best "travel toys" for 7-8 yr old

[Anonymous]

We are getting ready for spring break. We will be flying and DD can pack her backpack with whatever toys she'd like (so long as they clear airport security, of course). In years past she has brought her miniature princesses and fairies, and those have given her hours of quiet play. Unfortunately, I think she has outgrown her interest in princesses and fairies. She needs something for the time between ski school and dinner, and between dinner and bed, plus the airplane and airports.

Any suggestions for toys that are small and light enough for her to carry in her backpack that are good for self-directed play?

iPad game suggestions are also welcome, as she can play with my iPad for a little while each day.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

For the iPad, my kids like an app called My Playhome. Also, anything by Toca Boca, a game called FancyPants, and Happy Kids Vet. Tons of coloring apps too.
Crayola makes a small dry erase board that comes with dry erase crayons.

[Anonymous]

There's an app called puppet pals which lets kids narrate stories using different characters and backgrounds, and then they play as a little movie. the app is free but you might want to spend $2.99 for the "directors pack" which gives you more characters, backgrounds, and even the ability to take pictures and use those in the story (so my kid can make a story about the two of us).

For just a game, I think by 7-8 my kid liked Sally's Spa, or one of the bakery games.

Other than that I'd say books.

[Anonymous]

Books, handheld electronics, small crafts, activity books. Not for on the plane, but there are also small lego kits if she's into that - they'd be small enough to carry and then she could do them at the destination.

[Anonymous]

You could put together a little mini Play-Doh kit. My daughter loves fashion, so I got her Rosie Flo's Coloring Book:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rosie+flo&x=0&y=0

It contains a bunch of black and white sketches of clothing; the child draws in the figure and colors everything. My daughter has had hers for well over a year and still plays with it. I got her some sparkly markers to go with it.

[Anonymous]

We like Mad Libs books..but that requires a partner...

[Anonymous]

Littlest Pet Shop figures, coloring books, puzzle books, those new "girl" egos (the ones with the girls figures -- I forget what they are called), Rush Hour and games like that.

[Anonymous]

We sometimes get crayola modeling clay from CVS-- it's not really clay it's some sort of cross between plastic and clay that will air dry in a few hours if you want.

[Anonymous]

Get a deck of cards and play with her.

[Anonymous]

Will security think the clay or play do are plastic explosives?

[Anonymous]

This is the age we got a Nintendo DS for our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Will security think the clay or play do are plastic explosives?

That has never come up. (We leave it sealed at the beginning of the trip, but we sometimes have some left at the end).

[Anonymous]

We bring travel sized games (magnetic bingo, checkers, hangman) I also have travel size versions of trouble, perfection and connect four but those aren't played as much. They like all card games -- regular cards and games like slamwich. I also try to throw in educational games like 24 but again, not as popular. The ds is good but now I'd rather they play with my iPhone or iPad than the ds. I can buy them a lot of apps for the cost Of one $30 ds game.