Sometimes the stars align and a perfect toy is created. Check out this novel idea that takes a simple bodily function and turns it into an important message.
March 10 2014 2:45 PM EST
November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST
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Rarely do I come across a kids' toy that makes me laugh hysterically while realizing it is absolutely profound. That happened when I discovered Ubbas -- a bath toy that pees. Designed by Rob Spalding, they are small rubber people (urine-yellow in color, naturally), and are hollow bath cups that kids can use for whatever. What makes them distinctive? You buy them individually, as a Mama or Papa (larger cups) or Brother and Sister (smaller cups). No matter what your family is, you can re-create it with these darling toys. The best part is the well-positioned holes -- the males pee standing up, and the females pee sitting down.
Directly from Rob:
"Ubbas Bath Cups are meant to encourage parents and children to play and have healthy discussions about our bodies and families during bath time. Their presence within the marketplace and in our bathtubs serves as a reminder that our own stories are the most powerful agents of change. The earlier we talk, the more we listen, the more we understand and the more acceptance we'll bring outside the tub. No matter what family structure is reflected in your set of Ubbas, three universal themes prevail: we all pee, we all love, and we are all family!"
I gave a set of these to our 4-year-old (two Papas and one Brother) and he immediately linked them together at the hands, putting the little one in the middle. It was adorable. Then he put them on his feet as shoes and walked around the house until he fell. Clearly they inspire the imagination, and to this day they are his favorite bathtub toys.
Rob has decided to donate 100% of the profits for the entire month of March to the Family Equality Council. You can buy Ubbas directly at his website, UbbasFamily.com.
Trust me on this one, it is a win-win situation -- you will be donating to a great cause and giving your kid a clever toy!
FRANK LOWE is The Advocate's parenting writer. Follow Frank on Twitter @GayAtHomeDad and on Instagram at gayathomedad.