Looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to keep kids entertained during the holidays?
Travel Suitcase Craft!
This DIY Kids’ travel suitcase craft uses everyday recycling to spark imagination and creative play-from home-made binoculars to a travel journal for their next big adventure.
Check out a previous craft on how to make Safari binoculars below, or check at the end of this post!
HERE’S AN EXAMPLE!
Here is a great way for your kids to log their journey and adventure.
A journal from Etsy,
ADD MORE FUN WITH ETSY PRINTABLES AND KIDS PASS ACTIVITIES!
Take your project even further with printable extras from Etsy – like travel-themed stickers, adventure maps, and postcards to tuck inside their suitcase.
And when it’s time for a real adventure, KIDS PASS offers amazing days out that match your child’s pretend play -think zoo trips, theme parks, or even a train ride! Look out for more details later on in this post!
SUMMER HOLIDAYS-STAYCATION?
Don’t forget, this isn’t just any craft—it holds a secret. Whether planning an actual getaway or not, this little DIY kids’ travel suitcase craft opens doors to creative play. Tuck a few fun activities inside, homemade postcards or tickets to imaginary lands.
Even if you’re gearing up for a staycation, the kids can pack this suitcase with creativity, readying themselves for pretend travels around the world.
TRANSFORM A SHOE-BOX INTO A TRAVEL SUITCASE!
Kickstart this project by rounding up just a few materials. Most of them are probably hanging around your house already. You’ll need an old shoe box as your base, and a few more resources.
SPICE YOUR SUITCASE WITH ETSY PRINTABLES!
Begin by turning that shoe box into a blank canvas. Cover it with colourful paper to get a smooth, new surface. From there, let the creativity flow. You could use those specialised Etsy Printables to give it a unique look. Just a few printouts, and you’re good to go, or make up your own, cutting out pictures from magazines!
DIY YOUR THEME.
When decorating, let your theme guide you. Going for a tropical vibe? Add palm trees🌴and coconuts. More of a beach scene🏝 person? Seashells and waves🏄 it is!
Feel like taking it to the jungle or maybe on a safari? 🏜Whatever floats your boat, make it pop!
WHAT’S INSIDE DIY SUITCASE?
Now for the inside! Why not add some pockets using leftover fabric to create compartments for fun travel-style cards or homemade game challenges you can slip inside? Each time your kid opens the box, it’s like unwrapping an adventure!
SO ARE YOU READY TO DIY KIDS TRAVEL SUITCASE?
RESOURCES
1 Shoebox.
Wrapping up papers
Glue stick/hot glue
Card for handle
Split pins/Scissors
Cut-outs/Magazines
Metal ruler/Scalpel
LET’S GET CRAFTING!
SOME TIPS!
WHAT BOX?
- Choose any size shoe box you have to hand, as long as it has a lid that flaps open, not a removable lid.
WHAT PAPERS?
- If you recycle your wrapping paper, that’s great, you can make use of that; otherwise, ordinary brown wrapping paper will do, as long as you can cover the box up with something.
EXTEND LENGTH.
- Cut out the straps from large sheets of card, alternatively stick 2 sheets of A4 card to extend it, then you will have the length to cut the straps approx. 30mm wide to go over the case and down the front.
CUTTING STRAPS.
- Make sure an adult oversees the cutting part, as with anything sharp, your child will need help or guidance.
- Cut out the straps on a cutting mat, a thick magazine, or on heavy card, so as not to damage the table or any area you are cutting on.
If you don’t have a scalpel, use a Stanley knife or a large pair of scissors.
DRAW STRAIGHT
- With a pencil mark down the card the width of the strap, grab a ruler and join up the marks with a straight line, then you have a guide to cut out the strap.
GLUING ON STRAPS.
- Arrange the straps on either side of the lid, and carefully stick them on with a glue stick allowing the straps to hang over the lid.
INSERTS.
- Cut a couple of strips wide enough for the straps to pass through, as these are the parts you will insert the straps through that secure the ends with. In this case double the width, 60mm.
HANDLE/SPLIT PINS.
- Cut out a handle from any recycled card, and on each side mark where the split pin will be inserted. (see pic 5) With a point push through to the other side carefully, so you don’t rip or damage the card. Then insert the split pins and attach the handle centrally on the bottom box. (Adult guidance)
ADDIING PICTURES.
This is the fun part, find any magazine, choose a theme or simply cut out any images you like. No magazines, then print out from the internet images, or have your child draw pictures.. Glue them on top or inside the lid..
ANY TAG?
- This is the final part, where you can add a fun tag to the suitcase. It could be the location, fun words, or a character from your cutouts. Cut out a tag shape, punch a hole at one end and thread a piece of ribbon through it. Then tie to the handle. Voila, you have a neat travelling tag!
KIDS LEARN THROUGH PLAY!
Don’t overthink it; this is all about playful exploration. Keep it simple yet exciting, and the kids will love being part of the decorating process. And hey, maybe they’ll get inspired and start dreaming about real adventures they want to pack for!
TIPS & TRICKS TO INSPIRE IMAGINATION!
Encouraging kids to design their suitcases might just turn into your favourite part. Give them a stack of magazines and some markers, and let their imaginations run wild. Sketch out ideas or cut out cool images to paste on the case. It’s all about what makes them excited!
USE AND RECYCLE ODDS RESOURCES!
If you’re looking to keep things earth-friendly, scout for recycled materials to incorporate. Bits of leftover fabrics, old greeting cards, or even ribbons can be turned into decor. Each piece tells its own story, layering memories into the suitcase.
LAYER IDEAS FOR TRAVEL!
Adding different elements like a map, fake postage stamps, or even some of those classic sticky stars can completely transform the suitcase. Kids love a little sparkle, and these additions ensure the craft feels truly special and well-thought-out.
THEIR VISION, THEIR CREATIVITY!
Parents, keeping those little hands busy isn’t the hardest part—it’s about capturing their attention long enough to see their vision come to life.
Breaking up the crafting with brainstorming sessions can keep the momentum rolling. And don’t sweat the small stuff; there’s beauty in creativity’s imperfections!
LET’S RECAP!
So, with a new suitcase in hand, your child is all set to embark on countless imaginary journeys. This little DIY project has been about more than just crafting—it’s opened up a world of creativity and learning opportunities. Using their imagination, adapting their fine motor skills and working with 2D and 3D resources..
Hey there, when you click on links in this post and you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission that l can use towards resources (other than throw-outs) for project making within my website😀
LET’S FIND SOME ETSY ADD-ONS.
Whether it’s something to put inside the suitcase or on the outside, take a look at Etsy’s range of super travel printables!
Here are a couple of great printable kits that kids will love to get their hands on. A pretend travel passport and a travel journal to record their exciting journey!
If it’s a staycation and you are just interested in events closer to home, as mentioned earlier, the KIDS PASS offer amazing day trips
KIDS PASS ⇓⇓⇓
KIDS PASS ⇓⇓⇓
If you want to take your kids out, but are stuck on where to go and how much it’s going to cost you, then no need to worry, Kids Pass will have you covered with super family deals and great savings too!
All you need to do is…….
⇓⇓⇓
Join up now, for as little as £1, you can try them out for 30 days! You can see the type of offers they have, whether it’s inside or out, the choice is yours.
Kids Pass do great family deals, with great discounts that are affordable to you and your family.
HERE’S A TASTER!
Whether it’s a fun ride, a splash in a pool, or getting your popcorn ready to view an up-and-coming kids movie, or even a visit to the Museum.
All you need to do is see what’s available in your area, dates, and times, and then you can book that venue up!
EASY PEASY!!
That’s it, your tickets will be emailed to you. No posting, no waiting. So why don’t you check them out now for the start of a super family saver deal!
Keep your kids busy this summer, entertaining them with super opportunities that are available at
Kids Pass!
It’s a done deal!
Here’s a great cold treat activity that your kids can indulge in when they say, ‘Mum, I’m bored’. Here are some fun ice-cream ideas for kids?’
FROSTED FUSION TREATS!
Over the summer holidays, what comes to mind when it’s baking hot and your kids are craving that tasty treat to cool them down?…. How about some delicious homemade Ice-creams?🍨
Check out Cherie’s super website ‘Frosted Fusions’, where she shows you different ways to whip up some super-easy, yummy ice-creams, using hands-on ingredients.
A fun and novel way for your kids to get involved in, and guess what, by the end, they get to eat their creations!
TO CONCLUDE!
This kind of activity, a DIY kids’ travel suitcase craft, opens up adventures that will keep your kids physically and mentally engaged.
By adding travel printables from Etsy, that will spark up the outside and inside of their DIY suitcase, or consider planning little escapades with a Kids Pass. Whether it’s a museum trip or an animal park visit, these experiences are perfect to complete your mini-travel adventures!
SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Keep the creativity flowing by sharing your child’s suitcase masterpieces on social media. Connect with other parents and little creators by tagging and joining family-friendly crafting communities online. This project can be just the first step in building a network of creative minds.
ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABILITY!
With each shared photo or post, you contribute to an inspiring circle that encourages sustainability, learning, and imaginative play.