Montessori travel toys for little nomads

When you’re traveling with kids, packing toys to keep them entertained is one of the ways everyone stays happy. No one is saying that screen time is out of the question because whether you’re up in the air or in the car, we know that screen time comes in clutch. But, there also comes a time when your child throws their tablet on the floor and you need to break out something new.

Montessori travel toys are a great option to take with you on your travels. Entertainment with a side of educational learning—what’s not to love? They’ll be just as handy on a road trip as they will be the next time you’re in a waiting room. Check out these Montessori-inspired travel toys before your family’s next outing.

What are Montessori travel toys?

Montessori toys do more than just engage your child. They help kids develop important skills and deliver on the fun as well. Montessori toys foster independent play, creativity and curiosity for the natural world.

Finding a toy that’s both travel-friendly and Montessori-inspired is easier than it sounds. Here are a few things to look out for:

Toys that don’t make too much noise

The last thing you want is to give your child a mini drum set when you’re trapped in a car or a plane for hours.

Toys that don’t have too many pieces

Yes to holistic development but absolutely not to a million tiny pieces all over the floor.

Toys that don’t take too much space

Traveling with kids means you’re probably schlepping a few pounds of your child’s necessities. The best travel toys can be easily stored and won’t take up too much space.

Toys that promote open-ended play

In the fight against boredom, Montessori toys that promote open-ended and boundless imaginative, creative play can be the thing that keeps your little traveler from getting antsy.

Montessori travel toys

Let’s face it, you can only keep a child in their seat, happily occupied for so long. So it helps when you have a few toys on hand that can promote development and nurture their inner explorer. You might have already heard about Montessori busy books, but have you heard about magnetic toys and water activity pads? Add these toys to your cart.

Montessori-inspired travel toys for your child's next adventure

Tegu

Magnetic Wooden Block Set

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$41.21

This magnetic wooden block set promotes open-ended play and helps build fine motor skills. Keep the pieces in a resealable bag so you can easily take them out and store them away again. Choose from 6 colorways.

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Mudpuppy

Magnetic Build-It Game

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$17.45

The tin package makes this one of the easiest travel toys to take with you. It comes with two backgrounds and three sheets of mix and match magnets so your child can create their own stories and scenes. Choose from a variety of  themes including construction site, the hungry caterpillar and more.

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ORSEN

LCD Writing Tablet

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$17.98

This portable writing tablet makes on-the-go fun easier than ever. Children can draw what they observe around them, practice letters or let their imagination run wild. It promotes fine motor skills and creativity. It’s also waterproof!

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Melissa & Doug

On The Go Water Wow!

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$8.66

Water Wow activity pads are super popular for a reason. Just load the pen up with water and watch as your child engages visual and critical thinking skills through painting. The pen stores neatly in the front cover. Once dry, you can erase and let your child paint something new again and again.

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Tinkletots Montessori

Busy Book

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$32.88

This interactive activity book promotes early learning and has an element of fun play. It features a variety of activities, velcro pieces and a convenient storage bag for portability.

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KiwiCo

Pop-up Felt Play Mat

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$49.95

Take this portable pop-up felt mat everywhere you go for easy on-the-go fun. Spread out the mat and pop up the the houses to create the town. When playtime is over, the pieces flatten out and can be tucked away in the pockets.

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CLIXO

Tiny & Mighty

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$17.99

The signature Quad shape can make all sorts of creations and with nine pieces there’s no end to what your child can snap together. They’re flexible, compact and light enough to take any where.

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Tiyol Store

Silicone Pull String Toy

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$9.99

There are popping bubbles, strings to pull and a sliding match ball. Plus, the food grade silicone makes it safe enough to act as a teether in a pinch.  Pack this sensory pull toy in your bag to keep your child entertained on the go.

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A version of this post was published February 10, 2020. It has been updated.