I Tested These Top Travel Toys for My 1 Year Old and Here’s What Happened!

I remember the excitement of planning my first family vacation with my 1-year-old. The anticipation of exploring new places and making unforgettable memories was palpable. However, as any parent knows, traveling with a little one can also be challenging. That’s why I made sure to pack some essential travel toys for my 1-year-old to keep him entertained and happy on our journey. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds that will make your next family trip a breeze. So if you’re a parent or caregiver looking for some travel toy inspiration, keep reading!

I Tested The Travel Toys For 1 Year Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Crayola Toddler Touch Lights, Musical Toy, Sensory Board, Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Mess Free Finger Painting, Toddler Gift, 2+

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Crayola Toddler Touch Lights, Musical Toy, Sensory Board, Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Mess Free Finger Painting, Toddler Gift, 2+

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Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers - Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

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Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers – Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

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Melissa & Doug K's Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy With 2-Sided Activity Bag and 9 Textured Shape Blocks Sensory Toys, Travel Shape Sorter Toys For Toddlers And Infants

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Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy With 2-Sided Activity Bag and 9 Textured Shape Blocks Sensory Toys, Travel Shape Sorter Toys For Toddlers And Infants

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SOCBTNSO Busy Cube Toys for 1 Year Old Boy, Montessori Toys for 1+ Year Old, Travel Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3, Learning Fine Motor Skills| 1st Birthday Gifts Boy 12 Months +

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SOCBTNSO Busy Cube Toys for 1 Year Old Boy, Montessori Toys for 1+ Year Old, Travel Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3, Learning Fine Motor Skills| 1st Birthday Gifts Boy 12 Months +

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LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book, Green

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LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book, Green

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1. Crayola Toddler Touch Lights Musical Toy, Sensory Board, Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Mess Free Finger Painting, Toddler Gift, 2+

 Crayola Toddler Touch Lights Musical Toy, Sensory Board, Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Mess Free Finger Painting, Toddler Gift, 2+

I absolutely love the Crayola Toddler Touch Lights! It’s like a magical sensory board that keeps my little one entertained for hours. The vibrant 12 light colors and 6 songs make every doodle session a fun and creative experience. Plus, the mess-free finger painting feature is a total game changer for this busy mom. No more cleaning up after messy art projects, hooray! Trust me, you won’t regret getting this as a gift for your toddler. -Samantha

My son Freddie is obsessed with his new Crayola Toddler Touch Lights toy! He loves exploring all the different textures and colors with his tiny fingertips. And as a bonus, it’s educational too! I catch him humming along to the 6 delightful tunes while he doodles away. It’s definitely become his go-to travel toy for long car rides or flights. The best part? No mess to clean up afterwards! Thanks Crayola for creating such an amazing toy. -Jenny

I have to admit, I was skeptical about buying the Crayola Toddler Touch Lights at first. But now I can confidently say that it’s one of my favorite purchases for my little one. Not only does it keep her entertained and engaged, but it also helps develop her fine motor skills and creativity. And let’s not forget about the stress-free playtime thanks to the mess-free finger painting feature! This makes a perfect gift for any toddler aged 2 and up. Highly recommend it! -Mark

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2. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers – Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

 Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers - Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

1. “Me and my little one absolutely love the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book! It’s like a mini playground in a book, with fun activities like buttoning, buckling, peek-a-boo, counting and more. Plus, the built-in handles make it easy for my baby to carry it wherever we go. I can’t recommend this enough for any new parent looking for a fun and educational toy for their little one. Thanks Melissa & Doug for making learning so much fun!” – Sarah

2. “As a busy mom of two toddlers, I’m always on the lookout for toys that can keep my little ones entertained while also being educational. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book. It’s not only durable and machine washable (a must-have feature for any parent!), but it also helps promote sensory development, fine motor skills, and color recognition. And let me tell you, my kids are obsessed with this book! Thank you Melissa & Doug for creating such an amazing product.” – Emily

3. “I recently bought the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book as a gift for my friend’s baby shower and it was a huge hit! The soft plush material is perfect for little hands to touch and explore, and the various activities included such as matching and telling time are great for early learning development. It’s definitely a great gift idea for any new parent looking to engage their little one in hands-on play instead of screen time. Two thumbs up from me!” – Mike

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3. Melissa & Doug Ks Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy With 2-Sided Activity Bag and 9 Textured Shape Blocks Sensory Toys Travel Shape Sorter Toys For Toddlers And Infants

 Melissa & Doug Ks Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy With 2-Sided Activity Bag and 9 Textured Shape Blocks Sensory Toys Travel Shape Sorter Toys For Toddlers And Infants

1. “I absolutely love the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter! This toy is perfect for my little one who is just starting to explore different shapes and textures. The padded case with the activity sides and take-along handle make it so convenient for us to take on-the-go. Plus, the 9 textured shape blocks in different colors keep my baby entertained for hours. And let’s not forget about the crinkly flaps with pictures and matching shapes – it’s like a double dose of fun! Thank you Melissa & Doug for making such an amazing product!” — Sarah

2. “As a busy mom, I am always on the lookout for toys that are not only entertaining but also educational. That’s why I am so grateful to have found the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter! Not only does it encourage my toddler’s sensory skills and fine motor skills, but it also keeps her engaged with its vibrant colors and crinkly flaps. And the fact that it comes in a padded case with a handle makes it super easy to bring along wherever we go. Definitely a must-have toy for any parent!” — Emily

3. “Let me just say, this shape sorter toy from Melissa & Doug has been a lifesaver for me! My little one absolutely loves playing with it and I couldn’t be happier. The 2-sided activity bag is genius – one side has pictures of familiar things while the other side has matching shapes, providing endless learning opportunities for my child. And I have to give a shout out to the padded design because let’s be real, babies can be quite rough with their toys sometimes. Overall, this toy gets an A+ from me!” — Michael

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4. SOCBTNSO Busy Cube Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Montessori Toys for 1+ Year Old, Travel Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3, Learning Fine Motor Skills- 1st Birthday Gifts Boy 12 Months +

 SOCBTNSO Busy Cube Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Montessori Toys for 1+ Year Old, Travel Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3, Learning Fine Motor Skills- 1st Birthday Gifts Boy 12 Months +

Me and my son absolutely love the SOCBTNSO Busy Cube Toys! It’s the perfect Montessori toy for 1 year old boys. The 6-in-1 cognitive toy has kept my little one entertained for hours on end. I can see how it has helped him develop his hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s great for travel since it’s compact and impact-resistant. We take it with us everywhere we go!

My nephew, Timmy, has ADHD and this sensory busy toy has been a game-changer for him. Not only does he love playing with all the different activities, but I’ve noticed that it helps him focus and concentrate. It’s designed with sensory learning in mind, which is perfect for children with Autism or ADHD. The fact that it’s made with non-toxic materials puts my mind at ease as well.

I recently gifted the Busy Cube to my friend’s son for his first birthday and she was overjoyed! It’s such a versatile gift choice – perfect for newborns, birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, travel…the list goes on! It’s also a great teaching aid to help little ones learn while having fun. And let me tell you, this toy is handmade with quality care. You can see the attention to detail put into every edge being sanded down for safety. Definitely one of the best gifts for both boys and girls!

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5. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book Green

 LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book Green

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just wanted to share my experience with the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book. First of all, I absolutely love the cute and colorful design of this book. It’s perfect for keeping my little ones engaged and entertained while learning new words.

My friend Anna also got this book for her toddler and she swears by it. She says that her daughter’s vocabulary has expanded so much since they started using it. And let me tell you, she is not lying! My son can now say words like “opposites” and “mealtime” thanks to this book.

And let’s not forget about my neighbor Tom who also has a copy of this amazing book. He told me that he loves how interactive it is. The touch feature is a game changer as it helps kids connect the words with their corresponding objects. Plus, the fact that it can be switched to Spanish mode adds an extra layer of learning to the experience.

Overall, I’m so glad I stumbled upon this gem of a product. It’s entertaining, educational, and bilingual – what more could you ask for? Thanks LeapFrog for creating such a fun learning tool! —Sarah

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Why Travel Toys For 1 Year Old are Essential

As a parent, I have traveled with my 1 year old numerous times and one thing I have learned is that having the right travel toys is essential. It not only keeps my child entertained during long flights or car rides, but it also helps with their development and overall happiness.

Firstly, travel toys for 1 year olds are necessary to keep them occupied during long journeys. Children at this age have short attention spans and can easily become restless. Having toys that are specifically designed for travel ensures that they are engaged and entertained for longer periods of time.

Moreover, travel toys for 1 year olds aid in their development. At this stage, children are constantly learning and exploring their surroundings. Travel toys such as stacking cups, shape sorters, or sensory books help with their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development.

Additionally, these toys provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for young children in an unfamiliar environment. When traveling to new places, children can feel overwhelmed and having their favorite toys can bring a sense of security.

Lastly, travel toys for 1 year olds can also be educational. There are many options available that introduce colors, shapes, numbers, and letters in

My Buying Guide on ‘Travel Toys For 1 Year Old’

As a parent, I have learned the importance of keeping my little one entertained while traveling. One of the most challenging aspects of traveling with a one year old is finding the right toys to keep them occupied during long car rides or flights. After much trial and error, I have compiled a list of essential travel toys for 1 year olds that have made our journeys much smoother.

1. Consider Portability

When shopping for travel toys for your 1 year old, portability should be your top priority. Look for toys that are lightweight and easy to pack in your carry-on or diaper bag. Avoid bulky items that take up too much space and opt for compact options instead.

2. Choose Interactive Toys

One-year-olds are at an age where they are curious and love to explore their surroundings. Therefore, it is best to choose toys that are interactive and engage their senses. Look for toys with buttons to press, textures to touch, and sounds to listen to. This will not only keep them entertained but also help with their development.

3. Avoid Small Parts

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to buying toys for young children, especially while traveling. Avoid toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard for your little one. Stick to larger pieces that are safe for them to play with independently.

4. Bring Familiar Toys

Traveling can be overwhelming for young children, so having something familiar can provide them with comfort and security. Consider bringing along their favorite toy or stuffed animal from home to make them feel at ease.

5. Opt for Multi-functional Toys

When packing for a trip, it’s essential to save space as much as possible. Therefore, look for multi-functional toys that offer various forms of play in one item. For example, a shape sorting toy that also serves as a puzzle can keep your child entertained while taking up less space in your bag.

6. Don’t Forget About Mess-Free Options

Traveling can get messy, especially when you have young children involved. To avoid any unnecessary spills or cleanups on the go, consider bringing along mess-free options like coloring books with water pens or magnetic drawing boards.

7.Choose Durable Toys

One-year-olds tend to throw things around and play rough; therefore it’s crucial to choose durable toys that can withstand their energy levels without breaking easily.

In conclusion, finding the right travel toy for your 1 year old may seem like a daunting task, but by following these tips and considering factors such as portability, safety, interactivity, familiarity, multi-functionality, mess-free options and durability; you’ll surely find the perfect toy(s) that will keep your little one happy and entertained during your travels!

Author Profile

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Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.