Stephanie Summer is here, and that means: sunshine, pool days, vacations, and making memories with the family! Whether you’re chasing kiddos across the sports field, heading to the beach, the pool, road tripping or simply trying to survive the heat with your iced coffee or beverage of choice…. I’m sharing my favorite finds to help make your life easier.
Here are my absolute must-haves for summer — all things I have and love meaning all mom-approved!
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1. The Perfect Bags
Say goodbye to sandy, soggy bags. Bags like the Bogg Bag, Simple modern or even the dupes at Costco are wipeable, waterproof, and oversized — perfect for hauling snacks, sunscreen, and everything but the kitchen sink. If you don’t like the price tag check of the brand name ones stop by your local Costco to see thier version out this simple modern version which I have in XL is on sale currently!
Say hello to easy organization and bringing less sand home. These mesh bags with zippers and strap make life easier with littles. Mine always find rocks or seashells but with limited options on where to store them we end up bringing home way too much sand too. These are the perfect size for them to carry their treasures along with a few select toys at the pool or the beach!
2. Portable Folding Chair
From soccer games to backyard BBQs to the beach, you NEED a comfy, easy-to-carry chair. Bonus points if it has a drink holder and is light weight yet sturdy. I love these rocker glider chairs from GCI that are all of these things and more.
3. Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is serious business in the summer heat. I love a giant insulated water bottle (hello, 40 oz sizes!) that keeps drinks ice cold for HOURS. My Stanley 40oz is perfect and so is the off brand affordable spill proof lid with straw. My kids have the 20 oz and 30 oz bottles and it keeps their water ice cold all day long or until they need a refill. Check out my favorites below.
4. Sun Protection Essentials
Don’t skimp on the sun protection! With a little one in tow I’m extremely conscious about sun protection as her skin is so sensitive still. One of my favorite summer finds this summer has been this portable sun umbrella that we have taken all over from the sports fields to the pool and to the beach!
- Mineral sunscreen (reef-safe and better for sensitive skin)
- Sun screen applicator (no more sticky fingers)
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Portable sun shade
5. Portable Mini Fan
Game changer! Whether you’re waiting at theme parks, chilling at the beach, hanging by the pool or just standing outside at sports games, a neck fan, clip-on or mini hand held portable fan will save your life or neck depending on your personal preferences!
6. Snack containers
This snack container with removable mini trays make the perfect on the go snack container. Pack one of everyone’s favorite snacks plus, with the dividers your snacks stay contained and less trash or loose items to pick up at the end of the day.
My younger littles also love this spinning snack tray to hold their snacks for our days out and about!
These reusable snack containers are perfect for stocking my fridge drawer! These smaller compact ones are perfect to grab and go or for my kids to snack on at home as are these larger stainless steel ones for lunches and outings.
7. Comfy Sandals or Slides
You’ll live in them all summer. Look for waterproof, cushy ones that are easy to rinse off after adventures. These are my favorites that I have in multiple colors for myself and my family!
8. Games for Kids (and Grown-Ups!)
Keep everyone entertained with:
- Bubble machine
- Waterproof playing cards
- Train w/bucket beach toys
- Collapsible bucket
- Reusable Water balloons (trust me, SO fun)
Summer is all about making memories and having the right gear makes everything smoother, easier, and more FUN. Cheers to making this the best summer yet!
What’s YOUR summer must-have? Drop it in the comments!
