Splash Party

Who needs a swimming pool when you've got this cake?

Cool guests down with these fruity chocolate banana treats.

Cheesy sandwiches become sea-breezy snacks and look especially cool served in individual buckets.

No plates required for this European-style, finger-food fish & chip fave.

Your guests have enjoyed all your great treats and décor, but what about the activities?

You've got the food, now it's all smooth sailing—especially if you try these tips on transforming your table into splashy spread.

No party is complete without a loot bag. Choose one big toy that will last rather than a bag filled with junk.

(Appropriate for: 2 and up. Get smart. No promises about a future valedictorian, but babes in toyland will love to play poolside with Smart Splash Shape Shell Turtles. These mold-resistant, water squeeze toys offer a shape-matching component, promising a dash of fun anywhere they can make a splash, in a baby pool or otherwise.  Mesh bag for storage included, too.) $26.99, available at toys.scholarschoice.ca

Appropriate for: 4 and up It's awkward fishing for compliments, but you likely won't need to when you wrap up one of these fishing rods. These all-in-one rod and reel sets come with a line and soft touch handle (2'6” long). A real working fishing rod for their first foray into fishing, the kit also includes a fish-shaped practice casting plug so kids can practice their technique (while supervised). This gift is a total catch! $15.99, available at www.cabelas.ca

Appropriate for: 6 and up The Speed Splash (say that five times fast) from Splash Bombs is essentially a hand-held zip line with a water bomb attached. Kids fill the ‘bomb' with water, then hold each end of the handles and try and zip the ball back and forth to one another, soaking their opponent in the process. The greater the speed, the deeper the soak. It's the bomb. $9.95, available at www.mastermindtoys.com

Appropriate for: 3 and up Develop their curiosity without the fear of condensation… and what it can do to floors or fabrics. These primary-coloured, plexiglass, water building blocks are made of hardwood and come in two shapes (four rectangle, four half-moons) per package. Perfect for stacking and of course, knocking down. A gift of these will seal in some water fun (whether they're playing indoors or out).  $32, available at www.cymaxstores.com

Appropriate for: 3 and up A little grass never hurt anyone. Except for backyard boredom, the Gowi Aqua Quak Squirting Lawn Mower won't actually cut anything, but that's good enough for us. The knob on the handle of the mower turns the Quak's eyes and directs a spray of water to unsuspecting objects (like siblings). Easy to fill with water and easy to push around, they'll have tons of fun with the grass and weeds… until it's time to come in for the inevitable munchies. $34.95, available at www.mastermindtoys.com