What are the best bath toys for kids? Bath toys are a shockingly important part to the bath time equations, but which toys are the most beloved? In this list, you’ll find 20+ bath time toys that have been expertly selected and carefully tested over a decade of play.
Do kids need bath toys?
Yes – and here’s why.
Bath toys aren’t just cute extras. They turn the tub into a place where kids want to stay long enough to actually get clean and help make it a better environment. When children have something to play with, bath time can go from a chore to a welcome place. In our house, I joke that bath time is when the kids “soak like dishes” – all the day’s dirt and sweat loosening while they’re busy playing.
The best part of bath toys? Great bath toys don’t have to cost much (or anything). Some of the most-loved options are things you already own like plastic cups, small bowls, and kitchen containers which can become instant water play tools.
We keep a special stash of bath-only toys, and it’s been such a hit that even my 12-year-old will still jump in for a soak just to play or carry these toys to the shower.
RELATED: Need more fun ways to make bath time a breeze? Check out this list of bath activities!
Bath time accessories to consider
But first: there are four “accessories” that have been game-changers for my kids’ bath time. These aren’t toys, but they’re essentials that help make bath time run more smoothly. There is no way I could write up a bath time post without mentioning them.
Toy Organizer
I tried every toy organizer in my quest to find something that: drained the water, didn’t fall of the wall, actually held a decent amount, and was well made. That’s what this organize is: well made, drains the water, holds the toys, has lasted years. This is the only organizer I recommend.
Color My Bath
Coloring the water at bath time is a game changer. I don’t do this every night but we do it when we need a pick me up. These tablets are made to be used in the bath tub.
Spout Cover
It’s adorable and functional. Is it 100% necessary? No. Does it feel that way after your child smacks their head into the spout? Yes.
Rinser
I was given this as a baby shower gift in 2013. Twelve years later, this is still the rinser we own. It’s never molded. Never broken. The kids use it for play. I use it to help with washing. It’s a simple gem.
A curated set of the best bath toys for kids
Bath time with kids can be a hit or miss. The same can be said of bath toys. Not all bath toys are created equal, which is why everything on my list is something my family has owned and loved.
I only recommend toys that I’ve personally tested with my own kids. Reviews and online images don’t tell the whole story. Using and testing the toys in our home gives me the confidence to suggest them without hesitation.
Why I Like to Gift Bath Toys
I love giving bath toys as holiday gifts. After a year of play, a few fresh toys can breathe new life into bath time and spark excitement again. It’s the same energy as opening a new book: a fresh start.
Also, they’re practical – something a family will actually use – but still feel fun and special. And best of all, bath toys don’t add clutter to the playroom or toy box.
Oh and on big days like holidays or birthdays, a new bath toy is an easy way to entice a kid into a mid-day calming bath to reset during high energy, high emotion times. It’s why a new bath toy, soap, or bath bomb is always in my kids’ stockings…
RELATED: Looking for more tried and true toy ideas? Check out my best toys for kids toy lists.
Best bath toys for kids revealed
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Pipe Toy
Cannot recommend this enough and the photo will never do it justice. This simple toy (the price is incredible) does not use batteries. Water added to the funnel flow through the pipes and valves change the pathway. The little shower part is my favorite.
Foam Letters
These letters are how my oldest learned his ABCs. I have no question about that. Playing with these in the bath helped him learn the ABCs in a fun and playful way that was low key and fun. “What’s this one?” “What does this one say?” And he picked it up.
Submarine
A total fan favorite that is perfect for the tub and perfect to give as a gift (the price is really fantastic). This is just such a solid little toy: 10/10.
Suction Toys
The most adorable bath monsters I’ve ever seen. I love them in the tub, but I’m also thinking of getting a set for road trips to use on car windows. They’re that good and that adorable.
No Holes Dinosaurs
Kids love “rubber duck” style toy in the bath, but the holes make them mold breading grounds. Try this “no holes” brand instead. There are (as the name suggests) no holes, just awesome dinosaurs wanting to have a fun bath.
Floating Food Bath Toy
I bought this toy just for fun, and oh my gosh, my three tweens got such a kick out of it that it completely revived bath time around here. If you have a child who loves pretend cooking, this floating soup set couldn’t be more perfect.
Stack and Pour Buckets
A bath toy staple: the stack and pour buckets. This is the version we have and love. Not only are they adorable (so cute to gift) but they’re fun for ages 1 – 10.
Boats
These little boats are adorable and have lasted years. They also connect into a boat “train.” Such a sweet little bath toy.
Vehicles
A fantastic bath toy, especially if you have a child who loves vehicles. Don’t worry, these don’t have holes. They’re the perfect size, the perfect price, and the perfect amount of fun for bath time. I genuinely wish I’d had these back when my son was little – he would’ve loved them.
Float and Play Bubbles
There just isn’t anything cuter on the bath market than these bubble balls – and kids love them. They’re one of those super sweet bath toys that everyone should have a set of (IMO) during the baby and toddler years.
Ferry Boat
The GOAT. What a good bath toy – I’m not overselling this. This is also what I often gift for a 2nd birthday: it’s fun out of the bath, in the bath, outside, or inside. It’s a winner.
Marine Animals
If you have an animal lover, this set (and the other animal options) are so great. No holes in these so they’re mold free and fantastic for imaginative bath play.
Shark Toy
This toy has always made my kids giggle and they find so many uses for it. The shark “eats” the fish. It also eats a lot of other toys in our tub and tiny toes (wink).
Fishing Game
Going to fish in the bath tub is kind of epic and this has been our favorite set. The cool part is this can work with other water-safe magnetic toys (like alphabet magnets) that you may have.
Water Wheel
This is supposed to be a sand and beach toy but ever since my son fell in love with it at a toy store in 2018, it’s been a bath toy here. And it’s still his favorite. Six years. That’s gotta be a record on bath toy longevity.
Pull and Go Submarine
If there was a Hall of Fame for bath time toys, I’m pretty sure this sweet little sub would be in it. Pull the string to make the propeller spin and the sub glide through the water. It’s a gem.
Spinning Waterfall
10/10 for babies and toddlers: this suction wheel is enchanting. Move it around the tub to where you need it and let kids explore cause and effect at an early age.
Water Squeeze Bulbs
I stumbled on these gems and was blown away. The way water squeezes out of these is unlike any other squeeze bulb I’ve ever used. These are a fabulous bath toy, a great gift, and as a bonus: dishwasher safe.
Octopus Ring Toss
An absolute bath time joy. The octopus floats and kids can toss rings onto the 8 tentacles. It’s such a good bath toy that we’ve owned for years.
Water Suction Cups
These are so cool, they stick really well, and the play is fantastic. Absolutely a winner for my kids – this is a no brainer for tub play.
Frequently Asked Questions
When they decide to. Please don’t arbitrarily decide that your child is “done” with bath toys. Observe the child. If are no longer playing with any bath toys ever and doing that on a consistent basis, then the bath toy phase might be done. I have an 8 and 10 year old. When they take baths, they still play with toys.
That’s going to be a subjective question that differs based on family, budget, and size of space. Number of kids also is a factor because more kids in the tub will naturally mean more toys are needed. I’d start with 3 options and grow a collection from there. Don’t overwhelm or go overboard. Start with a few toys and add on through the years.
YES! In fact, bath toys are my favorite gift for a first or second birthday. By the first birthday, kids are ready for a lot of the bath toys. By the second birthday, they’re ready for a refresh. It’s a great gift to give.
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