8 Best Travel-Friendly Toys for 1-Year-Olds To Love

I fly long-distance (12+ hours) with my toddler twice a year and take shorter flights regularly since I’m in an international relationship. We also travel by car a lot, so I know the anxiety of keeping a toddler entertained, especially long-haul.

The best travel toys are:
✅ Lightweight & compact – No bulky items taking up precious space.
✅ Mess-free – No crayons rolling under the seats or Play-Doh disasters.
✅ Quiet – No loud beeping toys that turn you into the most hated person on the plane.
✅ Engaging – Keeps little hands and minds busy.
✅ Works in the dark – Many flights dim the lights, so choose toys that don’t require turning on your overhead light (and waking up the “Karen” in the seat next to you).

Now, let’s go Travel-Friendly Toys for 1-Year-Olds!

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Best Travel-Friendly Toys for 1-Year-Olds (12-18 Months)

At this age, toddlers are exploring with their hands and love cause and effect toys. Mine didn’t care much for teethers, so let’s focus on interactive, mess-free toys that don’t require supervision every second. Prices as of 15th Feb. 25.

🛫 Best Travel Toys for a 1-Year-Old:

1.Puzzle Board Books – Sturdy, interactive books with chunky pieces.

My toddler was totally into puzzle books from the age of 1. Trying to get the pieces out and putting them back in kept him busy for quite some time. Plus reading the book itself… I mean some books I have to read 10-times.

2. Reusable Sticker Books – Stick and peel over and over without the mess.

The second thing I always have in my busy-bag are stickers. Whether it’s simple sticker sheets or sticker books (go for puffy stickers). They just work so well. Daiso in Korea or if available in the US and Teddi in Germany have really cheap ones. Otherwise I get them on Aliexpress (takes forever) and Amazon.

3. Mini Sorting Box (with Large Holes) – Use pom-poms, felt balls, or big buttons for safe, engaging fun.

This is something I haven’t tried personally, but my friend used it. A mini sorting box. I can imagine my toddler would love to put other stuff into the holes. So I might try this for my next flight.

4. Busy Board (Mini Size) – Buttons, zippers, and Velcro keep little hands busy.

You can DIY this travel toy or grab one on Etsy or Amazon.

5. Small Pot or Jar with Lid – FREE idea! Toddlers love opening and closing things.

6. Touch & Feel Books – Sensory exploration without taking up much space.

My kindergarten teacher aunt got us one for Christmas and he loves it! He loves petting the fluffy animals. I really, really would love to get this one from Etsy haha just a bit pricy.

7. Soft Light-Up Toy – A gentle night-time option that won’t wake the whole plane.
8. Suctions Toys (Spinners or Fidget Suction Cups) – Stick them to the tray table and window!

💡 Pro Tip: You can ask the stewardess for cups or use literally anything to distract your toddler from buttons to keychains. Also keep those toys just for travel so they don’t get boring.

Final Tips for Traveling with a 1-Year-Old

✔ Rotate toys every 30 minutes to keep interest
✔ Pack in zipper bags for easy access
✔ Avoid toys with small parts (choking hazard!)
✔ Bring a few surprise toys to keep things fresh