Pool Toys

Not everyone will be enjoying a White Christmas this year! For some, the holiday season means fun in the sun, whether it's because they live in a warmer climate or plan on spending the holidays in a tropical locale.

For those who have access to a swimming pool year-round or will be vacationing in a warm climate, pool toys are great gift ideas. In addition, pool toys aren't just limited to those who have pools in their yards. If your gym or rec center has a pool in it that you or your kids love to visit year-round, pool toys make great gifts. They're not just for kids either - rafts and other types of pool toys are fun for adults too.

The type of pool toys you select depends on the type of pool. If you have a large pool or an in-ground pool, boats, rafts, and pool balls are suitable types of toys. If you have a wading pool or special child's pool for younger children, then smaller toys or even bath toys are a good choice.

Recommendations
The following are some recommendations of pool toys we like the best, divided by large pool toys and toys for smaller pools and younger children:

• Dive Balls Water Toy by Wile Planet Toys ($6.95 for a set of 3 on amazon.com). These dive balls have colorful tails that are easy to see and grasp and are suitable for all skill levels. They're perfect for a variety of different games, such as relays, races, or catch, as well as for individual practice. These are best suited for strong swimmers in a deep pool over the age of 5.
• Giant Gator Ride On by Intex ($14.98 on amazon.com). This giant inflatable alligator raft is fun for all ages. Made of sturdy plastic, it has side handles and can comfortably hold several children. In addition to serving as a raft, it also doubles as a fun toy to wrestle in the water with.

• iPlay Baby Activity Pool Inflatable Pool w/Sunshade by International Playthings ($23.99 on amazon.com) This shallow inflatable pool is perfect for babies! It comes equipped with a sunshade shaped like a fish that doubles as a decorative piece as well as a useful tool in protecting baby from the sun. It comes with a variety of inflatable water toys to keep your baby busy!
  
• Rainbow Reef Fish by Swimways ($14.95 for a pack of six on amazon.com). These decorative fish are perfect for smaller pools as well as larger ones. These brightly colored tropical fish feature real-life swimming action. In addition, this can be a fun bathtub toy for kids. It is also educational, as children can see how propelling the fin causes the fish to move forward.
  
• UFO 45' Squirter Float by Swimline ($21.00 on amazon.com). This pool lounger comes with a mounted squirt gun, making it a fun choice for water wars if you have more than one. The Ray Gun has a constant water supply, so there's no need to refill it - just shoot! The float is fairly big, so it is better for adults or older children, as younger children won't be able to reach the gun or move much in the water.

Water toys are a great gift idea for those who have access to a pool. In addition to providing exercise and improving swimming skills, they're fun for everyone!