The Best Travel Toy I’ve Found for My 2-Year-Old
Keep your toddler entertained on the go with the best travel toy I’ve found! Compact, portable, magnetic, and perfect for screen-free fun.
Traveling with a 2-year-old is an adventure of its own. There’s the packing, adjusting schedules, and, of course, keeping your little one entertained. On one of our recent trips, I stumbled upon what I can honestly call the best travel toy I’ve found for my 2-year-old. It’s a compact set of magnetic tiles by PLAYVIBE, and it has been nothing short of a game changer.
Simple to use, screen-free, and endlessly engaging, it quickly became our go-to travel companion. From long car rides to plane trays, this little toy has kept the meltdowns at bay and the fun flowing. Whether you're looking for travel toys for toddlers or the perfect balance of fun and fine motor skills, this one delivers.
Disclaimer: I received this product for free from PLAYVIBE in exchange for my honest review. This article also contains affiliate links, meaning Journey Fanatics may earn a commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you!
What Makes It Great?
This magnetic tile set ticks all the boxes for a travel toy, and then some. Here’s why it’s been such a wonderful addition to our parenting toolkit:
1. Fits in a Backpack
Space is always at a premium when you’re on the go. Thankfully, this compact set fits snugly into a diaper bag or child's backpack without taking up too much room. Whether you’re flying across the globe or taking a short road trip, it’s easy to bring along.
2. Lightweight Design
Nobody wants to lug heavy toys around, especially when you’ve already got snacks, extra clothes, and water bottles to carry. This set is super lightweight, making it painless to pack for long journeys or quick outings.
3. Open-Ended Creativity
Magnetic toys like these are perfect for imaginative play. From building tall towers to crafting little cars or animals, the possibilities are endless. Older toddlers and even big kids can create all sorts of shapes, so it’s great for growing with your child’s interests and skills.
4. Easy Cleanup
If you’ve traveled with small toys before, you know the frustration of losing pieces. This set, however, stays together neatly thanks to its magnetic pieces. Plus, with a zip bag (more on that later), cleanup is mess-free and simple.
5. Keeps Kids Focused for Long Stretches
Here’s the magic part. For a screen-free activity, I’ve been amazed at how long these tiles can keep my 2-year-old entertained. Whether stacking, sorting, or sticking them to surfaces, it’s a fun way to provide hours of entertainment.
Where to Get It
If you’re ready to add this great toy to your travel kit, you can find it on Amazon. The brand is PLAYVIBE, and you can check it out here. With its 60-piece set, it’s the perfect size to keep your child entertained while staying compact and travel-friendly.
Bonus Tips for Using This Travel Toy
After using these tiles on several trips, I’ve picked up some handy tips to get even more out of them. Here are a few ideas:
- Store them in a zip bag. Since portability matters, I keep all the tiles tucked into a small zip bag, which saves space and makes them easier to transport.
- Use hotel fridge doors or metal trays. Magnetic tiles stick easily to metallic surfaces, turning hotel or Airbnb fridge doors into an instant busy board for creative play.
- Perfect for plane trays or lap desks in the car. These tiles work beautifully on surfaces like tray tables, keeping little fingers busy on flights or during long car rides.
Why It’s a Must-Have for Parents
Travel can be stressful, especially when trying to keep younger children entertained. Unlike sticker books, water pens, or other small toys, the magnetic tile set offers sensory stimulation, builds fine motor skills, and sparks creativity, all while being screen-free. It’s also a lifesaver for fellow passengers when you’re on a long-haul flight, offering quiet time instead of screen time.
Honestly, this little toy has saved us from more than one meltdown, whether on road trips, plane rides, or even during restaurant waits. I’ll never travel without it again.
Whether you’re looking for new toys that align with your child’s interests, or just need something to gift to a family with toddlers, this set stands out as one of the best travel toys you’ll find. It’s versatile, fun, and packed with unique advantages that make it a must-have for parents of little ones.
What’s your go-to travel toy? Share your favorite stories or recommendations below—I’d love other ideas for keeping kids busy on the go!