Airplane travel with a two-year old
 

My daughter soon will be flying from Germany to the U.S. with her two-year old daughter. I was hoping to send her a package with some things to keep our granddaughter busy on the long flight. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Markers or crayons with pads of paper or coloring books;DVDs to watch;Colorforms or sticker sets;etc.
Personally, I think that Germany has better toys and things for kids to be creative with on flights. Do remind your daughter to have some snacks like Cheerios along besides her favorite toy or doll.Also pack extra diapers and a couple changes of clothing for her. Some parents on my flights that I work wrap little gifts for each hour of the flight and then the child has something to look forward to on the flight for good behavior.Tell your daughter to bring her sense of humor and that a large glass of wine will be waiting for her upon her arrival.

dutyfree has it about covered - a few additions - since your granddaughter lives in Germany, I am guessing you do not see her often - so perhaps a small photo book with pictures of you, where she will be staying, places you want to visit with her - real concrete stuff, like "the is the bed you will be sleeping in"

You might pack it all up in a cute toddler-sized backpack she can bring on the flight. (And all this will fit in one of those great International flat-rate USPS boxes)

It's a good idea to send something, because whatever you send will likely be novel. Pictures are a great idea. Brightly covered post-its are fun. Finger puppets. Be whimsical.

And be ready to stay up with your wide-awake granddaughter the first night while your daughter collapses!

Just don't send anything too precious as I distinctly remember that on several trips that we left behind tons of toddler amusements; sometimes intentionally but often not as they just disappeared under the seat or wherever!

Photos of you and your home stuck in a little book would be wonderful.. love that idea!