The Best (& Most Fun) Space-Saving Toys That Absolutely Fit on a Carry-On
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Traveling with kids is either fun or pure chaos, and if you’re like us, we prefer the first option. So, how do you ensure the kids have fun on the road? Incentivize them with easy-to-reach-for toys that fit on a carry-on or weekender. Having a new toy on hand will help keep your children entertained, no matter how old they are. Luckily, you don’t have to search far because Mattel has endless options for entertaining, compact toys.
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Mattel is known for the brands that fall under its umbrella, including Disney Princess, Barbie, Trolls, Polly Pocket and more. Kids love these brands for the limitless storytelling possibilities with some of their favorite characters. And if you have a trip planned, turn to the toy retailer for their exceptional picks that are easy to pack in your carry-on — most of the toys are smaller, so they fit in one bag. Others have specialized cases that wrap all the pieces into one, making it easy to toss into your bag.
Ahead, we found seven of the best Mattel space-saving toys, starting at just $10!
Best Space Saving Toys at A Glance
Best Overall: Polly Pocket Dolls & Playset, $25
Best Parent Recommended Toy: Mattel Disney Princess Toys, Moana Small Doll Story Pack, $18, was $27
Best Trolls Toy: Mattel DreamWorks Trolls Band Together BroZone On Tour Set, $19
Best Surprise Toy: Mattel Disney Frozen Toys, $11, was $12
Best Princess Toy: Mattel Disney Princess Small Doll Royal Color Reveal, $10, was $13
Best Roll-Away Toy: Polly Pocket Pollyville Playset, $60
Best Unisex Toy: Polly Pocket Snow Sweet Penguin Compact, $17
BEST OVERALL
Polly Pocket Adventures in Rio Playset
$25
Polly Pocket playsets are excellent space-saving toys because they offer all-in-one storage with all pieces able to fit inside the closed playset. If you can’t situate every piece inside the playset, it fits neatly into a travel pouch. This one comes in the shape of a monkey and offers two Polly Pocket dolls, four pets, and many other accessories.
Dimensions: 5.91″ x 2.56″ x 7.87″
We We Love It:
Easy to fold
Includes a convenient purse strap
BEST PARENT-RECOMMENDED TOY
Moana Classic Storybook Set
$18 $27 33% off
The Moana Small Doll Story Pack provides hours of fun for children ages three and up. It includes six characters, two animals, a double-sided backdrop and perforated pieces, a boat, and play pieces! The entire set fits into a weekender bag or kids’ travel suitcase.
Dimensions: 3.39″ x 1.48″ x 4.02″
Why We Love It:
Multiple ways to use the toy
Parent-recommended
BEST TROLLS TOY
Mattel DreamWorks Trolls Band Together BroZone On Tour Set
$19
Okay, how adorable are these Trolls dolls? If your little one loves to sing and dance with the happy characters, they will love this On Tour Set, which comes with five dolls and a cassette tape that each doll can sit and perform on.
Dimensions: 1.18″ x 1.18″ x 2.56″
Why We Love It:
Can fit in a backpack
Dolls are larger in person, which kids love
BEST SURPRISE TOY
Mattel Disney Frozen Ice Reveal Toys
$11 $12 8% off
“Let it go, let it go,” and let them have fun “breaking” into the squishy ice that reveals six surprises. Do you want a hint about the surprises? Each set includes an Anna or Elsa. You can also arrange the backdrop, doll, and play pieces in their container for additional entertainment.
Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 5″
Why We Love It:
Kids have to “dig” to find surprises
Affordable enough to collect them all
BEST PRINCESS TOY
Mattel Disney Princess Small Doll Royal Color Reveal
$10 $13 23% off
This set is perfect for your Disney Princess-loving child when you’re packing for a trip. The Royal Color Reveal dolls have six surprises in each package. There are small princess dolls and three bags with additional hidden surprises.
Dimensions: 2.66″ x 2.59″ x 6.7″
Why We Love It:
Fun reveal
Favorite Disney Princess characters
BEST ROLL-AWAY TOY
Polly Pocket Pollyville Playset
$60
Yes, this toy is large, but it saves you so much space in your luggage because it comes in its own travel case that kids can take on the road with them. It may not be the best choice for luggage, but it’s perfect for car trips, thanks to its already-convenient trunk-like packaging. Aside from the functional case, the Polly Pocket set comes with four dolls, one vehicle, and 25 plus accessories. The toy transitions into a beach, boardwalk, and hotel all in one!
Dimensions: 7.01″ x 11.02″ x 13.98″
Why We Love It:
Has a roll-away case
All pieces fit inside
BEST TOY FOR YOUNG ANIMAL LOVERS
Polly Pocket Snow Sweet Penguin Compact
$17
This Polly Pocket toy is adorable and the perfect toy for your penguin-loving kid (or maybe your little just watched Happy Feet and has a new obsession?). It has a friendly snow penguin design, which houses two micro dolls, 12 accessories, and six storytelling settings.
Dimensions: 2.36″ x 4.72″ x 5.2′
Why We Love It:
Fits in a carry-on pocket
Durable
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