Summer weekends are made for a trip to the beach, so it's time to start planning. You've got your swimsuit, your sunglasses and your denim shorts, but what about those extras that will make your day fun, easy and totally stress-free?
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From stylish cool bags to portable speakers and pineapple pool floats, read on for 21 must-have beach day essentials for summer 2022.
A quick-drying towel
Your most important accessory is your beach towel. These are compact, quick-drying, and come complete with a travel pouch.
Dock & Bay quick-drying towel, £22.99, Amazon
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A cool bag
It's no beach day without drinks and snacks, so make sure they stay fresh in this beautiful vintage-style canvas cool bag.
Business & Pleasure Premium Cooler canvas bag 14L, £68, Anthropologie
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A wine cooler
On that note, you'll also need somewhere to keep your wine. We love this Fieldbar cool box from MADE.COM. It keeps ice for up to 50 hours, and it's tall enough to store champagne bottles if you're feeling fancy. Plus, leather handles make for comfortable carrying.
Fieldbar cool box in orange, £159, MADE.COM
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Plastic glasses
Take these beach-friendly rainbow glasses to sip your drinks from in style.
Set of 4 glasses, £15, Marks & Spencer
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A beach tent
Easy to assemble, water repellent and offering UPF 50+ protection from the sun, this beach tent is ideal for when you need some shade (and to save your spot).
Neso Tents Grande beach tent, from £153.30, Amazon
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A beach chair
This beach chair is lightweight and foldable with an adjustable carry strap which makes taking it to the beach a total breeze. It's perfect for sunbathing, reading and relaxing.
Foldable beach chair, £59.99, Amazon
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SPF
Don't forget your sunscreen! Garnier's Advanced Spray contains SPF50 and has a non-sticky formula that's suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hypoallergenic Protection Spray 200ml, £8, Boots
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A mini portable fan
If it's set to be scorching hot, keep cool with a portable fan. This one is small but sturdy and can be handheld or placed on a hard surface.
YunTuo mini portable fan, £23.99, Amazon
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A cool water bottle
A Chilly's reusable water bottle will ensure ice cold water all day long!
Chilly's Water Bottle, £22, Amazon
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Kid-friendly lunch box
Pack your kid's favourite foods and snacks in this kid-friendly lunch box that features five compartments that are perfectly sized to fit essentials such as sandwiches, juice boxes, and more. It also keeps food fresh!
The snack catcher, which retails at £8.99, is also perfect for toddlers and helps keep all the snacks contained. They are an ultimate must-have for independent toddlers!
Kid's Lunch™ Bento Box With Stainless Steel Utensils, £22.99, Amazon
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A rain poncho
Don't get caught out - if there's a sudden downpour you'll be so glad you brought this lightweight rain poncho, which comes complete with a pouch.
Rain poncho coat, £27.99, Amazon
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Eva Birkenstocks
The perfect beach sandals rain or shine are the waterproof Arizona Eva Birkenstocks. They're so comfortable, too.
Eva Birkenstock, £40, Schuh
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Crocs
Crocs are also an excellent choice for all of the family.
Crocs, £49.99, Crocs
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A Kindle
Now's the time you can finally get down to that book you've been meaning to read. The Kindle Paperwhite is compact and waterproof which makes it great for the beach - a no brainer.
Kindle Paperwhite, £129.99, Amazon
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An inflatable
Fancy a dip? It will be infinitely better with a pineapple float to relax in.
Ginkago inflatable pineapple pool float, £21.99, Amazon
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A parasol
When you just want a little bit of shade, it's a great excuse to bring out your stylish beach parasol.
Business & Pleasure holiday beach umbrella, £205, Revolve
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Beach toys
If you're taking kids with you, keep them busy with these cute beach toys. With this 14-piece set, they can make their own colourful ice cream stall on the beach.
Top Race kids beach toys set, £11.99, Amazon
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A portable speaker
If your beach day is more of a soirée, bring the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Wireless Speaker. It's waterproof, sand-proof and will keep playing tunes for up to 15 hours.
Ultimate Ears Boom 3, £158.99, Amazon
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Beach bats
How cool is the tropical design of these beach bats? And they're as fun as they are stylish.
Tropical bat and ball set, £12, John Lewis
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A portable phone charger
There's nothing worse than a dead phone battery on a day out. This portable charger is ultra-compact but will get your devices back up and running super quickly.
Poweradd Slim2 phone charger, £21.99, Amazon
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A waterproof camera
You're going to want some photos to remember all the fun you've had, but don't risk dropping your phone in the sea. Grab one of Sunnylife's waterproof film cameras instead.
Sunnylife ombre underwater camera, £24, Free People
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Hand sanitiser
A spray hand sanitiser is perfect for the beach, and if you're going to get one it may as well come in a case as cute as this. The fast-absorbing formula contains moisturising aloe vera.
Haan Dew of Dawn hydrating hand sanitiser, £16.70, Amazon
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Sand removal powder
The only downside to a day at the beach? Sand. Everywhere. Luckily this clever powder will remove it all from your skin and leave it silky smooth.
Beach Powder, £9.99, Beach Powder
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Beach towel clips
Don't risk losing your towel! Beach towel clips will be your beach day saviour.
Beach towel clips, £3.99, Amazon
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