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A Waterproof Speaker, Whipped Cream–Like SPF, And 52 Other Things That’ll Turn An OK Beach Day Into A Great One

Because between the sun, sand, heat, and bored kids, there are a lot of things working against your fun time.

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by Elizabeth Lilly BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Sadly, not every beach day can be like one you see in White Lotus (minus the crime) where you plop down on a chair and then someone just brings you everything you could need. You've gotta prepare some if you're a regular person. I rounded up certain make-or-break things like a sand-repelling blanket to set up shop and several sunscreen options. But also the stuff that really dials up the fun like a beach game to occupy your kids and an adorable swim dress I own and love! 

1. A waterproof phone pouch for those moments when you wanna go down to the water and get some content, but obviously still want to be able to use our phone later. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Price is great for these. Used several times on several different vacations, never had a leaking issue. These are a staple vacation item to pack. You’re able to get those prime pictures you otherwise couldn’t. You can be involved, swimming and playing too, right in the mix while also still being able to take pictures. No sideline pics from the shore or your lounge chair. Honestly priceless." —M&L

Get two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 22 pack options).

2. A clear beach tote that'll look SO cute but will also sit upright — unlike other, slumpy totes. There's even a touchscreen phone pouch to keep your most prized possession safe. It's waterproof AND washable. Oh, and you can tuck in a couple of full-size beach towels. No more using a canvas tote as a beach bag (done that, learn from my lesson). 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

The bow straps are only available in the Large size. The Mini size has a top handle and an adjustable/detachable crossbody strap.

Promising review: "I’ve been wanting a sturdy and cute beach bag that was not mesh or a basic tote. This is it! It comes with a dry bag for the 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." —Daniela G

Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in eight colors).

3. Or an easy-to-hose-off bag you can even customize for a smaller price point than the super popular Bogg bag. If at the end of the beach day, it seems like you're taking half the beach back with you to your hotel room, you can hose it out before you exit the beach. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My 5-year-old loves it. The charms were a hit. Holds towel/ poncho, pool shoes, goggles, change of clothes with room to spare. Solid beach/ pool bag." —star_dust89

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).

4. A reusable sand eraser that'll easily dust off all that stuff stuck to you when you're finally being dragged away from the beach. Now you won't have to worry about making your car (or shower) feel like a sandbox and deal with an uncomfortable journey home. 

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$9.99. 

5. Havianas tropical flip-flops that I own and now use as my go-to beach shoes. I snagged them in Rio de Janeiro in September but they're available in the US now. They're slim, light, and have a super fun design. 

Kohl's

I was on a group trip and all the girls decided to get matching Havianas from a store a few blocks from Cococobana Beach, and then wore them to the beach! They were comfy right from the start and dry out pretty quickly, which was extra convenient because I wore them to the beach less than 24 hours before I flew home.  

Get them from Kohl's for $34 (available in sizes 6–11/12).

6. Swim goggles (for kids AND adults) with fabric straps that won't snag like OG straps. 

Amazon

Splash Splace is a small biz specializing in swim accessories.

Promising review: "My 2-year-old needed goggles. I know she’s young for goggles, but she’s a great swimmer, and her big sister wears goggles. She always cried when I put them on her, but these were so comfortable that she put them on and took them off by herself. They were great, and do not let water in." —Bethanie

Get them from Amazon for $25.95 (available in 10 designs, and more on the store page).

7. Or a pair of glam swim goggles that I'm pretty salty don't come in adult sizes so I can wear them. Now you can say, "OK, diva" to your 7-year-old every time they surface. 

Super Smalls

They have UV-protection lenses, an adjustable strap, and a comfy watertight seal.

Get it from Super Smalls for $32 (available in four styles).

8. OR a pair of Speedo Sunglass Goggles (you've likely seen on TikTok) that you'll actually wanna keep on out of the water because they're that cool!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the sunglass goggles in action. 

Promising review: "I saw a video of these and immediately purchased them, but I honestly could not recommend these more! They are the only goggles I have ever had that do not fog up! Not to mention they are so cute and the tint is really nice!" —Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two styles). 

9. Some umbrella hooks you can attach to a rental umbrella or one you bring from home. Let's get those belongings up and out of the sand!

www.amazon.com

Pole-R Bear is a small biz specializing in this product. 

Promising review: "Super easy to put on an umbrella. I have one Tommy Bahama umbrella from Costco, and another large umbrella that we used in the center of our table. The hook fits both umbrellas very easily. We used it for a week at the beach. It did not slide down, and I felt it held quite a bit of weight. I have attached a picture of my beach bag with two towels, sunscreens, and various snacks in it. Another bag with water and sand toys. I am going to order another one!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

10. A cutie swim dress that'll make the compliments RAIN down on you at the beach. I have this in the green gingham print and it is SO good IRL. I was able to wear it under a dress on a public bus *to* a pool party and it was quite the hit! It also feels excellent quality so I think it'll last me for a LONG time. 

Lands' End

Promising review: "Perfect swim dress. Covers everything but doesn’t make me look frumpy or old. It’s shorter than my swim dress from Old Navy, so it still might need a cover-up if you’re running errands after the pool, but it’s so cute and summery and fun. The only thing I would change is making the straps removable/convertible. But they’re adjustable, which is a bonus!" —Rynny

Get it from Lands' End for $86.97 (available in sizes 2–18 and 16W–26W, and three prints). 

11. Lanolips SPF 30 lip balm for a nice, light, pineapple-y treat so you don't get back inside after a beach day and start wondering why your lips feel so tight. Your lips needs sunscreen too! But with this, it doesn't taste like you're wearing sunscreen. 

Lanolips

After trying what feels like every last lip product with SPF on the market, this is probably the first that made me forget I'm wearing sunscreen. It doesn't have that sunscreen-y taste at ALL! (Psst, AAD Guidelines recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, so this meets that recommendation!)

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

12. Some waterproof playing cards so you can play all sorts of different games during your downtime, or just on the beach while the waves are gently crashing nearby. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was an impulse buy and so glad I did it. Took them on vacation and they worked so well on the beach and sand. Must have." —paul molacek

Get them from Amazon for $5.99.

13. A "boardwalk"-scented spray SPF 30 (or SPF 50!) in case you find yourself on an actual boardwalk during a go-with-the-flow Saturday...or just sipping some wine on a patio where you're DEF in direct sunlight. Oh, and it's in a vegan, water-resistant formula made to protect you for 80 minutes. 

Skylar

What does "boardwalk" smell like? It's a combo of vanilla, cotton candy, and coconut milk. If you wanna get deeper, here's the scent breakdown:

Top notes: Aquatic Accord, Watery Apple, Juicy Raspberry SorbetMiddle notes: Water Lily, Guava Flower, Coconut MilkBase notes: Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Solar Amber, Musk

I'm normally not into super sweet smells, but I'm VERY into this. 

Get it from Skylar for $22.40.

14. Or if you prefer a cream, Neutrogena Dry-Touch SPF 70 Sunscreen because sunscreen is ALWAYS a good idea and this formula is designed to be matte and quick-absorbing. Plus, it's fine for your face and body! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This sunscreen is well worth it. I used it all summer and never got burnt. It lasted tanning, swimming, and walking around outside every day. I would reapply it every hour or so to ensure coverage. It is really lightweight and doesn’t feel like a thick sunscreen. It had a nice, subtle smell that wasn’t overpowering. I am happy I got so many bottles to last the summer, and the slim packaging was nice to take in a bag. I will be getting it again!" —Savannah

Get it from Amazon for $9.88+ (available in multipacks, SPF 100, and SPF 30 versions).

15. A SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar for a K-beauty sun fix you can safely throw in your bag and then reapply on the go. It has a slightly curved bar for easier application (like in the GIF!) and matte effect, and won't leave a white cast in its wake. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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

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 $17.02. 

16. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense will stop chafing caused by sweat before it even starts. It's sooo good and better than any other competitor in the thigh-saving category. Toss this in your bag and apply before you go on that long, lovely beach stroll.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

My former colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say: 

"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer lifesaver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe four hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again." —Ash

Get it from Amazon for $6.28.

17. A bag Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix that I can attest actually does capture that nostalgic, sweet flavor of a firecracker popsicle you always got at the gas station or ice cream truck! Keep one of these handy if you've hit a mid-afternoon slump and realize you've barely had any water today. Pop one of these into a glass of water to help feel hydrated, especially because your neighbor just texted asking if you wanna drink wine on her deck later.

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 19 flavors). If you'd love another nostalgic flavor, the cotton candy flavor also hits that sweet spot.

18. A 360-degree bladeless neck fan if you're a total beach bum but a little bit of a wimp when it comes to the heat. (I can say this because I'm describing myself!) This beaut has three speed settings and can run for up to 16 hours to help you keep your cool. 

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 $26.99+ (available in eight colors).

19. A *foldable* wide-brim hat for helping you keep the sun off of your face, make your outfits look even cuter, and easily fit in your bag without crushing it. Sometimes you realize you need a hat later in the day!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives, all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now thinking how awesome this hat has been and decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!" —Lyra S.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 12 color combos). 

20. Or a sweat-friendly, wide-brim ponytail cap to help get your hair up and off your neck while also giving you some serious face shade. And unlike other ponytail caps where you have to pull your ponytail through an opening, this one has a snag-free closure that's thick hair–friendly.  

www.amazon.com

Ponyflo is a small biz specializing in ponytail-friendly hats. 

Promising review: "I purchased this hat for the beach to cover my face and ears. It did the job and was way cuter than I thought! If you’re looking for a hat for the pool, beach, or a sports mom, this will be great!" —Matthew & Brittney Odom

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in 11 colors). 

21. ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray if you have a lot of requirements for your made-up look. Like, you wanna actually dip in the pool but stay looking matte while you lounge poolside beforehand. Psst, it comes in a mini size perfect for your bag!

Sephora

I've gone through several bottles of this stuff and let me tell you, if you want your makeup to stay put and the price is right for your budget, get this. 

Promising review: "This setting spray locks my makeup in. Great for menopausal women too because the makeup doesn't fade off. I sweat on my forehead and nose area, and my makeup stays on all day." —shelop

Get it from Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes; vegan and cruelty-free).

22. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. 

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 seeing 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 two 16-counts from Amazon for$25.99+ (also available as a 48-count). 

23. Some reusable wet dry bags that'll fold up SO tiny but will be a HUGE help in case you decide to take a dip at the beach, get caught in a rainstorm, or just need to transport wet clothes home for a number of possible reasons. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Great size to fit several swimsuits within one bag. We use them for swimming lessons, beach trips, community pool trips, etc., etc. They really are waterproof! The outside is totally dry when we put a dripping wet suit inside." —cam

Get two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in several combo patterns).

24. Burt's Bees after-sun soothing lotion because sometimes you get sunburned even when you think you're being great about reapplying sunblock. Or maybe you just recruited your laziest friend to help you reapply on your back. Both are highly possible!

www.amazon.com

It doesn't contain any 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!" —jlgentr3

Get it from Amazon for $8.83.

25. A reviewer-beloved, spacious beach tent with UPF 50+ protection (the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics) to give you ALL the shade at the beach because the beach CAN be great. You just gotta be prepared! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got this for a week-long beach trip, and it did not disappoint. This thing is super easy to put up and has plenty of space for the littles to play in the shade. I didn’t worry even once about the wind snatching this thing up. It was super sturdy with the sandbags filled. 10/10." —Madison H.

Get it from Amazon for $129.95+ (available in three sizes and four colors).

26. A truly miraculous sand-free beach blanket made so sand will roll right off of it. Plus it's big enough to help you lay claim to a good amount of beach space for you and your pals (up to seven adults!). It packs up pretty small so it's a great bet even if you have to ride public transportation to get to the beach (i.e. ME). You're gonna love it for park days too. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Parents especially love this because babies and toddlers can lay on it without getting sand in their mouths. It has four corner bags to fill with sand to keep it down, straps with pegs to hold it in place on extra windy days, a convenient carry bag with a shoulder strap, and a zipper pouch for secure storage.

Promising review: "This was the BEST purchase I've ever made for a beach trip. We took this to Hawaii and it fit perfectly in my bag. We used this every single day of our trip and there was more than enough space for all four adults and all of our things, we sat out in the rain in it and it was dry within 30 minutes of laying in the sun. This will for sure be coming with me on all of my future travels!" —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in two colors).

27. A UPF 50 quick-dry long-sleeve swim top if your shoulders always ALWAYS get fried on beach vacations. Pull on this cute top and it won't be an issue!

www.amazon.com

HDE is a small biz specializing in fashion and accessories. 

Promising review: "Loved this swim top. Shorter than most but not too short. Awesome colors, dries quickly, size is accurate. Always excited to wear it." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 1X–3X and nine patterns/styles).

28. And if you prefer a little more coverage, some UPF 50+ swim capris built to help you jump some waves and engage in some serious seashell-hunting activities. 

Amazon

UV SKINZ is a small biz specializing in beach- and sun-wear.

Promising review: "I used these pants for kayaking, at the beach, and just walking around midday. They are cute, comfortable, dry fast, and keep me cool on hot days. I love the teal color that goes with so many of my fitness tops as well as bathing suit tankinis and sunshirts. Was kind of expensive, but I expect them to last through many summers." —GrannyGear

Get them from Amazon for $65.95+ (available in sizes XS–4XL and seven colors/prints). 

29. A quick-drying microfiber beach towel that'll shake off sand and pack small in your suitcase. No need to sneak out a hotel towel to the beach!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this! I am a flight attendant and keep it in my suitcase for various uses, but it's an outstanding for beach or picnic blanket. It weighs nothing, beautiful, and great quality! My new go-to gift item." —Laurance F. Haun

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in 26 patterns). 

30. A pair of quick-dry water shoes can help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon — whether it's while zip-lining, walking along a rocky beach, or just walking around the cruise ship deck. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Purchased three pairs for our cruise. We all loved them. Best water shoes I’ve ever worn. Feels like you are barefoot but keeps your feet safe from anything you step on. Very comfortable! Highly recommended!" —Donna M

Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 49 colors).

31. And a pair of water shoes for babies and toddlers to prevent all sorts of OUCH situations like stepping on a random pebble or a sea urchin. Plus, they come with a nonslip sole and are made of quick-drying fabric!

Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

My colleague Sally Elshorafa loves these: "My family just got back from a spring break trip to an indoor waterpark, and my kids did not take these off the entire time. I could tell right away that both of them, ages 2.5 and 4, had a much better grip on the ground in the wave pool, and they were able to run around playing water basketball in the shallow end of the big-kid pool without constantly slipping all over the place. That alone sold me, but I also loved the peace of mind of not having their bare feet touching approximately 4,000 damp public waterpark surfaces.

They were easy to get on and off, but stayed put once they were on, which is exactly what you want with little kids who are somehow always one wrong move away from losing a shoe. They were also so comfortable that neither of my kids messed with them, complained about them, or tried to take them off, which honestly says a lot. In the summer, my kids usually wear Crocs to the pool and then immediately ditch them when they get in, which means I'm eventually wandering around looking for a rogue little shoe. I already know these are going to be our go-to instead. They seem durable enough to last all summer, and when my kids size up, I'll buy the exact same pair again."

Promising review: "I bought these shoes for my toddler to wear to play outside and at the pool. She loves them and doesn’t want to take them off. They are easy to put on as the fabric stretches. The Velcro holds its grip without coming undone too easily. I love that they are breathable so her feet do not get hot. " —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in six sizes and 44 colors and patterns).

32. A CarryAround foldable cup holder you'll think you're a dang genius for buying (and you'd be right) after you easily carry back four beers from the snack bar in one hand. It'd also be smart to pack this for your next all-inclusive vacation. 

www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com

Check out aTikTok of the drink holder in action. 

Promising review: "I bought this to use on a cruise. I had such an easy time carrying my drinks around. So many people asked where I purchased it from." —Jasmine

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks). 

33. A set of plant-based, unscentedinsect repellent sprays to slip into your toiletries bag. They work for up to 14 hours and won't leave you feeling sticky. 

Amazon

Check out aTikTok of the insect spray. 

Stay Away is a small business that specializes in pest-removing and repelling products. 

Promising review: "Deet doesn’t work for me, but this does! I’m the person who gets bitten while everyone else is fine. They follow me, and most repellent isn’t very helpful. This worked great! They came near but didn’t bite. The smell isn’t bad either! I didn’t mind it, and my sister has requested some also (she gets bitten even more than I do). I would have preferred a continuous spray nozzle, but I’m very impressed with how well it kept those dang mosquitoes away in Texas! I did sweat a little, and it didn’t change how well it worked." —eve

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $24.50 (also available in a bottle). 

34. Or a set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets in case the thought of putting something else on your skin besides SPF (like smelly bug repellent) sounds like a total nightmare. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. 

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a cruise. Never had issues with bites. Once back home I put them on my son who is allergic to some bites and always itchy after time outdoors. Since he’s had these on outside it’s hardly an issue anymore. Very cool." —MardiGrasGirl

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for$9.99. 

35. Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray in SPF 30 can give you that been-outside-all-summer glow — even if the most light you've basked in has been the light of your phone three mere inches from your face as you scroll through TikTok at 3 a.m. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "LOVE this. I no longer forget to put on sunscreen as this is part of my new routine. Love the shimmer (much more than anticipated), especially on my arms and legs. Face might be a bit much, but prevents a burn for the win." —Tawny Stammen

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $20.79. 

36. A refillable sunscreen sponge applicator with a rollerball inside that'll make reapplication SO much easier. Even for your family members who always complain later after they avoided reapplication OR "reapplied" but somehow still have an extremely sunburnt stomach. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Used for the first time today on my 7-year-old. First time in his life he actually enjoyed having sunscreen applied to his skin! Very easy to use and not messy at all. Extremely pleased with this purchase!" —amyj

Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in 13 colors). 

37. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect.

www.amazon.com

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

Promising review: "I’ve been using this creamy SPF daily and it's a game changer. It absorbs easily, zero white cast, even with darker tones, and feels more like a moisturizer than heavy sunscreen. Makeup goes on smoothly and without streaks." —Kiki

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).

38. Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist to make sure that your precious hair part doesn't get burned while you're doing whatever you're doing outdoors. This also doesn't turn your roots or scalp a different color!

Amazon

I've been using this product for a couple of years now, and it tends to last me quite a long time. I also like to spray it along my hairline where I tend to be a little less vigilant about sunscreen application. It *does* smell like traditional, beachy sunscreen so if you hate that smell, I wouldn't rec. Oh, and it's vegan and reef-safe!

Get it from Amazon for $17.49 (oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, gluten-, cruelty-, and paraben-free).

39. A two-pack of beach wraps can help you style your beloved bikini you bought who-knows-when in between dips in the ocean. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am super happy with this cute wrap. I wore it over a bikini to a yoga party. Was comfortable, tied easily and stayed put. The black fit just the same." —MCK

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 28 color combinations).

40. Crab-shaped mesh bags and sifters so everyone will go on a very efficient seashell-collecting mission with minimal sand carted back home. And because it's mesh, you can hose down the bag and what's inside before taking home. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Bags held up great at the beach and the scoopers are very sturdy. My girls loved the cute bags to keep their shells in." —Kayla

Get a set of two from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three styles).

41. A family-friendly flying disc that'll dethrone your beach Frisbee as a serious upgrade because it flies straight and is designed to not hurt when you inevitably get bopped in the nose with it. And because it's so slim, you'll easily find room for it in your beach bag. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I used to play Ultimate Frisbee in college and it took me a lot of practice to get my throws down. Wanting to teach my kiddos how to throw, I researched and ended up buying these. I REALLY like them! I bought one set of two. And want to buy more. They are super easy for beginners to learn on and almost always fly true. They also don’t hurt when they hit you and my kids can catch them. Win. Win. Great colors and design! And they can skip a little bit. 🥏💗" —asnowmomma

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors). 

42. An inflatable lounge chair you inflate just by whipping it in the wind. It'll keep you lofted above the sand (if you really hate sand, I get it) and provide a perfect place for your beach nap. There's just something about those beach naps that hit differently!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It's made to stay inflated at least 5–6 hours, and comes with a stake for easy securing to the ground once inflated.

Promising review: "Took a couple of attempts at first to figure out how to get it filled but once you do it’s easy (although I always feel a little dumb running with it to fill it lol). It’s super comfortable and even taking it to the beach it was easy to get the sand out of it. So glad I bought it!" —Jen

Get it from Amazon for $38.98+ (available in 21 colors and patterns).

43. A portable dog water bottle so everyone in the fam (even the four-legged members) can stay hydrated on the go. It's leakproof and comes with a mini dish for easy lapping. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We have a dog who loves going to the beach and this is so easy to pack for a beach day!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in five colors and two sizes). 

44. Collapsible buckets you can slip into your bag so you won't have to make several trips from the car. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Easy to travel with, and clean off. Folds up easily and is very durable, with no holes or anything yet. Great value for the money, perfect for vacation." —Jillian

Get a set of three from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four styles).

45. A JBL portable speaker will help you get your beach playlist going without worrying about getting splashed (it's waterproof). Oh, and it'll clip onto your chair or beach umbrella easy-peasy. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is an amazing speaker for traveling or going to the beach. It's portable, and you can hang it so it doesn't get dirty with sand or dust around you. It is very useful in hiking because it is light, which makes it easy to carry as you can see in the picture. The battery life is really good. I've used it three times and still doesn't need to charge, so it's about 10 hours of music. I really liked the sound quality and my friends say that they liked it, too." —Tifanny Angulo

Get it from Amazon for $54.95 (available in 16 colors). 

46. Ice pop sleeves in different prints so everyone knows whose is whose while enjoying a frozen dessert at their own pace, instead of in a race against sticky, melting syrupy fun!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Grandkids loved these holders. Wish we knew about these a year ago. Works much better than paper towels." —Amazon Customer

Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $8.99 (available in five print varieties).

47. A doggy life jacket for your dog who loves the water as much as you do. Obviously, this is a safety thing and helps you keep tabs on 'em. BUT it's also a great excuse to make all kinds of Jaws dad jokes and remind everyone in your life that the mayor in Jaws was still the mayor after all THAT happened. Register to vote!!!!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this! Gave my pup the confidence she needed to learn how to swim." —Dana S.

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in six sizes and 15 prints).

48. Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 for a fun sunscreen you'll want to reapply even before it's time! Oh and it'll also remind you that your pal owes you an ice-cream sundae. 

www.amazon.com

Vacation is a small business that specializes in suncare and fragrance products.

Check out a TikTok of Vacation's Classic Whip SPF 30 in action. 

Promising review: "Smells SO GOOD! This sunscreen smells so nostalgic and I love the whipped cream play. Makes me much more excited about putting sunscreen on. A little bit goes a long way, and it’s pretty thick on the skin. Breaks down into a lotion kind of and turned out to be too oily for my face specifically, but love it for my body. Will be buying this again!" —avery

Get it from Amazon (with a free air freshener!) for $23. 

49. A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags because you and your cousin are BANNED from your favorite Mexican restaurant after "the incident" and said "incident" happens to be that you ate all of their queso and they politely asked that you put off stopping by awhile so they don't have to worry about the cheese situation. With this, just add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet to your most festive drinking vessel.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Sayso is a woman-owned small 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 $16.99 (available in four other cocktail styles and larger packs). 

50. Flyball game that'll feel like if cornhole and skee ball had a kid. If everyone in your family loves the beach but then somehow starts complaining about how they're bored a mere hour in, this could be a fun solution. 

Uncommon Goods

It includes runway, ramp, target ring, supports, six balls (three teal, three peach), and two drawstring bags, that all amount to 5 pounds when carrying. Plus, there's a QR code on it to help you quickly explain the directions to any newbies (or folks who can never remember the rules from past game plays). 

Get it from Uncommon Goods for $80. 

51. Towel clips in fun flamingo and seashell clips to help mind your towel while you're digging for actual seashells or off buying an ice cream at the pool snack bar. They're also great for hanging up wet swimsuits to dry!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This set comes with four clips. Two are shells and two are flamingoes. I used them at the beach today and they worked great. I use clips every time I go to the beach because even if it’s not windy, they keep your towel in place instead of having to tuck it between slats in your chair. The clips were nice and tight without being so tight you couldn’t open them. Definitely recommend it!" —Darlynn

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+(available in five styles).

52. A crossover one-piece swimsuit might just convince others that yes, one of those yachts docked just over there is yours. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is seriously the best bathing suit that I have ever worn!! It provides amazing support (which is so hard to find). You won’t be disappointed!" —MrsFoster

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes 4–18 and 45 styles).

53. A pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers will keep the Cheerios where they should be, either in the container or into your kid's mouth...not all over the pool deck. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The perfect companion for traveling with a toddler who loves to snack and prefers being independent. I can fit about 12 average-size grapes in it, about 5–6 regular sized cookies, about 8–10 mini cookies, a big handful or small cereal such as Cheerios, and about 10–12 standard Ritz crackers. These estimations are all things that I regularly place in there for him to snack on. Nothing spills out and whatever does come out is whatever he grabs with his hands to get which is amazing. The only thing I would suggest is placing foil or plastic wrap around the mouth of the cup to prevent any of the snack from getting stale from it being exposed. The lid doesn’t fully cover the snack from air exposure. It simply protects the snack from spilling over and promotes child independence." —Antoinette

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.95 (available in two color combos).

54. And if you need something bigger than a beach bag, a utility wagon that'll contain all that stuff you're taking to the beach. I see families on the subway in NYC with this all the time on the way home from a beach day. Now *that's* how you do the beach without a car. But! It'll also come in handy for folks that can drive to the beach but still have to walk through a parking lot. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

And there are LOTS more uses for this than just a beach day!

Promising review: "Excellent carriage, perfect for the beach." —katherine hartnay

Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in two colors).

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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