I’m not sure why the change in seasons typically catches most of us off guard. We know the dates on the calendar will move. And each season remains the same from year to year; however, we can be surprised by what we need in a new season. Or perhaps the kids have outgrown the clothes they wore the year before. Stocking up on summer essentials shouldn’t break the bank. Use these tips to keep things humming along smoothly as a new chapter opens for your family.
Swimsuits
If you’re planning on hitting the lake or a pool this year, it may mean investing in a new swimsuit. Prices range wildly for this summer essential. While you’ll want a suit that will hold up well throughout the months of June, July, and August, you don’t need to overspend. After all, unless you live on a boat or own your own pool, you’ll not likely wear your suit more than a handful of days this summer. While it’s important to feel confident, keep hunting to find something that you’re comfortable in, is well constructed to last more than one year, and doesn’t break the bank. My favorite places to look include:
- Warehouse Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club always carry a variety of options for kids and adults at low prices. For years, my girls lived in Speedo suits that came in at around $12.
- Amazon is also a great place to begin your search for the perfect affordable suit. Remember to set your filters to only look at the prices you can afford, colors you like, and those with the best shipping options. I’ve found cute vintage styled suits on Amazon in the $20-30 range and have been so pleased with how well they’ve held up. Remember when ordering on Amazon to read as many reviews as possible and when you can find them look at photos to see fit.
- Retailers like JCPenney & Kohl’s typically have decent sales on swimsuits, too. But remember to first shop through a cash back site like Rakuten, look for coupons, and be sure to log rewards points, too.
Sunscreen
It’s the time of the year when we need to be more cognisant about our skin. Not only should you monitor the times of the day you’re out in the sun, but you also need to invest in quality sunscreen. You’ll need to reapply about every 2 hours and should have at least a 30 SPF. Experts say you need approximately one ounce per application. So as you shop, keep those numbers in mind. Obviously, many people have strong opinions about ingredients in different sunscreens, so making an informed decision your family can afford is key. My youngest daughter actually has an allergy to some sunscreens, so this is more of an investment for us. Here’s where we typically shop for the best deals:
- Big Box Retailers have competitive prices and the option of store brands. I’m a fan of most generics. Many have ranked high on Consumer Reports. Don’t forget to check Target Circle and Meijer mPerks for potential coupons.
- Amazon again is another option. They have their own brand – Solimo. With Amazon, you may want to consider shopping Subscribe & Save options to drop the price and have a new bottle shipped to your house each month of the summer.
- ULTA is where I found a great deal on our pricier sunscreen last summer. Be sure to weekly check their deals as this retailer often offers B1G1 40% Off or other percentage deals each week. Be sure to be a member of the rewards program to stretch your pennies further, too.
Jewelweed Soap
Ok, so if you’ve never heard of this one, you’re probably not alone. But if you’ve followed me for awhile, you know that this one is a must have if you or anyone you love struggles with poison ivy. For the life of me, I have no idea why I get poison ivy as an adult when I never did as a kid; however, Jewelweed Soap and Salve have been lifesavers for me every summer for close to a decade. You can purchase it from a lot of natural stores, but I buy mine from this online vendor. One glycerin bar of soap lasts me much longer than the summer. You can make your own, too if you’re thrifty and handy like that. Or in a pinch, Dawn dish soap helps separate the oils from poison ivy, stopping the spread.
Defunkify
Fun fact: I still make my own laundry detergent. And for 90% of our laundry, it does a fabulous job and comes in at a fraction of the price. Can I be honest? During the summer, we all smell a little funky. Running and playing outside can take a toll on clothes. And I’ve found a must have for our household for smelly gym clothes and summer time stink: Defunkify. I purchase it via Amazon Subscribe & Save to save more money. Before you get sticker shock, the amount necessary per load is less than a tablespoon. So one package should last you months (the summer and beyond) unless you smell even worse than we do.
Snacks
During the summer, it’s important to have quick and easy snacks on hand. Not only do you want the healthiest and most economic of options, you also need easy to transport snacks. Being able to toss a few quick and healthy snacks in a bag or a cooler will cut down on hitting the drive through during summer adventures. Pre-package as much as you can on your own. We love popping popcorn on our stovetop and then bagging it up with our own special seasonings. It’s also ok to purchase a few long shelf life items like granola bars or nuts or apple sauce pouches to keep close at hand. Spending a few extra pennies on items like these still costs much less than a restaurant meal.
A little preparation can save you plenty of money in the long run. Stock up for summer now to have more fun instead of wasting time shopping. What summer essentials do you purchase at the beginning of the season to save time and money?
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
