*We're parents too. By buying products via our affiliate links we may earn a commission to support our growing family at no cost to you!
Best Toddler Flight Toys: 14 Products Tested on a 6.5-Hour Flight
Quick Answer
Flying cross-country with a 13-month-old. Six and a half hours from New York to California. No screens. Just toys, hope, and a well-stocked diaper bag. I tested 14 different flight toys on this journey. Some kept my toddler engaged for 26 minutes straight. Others lasted barely 2 minutes before hitting the floor. This is what happened.
In This Guide
- Real engagement times for 14 tested flight toys
- Winners that saved the flight (40+ minutes engagement)
- Flops to avoid for 13-month-olds
- Clear toy storage bag organization system
- Bulkhead seat strategy
- What worked vs. what failed on return flight
All Products in This Guide
Real engagement times from 6.5-hour NY to California flight with 13-month-old
All 14 Flight Toys Tested
(8 products)
Create Your Baby Travel Registry
Amazon Baby Registry
*Subject to availability and Retailer's terms.
We earn commissions from these links.
What You Need to Know
Flight Details:
- 6.5-hour flight (NY to California)
- 13-month-old toddler
- Bulkhead seats with wall in front
- Return flight 5 days later (same toys, different results)
Organization System:
- 4 clear toy storage bags in diaper bag
- 2 bags for toys
- 1 bag for diapers and clothes
- 1 bag for snacks and pre-measured formula
- 1 bottle (washed between uses)
For more travel essentials beyond toys, see our complete baby travel essentials guide.
Key Finding: What works on flight one might not work on flight two. My son had a stomach bug on the return flight. Everything changed. Roll with it.
The Winners: Toys That Saved the Flight
These toys earned their spot in the diaper bag. Engagement times are from the outbound flight unless noted.
1. Mr. Pen Mechanical Switch Calculator
Total Engagement Time: 36 minutes (26 min + 5 min + 5 min)
The calculator was the MVP. Not even close.
My 13-month-old loved pressing the buttons. The mechanical switches made satisfying clicks. The large LCD display changed with every press. He understood cause and effect immediately.
He played with it three separate times during the flight. First session lasted 26 minutes. That’s an eternity in toddler time.
Mr. Pen Mechanical Switch Calculator
12-digit calculator with large LCD display and colorful big buttons. Satisfying mechanical switches make it perfect as a fidget toy for toddlers.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
12-digit calculator with large LCD display and colorful big buttons. Satisfying mechanical switches make it perfect as a fidget toy for toddlers.
Pros
- • Satisfying button clicks
- • Large colorful buttons
- • Durable mechanical switches
- • Portable and lightweight
- • Multiple color options
- • Affordable
Cons
- • Requires batteries
- • Can be noisy (clicking sounds)
- • Not specifically designed as toy
Safety & Testing
Safe materials, Durable construction
Why It Worked:
- Satisfying tactile feedback
- Visual changes with every button press
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- No small parts to lose
- Silent enough for neighbors
Parent Tip: Get the colorful version. The bright buttons caught his attention faster than plain gray.
2. SOSUSHOE Busy Board
Total Engagement Time: 40 minutes (20 min + 20 min)
The busy cube was the second-best performer. My son focused on the press-in pieces. He ignored most other activities on the board.
He played with it twice. Both sessions lasted 20 minutes each.
SOSUSHOE Busy Board for 1 Year Old
Montessori busy board with 7 learning activities: mirror, clock, carrot puzzle, rotating activities. Perfect travel toy for toddlers 1-3 years.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Montessori busy board with 7 learning activities: mirror, clock, carrot puzzle, rotating activities. Perfect travel toy for toddlers 1-3 years.
Pros
- • 7 different learning activities
- • Portable with handles
- • Montessori educational method
- • Durable BPA-free plastic
- • Lightweight (0.6 lbs)
- • Helps with fine motor skills
Cons
- • Some activities may be too advanced
- • Not stackable or magnetic
- • Limited engagement for older toddlers
Safety & Testing
CPC certified, ASTM certified, BPA-free
What He Loved:
- Press-in sensory pieces
- Mirror for peek-a-boo
- Rotating activities
What He Ignored:
- Clock face
- Carrot puzzle
- Braided rope
Parent Tip: The handles make it easy for toddlers to carry. He grabbed it himself when he wanted to play.
3. Bravokids LCD Writing Tablet
Total Engagement Time: 22 minutes
I thought he was too young for this. I was wrong.
He understood the drawing concept immediately. He scribbled with the stylus. He pressed the erase button. He watched everything disappear. Then he did it again.
He also chewed on the pen and played with the spring attachment. Bonus entertainment.
Bravokids LCD Writing Tablet 10 Inch
10-inch colorful LCD drawing tablet with one-click erase. Mess-free, reusable, and perfect for travel. Battery lasts 6 months, no charging needed.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
10-inch colorful LCD drawing tablet with one-click erase. Mess-free, reusable, and perfect for travel. Battery lasts 6 months, no charging needed.
Pros
- • Mess-free drawing and writing
- • Colorful LCD screen
- • One-click erase button
- • Lock feature prevents accidental erasing
- • Lightweight and portable
- • Long battery life (6 months)
- • No charging needed
Cons
- • Battery not rechargeable
- • Plastic feels thin
- • Screen may scratch over time
- • Limited color variety in drawing
Safety & Testing
CPSIA, ASTM
Unexpected Benefits:
- Lock feature prevented accidental erasing
- Pen attached with spring (no losing it)
- Lightweight enough for him to hold
- Colorful screen kept his attention
Warning: The plastic feels thin. Handle with care.
4. hand2mind Hundred Board Bubble Popper
Total Engagement Time: 21 minutes
The bubble fidget grid was a hit. He loved popping the bubbles. The tactile feedback kept him engaged.
Silent operation meant no angry looks from other passengers.
hand2mind Hundred Board Sensory Bubble Popper
Educational fidget toy with numbers 1-100. Silent, portable, and perfect for learning math concepts while traveling. Doubles as both a learning tool and anxiety/fidget toy.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Educational fidget toy with numbers 1-100. Silent, portable, and perfect for learning math concepts while traveling. Doubles as both a learning tool and anxiety/fidget toy.
Pros
- • Silent operation - perfect for flights
- • Educational with printed numbers
- • Lightweight and portable
- • Easy to clean
- • Durable design
- • Helps with fine motor skills
Cons
- • Small parts - supervision needed
- • Numbers may fade over time
- • Single-sided numbers only
Safety & Testing
BPA Free, Non-toxic
Why It Worked:
- Completely silent
- Satisfying pop sensation
- Easy to clean
- Durable silicone construction
Age Note: The numbers meant nothing to him at 13 months. He just liked popping bubbles. The educational value comes later.
5. JONYEE Colored Masking Tape
Total Engagement Time: 22 minutes (12 min + 10 min)
This was the surprise winner.
I brought tape for the bulkhead wall. Stick it on. Peel it off. Repeat. He loved it.
He also played with the rolls themselves. Spinning them. Stacking them. Throwing them (gently).
JONYEE Colored Masking Tape 6-Pack
Colorful masking tape set perfect for arts, crafts, and creative play. Easy to tear by hand, repositionable, and safe for kids. Great for flights and quiet activities.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Colorful masking tape set perfect for arts, crafts, and creative play. Easy to tear by hand, repositionable, and safe for kids. Great for flights and quiet activities.
Pros
- • Easy to tear by hand
- • Repositionable and restickable
- • Vibrant assorted colors
- • Affordable bulk value
- • Sticks to multiple surfaces
- • Endless creative possibilities
Cons
- • Can leave residue on some surfaces
- • Rolls can unravel easily
- • Not as strong as regular tape
Safety & Testing
Non-toxic, Safe for kids
Why It Worked:
- Sticks to airplane wall
- Easy to peel off
- Multiple colors kept it interesting
- Rolls doubled as toys
Parent Hack: The bulkhead wall is perfect for tape play. No seatback to bother. No passenger in front to annoy.
6. Hoarosall LED Busy Board
Total Engagement Time: 10 minutes (5 min + 5 min)
The power toy was magic for sleep time.
The LED lights mesmerized him. He watched the colors change. His eyes got heavy. He fell asleep.
Later in the flight, he played with it for another 5 minutes.
Hoarosall Montessori Wooden Busy Board with LED Lights
Wooden busy board with 8 LED light switches. Each switch controls different colored lights. Portable, durable, and perfect for toddlers who love switches.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Wooden busy board with 8 LED light switches. Each switch controls different colored lights. Portable, durable, and perfect for toddlers who love switches.
Pros
- • 8 different LED switches
- • Mesmerizing light effects
- • Durable wooden construction
- • Portable size
- • Smooth hand-ground surface
- • Perfect for switch-loving toddlers
Cons
- • Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)
- • Can be bright in dark environments
- • Higher price point
Safety & Testing
Safe materials, Smooth edges, Durable construction
Best Use Case: Pre-nap wind-down
Battery Note: Bring 2 AAA batteries. They’re not included.
7. Cevioce Fidget Slug Toy
Total Engagement Time: 10 minutes
The wiggle worms became a comfort object.
He held them. He wiggled them. He calmed down when fussy.
Cevioce Fidget Slug Toy 3-Pack
Articulated sensory slug toys that wiggle and crawl. Silent, portable, and satisfying tactile feedback. Perfect for stress relief and fidgeting during travel.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Articulated sensory slug toys that wiggle and crawl. Silent, portable, and satisfying tactile feedback. Perfect for stress relief and fidgeting during travel.
Pros
- • Satisfying tactile feedback
- • Silent operation
- • Durable and flexible
- • Portable and lightweight
- • 3-pack great value
- • Helps with hand strength
Cons
- • Can be chewed on (supervision needed)
- • May lose flexibility over time
- • Small size may not engage all ages
Safety & Testing
Non-toxic, Hypoallergenic, Third-party tested
Comfort Factor: High. He reached for these when overwhelmed.
Durability Concern: He chewed on them. Supervise younger toddlers.
The Flops: What Didn’t Work
Not every toy was a winner. Some failed spectacularly.
LESONG Sensory Maze Fidget Toys
Total Engagement Time: 6 minutes (3 min + 3 min)
The gel-filled mazes looked promising. They flopped.
He squeezed them twice. Got bored. Moved on.
LESONG Sensory Maze Fidget Toys 9-Pack
Silent gel-filled sensory maze toys perfect for autism, ADHD, and anxiety relief. Compact, leak-proof, and ideal for quiet environments like flights and classrooms.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Silent gel-filled sensory maze toys perfect for autism, ADHD, and anxiety relief. Compact, leak-proof, and ideal for quiet environments like flights and classrooms.
Pros
- • Silent operation - no noise
- • Leak-proof dual-layer seals
- • Improves focus and fine motor skills
- • Compact and portable
- • Multi-pack for sharing or variety
- • Safe for kids with sensory needs
Cons
- • May be too simple for older kids
- • Gel can feel cold initially
- • Requires supervision for young children
Safety & Testing
CPSIA, ASTM, FDA-grade materials
Why It Failed:
- Too simple for his age
- No cause-and-effect feedback
- Gel felt cold initially
Verdict: Skip these for 13-month-olds. Maybe better for older kids.
MAGMEN Magnetic Travel Toys
Total Engagement Time: 8 minutes
The magnet men were a safety concern.
He chewed on them immediately. Small parts. Choking hazard. I put them away.
MAGMEN Magnetic Travel Toys 10PC
STEM magnetic figures that stick to metal surfaces. Silent, portable, and perfect for creative play. Enhanced silicone texture for better grip.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
STEM magnetic figures that stick to metal surfaces. Silent, portable, and perfect for creative play. Enhanced silicone texture for better grip.
Pros
- • Silent and portable
- • STEM educational value
- • Enhanced silicone grip
- • Sticks to metal surfaces
- • Durable strong magnets
- • USA-based quality
Cons
- • Small pieces (choking hazard for babies)
- • Can be chewed on
- • Limited play value for some
Safety & Testing
Non-toxic, Lab-tested, US/Canada/Europe certified
Safety Warning: Not appropriate for babies who mouth everything. Wait until age 3+.
Wikki Stix for Doodlers
Total Engagement Time: 3 minutes
The imagination sticks didn’t stick.
He bent them once. Lost interest. That was it.
Wikki Stix for Doodlers 24-Pack
Portable creativity sticks that stick to themselves and surfaces. Mess-free, reusable, and perfect for travel. Doubles as stress-reducer and fidget toy.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Portable creativity sticks that stick to themselves and surfaces. Mess-free, reusable, and perfect for travel. Doubles as stress-reducer and fidget toy.
Pros
- • Completely mess-free
- • Reusable and bendable
- • Portable compact tube
- • Tactile and soothing
- • No screens needed
- • Made in USA
Cons
- • Can lose stickiness over time
- • Limited pieces (24 sticks)
- • May not engage all kids
Safety & Testing
Non-toxic, Made in USA
Age Issue: Too advanced for 13 months. Better for 3+ years.
Kalysky Puffy Sticker Books
Total Engagement Time: 2 minutes
The sticker books were a disaster.
He liked peeling stickers off. He didn’t understand putting them back. They ended up everywhere.
Kalysky Puffy Sticker Books 6-Set
3D reusable puffy sticker books with 6 themes: Farm, Animal, Dinosaurs, Ocean, Space, Vehicle. Portable and mess-free for travel.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
3D reusable puffy sticker books with 6 themes: Farm, Animal, Dinosaurs, Ocean, Space, Vehicle. Portable and mess-free for travel.
Pros
- • Reusable stickers
- • 6 different themes
- • Portable and lightweight
- • Mess-free activity
- • Affordable value pack
- • 3D puffy texture
Cons
- • Stickers lose stickiness over time
- • May be too young for some kids
- • Small pieces can be choking hazard
Safety & Testing
Non-toxic materials, Safe for toddlers
Verdict: Too young. Wait until age 2+.
Melissa & Doug Water Wow
Total Engagement Time: 0 minutes
He showed zero interest in the water coloring book.
Too young. Too complicated. Next.
Melissa & Doug Water Wow Animals
Reusable water-reveal activity pad with 4 animal-themed coloring boards. Mess-free, portable, and perfect for travel. FSC certified.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Reusable water-reveal activity pad with 4 animal-themed coloring boards. Mess-free, portable, and perfect for travel. FSC certified.
Pros
- • Completely mess-free
- • Reusable pages
- • Portable spiral-bound format
- • Chunky easy-fill pen
- • Multiple themes available
- • FSC certified materials
Cons
- • Requires water to use
- • Pages take time to dry
- • May be too young for some toddlers
Safety & Testing
FSC certified, Safe materials
Age Recommendation: Wait until 2-3 years old.
WMXDU Mini Magnetic Tiles
Total Engagement Time: 0 minutes
The magnetic tiles went unused.
Too advanced. He didn’t understand building. He just wanted to chew them.
WMXDU Mini Magnetic Tiles 26-Piece
Mini magnetic building tiles in portable iron case. STEM Montessori toy perfect for travel. Case doubles as storage and building platform.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Mini magnetic building tiles in portable iron case. STEM Montessori toy perfect for travel. Case doubles as storage and building platform.
Pros
- • Portable iron case included
- • STEM educational value
- • Mess-free and quiet
- • Enhances creativity
- • Durable magnetic connection
- • Perfect for beginners
Cons
- • Small pieces (supervision needed)
- • Limited pieces (26)
- • May be too advanced for very young toddlers
Safety & Testing
CPSIA compliant, Safe materials
Better Age: 18 months+ when building skills develop.
Petit Collage Funny Face Magnetic Game
Total Engagement Time: 7 minutes
The funny faces worked briefly on the return flight. Then he got bored.
Small magnetic pieces everywhere. Stressful to manage on a plane.
Petit Collage Funny Face Magnetic Travel Play Set
Magnetic game with 25+ pieces to create silly faces. Portable tin doubles as storage and play surface. Over 100 different combinations.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Magnetic game with 25+ pieces to create silly faces. Portable tin doubles as storage and play surface. Over 100 different combinations.
Pros
- • Portable tin storage
- • 25+ magnetic pieces
- • Over 100 combinations
- • Encourages creativity
- • Mess-free and quiet
- • Thoughtful design
Cons
- • Small pieces (supervision needed)
- • May be too advanced for young toddlers
- • Limited replay value for some
Safety & Testing
Safe materials, Meets safety standards
Verdict: Better for older toddlers (3+) who understand the game concept.
Organization: The Secret Weapon
The clear toy storage bags were essential.
codree Clear Toy Storage Bags 4-Pack
Clear PVC toy organizing bags with zipper and handle. Perfect for organizing toys in diaper bags for flights. Waterproof, transparent, and foldable when not in use.
Product Specifications
Why We Recommend It
Clear PVC toy organizing bags with zipper and handle. Perfect for organizing toys in diaper bags for flights. Waterproof, transparent, and foldable when not in use.
Pros
- • Clear design - see contents easily
- • Waterproof and durable
- • Handle for easy carrying
- • Double zipper design
- • Foldable when not in use
- • Perfect size for diaper bags
Cons
- • PVC material may have initial smell
- • Zipper can be stiff initially
- • Limited to smaller toys
Safety & Testing
Waterproof, Safe PVC material
My System:
- Bag 1: Active toys (calculator, busy cube, drawing tablet)
- Bag 2: Backup toys (tape, fidget toys, books)
- Bag 3: Diapers and clothes
- Bag 4: Snacks and pre-measured formula
Why This Worked:
- See contents without opening
- Easy to grab from diaper bag
- Keeps toys contained
- Stacks neatly in overhead bin
Parent Tip: Pre-measure formula before the flight. Each bottle ready to make. No measuring cups. No mess.
Want Personalized Recommendations?
Our AI tool creates a custom registry in 2 minutes based on your lifestyle, budget, and living space. Get instant product picks tailored to your family's unique needs.
Build My RegistryThe Return Flight: When Everything Changes
Five days later. Same flight. Same toys. Completely different results.
My son had a stomach bug. He was miserable. Nothing worked as well.
What Still Worked:
- Calculator (5 min)
- Power toy (5 min)
- Tape (10 min)
What Failed:
- Everything else
The Lesson: You will win some flights. You will lose some flights. Pack the toys anyway. Hope for the best. Roll with the punches.
What I’d Pack Next Time
Based on this experience, here’s my ideal flight toy kit for a 13-month-old:
Must-Haves:
- Mr. Pen Calculator
- SOSUSHOE Busy Cube
- Bravokids Drawing Tablet
- Colored Masking Tape
- LED Busy Board (for sleep time)
Backups: 6. Bubble Popper 7. Fidget Slugs (comfort objects) 8. Familiar books from home
Skip:
- Magnetic toys (choking hazard)
- Sticker books (too young)
- Water coloring (too young)
- Complex building toys (too advanced)
Planning your baby registry? Add these travel toys to your baby registry checklist for future trips.
Bulkhead Seat Strategy
We booked bulkhead seats. Best decision ever.
Benefits:
- Wall in front (perfect for tape play)
- Extra legroom (toddler can stand)
- No seatback to kick
- No passenger to annoy
Drawbacks:
- Tray table in armrest (less space)
- No under-seat storage
- Bassinet attachment points (if needed)
Verdict: Worth it for active toddlers.
Real Talk: Managing Expectations
This flight went well. The return flight didn’t.
Your toddler might love different toys. They might hate everything. They might sleep the whole time. They might scream for 6 hours.
Pack the toys. Do your best. Give yourself grace.
You’re doing great.
Final Thoughts
Flying with a 13-month-old is survivable. These toys helped:
Top 5 Winners:
- Calculator (36 min total)
- Busy Cube (40 min total)
- Drawing Tablet (22 min)
- Tape (22 min)
- Bubble Popper (21 min)
Organization Essential:
- Clear toy storage bags
Mindset:
- Pack the toys
- Hope for the best
- Roll with the punches
Your flight might go differently. Pack these toys anyway. You’ll be glad you did.
Start Your Travel Registry Today
Amazon Baby Registry
*Subject to availability and Retailer's terms.
We earn commissions from these links.
Related Guides
Coterie Diapers Review 2025: Are They Worth $125/Month? We Tested 3 Cheaper Alternatives
Coterie diapers cost $125/month. We tested 3 eco-friendly alternatives that cost 50-60% less. Real parent testing with honest rankings and performance data.
Baby Travel Essentials: Complete 2025 Guide
Whether it's a quick trip to the store or a weekend visit to grandma's, traveling with a baby means packing smart. Here are the baby travel essentials for 2025.
When Should I Start My Baby Registry? Expert Guide 2025
When to start baby registry: Begin at 12-14 weeks to maximize completion discount and give friends time to shop. Expert timing tips 2025.