travel toys

[pumpkin]

Looking for cheap and easy ways to keep DD entertained on a very long drive. She HATES the car and we are driving half-way across the country.
My strategy is mainly a constant rotation of toys. I'll be bringing everything we have that seems safe for the car and I'm going to hit the store this weekend to get a few completely new things.
Anything you recommend? Anything I might have around the house that would be free? No time to really craft and we already packed all my supplies so I can't make anything.

[sunshynbaby]

I'm not sure if your LO would be too old for this, but we just got this one and love it because its like five toys in one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product

[Just1More]

nak. we get a lot of mileage out of a spoon. she also really enjoys measuring cups and hairties. small things she can completly hold in her hand but not choke on, like the larger bouncy balls. i've also calmed several fussy babies in the car with a water bottle...either for them to play with or for them to watch/listen to me tap their carseat with it. oh, and if she doesn't have teeth, you can let her chew on a wrapped cheese stick or a small package of crackers. mine also enjoy watching the window go up and down...

[Just1More]

i thought of more. if you (or someone) can sit back there with her, scotch tape or colorful stickers are great. flip flap books. in and out toys. a glasses or cd case with something inside. a mirror (like an empty compact). ribbon or string...tie a couple of random knots in it for chewing. a straw (a current favorite). don't know how you feel about fast food and plastic, but I've found that if I order a happy meal for me with an under-three toy, that and a fresh straw work wonders for a while...

gl

[jillmamma]

Cloth books worked well for us...bonus is if the kid tries to chunk it at mama, it does not hurt!