Sticker Dressing
Get them stuck into some serious sticking with these educational fun books by Usborne and Frederick Warne. Not only are they fairly inexpensive, but they’re also light and easy-to-pack. We especially like Sticker Dressing Pirates, where little seafarers can kit out all the dastardly crews from history, including Blackbeard and the Vikings. Sticker Dolly Dressing Around the World also means culture-conscious mesdemoiselles can match all the different traditional costumes to the relevant countries. Meanwhile, little ladies will be enchanted by Flower Fairies Glittering World, where all the original characters are brought to life once more – only this time with sparkles!
Ages 3-8, Dhs25-35
The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies and Young Children
A must-read for those with little nippers in tow; this is the perfect book to pack if you’re off on an adventure this summer. Filled with loads of sensible tips from eating out with kids and coping in airports to keeping on top of the suitcase laundry and even breastfeeding while you travel, it will answer all those nagging questions that usually only arise once you’re in the middle of a tricky situation.
Just for parents, Dhs65
Magic Painting Book
These first came out in the ’70s and were an absolute revelation – even though every picture was coloured in variations of rather dull blue (and even more blue). These days, however, the world of magic painting has developed significantly and there are now real, vibrant colours to be revealed within the pages, which is why they’re brilliant for journeys. Arty nippers only risk making themselves, their seats or mum wet through misusing the cartons of inflight water while completing their masterpieces.
Ages 2+, Dhs20
50 things to do on a Plane/Car Journey
These wipe-clean activity cards are brilliant for keeping the kids quiet (or if not quiet, at least not fighting), when you’re all contained in either a plane or a car. Choose from word and memory games to number puzzles, sports trivia, general knowledge quizzes and drawing activities – all related to your current mode of travel. Personally, we think anything that can give parents a bit of well-earned respite is definitely worth the dosh. The whiteboard pen is also provided, but if you’re on the move with more than one bored sprog, it might be best to invest in a few more to hand around.
Ages 5+, Dhs40 each
My Little Picture Atlas
For nippers with the travel bug who want to know more about where they are going and what the world has to offer, this handy, small-sized travel encyclopedia will keep them entertained and might even help lesson the numerous, ‘but why?’ questions. Find out all sorts of fascinating facts, from what life is like in the USA to what tribes living in North Africa eat for dinner. The maps are kid-friendly with lots of lovely illustrations to keep them interested. Plus, it’s small and easy-to-pack. What more could us parents want for our budding explorers?
Ages 5+, Dhs45
Ultimate Sticker Book Lego Star Wars villains
Lego has never lost its appeal and these days it’s trendier than ever with kids under 10. The great thing about these books is they actually encourage kids to read while they carry out the activity. Learn all about your favourite Star Wars characters in the text boxes next to the blank sticker spaces, before you can find them in the pages at the back of the book. Even kids with bucketfuls of ants in their pants will enjoy this activity and sit still for a while. We know – we’ve tested them.
Ages 5+, Dhs35
Where’s Wally? The Search for the Lost Things
A full colour, 100-page activity book packed with all sorts of ‘Wally-ish’ things to do, this is definitely something for an older brother or sister to get stuck into, rather than arguing with little sis. Inside, you will find word searches, puzzles, anagram games, drawing activities and quizzes galore, as well as heaps of crazy Wally illustrations that require being looked at for ages and ages. What could be better?
Ages 7+, Dhs65
