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Every parent knows that while sand play might be messy, it's a fun and easy activity that keeps kids entertained for hours.
While a simple bucket and spade set could be all you need for the kids to create that perfect sandcastle, there are so many types of beach toy that encourage creative thinking, pretend play skills and sensory development. Whether you're heading off to the seaside or simply looking for some sandpit toys the kids will love, we've searched far and wide to find the best options for you.
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Kidadl's Top Pick
1. B. Summer Beach Bag
It's got buckets. It's got spades. It's got sand moulds. Including a water play jug, a rake, sand filter, spinning wheel and sand dump truck too, the B. Summer Beach Bag really does have it all. Plus, it's all ready to go in a handy wipe-clean plastic beach bag. If you're looking for something to grab and go on your way to the beach, this option is for you. The set includes 11 beach toys that encourage imaginative play, at a reasonable price.
Main Features
- Price: £16.99
- Ages: 18 months+
- Contains a bucket, shovel, rake, mini sand truck, water jug, four sand moulds, sand filter and pinwheel
- Colourful, durable and easy to clean
- Large carry bag for easy transportation
2. BIOPlastic Bucket Set
To get kids playing with eco-friendly options from the start, the BIOplastic Bucket Set is a great transition into the world of sustainable toys. Made entirely from sugarcane, this simple beach toy set includes a bucket, rake, shovel and watering can. For a durable and plastic-free toy set that doesn't compromise on sandcastle-building abilities, the BIOplastic collection is a great option. The natural colours also mean your child won't get their toys lost among all the others at the beach.
Main Features
- Price: £12.99
- Ages: 2+
- Made from sustainable materials
- 100% recyclable
- Dishwasher safe
3. Green Toys Dump Truck
This chunky and colourful truck is made from recycled plastic milk jugs, making it one of the best beach toys for environmentally conscious families. Unlike some other sand toys for kids, the tipping function of the dumper truck really works, so kids can have hours of fun playing with this nifty toy in the sandpit or at the beach.
Main Features
- Price: £24.35
- Ages: 1+
- Working tipping function
- Chunky design makes it easy for kids to handle
- BPA, lead, and phthalate free
- Dishwasher safe
Best For Pretend Play
4. Melissa & Doug Sand Cupcake Set
If your child loves to pretend play, this fun and imaginative 'baking' set comes with everything they'll need to make their very own sand cupcakes. A brilliant gift option, the set includes a four-cup baking tray, four cupcake moulds, a hinged cake mould and a decoration pen. This creative set is a great way to take pretend play to another level and will make every beach day one to remember.
Main Features
- Price: £10.99
- Ages: 3+
- Colourful design to allow for colour matching activities
- Unique hinged cupcake mould that allows kids to 'serve' their sand cupcakes
- Carry bag included
5. Simba Ice Cream Beach Set
For kids who love their ice cream, this fun and simple set allows the whole family to engage in some pretend play. One of our favourite budget beach toys, these simple durable cones will help kids with imaginative play, and the easy-to-use scoop means they are able to create a proper 'ice cream' every time.
Main Features
- Price: £3.99
- Ages: 3+
- Range of colours
- Slightly larger than a real ice cream cone, so easy for kids to use
- Easy to clean
6. CAT Construction Fleet Wheel Loader Sand Toy Set
If you're looking for the real deal when it comes to construction play, this wheel loader set is the perfect option. One of our best beach or sandpit toys for pretend play, kids will get the full building experience with this set. Complete with a hard hat, rake, shovel, and of course, a loader truck, this set allows kids to fully absorb themselves in their play.
Main Features
- Price: £15
- Ages: 2+
- Comes with a matching construction hard hat
- Easy to wipe clean
Best For Families On A Budget
7. Smyths Toys Bucket Set Assortment
When it comes to the best beach toys for kids, you simply cannot go wrong with a bucket and spade. This set also includes a rake and a sand mould to boot, so there will be no shortage of fun to be had on your day at the beach or sandpit. Sturdy and colourful, this set is made to last and is great value for money.
Main Features
- Price: £3.99
- Ages: 2+
- Different colour options
- Sturdy and hardwearing
- Easy to clean
8. Scrunch Bucket
Packing for your journey to and from the beach can be a challenge; with all the towels, suncream, wet clothes and blankets to think about, it can be hard to even consider how you're going to pack the beach toys. This is where Scrunch comes in. The Scrunch bucket is made from non-toxic silicone and can be easily folded or rolled up when not in use. Still perfectly functional as a bucket when in use, kids can make sandcastles, collect water and play to their heart's content. Scrunch also make spades and frisbees, so all the toys you need can be folded down and stashed away with ease, without losing their shape.
Main Features
- Price: £7.99
- Ages: 1+
- Available in a variety of colours
- Made from food-grade, non-toxic silicone
- Reusable and durable
- Easy to clean
9. Quut Ballo Beach Bucket
This is a beach bucket like no other! The 'smart' design of this unusual spherical bucket means it can be filled with water or sand, and pulled along with minimal spillage. Designed by Belgian company Quut, this bucket is made ergonomically, so it is easy for little hands to grab. Plus, not only is the Ballo bucket recyclable, but it is also free from BPA, latex and phthalates.
Main Features
- Price: £16.99
- Ages: 3+
- Available in a variety of colours
- Ergonomic, non-spill design
- Recyclable
10. Chad Valley Sand And Water Table
If you're looking to have all the fun of the beach in the comfort of your own home, a sand table can be a great investment. The Chad Valley Sand Table has two trays that can be filled with either sand or water, depending on weather and preference. Great for hot summer days and sensory activities, this set includes a selection of extra toys so kids can get involved with some fun messy play. Plus, there is a drain plug to easily empty the table once playtime is over.
Main Features
- Price: £25
- Ages: 2+
- Includes two boats, scoop, rake, and two sand moulds
- Easy assembly
- For water or sand use
- Removable lid
- Drain plug included preventing leaks
- 7.6 litres capacity on each side
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for best sand toys then why not take a look at some brilliant beach shoes, or for something different take a look at messy mud kitchens.
Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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