Traveling on an Airplane with Our 2 and 4 Year Old Children for the First Time.

I flew with my daughter for the first time when she was 4 as well. Buy a cheap $10 walkman or cd player, and have him listen to music as you take off. Also, it might be a good idea to have them chew gum, as their ears may pop!

I tend to always throw this link out when people ask this...There's a great blog site called "Ask Moxie," and this was a recent topic. Here's the link---LOTS of great suggestions of how to handle flying with young kids. Safe travels, and have fun!!!!

http://www.askmoxie.org/2007/07/qa-the-annual-s.html#comm...

I was so worried when we took are daughter (then two) to Boston. Ended up she slept the hole time to Boston and Back home. We just put her in her booster seet and to sleep she went. The next time we flew she was 5 and she didn't sleep. However she chomped on gum and that seemed to help a lot. I also brought a small back pack with toys. (Toy trucks or small cars would prob. do great. Just don't let them see if you are worried or scared.

We never use a carseat on the plane. I would never ask my son to sit in the carseat for 4 hours on the road and can't ask him to do it on the plane. (Plus it's a major hassle) I bring DVDs and a bag of tricks with special toys and treats, like many of the other moms suggested. One of our favorite books is Amazing Airplanes and it goes through the whole experience (simply) from airport to airport. Have a great trip!

Hi L.,

What an exciting adventure! You might want to consider going to the library and checking out some books on airplanes. The librarians are wonderful resources for which books may help. Reading books about an upcoming event can help prepare kids for what to expect.

If you can, take a trip to the airport with them. Many airports have a restaurant where you can see planes taking off and landing. You might want to go and get a special treat to show them what it is all about. You might even meet a pilot or flight attendant to talk with!

You could also play act with them. Set your kitchen chairs up like a plane (add your dining room chairs to make it more real) and play airplane. Have them walk down the aisle to their seats. Tell them what behavior is expected on a plane (inside voices, no kicking seats, sitting for a while) and then praise them when they do it. Pretend you have arrived at your destination when you are done.

Something that has always helped my kids is to have some special travel toys that I reveal on the plane or long trip. The 4 year old might appreciate a mini magna-doodle, some coloring things, some treats of your choice, a pad of paper to play tic-tac-toe. The 2 year old might appreciate some coloring books, a sticker book, a little stuffed animal and some treats. They could each (or just the 4 y.o.) carry a little backpack with their stuff in it to feel important. Take some pictures with a digital camera, too. They will think that is fun!

Good luck!

L.,
I've flown a lot with my daughters (2.5 and 4.5). They're very easy to entertain. We don't watch a lot of t.v. or movies in our house. On the plane, they get a laptop with DVD player (I always buy a new DVD for the flights). This year we had the Complete Third Season of Scooby Doo. 18 episodes for $29.99. It was worth it! They were entertained for most of the flight - except for fixing sagging headphones, and I was able to read. I also pack little baggies of non-sticky snacks that we normally would never eat. The get to share a Sierra Mist from the flight attendant. (We don't drink soda in our house.) They LOVE to fly! It's better than going to grandma's house.

In the past, I have packed coloring books and crayons. I don't recommend them, they wind up on the ground and you will be constantly trying to find them. I have also packed magnetic toys - like a magnetic Mr. Potato Head, a magnetic ballet scene, and a magnetic farm scene. These have been great to have once we get to our destination, but all they want on the plane are movies and snacks. Maybe if we did that more at home it wouldn't be such a treat...?

Anyway, talk them through the take-off and landing. Be excited, not scared. Don't ask them if they're scared - it probably won't occur to them. They'll echo your mood.

We've traveled a lot by plane and the best thing I found is to pack a bag of tricks - favorite treats, juice boxes, diapers, new toys they have never seen before (bring them out one at a time as needed and make sure they don't have small or unattached pieces that are easily lost), gum, sippy cups and books. Let them run and play in the terminal until the last minute, got to the bathroom often and trade seats periodically to "mix it up" in your row. I also give my younger ones a dose of Tylenol about 15mins before the flight to ease ear pain on take off. Depending on the length of flight, you may have to redose before landing as well. Keep sippy cups handy for take off and landing as well. Bon Voyage!

SAHM of seven

My thoughts are this- point out the airplanes in the sky and talk to them about the trip. Get them excited to go. Also, make sure they have some familiar 'comforts' to take with- blankets, toys, etc. Have plenty of snacks and maybe some new toys/treats to make it enjoyable. Remember that they'll pick up on your emotions/feelings, too, so you be calm and confident and they'll look to you for it!

Their little ears get plugged up kind of easily, so even though I never give my daughter candy, once she was old enough, we always had a special treat of candy during take off and landing...mm's, gummies. Until she was 2 1/2 I just nursed her during take off and landing and that always took care of it. But you can't take liquids on in any other container :-). She's flown 20 + times in her short four years.

If your car seat is FAA approved, it's nice to have that on the plane for them, because they're already used to traveling in it and having to be buckled. It's also safer and they can rest. There's no way for them to get comfortable in those seats otherwise, and their could be continuous climbing around (and depending on the length of your flight, it could get tiring to keep them from bumping the people in front of you all the time...lets be courteous).

If they sleep well in a car, it's possible you could arrange your flight near a normal nap time and have some peace and quiet.

Also, a magnadoodle is good, because the pen is attached. Little pieces fall down off their trays and roll all the way to the back of the plane under the seats during landing.A bag of "big enough not to lose" toys and activities is good. It's a great place to read and look at books for some parent bonding time.

IT's CRAZY to take them into the Lav! There's always urine all over the floor and seat and who knows what else. Even when my daughter was potty trained, I put a pull-up on her so if she couldn't wait to get to the airport, we wouldn't both be wet.

If you bring empty sippies in your bag, you can transfer their drink to it when the steward brings it. Then you have a beverage for them to sip while landing, too. Otherwise, it gets thrown away.

Sorry if this is more than you wanted to know...hope some of it helps.

I had the same concerns when we took our children on thier first plane trip. Our pediatrican said to give them Benedryl 1/2 hour before the flight. Something to calm them alittle. Make sure they also have something to drink or suck on while taking off & landing for their ears won't clog.

GOOD LUCK!!

D.

We traveled on lots of airplanes with the kids when they were small (we lived in Asia and came home...talk about long flights!). Here's some things that worked for us:

* First, you need to remain calm. They will look to you and if you're freaking out, they will, too. If you're calm, they will be, too!

* We let the kids pack a carry on just for them. Having their toys with them is comforting. (I would check and help "decide"). These carry-ons were suitcases on wheels, so they could pull them through the airport. They needed to put their sleeping-stuffed animals, blankies, etc. Plus anything they wanted to play with. (My daughter was around 2 when she started this, but it requires lots of adult attention.) Things that went in included: gameboys, a zip-loc bag of polly pockets, workbooks and crayons that they hadn't seen, matchbox cars for our son, an action figure or 2. We've "upgraded" to backpacks now so they go on their backs.

* I put a few snacks in there, but kept several "normal" foods for them as treats. Granola bars and fruit snacks travel wonderfully. I've taken empty sippys on the plane and had the flight attendants fill with juice or water.

* Tell the kids what to expect for the whole process. We'd start talking days before the flight telling them about what to expect.(We'd say...we'll get on, play, eat, sleep) (or..."when we get on the airplane, you will sit in your chair and not walk around much, so let's take toys you want to play with"). Then, when they see the process in person, it'll be no big deal because they've heard it before.

* If one of them gets searched through security (our son was when he was 3 once), don't make a big deal about it. Tell them it's ok for them to check the children because that means they're also checking the bad guys and keeping us safe. When my husband was searched the last time we flew together, the kids knew daddy would be ok, and we just waited quietly for him to finish being wanded. Remember, they will often reflect your behavior, so if you remain calm, you have the best chances of your kids remaining calm.

Have a great flight! It's been wonderful for us to travel with the kids, I hope you have the same experience!

Aw they'll be great! Bring thier carseats (all 5pt harness seats, except for the very large ones like the Britax Regent) are FAA approved. Bring htier carseats along and strap them right in like you would in the car. That way, its like a car ride. Bring some small books, toys, and lots of snacks.

My boys are 2 1/2 and 6, and are 'expert' flyers. We fly across the country at least twice a year and they do wonderful on the plane. 99% of the time they fall asleep as soon as we hit the air, and the other 1% of the time they are content with snacks and books. Looking out the window is alwyas fun too, they like to see the clouds, the 'smallness' of the world below them.

We have survived 6yrs without a DVD player in teh air, so unless you already own one, I'd skip it. Just an added expense when buying airline tickets are so much already.

So, thats my big advice. Bring their 5pt harness carseats on the plane, snacks, books, small toys, and a change ofclothes for each just in case.

We just got back from our first family trip traveling on a plane with our 3 children (2,6,8). We had each child carry their own backpack filled with crayons, markers, treats, books, cards, etc. The big kids did great and were very excited about all of the things that were happening on the flight. My 2 year old does not travel in the car well so I was very worried that we would be the next family you see on CNN that got kicked off a plane. Her pediatrition told us to give her the Triaminic Thin Strip Night Time Cough & Cold (they melt on the tongue) before the flight. It also helps with the ears. She slept on both
flights! Good Luck!

Are you sure that you aren't projecting your feelings about flying on your boys? I mean, my boys never got upset on a plane when the engines turned on, and it never occurred to me that they would. And maybe that's because I've been flying my whole life (first plane at 3 months old), and don't have any fears about it.

You know how they say that if the parent is worried/upset about leaving the child at daycare/school/with a babysitter, the child will pick up on that and will become upset, because Mom is? This could be the same sort of thing.

If, on the other hand, this has nothing to do with you, and your concern is based on your children's temperaments and sensitivities, then you will need to distract them. I used to buy fun little toys and workbooks for the plane for my kids. You could even hand each of them a wrapped present when the flight starts -- that would totally distract them!

Now that my kids are old it seems weird to me that all I need are snacks, books, and the Nintendo DS's, and they're set. I used to work so hard to pack their carry-ons!

good luck to you; I bet it will be fine.

I have a 3yr old and a 2 yr. old boys. I travel alone with them every year since my first was born to see my family when my husband hunts. I am now pregnant with my 3rd so I'm a little nervous about my flight w/ 3. :)

Don't switch flights! It's not worth the money you save with kids. I tried it once and will never do it again. I was a nervous wreck and almost missed the connecting flight and we never even had time to toilet in between flights.

But this is what I do:

Pack empty sippy cups since you can't fly w/ liquids. You can put water in them in the airport (after security) or the flight attendant on the plane can get you juice.

Portable DVD player is a must have!

They each pack a backpack with a few quiet toys to occupy them in the airport and on the plane when you can't run electronics. (books, colors, sticker book, etc.)

I have a backpack with a change of clothes for them and snacks for us. I always whip out the snacks when mine get roudy. I bring suckers for them to suck on for the way down since sucking motion will help their ears adjust to the pressure. The way up isn't so bad. My 3 year old thought it was really neat to look out the window on our last trip.

I pack an umbrella stroller(can board with this). My 2 year old rides and my 3 year old helps me push. This way I can keep them both with me at all times in the airport and it allows me to move faster.

I talk about the airplane and talk about rules before we leave for our trip. You can probably get books or videos to help your kids know what to expect from the library. My kids are not freaked by any plane sounds. It is all muffled and if anything you can be like wow do you hear the big plane engines! This can excite kids.

We usually get a bite to eat and toilet before we board. If you have kids you will be the first to board (usually 30 min. prior to take off). So be prepared by that time and have all their needs met. Use family restrooms if you can find them. It is one room and you all can go in there and you can dead bolt the door. So your 2 year old doesn't escape while you're peeing and your 4 year old doesn't play peek under the stalls. :)

This is everything I could think of at the top of my head. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me.

I have a very difficult 2 year old so if I can do it by myself....anyone can! LOL!

Best of luck. Have a fun and safe trip
C.

Bring Dum Dum suckers! They were a life saver. We just took a trip with our almost 2 yr old and 4 yr old. That and coloring/activity books and stickers! We had a DVD player that my 4 yr old watched and he was good to go!
Good luck!

I would request a "bulkhead" (sp?) seat so you have lots of leg room. Also, bring along some candy suckers for the kids to suck on during takeoff and landing - to help with the ear pressure, and as a distraction. I have also heard of putting a styrofoam cup over both ears during takeoff and landing to help w/ ear pressure. You could say that these are their pilot earphones or something like that. Take LOTS of coloring books, reading books, stickers, etc. Just some ideas that have worked for us!

S. W
S. W

My kids are 6,4, and almost one. We have flown more times than I could ever hope to count. (All family is out of state.) While some people swear by taking the car seats, I never do. Tried it once, and I was so uncomfortable because they take up so much room. My kids never had trouble with keeping their seat belts on and sitting still. Definitely get window seats for each kid if you can, with one parent with each kid. Do this in rows one behind the other. You can easily pass things back and forth through the seats, and each kid can see out the window. (And try to get seats not over the wing! Can't see much.) Back of the plane is noisy, but that also drowns out kid noise and is closer to the bathroon.
My kids have always loved going through security, watching the airplanes at the airport, being on the plane, etc. It's all exciting to them, so that is a lot of the entertainment. If you point out all of the exciting things, they will love it. We bring a DVD player, but it is one more thing to carry. Its usefulness depends on the length of your flight, whether you have a connection, and if there are delays.
We bring juice boxes to drink pre/post flight, but they can squirt on the plane with changing air pressure. I bring empty cups with sippy lids (no valves-- I have the tupperware kind) and ask the flight attendant to pour their juice in there for beverage service. The kids love being able to ask for the drink of their choice.
Wear slip on shoes and socks to make security easier. Many airports have play areas (including MSP) if you have time. Each of my kids takes a small back pack with snacks and a few activities. They love having their own carry on. (Saw a suggestion about bulk head seats... I think those don't have the space for a carry on under the seat in front of you, so consider that. Your bag has to go in the overhead and therefore is much less accessible. And tray tables are in the arm, which I like less. But if your kid always kicks the seat in front, it might be the way to go. :)
And the change of clothes suggestion-- a good one! Relax and have fun!

I have moved away from family within the last year and have flown lots of time with a two year old and five year old. I have actually had to do this several times by myself with changing planes and everything. They do great. The whole experience is always fun and exciting for them. I don't know if you have flown before, but if you haven't, try not to project your anxiety onto them. My kids take back packs with wheels as carry on bags and we put fun stuff in there for them--things to color, books, small trains/cars, etc. It might be nice to have something they have never seen before. We also have a portable DVD player (well worth the investment) for flights that are longer. But, a lot of times my youngest will sleep and my oldest doesn't need the DVD to keep herself entertained. Just make it an adventure and talk about how much fun it is going to be. Explain to them ahead of time what to expect and talk about going through security (tell them they will have to take their shoes off, etc). Before you get on the plane watch the other planes take off and land. And take lots of snacks they love! Hope you have a great trip!

My daughter was 2 and she was so excited about flying. When the engines roared, I don't even think she noticed. But, we noticed that a few kids ahead of us had a DVD player with 2 headphones and both kids watched a movie (which took up almost 2 hrs) then, the other 2 hours, one kid read while the other played playdoh and colored. The DVD player would have been a huge help for us, but I'm not sure if you can even bring those on the plane anymore nowdays.

We played flashcards, read books, and played dolls. We also spent a great deal of time (shortly after taking off and before landing) looking out the window at all the tiny things below us until we eventually disappeared into the clouds. Playdoh is a good quiet game, as well as coloring. Bring a carryon just for the kids with all their toys. My daughter and I went to the $ store and picked out a bunch of little things to play with on the plane, and before hand, she couldn't play with them. That way, they were more of a novilty when we were actually on the plane and it occupied her a little longer than normal.

Have fun and good luck.

My kids are teenagers and beyond now, but my husband and I travelled on an airplane with the three of them when they were all quite young. We let them each pack a small backpack full of toys, markers, coloring books, and their favorite small stuffed animal to keep them occupied. Your four year old will probably be able to handle chewing gum for the take off and landing. Your two year old would probably have some comfort from ear discomfort by drinking from a sippy cup or juice box. Our kids didn't know to be freaked out by any noises, and we didn't act scared. But we did explain that there might be some bumpy air once in awhile. They laughed through the turbulence like they were on an amusement park ride. We tried our best to keep the kids occupied and happy so they didn't annoy the other passengers too much. Hope this helps.

I guess I would just walk them through it before you go. "First you'll hear the engine start, which will be very loud but it's okay, then we'll start moving...." Doctors say a mild sedative is okay, if you're comfortable with that, just to take the edge off. Bring books & a portable DVD player (borrow one from a friend if you don't have one). If they drink something or the older one can chew gum so it doesn't hurt their ears. I guess it's a lot harder on kids' ears that ours (take-off & landing).
Good luck!!

The two year old will probably be the biggest problem- I flew with my daughter when she was two as well.

Bring lots of cookies or snack items as most flights do not offer food of ANY SORT! Also a sippy cup for each with water and an extra water bottle for 'refills' most flight attendants don't care if your kids are thirsty. Let the oldest sit next to the window if you dare- four year olds are fascinated with how far away the ground is and the clouds are so close! your two year old will also probably be excitable.
bring gum for any ear pain for the oldest and for your youngest encourage swallowing with the water to help the ears pop!

Entertainment? The same as most waiting rooms- a story you can read- coloring books... maybe you can pick up a cheap cd player and head set for the oldest...

Another thing if you are held over at one point or another?

MOST AIRPORTS HAVE A PLAYGROUND SOMEWHERE! Ask a flight pilot or attendant... THEY ALMOST ALWAYS KNOW EXACTLY WHERE!

A.

I agree that most children that I have observed on planes are not scared. They don't know to fear anything about planes yet. However the suggestions to deal with boredom are good. Just remember...you can't have a portable DVD on at takeoff or landing so it is good to have something else like a doodle pad for that part of the flight.

As for medications...Benadryl is an antihistamine and what you really want is a decongestant to make sure the ears are not painful at takeoff and landing. So something like Children's Dimetapp. Read the labels. A lot of decongestants for children have changed recently as far as their dosing goes. It is approved for kids over 2. I like the Triaminic Infant/Toddler thin strips because they are less messy. They used to make it in a decongestant only version but now for some reason they only make the strips along with something for a cough. The pharmacist said it would be ok for them to take even if they didn't have a cough. I also give a dose of mortin to each of my kids in case they do get some ear pain.

HI, you might want to bring along some benedryl for the cabin pressure. I know that when I traveled to Alaska with our two girls my oldest had a hard time with the pressure in her ears. It is very calmning and doesnt hurt them and keeps the pressure in their ears from getting too much. DVDs and kids cds are a great help with the noise. Bring something of theirs that is special with them to help them feel secure. Good luck and have fun!

I don't think airplanes scare kids or that they comprehend their on a airplane. Most of what I've seen is their tired, crabby, or bored.

My daughter LOVES to fly her favorite part is the rough turbunlent landing. She loves to put her arms up in the air and feel the force of the plane stopping, me on the other hand I'm nervous and scared. My daughter doesn't understand the dangers of flying or have that fear yet.

They will pick up on your anxiety, so if your calm and act like it is a grand adventure that's how they will see it. If you keep telling them that they will be okay and that everything will be alright and don't worry you wont get hurt they will learn to fear it.

Our children have traveled on airplanes at least once a year since they were babies. Before the trip, read some books about airplanes and make it sound like an exciting adventure. (If you are afraid of flying, they will pick up on that.)Let them help pack their own backpacks with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, coloring supplies, books and other small (non-noisy) toys. They will enjoy looking out the window and being served juice, etc. When it is time to land, give them something to eat or drink (even a sucker will work). This will keep their ears clear when pressure builds up. Older kids can be taught to plug their noses, close their mouths and blow gently to clear their ears. This will eliminate temporary discomfort and decrease the chance of a meltdown!
Enjoy your trip!

Hi L.,

We have 3 kids, all under the age of 4 and travel on planes ALOT! I always swore I would never get a portable DVD player, but I don't go on a plane without it! I keep it in the bottom of the diaper bag...the kids don't even know I have it. When they have had enough...we pull it out. Also, have lots of snacks. Maybe let them each pick out a snack at the store before you leave. Even if its not your top choice, they will be excited about it! Good luck!

I too have an "expert flyer" - my 6 year old son took his first flight when he was 10 weeks old! Plenty of snacks & maybe a few new toys or books always help a lot.

We haven't purchased a portable DVD player so far, but a couple of times when our flights have been very delayed, I have rented one from In Flight Entertainment (I think that's the name?) with DVDs for about $25 total. If there's an In Flight kiosk at your arrival airport, you just drop it off when you get there, or you can pay extra to ship it (they provide the packaging). If you don't want to buy a portable DVD, this is a good option to keep in mind!

One more thing - I learned the very hard way when my son was about 4 to ALWAYS have a complete change of clothes in your carry-on for each kid! Hopefully you won't need it. =)

You can try to get them used to the idea of being on an airplane-borrow library books about the topic or just talk about it a lot. Try to get them excited about flying.

I would suggest buying some new toys or activity books (or coloring books) that they would be interested in-something small and light, easy to pack up. Do not show the new things to the children until you are on the plane. This seemed to work for me with my 2 1/2 year old. We also brought a portable DVD player with his favorite movie but didn't have to use it. We brought it along as a last resort.

When my son was a baby in arms, we spent lots of time traveling from our home in WA to the midwest to visit the rest of our family and I diligently observed families that traveled well. They all did the same thing, and it's what we try to do when we travel with our boys. Formerly, an airplane ride allowed us the chance to talk, snooze, read, listen to music, relax. I've learned now that it's the opposite: I need to be more diligent, more aware of my children, and more on-the-ready than usual. With this mindset, and an often-forced gung ho sense of enthusiasm, my son has really enjoyed traveling. Sometimes it's the simply things they enjoy--the beverage cart, a friendly attendant, waving at the friendly elderly man behind you, watching them load the luggage out the window. Focus on "exciting" rather than "scary" without ignoring real fears--but don't give them something to fear, either. Oh, and pack lots of fun stuff for them--a new book, saved-up trinkets from McDonald's happy meals, activity books, music, (we bought a 100$ portable DVD player...it's been a lifesaver). Hope it goes well-travel has proven to be a lot of fun with our almost-4 year old.

I had four small children - ages girl 9, twin boys 2, and a baby girl 6 months when we went to see my husband one last time before his deployment to Iraq. I used to work at a major airline and flew all over the US, but that was before children!! It was quite a scary experience travelling with all those kids alone, but I knew it was something I had to do!! I went to the dollar store and bought a couple of new books, coloring books, and "special treats" for the trip. I found out really quickly that something chewy like fruit snacks or fruit gushers on take off and landing was a great way to keep their ears open. My boys were only 2 and I wasn't brave enough to try gum at that age, so this worked out perfect. When the engines started up I explained that they were starting the airplane, just like when Mommy starts the car. I referred to every comparison between an airplane and a car until we were up in the air. They were a little nervous about not being on the ground anymore, but I kept telling them how great they were doing and how much fun we were having. They were really entertained by looking out the window or watching the flight attendants do their job. I had a portable DVD player along, but we didn't use that in flight. (That was used during our layovers.) I know it would be ideal to have a direct non-stop flight from point A to point B, but living in rural midwest that is not always feasible. We had 2 connections and with four children, we survived!! I barely made the last connection (and last flight out to see their Daddy), but a loving security guard saw me running with 4 small children and assisted us to our gate. If you have any troubles at your connections, ASK FOR HELP!! The gate agents can either call ahead for you, or at least get in touch with someone to assist you to your connection.

Good luck and happy travels!!

the engines are already running when you get onto the plane...they will hardly hear them...they will most likely be very excited to get to go on the plane...

our life saver was a portable dvd player, and a small bag of misc. toys. (cars, crayons, small doodle pads) and their blankies...

before we left we also, went and watched the planes land and take off, and the kids were just taken back at our little picnic and were very excited to be able to get to take a plane...

I traveled alot with 3 children (by myself) when they were very young. I never had any problems with them being "scared" of the plane noises. My biggest problem was that I worried they would be boisterous and disturb other passengers (never happened). I packed a "fun bag" before the trip with new little toys & snacks. When they started getting fidgity I would bring out a new toy or game and that would keep them occupied and happy. One piece of advice that really worked well for me, when changing planes, was to let all the passengers deboard, then I would use the planes restroom while the stewardesses watched the kids. The stewardesses were always happy to help me out and this way I wasn't trying to juggle kids, diaper bags & stroller in the airport public restrooms.

My oldest traveled fine the first time at 18 months. She needed something to suck on for ear pressure so bring lollipops or gum. Snack to crunch on would help also. When we took our three year old just two months ago she had motions sickness. You may want to give your children some Children's Dramamine. Trust me you do not want to have children vomiting. Take along extra clothes, some wet wipes and have plenty of air sick bags handy too. Also take some things for them to do. We took crayons, coloring books, books to read, little barbies, dvd player and movies, etc.

Most kids really enjoy the excitement. It's the unexpected that gets the moms and dads. Have fun and good luck.