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Look, if we *can* spend the summer covered in “Unicorn Snot,” then we all probably should.

I have been a BuzzFeed Shopping writer since 2017, with a focus on unique, practical products, up-to-date parenting finds, and up-and-coming home decor.

The kit comes with the giant bubble wand, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a booklet to help you become a skilled bubble creator! It's my family's #1 favorite summer activity. It's easy enough for our toddler to make giant bubbles with a little help. She loves chasing them, and it always brings a big crowd of kids over to play!

Promising review: "Love this!! Easy for kids to use — my six-year-old son figured it out pretty quickly — and fun for adults as well (my husband and I might have played with it as much as our son did...) Makes amazing bubbles. The bubble mix it comes with is fantastic." —Thomas Durant

Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in seven styles).

Note: Do not roast marshmallows or cook food over flames that have this colorant.

Promising review: "Love these, have purchased a few times and will now buy the 50-pack because they really add a ton of fun to my bonfires. Depending on how much your fire is raging, they will last 30-60 minutes. I use two or three packets at a time. Highly recommend." —JAO

Get a 24-pack from Amazon for $15.99 (available in multiple pack sizes).

You'll get stainless steel knives, forks, spoons, dinner plates, cotton napkins, and wineglasses for four people. It also includes a cheese knife, bottle opener, salt + pepper shaker, plastic hopping board, and water-resistant blanket. 

Promising review: "I got the two-person, which has ample room for food and beverages. The blanket is surprisingly soft and has a soft plastic side for waterproofing. Great little pockets so you don't lose your keys or phone. I got the brown one. It is very elegant looking. I showed my aunt and bought three more, one for her, her daughter, her husband, and her son and wife. Great for all kinds of uses. Definitely would buy again." —Margaret

Get it from Amazon for $56.99+ (available in 2- and 4-person sizes and five colors).

Promising review: "This is the cutest picnic basket! I have used it for various events. It's super cute, and the quality and storage are a plus." —Pamela Guerra

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two styles).

Promising review: "This was the best gift for my son! It's the perfect toy. Setup wasn't too difficult, and the size works well for us since we store it in the house and didn't want it taking up too much space. The battery life is great. My mom lives about a quarter mile from our house, and my son always wants to drive over to see his grandma. He'll do up to six laps at a time from our house to hers just so he can wave to her and honk his horn. The longest we've gone is a three-mile walk, and it didn't die.

The 'fast' speed setting is perfect for us as it matches a comfortable walking pace. The slow speed is great when we get to an open area, so he can practice steering the wheel on his own. I have my son control the gas, and I just use the side-to-side buttons on the remote to help control the steering wheel. Maybe when he's two, he'll figure it out on his own, but it definitely comes in handy now. 

The radio works well, as do the headlights. It has been in daily use since it was delivered. I imagine he'll continue fitting well in the car for a couple more years. I'm very happy with this purchase, and so is my son!" —Nicole Ross

Get it from Amazon for $189.99 (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "Wow, just wow. Surfing with this has made a huge difference!!! I use this on my 2014 Moomba Mobius LSV. I now fill both the rear bags even to 900 lbs. each on both sides, and this thing throws a clean long wave to whichever side it's not mounted to. I don't have to list the boat anymore, making it much easier to drive and so much faster to switch riders from different sides. It looks exactly the same as the picture shows, and it floats. I've never had it fall off during surfing, and even forgot to remove it once and came up to speed 20+ mph before I realized it was still on, and it never came loose. It floats, so if you accidentally drop it while mounting it, you don't have to worry about it sinking to the bottom of the lake. I wish I had bought long ago!" —Joel

Promising review: "This float is THE BEST! A big hit at the pool. It’s very large, so if you have a small pool, it may not work, but it’s a party favorite. Easy to inflate and deflate as needed. If you’re looking for a fun pool party float that’s bound to be the hit of the party, this is it!" —slsmith

Promising review: "This was actually bigger than I was expecting, it's a great size even for a larger pool. A few other adults and I tried tossing the rings in the pool. This game is actually pretty difficult (lol), but that definitely makes it fun. Plus, it's an easy setup." —Daniela

This set includes 23 glowing game pieces with over12 hours of battery life. It's suitable for ages 8+ and 4-20 players.

Promising review: "The game comes with very easy, animated directions and we were surprised at the high quality of the components. We first tried playing on a camping trip with three families and it only took a couple minutes to learn the game and set it up before we were giggling like crazy people. It was really dark and the blinking lights and glowing orbs added a lot to the excitement. We played with adults, teens, and young children and everyone really got into it because this is something that everyone can do. My children have been asking to play it every night since." —Roy Jones

Get the complete set from Amazon for $59.90 (available in two kit styles).

Promising review: "My husband and I bought this as a gift for our son because he’s super into science and space, and it ended up being a great choice. It was easy to set up, lightweight, and beginner-friendly (he’s only eight), which made it perfect for him to learn the basics without getting overwhelmed. The clarity honestly surprised me because you can really see the moon and stars with solid detail. I love that it comes with everything he needs to understand the different parts and how a telescope actually works. It feels sturdy, well-made, and not like one of those toys that break after a week. If you have a curious kid who loves space or STEM stuff, this is 100 percent worth it, and I would definitely recommend it." —Jaii

The set includes two inflatable baskets with straps and eight ball pit-style balls.

Promising review: "Our family is always looking for outdoor games to play together, and this was a hit! Once we got warmed up, it quickly became a competition with lots of racing to get that last ball in! We modified by kneeling for the younger kids that couldn't reach the adults. The game hardly takes up any space and is very portable. We plan on taking it on our camping trips this summer!" —Brett E. Marcotte

Promising review: "This works like magic! It's easy to use and makes a beautiful gift from the kids!" —Sj773

Promising review: "We absolutely love this mud kitchen! My 2-year-old and 3½-year-old have used it every single day since we bought it, and they will play together for hours at a time — honestly, with zero fighting, which is a huge win in our house. 😂 My kids are very messy players — we’re talking water everywhere, glitter, pasta, mud, and anything else they can get their hands on — and this kitchen has held up incredibly well. The quality has been fantastic so far and it still looks great despite daily heavy use.

I also love the design. It has excellent storage space, with lots of shelves and a solid base, making it easy to keep all their play items organized. There’s plenty of room for both kids to play comfortably at the same time without getting in each other’s way. It fits perfectly on our porch and has quickly become one of the best purchases we’ve made for outdoor play. I would absolutely recommend this mud kitchen to anyone looking for something durable, engaging, and worth every penny!" —Skylar Robinson

Oh, and you've gotta look at this version for older kids. And this darling outdoor cafe. Aaaand this mini playhouse. Sorry. I love this brand. I can't help myself.

Promising review: "We absolutely love this water table! Great quality, very sturdy, and beautifully made. It has provided hours of entertainment for the kids! We have purchased from this company multiple times, and this is one of our favorites for sure!" —Emily B.

Get it on sale from Avenlur for $229 (originally $299) — check out Avenlur's Amazon landing page for more splurge-worthy pieces!

This set includes eight bocce balls (two red, two blue, two green, two yellow), 1 pallino, one measuring rope, and a carrying bag. 

Promising review: "As my first and only bocce ball set, I am impressed with the durability and ease of storing the set. We kept the box to go inside the storage bag because it keeps it firm and sturdy. My son has dropped these balls on concrete, and I haven’t ever noticed any damage! We have played a lot this summer, and love them!" —Chad J. 

Promising review: "I discovered this game at a bachelor party and immediately came home and purchased one of my own. The game is a really fun alternative to the standard backyard games you commonly see. Easy to set up, easy to play, and easy to score. Overall a great experience. Highest of recommendations." —Loleta Pritt

Get it from Amazon for $219.97(available in three styles).

I bought these for my daughter waaay before she was old enough to care, because I wanted to play with them myself! They're solid, made of high-quality materials (not plastic), and owned by a small business. Now that my kiddo is older, these have become a staple in our diaper bag on days at the park. We'll spend ages looking for special pieces, seeing if they fit, testing out different configurations, and then have a blast with some imagination play (these little critters get up to a lot of mischief!). Whether you're totally into playing fantastical, made-up games with your kids or need clear directions to create a little whimsy, these have got your back. I recommend them to every parent I know (and now, even those I don't — hi from me!).

Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in six options).

Promising review: "I brought this with me on a camping trip in the Colorado mountains. Once the hummingbirds discovered the feeder, they were around it constantly. After one day, they would come to the single-ring feeder held in our hands. It was so fun getting to see the hummingbirds up close." —Debbie B.

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colors and in sets).

Promising review: "This has been a hit for years, so I bought another one for my son. It is actually more functional than any of the other styles that are way boring! I take it camping, and even strangers are entertained. It takes a little practice to get the fish to flip the hot dogs over, but it is so worth it and fun once you get the knack of it. My 6-year-old granddaughter loves it because the hot dogs don't fall off." —Pony Expressed

Get it from Amazon for $33 (available in four styles). 

This includes two target poles, two bottles, one flying disc and a carrying case.

Promising review: "I bought this game a while ago for my husband and I try to play whenever we get bored — and it's surprisingly so much fun!! Every time our extended family comes over to our house on a nice day, we have to break this out and everybody has such a great time. I would definitely recommend this product. I’ve even bought it as a gift for other people." —Emily Wood

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles).

Promising review: "I purchased the double hammock for myself because I'm a bigger guy. I was always seeing people in these, and I really wanted to get one for myself. It is very strong, durable, easy to set up, and super comfortable. I found it very easy to get into and get out of! It seems to stay nice and cool while lying inside, too, which is a GREAT feeling while the wind is blowing." —Brandon Wright

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes and 10 colors).

Promising review: "I use these for hiking, exploration, and just overall when I am camping or walking around somewhere and want to see things far away. I really think the compact size and the quality of the image are unparalleled. Definitely worth the price for me." —Kyle Giffin

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four styles).

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 16 colors).

Promising review: "This tent was just what I needed for camping. It was large enough for my cot and very cozy. It kept me and my bedding completely dry during a heavy rain." —Paula Cantrell

Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in four styles).

Promising review: "Have gotten so many compliments on this already. Great even when not using as a cooler for just a functional end table near our furniture around the fire pit. Can put drinks on there, s'mores stuff, etc. It's nice because it functions as a table without being big and bulky. It can easily be moved around to where it is needed. and the cooler function, of course, is what sets it apart from all other tables and makes it awesome!" —Amy M. 

Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "We strung these beauties around our backyard fire pit and wow, do they look great! Although the fire lights up the night, too, I like having the lights lit around the perimeter of the fire pit patio area. Oftentimes we'll turn them on even when we're not lighting a bonfire, just because they make the backyard look so pretty and inviting." —Michelle Smith

Get a strand from Amazon for $15.99 (available in seven sizes and three styles).

The Bluetooth distance between phone and speaker is up to 33 feet, while the dual pairing distance between the two speakers is up to 66 feet!

Promising review: "The surround sound that we get at night while sitting around the fire pit is wonderful! We invested in shepherd's hooks so that we can relocate wherever we want! Nice." —Denise Peoples

Get the two-pack from Amazon for $129.98 (available with white or rainbow lights).

This has foldable legs, an adjustable net, and comes with three balls.

Promising review: "We play this any time we are at the beach. It takes about 5–10 minutes to set up and take down. It’s very durable, one of our friends landed on it and it got squished but survived." —Macy

Promising review: "I'm not one to write reviews; however, this small cooler/lunch box deserves one. It's totally worth paying the extra money. I filled it up with sushi rolls for a concert, and it stayed very cold for over 10 hours. The cold packs I placed inside were still frozen after all that time! It is also roomy, a nice soft material, and very stylish, and the shoulder strap option makes it more functional. I love it!" —Leticia Hampton

Get it from Amazon for $100+ (available in three sizes and 17 colors).

This comfortably holds up to 500 lbs. BTW, if you don't have a tree or structure to hang this on, you can pick up a stand separately.

Promising review: "I've wanted one of these for a while, and this one was such a good deal I had to give it a try. I love it! It's made with really nice quality fabric and hardware. The pillows arrived very compressed, but fluffed out just fine. I love the pocket sewn in, too, which makes it easy to stash a snack or book while you swing. I'm definitely impressed and I'd buy it again!" —Hannah T.

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four colors).

This includes a four-piece fly rod, line, backing, and leader, a rod case, a rod box, 12 flies, a spare leader, a zinger, a nipper, and a carrying case. 

Promising review: "This is an awesome fly rod combo for the money. You get a nice four-piece carbon long pole, rod bag, rod case, fly box with flies, line cutter, fly line, line backing, and leader. The rod feels really good; it has a nice flex to it as well. The reel feels good, and the bearings are smooth. I highly recommend this combo if you're looking for a nice fly rod combo without wanting to spend too much money. Heading out to go fishing now!!" —GoldLeaderFPV

Get it from Amazon for $69.97 (available in four styles).

Promising review: "I am a T-2 paraplegic and a water baby at heart, and have always wanted a kayak, but my lack of trunk control and balance has kept me from enjoying one. This boat is AMAZING! It is completely stable and gives me no worries of flipping over. I was able to unpack it, inflate it, get in it, and go in no time at all. The material is super tough and feels very solid. Once inside the cockpit, you feel nice and snug, and the skeg gives you great control over the craft. I plan on spending as much time on the water as possible with my new favorite toy! This is a great product!!" —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $79.04+ (available in two styles).

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "I am obsessed with glitter and shimmer, anything that gives me the skin of a killer. And this is my favorite sunscreen. It makes me sparkle like a troll for sure, and I don't get sunburnt. Plus, I don't forget to reapply because I want to keep shimmering in the sun!!" —eloisa

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two colors).

For additional gadgets and gizmos, including different stove sizes, check out Solo Stove's homepage! 

I have a Solo Stove and it is SUCH a hit! We use it on our back porch almost every night. My husband and I have been remodeling our kitchen and we use the stove with the pizza oven and wok attachments to make dinners outside. We also love that we can take it with us when we go camping. Don't hesitate...you want this. 

Promising review: "This is really great. So nice to be able to sit anywhere around it and not have to deal with smoke in you face. No more moving your chairs around to avoid the smoke." —Kelly Ciccocioppo

For additional gadgets and gizmos, check out Solo Stove's homepage! 

A few years ago my husband and I did some restoration work on a home from the 1840s and used Solo Stove's products nearly exclusively while living in said home (with a *very* non-functioning kitchen). The image on the right is the stove on the back porch. The pizza it makes? Perfection. 

Promising review: "This is a very good wood fired pizza oven. With minimal effort and nine minutes per pizza we made 12 pizzas that were fantastic! Tip: use good dry, hard wood like oak or hickory to get a hot oven and add wood as necessary. The crust was wonderfully smokey and charred with beautiful professional color on top and bottom." —George D.

Get it from Amazon for $249.99+ (available in three styles).

Promising review: "Works as intended, super cute, got for a birthday gift for my now 4-year-old who loves eating ice as well as to save a couple of dollars during the summertime, being able to easily have a nice cold treat. It doesn’t take long to make, the noise level is as expected for crushing ice lol, and overall it was a great investment." —Bambii

Get it from Amazon for $53.82 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I got way more than I expected from this! I expected this to be a fun little hobby cam that would simply show me bird visitors now and then. It certainly does that, and does it well, but I didn’t expect it to be as feature-rich as it is. First of all, this rivals many security cams I use! You can select live view, and in seconds, you can see your surroundings. You have the ability to hit alerts, sirens (for squirrel invaders), a mic to talk, record, light, screenshot, and more. There is room for an SD card for local storage. This also has AI recognition and I found it pretty spot on. It also has night vision.

The feeder is super easy to assemble. The lid is easy to flip open and it holds a lot of seed, all without impeding the camera itself. The camera has an up/down adjustment which helps with what you want to see on the feeder and/or your yard. The resolution itself is pretty crisp too. In all, I’m extremely impressed, and it surpasses my expectations!" —Lee Kay

Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I purchased this two years ago for my grandchildren when they come to my house for family parties, and it has been a hit from day one! If it ever has its last day, I most definitely will buy another one! Two years with five grandchildren (and adults) playing on it and it's still going strong — a quality product! :-)" —Amazon Customer

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 in this post have been edited for length and clarity.