This year, more than any other it seems, the outdoors have become our social spots, our respite from cabin fever, and the setting for our parties/dinners/dates for the foreseeable future. Whether it’s the beach, the park, or the backyard, it’s easy to bring the party up a notch (even if you’re solo!) with a few of the latest trends for your next picnic. Think of it as your beach bag capsule, your perfect picnic picks, but just make sure you take full advantage of the natural therapy the outdoors can provide. Sticking with bringing just the essentials and an umbrella is all fine and good, but these eight gadgets can really elevate your outdoor day from average to downright awesome.
Glow Sunscreen
If you don’t want to sacrifice glowy, highlighted skin for a face of SPF, try out some GLOW sunscreen that’s specially formulated to give your skin that extra shimmer. Not only will it give you that dewy finish you’re looking for, but it also contains ingredients like Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid for all around nourished and healthy skin.
Sand-Free Beach Blanket
There’s nothing that puts a damper on a fun beach day quite like getting sand accidentally kicked on your towel or blanket. Fortunately, sand-proof mats exist, and they do a great job of keeping your home base and everything on it clean and sand-free. Believe in the magic of this textile. Your car’s trunk will thank you for it when it doesn’t end up loaded with piles of sand from your beach day.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re hitting the beach or the lake with your squad, this is definitely something you want to have! Whether you’re enjoying the cool water around your ankles or cooking up some hot dogs with friends, music just really completes the vibe. The JBL Clip 3 is fully submersible in water, so you don’t have to stress about dropping it in the pool. It also features 10 full hours of play time, so the party won’t stop. Just be nice to your fellow outdoor peeps and keep the volume to a respectable level — but you knew that already, didn’t you?
Stylish Beach Tents
That’s right, it’s time to get rid of that annoying old umbrella that never seems to stay put and threatens to fly away at the slightest breeze. Skip the risk of impaling your fellow beachgoers this year. Beach tents are a chic and convenient upgrade, not to mention they have the added feature of privacy to really make it feel like you’re relaxing at your own little island oasis. The Business & Pleasure Holiday Beach Tent is not only functional, but with its pink stripes, it’s simply adorable.
Portable Mini-Fan
In a perfect world we wouldn’t have to worry about it getting just a little too hot out to be comfortable, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Enter the battery-powered air cooler, a true lifesaver for when you want to soak up some sun and stay cool at the same time. Urban Outfitters is stocking one that looks like a super-cute chonky iphone.
The Coolest Cooler
Say goodbye to lugging around an inconveniently heavy tub of ice, because the age of mini coolers is here. They’re the ideal size for drinks and snacks and don’t even need ice thanks to foam insulation technology, which can keep stuff cold for up to five hours. The StowCo Cooler Bag looks more like a laptop bag, with its little handle, but it functions more like your beer or bubbly briefcase, which sounds like the best suitcase ever.
Ground Coasters
While we’re on the topic of beach snacking, coasters that sit in the sand are an awesome addition to your beach bag. Not only are they great for food, but they’re also a convenient way to keep track of any small accessories like sunglasses or your phone that can get lost in the sand easily. The appropriately named Turtleback Beach Coasters are a small investment that you’ll repeatedly thank yourself for being genius enough to buy.
Portable Chargers
Last but certainly not least, a strong portable charger is a must-have for a day in the sand. Even just one for the whole family is enough to make sure nobody’s phone is dying in the middle of the day, giving you one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to kick back and soak up the sun. It doesn’t get any more reliable than mophie, which resists overcharging and electrolyte leakage, because who needs that?
