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Everything You Should Take to the Beach, According to a Frequent Beach-Goer

Katrina Kagan, Marketing and Affiliate Manager at GNI and beach day pro, has a rule of thumb for beach day packing: bring as much as possible, while carrying the least amount necessary. Efficiency is key. Katrina and the rest of our team rounded up all the things you *actually* should bring for your set-up, beach bag, and post-beach care. 🏖️ Read more in Issue 231 of the newsletter.

Published:
August 5, 2021
Tommy Bahama
Sun Shelter
$
85

Getting sun is great, but having the option to sit in the shade when you want is even better. This pop-up shelter is UPF 50!

Shibumi
Shibumi
$
250

"I went to a beach in North Carolina and literally every single person on the beach had this. I get it — it offers more shade than an umbrella and is easy to carry." -Carey

Tommy Bahama
Beach Chairs
$
80

The ideal beach chair has backpack straps for carrying, and it must be able to recline. Bonus points for having a cup holder. These check all the boxes.

Sunflow
The Beach Bundle
$
296

"These beach chairs are the luxury beach chair of my summer dreams, and something I hope to invest in for next year." -Katrina

Whiled
Very Big Tote
$
45

"I have been taking this to the beach/pool all summer! It fits several towels, sunscreen, water bottle, and more." -Carey

Manifatura
Citrus Beach Towel
$
65

"When it comes to beach towels, I want one lightweight, soft, and recognizable (if I'm trying to go back to my spot on a crowded beach)! I'm eyeing this one for my next trip." -Mary Anne

Madewell
Packable Straw Visor
$
30

"I'm calling it. Visors are the more functional and fashionable version to hats. This straw visor prevents hat hair and still keeps you sufficiently shaded." -Olivia

YETI
YETI 12 oz Colster Can Insulator
$
25

Whether your beach drink of choice is a seltzer, soda, or beer, this koozie will keep your drink cool all day.

Amazon
Clip Drink Holder
$
10

"A sandy seltzer is refreshing to no one. These clip-ons are the best option to keep your drinks elevated and out of kicking-sand-while-you-walk height." -Katrina

Target
Igloo Wheelie Cool 38 Quart Cooler
$
28

The tried and true pick for keeping your food and drinks cold at the beach.

Target
Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
$
10

Pro tip: always buy baby sunscreen because it doesn't smell bad.

Sephora
Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50
$
26

Having a spray AND a lotion gets you coverage in all the hard-to-get spots.

Sephora
Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35
$
34

Because scalp peeling is no fun.

Courant
Carry
$
150

Gotta make sure your phone is charged for photos, checking what time sunset is, and setting reminders to re-apply your sunscreen.

Target
Case-Mate Waterproof Pouch
$
20

An effective way to protect your phone from water damage.

Amazon
Wondercide Insect Repellant
$
24

Keep the bugs away, while protecting the environment.

Welly
Assorted Flex Fabric Bandages
$
7

For minor cuts and scrapes, especially if there's no lifeguard on duty.

Rooted
Aloe Vera
$
20

"Get yourself some lotion, aloe gel, or just a big ‘ol slice of an aloe vera plant to put on right after you shower. It’ll hydrate your skin, treat your burns if you get them, and help keep your summer tan." -Katrina

Megababe
Thigh Rescue
$
10

"This anti-friction stick keeps the beach feeling fun and comfortable." -Olivia

Sephora
’REPLICA’ Beach Walk
$
72

“I take a travel size of this perfume with me for the hottest days of summer. It’s for fully embracing that you smell like sunscreen, and I don’t have a way to describe it other than that and ‘vitamin C vibes.’ Good for post beach-day freshening up.” -Mary Anne

Alex Mill
Button-Back Crewneck Sweater
$
120

"My favorite part of a summer beach day comes after I’ve showered off the sweat, sun, and sand, and climbed into a cozy sweater." -Katrina

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