1. A "Beverage Buddee" can coverto keep your seltzers and sodas safe from the perils of other humans' germs and Nature (TM) like debris and uninvited bugs. This is also a great way to prevent spillage if you're putting your beverage on the ground or in a high-traffic area! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok. They're very useful as I tend to waste a lot of [soda]. It's easy to drink from and doesn’t spill." —MsLZ

"Where have these little things been all my life?! I got the original four-pack, but since trying one, I don't think I can ever drink from a can straight ever again! I'll be carrying these in my purse from now on. They are WAY better than your brain could ever conjure up from a photo. Just buy them, don't even think about it! Five stars, two thumbs up, highly recommended!" —Lirpa

Get a set of four from Amazon for $7. 

2. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets for the ultimate in genius summer investments — these use essential oils, including citronella, to help stop those teensy vampires in their tracks. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Cliganic is a small business that specializes in all-natural personal care products. 

Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me but the amount of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day and it seemed to work SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I read the reviews and about 99% of them had great results. I've only used this bracelet twice but both times I was outside and un-touched. Delivery was very quick so that was a plus. I'm not fond of the smell, I'm hyper sensitive to smells, but I'd rather have the odor than being chewed alive." —Tracey Agopian

Get a ten-pack from Amazon for$9.99. 

3. And if it's entirely too late for that, a delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" — it suctions on all kinds of bug bites to reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness, so you don't spend half your trip itching your appendages. 

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Bug Bite Thing is a family-owned small business established in 2017 that specializes in bug bite relief products. 

This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice, and more (although TBH, if this list of bugs gets any longer I may just stay indoors forever!!).

Promising review: "I cannot stress to you enough how much better this simple little tool has made my quality of life during summer in Ohio. It rains a lot. There are a lot of mosquitoes. I have horrific allergic reactions to mosquito bites. We're talking bumps swelling to the width of softballs within minutes of the bite. This tool doesn't make those bumps go away, but it stops the itch IMMEDIATELY. I was a huge skeptic; how could a little suction cure this agonizingly itchy allergic reaction? I'll be honest. I still really don't know how it does, but it provides instant relief that no pill, cream, or injection ever has ever achieved for me. If you live anywhere where insect bites are common, you need to own one of these." —Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

4. A travel-friendly SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a K-beauty staple with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a nonsticky, white cast–free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $18.79. 

5. And a set of sunscreen reminder stickers — these UV stickers have SPF recognition and will change colors to let you know both when your SPF is working, and then again when it's time to slather more sunscreen on. Each sticker is water-resistant and works for up to twelve hours. NOT TODAY, SUN!!! 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "After yet another bad sunburn, even though I'm trying VERY HARD to keep sunscreen on, I bought these. First use was at Disneyland on a 90-degree, zero-clouds day. This helped so much! I kept an eye (as did my friends) on the dot so we all knew when to reapply sunscreen, and not one of us got burned. I also used these on a weeklong hiking adventure in Utah, where it was also in the 90s with an extreme UV index. None of us got burned, so all in all this is one of the best inventions!" —Catherine Shock

Get a 16-count from Amazon for$13.49 (available in larger packs). 

6. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY. 😈 This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps — especially considering how costly competitive serums are! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've struggled with frizzy hair for years, but this has been a game-changer for me. A few drops of this lightweight serum applied to damp hair before styling tames frizz instantly, leaving my hair smooth, shiny, and incredibly manageable. The argan oil infusion adds a touch of nourishment and helps to prevent future frizz. I'm so happy I finally found a product that actually works to control my unruly hair!" —Kleo 

Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in larger sizes and multipacks).  

7. A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags or the sugar crash.  All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Sayso is a small women-owned business that specializes in the first-ever cocktail tea bag, perfect for cocktails *and* mocktails. 

Promising review: "I’m seriously blown away by the Skinny Spicy Margarita tea bags! As someone who loves a good margarita but doesn’t want all the sugar, this is a total game changer. It’s super easy — just steep in cold water (or with a splash of tequila if you’re making a cocktail), and you’ve got a refreshing, slightly spicy drink in under a minute. The flavor is chef’s kiss — tangy, zesty, with the perfect little kick. I love that it’s non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan too." —Chioma

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four other cocktail styles and larger packs). 

8. A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother you'll want to stock up on if you're a "just in case" kinda human — it's made with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and gently relieve pain from the sun's unforgiving rays within just a few hours.

www.amazon.com

Psst — a lot of reviewers mentioned this also helped prevent peeling and itching!

Promising review: "I bought this product to take on our vacation. I am so glad I did. I got burnt on my lower legs and tops of my feet. I thought I had put enough sunscreen on. I didn't. That night, I woke with my legs and feet both burning and itching. The instant I put this on, I had relief. OMG I cannot say enough about this stuff. Buy it. Keep it on hand. Great product. Thank you, Burt's Bees!" —D.S. 

Get it from Amazon for $9.03. 

9. A truly miraculous sand-free beach blanket that repels sand and dirt so easily that you'll wonder if someone cast a spell on it. Parents especially love this because babies and toddlers can lay on it without getting sand in their mouths, and it's ridiculously easy to repack without worrying about taking half the sand in the beach from with you. Oh, and it's also GINORMOUS. (And packs up super small!) 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was a great addition to our tent. It kept sand off our bags, cooler, and chairs. It’s lightweight and comes in its own bag that is easy to carry and put away. It’s worth the cost — the only thing I am going to get for our next beach trip is a little brush to wipe away the sand that gets on it when someone comes back from the beach with sand on their feet." —J. Crouch 

Get it from Amazon for$27.96 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in two colors). 

10. And a reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't accidentally turn your unsuspecting car interiors into "Beach, Part Two." 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a great product and gift for a beach lover. Works great and is a decent size for brushing away the sand after an amazing day at the beach! Going to buy it as a gift!! Easy to use and affordable!" —Sue Krauser 

Get it from Amazon for$13.99. 

11. A delightfully affordable battery-operated patio umbrella light you can easily install without any tools, so you don't have to do wine and cheese in the darkness if the sun sets before your appetite does. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

 It requires four AA batteries to run (not included). 

Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings to adjust the amount of brightness you need. The lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. The brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

12. A bag of FIRECRACKER! POPSICLE! FLAVORED!!! Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix, so you have extra incentive to hit your hydration goals on blazing hot trips *and* you can relive the glory of chasing down the ice cream truck as a kid. Reviewers are genuinely stunned by how much this tastes like the ~real thing~. 

www.amazon.com

FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "Love them. Tastes exactly like melted Firecracker Popsicle. My boyfriend and I have tried my Liquid IV flavors and this is one of our favorites. It is definitely sweet, so if that's not your thing you might not like it." —Samantha McClain

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.62(available 16 flavors).  

13. Sol De Janeiro's new SPF 50 Rio Radiance Body Oil— turns out we're all so collectively OBSESSED with the cult-fave "sunshine" scent of their tightening Bum Bum Cream that they bottled it up for sun protection *and* a lil' bit of glamour. This body oil will not only protect you from the sun's rays, but has a subtle, delightful shimmer ✨ . 

Amazon

Also available as an SPF 50 body spray and SPF 50 body lotion! 

Promising review: "This is perfect for my half sleeve arm, and the best part is it blends great. It has a great smell and makes you sparkle just a teeny bit. Love it and will def be buying more. Wish the cost wasn’t quite as high, but I’d say it’s worth it still." —Rach Momma

Get it from Amazon for$30. 

14. A waterproof pouch to keep your phone and other "doesn't play well with water"–type gadgets safe. Not only does this keep it safe, but you can still use the touchscreen with it, meaning you can take underwater travel photos galore 🐠🐟🐡.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options).

Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. I just assumed my phone would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it, and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lillyhas to say about this case: "With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation. So, for a trip, I'll buy two to three. I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So, I really trust these!"

Get it from Amazon for $5.59 (available in 14 colors).

15. A catch-and-release aquarium kitso you can get up close and personal with the wildlife before gently returning them back to their regularly scheduled water programming. Parents love this as an engaging, environmentally respectful way to teach kids about sea critters and ecosystems. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve been looking for a kid's critter jar like this for years!! Sturdy with nice clear plastic. Very kid-friendly. It’s been through bumps, drops, and the floating handle is perfect. It’s housed tree frogs, lizards, many bugs, and water with river snails. It’s easy to clean, and the lid is connected so it doesn’t get lost." —Ricker

Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 

16. A'90s-themed insulated lunchboxcomplete with a zipped front pocket and a shoulder strap so you can rock your lunch like it's the hottest accessory on the block. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Amazing buy! The lunch box is bigger than the pictures make it seem. It fits all of my lunch, some snacks for work, and some gel ice blocks! Cute and functional. I love it!!!" —Maria Guiterrez Garcia

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two styles). 

17. A set of handy fly-repellant table fans that are not only adorable, but will let you enjoy your outdoor picnics, barbecues, and patio meals without ever *once* having to bat a pesky fly away. This fancy Trader Joe's aged gruyere is NOT for you, my noisy little friend!! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Purchased these in prep for our annual Fourth of July party. These things were amazing. We typically have a lot of flies in our backyard. I set these up on our table outside and they kept the flies away. Able to enjoy sitting at the table without having to constantly swat away at flies. I was skeptical at first, but they really do work!!" —Tania K. 

Get it from Amazon for $12.99(available in two styles and as well as multipacks). 

18. And an investment-worthy high-voltage outdoor bug zapper to stop uninvited guests from joining you during dinner on the patio — this gizmo instantly stops mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and moths in their tracks. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Was instantaneous results. Once the light came on, anything flying was immediately drawn to it. I only ran it for less than an hour and needed to clean the catcher bowl. Great product, especially in South Florida where mosquitoes are immune to every spray that's been created." —Glu Mobile

Get it from Amazon for $39.98.

19. Reef Water platform sandals, aka the ultimate in cute, comfortable, and water-friendly sandals that will be the "go-to" shoe of your summer. These don't have a break-in period, can be dressed up or down, and have a cheeky little platform to them so you can cosplay as someone an inch taller than you usually are. Reviewers ESPECIALLY love these for traveling because of how versatile they are! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "BEST SANDALS EVER. I wore these sandals every single day on a 16-day European vacation. I was in the water, streets, sand, and even hiking in these shoes and felt nothing but comfort. Being able to wear something transitional between the water and land was perfect for this trip. The adjustable velcro band stayed fully functional and is still as strong as new. These are by far the best sandals I've ever had." —Jackie Beauvaise

Get it from Amazon for $64.95 (available in women's sizes 4.5–11.5 and 30 styles). 

20. A waterproof, sandproof, super lightweight JBL Flip 6 speaker so you can impress your friends not just with your excellent playlist curation skills, but the ridiculous sound quality that comes out of this tiny gizmo. It's so portable that you can easily tuck it into a tote bag on your way to a beach or pool hang, and waterproof that reviewers even keep it in the shower! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm so glad I bought this. I use it daily. I have other Bluetooth speakers, but they can't hold a candle to this JBL. The sound quality is awesome — it blows away my sound bar, and it's waterproof. I got it for a great price, but if I had to replace it, I'd definitely pay the full price. It connects easily to my Samsung phone; you can take it just about anywhere. I've dropped it a couple of times, but it didn't hurt it one bit, very durable. It has great range. It fits great in my shower." —Michelle

Get it from Amazon for $99.95 (available in ten colors).

21. A fully adjustable portable backyard mister that coils itself like a lil' snake so you can aim it wherever you please, whether you're wrapping it around a railing, a chair, or propping it up next to yourself on a blanket. It may be teensy, but it will cool the area off by 20 degrees! This is the only pet snake situation I will be endorsing this summer, thank you very much. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek

Get it from Amazon for $24.20 (also available in multipacks). 

22. A super popular Slammo game setyou should only buy if you're prepared for HOURS worth of showdowns in the backyard at every party and family hang you throw from now until eternity. This compact, super portable net ball bouncing game has all the same energy as volleyball, but without taking up nearly as much space. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased this game for our beach trip. It came in a drawstring bag that fit everything nicely not taking a lot of space. We assembled it quickly on the beach and had a blast playing. It's so much fun for teenagers and adults." —L. Pruitt

Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 

23. A set ofshatterproof solar-powered outdoor lights to add some whimsy to your backyard space without using up your electricity. Reviewers are especially impressed by how weatherproof these are, and how they continue to perform over time! 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the solar lights in action. 

Promising review: "To say I love these lights would be a understatement. They’re easy to hang, great looking, bright and they work amazingly!!! On a sunny days, these lights charge enough to stay on from sunset to sunrise. Yep! That’s right! They’re still on until sunrise. These are the only brand of solar lights that I’ve ever purchased that last that long (and I’ve gone through more than my share of solar light.). These are DEFINITELY worth the price. You won’t be disappointed!! Btw — this is the fourth set I purchased; I love them that much. The first set I purchased is over a year old and they’re still working as well as they did on day one." —Josie Elliot-Goforth

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two lengths). 

24. A ~Magical Flame~ colorant you can use in your fireplace at home or in outdoor campfires to basically flex to everyone on Instagram that you are, in fact, a wizard now. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Magical Flames is a small business that specializes in color-changing fire products. 

Psst — do not roast s'mores or any other edible thing over this fire if you're using the colorant! 

Promising review: "This product is so easy to use. Just toss a packet into the fire and watch the flames change color. The colors were beautiful and received a lot of oooooos and ahhhhhhs. Surprisingly, it lasted for quite a while. We will enjoy this addition to our campfires this summer." —Debra L. Musselman

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $10.87.

25. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat to protect your cheeks from the sun's rays *and* keep you looking effortlessly chic no matter how many days it's been since your last hair wash. This one is a real winner because of how absurdly packable it is, making it perfect for shoving into a tote bag on long days and a suitcase on vacation — and how affordable it is compared to $87+ versions from brands like Bloomingdale's, Wallaroo, and Cuyana. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I wasn’t sure what to expect with buying a hat that’s half the price of my usual Wallaroo hats. The hat arrived pretty compressed, and I was worried that it might not regain its shape, but it did! It’s very good quality, comfortable, and looks attractive. I actually like it better than my Wallaroos because it’s a tad smaller and just feels more proportional. I’m going to buy more colors and back-ups. Good hat at a good price." —LPF

Get it from Amazon for$25.99 (available in three sizes and 21 colors). 

26. A waterproof disposable cameraso you can have all the nostalgia of capturing vacation memories in the '90s and all the hijinks of doing it underwater. Reviewers especially love this as an option to keep their actual cameras safe! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought this to take on a snorkeling trip and the pictures turned out great!! Very easy to use and comes with a wrist strap so you don't lose it in the water. Will definitely purchase again for my next underwater adventure!" —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for$14.90. 

27. A portableChill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler, aka every finicky cold bevvy drinker's DREAM. This gadget can take a 12-ounce can of seltzer, soda, or beer at room temperature and make it ice cold in just one minute. A lot of people who complain that their fridge doesn't make drinks "cold enough" also swear by this for an extra icy kick. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Chill-O-Matic is a small business that specializes in beverage accessories. 

Check out a TikTok of the Chill-O-Matic in action. 

Promising review: "I was so afraid of wasting money. But I didn’t. I love my sodas cold. But sometimes there’s not a cold one available, and waiting 30-40 min for one to get cold in the freezer is not always ideal. This will get your room temp can to fridge cold in 90 seconds. I let it run double that to get almost freezer cold. I wish it had a power cord. But I do appreciate the portability that the batteries provide. I can’t wait to try it out on vacationing, as access to cold sodas isn’t always available. All you need is a literally a little bit of ice." —G. Massey

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

28. A mini sprinkler pool that will feel a little bit like cheating at life, because how can something so ridiculously easy to set up keep the kiddos entertained for so many hours?? Reviewers also love the letters and animals printed on the surface as a cute learning opportunity for the younger set. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My kids love this. It is soo easy to plug the hose into and turn the water on, and the kids can have hours of fun. Once the kids are done playing, I disconnect the hose, let the water drain, and hang it over the porch." —Austin

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles). 

29. Plus Twister Splash, an updated version of everyone's favorite body-contorting game that'll shoot water at you unless you can cover the hole with your hands or feet.

Amazon

Promising review: "In July, my sister and I, aka The Grandmas, had a week that we were challenged to keep four kids between the ages of 5–11 busy and motivated. We wanted just a really fun time for little to no extra cost, hence the purchase of Twister Splash. Well, it lived up to the hype. Those kids could not wait to play. Hours spent in the sunshine screaming, laughing, and getting soaking wet while trying to reach the right color with the left foot. Hilarious! They wanted to play every day. It was economical, fun, and so easy to set up and take down!!" —Melissa Applewhite

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in an XL size for more players).

30. A truly multi-talented set of colorful cooling towels you can use to prevent yourself from overheating — all you have to do is wet these, and they get chilly to drape on your head or neck. Once the chill runs out, you can wet them again to get it back!  

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These have been brilliant to use, draped around my neck on the long walk back to my car after gym workouts. They are lightweight and perform exactly as described. I’ve even been able to work in my yard in the Florida summer heat for the first time in years. Affordable and well worth the money." —Kim Pinson

Get a set of four for $16.99+(available in 12 color combos). 

31. And a 360-degree portable neck fan that puts all the other versions of it to shame — this one is designed with a comfier nonslip silicone neck grip and bladeless fans, so you don't have to worry about your hair getting caught in them. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This neck fan is awesome!!! It fits comfortably around the neck and is very lightweight. Love that the vents are all the way around so you feel the cold air around your whole neck. Cools you down quickly. Would buy again!!! If you are reading this... Do not hesitate to buy this, get one now before they run out." —Kathy Jones

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in nine colors).

32. Plus a six-pack of ultra quiet mini cell phone fans so the whole squad can comfortably cool off when you're spending long days in stadiums, festivals, or just at that one dive bar you all love that seems to be allergic to the words "air conditioning." 

Amazon

Promising review: "These little fans have saved my life several times this past summer! Highly recommend if you get hot just sitting in a restaurant, church, bar, or anywhere. It's very quiet and cools you off so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings! I've given to all my family and friends. Very battery friendly. Love these!" —Darcy

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $13.98. 

33. A color-changing LED flying disc to make it feel like you're tossing a lil' UFO back and forth, even in the daytime. Reviewers love how beautiful the colors are, and how durable the disc is despite all its glitz! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Very high build quality, with easy-to-use instructions. LEDs are very bright, even in broad daylight. We used to stop playing when it got dark, but now, with this thing, it looks even better in the dark. There are many modes and color levels to choose from, even setting up your games. Highly recommend this!" —Hannah 

Get it from Amazon for$39.99(available in seven styles). 

34. A Lululemon-esque adjustable mini belted pack(aka ~fanny pack~) you can wear around your waist or shoulder for a lightweight bag alternative that you won't lose, since it is literally attached to you. A lot of reviewers mention how genuinely *stunned* they are by how much this little bag can secretly carry. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it’s true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie

BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly also owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland in 2023, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. It's still holding up two years later — she also used it for a Panama trip, where it fared well from airports to hanging bridges to a sunrise hiking trip to the top of Panama's only volcano! 

Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 45 colors). 

35. And an adorable clear waterproof sunscreen bag to keep your various SPFs for easy access when you need to protect yourself from the sun's shenanigans, and to keep the rest of your stuff safe if one of your sunscreen bottles decides to go ~kaboom~. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Awesome bag! Roomy enough to fit your phone, sunscreen, and lip gloss. It's the perfect size to keep your essentials together in whatever larger bag you're using. Super cute "sun' design/label and extra bonus that it is waterproof." —LAF616

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 34 styles). 

36. A beach towel clip you can attach to a beach chair to stop it from blowing away while you're off gallivanting in the ocean trying to make friends with a mermaid. Reviewers also love this for building blanket forts, holding down tablecloths, and hanging wet items like suits and towels at the end of a long beach day.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used these all summer at the pool to hold towels on the chairs. Towels stayed put, even on very windy days. They seem very strong as all them held up, even after everyday use. Great price, and they look very cute." —TB

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for$9.99. 

37. A pair of popular quick-dry water shoes to keep your feet from burning or getting beaten up all summer — reviewers love these for everything from walking on rockier beaches to kayaking to washing their cars. They're flexible and comfy like a sock, but protective against nefarious objects like sharp rocks and stray Legos.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these shoes a couple of years ago before a river hike. UM THESE ARE AWESOME. These shoes feel like socks but with enough of a sole that you can walk on gravel with no problem. It really is like walking barefoot. Also, these are the only water shoes that I have worn that do NOT let a bunch of debris into the shoe making you constantly have to take it off to empty it or just deal with the irritant. You can play on the beach with minimal sand stuck between your toes. Thoroughly impressed by that. So with that, I do recommend if you are a half size to size down so they are snug, otherwise the sock like ability to keep stuff out might not work so well." —Samantha Lindsay

Get it from Amazon for $8.09+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

38. A "sport-brella," which is an SPF 50+ maneuverable personal umbrella with a universal clamp that'll latch onto any chair you own. Boom, instant shade no matter where you've parked your human self, whether it's the porch, the beach, or the park.

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 originally bought this about three years ago and my husband used it and liked it so much recently with all the 'COVID driveway happy hours' he bought an additional one for him. It is easy to maneuver and angle to block the sun, but non-intrusive. It is easy to fold and replace in the carrying case. It is worth every penny." —Sarah B.

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

39. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports brajust as comfy, supportive, and versatile as the real thing that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat, very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors). 

40. And a pair of high-waisted running shorts with a comfy scrunch-elastic waistband reviewers also compare to the Lululemon version. These are lightweight, quick-dry, and come in so many adorable colors that your butt might just want them on rotation until laundry day. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Right after the first pair came, I got another. These shorts are so comfy, and they fit well on me as a plus-size person. I use these for exercising, swimming, lounge wear on a hot day, and as safety shorts underneath skirts and dresses." —Mak

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and 34 colors). 

41. Case-Mate's iconic waterproof beach totes, which are, of course, ridiculously roomy and useful, but more importantly, RIDICULOUSLY cute. This is an "It" accessory of the beach if there ever were one. Get ready to be swimming in the ocean AND in compliments from strangers. Bonus — it even comes with a separate dry bag for your phone! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I’ve been wanting a sturdy and cute beach bag that was not mesh and or a basic tote. This is it! It comes with a dry bag for phone. The handles are thick. The iridescent color looks so cool in the sun and it’s the perfect size. I fit two towels, a sunscreen bag, two changes of clothes, a speaker, goggles, and snacks. With extra room too. I love the new silver black color but this purple was on sale so I went for it. Matches perfectly with my black swimsuit." —Daniela G 

Get it from Amazon for$79.99+ (available in four styles and two sizes). 

42. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray for anyone who wants the all-day protection of MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays without the price tag — this matte finish will lock your look in place in just a few seconds, even on days when the sun is trying to melt you like an ice pop.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —Stephanie

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in dewy and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size).

43. Atabletop s'mores firepit because you never know when your S'mores Whimsy (TM) will strike, and it's important to have the equipment on hand to fulfill it immediately. This works easily with ethyl alcohol, which you can pick up at the drugstore, and burns for up to an hour to get you some roasty, toasty mallows. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Houswise is a small business that specializes in tabletop firepits. 

Promising review: "We did our first indoor s'mores and movie on a cold Saturday night, and it was a hit with the kids and friends. It lit for an hour when filled to the max with ethanol. Easy to use, odorless, and just looks amazing!" —MD Boy

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four styles and three shapes). 

44. A super portable inflatable beach pillow for anyone who wants to go into Princess Mode (TM) the instant they hit the sand — this is not only super soft and supportive, but is totally sandproof, wicks away water, and is designed so it won't blow away in the wind. 

Amazon

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 vacations." —Nikki Miller

Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in seven colors).

45. A weatherproof outdoor Wi-Fi extender you can easily mount on a pole or wall so "work from home" becomes "work from the backyard with an ice-cold Diet Coke in hand." Being one with nature still counts even if you're scrolling Reddit. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" —Texas 

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (also available with two specialty mounts). 

46. And an outdoor power strip stake designed to blend into the landscape, so you can plug in all your fun backyard tech for the summer without sacrificing the ~~aesthetic~~. This features a nine-foot-long cord and can power up to six things at a time, so it's no slouch! 

Amazon

Promising review: "This is a great addition to our front porch (we are not using the stake portion). We have three artificial lighted palm trees and an outdoor floor lamp, and we take an Alexa out and listen to music when we go out. There's still room to plug in another item, but the best feature is the fact that we only have one cord visible, and we have it mainly concealed behind the patio furniture. I highly recommend this power stake." —Shirley

Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 

47. A pack of unscented SweatBlock wipes that work for up to *seven days* after application — perfect for those of us whose underarms are a little, uh, enthusiastic, to say the least. Reviewers especially swear by this for events that might bring on nervous sweating! 

Amazon

SweatBlock is a small business that specializes in antiperspirant products. 

Psst — you should definitely "patch test" this on a small area of skin before putting it on to ensure you don't have any reaction! 

Promising review: "Was pretty skeptical. Bought it and it’s changed my life. First use and I did not sweat, at all, for probably a week. I had already been using Lume deodorant for a few years now and was looking for something else as I felt I was building a resistance to it. I should’ve been using this to begin with. Second application, I applied to other areas of my body, zero sweat. Amazed." —Hanna L. Hetz 

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (each box lasts two months).

48. A two-way "walkie-talkie" radiowith a 16-mile radius, making it easy to go on summer hiking and camping trips without losing track of your fellow humans if one of you is like, "Oh, wow! A bird!!" (Guilty as charged.) Parents also swear by them for keeping in touch with kids too young for phones if they're out walking the dog or playing with friends! 

www.amazon.com

People in areas with bad cell service also swear by these too! 

Promising review: "We use them to stay in touch in the woods with family. Great for mushroom hunting or berry picking. We camp a long way from cell service." —Papa Tom

Get a set of two from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 12 colors and also in packs of three and four). 

49. A color-changing heat reactive T-shirtfor anyone who's physically in the modern day, but emotionally still living in a Hypercolor shirt in the '90s. These don't just change color in the sunshine, but in reaction to body heat, so you can put colorful handprints on yourself and make magic indoors, too. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Reviewers say if you're on the fence, size up! 

Shadow Shifter is a small business that specializes in heat reactive clothing — you can check out sizes for the whole family on their Amazon storefront!  

Promising review: "Best thing ever. Nice thick material — feels like a high-quality cotton T-shirt. The color change is expressive, impressive, and using a heat press to apply vinyl didn’t damage it at all. 10/10." —Suzanne mussen

Get it from Amazon for$24.95 (available in sizes S–3X and six colors). 

50. A dainty pickleball paddle set so even if you're the worst players on the court, you'll at least be the cutest. These come complete with a chic carrying bag and four balls! 

www.amazon.com

Sonix is a small business that specializes in tech and pickleball accessories. 

Promising review: "These rackets are even cuter in person than in the pictures! My friend and I purchased them for our weekly pickleball league and got lots of compliments from other players when we used them for the first time last night." —Valeria

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in 27 styles). 

51. And last but certainly not least — a teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggleryou can slide into the USB to keep your computer active on Teams, Slack, and all those other various technological overlords that keep track of you so you can take some moments to yourself in the sunshine when you need it. ☀️😎 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Saves me from auto logouts! My brother recommended this handy gadget. I work from home and have three monitors. When I leave my desk for lunch, the computer goes to sleep and when I come back, everything is logged out and whatever was on three monitors ends up on two. SO frustrating. This is programmable for three settings and I use it on the minimal movement so when I come back, everything is just as I left it. Revolutionary! Just remember to turn it on!" —Isaiah

Get it from Amazon for$8.54+ (available in eight colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

……