Sage is nearly eight years old. Until recently I still packed for him
whenever we traveled. While I rarely take the
do-it-myself-because-it's-easier-that-way approach to parenting, when a trip is involved I do. Travel freaks me out. I tend to start a last
minute sewing project (that abstractly pertains to the trip) when I
should be packing food and underwear, based on some perception of an
unfulfilled need. Really.
For our last trip I created a kid-friendly packing list so that the kids can help with their own packing. It is simply a checklist with drawings of all necessary items and a line for quantities that you can update for each trip. It contains all the basic clothing needs (for summer and winter), books, toys, and snuggle-buddies. I did not include items like toothbrushes and winter or rain gear because I still pack these myself.
You can print a copy of mine (there is a link to the PDF below) or create your own personalized version with clip art, stickers, catalog pictures, or your own drawings. Then tuck into a protective plastic sleeve, find a crayon or wipe-off marker for checking items off, and get packing! With this list even non-readers can participate if given a little assistance.
(Worth noting is that on Sage's copy of the packing list he wrote the quantity 0 in the blank beneath undies and added the editorial comment "Dumb." We all have our biases.)
Here is the link to the PDF. Just scale to fit page for your printer and you'll be set. Happy summer vacationing!
How cute. I love this idea, thanks!
This is such a cool idea! I am going to definitely do this with my boys when they get a bit older!!!
Haha, that’s hilarious. Dumb undies!
I love that idea! Thanks for sharing it!
Tricia 🙂
Superdumb undies!! Supermega dumb bras.
We love to travel and came across an idea years ago that has helped with travel prep for our 3 kids. We make a game of it and assemble clothes “sandwiches”. I figure out how many days we’ll be gone then add 1 for back up in case of an unexpected delay.
I pick a central place in the house and tell the kids to go get X# of pants and come back. When they return I lay out each pair of pants and send them off for X# of underwear, socks and shirts. Each time they return we match up the clothes item with the outfit they want to wear it with. When we’re done we have a complete outfit “sandwich”. Then they go get shoes, pj’s, swimsuit, jacket and toiletry bag and we’re done.
Each of their toiletry bags is stocked with a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and brush so we don’t have to remember to add those things after getting ready the day of the trip.
If you are so inclined you can put each outfit in a ziplock or other type bag with each kid’s name on it. Handy if you are packing for multiple kids in one suitcase or if the kids are going on an overnight without you to their grandparents house.
Completely adorable, Rachel! Love this! I’m assuming you have another one for Lu with drawings of little dresses, tutus, fairy wands and such? : ) Oh, and for Lu do you write the numbers or indicate quantity another way? Just wondering.
LOVE the undies comment-I have a naked lovin’ boy who is now 17 and he still wants to streak, I have to remind him to wear shirt and pants when we have company or he may hang out in just shorts…some people are just best naked I guess-luckily he wears clothes everywhere else
a while back you asked how I found your blog and I have to say I don’t really remember I just got here…glad I did 🙂
Thank you for the awesome idea! This will come in handy when we go traveling this summer!
Hee! Fairy wands would be a nice addition. What I did for Lulu was pack with her, and indicated quantity with big dots. That works great now that she can accurately count a small number of items. Fun!
xo
Rachel
Kim,
You are awesome. I love this. Anything that resembles a game is a win around here. (Thats how we cleaned the house two days ago!).
Thanks for the great idea.
Rachel
I love this!!
I love it when kids, even young ones, are given some control and responsibility. So empowering!!
Bárbara –
Word.
Rachel