I received some products to add to this guide, free of charge, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.
This post may contain affiliate links. If these links are clicked, I may receive a small compensation. Regardless of these affiliations with these companies, my opinions are always 100% my own.
Summer Fun Gift Guide See What Our Top Picks Are!
When I was a teacher in the actual classroom Summer fun consisted of doing everything that didn’t always get done throughout the school year at home completed. But we always made the time to spend time together as a family, go and see new things, or even travel when time allowed. In the last few years our Summers and lives have changed drastically and there is one thing I’ve learned and that is to be ever-changing. Life changes so slowly but yet quickly you don’t always see what is happening before your eyes, so if you still have littles at home take the time away from work to enjoy those littles. I promise one day you will blink and all of the chaos you have now will be gone and you will be hearing the echoes of silence in your home.
While we are enjoying the Empty Nester stage of life, we are enjoying being Grandparents even more, and we have been spending more and more time with “Tater & Punkin.” While some of our things haven’t been taken care of, we focus on the most important thing in life: the memories. We didn’t always take the time to create the “memories” with Elizabeth, so we are overcompensating for that now in some ways…But just with grandkids, how could you not?
Yoga Design Lab
Give the gift of health to yourself today with these non-toxic, eco-friendly yoga mats. The YDL Cork Yoga Mat offers a naturally non-slip surface that improves with use. Invest in yourself this summer and give you practice yoga while helping your mind, body and the planet.
This eco-friendly yoga gear is a great way to support your health and wellness goals.
Yoga Design Lab creates vibrant, high-performance yoga mats and accessories by using sustainable materials like recycled microfiber, renewable cork, natural rubber, and water-based inks, making them safe yet stylish options for mothers and children alike.
Their Combo Mat was even voted by Vogue as one of the “18 Best Yoga Mats in 2022,” is an excellent choice for eco-conscious mothers. Don’t forget to check out the Combo Kids Mat and encourage your own children to explore yoga with you. With their playful colors and designs there is a match for every kid as well as as parent.
Wisdom Supply Company
Zero waste isn’t something that I have embraced wholeheartedly before. However, the older I the more I try to be zero waste, so when I can support a company that has zero waste values I do it. Wisdom Supply Company has some great-sized bullet journals and other notebooks. But my favorite feature is that they have a lower page count which means less waste. Plus they are MADE IN THE USA.
They also have a Zero-Waste Pencil Tin Set that is perfect for everyone to have at their house or even on vacation. The set includes an aluminum tin, a wool liner, an unpainted cedar pencil, and a wax peel highlighter (which might be my favorite!) As well as a natural rubber eraser, a metal pencil sharpener, and a natural rubber band. They have lots of other great products as well, that will help keep you organized and having fun all Summer long.
Triple Threat Foldable Duffle Bag
The one thing that makes me bonkers is the amount of “bags” and things that you need to keep on hand for various things. However, my stack is getting smaller because the Triple Threat Foldable Duffle Bag from Kedzie is quickly becoming my favorite bag for everyday use. This versatile bag is perfect for the gym, a road trip, or even an overnight trip, without having to check a bag.
My favorite part is that it snaps down and fits into your luggage or another storage spot without having to have its own spot on the shelf. It folds practically flat and securely snaps so you know it’s not going anywhere. You can hand carry it, use it as a crossbody, or use it as a pop-open bag if you need more room. It is perfectly portable and surprisingly spacious making it a must-have for everyone’s summer.
Hello Mello
Bring on a comfy summer with my friends from Hello Mello! They have some amazingly comfy signature loungewear, but my summer just got even comfier with a pair of Flower Power Shorts that have been delivered safely.
They are a relaxed fit with a soft drawstring tie and the fabric is beyond soft and comfy. The side pockets are a must-have for me and the matching drawstring travel pouch makes it the perfect match! These super soft lounge shorts are a must-have for everyone this summer. I’m going to be ordering a few more pairs so I can have a variety to wear.
TRAVALO
While traveling, there are zero reasons you can’t pack lighter with the help from my friends over at TRAVALO. Gone are the days of carrying your full bottle of perfume with their atomizers! Their perfectly sized atomizer is fits into any travel bag, without adding a bunch of extra weight. No more perfume leaks, or shattered bottles in your future because you can always have your perfume with you.
TRAVALO is made from durable, high-quality materials that are shatter resistant. The leak-proof design protects your personal belongings from getting ruined and your wallet will thank you as well. Simply fill, toss in your bag and you are ready to go. Always at your fingertips TRAVALO is the most convenient and travel-friendly way to smell good on the go.
Car Trunk Backseat Organizer
Organize your car trunk with this backseat organizer from IPARTS Expert Store. This organizer is perfect for every vehicle you own because of its size and ease of use. It is 42 inches by 22 inches and has a variety of pockets to help keep you organized.
It folds up pretty compactly as you can see above, but my favorite feature is the velcro to help it attach firmly in place. The back of your vehicle will be neater and have less clutter with this organizer. I love that it has big mesh bags and pockets with a flap to cover up any valuables you might have in your vehicle. It is easy to install and is machine washable. It will keep your items securely in place and not slipping and sliding around. So get your own backseat organizer ordered today, so you are organized and ready for all the fun Summer brings!
Go With Me Bungalow Deluxe Portable Travel Cot
Our daughter and her family live back “home” here in Missouri and spend a lot of time outdoors tent camping. They have our grandchildren both under 4 years old and they are adventurers like their mommy and daddy! The Go With Me Bungalow Deluxe Portable Travel Cot is perfect for inside naptime, outside camping, or even over at Nana and Pop Pops house. *Which is where the Cot is 99% of the time, but I love that it’s portable enough to take anywhere, literally.
The canopy blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays and it is easy to remove! The durable indoor/outdoor fabric can easily be wiped clean which is a HUGE benefit for all parents. The locking, sturdy metal frame can support children up to 72 pounds, while the surrounding mesh walls provide added security for your little one. Plus it has an included carry bag, so it folds up for easy travel, much like a “lawn chair bag.”
Product Highlights
- Removable canopy
- Blocks 98% of UVA & UVB rays
- Strong, stable metal frame
- Storage pocket
- Compact fold for portability
- Durable indoor/outdoor fabric
- Mesh walls for added security
- Carry bag included
Size
- Product in Box/Bag: 6.5″ x 9.3″ x 32.5″ 13.6 lbs
Assembled Product:
- 50″ x 26″ x 16.25″ 12.2 lbs without canopy
- 50″ x 26″ x 41.5″ 12.5 lbs with canopy
Important Safety Guidelines
- Recommended Height: up to 50″
- Recommended Age: 15+ months
- Recommended Weight: up to 75 lbs
*Per ASTM Safety Standards, it is recommended that parents only use this product once a child is able to get in and out of the cot unassisted (approximately 15 months). Parents should then discontinue use of the product when the child exceeds a weight of 75lbs or a height of 50″, whichever comes first. Get your own portable cot today!
Papaya Reusables
Waste not want not was a saying I grew up with my Nana telling us day in and day out. While I never quite understood as much then as I do now, I am channeling my inner Nana and trying to live a more green lifestyle. One of the things that I loathe buying is Paper towels, because you use them once and toss them out. However, with the Papaya Reusables in the kitchen I’m onto living a little greener.
Papaya is a forward-thinking brand that has developed a reusable paper towel making sustainability accessible to everyone from zero-wasters to sustainability-newbies. No more need to hoard bulky paper towels again!
Meet the Reusable Paper Towel that replaces 17 rolls. Proving size doesn’t matter after all!
Plus they are All Natural. Antibacterial. Compostable.
Eco Facts: More than 50,000 trees are cut down every day for single-use paper towels. As they decompose, they release methane gas – a leading cause of global warming. The brand is the first to offer a subscription where customers can curate a box with their choices every two to four months, selecting from artistic designs that put plain old white paper towels and your grandma’s dish towels to shame! While they are a little more expensive than paper towels initially, I expect they will be paying for themselves in no time! I can’t wait until I can order a few more sets to get the entire house switched over to Papaya!
The Bug Bite Thing
As Moms we are the keeper of the cheerios, snacks, juice boxes, and so much more. But there is one gadget that EVERY mom needs! And she needs one in her softball mom bag, her purse, her vehicle, the house, by the pool, by the firepit…Out camping? You guessed it, you NEED The Bug Bite Thing. PLUS, it’s chemical free way to get rid of the saliva and venom that comes with bug bites and/or stings…Say what!??
Yep…you read that right in just 3 easy steps you will suction the irritants out of the skin to help alleviate itching, stinging, and of course, the swelling that goes with it. Plus, if there is a splinter, you can get that out too because there is a stinger scraper included! Give the gift of Natural Insect Bite Relief this Summer. It will be the last insect relief product anyone in your family buys, just ask mine!
Ways to Keep Kids Busy
It’s summertime; exciting right! Now that school is out, you have to think of ways to keep those youngsters out of trouble and entertained for the next two months. This year keeping the kids busy is an all-time new challenge and the I’m bored statements have already started. What are you going to do?
Here are some fun ways to keep kids entertained this summer and keep your sanity:
Search out Free Events in your City: Most cities have a number of free events such as a movie in the park day, parades, and festivals. You can usually find these free things in your local paper, at the library, or in city newsletters. Even with the Covid-19 Pandemic there are some activities being held, just check your local areas.
Take Advantage of Museum Free Days: Most museums have a free day one day of the month. If you don’t have museums in your city call around to nearby museums and ask about their free day. This is a great opportunity to get your kids out of the house and keep them learning.
Plan Science Experiments: Did you know that your kids can lose up to 2 months of knowledge over the summer? Just because school out doesn’t mean your kids can’t keep learning. Plan fun science experiments such as making flubber, an erupting volcano, a tornado, or a real snowflake. Science provides your child with vocabulary skills, measuring skills, and prediction making skills. It only takes one science activity a week to help your child retain the knowledge they learned in school.
Plan Summer Friend Days: Plan a few days out of the month when your kids can invite a friend to come over for food, games, and fun. If you have enough kids, you can go to the park for a baseball game, basketball game, or relay race. Get the kids excited and outside using all their energy.
When kids get bored, they start to get into trouble and can make any parent feel insane. Keep your kids busy this summer and keep your sanity.
Kids Backyard Activities
Get out Soap: For a slippery good time, get out the soap. Use a tarp or even your twister game and add soap and water on it for a homemade slip-n-slide. Or, actually, try to play a slippery game of twister.
Outside Toys: But my all time favorite is to grab the outside toys and head out to the yard or even the park. We have even had water fights to help cool off on those scorching hot days, but just check out everything you can get and have it on hand for a fun filled day when boredom strikes.