The Seaside Sidekicks sand and water set is deceptively simple — and earned its spot in the pool bag

The Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand and Water Play Set is deceptively simple — a few molds, a sieve, a little water wheel — but it kept my kid occupied longer than any of the elaborate pool toys we brought. There’s something about combining sand and water that unlocks a different level of concentration in young kids, and this set gives them just enough structure without over-prescribing what to do. The pieces are chunky enough not to get lost (easily) and durable enough to survive being thrown in and out of a pool bag all summer. Earned its spot permanently.