Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but making them a cushioned lap tray can help! It’s a place to eat, play, and color that’s both comfortable and functional.

Supplies:
– 16″ pizza pan. I like this one from Walmart because it’s smooth without a thick rim.
– 18″ fabric of choice (minimum 40″ width)
– low loft batting
– 2″ wide sew-on velcro
– 2″ wide industrial strength adhesive velcro.

1. Start by tracing the pizza pan on the fabric. Cut out two of these circles.

2. Stack 4 layers of low loft batting together. Place pizza pan on top and cut around the edge.

3. Cut two strips of the soft fuzzy side of your sew-on velcro, each 9″ long. Measure 4″ in from the outside edge of one fabric circle. Center, pin and top-stitch to secure.

4. With right sides together, align the two fabric circles.

Then stack the cut batting underneath. Pin all layers together.

5. With the batting facing up, sew almost all the way around the edge, using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Leave a hole of about 6″ so you can pull the cushion right-side out.

6. Pull the cushion right-side out! Batting should fold to the inside.

7. If you’re good at closing seams by hand, rock on witchya bad self. If not, then you’re like me— just pin and top-stitch it closed.

8. Cut two strips of the scratchy side of your adhesive velcro, each 9″ long. Measure 4″ in from the edge of the tray and stick the adhesive velcro on so it lines up with the cushion velcro.

9. Velcro the cushion to the pan and you’re set. Since I used leftover fabric, each tray cost me just $15! Another cool thing is that since the cushion is removable, it’s also washable.

Sticking adhesive magetic buttons to the bottom of a cheap plate helps keep meal time spills at a minimum. I found these awesome divided plates at Walmart for $1—they’re BPA-free too!

 Magnetic buttons on the bottom of tupperware containers keep markers or small toys from sliding around, too.

The 16″ surface is large enough to fit a letter-sized coloring page. Magnetic toys of all shapes and sizes are perfect for playtime – fridge letters, magnetic dress up dolls, and building toys all work great!

While they are ideal for long road trips, I’m keeping these handy in the back seat for every day use, too.