Honestly, I’m sick of seeing summer toy lists that cost more than my car insurance. These are the ones that work for me when I’m broke, tired, and parenting from a chair
Want more big-ticket fun? I’ve got a full list of higher-end summer gear on th...
Mess-free, magnetic-seal silicone water balloons.
Just dunk, snap shut, toss — and repeat. No tying, no waste, and reusable forever. A parenting mom-winner for summer chaos control.
Reusable Water Balloons
Mini sea creatures that spray water like champs.
Plug into any standard garden hose. Lightweight, durable, and just enough motion to distract them for 30 blissful minutes.
Toysmith Sprinkler Buddies
Budget-friendly snake sprinkler under $20.
Slides open, hooks to hose, wiggles water in every direction. Perfect for yards that need color and chaos.
Inflatable Sprinkler - Into the Wild
Squeeze, doodle, rinse—repeat.
Cheap sidewalk chalk that stays wet and bright longer than standard chalk. No sticks, no dust, just smooth squiggles.
DIY PUFFY SIDEWALK PAINT ❤️🧡💛💚💙 Squeeze to paint, goes on bright and ...
Handheld, battery-powered bubble dinosaur.
Blasts hundreds of bubbles in seconds. Great for chase games or backyard bubble storms. Lightweight and toddler-proof.
Dinosaur Bubble Gun Machine Toy for Kids
Pop-up tent + sand hack:
• Grab a folding Playhut-style tent (usually around $15–20).
• Fill with a 25 lb bag of clean play sand (~$5–$10 at big box stores).
• Instant shaded sandbox that’s easy to hose down or fold away. No permanent mess.
Build a Kids Sandbox for $20 (and in 15 Minutes!) - Stuff Parents Need
Turns purple, blends clear. Makes sunscreen fun instead of a fight.
Blue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Outdoor painting without the cleanup meltdown.
Outdoor Chalk
Lights up, tires them out. You win.
Hula Hoop Glow In The Dark!
Turn backyard boredom into galaxy time.
Constellation Projector
Educational. Weirdly fun. Maybe gross out your sibling
Carson BugView 5x Magnifier Quick-Release Tool
Make your own nighttime scavenger hunt or driveway dance party.
100 Ultra Bright Glow Sticks Bulk Party Pack
Cocomelon Indoor camping. Outdoor imagination. No setup stress.
Cocomelon 3 Piece Slumber Set UPF 30+
Set it up once, and they’ll do it again on their own.
Warrior Challenge Obstacle Course Stencil Set
Tires them out before bed. Less whining, more sleeping.
Led Light Up Flying Disc
The Quiet Part Out Loud: Mom Edition
A quote book for moms who’ve been through it—equal parts comfort, sass, and solidarity. Every line comes from real essays, posts, and lived experience. It’s not Pinterest-perfect motherhood. It’s the truth. And so...
The Quiet Part Out Loud: Mom Edition 75 brutally honest quotes for moms who’ve been through it.
