Things to occupy a toddler travelling to US???

We are flying in 13 days... We haven't been over to the states since he was one.  He is 2 and a half now and I know he's gonna be a terror on the long haul flight .

Any ideas of things that I can pack in his hand luggage which can occupy him???

If you've got a laptop/portable dvd player, it's a must albeit a pain to carry. We brought lots of snacks, crayons, a notebook and a couple board books.  Prior to the flight, we went out and bought a small toy for each of them, wrapped it and let them know that they each had a "special something" that they could open as long as they were good.  It was nice and they had something new to fool around with.  Lastly, we made sure we had some lollipops/gum/juice for landing and take off (helps with popping their ears).

Best of luck!

My friends with twin 3-year-olds go & buy a bunch of cheap toys, coloring books, etc at a place like Wilkinsons or the Pound Store.  They try to have approx one new thing to spring on the boys about every 30-60 minutes...of course, in the hopes they will get worn out & fall asleep that much quicker.

My first three sons were easy as anything on a plane. I took Jordan when he was 3 and Brett when he was 7 months by myself on a flight from DC to Rome. They were angels. When my third son came along again it was simple. Just some gameboys, colouring books, etc. My 4th son is a NIGHTMARE and I wouldnt even attempt to travel with him. ha ha ha. But I like the idea of a little wrapped present. Ill keep that one in mind.

We used to give them each a little backpack they could carry on their own-with a combination of old favorites and something new.  Don't go overboard with the books as they get heavy and things with small parts get lost and roll all over the plane. 

My 2 year old is a little terror who never sits still.  The things that entertain him best on planes are stickers (even address labels!) and lollipops.  I've tried a million other toys and distractions and nothing else works as well with him. 

On both my flights to and from London, we had built-in entertainment systems in eveyr seat. There were some small children close to me on the way home to the US who entertained themselves quite nicely with the movies and games on the entertainment system.

On both my flights to and from London, we had built-in entertainment systems in eveyr seat. There were some small children close to me on the way home to the US who entertained themselves quite nicely with the movies and games on the entertainment system.

yes these work well with normal children but not my DAMIEN!