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Getting outside for a picnic with your friends and family, enjoying the sunshine, freshness and tranquility of the great outdoors, is one of summer’s most cherished pastimes. Being prepared for your picnic, however, can make all the difference in how much fun you’ll have and how soon you’ll be back for more. To help you make the most of your next picnic, here are some tried and true tips brought to you by our friend, Tracy S. at Having Fun Saving:
Picnic Essentials Checklist
We love planning picnics. They’re the perfect way to plan for a day of fun – all day! Just pack your essentials and you’ll be prepared for hours of fun.
Here are the items on my Picnic Essentials Checklist:
1. Blanket/Sheet
It should be large enough to hold all your picnic-goers and food. I recommend one that folds up easily, is easy to clean, and being waterproof is a bonus. The OneStepAhead Beach Blanket is an excellent choice for picnicking. We love that it’s waterproof (the kids thoroughly tested this out by spilling water on it over and over and loved watching it bead up), soft, and is reversible!
We can have cool stripes or brown. It also folds up easily into its compact tote. If you spend a lot of time on the beach, you HAVE to check out this Sand-Away Beach Sheet; it’s super lightweight and actually repels SAND!
2. Cooler or Picnic Bag
You need something to bring all your goodies in! I suggest an easy-to-carry cooler bag.
3. Food, Snacks & Drinks!
What is a picnic without the food and drinks? Be sure to pack casual foods like sandwiches, bagels, Crunch Pak apples, carrots, etc.
You’ll want items that you can eat without utensils; be sure to pack in reusable bags (less waste). I like the Bumkins Snack Bags from OneStepAhead; they’re cute and great for snacks and even your [Del Sol] sunglasses and keys! They’re also machine washable.
4. Ice/Ice Packs
Be sure there’s a way to keep the cool items cool. If you don’t have an ice pack, freeze a bottle of water or two! And, when they start to defrost, you can drink them.
5. Utensils, Napkins & Paper Towels
Hands, faces, clothing and blankets can get sticky and messy without having something to clean up with. Whether it’s paper towels, wipes, or napkins, they’ll come in handy when you’re ready to clean up and head home. Don’t leave a mess behind! Clean up your area and leave it better than when you found it. The next picnickers will appreciate it and so with Mother Nature.
6. Towels, Sunscreen & Repellent, if needed
If you plan on spending some time in the water [pool, splash pad, lake, sprinklers, etc.], grab a towel or two to bring along so you’re not shivering without a way to dry off and warm up. The Fast Dry Hooded Towel is a perfect option because it’s REALLY lightweight – so lightweight you won’t even believe it’s a towel!
It folds up small and is perfect for on-the-go travel. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are easy to store and will protect you from painful sunburns and pesky bug bites – both things could turn your picnic memories sour.
7. Most importantly, Enjoy your Day!
Seeing smiles on everyone’s faces is the best feeling ever, isn’t it?
What other picnic essentials do you recommend for your day under the sun? Maybe an umbrella, sport disc, sports ball, or various beach toys for picnic activities?