March 2011 Notable Toys — Water Activities

The Party Pumper comes filled with assorted balloons, including the magic twisty animal balloons. Use the pump to fill the balloons with water or air. Eliminates the mess of traditional water balloons that have to be filled up at the sink or outside using the garden hose. Even young children can easily fill their own balloons. Available in Purple or Red.
— As of 05/18/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy for kids to use; kids like filling the balloons with air as well as water; eliminates the mess created by using the sink or hose to fill balloons. Cons: Two customers received defective product.

Includes 5 colors of soapy finger paint, a fish-shaped sponge for clean up and a hand-shaped palette to hold the paints. Safe, clean and fun for kids.
Awards: Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toys for 2011
— In an April 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Paint in the Tub is one of their best-selling bath toys.

This boat really floats, has lots of storage, and can be upgraded to have a motor. Comes with family, snorkeling accessories, a cooler with snacks, and two beach towels.
— In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that items from Playmobil were their best sellers. Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 10-12 sets from Playmobil each month, and that Playmobil has "Been a best seller for a long time."

This water cannon stands on a tripod. It can be connected to a garden hose directly for an endless supply of "ammo." Launch date: June 2011.

The Tie-Not Filler attaches to your hose and works with our Tie-Not tool to fill and tie water balloons in seconds. Made in the USA. The Tie-Not Filler is the "Only filler on the market that attaches to the hose and does not need to be clamped to a table. [It] can work anywhere your hose goes!" Laura Sikorcin, President of Tie-Not Inc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2011.

Easy Fill & Tie features a way to fill and tie water balloons easily, quickly and finger friendly. This kid-friendly device can screws onto an outdoor tap to enable everyone to make water balloons. Using Easy Fill & Tie, one can tie water balloons with just two fingers.
Awards: 2010 INPEX Silver Medal awards in Toy/Games, Sports, Gadgets, and Lawn/Garden categories.

Kids can slide down the giraffe’s back and get sprayed by its mouth in this inflatable pool.