To make a magnetic puzzle for traveling, use a cookie sheet and stick a magnet onto the back of all the puzzle pieces in the box. That way when you're traveling, your child can easily work on a puzzle without pieces moving all around or getting lost. They will stay put on the cookie sheet.
By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario
Buy some of the new clipboards that have a compartment in the bottom. Fill with paper crayons and car games. Some car games can be found on the internet and just printed out.
Before starting any vacation or car-travel, go to a good $1 store and pick out 5 small quiet toys for each child. Then give these to them one at a time throughout the trip instead off buying trinkets at each stop along the way. This will not only keep your children occupied, but will save you all kinds of money. You can even use these toys as "bribery", as in "If you keep your voices down and don't fight with your sister for the next hour, I have a new toy for you.
We had several games the kids enjoyed playing when they were younger and we were traveling. Most included winning money!
Anyone who has to pick up their kids or grandkids from a childcare situation after work knows that the ride home can sometimes be filled with whining and complaining as the kids are tired and hungry.