A deck of cards

Tegu

Tegu Travel Pals magnetic wooden blocks

Six chunky magnetic wood pieces that stick to each other and to tray tables. It's the most quietly brilliant restaurant toy we know: no rolling away, no noise, and no small loose magnets.

What real parents say: One family reviewer reports almost ten years of playing, chewing and crashing on Tegu magnetic blocks. Sources

Honest drawback: Six pieces is a short game for older kids. It shines for ages 1–4.

PicassoTiles

PicassoTiles Nano Magnetic Tiles travel tin

A small travel tin of mini magnetic tiles that works on a tray table. It's a good budget pick for kids who already love tiles at home.

Honest drawback: The tiles are small. We'd keep them away from younger siblings who still mouth things, and count them back into the tin.

Sarah's Silks

Sarah's Silks Mini White Playsilks, set of 3

The most underrated travel item there is. Peekaboo for babies, a tablecloth picnic for toddlers, a magic trick for 5-year-olds, and it weighs nothing.

Honest drawback: They're white, so they get loved and dirty fast. Toss them in a lingerie bag to wash.