36 Boring-But-Very-Necessary Purchases For Summer

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10-05-2025

Washable bra liners to absorb under-boob sweat before it has a chance to bleed through your shirt. Reviewers note that it does the impossible and actually makes wearing a wire bra more tolerable!
A tabletop fly fan that keeps a steady breeze going to deter bugs. Think of it as a robotic swatting hand so your guests can keep their own hands free to grab some macaroni salad.
A leakproof, portable dog water bottle with a mini dish so your pup can stay hydrated on long walks or car rides. This is way more efficient than those collapsible dishes (speaking from experience).
A rechargeable 3-in-1 hand fan that not only cools you down but also offers a flashlight and power bank. Consider this multitasker your first line of defense against the endless cruelties the summer sun hurls at you.
Anti-chafing balm because summer should be pain-free, even if you're completely set on breaking in those new jelly sandals. The vegan formula is safe for children, doesn't feel greasy, and won't clog pores. Just apply wherever you anticipate chafing and friction.
Mise En Scene Perfect Hair Serum, a K-beauty favorite that promises intense hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees. With the help of a blend of oils (Moroccan argan, olive, jojoba, coconut, etc.), it can help repair damaged hair and reduce frizz, even in hot, humid weather. It's so effective, reviewers compare it to the $46 Gisou version.
Or a deep-conditioning hair mask promising smoother, shinier, and stronger hair, even if you're fighting against bleached, dry, or damaged locks. It can even handle Florida levels of humidity!
A Cup Claw that'll finally provide a solution to the dreaded lumpy padding dilemma. The tool removes and replaces curled cups in bras and swimsuits that have previously refused to lie flat.
A set of Flat Socks for people who can't bear the thought of wearing socks in the summer, but understand the ramifications of avoiding them. These moisture-wicking shoe inserts absorb sweat and odors so you can let your toes breathe a little.
A Burt's Bees sunburn soother crafted with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and turn back time to before you stayed out in the sun a little too long. It's nongreasy and absorbs quickly, so you can go from "AHHH" to ahhhh.
And a roll of aloe wrap you can cut into the perfect shape to best cover your sunburnt body. The hydro-gel wrap is infused with aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin E to help soothe and moisturize skin and prevent excessive peeling. Just slap these forbidden Fruit Rollups on your red skin and marinate for 20-40 minutes for best results.
A set of Sea Bands for anyone still working on getting their sea legs. They apply pressure to a specific acupoint on your wrist, which many reviewers say is the key to a successful, barf-free boat trip.
Mosquito Dunks to kill mosquitoes before they're even big enough to bite you. We're playing 4D chess against pests this summer! The lil' doughnuts are made with a bacteria that's only toxic to mosquito larvae, so you don't have to worry about pets or wildlife.
A pack of mosquito-repellent incense sticks made with citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, and peppermint oils that banish bugs with the power of nice smells. The smoke can make your personal space a no-fly zone for up to two and a half hours.
A Japanese hori hori gardening knife sure to become the MVP of your gardening toolbox. The lightweight tool has a serrated side and straight edge, so you can dig, weed, slice roots, cut sod, and break up perennials. Deep-rooted dandelions and other summer weeds will see themselves out.
Hanni Shave Pillow, a showerless shave gel made with cactus water and glycerin for anyone who wants to shave their legs (or wherever!) but doesn't have time to jump in the shower. Apply the gel stick, shave, and the rub the remaining formula into your skin to hydrate, soothe, and protect against razor burn.
Reusable Nippies nipple covers that'll come in clutch when you want to wear a backless dress or bodysuit, but don't want your nipples to be part of the look. According to reviewers, these pasties hang on, even in hot, sweaty situations.
Or a cropped Brami with a built-in wireless bra so you'll have plenty of support without worrying about a stifling wired bra getting in the way. It's too hot for that!
Ooor a set of adjustable clip holders that'll make your bra racerback tank friendly. I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for any solution that doesn't involve a strapless bra.
A doggy sunscreen made with moisturizing aloe vera perfect for dogs with short coats or no fur at all (helloooo, Chinese cresteds and Xoloitzcuintlis). Just give them a spritz with this quick-drying and safe-to-lick spray for relief from dry and cracked skin. This doubles as an itch relief and snout soother!
A suction tool to help relieve the itchy agony of bug bites by sucking out insect venom, saliva, and other irritants under your skin. Finally, you can go outside after dark again!
A laptop tent because sun glare is the number one reason why we're not all working from beach. The reflective fabric creates a little dark room for your computer to prevent overheating and sun glare. Now you can actually see the email you're writing and not accidentally type, "Best regrads."
A screen curtain with magnetic closures that snap shut automatically, meaning you can walk out with a full plate of BBQ fixings and not have to worry about kicking the door closed behind you. One reviewer even said it helped keep a bat out! Easy installation (just use the included Velcro-like strips to attach it to the door frame) means you can enjoy seamless access to the great outdoors in no time.
A hanging LED lantern and fan hybrid you can hook to the top of your tent, because who said you can't take a ceiling fan on a camping trip? The fan has two settings and provides up to 10 mph wind speeds, so try not to be blown away by this amazing invention.
A baby beach tent with a built-in pool so you can keep your little one shaded and bring the ocean to them. Now your baby can splash to their heart's content, and you can stay shaded and cool under your own umbrella.
An adjustable, solar-powered lighted umbrella that provides protection from the dreaded sun during the day and much-needed illumination at night.
A freezable wineglass for those ultra-hot days when the wine heats up faster than you can drink it. The built-in cooling gel keeps drinks so cold, you'll be happy for the insulating band to protect your hand.
Pleated paper shades if you find that the sun is waking up way before you. This affordable solution is easy to apply (just trim, peel, stick) and comes with clips to raise or lower them.
Black Girl Sunscreen designed to specifically not leave a white cast, a common problem for like, 90% of all sunscreens. It's paraben free, fragrance free, vegan, and cruelty free, so you can feel good about stocking up.
A car windshield sunshade to keep your car from becoming hotter than the center of the earth. Please! No more scorched thighs this summer.
A Coola scalp and hair sunscreen mist that protects your noggin with SPF 30. It has the double purpose of preventing scalp sunburns (ouch) and protecting your hair from sun damage. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so feel free to jump in the ocean!
A handheld watermelon slicer ready to turn melon halves into grabbable slices in seconds flat. It works for cantaloupe and honeydew as well, meaning you'll definitely be the one to volunteer to bring the fruit at the next outdoor hang.
And a time-saving fruit and veggie divider so you can fill up the fruit salad bowl and have time left over to whip some cream as a topping. Parents love that this device is fun and safe enough for their kids to use — free sous chef!
A handy sports umbrella you can clip onto your chair for some personal shade, since it's unlikely you'll find someone to follow you around with an umbrella any time soon. Plus, the long shape is designed to ensure your whole body gets covered.
A lint remover that works on clothes, furniture, and carpets so you can reclaim your things from hair and general schmutz. You'll need this now that shredding season is in full swing.
A pair of deodorant-removing sponges because we all know the acute pain of throwing on a black tee and having to immediately take it off and dunk it in the laundry bin. Just a few swipes of a sponge can turn back time to before Degree ruined your summer look.