Get Road Trip Ready! 10 DIY Travel Pillow Ideas for the Entire Family

Shauna Younge

updated May 3, 2019

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When we moved away from my parents and in-laws, I knew we’d be clocking a lot of time in the car and in the air. We’ve traveled from Minnesota to Ohio, Missouri, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi a few times a year for ten years. When you’re logging frequent flyer miles as often as we do, the small things make all the difference in your travel experience. Before we hit the road again for summer vacay, I want to get our car comfort game on point. DIY travel pillows for me, my husband, and the kids are bound to make the long trip tolerable.

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1. Above: missing your beloved pets when you’re far from home? Check out this sweet free crochet cat neck pillow tutorial by Red Heart.

(Image credit: Urban Acreage)

2. Transform a traditional square pillow into a compact, roll-n-go neck pillow like this one created by Urban Acreage.

(Image credit: Handmade Charlotte)

3. This embroidered, fleecy bunny travel pillow by Handmade Charlotte is adorable in a modern, graphic way. Neon threads and fleece fabric make a cool combo.

(Image credit: Little Inspiration)

4. Don’t forget that it’s not just your neck that gets tired and sore. Sit on one of these DIY donuts by Little Inspiration and give your butt a break.

(Image credit: Thermoweb)

5. Lock your pillow in place with this seatbelt neck pillow by ThermoWeb. It was made using fusible fleece.

(Image credit: Maje Zmaje)

6. Maje Zmaje made this clever cover that turns a small blanket (or any soft item) into a travel pillow. The tutorial isn’t in English, but there are plenty of photos that demonstrate how to make it.

(Image credit: Tickle the Imagination)

7. Who needs My Buddy or Kid Sister when your kiddo can travel with a pillow pal? Tickle the Imagination provides step-by-step instructions to create these snuggly little travel pillow friends.

(Image credit: Mom’s Best Network)

8. This fun travel pillow from Mom’s Best Network does double duty with a surprise in the back. Use it as both a pillow and a spot to store books and other toys in the car.

(Image credit: Tally’s Treasury)

9. Whether your kids are obsessed with all things aquatic or they just love animals, this DIY tentacle neck pillow by Tally’s Treasury is sure to be at the top of their must-pack list.

(Image credit: Burda Style)

10. This simple, trace-and-cut pattern from Burda Style makes it a breeze to create your own travel pillow. Need even more incentive to get started? There’s a coordinating eye mask pattern to make catching some Zs in the car even easier.