SPLASH:
Snorkel Mask- Our boys love wearing these to look around in the water on vacation plus they’re anti-fog and anti-leak and the wide viewing area gives a great view underwater.
Surfer Dude- Simply throw this toy into the surf and watch him surf back in every time!
Waterproof Football- This durable football features a special grip so it can easily be handled in water!
Watermelon Pool Toy- Always a hit at the neighborhood pool! This ball can be bounced, dribbled, passed up to 8 feet underwater
Goggles- The last pair of goggles you will ever have to buy! These are completely leak proof and hold up so well year after year
Reusable Water Balloons- One of the most shared items on Amazon this year for good reason! Enjoy water balloon fights over and over again without having to pick up balloon pieces in the yard
Tommy Bahama Beach Chair- The GOAT of beach chairs! This lightweight chair folds into 5 positions, is rust proof, and has a cooler and storage pouches for phones etc. Best of all, it has straps to be worn as a backpack for easy transport to the beach!
PROTECT:
Elta MD Sunscreen- T and I both wear this daily as our first defense against aging and sun damage. It absorbs quickly and is easily worn under makeup.
Elta MD Sunscreen Stick- Our favorite sunscreen in a stick form for easy reapplication.
Shibumi Shade- Our love for the Shibumi Shade runs deep! It easily provides shade and a slight breeze and goes up in seconds so you can get to enjoying the beach.
Beach Gladiator Stick- A lifesaver for boys and men who chafe at the beach. IYKYK
Mosquito Repellent Stickers- An excellent alternative to Deet spray! Put these patches on your children for hours of mosquito protection without the need to reapply.
Thermacell- Another excellent solution for pests at the picnic. This little device keeps bugs away for up to 12 hours without any scent or chemicals.
Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Detector- One thing we never travel without. Explosive gas can sneak up no matter where you are, and this little gadget saves lives. It’s one thing you hope to never need but are glad you packed!
Travel Door Alarm- Extra security and peace of mind against intruders in hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Not only does it protect you from people coming in, it also protects your littles getting out. This gave me so much peace of mind when our kids were younger and we stayed at rentals with a pool in the back.
Bug Bite Thing- This tiny gadget packs a real punch as it removes insect venom from itchy bites and stings. Don’t leave home without it
TRAVEL:
Car Trash Can- Tiny but functional car garbage bin will maintain your vehicle, keep it clean and organized, yet does not occupy too much space in the car. Mine slips down right in the side door.
Car Seat Trays- Built to fit standard car cup holders, this tray holds kids meals and a drink easily so the backseat stays as crumb (and waffle fry) free as possible.
Travel Urinal Bag- We never leave the house without several of these in the car! You never know when someone is going to have to use the bathroom in standstill traffic.
Travel Coffee Mug- My favorite tumbler for coffee! This durable vacuum insulated cup features a spill proof lid for even the bumpiest of roads.
Portable Steamer- I no longer worry about wearing wrinkled clothes on a trip since I purchased this steamer! It’s lightweight and very effective at freshening clothes that have been packed away.
Ice Mule Cooler- I gifted this collapsible cooler to T for Christmas one year, and he still raves about it. It keeps ice cold for up to 24 hours, is easy to carry thanks to the attached strap, easily rolls up flat after use for easy storage, and floats in water.
Stainless Steel Martini Glasses- One of my favorite ways to enjoy an adult beverage by the pool! Make sure to add extra olive juice, these glasses keep your martini or other cocktail cold until they are gone.
USB Fan- An excellent choice for theme parks, sporting events, lounging by the pool, and more! This small fan charges by USB and holds its charge for an extended amount of time.
WEAR:
Brixton Straw Hat- I get so many compliments on this hat, both in person and on social media! My favorite thing about it is that it comes in different sizes so it’s easy to get the perfect fit for your head size!
Floafers- We purchase these rubber shoes every summer for my boys! They look nicer, but are comfortable and float in the water if you drop one (ask me how I know)
Trunks with Compression Shorts- Another must have for boys that are prone to chafing! These trunks have a smooth compression layer underneath that protects little legs unlike the usual netting.
Neoprene Life Vest- These are the life vests that we keep at the lake for our boys! They are great quality and will be able to be worn from 50-90 pounds.
Packable Beach Towel- This compact beach towel is great because it dries quickly and does not hold onto sand while at the beach. It’s also very absorbent.
Waterproof Sandals- A new purchase for me this year. These sandals are made to go in the water but can also be worn with shorts to dinner. Made by Crocs so you know they are durable and have great support.
PACK:
Cosmetics Case- I love this cosmetics case for packing beauty essentials. It makes finding your products easy with the clear sides and vertical storage.
Clevermade Collapsible Bag- We keep this collapsible bin in the kitchen prior to trips so we can easily add vacation items as we think of them! It also makes a very convenient way to transport items into your vacation home and folds totally flat after use!
Assorted Waterproof Bags- We use these zipper storage bags all over the house to corral small items, but they are especially great to take on vacation! Keep items organized and sand free in the beach bag or carry wet swimsuits in them.
Compression Packing Cubes- An overpacker’s dream! Easily fit clothing and other items in the individual cubes to be able to fit more in your suitcase.
18 qt bins- These are the bins we pack kids’ clothes in! Save space in your car by packing in durable bins that utilize precious trunk space with smart storage!
Bogg Bag- A favorite for years, this bag can be hosed off after a long day on the beach and dries instantly to be enjoyed the next day!
Portable Charger- Don’t miss out on precious photo and video opportunities on vacation by having a dead phone battery! This charger is small, but charges phones quickly so you can capture every moment.
Snack Containers- Our favorite way to transport snacks to the pool and beach! The segmented design keeps snacks separated and at easy access for little swimmers.
PLAY:
Bluetooth speaker- We’ve tried several Bluetooth speakers over the years, and this one is our favorite! Great sound quality and battery life are just two features that make this a beach bag must pack!
Beach Golf- Such a great activity to play at low tide on a cooler beach day! Create your own putting course on the beach to play as a family.
Tenzi Dice Game- Another must have for our family! This easy game can be played many ways and is fun for all ages! We don't go on vacation without it!
Collapsible Beach Buckets- No more hauling awkward buckets to the beach every day. These collapse flat to allow for ultimate storage utilization!
Shell Collecting Bags- We love to go on beach walks after dinner and collect shells as we go. These bags are mesh so sand can fall out, but your treasures wont!
Buildzi Game- From the makers of Tenzi, this game also has multiple ways to play and is a hit for all ages! Reinforce spatial awareness, STEM skills, and more with this quick stacking game
Portable Tripod- Not every family photo has to be a selfie with this easy to pack tripod.