I’ve made packing lists for my kids for years, but it was really a game changer when I started making kids visual packing lists. It allowed even my young kids to start participating in the packing process, and getting them … Read More
I love starting each January with thinking about a few goals to guide the year. I don’t typically feel totally beholden to them but it’s a nice way for me to consider some long-term habits and things I’d like to … Read More
I am so happy to be releasing the details and book titles for the 2023 Global Children’s Book Club! We can’t wait to be “traveling” around the world to 6 different countries through books this year and hope you’ll join … Read More
I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that this will be our 13th Christmas morning with little ones. We by no means have it all figured out, but we’ve definitely learned a few tricks in that time to … Read More
Nearly a decade ago, our church Christmas party involved visiting “Bethlehem.” Everyone walked into a church gym transformed into a dark, (fake) candlelit space with sheets hanging from the ceilings and on the floor. There were black construction paper nativity … Read More
I always smile when I see last minute gift ideas being shared several weeks before Christmas. Like, I aspire to be so prepared that early December is a “last minute” gift, but that’s almost never the case. Three days before … Read More
I’ve written a post about my personal favorite products of the year for the last couple years (here is the one for 2022), but I’ve never written one focused on kid items before. I figured it was time! I intended … Read More
I’ve done a post of some of my favorite products of the year for the last couple years, and it’s one of my favorites to write. It’s so fun thinking through the things that have been functional and brought me … Read More
With a lot of kids, it doesn’t really make sense for each child to give a gift to each sibling. It would be way too much work, too much money, and too much to open on Christmas! Instead, we do … Read More
Since our oldest turned 12 a couple months ago, most of our Christmas traditions have been around for nearly a decade now. We’ve we’ve done our Bethlehem dinner on Christmas Eve for at least that long, and we’ve eaten the … Read More
Though it always feels a bit tricky to find Christmas gifts for husbands, it’s a fun challenge each year. I actually super love thinking about Dan’s interests and finding a few things that he’ll love. I usually try to go … Read More
I’ve written a post about what we’re actually giving our kids for Christmas for the past few years, and it’s always the most popular of all my gift guides. And I understand why – I always prefer seeing what people … Read More
I’ve made packing lists for my kids for years, but it was really a game changer when I started making kids visual packing lists. It allowed even my young kids to start participating in the packing process, and getting them accustomed to helping out with preparing for travel.
What is a visual packing list for kids?
A visual packing list is a packing list that uses pictures instead of or in addition to words . This means that even non-readers are able to start helping out!
This is great, because younger kids tend to really love to help. A visual packing list takes advantage of this interest when it’s at its peak.
When can kids start using a visual packing list?
I usually start having my kids use a visual packing list when they’re about 2 years old. It’s important to note that a two year old will generally NOT be able to follow the list perfectly! They likely can’t read numbers yet at that point (to know the quantity of the items), nor are they generally comfortable with one-to-one association (meaning counting definite objects is still tricky). That’s okay!
The visual packing list for young kids is really for practice – it’s to get them in the habit of helping and caring for their own belongings. Then once they get a bit older, they’re already familiar with the process. It eliminates the need to learn all the steps at once, and instead takes a progressive approach – starting with joining in with finding items alongside a parent. They will eventually be able to do the whole process independently!
What is the maximum age for a kids visual packing list?
There’s not a maximum age for a visual packing list. In fact, I still provide them to my older kids who’ve known how to read for years. I even like using them myself! Sometimes, it’s just easier on the brain to see an image of something than to read a long list of words. I usually still do a quick peek to make sure my older kids haven’t missed anything on the list, but years of practice means they’re usually very on top of it.
I’ve also found that a visual packing list is especially helpful for my child who has ADHD. The concrete steps and images are really helpful for directing a brain who struggles to remain attentive.
How do we use the visual packing list for kids?
I like to print out a copy of this visual packing list for each of my kids to use. Once printed, I fill in the number of each item (e.g., number of pairs of undies) either next to the item or in the checkbox itself, since that number usually changes a bit for each trip. Then my kids can check things off as they go, either by putting an “X” in the checkbox, crossing out the item, coloring in the checkbox, or whatever they’d like.
I usually circle which items they need for certain steps, such as pants or shorts, rain jacket but not pants, etc. I may also cross out things that don’t apply to that particular trip (such as a hat/gloves for a beach vacation). It’s easier and takes much less mental energy for me to have all the various options on the checklist and then cross out what we don’t need, instead of adding in new things each time. Use it however works for you!
I like dividing the packing list into two sections – one for what goes into the luggage (generally clothes and possibly an extra pair of shoes) and what goes into their travel backpacks.
Get the visual packing list + the BEST packing hack with kids
I put together our visual packing list in a FREE printable – just pop in your email below and it’ll come right to your inbox. Plus, I’ll share the BEST packing hack with kids, along with our favorite luggage (including packing cubes) for families. I hope it helps make the whole packing process smoother and simpler for your crew. Happy packing!
MORE POSTS
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT OUR VISUAL PACKING LIST, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Read more about our Privacy Policy.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.