We were in Vermont over the weekend, and the four hour ride home was one of "those" rides. The minute one of the girls would stop talking, the other would say "Mom" and want something. As soon as she was set, the other would say "Mom" and need something else. It just didn't stop. For four hours. We usually just keep a big bag of toys and books in between their car seats, but they have trouble reaching things in it while they're all strapped in tight, and once they are done with a book or toy, they can't reach the bag, so they throw it on the floor. When you go to get them out of the car, there is an avalanche of stuff that falls out. After this most recent trip, I've decided that I need to come up with some ways for the girls to help themselves on car trips. Here are this week's pins...
1. Kid's Travel Desk made by Holly at Chez Beeper Bebe using tutorial by Merrilee from Mer Mag
This travel lap desk has storage on both sides, which would definitely keep things within my girls' reach. This would solve a lot of my problems. This desk has pockets and zippered pouches, a carrying handle, and it's washable. I think I'm in love :)
This travel lap desk has storage on both sides, which would definitely keep things within my girls' reach. This would solve a lot of my problems. This desk has pockets and zippered pouches, a carrying handle, and it's washable. I think I'm in love :)
2. Altoids Tin Turned Mini Coloring Kit by Kimbo at A Girl and a Glue Gun
I love this idea! I keep our travel crayons in a zipper pouch, but the bag ends up getting stepped on or sat on. In other words, lots of broken crayons. This tin would solve that problem. Kimbo added a little pocket to the lid to hold some paper, too. It would fit perfectly in one of the pockets of the travel desk.
I love this idea! I keep our travel crayons in a zipper pouch, but the bag ends up getting stepped on or sat on. In other words, lots of broken crayons. This tin would solve that problem. Kimbo added a little pocket to the lid to hold some paper, too. It would fit perfectly in one of the pockets of the travel desk.
3. Backseat Trash/Toy Bin by Tara at Tinkerfrog
These would put some toys within arms reach. I like the idea of them having their own garbage bins, too, but I think I'd wait until they were a little older for that. I still need some control over what they do and don't consider to be trash :)
These would put some toys within arms reach. I like the idea of them having their own garbage bins, too, but I think I'd wait until they were a little older for that. I still need some control over what they do and don't consider to be trash :)
How do you keep your kids occupied on long car trips? Any tips on ways to make them more self-sufficient in the car?
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What a great topic! I love that bag to hold toys. I really don't like taking road trips, but most of our family lives at least 5 hours away so it is endured. We usually plan for part of the trip to occur during a nap time and hopefully a movie (yes, I confess we picked up one of those cheap portable DVD players for a 19 hour road trip), they can usually pay attention to watch one feature film like Mary Poppins!
ReplyDeleteLOVE that altoid box!!
ReplyDeletePerfect timing for these ideas - we've got a Thanksgiving roadtrip coming up!!
ReplyDeleteOoh, fantastic projects! My strategy for car trips is mostly pray and hope the Benadryl works... ;)
ReplyDeleteJust kidding.... probably. My strategy is more about Toy Story. ;)
My only advice for road trips is to keep a box of gallon sized Ziploc bags in the car. They are large enough to catch most of the stomach contents let loose by motion sickness and they zip up tight so you don't have to smell anything until you get where you can dispose of it. :/ You don't really want to know why I know this do you?
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Amy
I think the hardest thing for us now that our children are a bit older is garbage after a long trip. Seriously. I'd love to figure out a better solution.
ReplyDeleteWe just went to Toronto last Saturday and AGAIN yesterday; it's a 3 hour trip one-way. And MAN we could certainly use some of these ideas. I love your picks here Gwen. I'm definitely going to check these out. They'd make great gifts for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThat kiddie lap desk has been a great help. It really keeps the kids quiet and occupied during those long family trips.
ReplyDeletelap desk