Toilet Trouble Review
Toilet Trouble Review
Toilet Trouble Review splashes into the spotlight as one of the most hilarious and memorable games in the 2017 Top Christmas Toys lineup. This quirky water-spraying game from Hasbro brought a wave of laughter and suspense to Christmas parties across the UK. Its simple mechanics and broad appeal make it a festive favourite, perfect for family gatherings where fun, surprise, and a bit of messy hilarity are on the menu. In this comprehensive review, we flush out every detail about Toilet Trouble — from gameplay to developmental benefits, party ideas to why it’s a must-have Christmas gift that keeps the festive spirit flowing year after year.
Planning your Christmas shopping early? Don’t miss our insider guides for the hottest upcoming gifts with our Best Christmas Toys 2025 and Toys Every Kid Wants 2025 pages to ensure you’re ahead of the festive rush and snag the best presents.
What’s in the Box?
- Toilet Trouble Game Unit: A sturdy, brightly coloured plastic toilet approximately 40cm tall, complete with a base, tank, bowl, and lid that sprays a light mist of water for hilarious surprise fun.
- Toilet Paper Roll Spinner: Attached to the toilet, this spinning wheel randomly selects 1, 2, or 3 flushes per turn, injecting unpredictability and excitement.
- Instruction Manual: Clear, concise guide designed to get you playing in minutes, perfect for hectic Christmas afternoons.
- Demo Batteries (2 x 1.5V AA): Powers realistic flushing sound effects, though fresh batteries are recommended for holiday-ready performance.
- Festive Packaging: Bright, eye-catching Christmas-ready box, ideal for gifting under the tree, though not suited for long-term storage after opening.
How It Works
Toilet Trouble is a game of chance, suspense, and splashy surprises, perfect for the laughter and unpredictability that Christmas parties thrive on. Setup is straightforward: fill the toilet tank with clean water, assemble the parts, and you’re ready to go. Players take turns spinning the toilet paper roll spinner to decide how many times they flush — each flush is a press on the handle that produces an authentic flushing sound, building tension with every spin.
At any flush, the toilet sprays a gentle mist of water onto the unlucky player, who’s instantly out of the round. The last dry player wins. Its mechanical flushing requires no batteries, while the sound effects add a realistic touch to heighten anticipation. Designed for 2–4 players, larger groups can join by rotating turns or playing teams, making it versatile for family gatherings and festive celebrations alike.
A Brief History & Legacy
Introduced by Hasbro in 2017, Toilet Trouble became an instant hit thanks to its unique combination of toilet humour and easy-to-learn mechanics. It followed the success of surprise-based games like Pie Face, tapping into kids’ love of silly, messy fun. The game’s simple yet engaging concept helped it stand out in a market flooded with high-tech toys.
Its cultural impact stems from fostering real-life interaction in a digital age, encouraging families to come together and share laughter. The game’s popularity during the 2017 Christmas season cemented its status as a modern festive classic, with many families bringing it out year after year. Spin-offs and updates continue to refresh its appeal, but the original remains a beloved staple of holiday fun.
Play and Developmental Benefits
Besides being a laugh riot, Toilet Trouble offers several developmental benefits that make it a smart holiday gift:
- Fine Motor Skills: Spinning the wheel and pressing the flush handle improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Social Skills: Taking turns, managing suspense, and cheering on others builds patience, sportsmanship, and social interaction.
- Sensory Engagement: The tactile flushing action, auditory flushing sounds, and sudden spray provide multisensory stimulation ideal for young kids.
- Risk Awareness: Players learn about chance and consequences while experiencing playful suspense.
- Confidence Boost: Surviving rounds without getting sprayed enhances self-esteem and competitive spirit.
- Screen-Free Fun: It offers a refreshing break from electronics, promoting active, hands-on family play during Christmas.
Festive Play Ideas
Make Toilet Trouble the highlight of your holiday celebrations with these creative twists:
- Santa’s Plumbing Challenge: Decorate the game area with tinsel and fairy lights. Frame the game as a mission to “fix” Santa’s magical toilet before it sprays enchanted water on elves and reindeer.
- Elf Prank Mode: Incorporate Elf on the Shelf by pretending the elf “sabotages” the toilet. Players compete to outsmart the elf’s tricks.
- Holiday Tournament: Host a festive tournament with prizes like cookies or stockings. Use candy cane markers to track wins and add holiday cheer.
- Winter Sensory Station: Set up sensory bins with fake snow, pinecones, and bells to complement the game’s tactile play.
- Storytime Stories: Encourage kids to invent silly Christmas tales about the toilet’s sprays, such as the Grinch trying to ruin Christmas.
- Game Night Mix: Combine Toilet Trouble with other classic Hasbro games for an energetic holiday game night rotation.
What Parents and Kids Are Saying
“The highlight of our Christmas party! Everyone was laughing nonstop.”
“Perfect for kids and adults — even Grandma joined in!”
“Realistic flush sounds and just the right amount of spray for fun without mess.”
“Easy setup, durable, and keeps kids entertained during the holidays.”
“A reliable family favourite that keeps holiday spirits high.”
Some families noted minor issues like occasional flush handle sticking, but these didn’t take away from the overall fun and laughter.
Brand Background: Hasbro
Hasbro is a global toy leader known for classics like Monopoly, Transformers, and Nerf. Their commitment to family fun and innovation shines through Toilet Trouble, a game that blends humor with simple mechanics and sturdy design. This focus has helped Hasbro maintain a strong holiday market presence year after year.
Why It’s a Top Toy of 2017
Toilet Trouble earned its 2017 Top Christmas Toys spot by delivering a winning combination of silly humor, easy gameplay, and replayability. In a high-tech toy landscape, it offered a refreshing, face-to-face social experience perfect for Christmas festivities, making it a standout gift choice.
Best For Ages 4+
Toilet Trouble is perfect for kids aged 4 and above who:
- Love silly, surprise-packed games
- Enjoy interactive, family-friendly Christmas fun
- Benefit from sensory play and social skill development
- Want a unique, memorable holiday gift
Adults and teens also enjoy the game, making it a rare toy that brings generations together during the holidays.
Parental Tips & Setup Notes
- Use clean water and empty after play to maintain function and hygiene.
- Assemble securely and keep on a flat surface for best play experience.
- Replace demo batteries with fresh AA batteries for reliable flushing sounds.
- Wipe clean after use, especially after group play.
- ⚠️ Teach gentle flushing to avoid handle sticking or breakage.
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Where to Buy
Toilet Trouble was widely available in 2017 at Amazon, Smyths, Argos, and The Entertainer, priced between £15 and £25. For 2025 gift planning, check out our latest guides for where to find the hottest toys.
Final Verdict
Toilet Trouble remains a festive favourite thanks to its silly, suspenseful gameplay, durability, and wide appeal. It’s a perfect Christmas gift that brings families together for unforgettable laughs and lively holiday fun. Minor quirks don’t diminish its charm, making it a must-have addition to the 2017 Top Christmas Toys list.
Looking forward to next year’s gifts? Visit our Best Christmas Toys 2025 and Toys Every Kid Wants 2025 pages for early insight into the top festive picks of tomorrow.
Want to know more? Check out our full Toilet Trouble page for extra details.
For more on festive trends, see John Lewis.
Find out more in our History of Christmas Toys page.
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