When invited to a pool party, it’s polite to bring a gift for the host. However, choosing an appropriate gift can be tricky when the main activity will take place around water. You want to bring something thoughtful, but that will also be practical for the setting. In this article, we’ll explore gift ideas for pool parties and how to choose the perfect present.
Page Contents
- 1 Consider the Host’s Needs
- 2 Pool Toys and Games
- 3 Towels
- 4 Pool Floats
- 5 Swim Accessories
- 6 Outdoor Games
- 7 Pool Safety Accessories
- 8 Drinks and Refreshments
- 9 Pool Float Decorations
- 10 Poolside Gear
- 11 Pool Party Favors
- 12 Choosing the Perfect Gift
- 13 Gift Ideas By Price
- 14 Presenting the Gift
- 15 Unique Gift Ideas
- 16 Shopping Tips
- 17 Conclusion
Consider the Host’s Needs
The first thing to think about is what the host would truly appreciate. If they just finished renovating their pool, then pool accessories or maintenance items would be useful. Or if they enjoy entertaining, consider supplies for outdoor cooking and serving. Specifically ask if there are any pizza ovens, grills, beverage dispensers, or other items on their wish list. Knowing the host’s interests and needs will ensure your gift hits the mark.
Pool Toys and Games
One popular gift idea for pool parties is fun accessories for the water. Think inflatable rafts, pool noodles, diving rings, and splash balls. Water guns can make for epic pool battles. And abide by any house rules, as some hosts may not allow balls or other toys that young kids could sink. If safety is a concern, stick to soft, foam-based toys without any sharp or rigid edges. Beyond inflatables, pool games like volleyball, cornhole, kan jam, and spikeball are great since they cater to all ages.
Top Pool Toy and Game Picks
- Inflatable unicorn raft
- Snorkel set
- Diving rings
- Beach ball
- Float with built-in cooler
- Water guns
- Skimmer scoop net
- Giant jenga
- Cornhole
- Kan jam
Towels
You can never have too many towels at a pool party. Consider giving a set of soft, absorbent beach or bath towels in a bright color or pattern. If you want to get personalized towels embroidered with the host’s name or pool initials, those also make great keepsake gifts. Or a towel warmer is luxurious for when they get out of the water. Opt for quick-drying sport and microfiber towels that won’t weigh them down while swimming.
Top Towel Picks
- Turkish beach towels
- Waffle weave pool towels
- Personalized towels
- Hooded towel robes
- Towel warmer
- Microfiber sport towels
Pool Floats
Fun pool floats are sure to be a hit at any pool party. Consider an oversized swan, unicorn, avocado, or pineapple for lounging in style. For photo ops, giant martini or margarita floats fit the pool party vibe. Or if relaxation is the goal, get a memory foam float with back support, headrests, and cupholders. Also think about floats built for two, family-sized options, and sturdy rafts that can hold coolers and snacks.
Top Pool Float Picks
- Giant swan
- Unicorn
- Avocado
- Pineapple
- Margarita
- Taco
- Pizza slice
- Two person lounger
- Cooler float
- Memory foam float
Swim Accessories
Consider fun swim accessories like goggles, caps, floats, kickboards, and pool noodles. Sturdy water shoes also protect feet from hot pavement. For music, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker can sync right up to a smartphone. And don’t forget sun protection like hats, rash guards, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Pick items with bright colors and patterns to complement their pool style.
Top Swim Accessory Picks
- Swim goggles
- Silicone swim caps
- Ear plugs
- Nose clips
- Kickboard
- Pool noodles
- Water shoes
- Bluetooth speaker
- Sun hats
- Rash guards
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Outdoor Games
Outdoor lawn games are great for when guests need a break from the water. Popular options include cornhole, spikeball, kan jam, ladder golf, washer toss, croquet, badminton, and more. Giant versions of Jenga, Connect Four, and chess/checkers are fun too. Consider games that are easy to set up and won’t take up too much space. Also check if any games would overlap with what the host already owns.
Top Outdoor Game Picks
- Cornhole set
- Spikeball
- Kan jam
- Ladder golf
- Washer toss
- Croquet set
- Badminton
- Giant Jenga
- Giant Connect Four
- Giant chess/checkers
Pool Safety Accessories
For safety-conscious hosts, pool safety devices are always appreciated. Consider giving first aid kits, flotation rings, pool alarms, locks, covers, or fences. These ensure protection for both kids and adults. Also provide sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and rash guards to prevent sunburns and skin damage. And give fun visors, caps, and ear bands to keep hair out of the way. Any supplies promoting pool safety make thoughtful gifts.
Top Pool Safety Picks
- First aid kit
- Flotation ring
- Pool alarm
- Locks and covers
- Sun hats
- Rash guards
- Sunscreen
- Swim caps
- Ear bands
- Swim visors
Drinks and Refreshments
Beverages are a pool party staple. Consider bringing drinks in fun, themed thermoses along with plastic cups. Or pack canned or bottled beverages in a cooler with ice. Alcoholic options like seltzer, canned cocktails, wine, and beer suit adult parties. And don’t forget non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, juices, lemonade, and water. You can also include drink mixes for homemade cocktails. Bring extras like citrus garnishes, cocktail umbrellas, straws, ice, and bottle openers.
Top Drink Picks
- Canned cocktails
- Wine
- Beer
- Hard seltzers
- Canned/bottled soda
- Fruit juices
- Lemonade
- Drink mixes
- Citrus garnishes
- Cocktail umbrellas
- Reusable straws
- Beer koozie
- Bottle opener
Pool Float Decorations
Decorate the pool with fun giant inflatables. Large floats make a big impact and liven up the scene for photos. Consider giant dice, numbers, letters, emojis, and decorative shapes. Or opt for themed decor like rainbows, unicorns, slices of pizza, fruit, and more. Just check the dimensions to ensure decorations will properly fit and inflate in the pool size. Anchor them in place so they remain displayed throughout the party.
Top Inflatable Decor Picks
- Giant dice
- Numbers and letters
- Emojis
- Shapes
- Rainbows
- Unicorns
- Pizza slices
- Fruit
- Flamingos
- Flowers
Poolside Gear
Consider pool gear to make lounging and playing comfortable. Sturdy, adjustable reclining chairs are great for proper back support. Side tables with built-in cupholders provide a convenient spot for drinks and snacks. For shade, portable cabanas, tents, and umbrellas keep guests cool. Waterproof Bluetooth speakers set the mood with music. And fun chore charts can assign duties like DJ, bartender, and snack monitor. Any items that offer a luxurious poolside experience make useful gifts.
Top Poolside Gear Picks
- Reclining pool chairs
- Side tables with cupholders
- Cabana tent
- Umbrellas
- Waterproof speakers
- Inflatable movie screen
- Chore charts
- Drink dispensers
- Snack bowls
- Floating drink caddies
Pool Party Favors
Fun pool party favors make great small gifts for guests to take home. Consider imprinted sunglasses, goggles, hats, visors, and beach towels for practical items. Or give novelty gifts like pool floats, inflatable drink holders, and waterproof speakers for non-stop summer fun. Other personalized favors like cozies, coasters, and sunscreen bottles leave guests with useful reminders of the bash. And edible treats like cookies, candy, and snack mixes satisfy sweet tooths.
Top Favor Picks
- Imprinted sunglasses
- Custom visors
- Personalized beach towels
- Inflatable pool floats
- Waterproof speakers
- Cozies
- Coasters
- Cookies
- Candy
- Snack mix
Choosing the Perfect Gift
When selecting a pool party gift, consider these tips:
- Think about the host’s needs and interests
- Focus on items used for pool activities
- Consider fun, decorative items to liven up the scene
- Make sure gifts are practical for a pool setting
- Include protective items that promote safety
- Bring enough for all guests to enjoy
- Add a personal touch with customized or monogrammed items
- Splurge on luxury items the hosts may not purchase for themselves
- Stick to a reasonable budget that works for you
- When in doubt, contribute to a group gift to gift a larger item
Gift Ideas By Price
Here are some gift ideas organized by price range:
| Under $25 | $25-$50 | Over $50 |
|---|---|---|
| Small inflatables | Monogrammed towels | Cornhole set |
| Waterproof speaker | Pool floats | Patio heater |
| Sunscreen | Giant inflatable decor | Floating cooler |
| Visors | Outdoor games | Canopy tent |
| Sunglasses | Swim goggles | Above-ground pool |
Presenting the Gift
When giving your pool party gift:
- Wrap gifts in waterproof bags or bright bags to fit the fun vibe
- Tie on ribbons, tassels, flowers, pom poms, etc for a pop of color
- Include a thoughtful card with a handwritten message
- Label who the gift is from on the wrapping paper or tag
- Hand deliver to the hosts when you arrive if possible
- For bulky items, arrange for delivery or include an IOU note
- For group gifts, have one person present while naming all contributors
- Take a photo of the unwrapped gift as a keepsake
- Share the hosts’ reaction to the gift with fellow contributors
Unique Gift Ideas
If you want to give a unique and memorable pool party gift, consider these imaginative ideas:
- Personalized pool sign with family name
- Inflatable drink holders
- Waterproof playing cards
- Pool party memory book
- Inflatable obstacle course
- Underwater tablet case
- Floating ping pong table
- Custom swimsuits
- Mermaid tail blankets
- Party cooler on wheels
Shopping Tips
Follow these tips for easy pool party gift shopping:
- Browse online for the best selection and prices
- Check big box stores for budget buys on summer items
- Visit party supply stores for themed decorations and favors
- Search Etsy for personalized and customized picks
- Scour thrift and dollar stores for bargains
- Shop early to allow time for monogramming and shipping
- Buy extra sunscreen, goggles, towels etc since all guests will need them
- Look for waterproof and chlorine-resistant to ensure items last
- Pick bright, fun colors and prints that pop poolside
Conclusion
From pool floats and games to personalized towels and safety devices, there are endless options for fun, practical pool party gifts. Focus on items the hosts will truly use and enjoy. Make sure anything brought into the water is soft, gentle, and lightweight. And don’t forget sun protection! With a thoughtful gift that shows you care, you’ll make a splash at any poolside bash.