Beach season is coming up and with that comes the ever-overwhelming conundrum of what to pack and how much crap to bring to the beach… if you’re like us, you consistently over-pack and end up only using/wearing half of what you bring with you, so this year my goal is to ONLY bring the necessities… and if I find I have forgot something, lucky for us Publix is right down the street from our rental home in Rosemary Beach.
So, for all you jet setters and beach goers, here is my must have beach packing list:
First up, the most important essential… SUNSCREEN!!! I can’t stress how much this is needed, even for you sun loving people out there who don’t burn. Yes, I’ve learned the hard way, but I won’t go down that road again. For the girls sensitive skin, we use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and I can’t say enough great things about this one. As for Jeff, he tends to burn easily, so we usually hose him down in the Banana Boat SPF 30 UltraMist because he is constantly in the water, playing in the sand… yes, he is our big kid at the beach. For me, I’m an Australian Gold girl and stick to the SPF 30 with Bronzer.. I love the smell, the way it goes on, and the instant bronzing effect is a winner, too. And for heaven’s sake, don’t forget SPF for your lips… my go to favorite is the Essentials Lip Balm by Rodan + Fields.
Now, on to the fun stuff… the gear! We love our Sportbrella Tent, which saves us from major meltdowns when the minis get cranky and need a break from the sun. It’s easy to assemble, goes up in a flash, and has vents so the beach breeze can come through and keep it from getting too hot. I can’t lie, I might take naps in it too during the afternoons! If you have kids and/or husbands and dads that need their shade, this is a MUST! Don’t forget fun and festive beach towels, like this one from Pottery Barn Kids. Theirs are well made and have stood the test of time through wash and wear and tear! As for me, I think I am most excited about my new Gold Striped Tote… yes, it’s actually a diaper bag, but it’s going to accompany me on many a walk to the beach and pool this summer and it’s the perfect tote to transport! Don’t forget about a cooler… yes, a priority in my book. Ours is the Stiff Bottom by Scout and we LOVE it…
Next comes the little one’s wearables… swimsuits and cover-ups oh my! Yes, I always purchase WAY too many suits for the girls, but how could you not??? Matching sisters in mini swimsuits… nope, not sure there is anything sweeter than that. This year, I bought our new Rose Ruffled Rashguard Set as well as white coverups from Old Navy. As always, don’t forget the accessories… Babiators, Hats, and Flip Flops, too.
Up next on the discussion is the wonderment of all things toys… we use and can’t leave home without the infamous Pink Puddle Jumper, which is so helpful in teaching our girls how to use the water to their advantage. Swim lessons are in the future, but this is great for helping them get acclimated to the beach and pool. Other favorites include the Hape Beach Toy Set as well as our go-to adult game Bocce. Need more to keep you busy? Bring a kite, a toss and catch set, or a giant beach ball. When it comes to drink containers, my favorite is still the plastic monogrammed cup from For Posh Sake!
Finally, mama needs some fashionable goodies for her, too! As for me, I’m checking out this coverup and this amazing gingham one piece swimsuit and possibly adding these fun little jelly sandals to my suitcase for this year’s excursions in addition to the black and neon two piece I already grabbed.
And then there is the ever popular packing list… I try to make sure I make my list and check it twice before we leave // hoping this helps save some of you this summer, too!
FYI: This is only my list for the little ones, but please, don’t forget to pack things for you, too!
The Necessities
- Diapers // Wipes (but only enough to get you to your destination… pick them up at the grocery store or pharmacy after you arrive, which helps you save space in your car, suitcase, etc)
- Sippy Cups // Melamine Plates // Mini Cutlery (most hotels and/or rental homes don’t have these)
- Day Time Outfits
- Pajamas (Useful Tip… last year, I only brought enough for 2-4 nights and then washed and rewore them again! Definitely great for cutting down on items to pack and saving room for the cute outfits and ensembles)
- Swimsuits // Coverups // Hats // Sandals or Flip Flops // Sunglasses
- Jacket and/or Sweater… it can get chilly at night
- Beach Blankets // Towels
- Sunscreen
- Other Baby Essentials for little nuggets (bottles/formula/gas drops/pacifiers/A&D ointment/baby powder, bibs/burp cloths, bath products, pack n play, playmat, snug seat, bouncy seat)
- Sleeping Essentials: Blankets // Sheets //Loveys or Animals // Sleep Machine // Monitor
- Toys // Books //
- Accessories (hairbrush, bows, socks, shoes, etc)
- Stroller
- Camera and Charger
Happy travelling my friends and good luck on all your voyages this upcoming spring and summer. As always, you know what to do… it’s Five on Friday so be sure to hop over to my co-hosts blogs to check up on them (April, Christina, and Darci), and then be sure to link up below with your Friday feature!
YAY!!! I love the beach!
This is officially the best roundup ever! I need one of everything! Bookmarking this for our trip. So sad we will miss each other by just a few days! Maybe it's a good thing because I'm totally going to snag that cover-up and this pregger whale would not want to be twinkies with your skinny self! đ Happy weekend friend!
Love the beach! I hope you post about your pre-beach workout plans!
I need to print out your list … no lie! Perfect round-up of necessities.
I love that Sportbrella tent. We borrowed a friend's tent last year and it was so nice to have Camille nap in it. That's GOOD sleeping! đ
i love that polka dot coverup! xo jillian – cornflake dreams