In short: You press an automatic bubble gun once and the nozzle shoots out up to several hundred bubbles per minute. In the PLAYIO range you'll find two themes: bubble guns for kids in a dinosaur and a unicorn version. To play, you need batteries and bubble solution, which you can easily make yourself from water and dish soap. They work best outdoors, in a light breeze, and from around 3 years of age. Below I'll explain what to look for when buying and how to get the most fun out of this toy.
How does an automatic bubble blower work?
The principle is simple. Inside sits a small motor with a fan, and in front of it rings dipped in the solution rotate. You pull the trigger, the fan blows, and bubbles fly out in a stream. The child doesn't have to blow, doesn't have to aim, they just hold it and pull the trigger.
That's a big difference from the old jars with a wand. A three-year-old often can't yet control their breathing, while with an automatic gun the effect is instant. The PLAYIO Dinosaur model releases bubbles in multiple sequences, so the air around the child literally fills up with them.
Power usually comes from AA batteries. It's worth keeping a supply of charged rechargeable batteries, because during intense play in the garden a set can run flat in a single afternoon.
Dinosaur or unicorn: which theme for your child?
Both bubble guns work identically; they differ in looks and in what will fire up a little one's imagination more. The choice is purely aesthetic, so feel free to go with whatever your child likes watching in cartoons.
The PLAYIO dinosaur bubble gun has a reptile's snout and ridged back, fitting perfectly into prehistoric hunter games. The unicorn version is pastel, with a horn and mane, and is more often chosen by parents of girls, though that's by no means a rule.
| Feature | PLAYIO Dinosaur | PLAYIO Unicorn |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | reptile, darker colours | pastel, horn and mane |
| Mechanism | automatic, stream of bubbles | automatic, stream of bubbles |
| Power | AA batteries | AA batteries |
| Age | from approx. 3 years | from approx. 3 years |
| For whom | dinosaur fans | unicorn and pastel fans |
If you're buying a gift and don't know the child's taste, the dinosaur is a bit more universal. But if you know there's a unicorn poster hanging in their room, the decision makes itself.
Bubble solution: how to prepare and refill it?
You don't have to buy ready-made solution every time. A homemade mix works just as well and costs pennies.
A tried-and-tested recipe is one part dish soap to six parts water. Add a spoonful of glycerine or sugar per glass, which makes the bubbles thicker so they don't burst in mid-air as quickly. Stir gently, without whipping up foam, and let it sit for fifteen minutes or so.
Refilling the gun is dead easy. You unscrew or remove the tank, pour in solution up to the marked level, and close it. Don't overfill, because the excess will start dripping and turn into a soapy puddle under your feet.
One practical note. After playing, rinse the mechanism with clean water and wait until it dries. Dried-on solution can clog up the rings, and then bubbles stop forming.
Ideas for playing with soap bubbles in the garden
The gun itself is just the beginning. With a few ideas, playing with soap bubbles stretches out for hours instead of five minutes.
Catching bubbles against the clock. Set a stopwatch for a minute, one child shoots, the other tries to catch as many as possible before they pop. It's a great way to get older siblings involved, the ones who claim bubbles are just for little kids.
A bubble obstacle course. Set out chairs and cones in the garden, and the child has to run the slalom while shooting bubbles the whole time. As a bonus, they burn off some energy before dinner.
The hunt for the biggest one. On a windy day, bubbles merge in mid-air. The kids race to find the biggest one and chase it across the lawn.
If you happen to have other toys too, combine the games. An OFF ROAD BEAST RC car with a smoke effect driving through a cloud of bubbles is a sight kids will repeat over and over.
What to look out for when buying?
Not every automatic bubble blower is equally convenient. There are a few things worth checking before dropping one in your basket.
| Element | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Weight of the gun | a little one holds it in one hand, too heavy tires them quickly |
| Tank size | a bigger tank = less frequent refilling |
| Output | how many bubbles per press, the more the bigger the effect |
| Sealing | a sealed tank doesn't drip on hands and clothes |
| Type of power | AA batteries are the easiest to replace |
Also pay attention to the age on the packaging. PLAYIO models are intended for ages around 3 and up; a younger child might not be able to hold the toy and could put the solution in their mouth.
One final tip. Buy spare batteries right away and prepare a larger jar of homemade solution. Nothing ruins an afternoon like an empty tank in the middle of the best fun.
FAQ
From what age is a bubble gun safe?
The PLAYIO models, dinosaur and unicorn, are intended for children from around 3 years. Younger toddlers should only play under a parent's supervision.
What can replace ready-made bubble solution?
Just water and dish soap in a six-to-one ratio, with a little glycerine or sugar added for longer-lasting bubbles.
Why isn't the gun making bubbles?
The most common reasons are too little solution in the tank, weak batteries, or a dried-out mechanism. Rinse the rings with water and replace the batteries.
Can you play with bubbles indoors?
You can, but the solution leaves slippery patches on the floor. It's better to play outdoors or in the bathroom, where it's easy to clean up.
Does the dinosaur bubble gun work differently from the unicorn?
No, both have the same automatic mechanism and output. They differ only in appearance and theme.
How many bubbles does an automatic blower make?
Depending on the model and solution, it can release anywhere from several dozen to several hundred bubbles per minute with the trigger held down continuously.
