30 SUMMER-Y FUN THINGS TO TREAT YOURSELF TO BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT
1. Uno Splash, a must-have if you need your competitive itch scratched wherever you go. You can play this marvelous game at the beach or pool because the cards are waterproof! So if you fly into a fiery rage and toss that Draw Four card into the water, don't fret — it'll stay good as new.
Promising review: "Love that these come with a clip. Makes it so handy to travel with and not lose any of the cards. Great for kids, too, because they always seem to break the box when they have to put them back in the box. Of course, the waterproof aspect is wonderful!" —Peachy Keenes
Get it from Amazon for $14.24 (also available in the flip version).
2. Or a deck of waterproof playing cards so you can get your Blackjack or Go Fish on while lounging by the pool.
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
Get it from Amazon for $6.60.
3. A *beary* adorable handheld fan you wouldn't think has the power to keep you cool with how compact it is...but its 41,000+ 5-star ratings prove otherwise. Imagine you're standing in a line at Disneyland with no shade and pull this baby out — oh boy, are you about to be the most popular one there. Plus, it TRIPLES as a flashlight and portable charger, so this small but mighty thing can do it all.
Promising review: "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
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in five colors).
4. A portable JBL speaker because summer = blasting "SUMMER LOVIN', HAD ME A BLAST" 24/7. This bb is waterproof so you can take it to the beach, pool, and even paddle boarding to keep you company. Plus, reviewers love how sturdy it is — one even said it survived Hurricane Ian?!
It also comes with a built-in metal carabiner so you can hook it onto anything and it has up to 10 hours of playtime!
Promising review: "Took this speaker everywhere this summer! It was exactly what I was looking for. Perfect for the beach, the pool, outdoor workouts, etc. It definitely got water splashed on it more than once, and it continues to performs as promised. It’s super easy to set up, Bluetooth works great, and the circular size makes it easy to stow whether you’re local, on the go, or taking it with you on vacation. Battery continues to hold charge. I also traveled with my JBL Clip speaker in my carry-on and I didn’t have any issues with airport security." —Jessica R.
Get it from Amazon for $39.97 (available in 12 colors/styles).
5. A flame colorant so you can turn your bonfire into a mesmerizing light show — so magical, it's like witchcraft. I don't think you could ever get bored watching these colorful flames.
FYI, if you're making s'mores, don't throw these on until *after* you're done cooking with the fire. To get the show started, just add 1–3 of these packets to your fire, and you'll get up to a full hour of colorful flames before the vibrancy fades. You can add additional packets as needed!
Promising review: "These fire color-changing packets are the backyard secret weapon you never knew you needed! These super-colorful wonders turn an ordinary fire into a mesmerizing spectacle that lasts about 45 minutes. Throw in two or three at a time, and you've got a backyard rave that even Mother Nature would RSVP to. A simple yet enchanting way to add a pop of color to your outdoor gatherings!" —Matt Peterson
Get 12 packets from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and five multipacks).
6. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62, a body and hair mist with a pistachio and salted caramel scent that smells like a tropical paradise and will make you want summer to last forever. One reviewer describes it like this: From the second they spritz it on, they're transported to a sun-drenched beach *AND* it leaves a lingering aroma that turns heads — yup, that's how good this magical potion smells.
Trust me when I tell you this, no matter which scent you choose, you can't go wrong. I've literally walked into Sephora with the sole purpose of smelling all the Sol de Janeiro mists and, for the life of me, could not choose my favorite because they're all a-ma-zing.
Promising review: "As someone who adores the essence of summer, this has become an instant favorite in my collection. This delightful mist is a true embodiment of tropical bliss. From the moment I spritz it onto my skin and hair, I am transported to a sun-drenched beach, surrounded by swaying palm trees and the gentle lull of ocean waves. The fragrance is an exquisite blend of notes that evoke warm, sunny days and carefree moments.
"What sets this fragrance mist apart is its versatility. Not only does it envelop my body in a captivating scent that lasts for hours, but it also adds a touch of luxury to my hair, leaving behind a subtle, lingering aroma that turns heads wherever I go. Whether I'm lounging by the pool, running errands around town, or simply indulging in a bit of self-care at home, the Sol De Janeiro Mist never fails to uplift my spirits and evoke feelings of pure joy and relaxation.
"In summary, if you're searching for a fragrance that captures the essence of summer and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, look no further than the Sol De Janeiro Mist. It's a must-have addition to any beauty routine and a delightful treat for the senses." —sonny ౨ৎ
Get a 3-ounce bottle from Amazon for $24 (available in four other scents).
7. Or Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '40, which I assume is what pure happiness and bliss smells like. With notes of black amber plum and vanilla woods, this may just become your go-to, everyday perfume. It'll make you feel like you should be lying on the sandy beaches of Turks and Caicos.
I have this scent and let me tell you, I get compliments on it from the morning all the way until night. It has sweet and fruity notes, and it's just perfect — not too overwhelmingly strong, but I'm pretty sure I've gotten a few head turns (not to toot my own horn). At night I'll hop into the shower and immediately smell Cheirosa '40 when it starts steaming — actual proof that it lasts the whole day. I have yet to go through the whole bottle, and I've been using it for about two months. So for the price and the amount it comes with, you're definitely getting plenty of bang for your buck.
Promising review: "I'm thrilled with my Sol de Janeiro perfume! This fragrance captures the essence of summer in a bottle. With its irresistible blend of tropical notes, it instantly transports me to a paradise-like beach setting. The unique combination of ingredients creates a sweet, yet sophisticated aroma that's perfect for any occasion. The packaging is also a work of art, reflecting the brand's vibrant and joyful personality." —Carol Montilha
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $38.
8. An avocado floatie with a pit that's a ball of fun, literally, because it's an inflatable ball! There's a hole in the middle where you can park your booty and lounge around all day. Reviewers love using it not only in their pool but also at the beach and lake!
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-sized 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 $17.99+ (available in two sizes and as a seashell).
9. A portable mist stand so instead of being attacked by waves of heat, you'll be hit with refreshing droplets of water. It'll cool down the area by up to 20 degrees so you can get your tan on without burning up. The pliable design means you can easily wrap it around another object or just stand it up on its own!
Promising review: "This is so helpful and makes sitting outside bearable in this HEAT! 🔥 I bug my husband that I need mist coming from all angles, so he suggested buying another one LOL. My guests love sitting out there with this on. I might just get them one too as a gift. 🤔" —Mars
Get it from Amazon for $27.
10. A glass water bottle with such a fun print, it'll make you want to find the nearest strawberry field and pick some of those delicious, juicy berries yourself.
I recently received this bottle (just in time for summer) and I absolutely adore it. I think the little strawberries are oh-so darling and whenever I bring this out with me, I get endless compliments, seriously. Plus, the glass isn't slippery on the outside because it has a silicone coating, so I'm never scared of dropping it. It holds the perfect amount of water for me and is slim enough to fit in any of my purses and bags. I also love that it's dishwasher safe (the glass part only) because I cannot tell you how much I hate cleaning the inside of bottles!!!
Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in three other summer-y designs).
11. An inflatable pillow to make those "rotting on the beach" days a heck of a lot comfier. Instead of your head lying uncomfortably on the sand or rock-hard lounge chairs, it'll be propped up by this cloud-like pillow that even has a slot for a cooling pack!
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 $35 (available in seven colors).
12. And an inflatable lounge chair so you can sit or lie down like the princess you are instead of getting grass stains on your clothes or sand in your swimsuit. Just swing it around a few times, and you'll have the perfect place to lounge.
Promising review: "What a brilliant idea! This chair is super compact and lightweight and EXTREMELY easy to inflate. You don't need any pumps, and you don't need to blow it up with your breath, yet it inflates in a few seconds. All you have to do is spin your body 360 degrees once while holding the chair out. It really is that easy, and it really works! What's more, the chair holds the air in — no leaking — for days, and it is incredibly comfy!!!! I have a very bad back, and almost no chairs are comfortable for me to sit on, but this chair is amazingly comfortable. It creates no pressure points you because it is filled with air. You can sit upright on it or lounge on it, depending on how much air you put in and where you place your tush. I thought there had to be a catch and that it would be difficult to fold up again and get back into the carrying case, but it wasn't. My only advice is to cut off the attached metal bottle opener, as that could hit someone and hurt them when you spin around to fill up the chair." —Elizabeth Schiff
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
13. An eight-compartment snack box, perfect for picnics, road trips, and flights so you'll always have a variety of your fave snacks, because being limited to one is so (*yawn*) boooring.
Promising review: "SO many ways to utilize this snack box! So far, we have used it for movie night and park snacks during our walks. This is going to be a necessity for this summer with our daughters' sports schedules. Love! I will be buying the larger one they offer. It’s going to be perfect for summer fruits!" —Daniella
Get it from Amazon for $20.98 (also available in a two-pack).
14. A Cuisinart ice cream maker because I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream in the summer — especially when it's homemade and tailored to your own liking. If you're bored of regular flavors, you can make quite literally *any* concoction in this baby by adding ingredients to create your own wacky flavor. *AND* it's not limited to just ice cream; it can also whip up fro-yo, sorbet, and even milkshakes to fulfill that sweet tooth of yours.
Promising review: "I ordered this as a gift for myself, and have made many batches of ice cream during this hot summer. It is a little powerhouse. In 30 minutes you can have ice cream, without all of the ice, salt, and mess. The container is still so cold afterwards, that it's tempting to try a 2nd batch, but I don't think that would work. I read the reviews, and have given my family strict orders to never wash the bowl in the dishwasher. We pretty much just wipe it down with a little warm soapy water, rinse it, and put it back in the freezer. Time will tell how it will hold up, but so far I am loving it." —Snickidoodle
Get it from Amazon for $77.63.
15. And a shaved ice machine guaranteed to make those scorching summer days a little more bearable. It'll give you a soft, fluffy, snow-like texture that melts right in your mouth rather than those coarse, crunchy ice chunks. You can also use it to make margs, slushies, and more — this machine is your oyster!
Promising review: "I love snow cones whenever I can get them. I don't like chunky ice that doesn't hold the syrup. This machine is perfect. It takes a little practice getting the correct pressure but when you do, it's softer than snow. One of the best appliances I have ever purchased.
"Update...I have been using this machine for three summers and occasionally in winter and I still think it's the best purchase. I am about to change the blade for the first time. This little thing is durable." —Connie unclebach
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
16. Plus, a fun and easy-to-use slushy-making cup because your daily trek to 7-Eleven to get a Slurpee is starting to hurt your wallet. Just freeze the cup for 4–8 hours, pour in your fave cold drink, and squeeze away until a slushy texture forms! Doesn't an icy Diet Coke sound absolutely divine right now?
Check out a TikTok of the slushy-making cup in action! It even comes with a spill-proof lid so it won't leak while you're crushing the cup.
Promising review: "I’m an absolute sucker for slushies. Why? Heck if I know. I saw this cup on TikTok, and bought it though I was very skeptical. However, it works!! I’ve made at least a dozen already, if not more." —C. Warrick
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors and multipacks).
17. A portable movie screen just perfect for screening Anyone But You in your backyard on a warm night. Reviewers say it takes only a few minutes to set up, so you'll be able to get it goin' in no time!
Promising review: "Honestly a great buy! The directions are self-explanatory and VERY easy to follow. You’ll definitely need a stool/ladder; something to step on to attach the screen at the top. Overall, took about 10 minutes to put together. It does come with additional support strings as well. Makes for great movie nights at home!" —Amazon Customer
Get a 120-inch screen from Amazon for $94.95 (and if needed, you can pick up a highly rated projector here).
18. A mini rainbow float to hold your snacks and bevs. Many reviewers say it's also great for dogs — so no matter what you use it for, there's gold at the end of the rainbow...or should I say under???
Promising review: "This little snack floaty 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 aboveground pool with a bungee cord." —Jess Tomlinson
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available as a bunny).
19. A pair of cherry earrings because 'tis the season for these delicious fruits. IMHO, cherries are the cutest and most aesthetically pleasing fruit and deserve to be shown off. Plus, reviewers love how lightweight and comfortable these are, so you can wear 'em all day, every day!
Promising review: "I have sensitive ears and only wear light earrings. These are light, were fine in my ears, and I got so many compliments. I adore them! Highly suggest!" —Emily J. Fuller
Get two pairs from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in single pairs and a peach version).
20. A pack of reusable water balloons cleverly created so the kiddos (or you) can have all the fun without worrying about cleanup. Plus, they're so darn easy to fill up and you won't have to go through the dreaded process of tying them because they close on their own!
Promising review: "A summer must buy!!! After an endless amount of hours of picking up pieces of water balloons from my kids, I finally pulled the trigger on buying these, and my only regret is that I hadn't bought these sooner! They are AMAZING! They are super durable, we live in Arizona where it's hot and dry and they get left out by my kids, and the material is holding up great. My kids even use these in the pool, and I don't need to worry about little balloon pieces getting stuck in my filter or eaten by small animals. Do yourself a favor, and buy two sets because once you have one set, you will NEED another!!" —Bmama83
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $25.49 (available in other multipacks).
21. A Kodak disposable film camera to capture all your favorite vacay moments with glorious and nostalgic film quality. Forget that $1,000 digital cam; all you need is this bad boy to reminisce on all the memories you made.
Each camera takes 27 pics!
Promising reviews: "I like it. I got these to take pictures throughout my summer to have memories and it’s so much fun to use!!" —Jess
"Such a throwback to my time as a child using film cameras to document everything! My husband thinks these are a waste (ha!) but I completely disagree — you don’t get the same quality with digital photos nowadays. I take two on all my trips for some fun photos that are a great surprise to develop after coming back home. They make me happy :)" —Kat
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $29.44 (you can get a single one here).
22. An inflatable pool so you and your besties can take a nice little dip to ward off the heat. Sure, it’s not an infinity pool, but who needs that when this has a ~built-in bench~??? I think that's equally impressive.
Promising review: "Good size. I'm 5'4, and I bought it for my 3-year-old and 2-year-old for the spring and summer. I didn't need anything huge; I have a nice-size deck and we spend a lot of time on the deck, so I wanted something big enough for them to have some wiggle room to keep cool, but not too big, so it wouldn't take up too much room. I also purchased an outdoor grass rug to put it on to protect the bottom of it and keep it from getting splinters (just a suggestion if you plan on using on the deck). It has a drain plug, so cleaning and getting fresh water is not hard at all." —Majestic 0220
Get it from Amazon for $47.99.
23. A cocktail shaker set to make a piña colada — or a few — at home and enjoy your time without dealing with drunk strangers. It comes with all the essential tools for making cocktails and even includes recipes, bringing you one step closer to living out your bartender dreams.
The set includes: a cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer, a double-sided jigger, a mixing spoon, a Hawthorne strainer, a double lever corkscrew, ice tongs, a bottle opener, and recipe cards.
Promising review: "I bought this for my boyfriend for Valentine's Day, but in reality, I just wanted him to learn how to make his own drinks so I could have yummy $9 drinks from home. He loves it, and so do I. It came with a booklet full of recipes for all sorts of drinks you find at all the trendy bars, and now he is starting to be so confident in his drink-making abilities he doesn't even need to look at it! I love it, so does he, and we are just excited to make fun things at home!" —Hailey Stover
Get it from Amazon for $22.74+ (available in eight styles).
24. A GoPong float because the only thing better than a game of 🍺 beer pong 🍺 is playing it in a pool. This floaty has four cup holders on each side along with the designated cup inserts in the middle. It'll keep you in the pool for *hours* (not counting hydration breaks, of course).
25. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter you can add to any summer drink because everything is better with ✨ sparkles ✨. Plus, it'll look absolutely glamorous with the sun hitting it juuust right!
Bakel is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink.
Promising review: "Don’t think any further and just buy it. This was so cool, and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends' drinks. Also, it had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" —gigi
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 17 colors).
26. A ridiculously fun ring toss game to cure your at-home boredom and mentally transport yourself to a beach while playing this magnificent game. It's perfect for all ages, so grab your family for some friendly competition!
Tiki Toss is a small business that specializes in family-friendly games for home and outdoor use.
Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing. So simple and so fun. Quality and design of product is fantastic. Also makes a great gift." —jzek
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).
27. A tabletop firepit if you don't have a regular fire pit outside and all you want is THE classic summer treat to ring in the season. It's perf for roasting marshmallows outside (or inside!) so you can enjoy a perfectly charred, ooey-gooey s'more without having to deal with firewood. Plus, it's perfect for evening gatherings because it creates such a lovely ambiance.
You can use any ethanol fuel at 70%, 91%, or 99% concentrations, but the brand sells their own fuel for using with this too.
Promising review: "This is the perfect size for making s’mores or for simply sitting around enjoying the dancing flames. I love that you can use it indoors or outdoors. You just pour a little of the liquid fuel into the base. I add probably an inch worth and it will go for around 20 minutes. There is a lid you can smother the flame out with. It’s a heavy stone and looks very pretty! Small enough you can move it wherever you want, or take it to someone else’s house. Glad we got this instead of a big outdoor fire pit" —Michelle M.
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes).
28. An Igloo boombox cooler that'll be your plus one to any outdoor event because it'll keep all your bevs cold *and* doubles as a speaker! You can pair it to any device using Bluetooth and jam out to your summer playlist. If you love anything retro, this was made just for you.
It can hold around 26 cans!
Promising review: "Took it to my parents community pool yesterday and everyone was raving. The pink and turquoise colors bring back all the '90s nostalgia. The sound from the speakers are clear and get pretty dang loud. It was 90 something here in South Carolina and I had drinks and food and two ice packs. 8hrs later, everything was still ice cold in the cooler. Much lighter than all the other big cooler brands. Wish they would have installed or made an add on strap to shoulder carry. But overall super happy and stoked to bring this puppy on the boat, to the beach and pool all summer long!" —CristinM
Get it from Amazon for $146.25 or direct from Igloo for $119.99 (originally $149.99; available in four colors).
29. A set of color-changing inflatable pool balls in case you have an irrational fear of sharks when the pool gets dark. (It can't just be me, right?) These will light up the water and make you feel as if you're swimming in a magical pond.
The balls are solar-powered and will last about eight hours on a charge. Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.
Promising review: "My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth, like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun and they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk (it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night long. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you want to hang them. They would be magical hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." —J. Matheson
Get a set of four from Amazon for $69.99.
30. A croquet set that'll be a ~hit~ at all of your summer get-togethers because I can't think of a single person who'd say no to this marvelous game. Plus, it's super portable, so you can bring it wherever you go!
This set includes six handles, six mallets with caps for added protection, two ending stakes, six weather-resistant balls, nine wickets, and a nice bag to carry it all in.
Promising review: "This croquet set is artfully made and really such a steal for the money you will pay! The sticks and mallets are all made out of durable hard wood, and the mallets have a rubber sleeve that goes on each end to help protect the mallet from damage over time. The balls are on the heavier side, as they should be. They are resistant to weather, so no need to pick them up if you didn't finish your game; same with the wickets. All of this comes in a nice carrying case that can actually handle the weight of the set itself! The colors are vibrant, so there will be no question which ball is yours, and I genuinely do not feel that they will fade or lose their quality. I would absolutely buy this again!" —Dido
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.