Go into a Joanns or michaels and find an embroidery project (maybe that comes with the thread)- get a hoop. Don't know if you can even get small embroidery scissors onto a plane but just in case, take nail clippers for clipping thread. If you find something on cotton you can incorporate it into a quilt when you get home... Another idea is to find some prequilted material - Use an iron on transfer to transfer images onto Christmas stocking that you pre-cut at home. Take hoop and thread and embroider enough for the family.