The MMB Holiday Toy Edit: What Actually Keeps Kids Entertained (So You Don’t Lose Your Mind)
Holidays with kids are brilliant… in theory. Sunshine, sandy toes, happy family memories. But let’s be honest — in reality, it’s usually a heady mix of “Are we there yet?”, snack negotiations, and someone melting down in the car before you’ve even left the driveway.
That’s where toys come in. Not the ones that look amazing on the shelf but get abandoned after five minutes. We’re talking toys that actually travel well, keep little hands busy, and save your sanity whether you’re at the airport, beach, in a tent, or halfway up the M6 in a traffic jam.
So, welcome to The MMB Holiday Toy Edit — a roundup of toys we’ve tried, tested, and survived. From compact boredom-busters for the journey, to outdoor toys that don’t instantly break, to quiet activities you’ll be eternally grateful for when the rain hits (because it always does), we’ve got you covered.
And here’s the best bit — this guide is evergreen. That means we’ll keep updating it every school holiday with new finds, new brands, and new mum-approved favourites. So whether you’re packing for summer, Easter, or Christmas chaos, you’ll always know the best toys to keep in your bag of tricks.
Table of Contents
Seekers Games – Treasure Hunts That Never Get Old From £11.99
Every year we rave about Seekers Games — and every year, so do the mums I recommend them to. It’s one of those simple-but-genius ideas: a treasure hunt in a box that keeps kids entertained for hours. Eliza gets completely lost in the clues, and even Kimi at 11 still joins in (usually trying to be the “chief clue master”).
Different packs the beach, camping trips, outdoor play, and even car journeys. We’ve rotated a few now, and each one feels like a brand-new adventure without needing to buy loads of new toys.
Buy Seekers starter pack.
Yoto Mini Player – RRP £59.99
This is our absolute lifesaver from airports to long car rides and even those evening wind-downs on holiday. The Yoto Travel Player is a screen-free way for kids to enjoy stories, music, podcasts, and more, all in one neat little device designed perfectly for small hands. Compact and portable, it slips easily into a bag for adventures on the go.
You can also add handy extras like a protective case, child-friendly headphones, and a travel card wallet — making it even easier to keep everything together while travelling. With hundreds of cards to choose from, little ones can dive into their favourites again and again.
Zoo Video Digital Camera – RRP £79.95
Let the kids feel part of the holiday magic by capturing their own memories with the Zoo Video Camera. With a powerful 45MP lens and video recording, it’s perfect for budding filmmakers who never want to miss a moment. The soft silicone design makes it easy to hold for little hands, while the fun character choices – Dino, Unicorn, or Fox – bring extra personality. Whether it’s filming holiday adventures, birthday parties, or everyday play, this clever camera encourages creativity and storytelling from a very young age.
Orchard Toys Bluey Games £12.00
Orchard Toys never disappoint, and their Bluey games were a huge hit for us on holiday. Simple to play, quick to set up, and so much fun — we had at least one game a night while we were away, and the kids loved every minute.
We pop the games into simple zip wallets for travelling, which makes them super easy to pack and keeps all the pieces together. These games are the perfect mix of family fun and portability — keeping little ones entertained wherever you are.
Connetix Tiles – A Simple Box, Hours of Fun From £39.00
They’re technically “for the preschooler” (Eliza will sit happily building towers and castles for hours), but my 11-year-old Kimi can never resist getting involved. Cue elaborate bridges, racing tracks, and the occasional “who can build the tallest tower before it topples” competitions for our UK holdiays.
Rainy afternoons? Sorted. Downtime after the beach? Sorted. Need five minutes’ peace while you drink a coffee that’s not stone cold? Absolutely sorted. A simple box, but endless play — that’s the magic.
Buy Connetix Tiles
Zoo Friends Digital Camera – RRP £69.95
Made for the littlest adventurers, the Zoo Friends Camera is the perfect first step into photography. Easy to use and safe for ages 3+, it fits snugly into small hands and comes with a fun, swappable silicone animal sleeve. With 9 characters to choose from – including Fox, Bear, Cat, Elephant, and Unicorn – every child can pick their favourite friend. Capturing 32MP images with up to 32GB of memory, it’s a wonderful way for kids to explore, play, and snap their world with confidence.
Grabolo – The Game That Gets Everyone Laughing £12.99
This is hands-down our favourite family game, because it works for absolutely everyone — from the littlest ones to the grown-ups. The rules couldn’t be simpler: roll the dice, spot the colour and object combo, and be the first to grab it. That’s it — but trust me, the laughs are endless.
We’ve played it after dinner on holiday and it always ends up with everyone around the table in fits of giggles (and a few competitive elbows flying in!). The best part is how easy it is to pack — it slips straight into a bag and is perfect for restaurants or just keeping kids entertained when you need a quick go-to game. Simple rules, big fun, and a family favourite we keep coming back to.
Plus Plus From £6.99
If you’re packing for the summer holidays, Plus-Plus is one of those toys you’ll be glad you slipped into the bag. It’s lightweight, doesn’t take up much room, and keeps the kids entertained on planes, ferries, or long car journeys. Once you’re away, it’s just as handy for quiet downtime in the hotel, a rainy caravan day, or while you’re waiting for food at a restaurant. The best bit? No screens needed – just endless creativity in a tiny tube.
