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1. A set of sandwich cutters and sealers for your crust-averse, Uncrustables-obsessed, and PB&J-loving little one. Not only are you getting one less argument about crust, but kids also love the different shapes and the novelty of using a pick over a fork. Don't be surprised if you enjoy a little dino-shaped watermelon while you're at it.
2. A super convenient, effort-saving fruit and vegetable cutter that helps minimize choking hazards. Unlike other brands that only cut grapes or tomatoes, this cutter can even tackle carrots, cucumbers, and Brussels sprouts! Now, you can quickly insert the fruit or vegetable and slice it into a safer size. This is especially helpful when you have a number of young kids or are prepping for a party or play date. One less thing to worry about!
3. A set of adorable monster-themed ice pop molds to keep the summer treats coming without shelling out a small fortune to the ice cream truck. Homemade ice pops are easy to make, delicious, and a great way to get a little extra fruit in.
4. A magnetic responsibility chart because summer is no time for your kids to go completely feral on you. You'll love it because it's customizable based on whatever your child is ready to start doing, from loading the dishwasher to simply saying "please" and "thank you." This chart can grow with your child and your family.
5. A *magic* detangling and conditioning spray that will save you from long, post-pool and -beach combing sessions and lots of crocodile tears — both yours and your child's. It works wonderfully on all types of hair, smells great, and keeps hair and curls frizz-free.
6. A seat-back organizer to help keep your car organized and kid-friendly whether you're on a road trip or just making your way through errands. It even includes a pouch to keep a tablet for those long car rides! Toys and snacks not rolling under the seat and into the abyss? Sign me up.
7. A pair of noise-canceling headphones that will help your overstimulated kid sit through fireworks shows all summer long. I have a sensory-sensitive kid, so we rarely leave home without a good-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones. However, if you live in a fireworks-all-year kind of neighborhood like I do, these things will come in handy for more than just the 4th of July.
8. A stroller fan for keeping everyone cool no matter how hot it gets.
9. A sit or stand stroller adapter because sometimes older kids need a little rest, too. Summer is a great time for walks to help break up the day, but the heat can sap anyone of energy. This stroller adapter is low-profile, can provide a sit or stand option, and allows a break while you're hoofing it home from the park.
10. An insulated backpack to help keep snacks fresh, sunscreen cool, and still hold what you need no matter what activity you find yourself doing.
11. A small beach towel that takes up hardly any space but allows you to stop and enjoy activities spur-of-the-moment. These towels fold up small enough to double as a backpack, meaning opportunities for fun won't also mean opportunities to take up too much trunk space.
12. A sunscreen applicator tool because this is a much more pleasant experience than your hands pulling every angle of their face in an effort to get full coverage while your kid is desperately trying to run away.
13. A splash pad that includes an interactive game for keeping the outdoor fun going no matter how hot it is. Kids can slip and slide through a game similar to Twister, and you can finally sit down for a hot second calling out "left foot pink" between sips of your bevy of choice.
14. A pair of swim goggles with a bungee closure to make them easy to adjust AND prevent dreaded hair breakage. These tighten quickly and easily and reduce split ends and tangles. It's about time some one made these.
15. A set of glittery, poo-shaped reusable water balloons for some much-needed potty humor–inspired giggles. They're so ridiculous they're fun, so don't be surprised if you grab a pile and start hurling, too. These balloons save all of the trouble of cleaning up water balloons and you'll have fewer tears from kids who got snapped by a popping balloon.
16. A saucer swing that comes with a frame for those of us who don't have a strong tree in the backyard but still need something to occupy our kids. This set solves the problem of finding something to swing on and has a weight limit of 440 pounds, meaning your kids — and you, if the fancy hits you — will get some major play out of it for a long time.
17. A doorway swing for kids because summer weather doesn't always mean outside play. Help them get their wiggles out no matter how humid, rainy, or hot it is outside.
18. A Montessori-inspired wooden play structure you can convert into whatever movement style your energetic kid needs at the moment. It converts into a climbing structure, a slide, a rocking arch, or a fun place to calm down for a bit. With a weight capacity of 220 pounds, this is a toy that will stay interesting and LAST.
19. A ball run that uses magnetic tiles to create exciting ball run mazes. It also can be combined with magnetic tiles you may already have to create even higher towers! The amount of attention my kids give to this toy is truly game-changing for my productivity. And when everything is chaotic and unstructured, an activity that can engage them for long stretches is KEY.
20. A creative, glow-in-the-dark fort-building kit so your kids can create all kinds of forts in different shapes while leaving your furniture and cushions alone. Keep them busy with a new design every day — from one room to a dome to cool crawlspaces. Just add a sheet for the ultimate fort — no matter what time of day!
21. And a large set of glow sticks for late nights running around or — my personal favorite — a glow stick bath. There is something eternally satisfying and fun with glow sticks, allowing your energy-filled kid with endless new ways to play no matter the light level.
22. A mini training course if you've got a budding American Ninja Warrior contestant. This is an excellent set that includes more than enough obstacles so that kids of all ages — adults, too! — can partake thanks to the adjustable difficulty levels. Now, if only you could find a warped wall and a buzzer.
23. A versatile and comforting sensory swing because it'll be the perfect spot for quiet reading, swinging, relaxing, or exploring. Sensory swings provide gentle pressure that can be seriously calming for kids of all ages. Plus it's easy enough to move that it can be used indoors or outdoors!
24. A three-pack of walkie-talkies that make any game soooo much cooler. Not only do walkie-talkies make games of team hide-and-seek that much more memorable, but these are also great for parents who might want to keep in touch with a kiddo on a bike ride around the neighborhood who doesn't have a phone.
25. An arts and crafts starter kit for any parent for whom craft is not a verb but who also needs some kid-directed activity time to catch their breath. Managing summer chaos means enough activities to get through the day and a little creativity is good for their brains — especially if they've been surviving on ice cream and screen time so far.
26. A bounce house and blower, aka the perfect all-season splurge. Bounce houses are second to none for getting kid energy out and the perfect excuse for you to sit down and watch the fun. Plus, they tend to get their money's worth since they can be pulled out for parties or used inside if you have a space large enough.
27. A bug bite suction tool that helps relieve the itch from bug bites. This tool is a quick, easy, and compact way to keep the itch from bug bites manageable or even remove them completely if used quickly.
28. A leak-resistant Bluey water bottle to maybe convince them not to let their insides shrivel into something resembling a raisin. Drink, child, DRINK.
29. A robot vacuum AND mop combo because you're going to lose the battle of wet footprints across your floors this summer 9 times out of 10, and you deserve a rest. Get rid of crumbs, sand, dirt, and footprints without lifting a finger, and put that energy into a little self-care.
30. And — speaking of self-care — a Ninja iced coffee maker for you that will keep you caffeinated and energetic no matter what time of day it is. Missing your stop at the coffee shop on your way back from school drop-off? No problem here.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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