We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A Bug Bite Thing suction tool to keep itchy bug bites from ruining your summer fun. This thing pulls out insect venom and saliva to relieve itching almost immediately.
Some reviewers say it has strong suction power, so use it lightly!
Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. I woke up with a bug bite on my arm so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions) — immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $9+ (available in three colors and multipacks).
2. An oscillating tower fan since it'll circulate air flow and keep you from absolutely melting in your stuffy, non-air-conditioned apartment. Do yourself a favor and get this before the humidity arrives.
This super-quiet fan has six speeds, three modes (normal, natural, and sleep) and an additional auto mode. It also comes with a remote.
Promising review: "After moving into a traditional two story home from a rancher we wanted fans in our bedrooms to help keep them cool. I have struggled finding a ceiling fan I liked for our master bedroom so finally decided to pick up this tower fan and give it a try. I am so impressed with how quiet it is and how much power it puts out. Having a remote is a major selling point with being in our bedroom. It’s slim and able to be tucked away into the corner out of sight when not in use, but it’s not even an eye sore that I mind having out to be seen. It was easy to assemble in a matter of just two minutes without any help needed. I’m already looking into purchasing a second one for my large family room as it has plenty of power to accommodate the space. The remote is easy to use and I am thrilled with this purchase!" —Jami Wil
Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (also available with WiFi connectivity).
3. A pack of SPF-sensing stickers so you don't have to wonder if your sunscreen is working or not. These turn a dark color as soon as they get exposed to higher UV, which means it's time for you to re-apply that SPF.
Promising review: "I'm multi-racial with tan skin. I burn when it's intense, but I get a great tan otherwise. My 9-month-old is fair, fair, fair. Blue eyes and porcelain skin fair. I reapply my own SPF 50 after a few hours, but I'm not consistent. I've never been great about sunscreen, but I was not going to let my daughter get burned. We live in South Florida and just a walk or park time is a potential burning hazard. This is a great visual for me to reapply her sunscreen or make sure she gets in the shade. They're an absolute essential for parents, especially the 'sun goddess' type." —FlightLife
Get a 48-pack from Amazon for $35.99.
4. An adjustable mister you can attach to your hose for an easy way to cool off in the backyard. Who needs a pool when you can indulge in a refreshing spritz of mist?
The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsy detail.
Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool most on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek
Get it from Amazon for $27 (colors may vary; also available in multipacks).
5. A set of cooling towels that you can easily fit in your pocket or purse (it folds into a tiny storage pouch) and then whip out whenever you need to cool off. Just soak it in water for about a minute, wring it out, and enjoy!
It also keeps its chill for hours and will immediately get chilly again when you soak it in water and repeat the process.
Promising review: "These are wonderful and work! Purchased to use for Disney trip and they were perfect. They have no chemical smell. You just add water and ring them out. Each comes with its own case and clip. Stayed cool for hours. Great for heat and nausea. Just wrapped around neck and instant relief!" —Christina Hatfield
Get a set of four from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 13 color sets).
6. Ice pop molds you can use to transform just about any ingredients — juice, fresh fruit, smoothies, yogurt, ice cream — into an icy cold, refreshing summertime treat. The sky's the limit in terms of flavor combos!
The set includes one ice pop stand, six drip trays that double as the ice pop sticks, a collapsible funnel for getting the mixture into the ice pop holders, and a tiny cleaning brush.
Promising review: "This is a great purchase for the summer. The molds hold a good amount of ice pops' material and the little handles do a good job of pulling the pop out, with a little defrost help from a quick blast of warmish water on the outside. The handle has a little drip catch which would work great if my 18-month-old didn't just flip it upside down periodically. The little tray does snap the molds in, so the ice pops don't just tip over in the freezer. It does take up a fair amount of freezer real estate until they're frozen solid but no worse than most. It comes with a sort-of useful brush to scrub around the inside and an EXTREMELY useful funnel to help pour ice pop material into the mold. Overall, a good purchase." —Steel_muffins
Get them from Amazon for $10.99.
7. Or a pack of silicone dino ice pop molds to make treats that are just as delicious, only even more fun and exciting! Kids will love them... but so will adults.
Promising review: "Toddler snack must-have. I absolutely love these molds. The silicone is good quality because peels off the pops easily, and I use them quite often. They are pretty durable. Both my toddler and preschooler love them, although the pop portion size is generous for my younger. The bone holders are hilarious, and the yogurt we use looks exactly dino-like as expected after it's frozen. These work great and are really fun shapes, so I highly recommend." —TXFan
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $15.16 (available in three other styles).
8. A linen blanket if you want to snuggle up this summer without overheating. Linen fabric is super breathable, meaning you won't find yourself sticking to bae after five minutes curled up on the couch together.
MagicLinen is a family-owned small business based in Lithuania that creates beautiful linen clothes and home products that are all Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they are free from harmful substances and chemicals.
Promising review: "I am in LOVE with my blanket. It is the perfect texture, I can wrap up in it in the summer and not get too hot, and it's so soft even after just one wash! Truly adore this blanket." —Cy D.
Get it from MagicLinen for $149+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).
9. A sun visor so you can stylishly keep the sun off your face — and since the top is open, it's way more breathable than a traditional baseball cap, too.
The wide brim provides much more UV protection than regular caps!
Promising review: "I have long hair and always avoided hats because I hate having my hair sweating against my neck in a low bun or ponytail. With this sun visor–summer hat combo, I can keep my hair in a top knot and still keep my face and neck protected from the sun while catching a nice breeze. This is perfect (although a little large in circumference and I have a big head — 7 3/4 hat size) and it’s adjustable and can fit any head size. It rolls up well and has an elastic to keep it rolled. I’ll be recommending this item to all my friends!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 12 colors).
10. A pair of fluttery running shorts that feel as cool as they look. Reviewers love them for running and casual everyday lounging alike!
There are form-fitting Spandex shorts underneath the flowy shorts, so you won't have to worry about flashing anyone!
Promising review: "I ordered these because I saw them on TikTok. I am 5’10 and 140 pounds. I ordered an extra large and they are perfect! They cover everything and are not too short. I highly recommend them especially for the price!" —MagnoliaBliss
Get it from Amazon for $14.59+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 34 colors).
11. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen because according to reviewers, it doesn't melt off no matter how much you sweat, which is probably a lot in the summer. Bonus! It doesn't leave a white cast on darker skin tones, either.
Promising review: "The BEST sunscreen I have ever used! I am always prone to burn any time i get out in the sun. I decided to take a trip to the beach this summer, and just went kayaking for four hours on the water in the BEAMING sun and in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY. I put sunscreen everywhere except for my chest. Wanna know where my skin is resembling that of a cherry? My chest. The rest of me? TANNING WITH NO BURN WHATSOEVER!!! I was shocked. I love this product and will forever recommend it for the rest of my life. Stay safe and stay unaffected from the sun you guys!!!" —Channing C.
Get it from Amazon for $9.60.
12. Or this cast-free sunscreen from Black Girl Sunscreen that was specially created with darker skin tones in mind to provide ultra moisturizing skin protection *without* the ghostly white residue.
This sunscreen is paraben-free, fragrance-free, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, silicone-free, and aluminum-free.
Promising review: "I used to dread wearing sunscreen because of that horrible ashy cast it gave my brown skin. Now? I actually look forward to putting this stuff on. I love how moisturizing it is and that it is completely sheer. What it is advertised to do it actually does. I layer this on top of my moisturizer. You do need to work it in a little bit but it absorbs into the skin nicely. To all my brown/black ladies/fellas, what are you waiting for? Buy it!" —MD
Get it from Target for $15.99.
13. A rechargeable handheld fan for those times when you absolutely NEED a personal breeze blowing directly on you. Don't be surprised if you get some envious looks when you whip this little baby out.
I bought this to take on a summer trip to Disney World and let me tell you — it's the only way I survived!! Every day got well into the 90s, but I kept this pointed at my face whenever I wasn't soaking up air conditioning. I was seriously impressed with how powerful it was and how I instantly felt less sweaty. The charge lasts about a day if you use it sparingly (or a few hours of continuous use), so make sure to charge it nightly if you're on a trip. The fan has three speed settings, and it folds so you can prop it up on a table.
Promising review: "I have ZERO complaints!!! My sister got married outdoors and I decided I needed a fan as I sweat a lot. Suffice to say I LOVE IT! I was cool the entire time in the sun, it has a handle and is not too big which makes it easy to tag along anywhere and everywhere. You won’t regret this purchase." —DIONNE HOOK
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in six colors).
14. A kiddie pool for a fun way to cool off on those unbearably hot days, because not all of us can have an actual pool in our backyard or live by the beach. One reviewer even said it's big enough for two or three adults to chill in!
Funboy is a family-owned small business based in Venice Beach, California, that makes giant-size pool floats and other fun warm weather accessories.
Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in nine designs).
15. A personal umbrella that clips onto the back of your beach chair, which means you'll get shade even though everyone else voted "no" to bringing the beach umbrella and setting it up. Some of us have extra sensitive skin, and just can't be in direct sun for hours on end, OK?
Promising review: "My wife likes no sun, so this allows us to pull beach chairs together. I can set it up and 'boom,' no sun for her. The clamp holds up in wind and the adjustable angles that the umbrella has allow you to sort of aim the shade. Great product and it fits into a suitcase!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $30.49+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).
16. A fruit fly trapper so you can eliminate those pesky little buggers as soon as they start to populate (which, I swear, happens in the blink of an eye). Just set this out and watch as they get helplessly trapped. *muahahahaha*
Each trap lasts up to 45 days. Just place the traps where you've spotted fruit flies before and empty half of the lure bottle into the trap.
Promising review: "Our home was infested with fruit flies. As a household of minimal fresh produce and a mostly nitrate rich menu, we were confused and horrified when these tiny, evil bastards took over our house. These apple traps are LEGIT. Within an hour or less they had captured a good amount of flies. I just bought more." —MotherofChaos
Get four traps from Amazon for $12.78 (also available in packs of two, six, and 12).
17. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense to banish chafing once and for all! Simply apply this directly to your thighs, arms, or wherever else you're worried about and you'll no longer have to worry about painful rubbing.
Heads up: Gold Bond has updated the packaging of this product recently, but it's the same great product!
I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!
Promising review: "I just used it for five days in 90 degree plus weather at Bonnaroo music festival in the middle of Tennessee on a farm in June with 100,000 people walking several miles, dancing, and sweating every day. I am happy to report that this product is a lifesaver. My thighs didn't chafe once, and I have big ones! I had to reapply once during the day. I strongly recommend buying this if you have large thighs and need relief from chafing. I couldn't wear dresses or skirts in the heat if I was walking anywhere, and now I live in them because of this stuff! Buy it! It works!" —Carwizzle
Get it from Amazon for $6.26 (also available in a two-pack).
18. A set of two ~zero gravity~ reclining porch chairs because once you experience the joy of kicking back with your feet up outside, there's really no turning back. They even come with pillows and removable side trays!
Promising review: "We realized pretty quickly that with everyone home because of the 2020 quarantine, we would need more spaces to hang out in. I found this set of chairs and put the order in as a temporary measure until we found a patio set that suits the space better. These are perfect though. I can't really see replacing them anytime soon. They are comfortable, and the little attached tables are really handy! I usually have hot tea, water, a phone, and either a book or my Kindle in my immediate area. This tiny attachment made it so I don't even have to worry about where to put everything. The seat is an excellent place to spend some time watching the birds or reading in the afternoons. I am absolutely thrilled with this purchase." —Brandy Morgan
Get a set of two from Amazon for $89.98 (available in 26 colors).
19. A pretty seating set so you can feel like you're dining on a cute European terrace right from your back deck — and for the full experience, cue up some Andrea Bocelli.
Promising reviews: "So I have this tiny balcony for a studio apartment and I wanted something cute to fill up the space. This set is the most affordable and there were so many choices of colors. When I went for a walk around my apartment complex, I noticed some of the neighbors have the exact same set. Since my balcony is so small and I rarely have visitors, I only set up one of the chairs. I plan to get a small succulent next to decorate it." —Bunny
"The patio arrived just in time for spring/summer. The table is perfect size for a bottle of wine and dinner in the evening or a cup of coffee and book in the morning. Everything was in tact and no parts were missing. I’m very satisfied with the purchase." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in seven colors).
20. A portable George Foreman grill so you can take full advantage of BBQ szn, even if you're limited on outdoor space. Even better, your landlord can't complain about smoke or fire, since it runs on electricity.
This comes with nonstick coating, the stand is removable, and you can adjust the temperature to five different settings.
Promising review: "This is the perfect grill for my apartment balcony. It was easy to clean and it's really nonstick. In comparison to other brands, this actually heats up the plate instead of heating lights. It cooked really well and was very easy to install. I would definitely recommend to purchase this if you have a small balcony." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $129.99.
21. A good old-fashioned water pressure cleaner to blast away dirt, algae, and all the other gunk that's responsible for discoloring your deck. By the time your done cleaning, your deck's gonna look brand spanking new. 🤩
Promising review: "I love you little electric pressure washer! Oh let me count the ways...I honestly can't say enough good things about this little guy. Our deck was in serious need of a wash. I really liked the idea of a small electric pressure washer mainly for the ease of maneuverability but was unsure if it really had the power to get the job done. Oh man, let me tell you this thing is fantastic! Once I got started I couldn't stop. I was washing everything in sight. Deck, fire pit, stepping stones, planters, outside rug...I was unstoppable! I was a filthy mess from the thighs down because of all the muck flying everywhere but I didn't care, I was happy." —Larry Crouch
Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in three colors).
22. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse to help you get a head start on your golden sun-kissed tan. Sure, spray tans can also accomplish the same thing, but they're so much more awkward and time consuming.
Promising review: "It is a little pricey but if you consider how much it is for a spray tan it’s worth it. I would suggest taking a shower and shaving, exfoliating prior to applying the self tanner. Next, apply the self tanner while standing on a towel or in the shower just in case some drips off. I would apply it in front of a mirror to make sure you don’t miss any areas. The product comes out a green/brown tint and is a foamy/liquid consistency which can be off putting initially. But don’t be scared!! It will look amazing. It goes on super easily and evenly. My tan lasted about five days and then started to fade away. I have used this product several times already and absolutely love it!! I will never again get a spray tan." —CFS1985
Get it from Amazon for $44.
23. An extra-large pop-up beach tent for when you need a shady reprieve from splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun. It's also pretty handy for attending outdoor events with kiddos.
Outdoor Master is a small business that specializes in outdoor gear, including ski and snowboard gear.
Promising review: "Summer is here and I just gotta say this tent is pretty stinkin' awesome! It's intended for the beach but I can see so many other uses! Outdoor concerts, games, parties. Any time you need shade. It literally pops up in 15 seconds and it's super compact! You could legit even spend the night in it. It closes completely!" —fifth_wheels_rock_literally
Get it from Outdoor Master for $59.99 (available in four colors).
24. A magnetic screen door so you can let the cool breeze in but keep the bugs out — not to mention, this makes it so much easier to walk in/out of the house yourself.
Promising review: "Works PERFECTLY! We purchased this item so that our dogs would be able to go in and out freely without there just being a wide opening into our house for bugs to just fly in, must say it was well worth the money! Our dogs run right in and out and it magnetizes perfectly back together each time! Definitely would recommend." —Taylor L.
Get it from Amazon for $17.09+ (available in two colors).
25. A darling crossover one-piece giving off some serious Marilyn Monroe vibes, which is just perfect for poolside lounging, if you ask me.
26. A tube of Burt's Bees After Sun soother to provide sweet, soothing relief to your scorched, sunburnt skin... because yes, you forgot to re-apply that sunscreen. I've been there too, my friend.
This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.
Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super-annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3
Get it from Amazon for $16.28 (also available in a three-pack).
27. A pair of lightweight, waterproof Birkenstocks since it's high time you upgrade those flimsy flip flops to something that's actually supportive. These are shoes you can comfortably walk in for miles, which makes them great for long beach strolls and tropical island vacations.
They have a contoured footbed so they give your foot total, flexible support when you're walking.
Get it from Birkenstock for $49.95 (available in women's sizes 5–12.5, men's sizes 6–13.5, narrow and regular widths, and 12 colors).
28. A beach chair because laying on the ground is only comfortable for so long. Enter this low-sitting chair to save your back while still letting you rest your toes in the soft sand.
It also comes with a cup holder (important!) and a sleeve on the back to hold your towel when you're not using it.
Promising review: "Love these chairs! Got two for a trip to the beach and they’re very comfortable. They fold up easily and are very compact and easy to carry/pack. Just throw it on your shoulder with the strap on the bag and your hands are free to carry other things!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $38.
29. Globe string lights that'll make your patio twinkle like a magical fairyland. Don't be surprised if you feel the urge to break out into song — Disney musical style.
Promising review: "Absolutely love the dim feature! These bulbs are more round than oval like others, but I love them. When they are off, there’s a cool yellow in them that offers a lovely aesthetic when not in use. Our pergola is wired for lights so we mounted them on and almost always dim them because the white pergola reflects the light. These lights have made our patio my new favorite spot in the house. My husband and I find the evenings so relaxing, we’ve literally grown closer together from spending time out under the lights in our new favorite place." —fishurmo
Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 10 lengths and two colors).
30. An outdoor Bluetooth speaker that also functions as a tiki-style LED torch light, meaning you can enjoy tunes and ~vibes~ for nine hours straight (on a single charge, that is).
Tikitunes is a small business dedicated to making speakers look as good as they sound. The set of two speakers can be paired together to play the same song at the same time.
Promising review: "I purchased these to sit outside on my deck. Because of their size I was skeptical that they would have super good sound, but I was pleasantly surprised. They are a great little speaker set and very pretty at night! They have gone with me to BBQs and the beach and I will likely buy a second set for larger outdoor parties. Battery life is great and they are easy to pair and operate with your smart phone." —cj1blue
Get a set of two on Amazon for $69.99.
31. A super-fun twisty sprinkler because nothing beats running through a sprinkler on a hot summer's day. Kids, adults, dogs, we're all in agreement on this one.
32. A side table with a super ~cool~ secret — it pops up to reveal a hidden cooler, which means you can surprise all your guests with a refreshing drink of their choice.
33. A set of beach cup holders so you can keep your drink handy (and sand-free!) as you lounge in the summer sun. Plus! There's a little slot on the side for your phone or sunglasses.
34. A double hammock so you can swing and sway about in the afternoon breeze, either curled up with your fave book, your furbaby, or a loved one...or maybe all three, if you snuggle up nice and close!
35. A splurge-worthy outdoor pizza oven because we think the ideal summer hobby would be perfecting your homemade pizza. This is powered by gas, charcoal and wood and can reach temperatures of up to 930 degrees (!!!) which means you'll get that perfectly melty cheese and crispy crust every time.
Promising review: "This is easy to use and great quality. It cooks pizzas to perfection. I like that you can use charcoal or wood/pellets. We also use the oven for a lot more than just pizzas, super fun to use. I really like the look of it as well, sharp design and extremely portable, very lightweight. A great buy — I would HIGHLY recommend! We enjoy cooking pizzas with the entire family and the kids love the pizza!" —John Mercer
Get it from Amazon for $239.99+ (available in two styles).
You whenever someone asks "Who's ready for summer to get here already?!"
