Summer Is The Time To Be Out Of The House, So Make Sure You Have These 29 Useful Things Before Heading Out The Door

Summer Is The Time To Be Out Of The House, So Make Sure You Have These 29 Useful Things Before Heading Out The Door

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-17 05:04

1. A mini portable fan that'll keep you cool as a cucumber while you're out and about doing all your fave warm weather shenanigans. You can use it handheld, wear it as a necklace, or sit it up right. A major plus? This little guy is also a portable charger, so it'll basically be your summer lifesaver. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great fan. Used while in Disney over the summer, and it was strong and lasted all day. I really like that it tells you the percentage of the battery, so I could judge how much longer I had to use it while we were out in the heat all day. There were a couple of days I used it all day on various speeds and still had 25% left by the time we got to our room at night. Great battery power. Small enough to carry or wear with the strap around your neck. Strong air flow, and it wasn’t loud. I would buy again." —AWright

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine colors). 

2. Or, a neck fan if you want to go hands-free and enjoy the nice breeze without even lifting a finger. This has three adjustable speeds to choose from, and the LED screen on the side lets you know how much charge you've got left. Plus, reviewers say it's super comfy and lightweight! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We purchased three of these neck fans for a summer trip to Greece. I really like that the fans have a display with the battery charge percent as well at the fan speed setting. There are three speed settings. Recharging was easy with the included cable that plugs into any USB outlet or converter. The fans are lightweight, easy to use, relatively quiet, and comfortable to wear. They kept working for hours while we toured ruins in the hot sun." –Jarrid Z.

Get it from Amazon for $28.97+ (available in 10 colors).

3. A box of 125 Purell single-use hand sanitizers you can stick in your pocket, purse, beach bag, or wallet because they are super slim and come in super handy. Whether it's sticky hands from a melted ice pop or all those dirty surfaces you encounter outside, these have got you covered.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I have been carrying these with me everywhere I go for over a year. It's easy to throw a couple in a pocket or a handful in your bag on the way out the door. They take up virtually no space. Since each individual portion of Purell is completely self-contained, I can keep them in my car during the Arizona summer with no chance of heat expansion or evaporation. Also, a must for travel! Every time I share them with friends, they order some for themselves. Such a smart product!" —ML

Get it from Amazon for $14.39

4. A pack of unscented antiperspirant wipes since you're someone who tends to get a little sweaty, and the sweat stains on your shirt show it as clear as day. Whether you apply these on your armpits, chest, or hands, these will help you get through the day feeling dry and not sweating like a sinner in church. 

Amazon

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: "I saw this product on TikTok, and I decided to give it a shot since it was only like $20 for 10 wipes (that's 10 weeks, 2.5 months) of no underarm sweat. It worked! I was so happy to finally be able to wear all the shirts I own that are not black!" —Nes172011

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

5. A trusty Tide To-Go stain-removing pen because no matter how hard you try, your white shirt always gets a food stain, dirt smear, or one of those "what is this even from" kind of marks. This handy pen tackles spots on light-colored clothes fast, so you can treat them before they hit the wash. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "A friend of mine told me about these. Brilliant, I can't believe I lived without them for so long! I've been wearing all black on business trips forever because I got tired of stained white top syndrome. The three-pack is perfect: one at home, one in the office, one in my travel bag." —Cathy

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.13.

6. A portable phone charger for when you don't have access to an outlet and are living off a measly 15%. This little guy gives you almost one full charge and is super lightweight so it's easy to throw into your bag for when you're on the go. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used these several times for the past year, traveling for business and leisure. It is always a challenge to find an outlet at the airport since some airports do not offer a charging station. Using those types can also be a security risk. That's why I love using these portable chargers. They are lightweight and fit in my travel handbag or small backpack pocket. The portable chargers take about 30–35 minutes to fully charge if dead. Once charged, they charge fast and hold a charge for many hours." —J

Get it from Amazon for $11.99

7. Or, a credit card–size portable charger perfect for when you don't want half of your purse or pocket taken up by a clunky portable charger. This super sleek and slim gadget comes with built-in lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB cords so you don't have to deal with tangled wires or worrying about one more thing to forget! 

www.amazon.com

My mom got me this for college, and it truly has been a battery lifesaver. It's so small and doesn't take up too much room in my little black bag when I'm going out with my friends. 

Promising review: “This little battery is great for the purse or wallet for when your phone or electronic device needs more power. It is truly the size of a credit card and about 1/16” thick. I keep it with me everywhere I go.“ —C MCSWAIN

Get it from Amazon for $59.17+ (available in three colors). 

8. A 10-pack of DEET-free mosquito-repellent bracelets so you can enjoy the nice weather without getting eaten alive by all the bugs who also decided to be out and about this summer. These help keep them away using essential oils like lemongrass and citronella, and are way better than stinky-smelling sprays that also leave you feeling sticky. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I walk a lot at night and these bracelets are keeping the mosquitoes at bay! Good product, and it does perform well in bug-central Florida." —C. Cole

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $9.99.

9. Or, a set of plant-based, unscentedinsect-repellent sprays to keep those buggers away for up to 14 hours. These are slim enough to slip into your pocket and are great for anyone traveling this summer.

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 $26.99(also available in other packs). 

10. A folding mini hairbrush because the sunshine calls for an all windows down type of drive to the beach or the backyard barbecue with the fam. This won't take up a lot of space in your purse and is great for touching up any knots or tangles in your wind-blown hair. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "There’s probably not too much one can say about a traveling hairbrush, but this one is really smartly designed and well-made. Does not take up a lot of room, and the hinge is good quality, so the item stands up to repeated use. It just does not feel flimsy like other travel hairbrushes." —B. H. 

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three colors). 

11. Some GoMacro bars so you can keep an emergency snack in your bag between all your summer shenanigans. No matter what tasty flavor you choose, you'll be fueled for the day with 12 grams of protein and a whole lotta YUM! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These lemon GoMacro bars are so good. I feel like I'm eating lemon pound cake and not a protein bar. Is that a bad thing? But seriously, we've been eating these bars for quite some time now, and I'm so glad we finally found the lemon ones. If you need a pick-me-up, a yummy snack, or just some extra protein, try the GoMacro bars; they're all really good. You will not be disappointed." —PJM

Get a pack of 12 for $25.49+ (available in 17 flavors). 

12. A Sun Bum face sunscreen stick with SPF 30 and an easy roll-on application to keep your hands from getting smothered by the white globby mess that is your typical sunscreen lotion. This is super convenient and parents especially love it since it makes applying SPF on kiddos an absolute breeze! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I never knew what we were missing! My kids HATE putting sunscreen on their faces, but are more than fine grabbing this stick and rubbing it all over! No issues with burning, even in the pool at the height if the sun. Plus, it smells as amazing as the rest of the Sun Bum products! It's a staple around here now!" —LC Ole

Get it from Amazon for $12.48

13. And speaking of sun protection, Cay Skin's SPF 30 Isle Lip Balm, because just like your skin, your lips need a proper shield against the sun. These balms give you a nice glossy finish and the infused sea moss, aloe, and shea oil ensure dry, cracked lips are a thing of the past! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "In love with this lip gloss, it stays on for SO long so it’s very dependable for any outdoor adventure, plus I love the glow it gave my lips — definitely a must-have item in any summer makeup or skincare kit, plus it’s so small you can even carry it in your pocket!!" —Liz R

Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in five shades). 

14. Aquaphor's Healing Balm Stick you can rub on your elbows, knees, and anywhere else that is lacking some hydration. Thanks to the avocado oil and shea butter formula, this will soothe your dry skin sorrows! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "RUN to buy this, I repeat...RUN. I bought one of these about two years ago, and it’s STILL going strong. Aquaphor is amazing. We all know that. Buuut the convenience of having it in a tube is life-changing. It truly is as easy as one, two, three. It can easily be applied to anything you could possibly need. I’ve used it on brand new tattoos, dry/chapped skin (hands, feet, legs, lips, etc.), and the edge of my hairline to protect my skin from hair dye!" —Tara Fossa 

Get it from Amazon for $10.39

15. The iconic Alleyoop Pen Pal, which is basically a cooler makeup version of the classic Bic 4 Color Pen. This has four retractable colors so you can touch up your brows, eyeliner, lips, and highlights. Plus, it's small enough to fit in your purse if you need to do some on-the-go touch-ups! 

Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products. 

Here's what former BuzzFeeder Jasmin Sandal has to say about it: "I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!"

Get it from Amazon for$20 (available in three shades).

16. A TSA-friendly "Wallet Ninja" that's basically like the Jack of All Trades since it can be used as a cell phone holder, a bottle and can opener, an eyeglass screwdriver, a ruler, an envelope opener, and.... well you get the point. It slides right into your wallet and will come in super duper handy for any situation.

Amazon

Wallet Ninjais a small business that specializes in card-size, slim-profile tools and accessories. 

Each card includes (DEEP BREATH): several screwdrivers, a letter opener, nail puller, ruler, bottle opener, can opener, box opener, cellphone stand, hex-head nut and bolts, and a fruit peeler. 

Promising review: "This is definitely helpful to have on hand! The Ninja is small and slim but punches above its weight class in terms of usefulness. The tools are all things you might find yourself searching through a drawer for and are useful in a pinch. It fits comfortably in your wallet and will help you open a beer or tighten a screw. The coolest feature that I couldn't find on most other similar products was the credit card phone stand. It is great for planes and other travel applications (I haven't had trouble bringing this on a plane anywhere I have traveled, FYI)."—Mary

Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (also available in packs of two, three, and five).

17. I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder perfect for when the summer heat, sweat, and humidity can make your hair greasy fast — especially between wash days. Tap this on to instantly give your hair a little refresh and live your best, beautiful life without oily roots! 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Plus, this is TSA-friendly, which makes it great for traveling. 

Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action. 

Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I’ve tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" —Katie_0_Baker

Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in six styles and multipacks). 

18. A UV-protective mini umbrella in case you're a little sensitive to the sun, but still want to enjoy the great outdoors without burning or overheating. It's super compact and will come in extra handy for those rare summer days when a little rainstorm does occur. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect, affordable, useful. Comes in attractive carrying case. Has a protective sleeve. Opens to a good size." —Holly West

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

19. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller made from actual volcanic stone to soak up the excess oil throughout the day. Unlike blotting papers, you can wash and reuse the roller, and it fits perfectly in your purse!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It's also easy to clean: Just twist and unlock the roller's ring, gently pull out the stone part, wash the stone with a gentle cleanser, rinse it off, and let it air dry before using it again!

Promising review: "I saw this featured on TikTok and decided to give it a try. It really does work! I have oily skin on my forehead, around my nose, and chin. One swipe in each of the areas and [the] oily, shininess was gone. A must-have in your purse." —Maria S.

Get it from Amazon for $7.75 (also available in a rose quartz version). 

20. A roll-on migraine stick if the heat tends to get you feeling a little tired and headache-y. This is made with made with peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils to help give you some sweet relief.  

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.

Basic Vigor is a US-based small business specializing in all-natural migraine relief products. 

Promising review: "I’ve had migraines all my life — I’m 31 now. I’ve been on all kinds of prescriptions that work, but make me so sleepy. I’ve been using this stick for one week now, and it’s amazing! I rubbed it on at the first hint of a headache/migraine and it takes care of it fast. I haven’t taken a prescription migraine medication since I started using it." —Amanda Braswell

Read BuzzFeed's review of the migraine stick for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

21. A 5-in-1 mini toothbrush — it's pre-pasted (no water needed) and doesn't require you to rinse after. When you need to get a quick floss in or just want to have a fresh smile, use these individually wrapped toothbrushes (and there's even a tongue scraper and a hidden toothpick). You're not going to want to look back on Instagram-worthy photos only to realize that you have spinach stuck between your teeth. 

www.amazon.com

The toothbrush's liquid gel toothpaste is different from regular toothpaste since it minimizes foam production so you don't even need to rinse after brushing. This little tool is a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, toothpick, and tongue scraper all in one! 

Promising review: "Freshee is terrific! Anytime you need to refresh/impress! This device offers the ability to brush and floss your teeth on the go; I use it at work or when traveling. The built-in toothpick and tongue scraper are nice additions that really help me feel refreshed on the go! It fits easily into pants pocket or suit coat pocket and is sturdy and durable." —Antonio Abrego

Get 24 individually wrapped toothbrushes from Amazon for $20.99

22. A leak-proof Brumate stainless-steel cup since you deserve a cup that won't leave a leaky mess all over your car if your cupholders are preoccupied. Unlike other brands (IYKYK), this is designed with a lockable straw so you can just toss this in the passenger seat of your car or your purse without a care in the world.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I own three of the "popular" brand stainless tumblers, but they leak like a sieve. And they are heavy! I have many chronic autoimmune illnesses, and hydration does help me, so I always have a full cup. I was interested in Brumate because I could lock it and throw it in the seat for extra water, as I tend to empty a cup every 90 minutes. It is sleek, fits my cup holders, weighs less, and is absolutely leakproof. It is a bit top-heavy, and the straw has become detached a few times. My main issue is that despite handwashing and careful handling, it has a chip in only two weeks of use." —Marissa Pro

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 22 colors and two sizes). 

23. Or, a collapsible silicone water bottle because even though you love your refrigerator-size Stanley Cup, you sometimes need something a lil' smaller for your adventures. This is refillable and rolls up to be super compact when you're done sipping. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I got this the day before a cruise, and it made it so easy to throw into my carry-on and was able to fill once I got through security at the airport. I used it all through my cruise as well, and when I was done with it, I folded it back up, and it went right back into my purse at each port. People asked where I got it, and I honestly loved it. It’s a little bulky, so it isn’t slim for small purses, but my backpack and having it was nice. I will not use it for day-to-day use, but it’s another great travel find for those who travel often :)" —Mary

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six colors/styles).

24. And, a Springer leak-proof pet water bottle so even your furriest of friends can be hydrated throughout the day. This is equipped with a built-in bowl and all you do is simply squeeze the bottle to release water and lock the seal. The leftover water just sucks right back into the bottle! So genius! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Springer Pets is a woman-owned small business run by a mother-daughter duo (and the dogs who love them). They were also featured on Shark Tank! 

Promising review: "I am extremely happy with this purchase! We have two medium-sized dogs (30 pounds and 42 pounds), and this was a LIFESAVER. We beat the heat, car anxiety, and quenching thirst by providing our fur babies with much-needed water breaks. This bottle is "mess-free" and was absolutely easy to provide water to our dogs even while we where driving. No water spills, no need for extra plastic water bottles or collapsible bowls. Throw some ice cubes in there, and you'll see it holds cool and fresh water for a good amount of time." —Tatiana

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in nine styles/colors). 

25. A belt bag that's basically a Lululemon look-alike, but for way cheaper. This has tons of storage and can be worn crossbody or fanny pack style. It's easy to grab when you're heading out for a quick errand and great to pack for a weekend trip where you won't want to be lugging around a heavy purse. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’m SOO impressed with the quality of this bag! I’ve worn the Lululemon belt bag and I gotta say, this is pretty similar. Almost identical, except the Lululemon is a tiny bit smaller size. The Lululemon one also has a plastic zipper but this Amazon one is metal. I prefer the plastic but this one is OK. It might be better than Lululemon JUST for the fact that they have so many color options!" —Em

Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 39 colors). 

26. A pack of flushable wipes for when you're going to the bathroom and see that the public restroom conveniently ran out of toilet paper. (UGH!) Keep these individually wrapped wipes in your purse or pocket for those emergency situations, so you can go about your day without having to use a toilet seat cover as toilet paper (sad, but a reality for some). 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are great for travel and when you’re at a poorly stocked public bathroom (or behind a tree, whatever the case may be). It is also great for hand-washing and removing sunscreen in a pinch. They are even gentle enough for the face. Good size and thickness.  I have made a lot of people’s day by having these on hand…" —K. Bee

Get a pack of 30 individually wrapped wipes from Amazon for $13.99.

27. A blister-preventing balm that easily glides on your ankles, toes, and heels so you can save yourself from saying "ow," "ugh," and "oof" every time you take a step in those new shoes you snagged for summer. This is small enough to throw into your bag and will prevent you from some nasty blisters.

Amazon

BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products. 

Promising review: "Wow. I took this on vacation, during which we walked about 20,000 steps daily. And, of course, my shoes begin to rub against parts of my feet, terribly. But I smeared this on, and it was amazing. I did have to reapply a few times a day, in public, but I highly recommend this!! I used it on my toes, ankle area, etc., and my feet felt great (normal)." —Y.

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

28. A mini bottle of hypochlorous acid spray you can spritz on your face to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness. If you're one to get a little sweaty throughout the day, this comes in super handy to help keep your skin clear and hydrated. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

FYI, for the travel Tower 28 SOS spray, it's $12 for 1 ounce where as this is $9.99 for 2 ounces — so even in the travel department you're still saving and getting more bang for your buck!

Promising review: "This is the best product ever! I’ve always been an excessive sweater my whole life. As you know, that can lead to being stinky. I can spray this on my face, arms, and chest after a workout in the afternoon on a hot day, then go back to work without worrying about stinking up the place. Helps to neutralize the bacteria that causes you to smell." —Celinas 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99

29. A pair of retro oval sunglasses because you care about protecting your eyes from the harsh sun, but want to do so in a way that makes you look like the hottest bombshell who walked into the villa. These look super similar to the Celine pair, but are way more affordable! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was really surprised by how great the quality was on these sunglasses! The packaging and included accessories were good quality, too. I usually don’t care much for the extra clutter that comes with a new pair since I have many cheap pairs, but the cloth and bag were really nice material too. These sunglasses fit perfectly and have a bit of weight to them, thus keeping the quality of a great new pair!" —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five styles and multipacks). 

You, on your way to your summer activities with everything you'll need in your bag:

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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