Every year I look for gifts that are fun, have lots of play value, and will hold up for the entire year. It's fun to try to find things that have a travel tie in too, and I always look for one or two things that help the kids expand their cultural horizons, I thought I would share some of our current favorites as well as the toys I'm considering for this year.
We've owned the Playmobil Jet Plane for almost four years now. It has (mostly) survived three kids and is still a popular toy in our house. If you don't fly frequently, this is also a great tool to help "act out" what would happen during a plane flight (and what is good airplane behavior) before each flight.
My kids love Lego, and they're fascinated by bridges. This LEGO Tower Bridge is just begging to be built by someone in my family.
In our house, everyone gets at least one book as a gift each year. My top pick for your little traveler is the The Not For Parents Travel Book. We were given a copy by the publisher a few months ago, and Everest hasn't set it down since. It's in the car with us on commutes, he falls asleep with it at night, and he's taken it with us on two plane trips. That's high praise from a 6 year old who is required to carry his own backpack! My take? this book does a nice job of blending interesting (to kids) facts with cultural information and tons of pictures.
We've hung various US and World maps in Everest's room, but somehow the kids always seem to love them to death after a few months. I'd love to invest in a high quality canvas map (like this one from IKEA or this neat map decal for the whole family. As the kids grow, I know it will be a great way for us to learn about the places we're headed as well as places in the news.
My kids have a set of basic wooden blocks that they come back to over and over again. The way they play with them changes over time, but they never seem to fall out of fashion. It would be fun to familiarize the kids with other architectural shapes, and I love this Middle Eastern Blocks from Haba. The company also makes a Russian House, Antiquity Architectural Blocks, Japanese House Building Blocks
and many other architecturally themed building blocks.
Wooden Sushi Set
Everest received this sushi set as a gift when Darya was born. We keep it in the car and grab it each time we enter a restaurant with the kids. Of course it's especially fun when we happen to be eating Japanese food! The set is simple, but the kids like rearranging the blocks, sticking the sushi rolls together (each piece has velcro) and cutting them apart again. Pretending to eat each piece usually takes up enough time that they don't even notice the long wait for our food & we think there's nothing cuter than watching the kids dip their real sushi in the fake soy sauce.
Our annual Passports with Purpose fundraiser is now a week underway, and we've raised close to $20,000 towards our goal of building 2 libraries in Zambia! Now that we have a complete list of all the prizes we'll be giving away (there are 86 in all) I want to hilight a few that would be particularly great for traveling families! Want to see more? Check out the complete prize list here.
I've long enjoyed carrying a Kindle with me when I travel. I just love being able to read the kids a story while we're on a plane or waiting for our meal in a restaurant. You can 1-up me by winning one of the four Kindle Fire book readers we're giving away this year!
Seattle Four Seasons Outdoor Pool
I'd love to win a two night stay at the Four Season Seattle. We enjoyed the pool, the excellent food, and lobby access to one of my favorite chocolate shops on our stay there two years ago. Even though it's just a stone's throw from my home, I've been aching to go back.
Vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels when you're traveling with kids. And you'll have a choice of thousands of properties worldwide if you win this $1000 Home Away Gift Certificate. Here's where you investiate what that $1000 would get you.
Ok, so now you know what you want to win - go make a donation at the Passports with Purpose website!
A Hawaiian Luau is one of those things that almost everyone does on a Hawaiian vacation. It's touristy for sure, but if you pick a good one, it's a great meal and a fun evening filled with traditional dance. Here are some shots from the Old Lahina Luau, just a short drive from the Honua Kai Resort. This Luau focuses on Hawaiian music and dance, and high quality food. My kids loved the opportunity to learn traditional Hawaiian crafts before dinner.
One of the things I'm aching to do with the kids in the next year or two is to take them on a ranch vacation. If that's on your "life list" too, you may like this giveaway. Check Top50Ranches each day from December 1-24 for the prize of the day; answer the question with the correct answer and the prize could be yours! Prizes include ranch vacations, jewelry and more.
Darya spreads out her toys and plays in Heathrow's Baggage Claim Area
Featured Family Travel Deal
Conde Nast Traveler is arranging some deals on high end travel experiences on their Facebook page. These deals are curated by Conde Nast Travel Specialists and they're at some of the magazine's top rated properties. Deals go live every day at noon.
Domestic Airfares for now through March 7 are just amazing. I just booked a last minute, round-trip ticket to San Francisco from Seattle for $135 including taxes. Check out AlaskaAir, JetBlue and Virgin America or your local favorite
Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle has a fun deal for families. On Sunday, December 11, Hotel 1000 will offer the Parent’s Holiday Hall Pass for an afternoon of childfree shopping. From 1-5 p.m. for children 4+. The cost is $50 for 4 hours of childcare ($20 per additional children in the same family). Check out my Seattle with Kids guide for activities and restaurants to visit once the childcare is closed.
Featured Travel Gear Deal
The Lauri Toys Toddler Tote is 2 1/2 year old Eilan's favorite travel toy lately. It's on sale for just $10.49
The newly redesigned BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2 is on sale for $239.67 ($40 off) and you'll receive an extra $10 off at checkout.
The Quinny Zapp
stroller folds up small enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin - meaning that it won't be damaged or lost in transit. It's on sale at Amazon for $169, that's $50 off of the retail price! Click here for the link: Quinny Zapp
The Sit N Stoll converts from a carseat into a stroller and works great if you'll be getting in and out of taxis at your destination. Here's a great deal that gives you $100 in free accessories on the Lilly Gold Sit N Stroll Pro Model.
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
Each year at this time, I help lead Passports with Purpose, the travel blogger's fundraiser. What makes our fundraiser fun and different, is that we raise money by giving away prizes to our donors!
Here's how it works - each $10 donation you make enters you to win one of our fabulous prizes. Donating more lets you choose more prizes or increase your odds of winning the exact prize you want. At the end of our fundraiser (Dec 16th this year) we'll randomly choose the winners. Over the past four years, we've raised $100,000 to fund projects for Heifer International, build a School in Cambodia, and build an entire Village in India
This year, we'll be building two libraries in Zambia through our partnership with Room to Read. With two early readers in my own home, being able to give the gift of literacy to kids who would otherwise not have access to local language books is a very meaningful project to me.
But before I tell you more about the Libraries, I want to tell you about my prize. Because it's going to knock your socks off.
Honua Kai Resort
I'm thrilled beyond measure about my prize for this year. I'll be giving away a four night stay in a 1-bedroom ocean view suite at the Honua Kai Resort & Spa in Maui. Out of all the really wonderful hotels I've stayed at in the past two years, this is the one I keep wanting to return to. Not only is it a beautiful resort, but four nights is long enough to really settle in and enjoy Maui. Honestly, don't read any further, just go over and make your donation. Be sure to take a look at the other prizes too - there are some great ones besides mine.
You can read my full review of my stay at the Honua Kai Resort here, but I want to share some of my favorite things in this post
I just fell in love with these expansive lawns. In the evenings, families make use of the barbeques, and kids run everywhere enjoying the warm evening air.
Everest and Darya head to the beach at Honua Kai Resort on Maui
The pool has separate areas suited to different age groups. There's a lap pool for adults, a waterslide for older kids, and this quiet cove for the young guys. A sand-bottom wading pool and pop-fountain entertain babies and toddlers.
Cove for young kids at the Honua Kai Resort in Kaanapali Beach, Maui
There's a gourmet grocery store on site, and a larger market across the street in case you want to make use of the gourmet kitchen in your suite.
Kitchen in Honua Kai Resort, Kaanapali Beach, Maui
But probably you'll just want to eat these cupcakes
Cupcakes from the Honua Kai Gourmet Market
And lounge in the cozy and spacious living room, or out on the huge lanai
Living area and lanai with NanaWall at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui
In addition, each suite has a washer and dryer - a huge help when your kids are playing outside all day, drop in childcare (additional fee) and Duke's Beach House restaurant (yes, they'll deliver poolside!).
Here are the full terms and conditions for this prize
Enjoy a four night stay in 1-bedroom ocean view suite at Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Maui's newest luxury resort.
Advance reservations required. Based upon availability adn subject to black-out periods (December 23, 2011 to January 2, 2012, February 15-25, 2012, November 17-25, 2012, and December 22, 2012 to January 5, 2012.) Expires December 31, 2012.
It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to pay for the daily resort fee of $25.00 per day plus taxes.
Please see gift certificate for complete conditions.
More about Passports With Purpose and our Libraries in Zambia
With your help, our goal is to raise $80,000 to build two libraries in southern and eastern Zambia through Room to Read’s Reading Room program. This year we'll be raising money to build two libraries in Zambia through Room to Read's Library Program. Being able to read is a precursor to any type of economic improvement, and in Zambia only 71% of adults (and 64% of Zambian women) are able to read and write. Most kids don't have access to books other than their school textbooks. If you've helped a child learn to read, you know that's just not enough.
Through this program, we'll be providing two established schools with libraries. Each library will include educational puzzles and games, child-sized furniture, colorful, print-rich decorations and shelves full of local-language books. But the support goes beyond just the physical necessities, once the library is complete, Room to Read works trains the school's teachers to make best use of the library resources. That support continues for three years, after which the school is able to run the library on their own.
When I co-founded the Passports With Purpose fundraiser four years ago, it seemed like a great way to give back, a nice way to build community and fun project to do with some gals I really admire (Pam Mandel, Beth Whitman, and Michelle Duffy). We have been absolutely blown away by the level of support we've gotten from the travel community and from our blog readers, and we are so proud and excited to be able to do this again for a fourth year. I hope you'll join us in supporting this effort!
Thank You to Sponsors
I am especially grateful to our corporate sponsors. Each sponsor makes a donation directly to Room to Read to help build the Passports With Purpose Libraries. Quite simply, we couldn't do this without them and I hope you'll take a moment to check out what they're doing.
These Fisher-Price TRIO Junior My First Blocks would provide quiet entertainment for a toddler in a hotel room or even in the car (just package them in a shoebox)
The newly redesigned BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2 is on sale for $239.67 ($40 off) and you'll receive an extra $10 off at checkout.
Darya's favorite Travel Toy, Calico Critters is on deep discount - get 50% off a family set when you spend $30
The Quinny Zapp
stroller folds up small enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin - meaning that it won't be damaged or lost in transit. It's on sale at Amazon for $166, that's $50 off of the retail price! Click here for the link: Quinny Zapp
I'm not sure I've ever seen a discount on the poplar Sit N Stoll (converts from a carseat into a stroller), but here's a great deal that gives you $100 in free accessories on the Lilly Gold Sit N Stroll Pro Model.
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
Eilan and his cousin play together on the piano that I learned music on
Eilan and his cousin have met before, but they're just now old enough to appreciate one another. Here they are, playing a noisy duet on my own childhood piano.
Featured Travel Gear Deals
The newly redesigned BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2 is on sale for $239.67 ($40 off) and you'll receive an extra $10 off at checkout.
Traveling? Have Amazon ship your diapers to your destination instead of carrying them in your suitcase. If you sign up for Subscribe and Save, you'll get 20% off of select Seventh Generation Diapers and Wipes
Darya's favorite Travel Toy, Calico Critters is on deep discount - get 50% off a family set when you spend $30
The Quinny Zapp
stroller folds up small enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin - meaning that it won't be damaged or lost in transit. It's on sale at Amazon for $166, that's $50 off of the retail price! Click here for the link: Quinny Zapp
I'm not sure I've ever seen a discount on the poplar Sit N Stoll (converts from a carseat into a stroller), but here's a great deal that gives you $100 in free accessories on the Lilly Gold Sit N Stroll Pro Model.
Featured Family Travel Deals
Stay 2 nights and save 20% at the Westin Verasa in Napa. Book here using code DAILY20. We stayed at the Westin Verasa last December, and loved the kitchenette in our suite! For ideas about what to do and eat in this area, check out my guide to Napa With Kids
Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle has a fun deal for families. On Sunday, December 11, Hotel 1000 will offer the Parent’s Holiday Hall Pass for an afternoon of childfree shopping. From 1-5 p.m. for children 4+. The cost is $50 for 4 hours of childcare ($20 per additional children in the same family). Check out my Seattle with Kids guide for activities and restaurants to visit once the childcare is closed.
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
When HostelBookers contacted me to help spread the word about how families can find Interesting and unusual hotels at HostelBookers.com, I was a little bit skeptical about whether this would be a fit for me. Afterall, the image I have of hostels (admittedly formed when I was young, on a tight budget, and kid-free) doesn't exactly incorporate family. But when I looked at the properties, I was intrigued. Things have changed since those early days, and HostelBookers has a collection of entirely unique hotels that I'm betting my kids would be thrilled to check out in person. I thought it would be fun to share my favorites.
Castello di Galeazza, Italy
Castello di Galeazza, Italy
Castello di Galeazza, located about 40km from Modena and 50km from Bologna features frescoed ceilings and an extensive gardens and ten-acre woodland. I imagine my family could have a lot of fun here, pretending to be Princesses and Knights, climbing the tower, and exploring the library of over 3000 books. Everyone who stays here pitches in with cooking, gardening, and other daily tasks. I like the idea that my kids would get to meet and interact with other travelers from around the world, as well as the chance to hang out with goats and chickens.
Rooms are simple, but rated well for cleanliness. Prices are per person and include meals and drinks, and a "dorm room" has 4 beds at a rate of $66.69 per person (private doubles and private singles are also available at the same per person rate). You'll want to contact the hostel and let them know that you are booking for a family so that they can be sure to put everyone in the same room.
Castello di Galeazza is a bit isolated (the nearest town is 15 minutes away by bike), meaning that your stay here will be focused around meeting the other guests and enjoying the castle and grounds. Still, the area around Bologna is this my favorite region in Italy, partly because it's so beautiful, but mostly because this is the region where many of Italy's food products come from. If you rent a car, Castello di Galezza could make a good base for visiting local farms and producers, and sampling some of the best food in the country.
Jumbo Stay hotel in Stockholm
Jumbo Stay, Stockholm Arlanda Airport Jumbo Stay is an upscale hostel built *inside* a retired 747-200. My kids are so intrigued with airplanes that I'd be tempted to try this out. Jumbo Stay is located right on the entrance to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and you can walk or take a shuttle from the airport terminals, making it a convenient place to stay on the first or last night of your trip if you are flying through Stockholm. A few things to note if you're considering Jumbo Stay, the rooms can accommodate either one, two or three people, meaning that a family of four would need to book two rooms in order to fit everyone. Bathrooms are shared, and the rooms themselves are very compact - you'll want to bring along an inflatable ball and take advantage of the grounds outside before bedtime!
Aydinli Cave Hotel, Cappadocia, Goreme, Turkey
Aydinli Cave Hotel
The Aydinli Cave Hotel is located in Cappadocia, an area I really wish we'd been able to visit on our trip to Istanbul two years ago.
Staying at this hotel would be a unique opportunity experience the way people in this region have lived for 3500 years. (You can find some beautiful pictures of Cappadocia cave homes here). One of the reasons we travel with our kids is to show them, first hand, that not everyone lives the same way we do, so a few nights in a 500 year old cave home run by a local family would be a great introduction to the history of this region.
Aydinli Cave Hotel costs $34.77 per person for a family of four in one room. The price includes breakfast on a rooftop terrace and WIFI. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms. The rooms and would accommodate a family of four with one double bed and two rollaway singles. Contact the hotel directly to request one of the suites with its own sitting area.
This post was sponsored by HostelBookers who asked me to help spread the word about their selection of unusual properties. HostelBookers did not ask me to express any particular opinion, and as always my opinions are my own.
About Me I'm Debbie, mother of three delicious kids and I write about traveling with little kids. That's my daughter in the backpack and my son in Paris on Halloween.
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is 2 1/2 year old Eilan's favorite travel toy lately. It's on sale for just $10.49
is on sale for just $299 ($100 off!)
is on sale for $239.67 ($40 off) and you'll receive an extra $10 off at checkout.
stroller folds up small enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin - meaning that it won't be damaged or lost in transit. It's on sale at Amazon for $169, that's $50 off of the retail price! Click here for the link: 
would provide quiet entertainment for a toddler in a hotel room or even in the car (just package them in a shoebox)
