5 Kid Essentials for Holiday Travel

coat | sweater dress | boots || hunter: jacket | dress | jeans | hunter boots + socks || hudson: jacket | shirt | pants | shoes || hayden: jacket | hunter boots + socks

houston: jacket | shirt | jeans | shoes || harper: dress | headband | moccs

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I get asked all the time how I pack for all 5 of my little people, without taking up too much space. It’s safe to say I have had a few years of practice. I always stick with a go to plan that makes it quick, organized, and super easy. With holiday travel just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my 5 kids essentials I pack every time!!

SHOES : My first item on the list of travel essentials is always shoes. Shoes can be big and bulky and take up a lot of space in a suitcase. My solution…I always pack one pair of shoes for each of my people that can work for multiple outfits/events. For the girls, I usually go with their Hunter Boots. They are such a great versatile option. For parties, they can wear them with tights + a dress. If they are just going out to play they can still pair them with jeans. I do the same for the boys. I always grab a slightly dressier shoe than their usual tennies. That way it can be dressed up but still comfortable for every day.

JACKET : My second packing essential is a good jacket. Travel, especially in the winter around the holidays can be chilly. Layering is always my go to. When you are living out of a suitcase you don’t want it to get too bulky. I avoid hoodies and big snow coats that take up a lot of space, and usually opt for a nice jacket like a fitted bomber for the boys or leather jacket for the girls. By choosing a nicer jacket, you can wear it over dresses for the girls, or a nice collared shirt for the boys, but once again it still looks great with their more relaxed play outfits.

DRESSES : Third on the list is dresses. Obviously this is for the girls but is one of my biggest tips so it needs its own category! Dresses take up almost zero space in a suitcase. They are also such a versatile option. My girls love to wear them with jeans or leggings underneath for everyday. When it comes time for a holiday party, all we have to do is switch to some nicer tights on the bottom and we are done. No need to pack a completely different outfit.

KHAKI PANTS : This essential is for the boys! I always make sure to include a good pair of khaki jeans/pants. They are nice enough for parties with a collared shirt and nice shoes, but look great with a simple tee and jacket too.

PAJAMAS : My last essential is of course what they are going to sleep in! I think the biggest problem with packing pajamas is we always pack them like they are going to be playing outside in them. You do not need a pair for every day! To save on space, I usually pack a pair for every other day, so we aren’t reaching the need do laundry stinky stage, but aren’t over packing by adding a new pair every day.

With these essentials in mind, packing always goes pretty smooth at our house. My older people know what to grab + can pack for themselves (sometimes), which is so helpful in the craziness of holiday travel! So now I wanna know..are you headed anywhere fun this year?! xx