Why I started hunting for pool toys
It happened last Tuesday when my kid suddenly begged for a flamingo floatie after seeing neighbors playing in their backyard pool. I thought “No way I’m paying full price for something that’ll pop in two weeks!” so I grabbed my phone and keys to hunt for cheap inflatables in Toronto.
The reality of downtown toy shopping
First mistake: assuming big box stores near Yonge-Dundas would have good deals. Walmart’s pool section was practically empty – just three sad-looking doughnut floats priced like they’re made of gold. At Canadian Tire, the staff straight up laughed when I asked about clearance items. “Come back in September,” they said. Yeah, thanks buddy, that helps my July problem.
Then I remembered that sketchy dollar store near Kensington Market. Found some no-name animal floats for $5! But when I squeezed one? Thinner than cheap toilet paper. Noped outta there fast.
Where the real deals hide
Here’s the magic formula I discovered: find places selling pool toys as side gigs. Drove to this industrial area near Scarborough where I’d seen warehouse-style stores last summer. First spot was a seasonal gardening center doubling as pool paradise! Got two unicorn floats for less than the price of one downtown.
The real jackpot was an auto shop with a “POOL TOYS HERE” handwritten sign. Turns out the owner imports them wholesale! No fancy packaging, but who cares when you’re paying $8 for a giant pizza slice float?
Top 5 wallet-friendly spots
- Scarborough Tire & Pool Surprise – Behind the tire racks, legit wholesale prices on simple floats
- North York Seasonal Garden Center – Mid-range selection but great quality-to-price ratio
- Etobicoke Value Mart – Family-run, always has “last year’s” trendy floats
- East End Dollar Plus – Ignore the sketchy entrance, back wall has legit durable floats
- Parkdale Hardware Secret Corner – Tiny section behind paint cans, but crazy cheap basics
What my trunk looked like
Mission accomplished! Final haul: giant pizza slice ($8), two unicorns ($13 total), rainbow sprinkles ring ($5), and a mini shark for the dog ($4). All under $30 while downtown wanted $25 just for one unicorn! The dog chewed a corner of the shark next day, but at $4? Whatever.
Lesson learned: skip the obvious spots and hunt where they’re selling pool toys as an afterthought. Your wallet will thank you when these things inevitably get punctured by overexcited kids.