Traveling with small children can (and should) be classified as an extreme sport. A simple trip to Grandma’s house can result in tears of boredom from the kids and tears of frustration from the parents. We’re not saying the Tugl Cube from Fat Brain Toys is the ultimate cure-all, but it’s pretty close!
The cube is much like Fat Brain Toys’ other fidget toys — like the well-loved Dimpl — but it differs in the fact that it’s, well, a cube. Instead of being flat, it offers new fun just around the (rounded) corner with a sturdy, small base. Its length, width, and height are all less than 3 inches, meaning little hands can hold it, and parents can throw it in a bag. And of course, kids can’t help but push, pull, and pop the bubbles that feature easy-to-grab tabs.
Each of the bubbles are made of 100% food-grade silicone, which means it can be wiped down halfway through your trip when it inevitably gets covered in French fry grease or whatever other road trip snack residue little kids may leave. If you’re following along, this means it keeps kids entertained, doesn’t take up a lot of room, and doesn’t make a mess. We’re here for it.
While designed for kids ages 2 and up, some reviews have noted that smaller tots love it, too. Babies may not be strong enough to pull the tabs but the bright colors will keep them fascinated and they can also use it as a teether. Big kids will (hopefully) not be chewing on it, but they can zone out while popping the bubbles as a way to calm down. When I travel for the holidays with my almost toddler, I’ll be throwing one in the diaper bag. Whether it will be for her or for me, I haven’t decided yet.
If you’re not traveling, you can keep the Tugl Cube in the playroom as a surefire way for kids to practice their fine motor and tactile learning skills, and work on staying zen. There’s a lot to love about this little cube!
