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    26 Things From Target That Are Fun Summer Purchases (But Are Also Actually Useful)

    It's ~a boat~ time you grab these items. 🚤

    1. A portable gas grill so you can finally show off your Guy Fieri-level chef skills. There's nothing better than a hot dog on the beach — and this grill makes that dream easier than ever to achieve.

    A model grilling on a gas grill at the beach

    2. A set of lantern string lights to bring a warm, bohemian vibe to your outdoor space — no dangerous candles required. Welcome to your whimsical, dreamy summer oasis.

    Outdoor lantern string lights

    3. A set of three glass carafes with lids, because you shouldn't have to get up from your chaise lounge to go to the kitchen for a refill. Fill these up with tons of refreshing drinks like mojitos, mimosas, and cucumber water, and then bring one out with you to the porch or poolside.

    A set of three glass carafes

    4. A Spikeball set that's perfect for active beach-goers who want to break up the day with a fun, competitive game — but don't want the hassle of setting up a whole volleyball net.

    A Spikeball game set

    5. A beach towel so soft and comfortable, you and your S.O. are likely to take a little snooze on the sand. It's large and moisture-wicking, so it should have you dried off from that summer surf in no time.

    A blue paisley beach towel with fringe

    6. An upright pool float that's designed for relaxing in the water without getting wet. Lie back, place your tumbler in the cup holder, and enjoy the feeling of floating on a cloud, while feeling confident that your hair will not be messed with by that pesky pool water.

    7. An electric fondue set to up your outdoor hosting game, for those who have simply hit their limit on burgers and hot dogs this season. Whether you and the gang are dipping chocolate and fruit or cheese and meat, this set will totally become your new party favorite.

    A red electric fondue set

    8. A bottle of Jergens sunless tanning mousse that's perfect for anyone who loves the look of a tan, but isn't a fan of sitting out in the sun. Unlike most self-tanners that smell like harsh chemicals, this one has a tropical, fruity scent. It's lightweight, streak-free, and dries in just 60 seconds — so you can perfect your tan before you run out the door.

    tanning mouse on a pool float

    9. A pop-up gazebo in case your outdoor lunch with friends is met with unexpected rain, or the blazing summer sun ends up being a little much for your backyard hang. It even comes with zippered netting so the mosquitoes can't get to you (or your burgers).

    A beige pop up gazebo

    10. A concrete base fire pit that'll turn a chilly summer evening into a snuggly, cozy night. Huddle around to roast marshmallows, or enjoy a glass (or three) of Cabernet with all of your friends.

    A wood burning fire pit

    11. A pong float because why not bring the best party game to the pool? This float isn't just for playing games in the water, though — you can also use it as a floaty when the game is done.

    A pool pong float

    12. A bottle of 30 SPF matte finish mineral face sunscreen that's infused with zinc oxide to ensure maximum UV-protection. It blends in like a powder so there's no white cast, streaking, or oily residue left behind.

    A model putting on face sunscreen

    13. A picnic backpack so you can surprise your loved one with a romantic lunch at the top of your hiking trail. You can store a bottle of wine in the insulated bottle holder and keep food fresh for up to five hours...and if you go on a five hour hike, honestly, you have really earned that bottle of wine.

    A picnic backpack

    14. And a seven-piece outdoor dining set that's made of rust-resistant metal, because you'll need a sleek, modern set for hosting all your summer BBQs under that gazebo.

    A 7pc outdoor rectangular dining set in black

    15. A Cuisinart ice cream machine because why go to the store when you can churn the perfect pint of mint chip at home?

    ice cream machine

    16. A waterproof speaker that can be clipped onto your hiking bag, picnic backpack, or beach tote, so you have tunes everywhere you go. It's Bluetooth compatible and has 10 hours of battery life, so basically, the party never has to stop.

    A red portable speaker with a clip

    17. A 50-pack of Citronella tea-light candles to prevent sleepless nights spent itching pesky bug bites you got during your dinner outside. And since these are small tea lights, they won't dominate your outdoor decor the way a traditional large citronella bucket candle or torch might.

    18. A bottle of after-sun lotion that's infused with cocoa butter, aloe vera, Vitamin E, and jojoba oil, for folks who went too hard sunbathing (or just fell asleep on the beach 😬 ). Apply this cooling lotion immediately after a day out in the sun to help restore sun-damaged skin.

    A model holding a bottle of after sun lotion

    19. A set of four plastic wineglasses because they're reusable, have a classy stemless look, and most importantly, you don't have to worry about any of your guests breaking them on your lawn or deck.

    20. A cooler cart that'll definitely become the *hot spot* at your next backyard party. It fits up to 50 bottles or 70 cans, plus, the attached bottle opener means no more walking around, asking everyone where it went. We all know that's rough, especially three hard seltzers deep.

    A red cooler cart on wheels

    21. A portable ice machine for summer BBQ hosts who are fed up with hourly trips to the convenience store for bags of ice. Pick up this baby and be confident in your party's success. After all, no one likes a warm Long Island iced tea.

    A red portable ice machine

    22. A frozen cocktail maker that's great for happy hour (or any hour...) by the pool. Blend delicious drinks like margaritas or piña coladas whenever you like — and never again have to wait on long lines or go to packed bars, just to get your frosé fix.

    A frozen cocktail machine

    23. A pair of retro sunglasses to effortlessly enhance your ~cool~ factor and, you know, keep the sun out of your eyes. Throw these on with any fit for a flawless #OOTD.

    24. An instant mini camera that's ideal for anyone who misses having actual hard copies of photos. Oh, and it has a selfie mirror so you can still snap the perfect ~pic of the day.~

    25. A set of two beach towels because they'll quickly dry you off and look super adorable laid out on the sand. Plus, this way, you'll always have an extra handy for your friend who always forgets to bring a towel (we won't name any names).

    26. A bottle of leave-in conditioner that's made with coconut oil, banana pulp and peel, banana leaf, quinoa protein, and sunflower seed oil to protect your hair from drying out in the sun. Goodbye summer tangles and split ends, hello shine!

    A model spraying leave in conditioner

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.


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