Traveling with little ones is never easy, there is always so many things to pack. Skip the expensive, bulky toys and keep them entertained with these travel craft sticks instead.
These travel craft sticks are easy to make, inexpensive and take no space. I don’t have to worry about the kids losing them or adding extra weight to our carry on luggage.
How to make travel craft sticks
These travel craft sticks are so easy to make. I found a pack of colored craft sticks , aka popsicle sticks for $1 at the dollar store, and bought mini Velcro® Brand dots at Michael’s for a few bucks.
Originally, I had planned on cutting bigger pieces of hook and loop fasteners to fit the craft sticks but was stoked to find these mini dots that worked great right out of the package.
I ended up making a pair of sticks in each color and a couple “double-sided” pairs for each boy. I put each set in a plastic bag and it was done! It took about 10 minutes total and only a few bucks for both sets!
Travel Craft Idea
When I started packing for our Chicago adventure, I pulled out the boys’ Star Wars backpacks to use as their carry on luggage. I wanted them to bring a few essentials for comfort and entertainment.
My first attempt resulted in backpacks weighing 8 lbs, unfortunately, the bulk of it was from our Travel Activity Trays. They are great for in the car but not lugging around in backpacks.
If we had roller carry-on bags for the boys, I wouldn’t have worried about it the weight. But we didn’t so I made these fun travel craft sticks for them to bring instead.
These colorful popsicle sticks worked great on the airplane. It kept Elliot occupied (QUIETLY) for about 20 minutes and essentially took no space or weight in his backpack. It was a nice break from the iPad. 😉 Plus I wasn’t worried about about losing or breaking an expensive toy.
We actually ended up using them at the family reunion in Indiana too. Evenings meant catching lightning bugs, playing games or hanging out. The travel craft sticks were a perfect fit for a low-key family activity!
More Travel Ideas
- DIY kids activity tray for traveling
- DIY travel gift ideas
- Things we always take on Disney trips
This post was originally published on Desert Chica Ramblings on July 18, 2013
Desert Chica is my place to share a peek into our life and the easy and inexpensive costumes, crafts and desserts I like to make.
Stephanie says
Good idea, Karen! Hope you had a safe flight home from Chicago.
Karen says
Well we made it and I’ll be thankful for that! It wasn’t the smoothest return home but I’ll take it!