Whether you’re unveiling a destination or getting kids excited about a future trip, this gift guide is for you. Calendars, puzzles, and snacks build anticipation and get the conversation going.

Unboxing

As kids, my brother and I loved to prank one another (and unsuspecting family members) by placing a gift within layers of different sized boxes. Duct tape was also involved. I’m suggesting a different style of unboxing.

Inside a larger wrapped gift are a few smaller items: a wall calendar, snacks, and a game. The kids get to guess our next family adventure!

Scavenger Hunt

Another type of unveiling our kids love is a scavenger hunt. Placing clues around the house that lead to a final “destination” is a blast. Here are some clue examples to get you started!

Travel Destination: Ireland

• My nickname is “Emerald Isle” because the frequent rainfall makes the landscape beautifully green. Search the greenest things in our house! (house plants)
• A mischievous, tiny man hides pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Search the place where you keep your “gold.” (piggy bank, money jar)
• Storytellers pass along our tales of giants, fairies, and warriors. Search the area you would find a myth. (book shelf or nook)
• Hospitality is important here and we greet by saying Dia dhuit! (pronounced jee-ah-gwitch). Search the area where you say hello to visitors (front door, entryway)

Gift Ideas

Each year we get a wall calendar to have in our kitchen. Do we put every single event, appointment, or soccer game on it? No. But if there’s something specific we want the kids to know or get ready for, it’s there. I select a calendar with striking images of a destination we’re headed to and it keeps the conversation going throughout the year. The more kids talk about an adventure before, during, and after the more connections they’ll make to the memories!

Check out these ideas and the ones in my Pinterest Board Travel Kids Gift Guide!

• Food: cookies, crackers, beverages, candy, or a recipe with ingredients
  • Irish Shortbread Biscuits, German Kinder Chocolate, Italian Sauce
• Wall Calendar with images of places on your itinerary
• Games: board games, travel games, puzzles or created games
  • Mahjong (China), Mancala (Africa), Ticket To Ride (USA)
  • See Family Game Night post for more ideas
• Maps (kids can mark route)
• Movies filmed in location (IMDB Kids Intl Films Link)
  • Luca (Italy), Encanto (Colombia), Song of the Sea (Ireland)

What other fun ways have you unveiled an upcoming adventure for kids?