Summer is just getting started! While you'll likely spend the next couple months enjoying dips in the pool, backyard barbecues and trips to the beach, the season also presents its fair share of pesky problems — from bug bites to intense heat and humidity.
To help tackle these minor annoyances, Shop All Day contributor Chassie Post stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY to share all the problem-solving tools, gadgets and accessories that will make getting through the rest of the summer just a little bit easier — and we also included some picks of our own. Whether you'll be spending your summer at home with friends and family or have beach plans on the agenda, here are two dozen picks that you'll wish you had known about sooner — from Crocs headlights to iced tea pitcher bags.
To shop this article by category, click on each link below to find what you're looking for:
- Fun summer finds seen on TODAY
- Summer beauty and style essentials
- Summer home gadgets
- Summer beach essentials
Fun Summer Finds seen on TODAY
From Great Origins Iced Tea Pitcher Bags
Love a tall glass of iced tea but don't love making it? We get it. Frustrated by having to use a handful of individual tea bags to make a pitcher of iced tea and ending up in a tangle, Post found a clever and delicious solution. These large tea bags can make enough tea for a pitcher. Simply add the tea bag and boiling water to your pitcher and stir. This pack has six tea bags, but you can also grab it in a pack of 36!
Headlights for Crocs
Crocs are officially cute and now your trendy clogs can help you light the way in the dark thanks to these headlight charms. Post recommends using these mini headlights for early morning and late night dog walking, camping, riding bikes and getting up in the middle of the night. She says they are like "having mini flashlights on your feet!"
Brixton Bells II Lifeguard Hat
Post says this is the hottest hat of the summer. Inspired by vintage lifeguard hats, the wide-brimmed style is lightweight, breathable and made of 100% of woven straw. She says the hat looks great on everyone, so you might as well give it a try!
Burke Decor Recycled Plastic Stripe Bag - Wide
Post has officially declared mesh as a trend to have on your radar — and it's super useful. This chic option is extra wide and inspired by vibrant storage bags seen in Mumbai, according to Post.
Burke Decor Recycled Plastic Stripe Bag - Square
Just because the Fourth of July is over doesn't mean you can't still rep' red, white and blue. This square recycled plastic mesh bag is great for the beach, according to Post, because sand slides right through the cracks.
Burke Decor Recycled Plastic Stripe Bag - Rectangle D30
This larger recycled plastic mesh bag can support you from the beach to the mall. Post says to clean the bag, you only need to grab your hose and spray it down.
Preppy Jones Personalized Cabana Stripe Beach Towel
Post loves this personalized cabana stripe beach towel that you can get for anyone and everyone. She recommends gifting these pool towels to college students because you can match the towel to the student's school colors. Don't wait to grab one for yourself or your friends because Preppy Jones is offering TODAY viewers 20% off with code PREPPYTODAY!
Preppy Jones Monogram Cabana Beach Towel
This monogram beach towel is another "fabulous" option on Post's list of recommendations. You can custom match colors for the occasion or pick from the brand's color palette of over 40 colors. Don't forget to use the exclusive TODAY viewers discount code, PREPPYTODAY, for 20% off!
Ostrich Face Down Lounge Chair
Post loves this chair so much that she's wondering why no one has thought of it before. When you're done using it as a regular lounge chair, you can flip over the cushion to reveal the patented face cavity, cushion and arm holes. Now you can lie on your stomach and read, scroll or nap all summer long.
Summer beauty and style essentials
Funky Junque Embroidered Sun Hat
This embroidered hat combines style and protection, and is certainly one way to let others know not to disturb your time in the sun. For a better fit, the inside of the hat features a drawstring closure to keep it in place all day.
Bandelettes Anti-Chafing Bands
If you're not a fan of balms or creams to help beat chafing, these fabric bands can easily be concealed under skirts or dresses to keep your days pain-free.
Sunlily Roll-N-Go Sun Hat
If you need to save some room in your beach bag, this sun hat conveniently rolls up for easy transport — and is even Bobbie Thomas approved. It's also available in six different colors, so you can choose a style that best suits your summer wardrobe.
ChinFun Yoga Shorts
These yoga shorts help with chafing and are also comfortable enough to wear around the house on hot summer days. "I purchased these for wear as a tankini bottom, it has good control," one verified reviewer wrote.
Veet Hair Removal Cream
Trying to skip shaving this summer? This hair removal cream gave one TODAY editor silky smooth legs in just three minutes, eliminating the need for a razor in her routine.
Summer home essentials
Stasher Small Reusable Silicone Snack Bag
If you're headed to the beach or going on a hike, snacks are always an essential. These reusable bags are made with silicone, so you can wash them time and time again without all of the waste.
Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker
This mini ice cream maker lets you control the ingredients, so you can enjoy the perfect summer treat at home. If you're looking for flavor inspiration, it even comes with its own recipe book for ice creams, sorbet and gelato.
ButterOnce Corn Butter Knife
Corn on the cob is a summer staple, but it can also make for a mess at the dinner table. These butter knives keep butter on the corn and off of your fingers, so you can enjoy every kernel without worrying about the mess.
Summer beach and outdoor essentials
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm
Rather than using a greasy spray, this mosquito-repellent uses essential oils in the form of a balm that can be applied on-the-go, whether you are in the backyard or at the campground.
"This stuff is amazing, and is the only thing that prevents any new bites from popping up every morning," one verified reviewer said.
Bobor Trampoline Sprinkler
Sprinklers are a fun way to beat the heat in the backyard, and this system made for trampolines takes it to a new level. Luckily, you can catch this sprinkler on sale for less than $20 for some budget-friendly fun.
Water Sports Sand-Off Mitt
Sand from beach days should stay at the beach — not in your car or in your house. This special mitt uses a talc-free formula that removes sand from your body without removing sunscreen or other protective products.
F-Color Mesh Beach Bag
The mesh design of this beach bag prevents sand from becoming trapped inside while keeping your essentials protected. For smaller valuables, it also features a zippered interior pocket that will keep them dry and safe.
Bug Bite Thing
This "Shark Tank" gadget has amassed more than 1,700 reviews from verified shoppers on Amazon. By using suction, it works to remove venom and reduce your skin's reaction to the bug bite.
Wabash Valley Farms Outdoor Popcorn Popper
For a fun (and tasty) family activity, this popcorn popper allows everyone to get in on some backyard family fun for a movie night or a late-night snack.
Fire Buggz Fishing Pole Campfire Roaster
If little ones want to get in on marshmallow roasting, this nifty gadget can help make it fun while keeping a safe distance from the fire.
