13 Favorite Compact Travel-Friendly Toys

Fads come and go (hello, fidget spinner!) but there’s a reason that certain toys have become classics, even in the face of devices. And perhaps especially because of devices, I’ve become more tuned to classic, non-blinking toys! I thought it would be fun to put together a roundup of some of my favorites, all in the super compact, travel-friendly realm for your next road trip or flight! Yay for lighter packing (especially during holiday travel)!

1. KANOODLE

I bought Violet Kanoodle one holiday and it is my very favorite travel toy. It comes in its own small case (easy to slip into my bag du jour!) and is fun for kids and adults alike!

2. Coggy

Coggy is another toy I adore for its compactness and fun for all aged-ness! I legit have to think about how to create the patterns! Added bonus? There is no risk of losing pieces.

3. Jacks

We had very little in the way of toys when I was a kid, but we did have a set of jacks and I spent a ton of time playing jacks with my sisters. I love the retro styling on this set!

4. Uno

While we were at Smugglers’ Notch Laurel and Violet became OBSESSED with Uno. In fact, Violet has reported that her favorite thing about summer was Uno!

5. Slinky

I mean, need I say more about the Slinky. So eternally fun.

6. Pick up sticks

We have this classic set of pick up sticks and it is bizarrely therapeutic to slowly try to unwedge sticks out of the stack.

7. Magic 8 Ball

The Magic 8 Ball needs little introduction. I mostly love how it can inspire some hilarious and ridiculous question asking.

8. Yo-yo

What’s not to love about a toy that you can carry around in your pocket? A yo-yo is the ultimate in compact toys.

9. Rubik’s Cube

I bought a Rubik’s Cube at the beginning of the summer and it paid off in entertainment hours in spades because Laurel proceeded to spend a lot of time studying Rubik’s Cube solution guides.

10. Jump rope

I love packing a jump rope to get the kids moving after a long car ride.

11. Etch-A-Sketch

I distinctly remember what a wonder it was to discover Etch A Sketch when I was a kid. The nerd in me loves that it’s kind of like a precursor to programming, thinking in x and y coordinates.

12. Cards

It's so sweet, Violet has gotten so into card games. The game options are endless and it doesn't get more compact. I recommend leaving a deck in the glove compartment!

13. Perplexus

OK, so this is not a fit-in-your-handbag toy but the original Perplexus is AWESOME and has totally come backseat with us. I will say though that while we did buy the advanced Perplexus, something about it isn't quite as fun as the original.

Bonus: So this isn’t a toy, but I will say that the Hamilton soundtrack has proven incredibly effective for eating away long hours on the road!