Packing the perfect travel toys for 1 year olds can turn potentially stressful road trips, train rides, or flights into enjoyable experiences for both you and your little one. While screens might seem like an easy solution, many parents prefer to avoid the added stimulation and blue light.

That’s where engaging, age-appropriate toys come in! From quiet activities to keep your toddler entertained on a plane to compact toys that fit neatly in a carry-on bag, we’ve compiled a list of the best travel toys for 1-year-olds in 2025. Read on!

15 Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds in 2025

If you’re looking for safe and engaging toys for under 1 year olds, be sure to check out our dedicated guide to keep even the tiniest travelers happy on the move. Now, here are 15 travel toys perfect for your 1-year-old in 2025.

1. Alilo Baby Bunny Versatile Story Music Player

One of the best travel toys for 1 year olds, blending entertainment with developmental benefits. Designed for children aged 0-24 months, it complements Montessori’s sensitive period theory by fostering key milestones like language acquisition, sensory growth, and imagination. With soft silicone ears and a tough ABS body, it's safe to chew, drop, and explore, making it an ideal travel buddy for babies.

2. Alilo 13.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet

If you’re looking for a travel toy that’s both fun and practical, this one hits the mark. Its pressure-sensitive screen replaces over 50,000 sheets of paper, offering an eco-friendly, mess-free experience. Lightweight, portable, and featuring a glare-free, radiation-free screen for eye comfort, it’s the perfect companion for on-the-go entertainment.

3. Alilo Pocket White Noise Machine for Baby

This is a must-have travel essential for ensuring restful sleep for babies on the go. Offering 30 soothing tunes, it helps reduce fussiness and provides comfort wherever you are. Compact, lightweight, and featuring a silicone strap for easy attachment, it’s perfect for strollers, car seats, or travel bags, making nap time hassle-free.

4. Travel Car Mat

A compact and engaging toy for car-loving toddlers, perfect for keeping them entertained on the go. With "parking spot" pockets and a roll-up design, it transforms into a fun play surface on their lap or tray table during travel.

5. Huanger Soft Car Toy Set

Designed for safe and engaging play, the set includes nine soft, cloth-covered vehicles and a versatile play mat that doubles as a storage bag. Every vehicle features crinkling, squeaking, or rattling sounds, stimulating sensory development and engaging children in play. This is a fantastic pick among travel toys.

6. Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Book – What Should I Wear?

It's like a soft storybook, which keeps toddlers engaged with flaps, textures, and dress-up features. They can practice zipping, buttoning, and snapping while exploring six fun pages. It supports early motor skill development and creativity, and since it's fully washable, parents won’t need to worry about spills during travel.

7. Unicorn Sensory Push Bubbles Game

While often seen in lists of travel toys for 3 year olds, this simple popping toy can also be a hit with younger toddlers. The soft silicone bubbles are easy for 1-year-olds to press, helping them build hand strength and coordination. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and fits perfectly into any travel bag.

8. Cloth Paper Doll

A charming update to the traditional paper doll, this fabric version comes with a variety of soft outfits and accessories. Toddlers can mix and match clothes, boosting creativity and hand coordination. It's quiet, mess-free, and folds flat, making it easy to slip into a carry-on for screen-free entertainment anywhere.

9. Buckle Toys Green Busy Board

Toddlers love this hands-on toy packed with colorful buckles, zippers, and numbers. Each feature encourages fine motor skills and independent play. It’s built on a soft foam base, so it’s lightweight and easy to carry. The built-in handle makes it easy to hook onto a stroller or slide into a bag.

10. BUNMO Pop Tubes

Engaging and versatile, kids can pop, stretch, and crinkle the vibrant tubes to spark imagination, build shapes, or enjoy the satisfying sounds. Perfect for STEM-based learning, they enhance fine motor skills, coordination, and an understanding of cause and effect.

11. Take-Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles

Toddlers love matching pictures and solving simple puzzles, and this magnetic set makes it easy to do just that while traveling. The pieces stay in place on the board, so there's no chasing after lost parts mid-ride. While often recommended as one of the go-to travel toys for 2 year olds, younger toddlers can also enjoy the bright images with a bit of help.

12. Mary Meyer Taggies Lovey Soft Toy

Cuddly companion designed to comfort and entertain little ones during travel. With its soft tan and cream fabric, floral-patterned accents, and embroidered details, this plush toy is as charming as it is soothing.

13. Finger Puppets

Finger puppets are small toys with big play value. They encourage imaginative storytelling, parent-child interaction, and quiet role play. Pack a few in your purse or backpack, and they’re always ready to pop out at restaurants, in waiting rooms, or while settling in for a nap during travel.

14. Melissa & Doug K's Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter

This engaging shape sorter includes nine colorful, textured blocks and a padded case with slots for sorting and matching. It’s built for toddlers just starting to explore shapes and hand control. The carry handle and zipper closure make it ideal for families on the move, keeping all pieces in place.

15. Travel Dollhouse

Interactive toy for toddlers, unfolding into a mini dollhouse with rooms like a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Kids can move characters through the spaces and engage with removable felt items, including seasonal outfits hidden in the closet, for hours of imaginative play.

Conclusion

Traveling with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right travel toys for 1 year old on hand. Choosing engaging, safe, and portable toys can make all the difference in keeping your little one happy and entertained during any journey. From sensory-friendly music players to creative activity books and soft toys, these options are designed to support your child’s development while making travel smoother for the whole family.

FAQs

How do I keep my 1 year old entertained on a plane?

Offer a mix of snacks, age-appropriate toys like busy boards or pop fidget toys, and everyday items like cups or hats. Pack a few favorite books for comfort and engagement, and encourage movement in the aisles. Screen time is less effective for this age, but toddler headphones can help in short bursts.

What are age-appropriate toys for a 1 year old?

Age-appropriate toys for a 1 year old are soft, safe, and designed to stimulate sensory and cognitive development. Look for toys that encourage fine motor skills, imaginative play, and problem-solving, such as interactive busy boards, soft stuffed animals, simple puzzles, and tactile sensory toys that are easy to handle and travel-friendly.

How many toys should I bring on a trip?

When traveling with a 1-year-old, bringing 2-3 small toys and 2-3 books is typically enough to keep them engaged. Pack these items in your carry-on for easy access.

What are the travel requirements for a 1 year old?

When traveling with a 1-year-old, arrive early to allow ample time for check-in and security. Bring required travel documents, such as a birth certificate, to verify your child’s age if necessary. You can request early boarding at the gate, and each child is allowed one carry-on diaper bag.