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Don't Dread the Beach! 15 Things That Make a Day at the Shore Waaaaay Easier
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The beach is my happy place. There is no better feeling than when your toes hit the sand for the first time after a long winter. And it’s the ideal laid-back setting to spend time with family and friends, have fun and relax as you watch the waves roll in and out.
All is zen—until you face the reality of packing up for a day at the shore. Whether you are going with a friend or the whole family, it’s not realistic to throw a towel in a beach bag and hit the road. Adding kids to the mix brings with it a whole extra layer of preparedness. With little people (or my husband!) there are sandcastles and swimming, shells and starfish—but also hot sand, no shade and salt water in the eyes. Rest assured, we have you covered to guarantee everyone has a blast.
As beach season is officially kicking off, it’s time to take inventory of your gear and invest in a couple things to make beach excursions…well, beachier. A few things you need to check off include something to sit on, something to sip from and as my friend with four children said, “A high school babysitter doesn’t hurt either!” All kidding aside, these 15 products below will make your day at the beach so efficient and carefree you will be wondering why you ever used to secretly dread it so much.
YETI Hopper Two Portable Cooler
No one wants the soggy sandwich with mayo that has warmed up in the sun because your cooler can’t do its job. This YETI Hopper is described as the “ice-for-days portable cooler” with its leakproof, portable, ultra-durable design that will keep its contents cold so you don't have to worry about it in the hot summer sun.
Mesh Beach Bag
This is the perfect bag for sand toys. Big enough to hold an ample amount of shovels, buckets and balls, it also has a zipper to hold everything in—with the exception of sand and water. In addition, it also has a handy inside zippered pocket, spring clip, and eight large outside pockets for extra storage. Give it a quick rinse in the ocean before you head home to wash off the excess sand and your car trunk will thank you.
The Beach People Majorelle Round Towel
At five feet in diameter, this large towel is perfect to always have tucked away in your beach bag. The round shape is a welcome layout for a big group to share or comfy to spread out while you sunbathe. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s boho chic design is easy on the eyes—and a lovely compliment the coastal decor with its blue and white print and tasseled edges.
Beachcomber All-Terrain Wagon
This is the beach MVP right here. The wagon comes decked out with oversized wheels, folds for compact storage and can tote up to 150lbs of gear. That’s right, this summer you can kiss multiple trips to the car goodbye!
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond, $99.99
YETI Rambler Coaster Can and Bottle Holder
“Keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip.” Who can argue with that?! With a double wall vacuum insulation, the sun can’t compete with the Rambler once you crack open a can or pop the cap off your drink. It also has a No Sweat Design which means your hand stays dry and un-frostbitten.
Beach Umbrella Sand Anchor
You don’t want to be that person with the fly away umbrella. This anchor easily attaches to the pole of any beach umbrella with a diameter up to 1.25” and has been tested to withstand up to 30 MPH winds. It screws into the sand with ease so you can enjoy some shade without fear of chasing a runaway umbrella down the beach.
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond,$14.99
Outdoor Wine Glasses
Keep your beach happy hour elegant with these acrylic wine glasses that have stake-like bases that you wedge right into the ground. Read: No more balancing a glass on the arm of your beach chair! We love that these work in the grass and snow and even the water so you can use them throughout the year.
BUY FROM: UncommonGoods, $19.99 for 2
Striped Cotton Canvas Sun Shade
While I love the sunshine, shade is essential if you are spending the day at the beach. This canopy protects from 99% of UV rays and creates the perfect nook to take a nap, read a book or just enjoy the scenery. It also folds up into a tote bag for easy transfer!
Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II
Set the mood with some background music with this compact (it weighs just over one pound!) water-resistant speaker. It’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows up to 8 hours of listening pleasure.
Recycled Sail Bag with Zipper
Made out of recycled sails, these bags are your best bet when dealing with water and sand. They are water resistant and have a zipper closure on top so flying sand can’t find its way in. Also if sunscreen leaks or food spills its machine washable—or better yet, just hose it off for easy cleaning.
Low Wood Table in Bag
The best for cocktails or food alike, this table is low for easy access from beach chairs but raised high enough that every bite of food doesn't have that not-so-lovely crunch of sand. With 2 crossbars and 4 legs that detach it easily rolls up to a handy carrying bag.
BUY FROM: Brookstone, SALE $34.99 (Regularly $39.95, 12% Off!)
Bohemian Beach Pouch Wristlet
Sand and cell phones simply don't mix. You need an easy spot to keep keys, phones and money so they aren’t floating around in your beach bag. This coastal canvas wristlet is small so its convenient, but also large enough to hold the essentials.
Pinch Provisions Secretly A Mermaid Summer Kit
Essential for your beach bag!! This kit has thought of it all and is especially helpful if you are transitioning from beach to happy hour at the local watering hole. A handful of the helpful items included are a mini fan that plugs into your phone, dry shampoo, aloe gel, deodorant wipes, blotting tissues, a comb and blister bandages.
BUY FROM: Urban Outfitters, $24
Rio WearEver Steel Hi-Back Backpack Beach Chair
Keep your hands free to carry a child or pull a wagon of supplies with this steel frame wooden arm rest chair. It has a back pocket with plenty of room for a towel, four reclining positions and an adjustable padded headrest—look no further, this is your beach chair for this summer and beyond.
BUY FROM: Hayneedle, SALE $39.98 (Regularly $99.99, 60% Off!)
Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
Your beach party just got tastier with this Weber portable grill. Large enough to fit a half dozen burgers at a time, but small enough to bring along with ease. This grill is built to last with a glass reinforced nylon handle and a porcelain enameled coating. All for under $30!
