The ultimate pool party accessories are not what they used to be. Once a chic pair of sunglasses, a wide-brimmed straw hat, or a see-through sarong were the perfect summer pool accessories, but now another item has been added to the list: inflatable pool toys – and the bigger the better.
Feature image credit: DisobeyArt/Shutterstock
If our Instagram feed from the last few summers has taught us anything, it’s that the inflatable float trend is here to stay. Over the last few years, influencers and celebrities have been stocking up on an array of various pool floats in varying shapes, sizes and colours. Long gone are the days of inflatable lilos and garish tyre-patterned rubber rings, and instead, they are being substituted for over-sized floats, from swans, pizza slices, donuts and fruit, to even an inflatable flamingo. Thanks to Instagram, a day spent by the pool is no longer complete without an inflatable pool toy; the ultimate summer holiday accessory.
It seems, ever since Taylor Swift posted a photo of herself floating across a pool under the bright summer sun in an inflatable swan, people have gone crazy for inflatables – and rightly so. Retailers – both large and small – have cashed in on the action after noticing just how outrageously Instagrammable they can be, and they aren’t as expensive as you may think! In summer last year, searches for “pool float” on Google hit the highest levels in history – and this year it is set to peak once more.
Here are some of the floats to adorn your own selfies for your summer holiday – and extra Instagram points for coordinating your swimwear to your blow-up pool toy!
Pizza Slice
Photo credit: Navistock/Shutterstock
If there’s anything that can make your holiday even more idyllic, it would be lounging in the pool on a giant inflatable pizza slice. After pumping up, relax on a slice of everyone’s favourite Italian treat and you’ll be sure to nab the attention of all holiday-goers, and be the talk of the pool.
Doughnut
Photo credit: Dmytro Flisak/Shutterstock
It is fairly uncommon to see individuals adopt a diet of sugar-filled doughnuts whilst on holiday, but some are too good to resist – like an inflatable doughnut pool float. Satisfy all your sugar cravings with a large doughnut float, whilst looking photo-ready for those must-have Instagram shots; although, it’s probably best not to sink your teeth into it.
Flamingo
Photo credit: Artie Medvedev/Shutterstock
Match the celebrity must-have accessory this season and float in luxe style around the pool or the sea in a giant hot pink flamingo inflatable. Not only are they the perfect shape for basking under the sun, they are super easy to coordinate your bikini with and brighten up your summer (and your Instagram) to create an ultra-Instagrammable shot!
Unicorn
Photo credit: Matva/Shutterstock
This summer, it’s all about the accessorizing and injecting individuality and fun into your look. With this unicorn pool float, you can make sure you are seen kicking back in style and bringing the magic to the swimming pool.
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Love the unicorn! Fun post😊
Perfect post to get you in the summery mood! My personal favourite out of these has to be the Flamingo! x
Emily | thatcreativegenius.wordpress.com
He’s cute isn’t he!
Ahh I love the flamingo!
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Isn’t it cute!
These pool inflatables are so cute. Imagine eating a pizza, on the pizza float? Lovely summery post, I guess it would be great to take with you on holiday too! 🙂
Haha sounds like the perfect day to me!
I want the flamingo one and just float into the middle of the lake haha. Might actually have to do that this summer!
Hahaha sounds lush!
I love them all so much 😍 My favourite is the unicorn or flamingo omggg now I want to enjoy Summer N O W ❤👌
So cute aren’t they 🙂
I have the watermelon. Boy, what a bitch to inflate and get into the water! 🙂 But it’s so cute and cool.
Haha I bet it’s fun once it’s inflated though!
It is. Unless the wind is really strong. 🙂
Omg I love these, I have to have these for the summer!
So cute aren’t they!
These are all so cute! I saw some cute floats like these last summer at Target. I’m hoping they have some again this year!
I’m sure they will! Make sure you grab a few!
I NEED ALL OF THEM! Can’t wait for summer now!
Char xo | memoirsmusings.com
I think I’d prefer summer if I had a nice pool in my garden!
This post makes me SO excited for summer. I’m going to a festival with my best friend to make some memories before she goes away to university, and there’s a beach as part of the festival that these would be perfect for. I saw loads of pictures on Instagram of the unicorn float, and I was so envious. But now I’ve seen the flamingo one, I really can’t decide which one I prefer! I’m so tempted to buy one to make my festival experience the best it possibly can be now!
Rebekah Gillian | https://rebekahgillian.co.uk/
Awh I bet that’ll be a lovely send off for her!
I feel like I need to go to a pool just so I can get a cute doughnut inflatable – they’re awesome haha xx
Haha right?!
These are so cute! If I was going somewhere hot this year I’d definitely be tempted!
Tori | JustTheBeginning-x.com
Latest blog post: Easter Shortbread Recipe!
Haha me too! Bit of a nightmare in your suitcase though!
I saw the pizza one in Primark a few weeks ago, and now I am wanting to book a holiday just so iI have an excuse to buy it.
Would you judge me if I were to use it in my pond? haha
Haha absolutely not!
I need a pool just so I can get these floats!
Same! So wish I had a pool!
Much as I used to love lying on a plain old lilo, I can definitely see the attraction of the funkier and more Instagrammable inflatables like the ones here. And I know exactly which one Flora would go for, the flamingo! Food for thought for when we go on holiday, thank you, Jenny! x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Awh bless her!
I’ve already been on my holiday this year but I love the idea of pool floats. I like the sit-on ones like the flamingo but the idea of relaxing on a slice of pizza with a cocktail sounds dreamy haha!
It does sound so relaxing doesn’t it!
This is such a fun summer post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you 🙂
This is such a fun post and it’s definitely making me want to go on a holiday asap, haha! That donut float has to be my favourite, how cute?!
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk/
Right! Me too!