The Birthday Gift That Became a Summer Staple

Some birthday gifts are just a hit, but this one is a total splash. Okay, bad dad joke, but for real. For Allan’s birthday this year, he got a set of reusable water balloons, and we haven’t had a dry afternoon at the farm since.

They’re made of soft silicone, snap shut with magnets, and refill in seconds. No tiny balloon pieces littering the yard, no tying until your fingers cramp. Just pop them open, dunk them in water, and go. The kids (and, let’s be honest, the grown-ups too) have been racing around the yard all summer flinging these things at each other, giggling the whole time.

It’s one of those simple joys that makes summer feel like summer; bare feet on warm grass, water flying through the air, and squeals of laughter echoing across the farm.

They dry out overnight and go right back in the bucket for round two (or round ten). We’ve even brought them to the river and the trampoline. Best part? They’re colorful, mess-free, and reusable. We’re officially never going back to the disposable kind (especially since they’re so bad for the environment).

Let the backyard battles continue!