Portable Independent Play: Keep Little Hands Busy On the Go
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Time to read 3 min
Whether you're heading to a restaurant, traveling, or just trying to keep a little one entertained during a sibling's sports practice, portable toys are a parent’s best friend. At Margot’s Mercantile, we love toys that pack small, offer big play value , and encourage screen-free entertainment kids can do on their own.
Here are three of our most popular options for independent, reusable fun:
1. Coloring Fun & Games Mat
We always tell customers: this is our go-to restaurant toy . Keep one in the car, bring it into every café or diner — it's that useful.
These mats roll out to reveal dot-to-dots, mazes, tic-tac-toe, and coloring sections. Kids can color, wipe, and reuse it endlessly with the included dry-erase markers. It’s mess-free, engaging, and easy to roll back up when it’s time to go.
Parents say it buys them actual time to finish a conversation or sip their coffee — we say that’s a win.
Must Have Products For Beginners
2. Magnetic Multi-Play Sets
2. Magnetic Multi-Play Sets
At just $24, this one is seriously impressive in terms of value and variety. Each set includes:
A 20-piece magnetic puzzle
A coloring scene
A doodle board
A magnetic play scene
Pop-out magnetic play pieces
Four dry erase markers with erasers
One compact toy, multiple ways to play!
From doodling to storytelling with the magnetic pieces, this toy encourages fine motor skills, pincer grasp development, imaginative play, and creative exploration — all without screens.
3. Janod Magneti'Books
These clever sets are a customer favorite for travel. Shaped like a book for easy storage, each set contains magnetic tiles and game cards that kids can use to dress up characters, create scenes, or design their own stories.
The inside of the "book" stays open with hinges, and all pieces stick to the magnetic board so they won’t fall out in transit.
Great for preschool and kindergarten-aged kids, Magneti’Books are ideal for nurturing imagination, storytelling, and independent play .
We especially love that it slides easily onto a bookshelf or into a backpack — making it perfect for flights, car rides, or hotel downtime.
Why Screen-Free Toys Matter
In a world filled with constant digital stimulation, screen-free toys offer something increasingly valuable: the chance for kids to think independently, explore freely, and grow at their own pace. These types of toys support focus, creativity, problem-solving, and imagination—without needing a single screen.
From puzzles that build patience and persistence to magnetic sets that invite open-ended play, each item in our collection helps kids learn through hands-on experience. It’s the kind of meaningful play that sticks with them—and makes life a little easier for you, too.
Toys for Independent Play, Anywhere Life Takes You
On the go or at home, these thoughtfully chosen toys are made to keep little hands busy and young minds engaged. Headed out to eat? Stuck in traffic? Need a quiet moment while you finish your coffee? We’ve got you.
Our portable, screen-free toys are easy to pack, simple to use, and designed for independent play—whether you're in a restaurant booth or the backseat of the car. From compact magnetic games to reusable coloring mats and challenging puzzles, each one invites kids to think, create, and enjoy the moment.
Perfect for ages 3 and up, and trusted by parents who want more from playtime.
About the Author
Kristin is the owner of Margot’s Mercantile, a curated shop in the Hudson Valley offering crave-worthy snacks and unique gifts. With 25+ years in retail and as a mom to a four-year-old, she’s passionate about quality, nutrition, and joy. Through the Mindfully Margot’s blog, Kristin shares tips and finds to inspire mindful living.
