When I started packing for our Chicago trip, I pulled out the boys Star Wars backpacks to use as their carry on luggage. I wanted them to have 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. If we had roller carry-on bags for the boys, I wouldn’t have worried about it. We don’t though so I needed a lightweight replacement. I made travel craft sticks that the boys can use to create shapes and designs.
These were incredibly easy to make. I found a pack of colored craft sticks for $1 at the dollar store, and bought mini Velcro® Brand dots at Michael’s for a few bucks. 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 we were done! It took about 10 minutes total and only a few bucks for both sets!
The travel craft 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 it breaking or losing anything.
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!
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Good idea, Karen! Hope you had a safe flight home from Chicago.
Well we made it and I’ll be thankful for that! It wasn’t the smoothest return home but I’ll take it!