I’m sharing 10 summer essentials that every girl needs to carry in her bag as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars and Playtex® Sport® #PlaytexSportSquad. See my previous tips for staying active as a family and 7 ways to build strong mother-daughter relationships with your teenage girls.
Today is the first day of summer for us. I stayed in bed until the luxurious hour of 6:45. Trust me – as the summer progresses, I will make sure that my wake up time increases. Today begins 7:30 am swim team practices for my middle school daughter – in fact, I just dropped her off at the pool.
We spend a lot of time at the pool, the water park or the beach in the summer (in the next 4 weeks, we’ll have heavy doses of all three, and we couldn’t be more excited). The teens also spend a lot of time hanging out with friends, and since summer-time hang outs tend to last most of the day and into the night, whether they’re heading to a park, a pool, or the beach, it’s a good idea to be prepared.
Here are some of the summer essentials that we always keep packed in our park-pool-beach bag (ie, the all-purpose summer-time bag!).
10 Summer Essentials Every Girl Needs In Her Bag
Sunscreen: This is a no-brainer. Although many teens desire a nice golden tan, my experience with skin cancer has led me to always push the value of sunscreen. Luckily, my kids seem to enjoy their pale skin. We won’t go anywhere without sunscreen during the summer! Remember – Don’t neglect your lips! It’s important to keep your lips protected from the sun and hydrated, so always carry a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips from drying out or getting burned.
Cute sunglasses: Perhaps the best accessory of summer time – sunglasses can be both functional AND cute. Make your sunglasses part of your summer accessorizing and change them up to reflect your mood or to go with your outfit.
Emergency essentials: I never leave home without a small and discreet just-in-case bag. Inside, I carry period essentials like Playtex® Sport® tampons and pads. Even if my girls and I are not ready to start, there is most likely someone in the group that is. Being prepared means that you might be someone’s hero and you will never be caught unawares. I love this Playtex® Sport® purse pak because it is both functional and cute (no one would guess what it’s for!).
Reusable water bottle: I drink water all year long, but it’s especially important to stay hydrated during the hot summer months, especially when you’ve been out in the sun. I prefer to use a reusable water bottle like this that keeps my water cold for longer.
Towel: If you’re heading to the beach, then a towel is a must-have. But if you’ve got to bring a towel, why not make it a statement piece? Get a towel to represent some of your favorite things, like a Doctor Who TARDIS towel for my Whovian girls!
Cute hat: Hats play multiple purposes in the summer – they shade eyes from the sun, keep the face sheltered from getting burned, and add to your fun, summer look. Wear them big, wear them funky! Wear a different hat every day.
Hair essentials: I always keep hair ties and headbands on hand in case I need to put my hair up (especially handy when you’re swimming). I also like to pack a brush and some sea salt spray for my hair (this is my favorite) for a pick-me-up after a long day of being outside.
Reading materials: Because you never know when you’ll have a spare minute of lounging around (even when you’re surrounded by friends) it’s nice to have a book or a magazine on hand. Having something to read can be as simple as having the Kindle app on your phone and loading it with a few books.
Snacks: Who knows when hunger will strike? I like to be prepared with a few non-perishable snacks just in case. This is especially important for those of us with dietary needs, food allergies, etc. You never want to rely on what other people are going to bring to eat or when you’ll be able to find a restaurant.
Camera: Yes, it’s totally fine to take pictures on your phone (see my mobile travel photo tips)…but don’t forget that the camera is there! Capture all of the memories of summer and share them with your friends. Don’t forget to get in a few of those memory pics yourself!
Featured product: Tampons & Liners Combo Pack
- Designed for dual-form users
- Two kinds of Sport® Level Protection™ together in one convenient package
- Only Playtex® Sport® has a 360°™ design and FlexFit™ technology that moves the way you move. These are great tampons for swimming, biking, running or whatever your activity of choice is.
Are You “Fit To Play”?
What is your perfect fit? The “Fit to Play” quiz takes you through a series of questions to determine what your perfect sport fit is. The quiz also suggests a femcare product as your perfect product fit. You can then sign up for free samples within the quiz experience, too. Take the quiz HERE.
Connect with Playtex® Sport®
- Website: PlaytexPlayOn.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/playtexsport
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaytexSportandGentleGlide
- G+: https://plus.google.com/104456896289544915621/posts
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I’m laughing because in truth that bag has two blankets folded at the bottom so that all of the “stuff” would stick out nicely for the pictures. I actually like to keep things to a minimum. Be prepared but not over-loaded! :)
Good idea to protect your lips from the sunscreen, I tend to forget that one!
These are great essentials. You’re so right about always being prepared for your period. Being caught off-guard is the WORST!
You look just like my wife carrying around a ginormous tote bag filled to the brim! I swear she brings one of everything!
Definitely sounds like a must have for the summer! Definitely makes for a more comfortable time in the water!
Sounds like great items you have packed for yourself! I definitely have to take a reusable water bottle around with me to stay hydrated in this GA heat.
Sounds like a perfectly packed bag to me and that you have this down pat! Sounds like busy and fun summer ahead!
Awesome summer essentials, i also have my water bottle, and some trail mix in my bag, never know when your gonna need a quick snack, i also like to keep travel baby wipes and oil blotting sheets in my bag, huge helper for summer weather.
I like to have sunscreen, sunglasses, a book, snacks, and a water bottle with me!
Woohoo! Summer’s here! Great list, my mind these days I need a reminder. I will use your list when we go to the beach this summer.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a good hat is so important in the Summer! And I also make sure to have a big water bottle and towels when going to the beach!