Blow out
James Fryer huffs and puffs his way through inflatable goods at deflated prices.
Fulla beachball
In the popularity stakes, modestly clad Fulla proves more than a match for passé platinum blonde Barbie. Not only does the plastic princess have her own line of child-sized clothing, bicycles, stationery and breakfast cereals, she has a range of pretty-in-pink beach balls, too. Little girls of all ages will get a kick out of booting this around the beach, while wearing their Fulla swimwear, naturally. Dhs4.50
Ride-on B-52
This colourful miniature (scale model, surely) version of the B-52 Bomber is the perfect introduction to military aviation. The bright tones hardly camouflage the tiny aircraft, but with a ‘real’ propeller (which requires extra huffing and puffing and can even be spun around), the nifty little toddlers’ ride is the perfect plaything for would-be Emirates crew. Dhs16.95
Batman rubber ring
Even small superheroes need to develop their front crawl before they master the art of flying and don the dodgy undies-over-tights combo. With extra wings for, er, protection, the Batman rubber ring will help you stay afloat even if you come face to face with evil jokers splashing around in the pool. Dhs7.50
Lounging pillow
Yes, we know beanbags went out with ABBA, but this piece of plastic fantastic furniture costs next to nothing and is surprisingly comfy – a good job too as you’ll need a rest after exhausting your lungs with seemingly endless puffing. The gimmicky addition of a suction pad will keep it in place in your abode for at least a decade. Perfect for penny-pinchers who snort at the price of an Ikea futon. Dhs14.95
Dingy
From Robinson Crusoe to Titanic, life on the open waves has captured the imagination of adventurers of all ages. You’re not going to get far without buying oars, which we thought was a bit stingy, but with Nakheel’s island development right here, The World is your oyster. Dhs22.95
Dolphin bop bag
Can’t get the kids back to Canada in time for seal clubbing season? Teach your children the importance of protecting wildlife by letting them punch the stuffing out of a poor, defenceless dolphin. You even get two in a pack in case one pops from too many overzealous upper cuts. Dhs11.90
All available from Carrefour supermarkets.