Summer is finally here! It’s time for pool parties, outdoor adventures and road trips with the family. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get out and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. The people in my life are suddenly emerging from their winter hibernation, and I’m reminded how this time of year really does bring people out for a good time. That being said, it’s also a crazy time of year. All kinds of places are packed with tourists, moms and dads are searching for ways to keep their kids out of trouble until September, and the rest of us are just looking for a break from the daily grind.
We’ve put together a fun, budget-friendly list of our favorite hot weather essentials from Amazon to help you get ready for traveling, hosting, parenting and partying. From waterproof speakers and ice cream makers to magic flame kits and portable vacuums, these summer products offer a little something for everyone!
Float into paradise with this pool lounger float
For some, pool time is all about dunking or splashing, but not for me. I just want a warm breeze, a cool drink in my hand and some time in the sun. Spread out on this queen-sized lounger float and enjoy the water in peace.
Take marg night to the next level with these plastic cocktail cups
Ditch the red solo cups and serve up something memorable! Everyone just wants to feel like they’re on vacation someplace special, and these cups make it easy. Bonus: They’re made with plastic, so you don’t have to worry about using them around a pool or kids.
Take this Bluetooth speaker anywhere – even underwater!
Calling all friend group DJs – this one’s for you! With a IPX7 waterproof rating and a 10-hour battery life, you can vibe all the way from your shower to the beach and back, no problem.
Come prepared with this multipurpose pop-up privacy tent
If you’ve ever been stranded on a road trip without a bathroom, out with friends for an impromptu swim or stuck in line for hours at a con, you know the struggle is real. In the past minute, I’ve already thought of a dozen uses for this pop-up privacy tent.
Light up the night with magic flames!
These color packets are great for wowing your kids or having a magical moment with friends. Unlike the messy color cones or fire color sticks, you don’t actually have to touch the powder to add it to the fire. This makes it a great option for kids; just open and pour for instant cosmic flames!
This water repellent day pack is for must-have for all group moms and dads
You’re the one who always packs all the snacks, Band-Aids and extra water – now is not the time to forsake the training. The best part about this hiking day bag is that it packs down into an eight inch bundle, perfect for throwing into the car on short notice. Imagine the impressed looks you’ll get when you bust out the backpack for a last minute hike! They’ll be glad someone thought ahead.
Take the camping vibe indoors with this Electric S’mores Maker
Maybe camping isn’t an option this year, or you’re not really outdoorsy – it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your own freshly toasted s’mores from the comfort of your own couch. Dessert must be had! And this tabletop maker sure beats sticking your marshmallows in the microwave.
Bring this blender to every Airbnb for fresh smoothies, shakes and margaritas
Imagine kicking back with a passion fruit smoothie or a fresh piña colada on the first day of summer. Life is good. Regardless of where you actually are, this frozen drink is going to make you feel like you’re living your best life somewhere tropical, and everyone around you is going to want one. This Hamilton Beach Blender has everything you need: it’s dishwasher safe, it’s designed specifically to crush ice and it can serve up to 40 oz. of liquid at a time.
This Vegan BCAA Tastes Delicious!
Finally, a BCAA powder that works and tastes great without needing to add artificial sweeteners. I wasn’t consistently taking my amino acids before because they tasted so bad, but now I look forward to this refreshing drink! Its formula is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit and comes in four tropical flavors. I love that I can burn fat, protect lean muscle, and get a boost of energy all with one serving of this plant based supplement.
The Perfect Workout Buddy Bands
There are certain muscle groups you just can’t strengthen quite the same without resistance bands. That’s why these premium resistance bands are a must-add to your daily workout routine! They’re sturdy, snap-resistant, and safe so you don’t have to worry about replacing them. I love these because I can use them for a full body workout at home or at the gym. Summer body, here I come!
No Pain, Big Gain
Whoever said, “No Pain, No Gain,” has clearly never tried this pain relief ointment before. One of the reasons I avoid working out at the gym, other than laziness, is the inevitable muscle soreness afterward. Other creams have deterred me because of their nasty smell and sticky residue, but I don’t have to worry about that with this Rescue brand. It’s so effective that I don’t need to constantly reapply it either!
One insect trap to rule them all…
I’ve just added this to my cart because I’m tired of trapping winged beasts in my bathroom and hoping for the best. No more gnats in my wine, no more mosquito bites, no more bug corpses to clean up! The best part about this trap is that there’s no loud zapping involved. Finally, peace.
Play underwater with the Watermelon Ball
Families are raving about this thing on Amazon! Reviewer Jennifer M. says she’s had the ball for 3 years and it is “virtually indestructible.” You can use it for all kinds of things: underwater dribbling, playing catch in the pool, or even strength workouts. This isn’t your average beach ball – it’s filled with water, so it doesn’t float.
Break out the inflatable pong table when you’re ready to party
This floating pong table totally passes the vibe check. A hot summer day at the pool screams for an iced cold beer, and when the Chad in your life challenges you to a game you’ll be ready.
Explore the ocean with ease with this premium snorkel set
I took up snorkeling last year and I’ve done all the research, so I have all the insider tips for newbies. Renting snorkel gear is a ripoff – for the premiums gear shops charge, you might as well buy your own set. This set is great because it has the two things you need for long-lasting use: an anti-fog, extra strong tempered glass diving mask and a dry top snorkel (to keep you from accidentally inhaling water when you dive down). Don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen!
Sunbathe in style with these sand-free beach towels
I don’t like sand. It’s coarse, rough and irritating. It gets everywhere – but no more! These beautiful, double-sided Turkish towels are made to dry quickly and repel sand, so you can enjoy beachside lounging without tracking tons of sand back to your house or car.
Keep out of the sun with this sturdy umbrella anchor
Despite its simple appearance, this umbrella base is built to be unbreakable. It won’t get hot or rust like metal bases do, making it an ideal choice for beach outings. Its screw-in base helps anchor it into sand, dirt or grass. The anchor can withstand winds up to 50 mph, though at that point I’m not sure why you’d want to be outdoors anyway…
Compete after dark with the GlowCity Glow in The Dark Volleyball
Glow in the dark things are so cool! I’m all about glow in the dark paint, glow sticks and black lights – what a way to make a nighttime party memorable. This glow in the dark ball is great for beach volleyball teams. With over 30 hours of glow time, you can play long after sunset.
The perfect all-in-one sunscreen kit for travel
I typically hate everything about sunscreen, but this sunscreen kit checks all of my boxes: Gluten Free, Vegan, Reef Safe, Coconut scent, and TSA approved size. I appreciate that it comes with an aftercare moisturizer too; I love the beach, but my skin doesn’t.
Keep Your Toes In Order With This Toe Guard
When I first saw this little toe guard, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. But when I realized what it was for, it blew my mind! You know those cute sandals you never wear because your pinky toe always pops out? Yeah, that’s what this toe protector is for! It’s so clever and easy to use. You’re going to want to stock up.
After you try these nipple covers, you’ll never want to wear a bra again
I have pair of these and they’ve actually replaced bras for me. My ladies are, hmm, loud and proud we’ll say. These nipple covers keep me from getting weird, judgemental looks from people. Worth every penny, and perfect for summer fashion trends!
Disinfect all the things with this portable UV light
I love to go camping during this time of year and this solar light is perfect for those nights when you want to see while being under the stars.
Your car will be spotless after you use this portable vacuum
Tired of sitting on cracker crumbs, pet hair and dust? Maybe you’ve got a fancy new car and you want to ride the high of that new car smell as long as possible. Maybe you’re me and you don’t clean your car until the seats get crunchy. Regardless of your circumstance, you’re going to want this vacuum.
Calling all dads! This is the roof rack net you’ve been waiting for
Your dad may not be the trunk space engineer you deserve, but he’s the one you need right now. Who else is going to haul your overstuffed, 100 lb. bag in and out of the car? If you don’t have space for everyone’s stuff, fret not: this vehicle cargo net can expand to twice its size to accommodate any and all load sizes. It’s either that or leave Gary at home – no one’s going to miss him anyway.
Dip into chocolatey goodness with the Nostalgia Electric Fondue Pot
Melted chocolate or cheese? Sign me up IMMEDIATELY. This little kit is a great find for the price. It’s electric and temperature adjustable, so you don’t need to keep buying candles or stirring like crazy. The pot is stainless steel and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easy. Cool touch handles will keep your kids and over-eager adults from burning themselves.
Corn Hole on the go!
This corn hole set is easy to set up and collapse, just like you will be after 11 rounds of corn hole. Enjoy the beginner’s luck while it lasts.
Relax and enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your own hammock
Sitting and enjoying nature is one of the most relaxing things you can do, but the rocks and the bugs can be a bit of a downer for most of us. That being said, the last thing anyone wants to do is carry a camping chair with them up the mountain. This hammock is a great compromise for those who want a little more comfort in nature. With a lightweight, packable design, one-minute setup and tree-friendly straps, no nature lover should ever be without one of these.
Use these refillable, long-lasting ice packs on your next day trip
With a 48-hour cool time and over 20,000 glowing reviews, these ice packs are a win for people on the go. They’re easy to refill and will keep your favorite drinks cold at 18° F (-8° C).
Clean off, cool down or hydrate with the all-in-one LUNATEC Spray Bottle
Have you ever wanted to simultaneously shower, wash dishes and aggressively spray the people next to you? Me neither. In all seriousness though, this spray bottle would make a great car or camping accessory.
Keep your car guest-ready with this nonslip seat protector for pets
No more muddy paw prints, scratched upholstery or fur clumps in your car! Your furry friend is your world, and there’s no way he’s getting left behind, even if he is a bit messy. Best of all, this mat comes with plenty of seat anchors and a nonslip bottom layer, so you don’t have to worry about your pet sliding around during the trip.
Rest comfortably under the stars with this lightweight sleeping pad
You keep telling yourself you’re going to be more spontaneous – now is the time! With the Sleepingo inflatable pad, you can enjoy a comfy, restful sleep anywhere. This air mattress packs down to the size of a water bottle, making it convenient to carry. It’s made with waterproof and tear resistant ripstop nylon, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures.
Flarts is like darts for kids, but inflatable
The name may make you want to roll your eyes, but you know your kids will love throwing these things around. Thankfully, it’s super easy for them to set up all by themselves: all they need to do is inflate the pins and lay the mat out on a flat surface. The inflatable pins are soft and lightweight, so they’re unlikely to hurt other kids or break things (unless your toddler has ungodly strength).
DIY your dessert with this electric ice cream maker
Who needs Cold Stone when you could make your own custom ice cream? All you need is ice cream mix, your favorite candy and your imagination. This is a great novelty item to have around for the warmer seasons, and it would make a great gift for the foodies in your life.
Keep your kids engaged all summer with this 1500 piece craft set!
If summer school isn’t an option, you’ll need something to keep their little brains learning and creating. What better way than to let them loose on a bucket of crafting materials and glitter? You’ll be surprised what strange and glorious things they come up with.
Get fit for your favorite summer activities with this exercise ball
When I jumped into the pool on Memorial Day weekend, I quickly realized I have a lot of endurance training to do before I attempt snorkeling in the open ocean this summer. Whatever your summer goals may be, URBNFit will help you get the ball rolling (sorry not sorry) on a new exercise routine.
Enjoy an iced coffee on hot summer days with the Bean Envy Cold Brew Maker
Iced coffee is LIFE – why should you have to go anywhere without it?
This LED makeup mirror is the perfect travel companion
I want to shake hands with the individual who came up with this genius product. No more struggling to fix smudged makeup by the dim light of the wall sconce in the dive bar. Bonus: it’s a backup flashlight if your phone dies.
Rock the new 90’s with one of these embroidered bucket hats
I’ll admit that I was skeptical about bucket hats to begin with, but after seeing what a cute accessory they make for all kinds of outfits, I’m obsessed. These bucket hats are way better than the one I have; they’re offered in all the best base colors so you can easily pair your new hat with different outfits. My favorite is the ice cream on pink.
Host the best movie night with this mini projector
It’s showtime! Grab some popcorn and fight your relatives for the right to pick tonight’s movie. Pro tip: If you don’t get to pick, ask the chooser to pick 3 movies to choose from. That way at least your family can veto the worst one (cough, cough Despicable Me).
Party all day and night with the Blissun 9 ft Solar Umbrella
When the weather is good, why should you ever have to leave your patio? This umbrella gives you all you need to relax outdoors at any time of day. Shade your guests during the heat of the day, all while charging up your solar-powered LEDs for a gentle glow at night.
Get whiter teeth with this teeth whitening kit
These kits are a life-saver when you have an important event and want to look your absolute best from head to toe!