks, snazzy sweats, cute t-shirt, sports bra).
We flew from Chicago to Korea (13 hours) and then Korea to Indonesia (9 hours). I "changed" in Seoul and I felt like a million bucks!!!!!!
I would put together something like that for each of them in a smaller bag that she can put inside her carryon. Because all my stuff was wipes, you don't need to pull it out and put it through security.
Make the "bag" A backpack.. this way the mom will not have to carry it..
HEADPHONES for child & adult is a great gift.....that is if your friends will be taking any listening devices on board with them.
I am a Flight Attendant. I can't tell you how many passengers ask me to tell another passenger to turn down their electronic device. Personally, I find passengers talking loudly more annoying than a video;)
All the answers and ideas are great! I also wrap small gifts for my son when we travel. It adds another element of surprise. You are a wonderful friend!
I think you are on the right track with the 3 yr old, an activity bag is perfect. As for mom, maybe buy some of those clear plastic bottles or bags that airlines now require. Maybe a visa/mastercard gift card so that she can buy some of those little things she won't be taking with her. Good Luck
I love the idea of the backpack (w/pull handle & wheels for the little one)
Fill w/blanket, crayons, coloring book, some snacks in small baggies.
For mom a magazine. She can always ditch it on the plane when she's done so she doesn't have to carry it.
Once you get her address, you can send her a care package in Australia
How nice of you!
How about gift card to itunes, or e-books, etc. Stuff she can cash in once she gets there.
They make triangle crayons that don't roll when put on the tray. We used those on our plane ride. I would put some treats in there, wet wipes, stickers, princess color books, suckers for ear popping, colorforms, special cup that's easy to hang onto.
Or make mom and DD happy and get them an iPod touch to share. :)
