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The 8 best water toys 2024?

by Laura

water toys
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Not all children love bathing, but personal hygiene is essential. Water toys are a simple and entertaining solution for combining bath time with fun right from the start.

It gets even better:

With the right water toy, you not only give your baby or child fun, but also support them in their development.

This is fun for children and babies:

BeyondSurfing presents the most popular water toys from 2024. In BeyondSurfing’s buying guide, you can also find out everything you need to know to make a purchase decision that will pay off in the long term.

The best water toy 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite water toy:

Fisher-Price colorful stacking cups*
What characterizes the offer?

  • 8 animals in one set
  • Hand-eye coordination is encouraged
  • Well suited for small hands
  • Swimming on the water surface
  • Rocking back and forth
  • Bite-proof
  • Pollutant-free

Water toy Checklist

  • Function: Water toys promote motor and cognitive development.
  • Material: The material must be waterproof and free of harmful substances, as children often put toys in their mouths. Wooden toys are not suitable for use in water.
  • Price: High-quality products do not have to be expensive.
  • Design: Simple toys may seem boring at first glance, but they offer more scope for creativity.
  • Age indication: Not every toy is equally suitable for all ages.
  • Drying: If the toy does not dry completely, fungi and bacteria can multiply quickly.

Also interesting: The most popular water slides 2024.

The TOP water toys in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. Munchkin Bath Bobbers floating animals 8-pack

Advantages

  • 8 animals in one set
  • Hand-eye coordination is encouraged
  • Well suited for small hands
  • Swimming on the water surface
  • Rocking back and forth
  • Bite-proof
  • Pollutant-free

Disadvantages

  • Not for babies under 6 months

Summary

The Munchkin floating animals in the shape of various animals (e.g. polar bears or penguins) look very playful and float easily on the surface of the water.

The manufacturer recommends the product from the age of 6 months. The material is soft but retains its shape. Putting them in your mouth or biting into them is not harmful to your health.

Playing with the waterproof animals encourages creativity and hand-eye coordination. But the fun is not neglected. The aquatic animals come splashing back to the surface when they are submerged.

Conclusion

A water toy that stands out due to its pleasant feel. The set is equally suitable for babies and toddlers.

Product details

Size: 6 x 6.5 x 8 cm | Material: Soft plastic | Weight: 137 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 93 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The material looks very high quality. It doesn’t smell of chemicals at all and is soft in the hand. The animals keep popping to the surface. The children find this very funny. The toy dries very quickly after bathing. It is not a problem if the child bites into it once. The material is soft but bite-resistant.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer complains about the weight of the floating animals. They sink to the bottom of his tub when there is little water. However, other customers do not confirm this.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the animals soak up water?
No, they are completely waterproof and float on the surface.

2. FISHER-PRICE Stack & Explore Blocks

Advantages

  • 5 cubes in one set
  • Multifunctional
  • Promotes understanding of color, size and space
  • Price
  • Skill and imagination are stimulated
  • Pollutant-free
  • Also suitable for the beach

Disadvantages

  • Sink quickly in water
  • No transport bag

Summary

The 5 colorful, stackable cubes from Fisher-Price are available at a particularly affordable price. They stimulate the child’s imagination and cognitive development.

The material is waterproof and robust plastic. Whether for scooping water, as boats or underwater mountains – the play possibilities in the bathtub are endless.

The printed shelves are an added extra. It can be used to print patterns in the sand on the beach. This is a great way to decorate sandcastles.

Conclusion

A very affordable, high-quality and versatile toy set. It is suitable for children of all ages.

If your child is reluctant to be creative, a toy with a clear purpose (e.g. a boat or animal) is preferable.

Product details

Size: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm | Material: Plastic | Weight: 0.18 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 96% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

A great and versatile toy. The material is free of chemical odors. The bucket cannot be swallowed so easily. The printed numbers are ideal for learning numbers. Delivery is lightning fast and uncomplicated. The material looks very robust and of high quality. The different sizes are practical for building towers.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 1% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Two customers bought the product at a higher price and are unhappy that it is now so cheap. One customer was not satisfied with the quality, but did not give any reasons for this.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are the cups free from BPA?
Yes, the material is safe.

3rd Fisher-Price butterfly bath book

Advantages

  • Promotes fine motor skills
  • Suitable for learning numbers
  • To be attached to the bathtub
  • Incl. Water splashes in the shape of a bird
  • Pollutant-free
  • Promotes interaction between parents and child

Disadvantages

  • Not suitable for versatile purposes
  • Not suitable for children under 1 year old

Summary

With this bath book from Fisher-Price, your child will not only have lots of fun at bath time. The book with two pages to turn also promotes fine motor skills. It playfully introduces children to counting quantities up to four.

The cute butterfly sticks to the bathtub wall with a suction cup. This makes it easier to turn the pages. There is also a free bird bath splash.

The butterfly is suitable for small children’s hands from 6 months. However, the quantities shown also appeal to an older target group from around 1 year of age. This promotes cognitive development through play.

Conclusion

A toy that not only encourages fun in the water, but also promotes numeracy. The small spray nozzle provides additional variety.

The product is not suitable for creative games or the beach.

Product details

Size: 24.77 x 5.08 x 20.32 cm | Material: Plastic | Weight: 226 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 74% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The price is great and the quality is good. The suction cup is very strong. The design is very cute and the material is robust. This turns children into real water rats. Lots of cute little details stimulate the child’s interest. Older children also love being able to read a book in the bath.

Around 21% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers feel that two pages is not enough. They would like more content for the price.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

4. 16-piece Playgro bath toy set

Advantages

  • 16 different components
  • For water spraying, stacking and much more.
  • Incl. Waterproof book
  • High-quality materials
  • Free storage net
  • BPA-free
  • Favorable price

Disadvantages

  • Some spray animals not cleanly processed
  • No guarantee

Summary

The Playgro bath toy set consists of 16 different pieces. Everything is included, from a waterproof book and buckets to squirting animals and a carrier bag.

The materials are robust and the colors radiant. With the many different parts, children will never get bored in the bath, on the beach or in the paddling pool.

The set is suitable for babies from 6 months. But older children will also have lots of fun with it. The bath toy is perfect to take with you on vacation in the free bag.

Conclusion

An inexpensive toy set with lots of parts. An excellent price-performance ratio.

Due to the very low price, the workmanship of the individual parts is not always flawless.

Product details

Size: 35.5 x 27 x 10.5 cm | Material: EVA, polypropylene, polyester | Weight: 317 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 93 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The set brings lots of fun into the bathtub. Customers like the fact that they are aquatic animals and not any other species that do not fit into the element of water. The colors are very bright and long-lasting. The parents could really see how the children’s grasping reflex was strengthened.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 1% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer complains about the poor workmanship of the products. On some models, the holes in the spray animals are not big enough to actually let water through. Some colors differ from the product images.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the toy have an inherent odor?
No, it is a high-quality material with no inherent chemical odor.
Are there any squirting animals in the set?
Yes, they squirt water through a small opening at the mouth.

5. oleoletoy children’s bath toy set

Advantages

  • 8 stacking cups
  • 2 in 1 function
  • Robust polyurethane
  • Promote fine motor skills
  • Various sizes
  • Also suitable for the beach
  • CE tested

Disadvantages

  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Sink quickly in water

Summary

A toy set that is demonstrably safe. This product is CE certified and complies with the current safety recommendations for children’s toys. The material is robust polyurethane.

The 8 small cups gradually increase in size. This means they can be stacked inside each other. Small holes in the floor allow for fun water games or sifting sand on the beach.

The different sizes make the set the ideal companion for the first years of childhood. Creativity is required, as there are many different ways to play.

Conclusion

A high-quality and safe water play set for babies and toddlers aged 18 months and over. If you are looking for certified security, you have come to the right place.

If your child is reluctant to get creative themselves, they might find the cups a little overwhelming.

Product details

Size: 11.68 x 11.68 x 11.18 cm | Material: Polyurethane | Weight: 300 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The cups are also easy for small hands to grip. The design is cute and the colors are bright. The quality has lasted a long time for most customers. Stacking the buckets makes them easy to store. The fact that all colors are included means that every child’s favorite color is included. The material can withstand a lot.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer’s paint has peeled off and deposited on the tub. A customer complains about sharp edges.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the cups float on top?
No, they fill up with water through the holes in the floor and sink.
What are the sizes of the cups?
There are 8 different sizes that can be inserted into each other. The manufacturer does not provide a specification in cm.

6. 30 JOYIN underwater diving toys

Advantages

  • 30 parts
  • Incl. Jute bag
  • Set of 4 rings
  • Radiant colors
  • Quick drying
  • Low price
  • For first diving exercises

Disadvantages

  • Small parts unsuitable for babies
  • Only suitable from approx. 3 years

Summary

JOYIN offers a very comprehensive package of water toys. It contains 30 different parts:

  • 4 x dip sticks
  • 4 x torpedo diver
  • 3 x See Gras balls
  • 6 x gemstones
  • 3 x squid
  • 3 x colorful fish
  • 1 x carrying bag

All parts are designed in bright colors. The animals are even painted with faces and encourage creative play.

Some of the toys are weighted down and sink to the bottom of the bath. The practical carry bag keeps all parts together and makes it easier to transport them on vacation or for swimming.

Conclusion

A particularly comprehensive set that allows several children to play at the same time. It introduces diving in a playful way.

The small parts are less suitable for babies. For children who do not yet want to dive or reach deeper into the water, a floating toy is more suitable.

Product details

Size: 30 pieces | Material: Plastic | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 90 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The set brings a lot of joy. Older children in particular practise diving and estimating distances to the surface. Delivery is very speedy. The free transport bag can also be used for shopping, for example, as the material is very sturdy. The price-performance ratio is repeatedly praised.

Around 10% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The paint does not adhere to all parts. The longer they are in use, the more they fade. One customer’s balls were damaged right from the start.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

7. 18 JOYIN underwater diving toys

Advantages

  • Free mesh bag
  • 18 parts in one set
  • Favorable price
  • Quick drying
  • Toy very rich in detail
  • Radiant colors

Disadvantages

  • Unsuitable for babies
  • Only suitable from approx. 3 years

Summary

The extensive water toy set from the Joyin brand contains 16 different pieces:

  • 3 rings for diving
  • 3 torpedoes
  • 3 immersion rods
  • 2 fish
  • 2 Octopuses
  • 3 gemstones
  • Free mesh pocket with breathable material

The components of this set are very colorful. This makes them highly visible underwater.

Due to their light weight, they only sink slowly to the bottom and children can try to grab them first. This promotes an understanding of distances under water.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a lot of variety for your child, this large play set is the right choice. Children learn to dive in a playful way.

The set is unsuitable for babies. You could swallow parts.

Product details

Size: N/A | Material: Plastic | Weight: 580 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 79% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The products in the set look robust. It invites you to play many varied games. The children dive and splash around happily. The price-performance ratio is often praised due to the many parts. The free bag is practical and breathable. This also dries the toy during transportation from the beach to home.

Around 15% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers were missing individual parts. These were actually included in the item description. Not all buyers like the size of the parts. The crystals in some sets had sharp-edged seams.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

What material are the products made of?
The products are made of hard plastic and hard rubber. They are very robust and easy to clean.

8. foldable silicone multi-purpose bucket

Advantages

  • 3 in one set
  • Small pack size
  • Different sizes
  • Versatile in use
  • Robust material
  • For adults and children

Disadvantages

  • Colors not selectable
  • Large bucket filled too heavy for children

Summary

This water toy set consists of 3 foldable buckets in different sizes. They are all different colors: Blue, orange and pink. The size can be adjusted by unfolding the buckets either halfway or fully.

The material is soft and skin-friendly silicone. The buckets are dishwasher-safe and durable. Whether in the bathtub, when cleaning, fishing or on the beach – they can be used in a variety of ways.

When folded, they take up almost no space. They are also real lightweights. Storage is possible in normal drawers.

Conclusion

A toy that is ideal for children who like building with sand and transporting water. Otherwise, the buckets are practical for everyday use.

Children who don’t like to be creative themselves are better given a different toy.

Product details

Color: colorful | Size: 33 x 32 x 16.3 cm | Material: silicone | Weight: 333 g per bucket

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 89 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The buckets can be folded in different ways. This also makes them a great food bowl for on the go. The quality is exceptionally good. The children are delighted with the buckets. The product can be used incredibly flexibly and is also suitable for adults. The customer service is friendly and works quickly. The colors are long-lasting.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some products had holes. However, they were replaced by the manufacturer without any problems. A customer complains about stains that cannot be wiped off.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Bestsellers: The most popular water toys

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-09-16)

Buy water toys:
How to make the right decision

water_toys_children

There is no question that toys bring joy to children. If it is also waterproof, the enthusiasm is usually particularly great.

Waterproof toys come with many advantages and few disadvantages:

  • Wipeable
  • Suitable for the beach
  • More fun in the bathtub
  • Resistant to children’s saliva
  • Durable material
  • Playfully introduces the element of water
  • Heat and moisture cause bacteria to sprout
  • Natural toys made of wood are unsuitable

What you need to consider when buying water toys

When looking for the best water toy, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:

  • Material
  • Age recommendation
  • Versatility
  • Development support
  • Cleaning

The material of water toys

Children should only get their hands on material that is free of harmful substances. After all, it is unavoidable that the toy will end up in the mouth or be nibbled on. The play material should be easy to grasp and suitable for small children’s hands.

Important seals of approval that provide information about the absence of harmful substances can be found here.

Good to know: If the toy is intended for outdoor use, it must be able to withstand sunlight.

The age recommendation

When choosing water toys, it is important to bear in mind that development in the first year of life progresses rapidly on a physical and cognitive level. Early childhood reflexes begin to regress from the age of 6 months.

Only then can the child learn to stand, grasp and walk. These developmental stages must also be taken into account when choosing toys.

How to find the age recommendation: Toys are pre-sorted by age on Amazon. Also pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions and buying guides.

Versatility

There are toys that have a clear purpose: for example, a submarine, dinosaur, unicorn or a rubber duck. On the other hand, there are products that are not automatically linked to an association.

Small buckets can be used to build towers on the beach in summer, and the next day they become a boat or a house. At first glance, such “neutral” toys seem more boring – but they offer much more scope for your child’s imagination.

Tip: It’s not just children who enjoy water toys. There are also products for dogs. These are waterproof bones, frisbees or squeaky water animals.

Support with development

Water toys support children’s development without forcing them. Whether getting creative with buckets or duck races with wind-up floating animals: motor and cognitive development is encouraged through play.

Toys that make noises have a magical attraction for children. Ideally, the source of the noise is traceable. This promotes an understanding of cause and effect. Example: When the rubber duck is pressed, it squeaks.

Less is more:

For babies, it is often enough to arouse their interest with exciting colors and shapes. The learning process then happens all by itself.

Cleaning water toys

The shape and size of the toy influence how easy it is to clean. The larger, the more surface area. The more irregular the shape, the more bacteria collect in the small corners.

Why is this relevant?

Small children often put their toys in their mouths. However, germs and bacteria can collect on the surface of water toys in particular. This is favored by moisture and heat.

The solution:

Water toys with clear shapes that are cleaned regularly protect the health of young children.

Water toy tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Consumer Reports has published an online test by the NRW consumer advice center. This points out that plasticizers are found in many toys.

The following tips will help you to recognize a harmless product:

NoteProcedure
OdorCheck the product for odor before purchasing. If it smells unpleasant and chemical, send it back to the manufacturer.
LabelingGive preference to toys with quality seals or the words “phthalate-free” and “free from harmful plasticizers”.
UtilizationIf possible, your child should not be able to swallow anything or bite too hard into the material.
PVCDo not buy products made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). You can recognize the material by the recycling triangle with the number 3 and a “PVC” label. Toys made of hard plastic such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are preferable.

There is also a test of 16 products on oekotest.de. This exposes soft, inflatable products in particular as dangerous. They often contain plasticizers.

Well-known brands and manufacturers

The best-known and most popular water toy brands & manufacturers include

  • Fisher-Price
  • Intex
  • Munchkin

Here you can rely on experience and quality.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about water toys

How do you recognize good water toys?

Water toys must be made of safe material without sharp edges. It must not splinter or break. Ideally, it should bear a seal of quality such as GS, CE or TÜV.

From what age are water toys suitable?

There are water toys for different age groups. In most cases, these start from 6 months. Younger children do not usually need toys because they are sufficiently stimulated by their perception of their environment.

Where can you buy water toys?

You can find the largest range online at Amazon.de. But many retailers with toys in their range also offer water toys for children.

What is the best water toy?

The best water toy cannot be named across the board. Different products are suitable depending on the age group. The most popular water toys include

  1. Munchkin Bath Bobbers
  2. Playgro bath toy set
  3. Fisher Price butterfly bath book

Are there water toys for adults?

Yes, there are of course also water toys for adults. These are usually large, inflatable floating objects or ball game sets such as this one.

Conclusion: The most popular water toys reviewed

Water toys sweeten every bathing day and can also be used outside the bathtub, e.g. on vacation at the beach or in the paddling pool in the garden. The right product brings a lot of joy to children and adults alike.

The range is huge:

A purchase decision must be carefully considered so that you don’t end up with a disposable product. BeyondSurfing’s guide will save you valuable time and money.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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