Welcome to the summer of 2023, where the sun shines brighter, the adventures are bigger, and the memories are waiting to be made. As we dive headfirst into this season of endless possibilities, it’s time to unveil my ultimate summer essentials and a whole host of products I can’t wait to share with you. I’ve covered all things beauty-based, kid’s entertainment, day trip essentials and much more! So, whether you’re planning on day trips at the beach, jetting off abroad, or simply embracing the joy of a staycation, these are the summer essentials that I’m sure you’ll love too.
Summer Essentials For Keeping Busy
Trampoline Tennis
This summer, have some fun in the garden with Trampoline Tennis from The Happy Puzzle Company. This set includes two trampoline-like disks and a special string ball, providing endless hours of entertainment perfect for battling summer holiday boredom. Whether you throw it, catch it, or bounce it, Trampoline Tennis encourages movement, promotes bonding through play, and allows for impressive tricks. Not only is it super fun, but it also helps improve hand-eye coordination skills. The versatility of this game makes it suitable for a wide age range, from 5 years+. For younger children aged 4 and above, there is a mini set available as well. The medium set is priced at £24.99, while the mini set is priced at £19.99. Available here.
Crazy Golf
Another summer essential from The Happy Puzzle Company is The Crazy Golf Set. This two-player set is perfect for both left and right-handed individuals, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun. Whether playing in the garden, at the park, or even indoors, it guarantees brilliant entertainment for all. The set includes six obstacles, two children’s golf clubs, and three lightweight balls, making it a safe and enjoyable experience without worrying about broken windows! Designed for 3-12 years, it’s a fun way to develop coordination and fine motor skills while having great fun! Priced at £22.99 and available here.
Xootz Youth Monster Mashup Stunt Scooter
The Xootz Youth Monster Mashup Stunt Scooter is a fantastic choice to keep the kids entertained and active throughout the summer. Designed with beginner riders in mind, this scooter is perfect for children aged approximately 5 – 10 years old. Its vibrant and bold design adds an extra element of fun and individuality to outdoor adventures. Equipped with handlebars that spin 360 degrees, it enables them to learn and easily perform tricks! A summer essential for kids that want to learn new skills, improve coordination, and just have fun! Available to purchase here.
Yonex GR303 Badminton Racket and Net Set
Experience endless fun this summer with the Yonex GR303 Badminton Racket and Net Set. This set includes four rackets with durable steel frames – perfect for withstanding some seriously fun gameplay. With two nylon shuttles, a net and net posts, you can create your own badminton court in the back garden or any suitable location out and about. Whether you’re enjoying a friendly game with family and friends or organising a tournament during the summer holidays, this set guarantees hours of entertainment. It’s conveniently packed in a carry case, making it easy to transport and store. Available to purchase here.
Qwickhose
One summer essential particularly handy for gardening is Qwickhose – the revolutionary garden hose connector built to stay securely in place. As winners of the prestigious 2022 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund at Glee Birmingham, Qwickhose has been recognised for its groundbreaking design. Manufactured here in the UK, this family-run business, based in Hampshire, has developed Qwickhose out of frustration with traditional connectors that break and leak – the story of my life, to be quite honest. Its patent-pending wing-lock design sets it apart from anything else, ensuring a reliable and durable connection. Made from extra-robust, UV-stabilized, premium-grade plastics, Qwickhose is built to last. Furthermore, the fully recyclable packaging box is printed with water-based ink! Find out more and purchase here.
Summer Essentials Ideal For Out & About
Helly Hansen Women’s Furrow Sneakers
The Helly Hansen Women’s Furrow Sneakers are ideal for a summer with kids, days out, and day trips. Combining classic style, comfort, and breathability, these urban sneakers are crafted using recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option whilst remaining cute and stylish. The sneakers feature many components that are 100% recycled, such as the lace, toe box, heel reinforcement, and lining. The rubber sole is also 30% recycled, and over 70% of the upper shoe is made from recycled materials. These sneakers prioritise sustainability without compromising on quality or style. Priced at £85, they are a conscious choice for a summer filled with outdoor adventures, ensuring sustainability without compromising on style. Purchase from Helly Hansen here.
Helly Hansen Men’s Featherswift Trail Running Shoes
Another great choice from Helly Hansen is these Men’s Featherswift Trail Running Shoes, which are excellent for keeping fit over the summer, leisure walks, and day trips out with the kids. Available in six trendy colours, these shoes offer a stylish and comfortable option for any outdoor activities. These shoes balance ruggedness and stability whilst remaining lightweight and offer cushioning and flexibility for enhanced comfort. My favourite feature is their sustainability – incorporating a 70% recycled upper, including recycled laces, lining, webbing, and zero-waste design elements. RRP £90 and available to buy from Helly Hansen here.
Altruist Sunscreen
If you are looking for sun protection for the whole family, then Altruist sunscreen is a great choice. Developed by renowned UK dermatologist and skin cancer expert Dr Andrew Birnie. These sunscreens are crafted to deliver high-quality protection at an affordable price. Offering both high UVA and UVB protection, Altruist sunscreens are suitable for the entire family, including babies and children. Dermatologically tested on sensitive skin, these sunscreens provide reassurance and peace of mind.
Additionally, they are water resistant, ensuring long-lasting protection – perfect for summer holidays. What sets Altruist apart is its mission to support children with albinism in Africa, and every purchase contributes to this cause. This summer essential is perfect for the family. Now available to buy from Sainsbury’s.
Menthoderm
Menthoderm is the perfect summer essential for hot summer days and evenings. This pocket hero provides instant relief and soothes dry, irritated skin caused by the heat. In a handy travel-sized 100g tube, its non-greasy, quick-absorbing formula offers a refreshing escape from stuffy train rides and sweaty commutes. Its hero ingredient, Menthol, works by blocking the calcium current along the nerves responsible for temperature detection, resulting in long-lasting cooling. Menthoderm not only helps beat the heat but also provides relief from exhaustion, lack of sleep, irritation, lack of focus, itchy skin conditions, menopausal hot flushes, and itchy tummies during pregnancy. Formulated without SLS, Menthoderm includes Undecylenic Acid for added protection. Available through prescription or direct purchase from sk1n.co.uk.
Daily Drench Water Bottle
Summer is all about staying hydrated, and what better way to do that than with the cutest water bottle I have ever seen! The Head Plan are a brand I adore! They stand for everything dear to me, and their products are WONDERFUL. For summer, their Daily Drench water bottle is perfection. Available in seven cute colours with a handy strap and 1-litre capacity, this bottle makes hitting your hydration goals a breeze. I love the motivational markers placed at every 100ml to help keep me going – particularly on those days when I’m not feeling it! More information and purchase here.
TheraTears®
Prepare your eyes for the challenges of summer with TheraTears® Dry Or Tired Eye drops. Whether you’re embarking on an overseas holiday, a day out with the kids or attending a music festival, your eyes are susceptible to strain and irritation. High cabin air pressure on a plane, air conditioning, sun exposure, pool water and lack of sleep can worsen dryness and fatigue. That’s why it’s wise to pack a bottle of TheraTears® Dry Or Tired eye drops for your summer adventures. Infused with witch hazel and ginkgo biloba, these drops offer long-lasting relief by refreshing and soothing tired eyes. Plus, they’re safe to use with contact lenses. Available from Boots, priced at £5.99 for a 10ml bottle.
BioGaia
Before jetting off this summer, one essential you won’t find me without is – BioGaia’s daily dose probiotic tablets for both children and adults, the perfect support for gut health during summer travels and back-to-school season. Launched in the UK a year ago, these patented probiotic strains are designed to enhance the microbiome, aid digestion, and boost the immune system. With over 250 clinical studies, BioGaia is the most researched probiotic in the world, making it a brand you can trust! As Swedish probiotic specialists, BioGaia is committed to providing top-quality products that promote overall well-being for the whole family. Find out more here.
Tasty Treats & Snacks
PLAYin CHOC
Indulge in the delightful and guilt-free pleasure of PLAYin CHOC, the perfect treat for a delicious summers evening. If, like me, you haven’t discovered this brand yet, you’re in for a delightful surprise. What sets PLAYin CHOC apart is its commitment to being the kindest chocolate brand on the planet, and what a commitment to have! First and foremost, PLAYin CHOC prides itself on creating chocolates with a third less sugar than other leading brands, making them a healthier choice. Not only that, but these chocolates are naturally allergy-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them without worry.
But it doesn’t stop there. PLAYin CHOC is also dedicated to sustainability and ethical production. All packaging is 100% recyclable, plastic-free, and zero waste. The brand is also committed to being slave-free and sourcing the highest quality ingredients. Oh, and the packaging is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
For kids, the ToyChoc Boxes are a true delight. Inside each box, children will find two allergen-free organic chocolates, a card puzzle toy to build, and an educational fun facts card that teaches them about the world around us. The collectable ToyChoc Boxes are perfect for children aged three and above and make a great treat during the summer holidays. Find out more and purchase here.
ōForest
The best way to thrive over summer is to take care of yourself and your body; the newly launched ōForest is a brand bringing the wonders and benefits of Madhūka to the UK. Madhūka is gaining popularity for its delectable nutty, caramel-like flavour and its abundant nutritional benefits. ōForest works closely with hand-picked local farmers to ethically source the finest premium grade Madhūka, which is carefully harvested, sun-dried, and expertly roasted to enhance its flavour while retaining its nutritional value. The result is a range of irresistible Nibs, Powders, and Teas, each packed with fibre, vitamins, nutrients, and minerals like potassium, manganese, and vitamin B3. What’s more, all these products are 100% natural, organic, gluten-free, and vegan, and they are super tasty to boot.
The perfect summer snack for busy days packed with adventures has to be the Madhūka Nibs. With a crunchy texture and a sweet yet delicate flavour with hints of maltiness, they are delicious on their own or added to yoghurt! The Madhūka Powder adds a heavenly nutty, caramel twist to smoothies or porridge.
For tea enthusiasts, the Madhūka Teas are full of flavour and caffeine-free.
Find out more and purchase here.
Swizzels Minion Sherbet Dips
Keep the kids happy this summer with the sweetness of Swizzels Minion Sherbet Dips. With three delightful flavours – Fizzy Orange, Sour Apple, and Tangy Berry – these vegan-friendly treats are light, refreshing, and perfect for travel, day trips or an afternoon treat in the garden. Priced at an affordable 50p you can find out more here.
KIND Chocolate Chip Cashew Bar
The perfect handbag snack for this summer has to be the KIND Chocolate Chip Cashew Bar, the latest launch from KIND Snacks. Perfect for long days out with the kids and a great way to keep hunger at bay between meals. Indulge in the crunchy blend of cashews, almonds, and peanuts adorned with luscious chocolate chips. With 81% nuts, this bar is rich in fibre, gluten-free, and a great source of protein. Like the rest of the KIND range, it contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, ensuring a wholesome treat. Available at Sainsbury’s and Boots Priced at £1.39. Find out more here.
Summer Essentials – Beauty Addition
ORGANii SPF 15 Facial Sun Cream
Skin protection during summer is essential, but the skin on our face is super delicate, which means it needs a little extra TLC. Stay protected this summer with ORGANii SPF 15 Facial Sun Cream. I love this facial SPF as it has a non-greasy formula that’s easy to wear under makeup and feels nice on the skin. Offering mineral sun protection that sits on top of the skin, featuring non-nano Zinc Oxide and non-nano Titanium Dioxide, which creates a protective barrier and reflects the sun’s rays. Infused with nourishing organic extracts such as Argan, Jojoba, Sunflower, Olive Fruit, Linseed, Rice Bran, and Karanja oils, and anti ageing ingredients; carrot seed extract, flax seed oil, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate and firm your skin while guarding against UVA and UVB rays. Conveniently sized at 50ml, making it perfect for travel, ensuring you can enjoy all-day protection wherever you go. Grab this summer essential for £16.95 here.
lavera Hydro Refresh Face Mist
The lavera Hydro Refresh Face Mist is a refreshing and hydrating solution for your skin this summer. Just one spray instantly revitalises and provides a boost of much-needed hydration on a warm summer’s day. The carefully crafted formula works to naturally balance the moisture levels in your skin, replenishing and reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. This lightweight mist absorbs quickly, delivering intensive moisture and care. Enriched with natural and organic ingredients like hyaluronic acids and organic algae, this mist leaves you feeling thoroughly hydrated and revitalised. Additionally, it doubles as a setting spray for your makeup which I love because the rehydration stops powder makeup from looking dry and cakey! RRP 100ml £15.95 available to buy here.
lavera Sun Bronzer
Once the summer months hit, it’s natural to want to add a bit of bronze glow to your makeup routine. The lavera Sun Bronzer is a vegan, natural, and organic bronzer that creates a delicate tanned look and a natural sun-kissed glow. It has a velvety-light texture that allows for seamless blending and customisable coverage without looking cakey or powdery. Suitable for all skin tones and enriched with organic almond oil, it nourishes the skin while mineral pigments infuse a radiant glow. Priced at £13.35 and available to buy here.
benecos Natural Bronzing Duo
Another makeup summer essential is the benecos Natural Bronzing Duo in shade Ibiza Nights. Priced at just £6.95, this product is a must-have for achieving a sun-kissed glow at a great price. The duo consists of a beautiful pink-toned blush and a silky bronzer that can be used individually or combined to create your desired daytime or evening look. With its vegan and cruelty-free formulation, you can feel good about the products you’re using! Available to buy here.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Collection
Anyone that has followed the blog for a while will know that the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Collection is a fave of mine -designed to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin and hair; these products are not just summer essentials but daily life essentials.
For hair, the Palmer’s Moisture Boost Protein Pack Hair Mask – priced at £2.99, uses ethically sourced extra virgin coconut oil to provide a burst of moisture and protection against environmental damage.
For a summer glow, indulge in the Coconut Hydrate Daily Body Lotion, priced at £6.49. This creamy lotion not only moisturises but also enhances skin radiance with the antioxidant-rich green coffee bean extract. It keeps your skin hydrated for up to 48 hours. Plus, it has an unexpected benefit: recent findings suggest that it deters mosquitoes, making it the perfect summer staple!
Don’t forget to lavish attention on your hands with the Coconut Hydrate Hand Cream, priced at £2.79. This nourishing formula leaves your hands soft and smooth.
Get your feet summer ready with the Coconut Sugar Foot Scrub priced at £4.49. Its coconut-scented formula exfoliates rough skin, leaving your feet soft and refreshed. Find out more about the whole range here.
Superfood Face Firming Serum
Experience the transformative power of the Made By Coopers Superfood Face Firming Serum. Priced at £35.00, this serum is a true skincare gem. Formulated with a blend of bio-active plant oils, it instantly nourishes, firms, and regenerates cells, revealing a bright, youthful, and radiant complexion. Enriched with botanical active extracts, it enhances the skin’s vitamin levels and provides much-needed hydration to dry areas. With its non-greasy formula, this serum effortlessly creates a natural glow. When it comes to skincare, natural ingredients are always a win. Find out more and purchase here.
Sun Kissed Sun Sticks
A new product I have discovered is the Sun Kissed Sun Sticks by Seventy One Percent, the latest addition to their high-performance and eco-friendly SPF and skincare range. Launched in June and available at Holland and Barrett and Anthropologie, these products provide SPF while also prioritising the environment. Available in SPF 30 and SPF 50, these sticks have undergone scientific measurement and validation to ensure minimal impact on the environment!!! Utilising advanced UVA/UVB filters, the sticks offer highly effective sun protection while maintaining a low impact on marine biodiversity. With a 100% natural base enriched with organic mango butter, jojoba, and mimosa, these sticks offer protection and nourishment. Packaged in eco-responsible containers made of 100% recycled plastic, which is also 100% recyclable as mono-material. They have fast become a favourite brand of mine and a summer essential I will be carrying this year! Find out more and purchase here.
The AEOS Skincare Refreshing Hydrating Mist
The AEOS Skincare Refreshing Hydrating Mist is a summer essential that brings a cool and refreshing sensation to your skin, perfect for warmer days or before applying makeup! This 100ml mist serves as the ‘ultimate beauty wake-up call’, enveloping your complexion with fragrant hydration while restoring balance and revitalising not just your skin but also your mind. The mist features premium-grade organic and biodynamic botanicals and crystal essences to uplift and harmonise the skin. If you know me, you will understand why I love this product.
Infused with alchemical spagyric quintessences of opal, amethyst, charoite, turquoise, emerald, quartz, and chrysoprase, it not only rejuvenates the skin but also helps balance emotions. Simply spritz the mist over your face and neck after cleansing. It can be reapplied throughout the day and over makeup for a quick boost and refresh. It’s worth noting that this is a highly concentrated product, and you don’t need much to feel the benefit! For more information and to purchase, visit their website here.
Climate Defence
Evolve Organic Beauty has a revolutionary product that has fast become a summer essential – Climate Defence. This is their first completely transparent mineral SPF 30. This cutting-edge formula not only shields the skin from the sun but also combats environmental stress and provides remarkable skincare benefits. Powered by Lingonberry Stem Cells, it defends against free radicals, blue light, and pollution while boasting exceptional anti-ageing properties that reduce wrinkles and enhance skin firmness. Hyaluronic Acid delivers beneficial hydration, while Cacay Oil and Abyssinian Oil nourish the skin. Climate Defence Facial Cream is an untinted, reef-friendly SPF 30 face cream featuring non-nano Zinc Oxide, offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Priced at £29.00 and available to buy here.
Good Gracious Hair Care
Good Gracious Hair Care is your ultimate hair companion and summer essential. Whatever your hair type, Good Gracious has got you covered with a range of different products designed to ensure a good hair day every day. Choose from three different duos tailored to your specific hair care needs.
- The Good Gracious Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner duo, infused with Coconut Oil and Vitamins C and E, enhance and protect colour, leaving you with a radiant, glamorous, and glossy finish.
- For those seeking smooth and hydrated locks, the Good Gracious Smooth & Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner are enriched with Shea Butter, Omega oils, and Ceramides to quench dry hair and promote a healthy shine.
- If your hair needs a revitalising boost, the Good Gracious Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner infused with Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Almond Milk provides deep hydration for dry, damaged, and brittle hair.
Priced at £5.00 each, these products are perfect for summer-ready hair. Available to buy from Tesco here.
IngrownOut tweezer®
Next on my list is the IngrownOut tweezer® by Sarah Louisa, the eco-conscious luxury self-care brand. This highly acclaimed tweezer has earned a 5-star rating and is meticulously crafted to provide precision and effective results while prioritising skin protection. With its glamorous gold-coloured coating, it combines both style and functionality. The IngrownOut tweezer® excels in tweezing even the tiniest hairs, and its uniquely designed hook effortlessly removes ingrown hairs, making it an ideal tool for eyebrow shaping and grooming. Priced at £25, this travel essential is perfect for packing in your suitcase and taking with you on your summer holidays. You can purchase it directly from the Sarah Louisa website here.
Sudocrem
You might think Sudocrem is an odd summer essential to mention but stick with me because it’s worth hearing me out. I know that when you think of Sudocrem, you instantly think of babies; however, my children have long since grown out of nappies, and I still use this cream regularly. I’ve written before about it being a great face mask – and I still use it at least once a week for this alone! However, when it comes to summer, this cream is fantastic at soothing and protecting against sunburn too! At just £2.99 a pot, it is worth carrying wherever you go!
I hope you enjoyed this summer essential round-up and, like me, discovered some new products to try. Whether you are keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays, jetting off to an exotic location, or just enjoying some downtime in the garden, I hope your summer is filled with love and happiness! If you have any summer essentials to share, I’d love to read about them in the comments below!
Thank you for stopping by! Check out my last post here.
Love as always!
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