1. My pick
   

   Jelly Blox Creative Kit

   These are a favorite for the on-the-go entertainment bag. They are very tactile, they don’t make noise when they fall in restaurants, and they can be washed.

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2. If you have a magnatile kid

   

   Magna-Tiles microMAGS Travel Set

   an absolute MUST in the entertainment bag if you have a magnatile kid. I target under $15

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3. If they would rather draw

   

   2 Pack LCD Writing Tablet

   another on-the-go bag must. I'm actually surprised by how long these have lasted considering they don't appear to be the sturdiest. I like them under $10.

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4. If a little water on the table is fine

   

   3 Pack Paint with Water Watercolor Activity Set

   these live in the on-the-go bag. good paper quality, good illustrations. the self-watering brushes are the key here. target price: under $12

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5. For the youngest art and water entertainment

   

   Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow!

   $7.50 was $8.99 on sale

   price as of Oct 18, 6:30am ET

   i've lost track of how many of these we went through. great for ~18mo+ IMO. they're so good for restaurant, waiting room, on-the-go entertainment. look out for bundle deals or ~<$6

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6. When they're good with stickers or you're packing light.

   

   Reusable Sticker Book

   $8.99 was $9.99 on sale

   price as of Oct 18, 7:09am ET

   these things are *the best* for restaurants. they're flat, quiet, fold up, and they're even decently waterproof. only downside is they take up room when folded out. lots of sets to choose from.

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7. If they can't peel flat stickers yet

   

   Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books Set

   $16.75 was $26.99 rare price

   price as of Oct 18, 7:06am ET

   for little hands that can't peel flat stickers yet - a younger alternative to my reusable sticker book recommendation for on-the-go entertainment. the bundles tend to be cheaper - target ~$6-7 per book.

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8. If they like stickers and are 2 or 3

   

   Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow! Astronaut Bundle

   $10.87 + coupon rare price

   price as of Oct 18, 7:12am ET

   I keep a couple of these of varying themes in my gift stash, especially for the 2-3 year olds. they've never gotten a bad review. i grab a couple when i see them in the $8-9 range for a bundle.

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9. If they are 4 or older

   

   Paint by Sticker Kids: Mermaids & Magic!

   $5.87 was $10.95 rare price

   price as of Oct 18, 7:31am ET

   i keep these in my gift stash for the 4-5 year olds. anything below $5 is an instant buy to restock.

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Prices and availability are as of the time shown and change.