Best Bubble Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Have a crabby baby on your hands? We have a snappy solution. Just pour a few full caps of the bubble solution (it comes with a 4 oz. bottle) into the crab’s open claws (easy enough for an older toddler to do themselves—if you prepare it for them—but fun to show your baby, telling them you’re giving Mr. Crab some bubble power), press the ‘ON’ button and await the torrent of sparkling bubbles that follow.

Young babies will be completely satisfied just watching the charged-up crustacean shimmying across the floor, blowing bubbles, but older ones might be motivated to start their own chase, reaching out to touch the bubbles and giggling as soon as they hear (and feel) that delightful pop. It definitely works better on a smooth surface (read: without cracks that his claws can end up wedged in), like the driveway, patio or deck, but if you don’t mind cleaning up bubble drips, this dancing decapod can be a great indoor toy, as well. He might even inspire your own little pincer to start crawling…

Specs

• Bubbles included
• 3 AA batteries (not included)

Toddlers are no strangers to thrills and spills (in more ways than one), but that’s what makes this adorable CoComelon No Spill bubble maker so special. If your JJ-loving little one reaches out to touch the franchise’s iconic pink and green-striped fruit every time they hear the show’s introduction, then they’ll be ecstatic to have one of their very own. The whimsical watermelon plays “Wheels on the Bus” as bubbles float out of the hole in the top (a 4 oz. bottle of bubbles is included). And since it’s crafted with teeny hands in mind, the bubble maker is easy to hold and operate, making it a great toy for independent play (there’s nothing to do but watch the bubbles and listen to the catchy tune). Even if they tip it over or unintentionally start playing a round of “hot melon” with their friends, the no-spill design ensures there’s no leaks, spurts or sticky messes to be had. If you happen to be having a “ONE in a Melon” first birthday party for your summer babe, this is the perfect just-turned-toddler gift!

Specs

• Bubbles included
• Requires 3 AA batteries; not included

Do the words “dance mode” initiate Heeler-style pandemonium in your household (sprinkler dance moves, tail-shaking and lots of flossing)? Because this voice-activated bubble microphone might just be the thing that takes your Bingo and Bluey-obsessed babes to a whole new level of fandom. All your little pup needs to do is dip the bubble wand into the bubble solution and then start singing into the microphone. Their crooning sets off a cascade of bubbles and a corresponding light show—and within a few minutes, it feels like you’re at a concert hall in Brisbane, brimming with bubbles (in reality, your toddler is just belting it out in the backyard and the bubbles are flying).

Specs

• Bubbles included
• Requires 2 AA batteries; not included

For the toddler set, pretend play (imitating mom or dad or mimicking something they’ve seen in real-life with their own, miniature props) is huge. So, if you want to find a bubble toy that will truly blow their minds, look no further than this leaf blower bubble machine. The 14.5’’ gray, blue and green blower is easy to maneuver, which is clutch for the tiny humans handling it—and it’s easy to get going. Just pop in the included bottle of non-toxic bubbles on the bottom, add the batteries (which aren’t included, unfortunately), tell your leaf-tidying apprentices to press the trigger and then watch the air start swirling with bubbles. What’s more, the machine also makes true-to-the-real-thing mechanical sound effects that rev up the fun.

Specs

• Bubbles included
• Requires 3 AA batteries; not included

Or should we say who want to do the pushing themselves? In truth, blowing bubbles isn’t hard, it just takes some practice—you’ll want your little to get comfortable dipping a wand in bubbles, holding it at a safe distance and blowing gently to push out the bubbles. But if they’re not really into doing it themselves or don’t want to get messy (soapy, sticky bubbles can feel yucky, we get it), a bubble mower is a great option. With this one, you can help them pour the bubble solution—which is non-toxic and formulated without parabens and phthalates—into the front reservoir (another opportunity to foster speech and language, as you can say “go ahead, sweetie, fill it to that line right there”), turn it on and let ‘em go. The push-action mechanism makes it easy for walking toddlers to navigate the mower around the lawn, driveway or any hard surface, prompting all the bubble action. It lights up, makes vroom, vroom noises and, since it’s bright and neon, it’ll easily stand out—so when they want/need it you don’t have to tear your garage or shed apart.

Specs

• Bubbles included
• Requires 5 AA batteries; not included

For parents with toddlers who’d rather run after bubbles than blow them themselves, this bubble machine is right on point. With its continuous stream of bubbles, you can take charge of the filling and blowing while your pint-sized popper watches the iridescent orbs bursting from the green, orange and blue blaster and sets out to catch them. Not only does this Bubble Barrage encourage active play, coordination and motor skill development, with your little one running here and there to catch, poke, pop and clap the bubbles, it also promotes social interaction. You can give your bubble brigade some fun, easy cues before all chaos breaks loose (like “blow a kiss when you pop a bubble” or “tell me your favorite color as soon as you see the rainbow reflection in the bubble”). If your toddler just loves getting wild, then they’ll meet their match in this super cool bubble maker.

Specs

• Bubbles included
• Requires 3 AA batteries; not included

Liebenrood and Thiemann tell us that “anything that enhances a child’s sensory experience with play can be beneficial; the more senses that are involved, the more meaningful the experience is in building brain connections that will enhance a child’s learning experience.” If your toddler is vulnerable to sensory overload, though, you’ll just want to enliven the senses in a less triggering way. This thoughtfully crafted bundle is designed to provide a sensory experience that is gentle, soothing and won’t overwhelm them. The carefully selected scents, such as lavender or chamomile, have calming properties known to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. The bubbles themselves provide a tactile sensation that can be enjoyable and pacifying for children with sensory sensitivities. And, as a brand, Ever Eden prioritizes the use of safe, non-toxic ingredients, so you never have to worry about playtime.

Specs

• Trio of bubble bottles in Cool Peach, Fresh Pomelo and Melon Juice scents
• Star wands included in each bottle

Bath time included! We just had to close out our list with Munchkin’s Bubble Bestie, because it’s super cute, it checks the boxes for a best bath and bubble toy (with no batteries or any electronic parts) and it lets your toddler take the reins (or, well, easy-to-hold ring, I guess). It’s pretty simple to use, too. You just wet the blue cloth in the trunk, add tear-free soap or shampoo and then hand it over to your soaking sidekick to blow into and create a bubble train. You don’t have to worry that your little will inhale anything, either; the expertly engineered one-way mouthpiece prevents any inadvertent bubble or soap swallowing. Oh! And the screw-on elephant trunk is easy-on, easy-off, so you can clean it often with no hassle.