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27 Items That’ll Make Everyone Happier (And Maybe Less Sunburnt) On Your Next Family Beach Trip

Nothing ruins your vacation like getting a wicked sunburn on the first day, so let’s prevent that.

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by Jessica Hall BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in Cincinnati, OH where you can find me curating lists on ~a little bit of everything~ (and adding a few things to my own cart in the process).

1. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen to help prevent sunburn with 70 SPF. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you can enjoy much more time jumping in the waves.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The BEST sunscreen I have ever used! I am always prone to burn any time I get out in the sun. I decided to take a trip to the beach this summer and just went kayaking for four hours on the water in the BEAMING sun and in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY. I put sunscreen everywhere except for my chest. Wanna know where my skin is resembling that of a cherry? My chest. The rest of me? TANNING WITH NO BURN WHATSOEVER!!! I was shocked. I love this product and will forever recommend it for the rest of my life. Stay safe and stay unaffected from the sun you guys!!!" —Channing C. 

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in SPF 30). 

2. Or a bottle of Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 designed with dark skin in mind but fitting for all skin tones, because why should you have to deal with a sunscreen that is drying and leaves a white cast on your skin? Not only will it protect you from the sun, but it'll help keep you moisturized so you can just skip that step when you're getting ready for the day.

Amazon

Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned small business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra-sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.

Promising reviews: "I love this sunscreen. It’s creamy, leaves my skin glowing, and I feel protected. Unlike other brands that are thick and leave an odd hue on my skin, this actually looks and feels great. Anyone with some melanin should use this to protect their skin. I can’t praise enough and will definitely have in my bag for vacations, a day on the golf course, or just running around town." —Ann Ray

"No white cast left on beautifully melanated skin. I love the light glow it leaves. Even though I moisturize my face too, my skin feels so soft, hydrated, and protected. Customer for life." —GHD

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three quantities).

3. And a Sun Bum scalp and hair mist because who hasn't gone to the beach and come back with a burnt scalp because they never think to put sunscreen on it?! And it's vegan and reef safe so you can feel good about keeping the ocean clean.

Amazon

Promising review: "This is my go-to for sunscreen protection for my scalp. With the applicator tip it is easy to apply without getting all over my hair. I use to have to wear a hat all the time in the sun but this product offers me the protection I needed." —Anne

Get it from Amazon for $13.12.

4. A BruMate insulated can cooler so your fave beverages stay nice and cool while you're soaking up the sun. Nothing worse than enjoying some splashing in the waves, then coming back and taking a big ol' swig of a warm drink. 😖

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was going back and forth between this and an off-brand to save a few dollars. Glad I got this, though, it really works great. My drink was cold hours later, even in 80 degrees at the beach." —roni

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 25 colors).

5. A Shibumi windblown shade that'll keep you protected from the sun's scorching rays. Plus it packs down into a super small and convenient case so you can easily pack and carry it.

Amazon

To use this all you have to do is combine the poles, thread it through the canopy, plant the poles into the sand, and fill the bag with sand. The shade uses the breeze to keep it elevated — as little as 3 mph of wind is all you need. 

Promising review: "We love our Shibumi. After using a friends for a beach trip we decided to make the purchase. Well worth the money...game changer for beach days. Easy set up and very compact storage. Lightweight so easy to carry for walks to the beach… can’t imagine life without one now." —Misty

Get it from Amazon for $305+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

6. An inflatable beach pillow so you can upgrade your perfect afternoon nap by the ocean with a comfortable place to rest your head instead of making a makeshift pillow out of a pile of sand. They're designed to stay put even when it's windy *and* there's a spot for you to put a cooling pack when you wanna catch some ZZZs without pouring sweat.

Amazon

It even comes with a compact carrying case so you can just shove it in your bag so it's always ready when you need it.

Promising review: "I threw these in my bag last minute for a trip to a resort in Cancun, and we absolutely loved them! They take up no room, and I easily fit two pillows in my carry-on bag to have for the beach. Made the beach chairs so much more relaxing by being able to be comfortable. They blew up so easily. It just took four big breaths for each pillow. Loved that I could either use the straps or sand to hold them in place. I also liked the idea of traveling with them in my carry-on in case we had a delayed flight, and I had enough time for an airport nap. I'll be bringing these on all future vacations." —Nikki Miller

Get it from Amazon for $36.95 (available in 15 colors).

7. A four-pack of silicone straw soda can lids that'll let you sip your ice-cold Coca-Cola from a straw because that's obviously the superior drinking method. Plus, this has a little cover, which means it's going to be more spill-proof than normal *and* perhaps most importantly, no hyper kiddos can run around and kick sand into your can.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am obsessed with this! I am a terrible adult and rarely finish my soda because it goes flat (EW). This has been used every day since I got it. Easy to put on and easy to remove. Cinch to clean! It cuts my waste so far down. It stays in place, even when knocked over. I am clumsy, I haven't figured out how to body most days. It does not leak when knocked over. Even violently. Get it! You won't regret it." —Rachael Ryon 

Get a set of four from Amazon for$12.99. 

8. A reclining, adjustable Ostrich chaise lounge to put all other beach chairs to shame. Now you can actually lay on your stomach for more than like five minutes with the ultra comfortable and convenient face hole. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "While I usually sit upright most of the time at the beach, having the option to be able to lay face down and read is so amazing. We spent six hours at the beach the other day and I downloaded some of my TV from Netflix to catch up on and used a large towel and draped it over the sides of the headrest and had my own little personal theater in the fresh air! It's very light and easy to carry and the sand comes off super easily. The cushion around the face opening makes it super comfortable as well!!! Love this thing! —The Slow Care Vertical

Get it from Amazon for $62.99+ (available in 13 colors and two versions). 

9. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers made with SPF recognition that will change colors to let you know when it's time to lather up with more lotion. The stickers are water-resistant *and* work for up to 12 hours so you can have a full day of fun in the sun without worrying about frying. 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started turning purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective in alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

Get a 16-count from Amazon for $16.49 (available in three quantities).

10. An inflatable lounger to absolutely upgrade sunbathing into a luxurious experience fit for royalty. Lay down flat and grab some shut eye, or sit on it like a couch with your friends while you debrief from the day.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

To inflate, just move it through the air and trap the air by closing the sleeve opening before you're done moving. Make sure to keep the opening closed until you start your next inflating movement. I've always seen people doing a little running motion or a figure eight with it to fill it up with air quicker. I think it definitely requires a bit of trial and error but once you've done it a couple of times you'll get the hang of it!

Promising review: "I wanted to hang out in the beach and just lay down for a couple of hours. I tried foldable chairs but they were too heavy. I tried the Wekapo and it was the best solution. It packs to a small size, it's lightweight enough, and it elevates me enough from the sand." —Rohan jcp

Get it from Amazon for $36.07+ (available in 20 colors).

11. A UV-protective mini umbrella perfect for anyone who needs a little shade reprieve during their beach day but absolutely has no interest in paying like $80 for a rental. You can even take it in the water when you wanna take a dip while still protecting yourself from the sun's beating rays.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was amazing in the sun and light rain that happened in Hawaii while we were on the beach. It easily fits in a medium purse and has a great way to carry a case. I love it." —crystal hank

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 19 colors and two-packs). 

12. Or a "sport-brella," which is an SPF 50+ maneuverable personal umbrella that can latch on to pretty much any chair. Too sunny? Whip this bad boy out, and you'll have instant shade, even while everyone else is roasting away. This might just be your new superpower.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Psst — a lot of reviewers swear by this for easy hands-free shade solutions for strollers and wheelchairs as well!

Promising review: "I got this small beach chair umbrella to take on vacation to Florida because the hotel does not provide umbrellas. I did not want to pay to rent a large one and have to carry it back and forth to the beach. This umbrella was perfect. It is lightweight, comes in a nylon carry bag with an over the shoulder strap. It fit into my large suitcase. It easily clipped onto the lounge chairs at the beach and withstood some fairly strong winds. It fit my needs for vacation and I will continue to use it in my pool as I often like to shade my head and face." —Jane

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors).

13. A portable lock box that can easily secure to beach chairs or tables so you can stash your phone and wallet while you go jump in the waves. Now, you can enjoy beach time as a family instead of having to leave someone at the chairs to guard your stuff.

www.amazon.com

You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for vacations. We took it to Atlantis in the Bahamas. It worked perfectly. Held our phones, room keys, etc. while we were out enjoying the beach or pool. Just looped it to the beach chair or table. Highly recommended." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in five colors).

14. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can plop in the sand next to your beach chair to set the most perfect vibes with all those top beachy hits. Yeah, go ahead and cue up some Jimmy Buffett. 

www.amazon.com

This speaker can last 24 hours on a single charge and it has a built-in power bank to charge your phone while you're jamming out.

Promising reviews: "Works great! Perfect for the beach!! Really loud worth the money." —paige smith

"I cannot understand how something this size can possibly produce such amazing loud clear sound and bass. It is a truly incredible device that I intend to use daily because it works well outside too. Do not be deceived by the affordable price, it is significantly better than a $400 version. The battery life is great too. If I want it loud, half the volume is all you need. The bass-up function is awesome. You’re gonna love this thing. I bought it in blue to match all my other blue Soundcore devices, and it’s gorgeous." —Rob and Piper

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in three colors).

15. A pack of ingenious collapsible pails that will get you out of the vicious cycle of having to buy a bunch of sand toys when you get to the beach, only to leave them there because you have no room in your car (and then do it all again for your next beach trip). And we all know you aren't making it through the vacation without building at least a few sand castles. Your kiddo's joy will make it all worth it!!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

The set comes with three collapsible pails, three shovels, and a mesh carrying bag.

Promising review: "These are great and fold down nicely for easy packing in our beach bag. They are an amazing quality and do not feel flimsy at all when open! Kids even collected shells in them and they held up wonderfully with the weight." —Ally

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four color combos).

16. A pet bandana because they deserve to have something cool and refreshing on a hot day! This is especially great for longer-hair breeds or ones that have a harder time cooling themselves down in the heat.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

To make it even cooler, dip it in water, and then place it in your beach cooler for a few minutes before putting it on your dog!

Promising review: "Took my pup to the beach and was worried she would overheat! This product did wonders! Stays cool longer than my other one!" —McKenna

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four sizes).

17. A tube of Burt's Bees After Sun soother if you didn't apply sunscreen quite as often as you probably should've… Put this on and it can help soothe you from the pain, itching, and heat. Warning, your partner might sing "burn baby burn 🎶" while applying it on your back.

www.amazon.com

This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —Jessie Patterson

Get it from Amazon for $8.27+ (also available in a three-pack).

18. Or a cut-to-size aloe wrap because as hard as you try, you miiiight still end up with a sunburn that feels like your skin is on fire, and this will be your new BFF. The sigh you're about to release when this cooling patch touches your bright red skin is gonna be next level.

Amazon

Promising review: "I got absolutely FRIED at the beach this past weekend and tried everything under the sun (literally) to provide some relief for my sunburn. I was in so much pain, and every over-the-counter aloe gel, lidocaine, and cold shower was not helping. I found this wrap on my TikTok and immediately bought it. As soon as I put this on my burn, I was immediately relieved of any burning or irritation. I am wearing four patches right now, and I plan on wearing them all day, every day until this burn heals. I will say the only downside is they slip off after the aloe has worn off! And it is a little bit hard to maneuver to cut since it is so slippery. But overall, I love this product and will be a forever customer!" —Nick

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

19. A Slammo game set if you're not a lay-on-the-beach-and-do-nothing-all-day kind of person. This volleyball-like game will keep the whole beach crew active. Let the games begin!

Amazon

This set includes the net, a carrying case, and three balls. You and your partner have three hits to bounce or spike the ball into the net on the ground. Once the ball bounces up, it's the next team's turn. Whoever lets the ball hit the ground loses that round. It's designed for four players (two vs. two) and is recommended for players 12 years and older.

Promising reviews: "The kids love this. Easy to move and take to the beach or play in the backyard. They are entertained by this for awhile. Easy to learn and great for any age." —Kristin Kelly

"This is a well-built game that uses high-quality plastic to hold it in shape. There is a groove along the bottom that prevents the feet from twisting and falling over. The three balls included are also of high quality. Overall, I am extremely impressed with the entire set. Everything feels of the highest quality." —TheProfessor101

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

20. A utility wagon because let's not fool ourselves, a day at the beach means you're gonna have a lot of stuff and there's nothing worse than trying to lug it all down. This wagon will be your greatest investment when you see how easily it glides over sand *and* folds up to put in your car when you're done.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Every busy family needs this. We use it to carry our sports equipment, beach gear, and even our two young kids (1- and 3-years-old). The wheels are very sturdy. We've used it over grass and gravel, and it rolls without issue. The handle also extends out and it locks securely in place when not used. The whole cart also folds and unfolds easily and isn't too heavy when loading in and out of the car. I've seen this in stores, but it was a much better price here. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya

Get it from Amazon for $94.99+ (available in five colors).

21. A pair of Frogglez that has fully redesigned the goggle game. Like, seriously, who thought it was a good idea to make the strap a piece of plastic that gets wrapped around your hair and then rips HUGE clumps out when you take them off?! These are made with a neoprene strap and have adjustable Velcro so they can actually fit each kiddo's head comfortably.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are the best goggles for kids to put on themselves. No hair pulling and no leaks around the eyes. Very clear lenses so my kids don’t mind wearing them. We buy the plain colors for swim team and the fun prints for an extra pair. Will continue to buy when we lose a pair, but they have been very durable and last more than one swim season." —Savvy shop

Get them from Amazon for $21.97 (available in two colors).

22. A sand brush so the fun day you had at the beach can stay at the beach. This brush will easily get all the sand off your body, shoes, and toys before getting in the car. Now your smile won't turn to a frown as soon as the beach day ends when you see the mess in your car.

Amazon

Promising review: "This is probably one of the best investments I have made regarding beach-going. I do not know how I was going about my beach days without having one of these brushes. Great product, strong bristles but soft enough for your skin/feet. I would recommend that anyone who goes to the beach, this should be a must-have just like an umbrella and chair." —VCTrojanDodger

Get it from Amazon for $24.95.

23. Or a sand removal bag filled with a talc-free and reef-friendly powder that'll help remove the sand that sticks to every inch of your little one (and you). Keep this in your beach bag so you're ready for an easy cleanup every evening.

Amazon

See it in action on TikTok here. 

Shakalo is a San Diego-based small business started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.

Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

24. A leakproof, portable pet water bottle that allows you to easily carry water and give it to your furry friend without making a huge mess (or trying to use your hand as a makeshift bowl — yeah, we've all been there). Just push a button and water will flow into the bowl area, and when your pup is done drinking, push that same button and the extra water will go back in the bottle to help eliminate waste!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I wish I would've discovered this years ago. Going to the beach, having a clean water bowl for my dog has always been a challenge. This thing stays cold in the cooler and sand free. My boy loves drinking out of this and I highly recommend it if you've got a dog. Very compact and only takes up as much space as a taller bottle of water in your cooler. If they don't drink everything you've triggered it to dispense, just press the button and the water simply trickles back into the bottle. I love this thing!!" —Cindy T.

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes, an insulated version, and five colors). 

25. A tent with UPF 50+ so you can create a ~cool zone~ on the beach when you desperately need to get the sun's rays off your body before you literally melt. Be warned, you may have some unprepared strangers coming up yearning to get in on your coveted sun-free area.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

To assemble, lay it out, fill the corner pockets with sand or set in place with grass pegs, unfold the poles and prop 2–4 under the tent (depending on how many people are using it), and sit back and enjoy your beach day!

Promising review: "I’ve taken this everywhere with me when I go on beach vacations. The best purchase I've made. It blocks the UV rays, and the heat doesn’t go through. Fits perfect in my suitcase or as my carry-on backpack wherever I go. It is so easy to assemble, I can do it myself with my 10-year-old son." —Jeanette

Get it from Amazon for $54.94+ (available in three sizes and four colors).

26. A bubble-shaped neon buoy you can tow (weightlessly) behind you on your swims or just give you a comfy place to rest if you tire yourself out from treading water. Plus your friends and family on shore can easily spot you to make sure you aren't drifting a mile down the beach.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I bought one for me and one for my dad after getting caught in a rip current at the beach. We feel much safer with the swim bubble. They are easy to blow up at the beach, easy to attach to the waist, very light and unobtrusive, and great to hold and float in the ocean. I feel much safer knowing I can grab onto it at any time and float if I get tired." —LD

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in four colors and a version that comes with a dry bag for a phone, etc.).

27. A pre-swim hair cream that can help protect your hair from the damaging salt water while you're playing mermaids. This stuff will help prevent your strands from getting dry and brittle, and can save anyone with blonde locks from the dreaded greenish tint that sometimes appears after chlorine pools.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

AquaGuard is a small biz! Apply a generous amount to damp hair, wait 3–5 minutes, and jump on in!

Promising reviews: "Leaves my processed, blonde hair feeling soft and hydrated. No problems with chlorine green hair." —CR22

"I have thick blonde hair that goes to my mid-back. As a surfer, I try to keep it up in a top knot when I’m in the water, but the salt water still makes it so incredibly dry and tangled. I tried coconut oil and detanglers before getting in the water, but it’s a small step above nothing. Tried Aqua Guard this morning, and my hair combed right through after surfing. It was still soft and felt conditioned. Washing it in the shower was such a breeze because it’s usually a 10-15-minute fight with my hair. I highly HIGHLY recommend this!" —Breann Killman

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in a two-pack and a kit with multiple products).

Want to see even *more* of our recommendations for parents? Try these:

* These 27 Products Will Help Turn Your Yard Into Your Kid’s Favorite Place

* Things For Parents Who Want To Get Their Kids Excited For Back-To-School

* Toys That’ll Keep Kids’ Attention Long After They Unbox ‘Em

* Helpful Baby Products That'll Make New Parents Feel Like Freakin' Geniuses

* Products For Anyone In Their New Parent Era

Plus, finds from Target, Walmart, and Wayfair.

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The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.