With July Fourth weekend behind us, most of us are back to our routines and dreaming of our next chance for some summer fun. Even if you’re not jetting off on a globe-trotting getaway, you can still make the most of this season right in your own backyard.
To inspire the ultimate summer staycation, Chassie Post stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY with some genius finds and boredom busters you can grab on Amazon. From movie night essentials to beauty finds that bring major spa vibes, treating yourself to these outdoor upgrades and little luxuries will help you squeeze every last drop of fun out of the season.
After all, there are plenty of summer weekends left to enjoy, so shop our selection of at-home essentials below and take advantage of them before they’re gone.
Summer staycation finds seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
With this mini smart projector, you can turn almost any flat surface, wall or even your ceiling into your own personal high-quality movie screen. It has built-in speakers and streaming apps, so you can start watching right away, and you can even mirror your iPhone or Android. Plus, the screen can get huge, ranging from 50 to 200 inches, and the base rotates so you can project almost anywhere. Post says it’s perfect for rainy nights inside, family time, gaming, travel and more.
“Pretty amazing for $69.99,” Post adds, “and probably cheaper than taking the whole family to the theaters.”
No movie night is complete without popcorn. This tool makes the classic snack so easy to whip up. Post says no oil is required, so you’re getting better-for-you popcorn — just add your favorite kernels and microwave for 2–4 minutes,
“It makes up to 16 cups of super-fluffy, delicious popcorn and reviewers say with almost no unpopped kernels,” Post shares. “And I love that it collapses for easy storage and is dishwasher-safe.”
This is not your average flying disc. Post says that it has 108 LED lights that create more than 16 million color combinations, with settings to tweak the brightness, colors and light patterns as you see fit, and motion sensors that turn the lights on and off automatically. It’s rechargeable via USB, and the brand says a quick 30-minute charge lasts for up to 1,000 throws. Plus, it’s waterproof, which makes it so much fun for the backyard, beach, camping or summer parties, and fun for all ages.
Cucumbers and watermelons are known for their cooling and hydrating properties, and we love that these come ready to go — no slicing necessary! These K-beauty eye masks, which come in a pack of 48, are designed to help reduce puffiness and target the look of dark circles and discoloration. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals to deliver intense hydration, according to the brand.
“They’re so easy to use: just place one over each eye for five to 15 minutes,” Post instructs. “And for an extra cooling effect, keep them in the fridge... they feel so good.”
This 4-in-1 inflatable tanning pool lounger works as a tanning mat, personal pool, lounger or pool float, so you can use it in the backyard, on the sand or on the water. Just fill it with a little water to help keep you cool while you’re lounging in the sun and catching a few rays. It comes in three sizes to fit multiple people if desired, too.
“And it is soooo comfy! It’s like a cushy mattress,” Post raves. “It’s got a removable pillow for neck support and built-in cup holders for your favorite drink.”
Editor’s note: We recommend grabbing a portable air pump for fast, easy inflation, like the option below.
Is there anything more relaxing than hanging out in the backyard in a hammock? Post says it makes every day feel like a staycation. This option is double-sized and fits two people, so you can hang with your favorite person. And it comes with its own space-saving stand, so no trees are needed to get lounging. It even comes with a carrying case.
More Amazon finds for a summer staycation
Unplug and unwind with this screen-free activity. The beginner-friendly kit comes with everything you need to learn to cross stitch, a hobby that many find relaxing and meditative.
This breezy layer is the ideal throw-on-and-go piece for the season. It pairs well with a tank top or t-shirt and shorts, leggings or jeans, and it even works as a swim cover-up for beach days and pool time.
If you’re enjoying some time outdoors, applying SPF is a non-negotiable. Luckily, this oil makes the task feel luxurious and indulgent, with a pleasant scent and silky texture that’ll have you feeling like a total bombshell.
Make a splash with these reusable water balloon bombs, which burst open upon contact. The brand says they’re painless, and unlike traditional water balloons, they won’t leave you with a ton of latex scraps to pick up all over the yard.
We’re not exactly sure how the fragrance experts at Phlur did it, but this mist smells like vacation in a bottle. Spritz it on your hair and body and it’ll act like your passport to a beach in the summertime.
Transport yourself to paradise with this diffuser, which uses essential oils to create a calming aroma wherever you place it. Its extra-large capacity means it can run for up to 40 hours, per the brand, so you can truly zen out.
Don’t overthink your summer wardrobe. Vacation dressing is all about easy, breezy vibes, and this two-piece set is in an instant outfit you can lounge in, wear to the beach or dress up for a nice dinner.
Looking for an easy way to make your next night in more fun? Here’s your solution: family game night! This classic backgammon set is available in three sizes and comes with everything you need to play, plus it folds into a briefcase-like design for easy storage when not in use.
Pump up the tunes to bring party vibes wherever you go. This portable speaker has a waterproof design and a delightfully big, full sound.
Behold, the cherry on top of a great staycation: a yummy frozen beverage. This slushie machine churns out up to eight servings at a time and can be used to make non-alcoholic and boozy drinks alike, depending on your vibe.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Chassie Post.
- Chassie Post is a TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds available on Amazon that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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