This post is all about summer bag essentials you should stash at all times in order to be prepared for everyday life and last-minute pool/beach trips.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent countless summers not having what you need, due to the sheer fact that you just didn’t think ahead. This most likely resulted in some minor discomfort that you vowed to prepare for next time (but never did).
Well, I am changing that this year by making sure I have all the summer bag essentials in my car AT ALL TIMES. Whether you’re a mom on-the-go, in your 20s living the life, or middle-aged and beyond, these 14 summer bag essentials for women are sure to help you have your best summer yet!
Summer Bag Essentials (All from Amazon!)
If you’re familiar with my blog, you’ll know I love a good Amazon find! I love the endless variety of stylish, useful products and ingenious items I never knew existed! Please enjoy learning about the following 14 best summer bag essentials I found on Amazon. By the end of this post, you will be ready to take on whatever summer throws at you!
Summer Bag Essentials
Oversized Round Sunglasses
Don’t get stuck squinting on a super sunny summer day. Keep a pair of stylish, inexpensive sunglasses on hand to protect your eyes without breaking the bank.
Sunscreen
It goes without saying, but you need to always carry an SPF of at least 30 in the summer. I’ve been seeing this Vacation Classic Sunscreen EVERYWHERE this spring. While I have no personal experience (yet) with the brand, it claims to have the best scent of all time, hence the matching air freshener, which is fitting for our on-the-go theme!
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
There is nothing more distracting (and itchy) than being plagued by biting pests while you’re trying to enjoy some time outdoors. Combat bugs and their bites by picking up a 15-pack of DEET-free mosquito repellent bracelets. They are conveniently individually-wrapped, so you can toss a few in your bag and store the overflow in a designated “on-the-go” drawer at home. I am rarely equipped with mosquito repellent but spend ample time outside, and these bracelets are perfect for kids and adults alike!
Lip Sunscreen
I’ll never forget the time we went to The Bahamas, and my lips got burnt. They swelled up and looked like I had just gotten way too much lip filler! Moral of the story is that we often forget to protect our lips from the sun, and that is definitely not good. Now, I wear Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Lip Balm all summer long. I got this three-pack so that each of my daughters can have one, as well.
Portable Handheld Fan
Need some instant relief on a sweltering day? Carry this tiny rechargeable fan! It folds up to fit in your pocket for easy access, and you can replenish its power with a USB cable. Plus, it boasts 17 hours of cooling time before you need to recharge it!!
Beach Sand Eraser
Where has this genius little gadget been all my life?! There’s nothing worse than wearing unwanted sand all the way to the car. This cute little sand remover wipe helps you easily remove sand from your hands, feet, legs, back, and gear without the hassle of water or sand-filled beach towels. It even comes in a waterproof bag you can hook onto your keys, tote, water bottle, etc.
Flyaway Tamer
If you’re like me and have fine hair with tons of baby hairs floating in the wind, this is for you!! Even if you don’t have fine hair but want to quickly be able to tame flyaways, you should carry this DAE 3-in-1 Styling Cream with taming wand. It’s never fun to have small hairs blowing in your eyes and getting stuck in your sunscreen, nor is it fun to display hair that doesn’t vibe with the humidity. I can’t wait to whip out this magic wand this summer!
Colorful Claw Clips
I have a slight obsession with claw clips. You can use them to loosely clip up your hair within seconds and still look sophisticated. Plus, they don’t dent your hair like hair ties do, so you can easily transition from updos to loose locks if needed. I also like to switch up claw clip styles at the beginning of each season, and these cheery colorful clips are definitely essential for summer!
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Whether you want to keep your phone sand-free, water-free, or both, having a waterproof phone pouch on-the-ready can really save your life! I mean, our entire lives are in our phones these days, aren’t they?! In addition to protecting your phone, these waterproof bags allow you to access your touchscreen without removing your phone from the pouch.
Mineral Face Sunscreen
The skin on my face is way more sensitive than the skin on the rest of my body, and it also requires higher SPF. I love this Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen. It’s super lightweight, non-greasy, and does not make my skin break out. Plus, it has an SPF of 70, which provides the ultimate protection.
Preppy Letter Patch Cosmetic Bag
You definitely need a small bag to contain your cosmetic items inside your larger bag. Why not make it a cute and trendy letter patch bag?! Now you definitely won’t have to worry about digging around into the depths of your tote bag to find your SPF lip balm or flyaway cream.
Trucker Hat
In case the sun is just way too strong, or your flyaways just can’t be tamed, or you (gasp!) forgot your sunglasses, you need this pastel trucker hat! The mesh back is best for summer because it offers breathability. Bonus: If you don’t feel like doing your hair at all, just slap this hat on, roll your hair into a twist, and clip it at the opening above the snapback. You will look put-together!
Mini Razor with Case
You never know when you’ll need an emergency shave. Life happens so fast sometimes!! This mini Venus razor comes in a compact with 1 refill. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of your kids!
Flip Flops with Arch Support
I tend to wear sneakers a lot, but they aren’t really suitable for the pool. And with kids, you never know where they will want you to take them next. That’s why you need to keep a pair of lightweight, comfortable flip flop sandals in your tote, or at least in your car. These KauiLu Flip Flops are a number 1 bestseller on Amazon, so it looks like you cannot go wrong!
Looking for a good tote to hold all of your summer bag essentials?
I found some cute carryall totes for summer that will also hold your water bottle. I didn’t include that in my list because I assume everyone already knows that!! We are definitely a major water bottle era.
Tap the icons below to browse a bag!
Conclusion on Summer Bag Essentials for Women
Don’t just get through the summer… enjoy the summer! You will be so much happier if you’re prepared and have what you need, and this is a great summer bag essentials packing list. Don’t forget to periodically restock items throughout the summer months.
What would you add to this list?