The Best Gear for the Beach
House of PRIM’s Favorite Products to Successfully Organize for the Beach
Packing for a day at the beach in my house is….interesting. You know the scene from Home Alone when they wake up late and are all rushing around trying to get out the door? That’s pretty much what it looks like for us. I try to quell the chaos by prepping in advance and having a place for everything…..here are some of my favorites, starting with bags.
for sand toys
The bag you will use for literally everything
If you don’t already know about the brand Scout as a parent, you definitely need to. Scout is amazing. We have used their bags for everything you can think of, and their “4 Boys” bag is such a winner….it has been a hockey bag, a lacrosse bag, ski gear bag, and is a great beach bag as well. These things are indestructible and huge (when Fitz, 4, was a toddler, I may have put him inside of the bag at the ice rink to keep him from running away during his brothers hockey lesson). We keep all of our sand toys in this one, and our whole family loves it.
For Essentials
Scout “Deano” Tote
For other items we bring to the beach, I use the Scout “Deano” tote. Its a tad smaller than the extra large 4 Boys bag, but big enough to be able to easily organize your things. I started using WETCAT Turkish beach towels this summer….light, slim when folded, so your towels aren’t taking up valuable real estate in your bag.
I use mesh and vinyl pouches for LITERALLY everything for my kids. Contained and easy. I keep pre-made and name labeled “packets” with dry clothes for each child so we can grab and go. I have been using this version from Amazon (different colors for each kid), but the highest quality ones I have found are at The Container Store (they come in black and aqua). When the kids want to change out of sandy clothes, I give them their packet and they put the wet swim gear back into the pouch. Easy! Also great for any other items you need to keep separated…nothing worse than frantically searching through your bag while sweating with whining children!
And, notice the First Aide Kit…..because, BOYS.
For Sunscreen
Scout “Packin’ Heat” Makeup bag
To carry our sunscreens, I use the Scout “Packin’ Heat” makeup bag (this is a great one to have on hand for travel, too). Perfect size to hold multiple sunscreens and bug spray or sanitizer. Also—we have tried MANY a sunscreen (that wrestling match is always fun), and I love ThinkSport for our kids: highly recommend the sunscreen stick for their face if your kids run away when its apply time. Sun Bum is what I use—smells amazing!
My Aussie husband also loves to use zinc on his face; I’m an 80’s kid and we always had neon colors for our nose and under our eyes….I found a modern version (Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen) of that and my kids are super into it… not as super bright as the 80’s version but still fun. I ordered the Zinka version which looks cool and I’m hoping brighter—so cute to see on the kids!
Favorite Summer finds for kids
Here are a summer/beach finds that have been staples for my family this summer:
DripStiks: Genius. These are genius. Designed to catch the melting popsicle AND you can turn it to the other side and there is a space you can use for holding an ice cream cone! Mind. Blown. Helps so much with the mess! My mom found these a few years ago and the boys absolutely LOVE them. Even in cold weather at home, they ask to use them. YOU NEED THESE TRUST ME HERE PEOPLE
Ice Pop Koozies: My little guy always asks for a napkin wrapped around his ice pop (“my hands get cold, Mommy.” I know, I know, but he’s my baby). I found these on Amazon; they are really cute and no more complaints about cold hands. Also—these mermaid and shark themed ones—how CUTE!
Collapsable Sand Buckets: I found two versions of these and the kids have loved them for crab catching! (see images below for links). Love that these are space saving if you are strapped for room in your bag.
Digger Mitt Claws: I could watch Fitz play with these all day. They are SO CUTE and all of my boys love them. You can thank me later!
I hope this has helped you find some good ones to add to your beach repertoire—enjoy the rest of your summer days, friends! xx
*Disclosure: While every single product here is hand selected, battered by my children, and personally tried by me, House of PRIM may earn a small commission if you purchase an item through one of our links