BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More

Gas? Check. Air in the tires? Check. Every single thing you’re going to need to make sure this ride goes off without a hitch? Checklist below...

I'm the father of two small humans and one very small canine and the former SEO Strategy Manager & Editor for the BuzzFeed Shopping Team.

Usage: Reviewers note that washing these with water can damage the cling technology, but otherwise, these should work for years to come. 

Promising review: "I love these! When I had my first baby, I got the old-school suction cup pull-down shade window coverings as a shower gift. They sucked! I would fall down when I hit a bump and curl up on the edges. Finally gave up and took them down. Fast forward four years to baby #2. We live down south, and the sun is HOT, so I really wanted to have something on the window for the poor little darling back there. A friend told me about these, so I ordered them, and they are awesome! I gave the backside a little wipe down with a baby wipe and stuck them on the windows, and they have been hanging on perfectly for the past couple of months. Window coverage is good; tint is effective. The only thing I will say is don't forget that these are on your windows and roll them down as I did. Doing this caused one of the corners to bend a bit. Hasn't affected performance at all, and I understand this is a mess-up on my part! Also, not a concern to me because I'm not storing them right now, but I do find them difficult to fold up." —Kelly

Includes three disposable bags with absorbent pads and a travel bag.

Promising review: "OMG! A coworker told me about this when I was mentioning to her my apprehension about driving to our family reunion, being that my 3-year-old son had finally started adapting to not 'going potty' in his pull-ups. She immediately said this was a lifesaver, and she takes it everywhere.

So, I ordered it, not really having high hopes, but figuring I'd give it a try. OMG, OMG, OMG! Do you know the whole time we were driving, my son told me like four times that he had to 'pee-pee' (four times is a lot because it was only a four-hour drive). It is very easy to use; it folds flat and comes in a thick, drawstring, durable plastic bag. It also comes with a few disposable bags that have an absorbent pad attached to the inside base to help retain the mess.

The reusable bags are designed to be pulled over the potty and dropped down inside to catch waste. This is great for roadtrips, as well as every day here and there. You can use it in a restaurant if your child needs to go, but you don't feel comfortable with them sitting on the public toilet seat or anywhere else. I definitely recommend this if you are potty training your little one or even if you have a toddler and are a germaphobe about public bathrooms. Buy it! You won't regret it!" —Janeen A.

Promising review: "I bought this first aid kid with the intention of keeping it in the car. Having kids, accidents always happen. It is the perfect size to keep in the trunk. It has everything you could need. However, I wish it had come with more of the normal size or even bigger Band-Aids, rather than the extremely small ones. But for the price, it was worth every penny!" —Julie H.

Promising review: "I originally bought one for two of my siblings (middle school age) and my husband, and gifted them over a family dinner. Raging success. Any time one was set down, someone else picked it up within minutes. My youngest threw one down the stairs, and a clicker popped out, but I was able to get it back in seconds.

There's something for everyone with these fidgets. I'm considering keeping a stash on hand to add to presents throughout the year and highly recommend them to anyone looking for something with different functions." —Jon+Mikayla

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in seven colors). 

Promising review: "I use this for longer car rides with the kids; it has a spot for everything! My first one has lasted two years with little to no sign of wear and tear (everything in our house looks worn and torn, so this is a big deal for us). I got a second one for my younger boy as he is old enough for forward-facing. Highly recommend!" —D

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 11 colors and designs).

Promising review: "These are the best markers around! They will never have lost caps because there aren’t any. They work like push-button pens. Push the end, and the marker comes out. Push the end again, and the marker retracts into the holder. No more dried-out markers from lost caps!" —Chris

Promising review: "Works great, really helps keep the backseat area cooler. Really great for a hot summer drive with pets/kids in the back. We place it on the seat next to the car seat, not directly in front, and point it toward them, so it's safer in the event of an accident as well. The fans have enough power to reach from one side of the car to the other in our second row." —Mary E

Promising review: "Have you traveled with a car full of kids? Do you hit the drive-thru to save time on a long trip, only to find yourself balancing a dipping sauce on your leg, center console, or your road trip partner? Well, look no further, as your solution has arrived. These holders are the perfect size and free up your hands, and eliminate messes from forgotten or unbalanced sauces. During an eight-hour trip, use the freedom to pass napkins and the cleaning time upon arrival, enjoying the destination with teenagers who don’t want to be there anyway and didn’t want McDonald’s…again.'" —Sarai 

Promising review: "These are essential for every newborn household. They can be used as burp cloths, changing pads, towels to wipe up spills, or cloth diapers. I use them every feed, every day. When I change my son, I use them to cover his 'business' to prevent unwanted spray. I use them underneath my kids when changing them to protect whatever surface I’m working on. When my kids get a nasty rash, I use them as cloth diapers to air them out to heal. They are the first thing I reach for when my kids' spit up. Plus, since they are white, you can bleach them out to give them a superior clean." —Rebecca

I use these to clean just about everything (kids and anything kid-adjacent that has been touched by a kid)! 

Promising review: "Love them! They don't have that 'wipe smell' and clean well, and I keep a package everywhere we go! My kids have sensitive skin, and these haven't bothered them at all!" —Heather

Get a box of 336 wipes from Amazon for $18.19 (also available in other pack sizes). 

Promising review: "Boogie Wipes are an absolute lifesaver, especially during cold and allergy season. They are incredibly gentle on sensitive skin and don’t cause irritation, even with frequent use. The chamomile and vitamin E leave the skin feeling soft and soothed, not dry or red like regular tissues. The fresh, clean scent is light and pleasant, and the wipes are perfectly moist—not too wet or sticky. They work great for babies and kids, but honestly, adults can use them too! Perfect for runny noses, messy faces, or quick cleanups on the go. If you have little ones, these wipes are a must-have. High quality, gentle, and effective—definitely a product I’ll keep buying. Highly recommended!" —KittyBlinky

Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in three pack sizes).

Promising review: "Blast from the past and so much fun. Sound quality was excellent, and the size was perfect to pass around at the party. Was dropped a few times. No harm, no foul. So very durable! Fun for all ages, not just kids!" —Shopaholic74

Promising review: "I use these on a daily basis. Car snacks, independent snacking around the house, great product. Very durable. Wonderful design. Holds a good amount of snacks. Easy to clean, easy for my toddler to use! 10/10!" —Kylie

Promising review: "I love this Drop Stop. I am constantly dropping my key fob, cellphone, or credit card between the seat and center console more times than I like to admit. Installed it in less than five minutes, and most importantly, it fits perfectly in my 2017 Toyota Highlander. As you can see in the pictures, it’s hardly noticeable. Great purchase!" —Shawnbond

I'm sure I'm not the first person to think of this idea (but I'll take credit for it anyway). The first time we traveled with our then-baby, we stayed in a hotel room. Small open wastebaskets + housekeeping coming by once a day = a recipe for a stinky room. Simply toss a dirty diaper into a dog poo bag, tie it, and then toss it in the bin. No stink. No mess. And, it's the nice thing to do when housekeeping does arrive to clean up. They like having to deal with your kids' dirty nappies even less than you do! The "dog poo bags for diapers" idea works for car trips, on the plane, and I'd have to guess on a boat, too (haven't taken that trip yet).  

Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (also available in four different scents and three package sizes). 

Promising reviews: "This was amazing on our trip to Disney. I was able to pump discreetly in the airport. When our flight got delayed, I wasn't stressed about my milk going bad before we got to our hotel. I pump a lot, so I used the large part to collect my milk and the 12-ounce canister was where I put my water and ice. We took it every day to the parks. Filled it in the morning with Ice and water. And it was still ice cold when we got back to the hotel at night. Some days the heat index was over 100. I am so thankful I was able to save my milk on my first week-long trip away from my twins. I can't wait to use it again!" —K. Berry

"On a five-day trip away from baby, I was able to pump on the plane, in the airport, in the Uber, and know that my milk was kept cool and secure for the long cross-country flight. It never leaked, and I had to run (like really sprint) to my connecting flight. At home- returning to work, I use it every day. Highly recommend for breastfeeding and pumping moms." —HQ

Get it from Amazon for $65.48+ (available in 11 colors).

Promising review: "It was just what I needed for my messy and unorganized truck! I wanted something not too bulky, but just the right size to help me reorganize my trunk. This product did that for me. I was also concerned that it’ll move when I drove but luckily there is Velcro on the bottom that secures it in place while you drive, and sure enough it did just that! This product does not take up a lot of space and gives you the right amount of measure to place other things like groceries and a suitcase. I am completely satisfied and content with this product! I wish I had it all along!" —Sheneese

Promising review: "If you travel, and especially if you travel with children, you need these. To be fair, I've owned the 'name brand' versions of these, and the Amazon Basics versions work just as well. I have used them on a few trips so far and have no issues with broken zippers, tears, or seams coming apart. I use the largest size for my clothes, the medium size for my kids' clothes, the small for their socks/underwear, and the long for my socks/underwear. We have many sets for longer trips...I've even started using the cubes to pack extra clothes for my kids in my day bag (my kids can get messy anywhere). One of our best purchases for travel, hands down. If you are hesitating, don't. Buy these." —JB

Get it from Amazon for $12.16+ (available in five colors). 

Note: Some reviewers mention that the can will take up a lot of legroom in the backseat area.

Promising review: "Great for car, truck, or SUV. Easy to install, and the kiddos love to use it, so it is a big win for me. I have five grandkids, and they love to go with Grams but are constantly leaving their trash behind. Not anymore! And it also holds a lot of trash. Matter of fact, they tell me when it’s full and will take the bag out and put a new one in. Simple to use, no mess, and everyone is happy." —Tammie Russell

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "I absolutely love this little travel magnetic tile set. You get all the fun and creativity of the Magna-Tiles craze kids adore, but in a super-compact, grab-and-go design that’s perfect for travel. It’s easy to toss into a bag, keep in the car, or bring along to restaurants, road trips, or anywhere you need a quick activity. The tiles are much smaller than those in standard sets, making them far more portable, yet they still offer plenty of versatility and building fun. The magnets are strong and connect just as well as the full-size tiles, and the bright, bold colors are very appealing to the kiddos. The included carrying case is a big bonus so everything stays contained instead of ending up loose everywhere. They are also still very well-built and feel durable despite their size. All in all, it’s a fantastic value and an excellent way to keep kids entertained without handing them a screen. Highly recommended!" —Collin M.

Promising review: "This thing is awesome! I own a 2018 Dodge Durango that sadly does not have leather seats. I own three dogs, and it is just a nightmare pulling out my extension cord to vacuum my truck. I can now just plug this little guy into my 12-volt car outlet, and I’m good to go! The power in this vacuum is as good as it’s going to get for a car vacuum, so if you want extreme suction, then buy a Shop-Vac. Also, the attachments are fantastic." —Sally

Get it from Amazon for $19.49+ (available in two styles).

Promising review: "This device is perfect for anyone who wants to charge devices that do not use a USB. I do a lot of work on the road with photography and needed a way to charge my computer and camera battery while not losing valuable driving time, and this was the perfect solution. The charging speed is comparable to a standard house outlet, even with my computer, camera, and phone plugged in! The cord is a great length so it can be moved around my front seat. However, it does get warm, as do many things using that amount of electricity, so I would recommend keeping it on the floor or cup holder. I love the on and off switch, so if it does feel too warm, I want to turn it off without unplugging anything." —Cheryl M.

Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in two colors). 

Promising review: "This is a great flashlight. The light is very bright, and it is adjustable. The price is very low for two lights, but don't let that great bargain mean you are not receiving a good light. Compact, very bright, and it comes in its own storage case. I bought six lights to ensure I have one in every car, and my kids all have one in the house and one in the car for emergencies. Batteries are easy to install. This is a must-have item in the household." —Raymond M. Goldbach

Promising review: "What an incredible and smart way to play with a Rubik's Cube! Super fun and quite the challenge. My son is occupied for hours on end trying to complete the maze successfully. Much better than him spending time in front of devices." —Julie N. 

Promising review: "This pair of headphones was a godsend with our toddler. Road trips, plane rides, walks, restaurants... how many times have they saved us from bad times, allowing our kid to listen to music when he needs his me time? The sound level is adjusted to a kid-friendly maximum, and it's plenty enough with the excellent noise dampening (you can hear very well in planes, for example). And they sound really great! To top it all off, the cable / Bluetooth combo means they can use it in planes, on their phone, iPad, etc. Honestly, probably the best purchase we have made for our toddler - he loves it, and we love it." —Shann B. 

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in six colors).

Promising review: "These are great. Easy to fill, easy to use, and they DO NOT LEAK! I put them in my checked luggage, and I didn't have any problem with them. And because they are soft-sided, they are easy to use and to actually get ALL of the product out of. Would recommend! I just used a little Sharpie to initial the top of them to know what was shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. LOVE these!" —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in seven color sets).

Promising review: "The sunscreen goes on so smoothly and evenly, and I feel like I will be saving so much sunscreen now that I'm not just squirting a huge glob in my hands and spending so much time trying to rub in a ridiculous amount into mine and my children's skin. Also, my sister-in-law hates the feel of sunscreen on her hands, so this was perfect for her." —Carmen

Get it from Amazon for $22.38 (available in 11 color combinations).

Promising review: "We used this on our recent family beach vacation, and it was a total game changer! With a toddler in tow, sand gets everywhere, but this mitt made cleanup super quick and easy before hopping in the car or heading back to the hotel. It’s soft, lightweight, and easy to toss in your beach bag. It worked great on both kids and adults — no more itchy legs or sandy car seats! Definitely a summer essential for anyone heading to the beach, whether you’re going to Hawaii, Mexico, or just your local lake. Highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six designs and also in two-packs).

Promising review: "We used this on a recent family trip. It was great to be able to keep our baby's nighttime routine. It was easy to fit inside our bags for the flights and was fairly simple to blow up. It stayed sturdy through bathtime and an 8-month-old baby who likes to stand/roll/etc. I would recommend!" —JoAnna Schwartz

Promising review: "This is SUCH an awesome find. My kids never nap when we travel because seeing the light gives them FOMO. This stayed up all weekend without falling and blocked light better than my actual blackout curtains at home. Plus it folds small so you can throw it into your suitcase anywhere you go. My kids napped on our recent vacation thanks to this sucker." —M

Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in two colors and patterns).

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.