We also researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. To select the best bubble machines, we studied the design and features of more than 40 products on the market. Key Specs: Bubble Solution Included: Yes | Batteries Included: No (requires six AA batteries) | Recommended Age: 3+ | Material: Plastic Note that some parents and caregivers may find the bubble solution holder hard to clean because it's part of the dolphin's mouth (not a separate compartment).

Pour the included solution into the mouth of the dolphin, and the 10 wands will get to work blowing out bubbles in every direction. Simply turn it on and off via a single switch on the back. While the bubble machine, which weighs just under 2 pounds, doesn't come with a specific instruction manual, it's pretty intuitive to operate. We appreciate its stable base that helps prevent spills and the light at the top of the dolphin's head for nighttime bubble fun. This fun machine needs six AA batteries to work (not included), which provide enough power to last up to 30 minutes at a time. The Kidzlane Bubble Machine spits out 500 to 1,000 bubbles a minute, making it a great option for outdoor events like summer barbecues and birthday parties. From bubble guns to lawn mowers, our top picks fit a range of budgets for kids to pop, stomp on, blow, and more to their heart’s content. When reviewing products, we considered ease of use, safety, design, age recommendations, durability, ease of cleaning, and value. We studied the designs and features of more than 40 bubble machines on the market. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on healthy outdoor play and the benefits of playing with bubbles, like gross and fine motor skill development. A pediatric psychologist on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity around bubble safety, age recommendations, the benefits of playing with bubbles, and more. To find the best bubble machines, we spoke with Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA, therapist, parenting coach, and founder and CEO of Parenting Pathfinders, and with Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets, and More, about playtime safety and what to look for in a bubble machine. An important safety note: It’s best to play with a bubble machine on outdoor surfaces with good traction, such as grass, rather than concrete, due to the slippery bubble solution. They often require batteries or plug into an electrical outlet to help create some of the best summertime memories. Older kids are still into everything DIY, and the tiny-ficiation of everything into collectible mini forms continues unabated.Ī lot of the favorites have come out already, so if you're looking for a gift for kids, check out these new offerings.Bubble machines are a magical way to release built-up energy (and promote developmental skills) without the hard work of repeatedly blowing through a wand. Similarly, nostalgia is at an all-time high, so look for re-launches, re-vamps and new twists on toys from the past. 'Kidulting' is also huge and a lot of what will be on shelves this year are meant for parents and kids to enjoy together (or for parents to enjoy by themselves after the kids have gone to bed). What's big for this year? Similar to last year, there are educational toys and STEM sets that give kids hand-on experience with topics that fascinate kids, from astronomy to magic.

Super Mario Fliprus Snow Adventure Set, $52 at Amazon.

Our Top Picks for the Best New Toys of 2023: These are the toys our staff says are the best new toys of 2023. They get called into our Labs for testing with adults and kids - both of whom weigh in on the year-end Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards - the offerings have been impressive. It's a lucky time to be a kid: Just when we think the toys couldn't get any more sophisticated, innovative, imaginative and all-around fun, more and more gifts for kids come out that set the bar ever higher.ĬLICK TO SEE OUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE LIST FOR 2023Įvery year, experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute get a sneak at the slate of toys and games headed to shelves.

Elmo bubble machine