The detail in the knick-knack gifts in Japan makes for the best children’s plane (and restaurant) entertainment.
I have a gift guide for kids in Japan here ( souvenirs for kids in Japan etc) but for compact items that will give you peace on a plane – I recommend picking up these items when out and about.
(For more plane entertainment ideas, see my post here on making your own plane survival kit or here for my tips on drama free flights with kids. )
For babies and toddlers, I adore this…Baby Quiet Book ” Nihon no Gohan” (Japanese Meals)
These quiet books can be stroller accessories and they also make great gifts for people who travel on planes with children. Every page has a different texture and feels smooth or makes a crunchy noise.
I found this one at Toys ‘R’ Us but the Amazon Japan link is also here.
Fold out sticker books
These Hello Kitty and Transport sticker books fold out and turn into little houses. They are our favorite things to give kids on a plane when we have to take-off and there are no televisions to keep them occupied. These are sold in the Sanrio Stores all over Japan and cost a little over 500 yen.
Tokyo & Kyoto Colouring Posters (from the 100 yen shop!)
Daiso has just started stocking these posters. Aren’t they so cute?
Paper Dolls (from Daiso, the 100 yen shop)
Scratch Art Book
This is from Daiso (100 yen shop.) They had Fairies and Animals. The little scratch pen is included in the kit.
Fake 100 yen lego
We lose a piece every time we leave the house (and on planes all the time) but because it is so cheap we don’t care and we also allow kids to take it in the bath. They love it!
Which store? Seria
“Barber Bear” Hardcover Reuseable Sticker Book
I bought this one at the Hakone Open Air Museum but have also seen them in most big toy shops and bookstores.
You can buy it on Amazon here.
Colour with Water Books.
This brand only has a few pages but is ideal for use while waiting in restaurants or on planes and trains etc. There are other characters out there too like Hello Kitty and trains and buses.
Japanese vintage colouring books
These are great gifts for kids AND adults.
I bought this at the Edo Open Air Museum gift shop, but I also have seen them in bookshops. But cut and paste this きいちのぬりえ into Amazon Japan and you’ll see a wide range of these series of colouring books. Most of them are under 800 yen too!
“Paper Dolls” Fashion Sticker Book
I’ve seen these sold in most toy and bookstores (most recently spotted on the 9th floor of Takashimaya) but I bought this copy at the gift shop at Hakone Open Air Museum.
The attention to detail on the stickers/vintage-inspired drawings is just stunning. I may have had a little play with a few pages all by myself.
If you’d rather just grab one on Amazon Japan, the link is here.
I can’t work out if this colouring book is meant for children or adults but my daughter and I are in love.
I bought this copy at the newsagency in Hiroo called OKUMOTO IROHA-DO. For details and other things to do in Hiroo, see my post here.
But it is also for sale on Amazon Japan here.
