Holiday shopping lists for travelers tend to focus on gadgets and clothing, but a parent who has spent nearly 17 years on the road with children measures a gift differently. The useful question is whether it keeps a child occupied at the gate, keeps devices running on a long flight, or makes an airport walk less exhausting. In a gift guide first published on ([1]), The Points Guy author shares the items that have earned a place in the family’s travel routine.
Keeping Young Travelers Busy
A delayed boarding gate can turn into a crowded play area within minutes, and the right distraction can change the mood of an entire trip. The author recommends the Away Kids Carry-On for preschool-aged children who fly often. The bag is built well, comes in colors such as berry pink and dragonfly blue, and offers a handle that adjusts to two heights, so a small child can pull it while a parent keeps a hand free. It also includes a TSA-approved lock and a compression system, like the adult models.
The author notes that the bag suits the early years best. Older children usually need more capacity, so a full-size Away carry-on becomes the better option as they grow. Away sometimes runs sales around Black Friday, which can make the timing of a holiday purchase worth watching.
Another low-cost option is an LCD drawing tablet. The author describes these devices as mess-free and easy to pack for long flights or car rides. Many are designed to survive the drops and spills that come with traveling with kids, and their modest price makes it reasonable to buy a spare. The author says one of these tablets once drew a crowd at a delayed gate full of children.
Power, Packing, and Tracking
With phones, tablets, and headphones competing for battery life, a dependable charger becomes a family necessity. The Anker MagGo Power Bank stands out for several features. It has a kickstand, displays the battery percentage and the time remaining to charge, and can charge itself while it charges other devices. According to the author, it can bring an iPhone to roughly 50 percent in about 30 minutes.
Packing cubes also earn a place on the list. They allow travelers to pack by person or by day, which keeps bags orderly and can help the family fit more into each bag. The author adds that packing cubes can reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home when used as part of a broader packing routine. Calpak’s cubes come in patterns such as polka dot and dark cherry, along with classic black.
Apple AirTags round out the group. The second generation offers improved range, and the author suggests placing one in each piece of luggage, in children’s backpacks, and on keychains or pet collars. Some airlines now allow travelers to share the location of a checked-bag AirTag, which can help locate a delayed bag faster.
Quick checks before buying
- Match the gift to the child’s current age, since many travel items fit only a narrow window.
- Confirm that an expandable carry-on meets airline size rules, because some carriers and gate agents enforce limits strictly.
- Pick up accessories such as the film needed for a gifted instant camera.
Comfort and Rolling Gear for Little Legs
Comfort often becomes the first priority once children are involved. The author recommends the Vuori Halo Essential Wide Leg Pants, which are made with Vuori’s DreamKnit material and include pockets. They come in short, regular, and long lengths. For anyone who wants more athleisure, the author points to Lululemon, which some card benefits can help offset.
For families with babies, the Doona stands out. It converts from a car seat into a stroller without removing the baby, which makes cabs, airports, and plane boarding far simpler. The product is rated for babies weighing 4 to 35 pounds and measuring up to 32 inches tall. The author warns that many children outgrow it well before their first birthday, though it works well during the early months.
Older toddlers and young children present a different challenge. Parents may no longer want to carry a stroller, but children still tire quickly in long terminals. Younglingz ride-on suitcases address that stage. They come in themes such as unicorns, fire trucks, and motorcycles, and they let a child ride while the parent carries the luggage. The brand is designed for children ages 2 to 6 who weigh under 80 pounds.
The author also highlights the Quince expandable carry-on, which the author received as a gift from the brand. The bag is light, rolls smoothly on 360-degree spinner wheels, and fit in the overhead bin without trouble. The author adds that the opinions in the piece are personal and have not been endorsed by any bank, card issuer, airline, or hotel chain.
Taken together, the picks reflect a simple principle: gifts that reduce friction tend to matter most on the road. For families shopping this season, the most useful presents may be the ones that make the next airport walk, delayed gate, or late-night check-in feel a little easier.
