From sophisticated tropical flowers to belly-covering parrots, each piece in this collection screams, “I love summer!” (And maybe, “Mommy has good taste,” too).
Available at stellamccartney.com, $80-$95.
Designed by a mom who was tired of post-beach sand piles popping up at home, these bags are a no-brainer: a few quick shakes and you’re in the clear. (If only we could do the same with little bathing-suited bottoms).
Available at hello-beach.com, $20.
The classic rainbow orb has been replaced with irresistible stripes and sea creatures. Our sensibilities (and toddlers) approve.
Available at potterybarnkids.com, $9.50 for the small, $12.50 for the large.
Weighing in at eleven pounds, this carefully crafted beauty deserves to be your resting perch for all things beachy. It’s made in Vancouver, where the owners kindly plant a tree for every chair sold.
Available at etsy.com, $234.
Skip the ooey gooey creams for this water-resistant and nontoxic sunscreen. They’ll think it’s fun to be brushed with powder and you’ll be pleased to see unscathed skin at day’s end.
Available at tickletimesunblock.com, $35.
Sand and mildew won’t stick to it, sun won’t make it sizzle, and its corner pockets fill with sand so everything stays put. Lazing at the beach has never been so civilized.
Available at llbean.com, $40.
Finally, enough space to pack a truly epic picnic. The roomy interior is divided into two zippered sections: one for the cold stuff and one for the who-cares-if-it-gets-hot stuff.
Available at bungalowco.com, $42.
You tried to film them frolicking in the surf last year, but your iPhone took a tumble into said waves. Protect it with an indestructible waterproof case and flotation device that can snap underwater pics, too.
Available at lifeproof.com, $40 for float and $80 for the waterproof case.
Say goodbye to umbrellas on the loose. Invented by two moms, this anchor fills with sand to keep your shade source from taking flight.
Available at thenoblo.com, $15.
Who needs castles when you can open a sand pizzeria? Busy little bakers will be thrilled when you rub your tummy and make fake noshing noises.
Available at habausa.com, $8.50.
Stripes never go out of style, and these trunks fit boys from 3 months to 6 years. (You’ll thank us when you look back at beach photos with nary a dated shark pattern in sight.)
Available at egg-baby.com, $42.
Building turrets, moats, and giant alligators gets infinitely easier and more intuitive with these brilliantly functional, ergonomic tools for sculpting sand castles.
Available at fatbraintoys.com, $10-$30.
No one likes a soggy swimsuit as the sun sets. Throw wet stuff in this waterproof zippered bag and you’ve got one less mess.
Available at laylagrace.com, $14-$18.
These lovingly handmade, simple toy boats will inspire adventures from the bathtub to the sea.
Available at etsy, $20.
Modern art meets the beach with this collection of plush graphic towels by artist Lulu deKwiatkowski. Bonus: The bright colors are easy to spot on a crowded shore.
Available at matouk.com, $79.
Tea Collection never fails to remind us it’s a small (and boldly patterned) world, after all. Its new suits and rash guards are just as bright, cheery, and comfortable as we’d expect.
Available at teacollection.com, $35-$45.
They’re super stoked to try surfing, but you’re not quite ready to invest in a board (or lessons, for that matter). This starter model is a no-commitment way to test the waves.
Available at yoyo.com, $24.
Slip a pair of these Maverick-style lenses on infants for more than just an adorable photo op. The mini rubber-framed beauties block harmful rays while polarized lenses reduce glare.
Available at babiators.com, $35.
A truly double-duty container that stands up to blazing days: The leak-resistant gel top keeps drinks chilly, while snacks hide underneath.
Available at containerstore.com, $5.
Is your shy guy not quite ready for his swimsuit debut? Natty nautical jumpsuits teach him that summer can be a verb. As in, “No, I don’t speak yet, but I do summer in Nantucket.”
Available at toobydoo.com, $34.
Perfect for tidepooling and protecting little feet from steamy sand and concrete, Bailey Berry’s star-studded Croc alternatives come with interchangeable heel straps to keep ’em feeling fresh till summer’s end.
Available at baileyberry.com, $38.
They work up an appetite building sand castles. Pack a picnic in the roomy carrier, which keeps food and drink cold for up to ten hours. Its chilling secret: It folds compactly and stores in the freezer when not in use.
Available at packitcool.com, $28.
Shield your little wave jumper from the sun with a two-piece that has UV 50 protection. The full-length zipper down the front helps with the wiggling-out-of-a-wet-suit routine.
Available at swimzip.com, $30.
Let them sink their teeth into the outdoor game; it challenges them to toss and catch from handheld nets. The foam balls float, so they can play in the water or on the sand.
Available at melissaanddoug.com, $15.
Grains, grains, go away. The giant mesh tote keeps your gear in and sand out. When emptied, it folds into a self-contained pouch.
Available at onestepahead.com, $15.
Aspiring Ariels can take the plunge with recycled rubber mermaid fins. The colorful monofins strap around the ankles, spurring her to pump her legs and swim with extra speed.
Available at oceanikamerfins.com, $130.
Slather on protection with an organic formula (no paraben or PABA) made especially for babies. With its SPF 50 and water-resistant formula, littles can splash around without you worrying.
Available at thinkbaby.co, $16.
The beach is a construction zone, so add to your builder’s tool belt. Twist the sand drill to dig holes. Jiggle the sand shaker to sprinkle texture. Fill and tip the spilling funnel to pour water.
Available at fatbraintoys.com, $4-$10.
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