21 Handy Things That'll Upgrade Your Picnics This Summer
Because 99% of my summer will be spent eating on a blanket in the grass.
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1. A picnic set that comes with everything you and one other person will need to enjoy an outdoor spread. It'll make planning for park dates or beach days a heck of a lot easier when it comes to packing for the day.
2. This genius wine bottle holder for your bike, so you won't have to lug your rosé around in your backpack. You can also use it for your water bottle, if you don't have a bottle cage installed.
Get it from Simons for $42. Available in three colours.
3. This insulated bag that'll keep your picnic provisions fresh and cool. Its straps are adjustable, so you can wear it over your shoulders like a backpack or carry it around like a tote bag.
Get it from Indigo for $34.50. Available in three colours.
4. Four sets of reusable utensils, so you and your pals will have all the cutlery you'll need to enjoy an outdoor meal. They're made out of bamboo, so they'll be a heck of a lot lighter than carrying around a bunch of silverware.
5. A pair of heart-shaped sunglasses that basically scream sangria on a picnic blanket.
Get them from Nasty Gal for $13.20 (originally $33).
6. A portable tabletop BBQ, so you can grill wherever you go. It comes with a cork lid that doubles as a trivet, so you won't scorch the surface you set it up on.
7. A colourful face mask that'll brighten up your ~smize~ while you and your friends find the perfect spot to lay your picnic blanket. It has three layers, a nose wire, adjustable straps, and is made with 100% cotton.
Get it from MomandMachine on Etsy for $14.40+ (originally $18). Available in four sizes.
8. A Spikeball set that'll give y'all something to do in between snacking. It's an active two-on-two game that requires "spiking" the ball onto the net so it ricochets toward your opponent, with a few rules that'll make it equal parts fun and challenging.
The net is collapsible, so the whole set fits in the bag it comes with.
Get the game on Amazon Canada for $79.99.
9. This insulated bottle and tumblers set that'll keep your summer bevies (for two!) chilled all day long, even on a sweltering afternoon at the beach.
Get the set of three from Indigo for $49.50. Available in two colours.
10. Or just a single insulated tumbler, if you don't plan on sharing.
It comes with a leakproof lid, so you can toss it in your bag without worrying about the last few drops spilling onto your stuff.
Get it from Indigo for $19.50.
11. A split-level cheese board that comes with serving utensils nestled into the bottom tier, so you won't have to worry about packing extra.
12. A pair of Sheertex shorts that you can count on to keep your derriere covered while you lounge around in your favourite dress. They'll prevent chafing, too, which will be a godsend for anyone who tends to get extra sweaty (hi, that would be me).
Reviewers say they're light, comfy, and super durable.
Get them from Sheertex for $85. Available in sizes XS—3XL and in larger packs.
13. A padded beach mat, so your towel won't get sandy while you soak up those rays. You can set it up in three ways: as a full-body mat, a cushioned seat, or a lounger with a headrest — the choice is yours!
It folds up compactly with straps and handles, so it'll be a cinch to tote around.
Get it from Indigo for $44.50. Available in four colours.
14. This cotton bottle carrier that'll hold your favourite tumblers (or wine bottles), so you won't have to lug around your usual backpack to carry it comfortably.
Get it from Indigo for $24.50.
15. A set of citronella candles that'll keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. They have lids, so you can pop one in your bag in case your park hang runs into the evening.
16. A beach tent, if you're someone who needs guaranteed shade on beach trips. It’ll help to make sure you and your fam won’t burn to a crisp, plus it’ll give your eyes some relief when you’re trying to look at messages on your phone.
Get it from Indigo for $59.50.
17. A doggy water bottle, so you can make sure your pup is hydrated on every outing. It'll dispense water into its lid with the press of a button and is totally leakproof when the locking mechanism is turned on.
18. A cute picnic blanket that'll give you somewhere a little more comfortable than the ground to plant your tush.
Get it from Indigo for $39.50. Available in three colours.
19. Or this water-resistant mat that'll accompany you on all of your beach excursions and picnics. It conveniently folds into a mini pouch, so you can transport it easily.
20. A deck of waterproof cards, so you can play outside without worrying about 'em getting wrecked by the elements (or spilt drinks).
21. And finally, a floral roll-up placemat you can stash your utensils in, so your cutlery doesn't get mixed up with the rest of the stuff in your bag. You can use it to set your snacks down on in the grass or sand, too.
Happy picnic season, y'all!
