Buzz
1. A fun, light-up scooter that will grab attention, even as the sun sets. Your child will love racing around until dusk, and as the days shorten, they'll have mastered the art of showing off those glowing lights.
Pair it with this customizable dry-erase helmet because safety doesn’t have to be dull! For younger kids, consider a three-wheeled scooter for extra stability.
Promising review: "Got it for my 8-year-old granddaughter, and she loves it! It was a great buy and very affordable. She adores the colorful LED lights." —RDLC
Price: $49.99 (available in two colors)
2. An inflatable tent because sometimes, especially in the heat, they just want to stay indoors. This tent inflates with a regular box fan and creates an instant clubhouse with the added bonus of air circulation! It’s spacious enough for a little movie marathon or a private clubhouse gathering.
The box fan is sold separately, but it’s something that can be used year-round! While any box fan will do, here’s a great option!
Promising review: "My 5-year-old absolutely loves this tent! It’s super quick to set up and take down, plus it provides hours of entertainment! I bought a second one as a gift — we adore it!" —ABSmith
Price: $29.99
3. A ball pit that comes with balls because really, why don’t more of them do that? Ball pits are a fantastic gift for younger kids, offering sensory fun, color recognition, sorting games, math activities — you name it! They'll *have a blast* with this present. Plus, it easily folds down for storage.
Want to be crowned the ultimate gift-giver — even if you’re only imagining the glory? Add some extra balls to the mix and you’ll earn the title for sure.
Promising review: "Perfect for my 6-month-old granddaughter. She loved it, stayed entertained for hours, and I didn’t have to worry about chasing balls around the house." —Obaby
Price: $18.99
4. A Lego Speed Champions Lamborghini Countach Race Car Set that’s perfect for kids who love to build. It’s not just fun to assemble — it can be played with afterward, making it an ideal gift for any Lego enthusiast growing their collection.
Promising review: "I bought this for my best friend's son for his birthday — he LOVED it! He put it together and thinks it’s the coolest thing ever! It was the perfect level of difficulty for an 11-year-old!" —GirlMom09
Price: $19.99
5. A floating basketball game for the classic summer birthday go-to: pool party. This gift will have them jumping back in the pool to start a friendly game, because who doesn’t love a little competition with friends?
Promising review: "This is heavy-duty and holds up well to my teenagers!!! Such a great time!!!" —Heidi3439
Price: $24
6. A water slide wipeout that ends with water balloons for a major dose of summer fun. This slide is perfect for older kids and comes with the option to add water balloons at the finish line for an extra *bang* of excitement. Not only will it make a splash at the party, but they’ll get plenty of use out of it throughout the summer.
I remember the birthday I got my long-desired Crocodile Mile — such nostalgia — and the fact that I still want to take a slide today should tell you all you need to know: get them the water slide. Time for some epic summer birthday bragging rights.
Promising review: "The balloons are super easy to fill! My kids have a blast with this Slip 'N Slide, and it’s fun for hours. Very simple to use and an amazing price." —Mamaof2girl0616
Price: $21.99
7. A Play-Doh Kitchen Creations set that’s perfect for your little future Paul Hollywood or Prue Leith. This set lets them make colorful "cupcakes" and "cookies," and they might even start practicing that coveted handshake. It’s baking fun without the mess!
Promising review: "Wonderful product. I’m definitely buying it again!" —Kimberly
Price: $10.99
8. A super enjoyable — and highly rated — card game that the birthday kid and the whole family will love. The rules are simple — just slap matching cards — but the fun ramps up quickly, and they'll enjoy playing it both at home and with friends!
Price: $9.99
9. A fun activity climber and slide that’s ideal for a young child who is mastering how to climb, slide, and jump. They’ll enjoy the steering wheel and the variety of climbing features, making it a perfect outdoor activity for sunny days.
Promising review: "My son absolutely adores this set. I connected it with two other Simplay3 sets and he’s over the moon with it." —Shelby
Price: $159.99
10. A cuddly Bluey plush they’ll adore "for real life!" Who can resist the lovable Heeler family? The answer is no one! Bluey comes with nine fun phrases and the catchy theme song, making her the perfect adventure buddy. Parents will appreciate the off switch at bedtime.
If they’re a Bingo enthusiast — or you’d prefer to have both! — we’ve got you covered! A quick heads-up from reviewers: it arrives in "Try Me" mode with only a handful of phrases, so make sure to switch it to "On" for the complete experience.
Promising review: "My daughter is obsessed with this plush. She takes it everywhere. Even with the sound box inside, it’s still soft and squishy." —sjandrews1021
Price: $19.99
11. A bee-themed ride-on buggy that will have them *buzzing* with excitement all summer long. These ride-on vehicles are a blast for both indoors and outdoors. Perfect for helping them burn off some of that summer energy, all while looking cute — a total win-win.
Promising review: "We bought two because our eldest had one, and both of our daughters loved it so much that we had to grab a second. They ride them around the house every day, and now we’re getting one for our baby because he’s always trying to ride it, too." —Bekah
Price: $34.99
12. A shaded play set that they can use for pretend cooking, as a mud kitchen, or even a sensory station. This fantastic set includes a mini grill and sink, along with a spot for sand or water play! The canopy provides shade for sunny days (or rain play when it’s cooler), making it a great way to extend outdoor fun and ensure durability.
My mom — a super grandma and daily caregiver to my nieces — bought this set six years ago when my niece and nephew were little. It still gets a lot of use from all ages of grandkids and is the first thing my kids rush to when we visit. I appreciate toys that last for years, and this set has truly withstood both the weather and different developmental stages. A win-win in my eyes!
Promising review: "This is the best play set! I needed something big enough for my 7-year-old to play in, and this is just the right size. She can stand comfortably without hitting her head, and there’s plenty of space for her to move around. It’s sturdy and built to last." —RR11
Price: $203.99
13. A two-person sit-and-spin that can be hooked up to water for summer fun and brought indoors for winter play. Sit-and-spins are timeless toys my kids adore, and this one takes it to the next level by fitting two people. They’ll enjoy endless outdoor fun and can easily switch to indoor play when the weather cools down.
Promising review: "I bought this as a Christmas gift for my 2- and 4-year-old. I wanted something they could enjoy together, and this was a nostalgic throwback from my childhood! The added water feature is a great touch. You can use it with or without water, and they can play together or separately. So far, they’ve been loving it. It was easy to assemble, and the hose connection is a breeze." —Cordless Mixer
Price: $40.99
14. An all-in-one learning activity set that provides every fun educational task in one place! No need for separate easels, busy boards, or craft storage — this set combines everything! The kids will have a blast playing with magnets, the busy board, and chalk, and you might even find them teaching you a lesson of their own!
Promising review: "My daughter was thrilled to receive this for her birthday! I love that it’s something she can enjoy for years as she learns letters, numbers, time, and more. There’s an endless array of activities to keep her entertained! It was also easy to assemble, which is always a plus." —emgraf
Price: $79.99
15. A National Geographic light-up air rocket set that lets them launch rockets up to 100 feet high, using nothing but their feet. Equipped with the ability to launch two rockets simultaneously and featuring vibrant LED lights, this summer, the night sky won't just be lit by fireworks!
Promising review: "My nephew couldn't wait to get his hands on this. I promised him we'd bring it to the park once the weather warms up, but he wasn't having any of it! After hitting the ceiling a few times, he realized this is his new favorite toy." —Kevin
Price: $20.49
16. A Kinetic Sand construction set designed for young builders! They'll be thrilled by the working crane, wrecking ball, and digger, and when the fun is over, it’s easy to pack up and store away in the self-contained set.
Promising review: "Best toy ever! My 3-year-old can spend hours playing with it! I mean, four hours straight! He absolutely loves it! Even his older sister joins in for a little while. And I love how easy it is to clean up afterward!" —S
Price: $23.99
17. An ice cream play set because nothing beats a scoop of ice cream in the summer. They'll love using their creativity to craft scoops, serve sundaes, and who knows, maybe they'll even inspire the real thing while they're at it.
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by the magnet in the ice cream and scoops, making the play experience feel more realistic. My 3-year-old son absolutely adores it! He spends hours handing out the menu, taking orders, and learning about the various ice cream flavors and components." —Lovenatasia
Price: $32.99
18. A collection of magnetic tiles that are considered one of the best toys for children. They can create stunning structures, unique patterns, and even play outside on a magnetic garage door! These tiles are ideal for nearly any age group and make for a fantastic gift option.
Promising review: "The kids can't get enough of them!! They're so simple to use, and they provide hours of entertainment!" —AshleyM
Price: $25.99
19. An outdoor explorer set that will ignite their curiosity and turn the yard into their personal science laboratory. This set, including a magnifying glass, compass, and binoculars, is perfect for any budding adventurer this summer.
Promising review: "I bought this for my son's birthday, and he wears it on every outdoor adventure — whether hiking or fishing. He absolutely loves it, feels so special when he puts it on, and enjoys using the small tools that come with it. He really feels like a true explorer." —Amie Scheitel
Price: $39.99 (originally $44.99)
20. A set of throwable paintballs that launch like water balloons, explode like paintballs, and wash off without a trace. These will enhance summer fun with the perfect blend of mess and excitement. You can even grab different colors for team-based play.
Promising review: "These are so much fun! I was skeptical about whether they would truly wash out, so we wore old clothes when using them; to my surprise, they washed out completely! They do leave a stain if you spill the 'juice' from the bag on yourself, but it was totally gone after a shower and a good night's sleep!" —Kriggins
Price: $7.99 for a set of 40 (available in seven colors).
21. A massive 10-foot splash pad that promises endless summer enjoyment for kids of all ages! It's large enough to fit a crowd, making it perfect for inviting friends to cool down during the hot summer months, and it's easily stored when not in use.
Promising review: "Much better than I anticipated. It’s super easy to set up, and it keeps my kids entertained for hours." —CL
Price: $99.99
22. An exciting The Floor is Lava game that’s guaranteed to burn off some of those summer wiggles. This game is simple to follow and can be adjusted in difficulty depending on where the tiles are placed. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, it’s the ideal game for unpredictable weather days.
Promising review: "My kids loved playing The Floor is Lava with the couch cushions, but after repeatedly asking them to put the cushions back, we got this game. Now it entertains them while keeping the couch intact. Definitely worth the purchase!" —Squishygrapes
Price: $16.49
23. A ride-on recycling truck for any child who looks forward to trash day. With this truck, they can lift the garbage can, load the back, and honk at their fans. It’s a dream come true for little ones who love the action of recycling day!
Promising review: "I wasn’t sure if my son would enjoy this toy, but I was pleasantly surprised. He rides it right after breakfast and continues scooting around until nap time. He picks up anything he can find with the truck. The horn works, and the little garbage can on the side makes it so realistic. It has a storage compartment under the seat, and the back can be opened to empty the trash. The movable garbage can adds to the fun as he pretends to dump it. He has a blast with it!" —Redivine13
Price: $49.99
24. A classic basketball hoop designed for toddlers. This timeless toy will bring back fond memories and is perfect for little hands with its smaller ball. Even the least athletic children will have fun with it, burning off energy while learning coordination. It’s durable enough — and the soft ball gentle enough — to be played with both inside and outside the house!
Promising review: "In a house where everything becomes a basketball court, this toy is a must-have! My 4-year-old absolutely loves it." —Ly930
Price: $29.99
25. A glow-in-the-dark rock painting kit designed for the artistic kid. Just because school is out doesn’t mean the creativity has to stop. This kit lets kids leave their glowing creations all around to surprise others or brighten up the yard. It’s the perfect way to mix a little quiet crafting time with some outdoor fun when the temperature drops. Win-win for both inside and outside activities!
Promising review: "A hit with kids. The glow-in-the-dark rocks turn nighttime into a playful adventure. They’re exciting to hide and find in the dark and fun to paint too." —Trish
Price: $14.99
Take their summer experience from this:
From this:
The reviews in this post have been condensed for brevity and clarity.
