Why It Made the List: Okay, this last one isn’t going in the travel bag.
But if your grandkids are making the trip to you for Christmas, this is the toy I’d have waiting when they arrive.
After the drive is finally over, the bags come through the door, and everyone starts settling in, they get their own felt Christmas tree to decorate. It comes with 25 ornaments they can arrange, take down, and rearrange as often as they like.
It turns arriving at Grandma and Grandpa’s into its own little Christmas moment.
Why Parents Love It: The soft felt tree gives little kids something festive they’re allowed to decorate themselves. It hangs up quickly, folds away when the season is over, and can come back out again next Christmas.
Why It’s Guilt-Free: Moving and arranging the ornaments gives children fine-motor practice while letting them take part in a holiday tradition in their own way.
And after spending hours getting there, having Christmas waiting for them at the other end feels pretty special.