Five Must-Have Toys for a Road Trip with Kids

I think most parents would agree that the very best babysitter in a long car ride with kids is a good variety of DVD's...specifically with headphones (so you aren't singing Disney tunes in your sleep.) However, kids can get antsy after too long and good old fashioned interaction is in order. So what games really work in the car? That is really the first question.

But for parents, there are way more guidelines than that. As a mother of four, things I consider heavily are: How messy is it? How many pieces does it have? Can the packaging endure smashing, stepping on...basically ruin? How much room does it take up? Is it loud and annoying? Will it require more of me than I want to give? Oh, the list goes on and on. Doesn't it?

So, moms and dads, here is a great list of must-have toys that will keep your kids eyes from going bloodshot as you mix up the DVD marathon with a little interactive fun for the long haul road trip.

Handheld Video Game
The most obvious crown jewel of car time quiet (second to a DVD) is the handheld video game. It would be crazy not to mention it, though because it works for time sucking without whining and complaining. The short list includes the Nintendo DS (or more captivating, the newer Dsi) and the PSP, by Sony. A new game in the mix always helps. But due to cost, these handheld systems or a new game may not be in the cards. So, consider the long list of handheld video games in the aisle of Wal-Mart. There are tons from Tetris to Solitaire that will occupy your kids for hours under $9.99.

I had a friend once ask me for any hand held electronics I had for her kids on a road trip - to borrow. She was creating a car kit of toys for her boys. She said, "Please, nothing expensive." But I offered up about 3, things my kids had played through and were just junking up the toy bin...so did her neighbor and sisters. Before she could blink, she had an entire case of games her boys had never seen or played. In return, she returned them with new batteries for all games. I thought that was a great idea and a great trade! So if you can't afford it, consider borrowing.

Bendaroos
"Benda What? Benda Who? Bendaroos!" This is a famous line in a commercial that airs so much most adults have heard it (if your tv blares kids programming for more than 5 minutes a day.) But just as the commercial claims, it really is a fun craft-like toy that kids love. They ,are pliable, thin molding sticks offered in all colors that allow kids to create many things. They don't stain, no glue is involved but beware the missing Bendaroo (because once hard and dry...they definitely STICK and it is tricky to remove them.) Still, highly reusable if stored in a container and these little suckers provide hours of creative, quiet time - perfect for the car.

To purchase or for more information visit https://www.bendaroos.com/flare/next?tag=os|sm|go|tm

Beads by "B You"
Great for little girls, these beads are the best! First, they come in a container that is durable. I love toys that are self contained and can be put back into a container that seals well and endures destructive kids. (How many games do you have that the box falls apart long before the game/toy and it is the downfall of missing pieces, yielding the game useless.) Yes, I love a good container, particularly in the car.

These beads also have truly stylish, classy designs and color schemes. They are bigger than your average "bead," snap together easily and come with many unique pieces. Toe rings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, charms...it can all be made with these Beads by "B." Definitely reusable and totally entertaining for longer time periods for a quiet ride.

Sign up to get an email when the new "B You" website launches at http://justb-byou.com/

Doodle Placemats
Doodle Placemats come in the form of a book, with tear out pages, that are really more of a heavyweight cardstock which can be used as placemats. Sound like an unlikely thing for the car? It's not. These placemats are totally inventive because at the top of each page, or placemat, is a number or letter with steps and drawing examples of how to turn that letter or number into a great drawing of an animal or vehicle or whatever. They are such cute picture tutorials that any child age 5 and up, who loves to draw, will totally get into.

Product can be found at Amazon.com.

Rubik's Cube
You can't ever underestimate the classics, can you? The Rubik's cube is as timeless and addicting as it was 20 years ago - for kids over 9 (and adults of any age!) Avoid a knock-off, too. They just don't spin as well, the stickers don't stay stuck and it "feels" like a knock off, which detracts from longer, challenging play.

To order the classic Rubik's Cube online, visit http://www.rubiks.com

Wherever you travel or raom, remember that getting there is half the fun. Well, at least it can be...with great toys. Happy trails!