Slip n Slide (1)
We don't actually own one of these, it's on the list, but have used a friends one quite extensively and I would say it gets the approval of nearly every child. Especially when you have children of different ages and abilities as they can be as wild or not as they choose. The one we used came with blow up body boards which didn't seem to make too much difference to how far they slid but added some comfort for the bump off the slide. The sprayers along the side were really more of a trickle, although the kids soon realised if they stood on the end the pressure increased and they could change the height of the water, which is another game in itself. Some reviews have said the end of theirs punctured but I can't see this being a deal breaker as ours rarely made it to the end anyway. It is available here.
Foam water squirters (2)
You will not regret buying these. These have had so much use in our garden and they're especially great as such a large range of ages can use them. So many water pistols have difficult triggers or are complicated to fill up but these are so easy our daughter was using them at the age of two. We have gifted them to a lot of summer babies over the years. I generally buy a big pack and then just add a couple with a present as a little extra.
The ones we bought are now out of stock but these look similar and I have my eye on their miniature version now for trips away.
Gardening tools (3)
Kids love joining in with chores round the house when they're young so get them involved with their own set of tools. There are loads of options with varying patterns and colours but I would just make sure you get wooden and metal ones to avoid the disappointment of it breaking or them not being able to dig properly. These ones I think fit the bill.
I would also suggest a wooden and metal spade for the beach as we all know how long those plastic ones last.
Tool kit (4)
Along the same ilk as the gardening tools, at about 5 we got our kids a real tool kit. You'll have to judge which age would be best for your kids and probably won't be a gift for other peoples kids as every parent has their own opinion on when this is appropriate. However ours have always been pretty sensible and they're learning so many skills from having their own. Team it with some balsa wood (it's super soft) nails and screws and they are good to go. The one I purchased for mine is no longer available but I would say this would be better than most of the tools designed for children.
Hexbug zip flyer (5)
I love this company. We first discovered them after buying some nano bugs, which I think are just the best, so I searched to see what else they do and found this. Now I will say this is slightly complicated to put together, my son is pretty good with Lego and he lost interest in the making of this (he was about 6 at the time) but he is more than happy playing with the finished product. Let me tell you these fly high! We have lost a few over neighbours fences so unless you have a large garden it's probably best for big open spaces. But that is the major appeal of this for kids (and adults) they enjoy setting them off, seeing them disappear and then trying to catch/find them.
Hypr Rocket (6)
Putting this along side the hexbug as it's another flying toy. Simple set up, simple fun and easy to transport. It goes so unbelievably high and is easy for even small children to operate.
This particular one also has the added benefit that it has two height modes so one is more practical for in your back garden and one to really let loose at the park.
Bubble machine/gun (7)
Kids love bubbles. I have found options for a bubble machine, a bubble gun and to make extra large bubbles. The machine can work off the mains of battery.
(a) Machine
(b) Gun
(c) XL bubbles
Reusable water balloons (8)
I have always loved water balloons but always feel terrible seeing the plastic all over the garden and having to pick it all up. Now it's not a worry. Little magnets mean they can be refilled quickly and the soft silicone means no one gets hurt. Get some for the summer now here.
TP UFO Den & Climbing Frame/ TP Explorer (9)
We have the TP explorer and the kids play on it every day. The den part of this climbing frame included in both of these variations is what gets them coming back whatever the weather. Of course they climb too but they also take cover in it in the rain, have lunches in it and include it in all make believe games. The deluxe black edition and the UFO look amazing! Also who doesn't love a sleek looking kids toy in their garden, I would be so happy if more children's outdoor toys came in black. All options available here.
Gel Storm Gel Blaster (10)
One for the teenagers. Accurate and fun but packs a punch so will sting if it's a war. Which let's face it is part of the fun for older kids. Available here.
Archery Set (11)
Great set for kids with soft suction tip ends so no safety issues and means you can use them in even a small back garden but they still land and stay on the target. Get them here.
Mud Kitchen (12)
Kids will use these year round and for a long time. Check out my post here about what to make sure yours includes to keep them occupied as long as possible and get them learning valuable skills whilst playing.
This little one can be attached to the side of a play house or fence if space is limited.
Or this one is great.
My eight year old son still uses ours, albeit for potion making instead of mud pies, so if you're worried about spending out just think of all the years of use it will get.
Surfer Dude Toy (13)
This one I haven't got or haven't even seen in real life but I still want one so badly. The next time we're planning a trip to the beach or a holiday I will definitely be buying one. They look a lot of fun, the reviews are great and they won an outdoor toy of the year award so they must be good.
There's also a big selection of characters to choose from. The premise is they get chucked on the sea and the wave brings them back looking like they're surfing. Sounds simple but quite often the best kids toys are!
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