TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Water Activities Product Category

Mr. Bubble® Foam Soap™ by THE VILLAGE COMPANY LLC

Mr. Bubble Foam Soap will whip up bath time fun. Kids can use their imagination to make all kinds of fun shapes with silly floating foam. Safe and gentle, it washes thoroughly and leaves skin soft and smooth.
— Katie Roo, manager of Be Beep A Toy Shop in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey about bath toys that they sell about a dozen units of Mr. Bubble Foam Soap each month.
— In an April 2013 survey about best-selling bath toys Kate Noreen, manager of MudPuddles Toys & Books in Sherwood, Ore., told TDmonthly that "Mr. Bubble stuff has sold really well. It's that classic name, but it's thick foam so it's really fun to play with." 4/20/2012 (Price: $3.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plui by KID O PRODUCTS

The Plui bath toy is a vinyl sphere with one nozzle at the top and several at the bottom; dunk Plui underwater to fill it, and then watch the “rain” come out. Kids control the flow of water by covering or uncovering the top nozzle. 4/11/2012 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SWIMTRAINER "Classic" by FREDS SWIM ACADEMY

Using the 3-stage learn-to-swim SWIMTRAINER "Classic" children develop the perfect swimming style. In accordance with the company motto "it's safe to have fun," from the age of 3 months children can safely enjoy independence and have lots of fun while learning how to swim. Specially designed swimming aids are introduced according to the child's age and learning ability (red, orange, yellow). The SWIMTRAINER "Classic" comes in three different sizes. Red, for ages 3 months-4 years, is used for early habituation with the water and for learning the correct leg movements; orange, for ages 2-6, focuses on encouraging proper leg and arm movement; yellow, for ages 4-8, provides a methodical progression towards swimming with no swimming aids.  These training techniques are applied for the child to achieve a perfect swimming style. SWIMTRAINER "Classic" offers children: Ideal swimming position in the water, Fast and easy to put on with clip fastener, Inflatable pads to prevent slipping through, Adjustable safety belt to prevent tipping forwards. 4/10/2012 (Price: $24.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

B. Fish & Splish Bath Boat by TOYSMITH

For ages 6 months and up. The bathtub is baby's ocean. Set includes 13 toys in a floating boat; captain; life preserver; fishing hook & 4 ready-to-catch fish; 3 nesting cups that shower, stack & pour, octopus comb & whale nailbrush. Everything stows away below deck.
Awards: American Baby Toy of the Year Award.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a 2012 survey that their best selling infant & toddler products are from Toysmiths "B." line. "Though expensive, it has great packaging and is perfect for gift giving. Fish & Splish is an especially great product," she told TDmonthly. She also said this item was a best seller in the bath category. 4/6/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ducky Bath & Toy Bag by PRIMO

PRIMO's Ducky Bath and Toy Bag offers baby a unique soft duck shaped cushion that later changes into a toy bag for the bathroom wall. Four suction cups hold the Duck cushion/toy bag in place. Designed for babies 0-9 months of age, the Ducky Bath can be used in single or double sinks, on a table top or in a bathtub. A built-in shower rod hook makes it easy to dry and store the bath. Two large compartments conveniently hold bathing accessories. The Ducky bath has an easy to drain plug. The Duck cushion is machine washable polyester. The Ducky bath is light weight and easy to clean polypropylene plastic. 4/5/2012 (Price: $25.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Octopus Ring Toss Fountain by SKIP HOP INC.

This wall mounted octopus keeps little ones happy two ways: pour water in the top of his head and it sprinkles down from his arms, or when baby is older he or she can play a challenging game of ring toss. Octopus suctions to wall and turns upside down to drain. Soft, no-bump material. BPA-free and Phthalate-free. 3/15/2012 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Water Rocket by TOYSMITH

This set includes Two 5 1/2" Water Rockets; One 8 1/2" Water Rocket; 2 Fuel Funnels and Launcher; Rocketry Booklet.
— In a March 2012 survey about best selling outdoor toys, Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that she sells about a dozen of this water rocket set each month.
— As of 03/08/2012 this product had 2.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun when pump is working properly. Cons: Many reviewers said the pump was not strong enough to jettison the rocket high into the air. 3/8/2012 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Sand & Water Wheel Set by THE ORIGINAL TOY COMPANY

Set contains a brightly colored plastic 6 1/2" deep bucket, 8" long shovel and ocean sand molds. On and off valve controls the flow of sand or water, with moveable gears and large hopper. Assorted colors. 2/24/2012 (Price: $26.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Waboba Surf by WABOBA INC.

The Waboba Surf "Bounces On The Water".  Softer and smaller, and easier to throw and catch than the original Waboba balls that bounce on the water, the Waboba Surf is an excellent item for the toy industry.  Perfect for the beach, lake, or river.
— Mike Castor, owner of Pentwater Toybox in Pentwater, Mich., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sold 200 Waboba Surf balls in three months this Summer. 1/23/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Splash Battle Gear 3 Piece Set by PRIME TIME TOYS

It’s the ultimate set for water battles – a colorful Splash Sword, bright Splash Shield and of course, a Splash Bomb. 1/12/2012 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Waboba Blast Ball by WABOBA INC.

The Blast is made specifically for pool play with its engineered design to be more controllable and not bounce as high as the Extreme and Pro. Since it's lightweight, softer, and easier to catch, it is suitable for the whole family.
— Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells "about a gross" (144) of Waboba skip balls each month, but it's usually a summer item.
— Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Waboba is their best-selling toy. They sell over 100 each month between two styles of the ball. ( Watch Video) 8/9/2011 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nerf Super Soaker Thunderstorm by HASBRO INC.

Fully automatic for maximum speed, this blaster lets users just pull the trigger to begin the drenching action. Fill the water clip, attach it to the blaster and begin sending soaking streams up to 25 feet away. Requires no pumping action. 6/14/2011 (Price: $22.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nerf Super Soaker Tornado Strike by HASBRO INC.

Pump-handle water blaster blasts a spinning stream of water up to 20 feet away. Detachable stock adjusts to different reaches. Water blaster comes with spinning barrel, detachable stock, tactical rails and a water clip.
— As of 6/14/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Gets opponent very wet; spinning barrel is amusing.  Cons: Uses water in the clip too fast; extra clips are expensive. 6/14/2011 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Anchors Away Water Play Pirate Ship by LITTLE TIKES INC.

The Anchors Away Pirate Ship is made of durable plastic construction and features two fun characters, a squirting shark and a constant running water fountain. Kids can keep the water moving by pumping or pouring the water into the crows nest; the spinners cause a current in the ship which moves floating objects around. Kids can aim and squirt water from the water cannon to see the steering wheel spin, and the anchor raises and lowers by cranking the handle.
— As of 6/6/2011 this product had 3.2 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Interactive; keeps kids engaged. Cons: Numerous reports of the plank and the cannon squirter breaking; expensive; water flow in fountain isn't strong enough to make the wheels spin smoothly. 6/6/2011 (Price: $79.99)

Mushroom Baby Pool by INTEX RECREATION CORP.

The Intex Mushroom baby pool features a built-in mushroom shade for added comfort on hot days. It has a soft, inflatable floor that allows for gentle play. Adult supervision required at all times.
— As of 06/02/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Shade keeps baby protected from sun; easy to blow up; inexpensive. Cons: One customer said one of the floats that came with the pool had a hole in it; if you aren't kneeling next to the pool when the top is on it's hard to see the baby in the pool. 6/2/2011 (Price: $12.99)

Swimways Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy by SWIMWAYS CORP

This three-position adjustable, removable canopy protects baby from the sun and folds for storage just like the Baby Spring Float. There is a mesh play space for toys and splashing. Dual inflation chambers and low seat enhance security; the included sun canopy blocks 90% harmful UV rays. Features a "rainy day ducky" design and includes a carry/storage bag. 34"L x 30"W x 3"H. 1.64 lbs. Ages 9 to 24 months.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 199 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Thorough sun protection; folds up easily; the mesh area for toys is convenient. Cons: One customer complained of a leak around the hole where you inflate the float; One customer said her baby flipped over and was held under water because her legs were still in the hole. 5/26/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark by LITTLE TIKES INC.

This water table helps children develop "put and take" and early motor skills. They can: drop balls down spiral, watching them go round and round and down into the lazy river; turn the Ferris wheel to scoop up and drops off balls; fill the cup and pour into the funnel to power twin water wheels; and turn the spinner that powers the "lazy river."
— As of 05/24/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Assembly is somewhat difficult; one customer received a box with missing pieces, but the company replaced them when she called.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they "just sell Little Tikes" in the furniture/play house category. 5/24/2011 (Price: $39.99)

Slick Sand by DUNECRAFT INC.

Slick Sand will not get wet. Slick sand is saturated with silicon vapors. Silicon is a very slippery substance and these vapors reverse the way Slick Sand interacts with water. When kids pour water on it, the water will stay on top and flow, instead of wetting the sand and sinking down as happens with ordinary play sand. Paired with the fun experiments, the science behind Slick Sand is explained.  Kids will be introduced or further versed to terms and concepts like hydrophobe, hydrophile, conservation of mass, the biological composition of sand, and surface tension. Non-toxic. Slick Sand Includes: 1lb each of Red, Yellow, Blue, Green & Purple Slick Sand; Instructions and Information on Slick Sand. 5/11/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dirty Dishes by ALEX BRANDS

Kids can pretend to clean their dishes in the tub. When the dishes are dipped in the warm water, the "dirt" disappears. This 10 piece set includes a dish rack that can be suctioned to the wall and a sponge.
—Mike DiAndrea, owner of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that he sold five Dirty Dishes each month.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Hardware Toys. 4/29/2011 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rub a Dub Star Crayon by ALEX BRANDS

These chubby, star-shaped bathtub crayons are fun and easy for children to hold. The crayons come in six bright colors, and can be used to create bath time art on shower wall, tile surfaces, or on children.
—Annie Ricks, owner of My Imagination Station/ Head over Heels LLC in Hattiesburg, Miss. named Rub a Dub Star Crayon as a best-selling bath toy when surveyed by TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at My Imagination Station. 4/29/2011 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rub A Dub Hoops In The Tub by ALEX BRANDS

This set includes a basketball net and three squirting balls. A suction cup rim and mesh net allows the product to be mounted easily to a smooth surface for bath-time fun.
—Margy Peine, owner of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md. named Rub a Dub Shapes For The Tub as a best-seller in the bath category when surveyed by TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— In an April 2012 survey about bath toys, five out of 11 retailers named Alex as their best selling brand.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Tree House Toy Shop. 4/29/2011 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rub a Dub Shapes For The Tub - Abc & 123 by ALEX BRANDS

These soft foam shapes stick to the tub or ceramic tiles when wet. Includes two multicolored sets of alphabetical letter and the numbers 0-9. There are 62 pieces in all. Kids can learn that ABC's and 123's while playing in the bath.
—Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa. named Rub a Dub Shapes For The Tub as a best-seller in the bath category when surveyed by TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Growing Tree Toys. 4/29/2011 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pool Puzzles by FUNDEX GAMES

Putting Pool Puzzles together is simple- just pop the foam puzzle pieces out and assemble them by number. Once together, they become floating friends- a dolphin, turtle, or lobster. They can be taken apart and put together again every time a child plays in the pool. 4/15/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Don't Tip the Waiter Splash by FUNDEX GAMES

In Don't Tip the Waiter Splash, players take turns stacking cups on the three-dimensional floating waiter's tray. But they have to be careful, because too many cups will tip the waiter. If a player makes the waiter drop the cups into the water, they're out. The last player standing wins. This pool game is ideal for 1-4 players. 4/15/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Banzai Splash Blast Lagoon Pool by TOYQUEST

Scale the climbing wall and slide through the water-spraying arch into the connected splash pool. With the included continuous- airflow blower motor, the pool and slide inflate in two minutes. With a garden hose connected to the top of the slide, water will spray down so kids can slide into the pool. Heavy-duty Dura-Tech construction ensures lasting strength and durability. Includes 1 Inflatable Water Slide, 1 Blower Motor, 3 Blower Ground Stakes, 1 Water Spraying Hose Assembly, 6 Water Slide Ground Stakes + 1 Extra, 1 Carrying Bag, 1 Repair Kit (Glue for repair kit). Safety Warning - use with adult supervision. 4/13/2011 (Price: $329.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]