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I suppose the BEST time to post my summer vacation must-haves would be before the first week of summer but here we are already at the beginning of July (because time flies when you’re wrangling kids all day having fun) so there’s no time like the present. Because we all know there is a lot more summer to be had, AND, unless your summer is front-loaded, there are vacations to go on. I use every item on this list pretty much daily, at home and while traveling (and, surprise, most of them I use all year round). Great news: there is something for everyone on this list! (Spoiler alert – the last one is the only way I remain somewhat sane while the kids roam the neighborhood.)
Thinksport Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ (3 ounce)
Think minimizing exposure to sun + minimizing exposure to toxins + minimzing cost. EWG gives ThinkSport the best rating possible, which means while I can’t prevent the kids from eating an occasional bag of birthday cake mini muffins, I can protect them from the sun by using a sunscreen with ingredients that pose a low health concern.
Herschel Fourteen Waist Pack, Black, One Size
I have a few beltbags (I ended up getting the Madewell one on sale that I mentioned in this post!). They are just so utilitarian, OF COURSE they’re on the summer vacation must-haves list! For the casual days when I’m just heading out for a bit I use this one from Herschel Supply Company and I also have the larger one for when I’m heading out for a few hours (i.e., music festivals!). It fits everything, there’s nothing hanging on your shoulder, and comes in a ton of fun colors!
Huzi Infinity Pillow – Design Travel Pillow and Soft Neck Support Pillow – Machine Washable (Navy)
The greatest travel pillow that ever lived. I purchased this for my Coachella trip last year after doing a decent amount of research. Why, you ask, did I do so much research for a neck pillow? 1) for some reason the standard neck pillow doesn’t quite cut it – maybe because I have a longish neck? and 2) taking a red-eye back from a three-day festival to three young kids REQUIRES a decent night’s sleep. Since I got this I take it on car trips, plane trips, and I actually sleep with it every night at home. This pillow can be worn in so many different ways and is made out of bamboo material so it’s soft, breathable, and cool. Bonus: it is washer/dryer safe!
Anytime I get a new lip balm, it gets half-used and then gets melted, lost, or eaten by children. This stuff though… I have one in the bathroom, one in my bag and one in the car AT ALL TIMES. It protects against sun, wind, extreme temps, and treats dry, irritated, and cracked lips. It actually penetrates your lips instead of just sitting on the surface like a wax until you wipe/lick it off; your lips are soft and smooth without having to reapply a million times. My favorite is the lemon and shea butter flavor.
Curad Performance Series Antibacterial Adhesive Bandages, 1 X 3.25 Inch, 20 count
You know you’re a mom when you gush over adhesive bandages… But seriously, these are the best ones I’ve EVER used. The pads are antibacterial and super absorbent, they are made with super tough fabric so they last on active kids, and they come in some pretty fun colors. I get the variety pack at our local grocery store – it has every shape and size you could ever possibly need and if you get creative with a sharpie, you’re two year old will believe you when you tell her the light blue is an Elsa one.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion for Unisex Spray, 1.5 Ounce
Next on the list of summer vacation must-haves is the Surf Infusion spray by Bumble and Bumble. This is not your typical sea salt spray; it is infused with oil to help prevent over-drying so you get beachy waves without looking like the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. Definitely one to keep on hand, especially for those of us with color-treated or processed hair.
Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops 0.25 Fl Oz (7.5mL)
Another recommendation from sister Jackie! These eye drops are perfect for after long days at the beach, or after long nights out. It’s simple: one drop in each eye gets the whites whiter.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record… I’m including these sunglasses on this list even though I already raved about them here!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara Black 0.13oz/3.9g
This list of summer vacation must-haves wouldn’t be complete without a waterproof mascara. As a lover of the regular Better Than Sex mascara, I knew the waterproof version wouldn’t disappoint. The wand is key to creating voluminous lashes that stay put even at the gym or pool!
With so much polarization surrounding kids and technology, its refreshing to find a piece of tech that I can get down with. When we moved into the neighborhood I was hesitant to let the boys roam about, especially to places where I couldn’t see them. Enter the Gizmo Watch. It is 4G LTE compatible and supports two-way voice calls and messaging to/from up to nine numbers that you program through the GizmoHub app. The app also provides functions such as reminder scheduling, fitness and activity monitoring, and location tracking. It makes calling the boys home for dinner a breeze. My favorite part? I can pull up the map on the app and see exactly where they are in real time. Anytime, anywhere.
I hope you find this list of summer vacation must-haves useful – now carry on with your summertime fun!
