LCD Writing Tablets vs Water Wow Books: Which Is Better?
⚡ Quick Answer
Mini LCD writing tablets beat Water Wow books for travel because they don't require water, offer unlimited uses (vs. limited pages), are more compact, and provide open-ended creativity. Water Wow books work well for specific age ranges (2-4 years) but LCD tablets grow with your child (ages 3-8+) and eliminate the water mess factor entirely.
Two Popular Mess-Free Options
Parents seeking mess-free entertainment for kids consistently land on two options: Water Wow books and LCD writing tablets. Both promise no crayons, no markers, no cleanup. But which actually delivers?
One parent described the comparison perfectly: "It's like a Water Wow book but even easier as you don't need water. Takes up even less space, and is completely open ended."
Let's break down the differences.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Portability
Water Wow Books: Bulky. The spiral-bound format adds thickness. Multiple pages mean weight. Takes up significant space in diaper bags.
LCD Tablets: Single thin device. Mini versions (4.5-6.5 inches) slip into purses, coat pockets, or car door compartments. Winner: LCD Tablets
Setup Required
Water Wow Books: Need to fill the pen with water. If you forget or the pen dries out mid-use, activity stops. Restaurants may not give you water cups for this.
LCD Tablets: Zero setup. Hand to kid. They draw. Winner: LCD Tablets
Mess Factor
Water Wow Books: Mostly mess-free, but water can leak from pens. Pages need time to dry between uses. Sometimes kids overfill the pen and water drips.
LCD Tablets: Literally zero mess. Nothing to spill, drip, or dry. Winner: LCD Tablets
Reusability
Water Wow Books: Limited pages (typically 4-6). Once your kid has colored each page multiple times, novelty wears off. Need to buy new books.
LCD Tablets: Unlimited uses. Erase and start fresh instantly. One tablet lasts years. Winner: LCD Tablets
Age Range
Water Wow Books: Perfect for ages 2-4. Older kids find them babyish. Limited appeal once kids outgrow the themed pages (animals, vehicles, etc.).
LCD Tablets: Work from age 3 through elementary school (even adults use them). Grow with your child. Winner: LCD Tablets
Creativity
Water Wow Books: Structured activity. Kids reveal pre-printed images. Limited creative expression.
LCD Tablets: Completely open-ended. Draw anything. Play games. Write stories. Practice letters. Winner: LCD Tablets
Price Per Use
Water Wow Books: $5-8 per book. Limited reuses before boredom. Cost adds up if you need variety.
LCD Tablets: $4-7 for mini versions. Use thousands of times. Much better long-term value. Winner: LCD Tablets
When Water Wow Books Still Make Sense
Despite LCD tablets winning most categories, Water Wow books have their place:
Very Young Toddlers (18 months - 2.5 years): The reveal mechanic (seeing hidden images appear) is magical for this age. LCD tablets may be too advanced.
Backup Activity: Useful to have variety. Rotate between LCD tablets and Water Wow books for maximum novelty.
Theme-Based Learning: If you want specific content (alphabet, numbers, specific characters), themed Water Wow books deliver that structure.
Real Parent Experiences
"Took our 2.5 to the dentist today and they had a couple LCD doodle pads in the waiting room. It seems like a good restaurant/airplane/waiting toy in the same category as a water wow book but even easier." — Parent discovering LCD tablets as Water Wow alternative
"We originally got one for a flight and now keep it in the car. My kiddo loves it!" — Shows long-term appeal vs. Water Wow books that get boring
The Hybrid Approach
Many parents keep both:
Primary Tool: Mini LCD tablet (always in the bag)
Occasional Variety: Water Wow book (bought as a treat for specific trips)
Why It Works: LCD tablet handles 90% of situations. Water Wow provides novelty when needed.
This approach maximizes engagement while minimizing what you carry daily.
Travel-Specific Scenarios
Airplane Travel
Winner: LCD Tablets
Tray tables are small. LCD tablets take up less space than spiral-bound books. No need to request water from flight attendants. Work during takeoff/landing when movement is restricted.
Restaurant Dining
Winner: LCD Tablets
Restaurants may not provide water cups for Water Wow pens. LCD tablets work immediately. Easier to wipe down after handling food (vs. paper pages).
Road Trips
Slight Edge: LCD Tablets
Water Wow books work fine in cars, but if the pen dries out or leaks, you're stuck. LCD tablets eliminate that risk. Both work well overall.
Beach/Pool Days
Winner: Water Wow Books
This is the one scenario where Water Wow books excel. They handle getting wet. Electronics near water = risk. Keep LCD tablets away from pools and beaches.
Our Top Pick: LCD Tablets for Most Families
Playtapus Mini LCD Writing Tablets deliver everything Water Wow books promise (mess-free entertainment) without the limitations (limited pages, water requirement, bulkiness). They're the better investment for families who travel regularly or need reliable restaurant/car entertainment.
One tablet replaces dozens of Water Wow books over time. The value proposition is undeniable.
View on Amazon →Final Verdict
Choose LCD Tablets If:
- Your kid is 3+ years old
- You want one tool that lasts for years
- Portability matters (fits in small bags/pockets)
- You travel frequently
- You want open-ended creativity
Choose Water Wow Books If:
- Your kid is under 3 years old
- You want themed/structured content
- You're buying as a one-time gift/treat
- You're specifically going to beach/pool
For most families, mini LCD writing tablets are the smarter long-term choice. They do everything Water Wow books do, plus more, with fewer limitations. Buy once, use for years.