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Because summer isn’t summer without 🎶 a dip in the pool, a trip to the [beach], and endless days in [the lake]. 🎶

It also comes with a built-in metal carabiner so you can hook it onto anything, and it has up to 10 hours of play time! 

Promising review: "For a small speaker, the JBL Clip 4 delivers excellent sound even at high volume. This speaker is very durable. Mine has survived several drops, including a short dive into a river. It holds its charge well for hours. I have only wonderful things to say about this mighty lil' speaker... except for... it is prone to being stolen!" —Preston Mitchell

Get it from Amazon for $54.95 (available in 13 colors).

Promising review: "I’m kind of picky on bathing suits, and this one just looked so cute. I gave it a try, and I absolutely love it. The quality is great, the fit is true to size, and for the price point, I will definitely be purchasing other colors!!" —Cort

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and in 17 colors/prints).

Promising review: "The sunscreen that outsmarts the sun. I have very fair skin and always burn, no matter the SPF — but not with Blue Lizard. This mineral sunscreen goes on smoothly, isn’t greasy, and the white cast fades fast. It’s water-resistant, scent-free, and gentle even on sensitive skin. Best part? The UV-activated cap turns blue to warn you when it’s time to reapply. Smart, effective, reef-safe — and for me, finally, no sunburn." —Cas

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two sizes and also in a stick version).

Promising review: "I love this floaty! Very durable for games and can be flipped over to be used as my favorite, perfectly sized floating raft for lounging! A two-fer!" —CheesyMac

Promising review: "We have a small dog who has a tendency to overheat easily. He LOVES his cooling mat and uses it frequently, especially after a walk in hot weather. It is very portable, and we take it with us when traveling. Have recommended it to friends whose dogs love it as well! Great product." —R. Woods

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in five sizes and in five colors and patterns).

Promising review: "I used my Wekapo blanket on my vacation to Samana, Dominican Republic. It was very windy, and this blanket really impressed me. It was easy to lay out and put away. The sand came right off, and the sand stakes kept it right in place. I would definitely recommend you buy this for your next vacation." —Nikki

Get it from Amazon for $33.98+ (available in 12 colors and in two smaller sizes).

Promising review: "This thing is fantastic. I've stayed away from the beach for four years because it was too long a walk to carry my chair and everything else from the parking lot with my bad back and two bad shoulders. Now, I can put everything in the supplied net and easily roll it through the sand with the big wheels. The chair is comfortable, which was a priority for me." —Keith E. Scherer

Promising review: "I collect cool or different unique decks of cards and I saw these and I just had to at least buy them and see I mean really. Let me just say they are by far the most unique deck I have so far. They are completely waterproof and you can play away with them in the pool, hot tub even that bath if you want. Pretty cool and a must- for summer vacation." —Beks

Promising review: "Easy to blow up with a simple air pump. I originally purchased it just for me so I could lounge in the pool, but my kiddos and hubby use it often as well, so we have to take turns! It's the perfect size for a teen to adult-size person....the hole is a bit too large for a younger child. Very comfortable. Relax and float your cares away on a summer afternoon. Also, the ball (avocado pit) is a cute addition to have in the pool and toss around for some extra fun!" —JMDaniels

Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in two sizes and as a seashell). 

Reviewers recommend using a more watery sunscreen; if your preferred sunscreen is quite thick, this may not work for you. And JSYK, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says most adults need about an ounce (the equivalent of a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover their face and body adequately.

Promising review: "Not just for kids. I told all my friends it's awesome. Pricey, but better than wasting expensive sunscreen in globs. This makes the sun screening process much less messy and not as much of a drudgery. They even have replacement pads available so the ergonomic container can be reused indefinitely. Consider one to keep at home and one packed to travel. MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS. They can almost apply sunscreen on their own with little assistance." —Bette Henry

Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in 13 colors).

Promising review: "I threw these in my bag last minute for a trip to a resort in Cancun, and we absolutely loved them! They take up no room, and I easily fit two pillows in my carry-on bag to have for the beach. Made the beach chairs so much more relaxing by being able to be comfortable. They blew up so easily. It just took four big breaths for each pillow. Loved that I could either use the straps or sand to hold them in place. I also liked the idea of traveling with them in my carry-on in case we had a delayed flight, and I had enough time for an airport nap. I'll be bringing these on all future vacations." —Nikki Miller

Get it from Amazon for $36.95 (available in 17 colors).

Promising review: "Absolutely love it!! Use it daily at the beach as well as on top of a large paddleboard. Easy to inflate and easy to put away. Compact for storage and transportation. A must-have!!" —Christopher H.

Get it from Amazon for $39.98+ (available in 20 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "Purchased this suit for vacation and it did not disappoint! Extremely comfortable, fit true to size, and the skirt was such a fun added detail. The suit held up through several washings and trips to the beach and pool, and still looks like the first time I wore it. The adjustable straps are a nice feature as well, providing more or less support when needed. I am highly considering buying this in more colors because I love it so much." —Shelby Anderegg

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 25 colors/prints).

Shakalo is a small business based in San Diego.

Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1–2 times a week. And I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of too. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

Promising review: "Water sports shoes save the bottom of my feet from being torn up by the pebble tech on the floor of my pool. It also protects feet from the intense Arizona heat on pool decks (yes, even pool decks get extremely hot in Arizona). I will definitely wear them when at the beach — walking on sand and in the ocean." —noslip

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5, men's sizes 3–12, and various designs).

It comes with five different nozzles and can inflate up to five swim rings, eight single camping air mattresses, or two thick air cushions on a single charge. It can also deflate 10–12 storage bags in one go. 

Promising review: "This little thing is awesome. I got it because we often go to the lake and I got tired of trying to blow up five floaties in 100-degree temps. It works fantastically. It’s very quiet in comparison to our larger air pump that you plug in. I inflated all of my kids tubes and then deflated them on a single charge no issue. I even used it to inflate a 10-foot paddle board. It wasn’t the fastest on the paddle board but it got the job done. It’s super compact and I just toss it in our swim bag or my mini backpack whenever we are going to be around water. 100% worth the cost. It charges quickly and I have the accessories make it easy to inflate most things." —Nicole Burgess

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "My favorite! This is my favorite swimsuit; it is very cute, comfortable, and perfect for a plus-size queen. It holds everything in place while making you look beautiful. It is also made of quality material." —Sori

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and in 18 colors/prints).

Promising reviews: "The goggles are comfortable and fit well. The snorkel works well. It allows me to swim laps without having to stop for a breath." —Roxanne D. Chiasson

"A nice, fun, and bright color! No issues with fog, and I saw many fish during my Cancun trip. Fantastic value!" —Soapy

Get it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two sizes and 20 colors).

Promising review: "These goggles are excellent quality and were very easy to adjust. They have good suction and fit nice and tight without being uncomfortable and stayed secure the entire time I was swimming. Not much for style, but these do look pretty cool. I wore them for about an hour with no issues at all — they remained comfortable and didn’t leak, which is a huge plus. The seal held up well without leaving painful pressure marks. The included case is also a great bonus and makes storage and travel easy. Overall, a very solid pair of goggles that perform exactly as expected. Definitely recommend." —cody

Get them from Amazon for $9.01+ (available in 40 colors).

Just slather some on before you dive in, and let it work its magic!

Promising reviews: "Leaves my processed, blonde hair, feeling soft and hydrated. No problems with chlorine green hair." —CR22

"This stuff is AMAZING! Literally nothing else keeps tangles out of my daughter’s hair like this does. Her hair is so thick and very difficult to brush; this makes it easy peasy to brush the tangles out after a swim in the pool. It also softens her hair. When not used, the pool chemicals make her hair very stiff and dry. We even use this every once in a while just because! It smells wonderful and doesn’t make the hair greasy in any way. I cannot recommend this product enough!!!" —Emily

This bag comes with two clear inserts that you can attach to the outside or inside to hold your small essentials. You can also grab other accessories to decorate your bag and make it more functional, including a phone holder and cup holder!

Promising review: "This bag has been truly incredible! My husband and I love the yellow — it’s more of a light mustard. It’s lightweight and holds its shape from the pool to the beach to in the car. We have a family of four and it fits everyone’s things with extra space!" —Monica Rambert

Get it from Amazon for $90+ (available in 25 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "A great addition to beach essentials is a great beach bag! This bag is awesome! Lightweight, cute, large enough to pack towels, speakers, drinks, etc. in. Plus it's airy; the sand falls right off/out. Good material and holds up well." —Roselily

Get it from Amazon for $13.90 (available in 14 colors).

Promising review: "So, when I was buying a large beach umbrella, it was suggested that I buy the table. I was really on the fence about buying it, but I said to myself, it would be nice to have things off the ground. Well, we went to the beach with about eight of us, and everybody loved it and started to use it. I think it is such a smart concept, and I will eventually buy another one since I bought two umbrellas. Don't double think, just get it." —CB

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors).

It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). Oh, and you can totally use the touchscreen through the case — including the camera. Check out these incredible reviewer photos! 

Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald

Get it from Amazon for $6.49+ (available in 12 colors). 

Promising review: "Got great use out of it on our vacation, will keep for future trips. Easy to set the lock and use; it's very sturdy, not to mention very reassuring — this product gave me peace of mind. Allowed me to enjoy vacation and not stress about my belongings." —Audrey

Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "My back used to be so pale compared to my front by the end of the summer because it always hurt my neck to lie on my stomach, and I couldn't read my books! Not with this chair!! I can sip on a marg while reading and get my back tanned all at the same time!!! The face cushions are super comfy, and the chair is very well made. Now — create one of these with a cutout for a pregnant belly, and you'll have me sold on a second one!" —Macie Jackson

Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in 13 colors and also in a backpack version).

Promising review: "I got this for a week-long beach trip, and it did not disappoint. This thing is super easy to put up and has plenty of space for the littles to play in the shade. I didn’t worry even once about the wind snatching this thing up. It was super sturdy with the sandbags filled. 10/10." —Madison H.

Get it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in three sizes and four colors).

BTW, it's not just for kids, adults love it too.

Promising review: "All I can say is WOW!!!!! This is by far the best conditioning spray I have purchased. I have spent a lot of money on the expensive 'miracle detanglers' and 'miracle brushes,' coconut oils, and hours combing out big knots in my daughter's hair when this is all that’s needed! Her hair is a disaster, full of knots, after the beach. I sprayed this on before going to the beach, and it made all the difference in the world. Goes to show that the expensive stuff is NOT always the best. PLEASE DON’T EVER STOP MAKING THIS!!!!!" —G

Promising review: "Best detangler ever for our 4c hair! I bought this originally for my daughter, who is starting to comb her own 4c hair. I knew from experience what an arm-breaking task it was. But she managed with no problems, so I tried on my hair. The comb just glides through and leaves your hair so soft. Best of all, no sulfates, parabens, or phthalates! Love this product. Highly recommend." —Kindle Customer

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.91.

Promising review: "We took this football to the beach with us this year, and it worked perfectly!! It does not get waterlogged, so you do not have to ring it out after every pass. Everyone has a great time with it, and I was so glad it came with a pump." —Boymom13

Get it from Amazon for $14.50 (note: the color gets chosen at random; also available in a tie-dye version and in a three-pack).

Promising review: "Super comfortable swimsuit for a first-time mom who is feeling a little hesitant about putting a bathing suit on with a growing baby bump. The top is sexy, while the bottom has just enough coverage!" —Abby Hultgren

Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 11 colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jordan Grigsby is a recent Crocs convert: "I am a Crocs stan, honeyyy *but* I wasn't always. I was the biggest Crocs hater until the pandemic hit. One day, after I got my stimulus check (LOL), I decided *what the heck* and bought a light blue pair with some Lisa Frank Jibbitz. I put them on and immediately fell head over heels in love with these shoes. They are beyond comfortable and have become my go-to shoes. I even keep a pair in the car in case I'm wearing shoes that aren't comfortable. I have so many pairs now (fleece-lined, normal, themed ones), it's getting ridiculous. I do agree, they aren't the absolute cutest shoes I own, but once I put the little charms on, I think they're literally the most adorbz things ever. The pink ones pictured above are mine, and I'm obsessed with them. I mean, Mean Girls charms?! Come onnnn, so cute."

Promising review: "I finally understand the hype — these Crocs are [incredibly] comfortable! They’re lightweight, breathable, and perfect for all-day wear. Whether I’m running errands, walking around the house, or heading to the beach, they never disappoint. Super easy to clean, and the adjustable strap keeps them secure when needed. Fits great!" —Alexandra Bosco

Get them from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–19, men's sizes 2–17, and in tons of colors). 

It's designed to fit kids around ages two to seven, who weigh between 30 and 55 pounds.

Promising review: "My kid loves this. It offers peace of mind for me, floats them just fine and the fit is adjustable. It doesn't soak up too much water so it dries out quickly. Great for the pool and can easily be packed up to take with you." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 19 designs).

Promising review: "This is the perfect life jacket for taking our dog kayaking! It doesn't seem cumbersome or too hot for our pup. It works well and features a handle on top, making it easy to lift her out of the water when she bolts for pelicans. :) Not only is it functional, but it also has a fin, which is just adorable." —Animal Radio

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in five sizes and in 20 colors).

Promising review: "Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Pool Edition is a total hit! We brought it out for a pool day, and everyone, from kids to adults, was instantly hooked. The waterproof cards are perfect for outdoor fun, and the rounds are quick, hilarious, and full of energy. It’s super easy to learn, but hard to stop playing once you start. Great for family gatherings, vacations, or anytime you want some fast-paced laughs. Highly recommend for anyone looking to level up their summer game days! 🌮🐐🧀🍕💦" —Dad Shopping

Promising review: "This little snack floatie works so well! The cup holders are deep enough to hold the cups well and not tip over. We have used the center well for extra drinks with ice and bowls of dry snacks. This little gem is sturdy and stays afloat and it's sooo cute! Plus the rainbow on top allows us to strap the float to the edge of our above ground pool with a bungee cord." —Jess Tomlinson

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available as a cactus).

This kit comes with: a camera, a remote control, two batteries, a waterproof case, a bicycle stand, seven mounts, two clips, a helmet mount, five tethers, bandages, a protective backdoor, a USB cable, a battery charger, a lens cloth, and a quick start guide. All you need is a MicroSD card, which you can find here!

Promising review: "I used this AKASO EK7000 Action Camera while swimming in the ocean, and it worked perfectly. The waterproof case kept it completely dry, and the video quality was surprisingly clear even in choppy waters. It’s very easy to use and captures some great footage of the water. Highly recommend for any water activities!" —Anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "This hat packs flat in a suitcase, yet opens for wear without wrinkles. And it really is waterproof. Wearing it while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean during a hot sun, the water beaded and ran off the brim in droplets. The hat remained dry, even after swimming underway. A great travel hat for beach wear at a great price." —Galina

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 24 colors and prints and in a style with more coverage).

Promising review: "This float is very comfortable and offers shade from the sun from your head to your knees when the canopy is up. The whole family loves this float. We sit in it and allow our pool to act like a lazy river." —KATHLEEN

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four colors),

Promising review: "What was supposed to be a nice, lazy day floating down the river turned into a game of pinball. We bounced off, and over several rocks, a tree, and even a round hay bale someone had lost in a flood. Ended the trip without even scuffing the bottom. We got many compliments from passersby. Seemed everyone was jealous of the shade, and I was humble enough to show them that we also had a stocked built-in cooler." —Thomas R. Walsh

Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (also available in a one-person version).

Promising review: "We have had this for about a month. The ring toss and the small basketballs have added fun in the pool. The floating goal is properly balanced and doesn't tip over or have a buoyancy problem. Definitely a fun pool toy to have for kids and even adults. The balls have stayed inflated, and the rings are easy to spot on the bottom of the pool." —Richard

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in two colors and in a version with a shooting game).

Promising review: "I got absolutely FRIED at the beach this past weekend and tried everything under the sun (literally) to provide some relief for my sunburn. I was in so much pain, and every over-the-counter aloe gel, lidocaine, and cold shower was not helping. I found this wrap on my TikTok and immediately bought it. As soon as I put this on my burn, I was immediately relieved of any burning or irritation. I am wearing four patches right now, and I plan on wearing them all day, every day until this burn heals. I will say the only downside is they slip off the aloe has worn off! And it is a little bit hard to maneuver to cut since it is so slippery. But overall, I love this product and will be a forever customer!" —Nick

This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for years now. My first trip to Costa Rica I had it and trust me when I tell you it’s saved my life. I live in Florida now and I never go anywhere without it. After any time in the sun, you can use this and you can believe that your skin will be nourished and moisturized, it will not hurt, and your skin will not peel if used properly. I said your skin will not peel. I love this product for it." —Kenneth

Promising review: "This a well designed and built camping chair. The canvas cloth is thick and tear-resistant. Setup and folding are a breeze, and it takes little space when folded, making it perfect for carrying in the car. There is mesh window on the back so that it feels cool and not sweaty. The shade does a good job to make a shadow under the sunshine. The cooler between the chairs can hold quite a few drinks inside and the top can serve as a small table. Very comfy chair set for a sunny beach day or BBQ picnic. I used it also in the yard to enjoy the fresh air while watching kids playing outside throughout the day." —Johnson Z

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Last-minute purchase for a trip to Jamaica. So happy I bought them. They always kept our towels on the chairs correctly. It was also easy to tell our chairs apart from others on the resort. Will definitely be recommending them to others." —RG

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors and in an extendable style).

Promising reviews: "I bought this fan to take on a trip to Japan. The trip was during the summer, which is just ridiculous heat and humidity. I'm from a hot climate and this heat was truly unreal. People, when I tell you that this fan SAVED me...I'm not kidding! 

"I particularly enjoyed that the fan is also a flashlight (which I used on more than one occasion) and can charge your phone in a pinch! And it does, indeed, do both of these things really, really well! I used this for at least 8 hours straight every single day of a 15-day trip, and I charged it once (I'm not even sure I needed to). The charge on this thing is amazeballs.

"It might seem like it wouldn't do much, but this fan, and its two wonderful speeds, literally kept me from being overheated. Moving it around and not just focusing on my face was also helpful. In short, BUY THIS. Also, I wasn't even remotely the only person carrying one of these, from locals to other tourists. So as far as getting around in the extreme heat, no matter the continent, if you know, you know!" —La Cinema

"This portable fan is small, lightweight, and effective. It lives in my beach bag and works like a charm. It’s super quiet and has just the right amount of airflow. The price is right and I recommend this fan." —kimb

Get it from Amazon for $13.67+ (available in eight colors).

This set comes with: rakes, shovels, a water wheel, a bucket, a watering can, various molds, and a mesh storage bag.

Promising review: "This set has everything you need for a fun day at the beach. The variety keeps kids entertained, and it’s easy to pack and carry. A great value for families with young kids." —Zeena Jarrar

Get a 19-piece set from Amazon for $24.99.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.