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6 Best Pool Party Party Favors Guests Will Actually Want
You probably do not realize how many pool party favors end up forgotten near the end of the afternoon.
If you want guests to actually use what you hand out, focus on simple, splash-friendly picks like tropical beach balls, washable tattoos, silly straws, photo props, and small plunge toys that pack flat and still feel fun.
The best options do more than sit in a favor pile, and a few details make all the difference.
| 12 Pack Tropical Beach Balls for Kids |  | Best for Playtime | Item Type: Beach balls | Theme: Tropical/Hawaiian | Quantity: 14-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Patelai Summer Temporary Tattoos for Beach Parties |  | Best for Kids | Item Type: Temporary tattoos | Theme: Tropical/Hawaiian | Quantity: 144 pieces | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| xo Fetti Summer Pool Party Temporary Tattoos |  | Best for Parties | Item Type: Temporary tattoos | Theme: Tropical/pool party | Quantity: 2 sheets | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Vinsot Beach Pool Party Eyeglasses Decor Props 32 Pack |  | Best Photo Prop | Item Type: Eyeglasses props | Theme: Hawaiian/tropical | Quantity: 32-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| YUJUN Colorful Starfish Diving Pool Toys (16 Pieces) |  | Best Pool Game | Item Type: Diving toys | Theme: Pool/beach | Quantity: 16 pieces | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 24 Beach Drinking Silly Straws with Cleaning Brushes |  | Best for Sipping | Item Type: Drinking straws | Theme: Beach-themed | Quantity: 24-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
12 Pack Tropical Beach Balls for Kids
When packing for a kids’ pool party, these tropical beach balls help keep playtime lively and easy. You get a 14 pack of sturdy PVC balls that can handle kicking, bouncing, passing, and tossing without trouble. Each one measures 12 inches before inflation and about 8 inches when filled, and the secure valve helps them hold air for days. Their soft surface stays gentle on kids, furniture, and yard space. You can use them for pool games, beach fun, Hawaiian themed decor, favors, or math activities. If one leaks, the seller will try to help.
- Item Type:Beach balls
- Theme:Tropical/Hawaiian
- Quantity:14-pack
- Reusable:Yes
- Material:PVC
- Intended Use:Party play
- Additional Feature:8-inch inflated size
- Additional Feature:Secure leakproof valve
- Additional Feature:Soft impact surface
Patelai Summer Temporary Tattoos for Beach Parties
Patelai Summer Temporary Tattoos are a fun choice if you want easy beach party favors that kids will love. You get 144 tattoos in nine tropical styles, including surfboards, suns, beach balls, flip flops, islands, pineapples, crabs, and coconuts. Each one measures about 2 x 2 inches, so they stand out nicely on arms, wrists, ankles, faces, and more. You can apply them in seconds with water, and they usually last 2 to 4 days. They are non-toxic, waterproof, fade-resistant, and easy to remove, which makes them great for beach trips, pool parties, Hawaiian luaus, and photo ready fun with friends and family.
- Item Type:Temporary tattoos
- Theme:Tropical/Hawaiian
- Quantity:144 pieces
- Reusable:No
- Material:Water transfer paper/PET
- Intended Use:Body decoration
- Additional Feature:9 tattoo styles
- Additional Feature:2–4 day wear
- Additional Feature:Easy water transfer
xo Fetti Summer Pool Party Temporary Tattoos
xo, Fetti Summer Pool Party Temporary Tattoos fit right into parties for kids who love tropical fun. You get 62 styles across two sheets, each measuring 8.25 x 6 inches, with 44 unique hand-drawn designs in the mix. Suns, flamingos, coconuts, sunglasses, and other summer icons bring a playful beach vibe, and foil accents add extra shine. They’re waterproof, durable, and skin-safe, so kids can wear them through pool time and games. Just choose a design, place it face-down on clean, dry skin, press with a damp paper towel, and peel away the backing.
- Item Type:Temporary tattoos
- Theme:Tropical/pool party
- Quantity:2 sheets
- Reusable:No
- Material:Skin-safe tattoo paper
- Intended Use:Party favors
- Additional Feature:Foil accent designs
- Additional Feature:Hand-drawn artwork
- Additional Feature:Back-printed instructions
Vinsot Beach Pool Party Eyeglasses Decor Props 32 Pack
Vinsot’s 32 pack eyeglasses props instantly turn your pool party into a photo ready tropical scene. You get 16 tropical styles with pineapples, flamingos, parrots, tiki masks, coconuts, and hibiscus prints, so everyone can grab a fun look. The thick cardstock feels sturdy, resists bending, and the double sided printing keeps the colors bold. Since they are ready to wear, you will not waste time assembling them. You can even write names or messages on the temples. Use them for luau nights, birthdays, weddings, or booth photos, and enjoy comfortable, secure wear all day.
- Item Type:Eyeglasses props
- Theme:Hawaiian/tropical
- Quantity:32-pack
- Reusable:Yes
- Material:Cardstock
- Intended Use:Photo props
- Additional Feature:Double-sided printing
- Additional Feature:Writable temples
- Additional Feature:No assembly required
YUJUN Colorful Starfish Diving Pool Toys (16 Pieces)
YUJUN’s colorful starfish make pool games more fun for kids who love to dive and search. You get 16 rubber toys total, 8 large starfish and 8 small ones, so you can mix up every game. The larger pieces measure 10.5 cm, while the smaller ones measure 5.3 cm, and both sink well for easy retrieval. They are non-toxic, fade-resistant, and durable enough for repeated use. You can toss them into pool parties, beach events, birthday favors, or pirate themed games. They also work for underwater exploration, fish tanks, and diving school practice.
- Item Type:Diving toys
- Theme:Pool/beach
- Quantity:16 pieces
- Reusable:Yes
- Material:Rubber
- Intended Use:Pool games
- Additional Feature:Two starfish sizes
- Additional Feature:Sinks to bottom
- Additional Feature:Search-and-find gameplay
24 Beach Drinking Silly Straws with Cleaning Brushes
These beach themed silly straws make sipping fun for kids’ parties and poolside celebrations. You get 24 curly straws in 8 colorful beach designs, with 3 of each style, so everyone can pick a favorite. Each reusable, food grade plastic straw bends easily and measures about 10.23 inches long. The slideable decorations do not need glue or tools, and you can use them with milkshakes, smoothies, or soft drinks. Two flexible cleaning brushes help you wash the inside thoroughly. After cleaning, dry them well and reuse them for your next beach themed gift bag or party favor.
- Item Type:Drinking straws
- Theme:Beach-themed
- Quantity:24-pack
- Reusable:Yes
- Material:Food-grade plastic
- Intended Use:Drinkware accessory
- Additional Feature:Includes two brushes
- Additional Feature:Adjustable decorative slides
- Additional Feature:Works with hot drinks
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pool Party Party Favors
When choosing pool party favors, make sure they fit your guests’ ages and match your party theme. You should also look for safe materials, sturdy construction, and items that are easy to clean up after the fun ends.
Age-Appropriate Fun
Choosing pool party favors works best when you match the item to each child’s age and abilities. For toddlers, pick soft, oversized favors that reduce choking risk and are easy to grip. Check labels for non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free materials, especially for kids under 6. Younger children also benefit from durable, washable options such as rubber or soft plastic. School-age kids can enjoy smaller toys, simple puzzles, and activity favors they can follow on their own. Ages 4 to 10 usually love active play items such as water toys or diving games. Older kids and teens often prefer creative or shareable favors, such as stickers, wearables, or DIY kits. If your group includes mixed ages, add a few snack or coupon options so everyone gets something safe and useful.
Theme Matching
Theme harmony makes pool party favors feel intentional rather than random. Pick items that echo your pool party’s visual motif, whether that’s tropical florals, nautical stripes, or a Hawaiian luau vibe. When your favors match the invitations and decor, the whole event feels polished. Consider scale too. Use waterproof or floatable favors for poolside fun, and choose lightweight paper or cardstock props for dry seating areas. You will also want imagery that fits your guests, from cartoon sea creatures for kids to refined tropical prints for adults. Packaging matters, so coordinate gift bags, shells, or themed boxes with your color palette. To keep everything cohesive, choose favors that double as game pieces, photo props, or take-home mementos. That way, your theme stays consistent throughout.
Safety And Materials
Safety should guide your choices just as much as style when you choose pool party favors. Look for non-toxic materials such as food-grade plastics, medical-grade PVC, and skin-safe inks or adhesives, along with clear safety certifications whenever possible. If children will attend, check choking-hazard guidance and avoid tiny parts for children under 3; age labels should be easy to see. Choose soft, rounded, lightweight items instead of rigid pieces with sharp edges so play is safer. For tattoos or face paints, select waterproof, hypoallergenic formulas, test them first if possible, and follow the stated wear time. When buying inflatables or drinkware, look for secure closures and easy-to-clean designs that help you keep everything sanitary and reduce leaks during the party.
Durable Construction
Durable pool party favors should hold up to splashing, tossing, and repeated handling without cracking or fading. You will want thick PVC, rubber, or reinforced cardstock because these materials resist tearing and deformation during outdoor play. Check for secure seams, reinforced valves, and double sided printing so air, moisture, and color stay intact longer. A soft or rounded finish helps you avoid sharp edges while still giving each favor enough strength to survive drops, kicks, and rough handling. Make sure any beads, charms, or other details are molded on firmly, not loosely glued, so they will not detach. Reusable favors that claim waterproof, fade resistant, or multi day air retention performance usually deliver better value and stay looking good through sun, water, and chlorine.
Easy Cleanup
When cleanup matters, choose pool party favors that are easy to wipe down and easy to collect, so you spend less time handling mess after the fun ends. You can make life easier by choosing favors made from washable, non-porous materials like plastic, coated cardstock, or rubber, since spills and sunscreen wipe off without staining. Choose reusable or sturdy items because they leave fewer pieces behind and reduce sorting later. Also avoid tiny parts and excess packaging, which can scatter quickly and create extra work, and may clog pool filters or drains. Set out clearly labeled disposal and recycling bins near activity areas. Guests will know exactly where to put what, helping you keep the space tidy sooner.
Portable Size
Once cleanup is under control, focus on pool party favors that are easy for guests to carry home. You will do best with small, lightweight picks that slip into pockets or party bags without a hassle. Aim for items under 6 to 8 inches and just a few ounces so nobody feels bogged down. Collapsible or deflatable favors work especially well because they shrink to a tiny size for transport and storage. Flat choices like stickers, temporary tattoos, straws, or cardstock props stack neatly and will not add bulk. Compact packaging also helps, and multi-packs with each piece no bigger than a standard envelope keep your favor table organized. If your pool deck stays damp, choose water-resistant items that dry fast and still stay manageable when wet.
Reusable Value
Reusable value matters because the best pool party favors keep earning their spot long after the water dries. Choose durable materials like PVC, thick cardstock, rubber, or food-grade plastics so each item can handle repeated use and storage. Look for favors that serve more than one purpose, such as toys that work as decor, reusable straws, or wearable props, because usefulness makes people keep them. Pick washable or waterproof pieces, and include cleaning brushes when needed, so maintenance stays simple. Compact, stackable, or flat pack designs also store well without getting bent or cracked. Finally, make sure the favors meet safety standards with non-toxic, fade-resistant, sturdy materials. When you focus on reuse, you give guests something practical, lasting, and worth taking home.
Party Photo Appeal
For pool party favors that look great in photos, choose bold, high contrast colors and large, recognizable shapes so they stand out in close ups and group shots. Aim for props about 4 to 6 inches in size, since they read clearly from 3 to 10 feet away without hiding faces. Add at least one reflective piece, such as foil accents or a glossy finish, to catch sunlight and flash for extra sparkle. Pick wearable or handheld items like sunglasses, signs, masks, or leis so guests can pose easily and create fun silhouettes. Keep them lightweight so they stay comfortable all day. Mix 2 to 3 themed pieces with 1 to 2 plain color options per guest to suit different outfits, skin tones, and photo layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Favors Should I Buy for Each Guest?
You should buy one favor per guest, plus a few extras for surprises, breakage, or last-minute arrivals. If you are giving multiple items per person, plan one set for each invited guest.
Are These Favors Safe for Younger Children?
Check each favor’s age label, because some are not safe for younger children. Avoid small parts, sharp edges, and choking hazards. Choose only non-toxic, water-safe items that are appropriate for their ages.
Can the Favors Be Reused After the Party?
Yes, you can reuse many favors after the party. You can keep them going like a bright beach ball, especially if they are sturdy toys, cups, or towels. Check that they are clean first, and they can be used again.
What’s the Best Way to Package Pool Party Favors?
You’ll want to package favors in clear, water-resistant bags or small buckets, then tie them with bright ribbon and a tag. This keeps everything neat, easy to carry, and pool-ready for guests.
How Far in Advance Should I Order Party Favors?
You should order party favors 2 to 4 weeks ahead. About 30% of last minute orders face delays. That gives you time to compare options, customize details, and fix shipping issues without stress.
