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Just 32 Things To Put On Your Radar So This Summer Can Be The Best One Yet
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Got my lemonade Poppi in a rainbow pool floaty, with burgers going on the firepit — 10/10 summer day, no notes. I'm a BuzzFeed Shopping writer who covers everything from home and organization to travel and gifting, and I'm passionate about staying on top of the latest beauty trends (especially K-beauty) as well as tracking down affordable products for a luxe lifestyle. Promising reviews: "This swing is so worth it! I recently bought my first house and bought this for my nieces/nephews. Not only do the kiddos love it, but so do us adults!!! I’m about 130 pounds and have sat on it with my nieces and swung with no problem. My fiancé and dad have both sat on it as well. It’s very sturdy. Easy to put together. It will keep your household entertained anytime you go outside." —Angelina "Fun for grownups, too! We purchased this for our little grandchildren to enjoy and then discovered that with the high load capacity, we could swing with them, too! The product is sturdy, easy to assemble, hang, and adjust the lengths of the ropes. It’s a great addition to our front yard and immediately became a neighborhood kid magnet, too! It’s only been up for a couple of weeks, but has enjoyed hours of playtime." —Richard S Promising review: "Perfect floating table. We have an above-ground pool without a deck and nowhere really to put our stuff. This is a perfect solution. I put my phone in a dry box and set it on this float. I keep my sunscreen, my waterproof speaker, lip balm, and snacks all in the middle, and then, of course, drinks in the DEEP cup holders, no tipping or spilling! I bought this one because I can put a small umbrella in it and just lean it against the rainbow — it shades my phone and speaker from the sun and keeps my drink in the shade. I love this float! Highly recommend!" —Marshall Promising review: "For anyone who might be a skeptic, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sport coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat...I was sweating through my shirt on my back...BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $19.97 (also available in packs of two or three boxes). 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 $19.97+ (available in two sizes and as a seashell). Promising review: "The adults in this house love water balloons but not the mess…plus with toddlers around, it didn’t quite make sense to have water balloons but we saw a random video on TikTok and HAD to find reusable water balloons to try out. These were the first ones we bought to try out, and WHOA we were blown away! Super easy to for the 2- and 3-year-old to use, which means more fun for all of us!! Do not think twice or continue with regular water balloons, you’ll waste precious time cleaning up and filling that could be used to make memories." —Taurus Get a four-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in larger packs, up to a pack of 24). 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 $36.95 (available in 18 colors). Promising review: "Best 10 bucks I ever spent! Oh my god, where has this simple, effective, ingenious device been all my life, and why hadn't I ever heard of it before? My 7-year-old got a bumble bee sting (yes, they DO sting and it HURTS). A few days later, I got stung by one. Then my 3-year-old got stung by one. Upon using this, it immediately stopped itching. I'd give this product a million stars!" —Me Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six colors). Promising review: "Love this! I am a flight attendant and keep it in my suitcase for various uses, but it's an outstanding for beach or picnic blanket. It weighs nothing, beautiful, and great quality! My new go-to gift item." —Laurance F. Haun Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 18 patterns). Promising review: "These were so convenient for our recent beach trip. They hold your drink upright and sit well in the sand. It’s nice to be able to keep your cup or bottle free from sand. They are easy to clean and throw right in your beach bag. Definitely recommend!" —Andrea Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.99. The powder is talc-free and reef-friendly. You can see it in action on TikTok! BTW, Shakalo is a small business based in San Diego. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Sally Elshorafa has used this on herself and her toddler. She says, "It's actually shocking how well it worked. No sand was on our legs, arms, or tummies after I used it. A miracle product." Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1–2 times a week. And I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of too. I will definitely be buying the refill & another baggie to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti BTW, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it meets the recommended guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology. It's also formulated with red algae and copper peptides, so it not only protects but also pampers your skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth. Personally, I like to start with a base sunscreen that offers a higher SPF (like one with SPF 70 or this lotion with SPF 60) and then I'll layer the Skylar Scent-Screen on top. It's hands down the most delicious-smelling sunscreen I've ever tried! If you're into sugary sweet scents with a hint of fruitiness, this will be your new favorite. I used to be guilty of skipping reapplications, but with this, I genuinely look forward to each one. Plus, I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it! Promising review: "Loving this new Scent-Screen mist. I used it all week and have had no negative skin issues (I have sensitive skin, eczema) and no burning. The scent lasts all through the day and is never overpowering. Can't wait for this in more scents." —Heather N. Promising review: "This is my favourite lip balm. It has really good color payoff for an SPF lip product and gives a pretty glossy tint on the lips. It feels lightweight and comfortable without being sticky. It keeps my lips looking smooth and hydrated. I also love that it has SPF 30 and peptides for extra care. Perfect everyday lip balm for a natural glossy finish." —Geeta Get it from Ulta for $20 (available in four shades). Reviewers recommend using a more watery sunscreen; if your preferred sunscreen is quite thick, this may not work for you. And JSYK, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says most adults need about an ounce (the equivalent of a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover their face and body adequately. Promising review: "Not just for kids. I told all my friends it's awesome. Pricey, but better than wasting expensive sunscreen in globs. This makes the sun screening process much less messy and not as much of a drudgery. They even have replacement pads available so the ergonomic container can be reused indefinitely. Consider one to keep at home and one packed to travel. MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS. They can almost apply sunscreen on their own with little assistance." —Bette Henry Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in 12 colors). Read more about why dogs need sunscreen at American Kennel Club, and be sure to patch test to be sure it doesn't cause an allergic reaction. Emmy's Best is a small business that creates various pet and home care products made from gentle ingredients. Promising review: "This has been a wonderful product! I was a little skeptical because of the price, and our pit has skin issues, as many pits do, but this works great. He was going out and getting very pink colored on the white parts of his coat, becoming even more itchy than usual with his skin issues, and you could tell it was bothersome. I asked my vet about this, and she said it was OK to use, so I tried it a little bit first to see if he had any issues. There were none, so I used it all over. "I couldn’t believe the difference! This is definitely worth the price! He can now go out even in the hot sun (of course, with breaks) and not get pinkish/red all where the white is. He knows he has to get it on and really doesn’t like it but he doesn’t like baths, rain, or to be wet at all. Once it’s put on, I let him sit inside or in the shade for it to dry before going out in sun exposure, just as I do for regular sunscreen, and it seems to work great. I could tell a difference when my husband took him out without it; you could see he was pink again compared to going out with it on." —Awesome Amazon Customer BuzzFeed Shopping writer Mallory Mower says: "I have never seen my husband gush over a product for our daughter more than he has with this wagon. And I'm just as big of a fan! There are *so* many useful accessories you can get to customize your ride specifically to your family's needs. We have a canopy, a cushioned toddler seat, extra storage nets, a cooler, and more. There are different attachments for season changes and a range of ages, so this truly grows with your child. It is easy to get through doors, swivel around pedestrians, and roam around uneven surfaces at the park. I can't think of a more useful product for parents in a city, or families who are often out and about. And most important: my daughter *adores* it. She laughs, cheers, and giggles the whole ride (plus the cup tray attachment means she can snack on her own while we're on the move). This wagon is the sort of thing that makes me glad I'm a parent in 2025. Parenting products have come a *long* way!" Get it from Veer for $699+ (available in two sizes). You can also use a blow-dryer to boost the process and enhance the highlighting effect. This is designed for blonde to medium brown hair types! Promising review: "I LOVE this product! I usually buy it at the beginning of the summer to help lighten my already natural blonde hair. It really helps get rid of the growth and darkness of winter. The summer sun and saltwater at the beach already naturally help lighten my hair, but this product really accelerates the process and give it that extra oomph. I spray it pretty liberally all over my hair and just use my fingers to distribute it. The key is making sure you spend a good amount of time out in the sun. It only takes a couple of sessions to really start seeing noticeable lightening. It still has hydrogen peroxide in it, but in small amounts, so it's not extremely damaging. Also, use a purple shampoo occasionally to help bring out the highlights and remove some of the brassiness." —Ninar It can be powered with the included AC adaptor, D batteries (not included), or a power bank (not included). If you need a paddle set to get you started, I recommend this one! Promising review: "Fantastic product at so many levels. It is compact and fully functional out of the box. Great for beginners or advanced players children or adults. If it only chased the hit balls and reloaded them, it would be perfect. Kids play for hours, and it challenges adult skills and mobility when in the rotate mode." —BobW Plus, when you flip back over, there's a pillow that covers the hole to keep your head comfortable. Promising review: "This is typically more than I would have spent on a lounge chair, but after seeing it on TikTok, I had to buy one!! The arm and face hole make tanning the backside so easy and comfortable!" —Keely Shay Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in 11 colors/patterns and a backpack style). Promising review: "We moved from New Hampshire to Florida a year and a half ago. I knew Florida was hot but…I bought this so I could sit out on the lanai on the hottest of days (95+) and it did the trick! It provides a nice light mist that you can move in any direction. It’s a nice weight so it doesn’t move. It obviously cannot replace a swimming pool but it will keep you cool. My dog likes the light mist and has even fallen asleep while being sprayed! An easy alternative until we get a pool! Buy it, you won’t regret it!" —Patricia Harty You could even color-coordinate the flowers you put inside. 🌈 Previously, these were only available in the 4-inch size, which some reviewers felt was too small, but they now come in a larger 6-inch size! Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot a cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $27.99 (also available in a smaller size, and all black or all white). Promising review: "Definitely a good buy! I love the portability and the storage shelf! The easy on/off covering provides an air of privacy. It sets up easy and holds its own! A very versatile year round serving & entertaining tool! I love the carry case that comes with it!" —PJ Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (comes with three skirt designs; also available in an LED version). For small spaces, it's recommended to use one or two sticks. For larger areas like patios or campsites, place several sticks 12–15 feet apart to create a strong mosquito-repelling barrier that should last for over two hours. Promising review: "I am so happy to have this mosquito repellent. I wanted something for my back patio in the evenings. This is so pleasant! Everyone comments about the scent; it’s not offensive like other nasty repellent sprays or candles." —Namaste Promising review: "I bought this screen to watch movies outside on my deck. It was easy to assemble, so easy I didn’t even need to look at the directions. I assembled by myself. It came with bags to fill with sand to place on the base of each leg, but I ended up using large bags of rice I had instead and it worked fine. It also came with strings to secure each end in case of wind which I did and it was a breezy day and it held up great." —Sfat Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in two versions). Promising review: "I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" —Texas Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. Promising review: "These grill lights are exactly what I needed! They light up the area so well. The magnets are strong, and the ability to direct the light where needed is great. The package they came in is perfect to store them in when not in use! I have recommended these to several people who also think they are great. I was worried they would be cheap and maybe not have a lot of magnetic hold to them, but they do!!" —LC It comes with a fire bowl and a cooking grill. Promising review: "Love this firepit. Our kids and my wife love to have fire at night and have s’mores in this firepit. It has multiple holes on the side so it keeps air flow, which makes fire to live for long period of time. Easy to set up and material is sturdy. We used multiple times past year and still works well and didn’t caused any issue. We used this firepit on our deck and was worried if it will cause heat mark on deck under the firepit but it did not. Looks like it is well above the ground level so it keeps heat away from the deck or ground. It is not too heavy, so easily able to move and looks nice. The grill on the fire pit also works well; it can move up and down to control the heat level, so perfect for having little cooks outside on fire pit." —Gina Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in three sizes). 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 a 25-pack from Amazon for $23.99 (available in other packs). Lucy Craftustom is a small business based in Alderpoint, California, that specializes in outdoor light fixtures. Promising review: "They are beautiful and as described." —Amber Get a pack of two from Lucy Craftustom on Etsy for $35.30+ (originally $88.24; also available in packs of four and six). Promising review: "I love spending time outside, and we entertain on our patio, too. But when it's over 100 degrees outside, nobody feels like visiting. Until now!! I bought one and liked it so much I ordered another to cover both patios. They lower the temps to a more moderate level in just moments and don't use a 100 gallons of water doing it! I put mine along the top of our privacy fence and then put a fan in behind it and made it almost like having an AC unit outside. They're easy to put up and take down and come with convenient hanging hooks! I read the reviews people wrote about the heads getting stopped up, and they WILL, but as a plumber I'll tell you a trick to keeping them working like new: vinegar. Just remove the heads and soak then in a little straight vinegar then use a small bristle brush like a toothbrush or nail brush rinse them off and replace them in the mister tubing, and they should be like brand new." —Sonya Combs Get it from Amazon for $16.96+ (available in six pack sizes). Real Play Kids is a family-owned small business based in Austin that makes Montessori furniture, sensory tables, and mud kitchens. Promising review: "Beautiful, well-made, durable, and so much fun for the kids. Such a great birthday gift for my 3-year-old!" —Lauren Prioleau Get it from Real Play Kids for $255.75 (originally $341). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: Our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.