From Our Gear Experts: 11 Screen-Free Ways to Stay Sane on the Plane

Our new gear experts-slash-supermoms, Gigi Jack and Nina Tooley, literally know their stuff! Kid stuff, that is. With their chicly curated online boutique and unique concierge gifting service, Little Lamma, they're changing the way moms shop (by making it easier!). Read more about why we've chosen them—and now we'll pass over the microphone for a schooling on how to stay meltdown-free on your next trip.

Let's be real, traveling with little ones is never a vacation, it's a memory-building experience and the actual "to and fro" is the part most of us parents dread. No matter how awesome the beach is at your destination, you'll never, ever, hear anyone say, "I can't wait to get on the plane with my 3-year-old!" Ever. But, have no fear, we have a foolproof, screen-free strategy for retaining your sanity during this trying time.

First, pack more snacks than you ever thought a human could possibly consume. That goes without saying. Second, pack surprises. Lots and lots of surprises. This is the key. To avoid disasters, you need to have redundancies built in, like a nuclear submarine. Scroll through our tried-and-true travel helpers with gusto—and reveal them to your kiddo, one by one, only as needed. Go crazy and gift wrap them if you want. Then, alternate with crackers (pause only for mom sips of that mini bottle of Chardonnay, lol).

This expertly curated travel bundle has everything you need to keep your tots' buzzing minds focused—from Plus Plus building blocks and a coloring roll to stickers and Go Fish. Designed by moms who've traveled with toddlers—and survived!

This super thin, lightweight doodle board is the gift that keeps on giving. Great for the plane, dinners out and beyond, it lets their imagination go wild with a fresh start each time. (Tip: Keep the pen secured with tape so it doesn't get lost under your neighbor's seat.)

Kids love to have their own suitcase and this is the perfect size for the tiniest people! No need to break the bank filling it with "treasure"—a roll of tape, bandaids, and some Cheerios will do. Watch their little fingers go to work opening the latch and discovering what's inside!

Can your kid be trusted with a dull plastic needle? Then this needlepoint kit is genius. She'll be so proud of herself when she finishes and you might buy yourself enough time to read an entire magazine!

With more than 50 flaps and moving parts, there are endless opportunities to explore and discover everything aviation-related while it's playing out in front of them. Next stop, flight school.

With over 1300 stickers and five colorful designs, this mosaic kit offers limitless creative fun with lots of tiny pieces that will keep them occupied. Break it out when you arrive at your destination and prepare to savor the sunset in beautiful, golden silence.

Stickers on your hands. Stickers on the tray table. We're crazy for stickers! This very packable sticker book also has 27 activities to keep your little one happy. The adorable cactus zip bag is perfect for storing treasures that you'll find along your journey!

Can you balance Cheddar Bunnies on one knee and Legos on the other, while looking for wipes in your carry-on? Yes, you can, because you're a supermom. But do you really want to? Cue the Travel Caddy, a handy organizer invented by a mom to help keep the chaos contained on your flight.

Story reader, go! These interactive books are small, lightweight and thoroughly entertaining, with visual cues so kids can walk through the story on their own. Spare your seatmate the sound effects (this one goes in your checked bag!) and save it for the hotel when you need some downtime.

Time for some family fun! Mom and dad will want to get in on this action: Dog Dominoes, "My Little Cities" Travel Matching Game and a large tube of neon Plus Plus building blocks for building rainbows and palm trees together.

Unleash their creativity with this adorable activity bundle, featuring a color-in-puzzle (with its own carrying case) and a tube of large Plus Plus building blocks. Great for littles who are just learning to build and draw.