In short: With an automatic bubble gun, you press once and the nozzle shoots out hundreds of bubbles per minute. The PLAYIO range features two designs: 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 are suitable from around 3 years of age. Below I explain what to look for when buying and how to get the most fun out of a toy like this.
How does an automatic bubble machine work?
The principle is simple. Inside sits a small motor with a fan, and in front of it spin rings dipped in the solution. You pull the trigger, the fan blows, and bubbles come 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 compared to the old jars with a wand. A three-year-old often can't control their breath yet, but with an automatic bubble blower 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 stock of charged rechargeables, because during intense play in the yard a set can run flat in a single afternoon.
Dinosaur or unicorn: which design for your child?
Both guns work identically; they differ in appearance and in which one will spark the little one's imagination more. The choice is purely aesthetic, so go with whatever your child likes to watch in cartoons.
The PLAYIO dinosaur bubble gun has a reptile's snout and ridged back, fitting perfectly into games of hunting for prehistoric creatures. The unicorn version is pastel, with a horn and mane, and is more often chosen by parents of girls, though that's no rule.
| Feature | PLAYIO Dinosaur | PLAYIO Unicorn |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 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 |
| Best for | dinosaur fans | unicorn and pastel fans |
If you're buying a gift and don't know the child's taste, the dinosaur is a little 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 next to nothing.
A tried-and-tested recipe is one part dish soap to six parts water. Add a spoonful of glycerine or sugar per glass, so the bubbles are thicker and don't burst as quickly in flight. Stir gently, without whipping up foam, and let it stand for around fifteen minutes.
Refilling the gun is dead easy. You unscrew or remove the reservoir, pour the 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 play, rinse the mechanism with clean water and wait until it dries. Dried-up solution can gum 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 on for hours instead of five minutes.
Catching bubbles against the clock. Set a timer for a minute, one child shoots, the other tries to catch as many as possible before they pop. It's great for getting older siblings involved, the ones who claim bubbles are for little kids.
A bubble obstacle course. Set up chairs and cones around 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.
Hunting for the biggest one. On a windy day, bubbles merge in flight. 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 RC car like the OFF ROAD BEAST with a smoke effect driving through a cloud of bubbles is a sight that children will want to repeat over and over.
What to look for when buying?
Not every automatic bubble blower is equally convenient. There are a few things worth checking before adding one to the basket.
| Element | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Weight of the gun | a little one holds it in one hand; too heavy and it tires them quickly |
| Reservoir size | a bigger reservoir = less frequent refilling |
| Output | how many bubbles per press; the more the bigger the effect |
| Sealing | a tight reservoir 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 from around 3 years; a younger child may not be able to hold the toy and could put the solution in their mouth.
One last tip. Buy spare batteries right away and prepare a larger jar of homemade solution. Nothing spoils an afternoon like an empty reservoir in the middle of the best game.
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 I use instead of ready-made bubble solution?
Water and dish soap in a six-to-one ratio is enough, with a touch of glycerine or sugar for longer-lasting bubbles.
Why isn't the gun making bubbles?
The most common reasons are too little solution in the reservoir, weak batteries, or a dried-up 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 one?
No, both have the same automatic mechanism and output. They differ only in appearance and design.
How many bubbles does an automatic bubble machine make?
Depending on the model and the solution, it can release from a few dozen to several hundred bubbles per minute with the trigger held down continuously.
