13 Summer Essentials I Love

Summer is JUST about here (we just have a few days left of school!) and I’m in full-on summer prep mode.

Here are a few of the staples that I use endlessly during the summer months:

13 Summer essentials I Love

TINTED FACIAL SUNSCREEN
I mean, I use this year round, but I REALLY love it in the summer when I’m outdoors so much more and I really want to protect my skin. I’ve used the original version for years but a few years ago I switched to the tinted version and I love it even more – it’s perfect when you aren’t wearing any makeup and still want a little color and glow, and I wear it every day under my normal makeup.

BERMUDA SHORTS
I am PICKY about shorts and own very few of them, but this pair for $25 made the cut after I saw Jen from my team wearing them. They’re so cute and affordable and it is nice to finally have a pair of shorts I’m willing to wear!

SUNLESS TANNER
I know not everyone loves fake tanner but I’m a huge fan. I’m really careful about sun exposure which means I don’t get a lot of color and look pretty pasty white all year long. Since last summer, I’ve been using this Beauty by Earth one which is clean and has less transfer (I ordered the medium to dark shade and it’s been perfect!). I use it 1-2 times a week all summer long.

$8 BOXY TEE I think I’ll always be a jeans and a tee girl and this tee from Walmart is GOOD – I wore the white one a million times last summer and this year I added a black one to the rotation! It’s also available in gray and a navy stripe version, and they’re all only $8! (Plus the white isn’t sheer!).

REEF SANDALS
I bought these three years ago and I have absolutely loved them – they’re super comfortable and perfect for the water park, beach, or lake. I wear them all summer long and they never hurt my feet, even on some wet/rocky hikes last fall! If you want something a little dressier, I ordered this version for Ella last year and she’s LOVED them (and happily we suddenly have the same size feet, so we can share them!) – they’re perfect for wearing with shorts and tees but also nice enough for her to wear to church. They are literally her favorite shoes she’s ever owned.

LINEN SHEETS
I’ve mentioned before that our room is one of the hottest in the house during the summer (and, naturally, the coldest in the winter) and several people recommended we try linen sheets. I ordered a set during their Birthday sale two years ago and after just a few days we. were. hooked. They are so soft and summery and as a hot sleeper, it feels amazing to wake up cool. Plus, I just love the summery look they give our room.

CROSSBODY BAG
I ordered one of these for my teen daughter and when I realized it fit my basic Kindle, I ordered myself one so fast (and now my other three girls have ones too). It really is a perfect summer bag. Hands-free, just big enough for the essentials (wallet, basic Kindle, phone, lip gloss, a small snack), and looks good with everything. It comes in a ton of colors and some colors are 50% off! Plus it can convert into a belt bag if you’d rather wear it that way!

CODESPARK
This is my favorite early coding app for kids and their free 30 day trial is back in action. I sign up every summer and my younger girls love doing it while the other sister does Savvy. I wrote a whole post about it here – don’t miss this one!

BRUMATE ERA WATER BOTTLE
I have tried a million water bottles (I am decidedly NOT a fan of the Stanley) but I have loved this one! It’s the one I grab every morning to take to the gym and it lives in my car (along with this cute sticker to personalize it!). My girls have their child water bottles too which are SO good.

COLE HAAN SANDALS
I bought these sandals two years ago after eyeing them for more than a year and then they became my most worn shoes by a LANDSLIDE. This is the updated version of them (I love the double strap!) and they dress up and down so nicely and are super comfortable.

SUMMERSALT SWIMSUIT
A few summers ago, I finally tried out Summersalt and my most-reached for swimsuit for them is the Surf style – I tried it on and immediately loved it (it runs slightly small – I’m usually a 00 or 0, but the 2 fits perfectly). I have it in two colors and wear them ALLLL summer long. I love the good coverage without it being frumpy. My Summersalt code is JANSSEN_BRADSHAWJS10.

Snack and Veggie Container
I bought this from Target after so many people raved about it for storing fruits and veggies in the fridge or taking snacks on the go. I can’t believe it’s only $10! It sold out last summer SO fast but just restocked and I’m so happy to see it back – grab it while it’s available!

Bonus: $5 Bike Shorts
I bought these ribbed bike shorts for my girls before our Costa Rica trip this spring and they have been so great – the ribbing makes them a look a little more polished and you cannot beat the price!

I’d love to hear your favorite summer products! Let me know in the comments!

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT SUMMER ESSENTIALS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• How I plan our summer
• The Summer Reading Chart for Kids
• The 2023 Summer Reading Guide