Must-Pack Items for Your Beach Bag

Surf's up - and your little beachcomber wants in. The secret to a good time is bringing a bag with all the right items to make your time at the beach relaxing and whine-free.

PackIt Social Cooler
They work up an appetite building sand castles. Pack a picnic in the roomy carrier, which keeps food and drink cold for up to ten hours. Its chilling secret: It folds compactly and stores in the freezer when not in use.

Available at packitcool.com, $28.





Spark Shark Toss & Catch Pool Toy
Let them sink their teeth into the outdoor game; it challenges them to toss and catch from handheld nets. The foam balls float, so they can play in the water or on the sand.

Available at melissaanddoug.com, $15.






Sand-Away Beach Bag
Grains, grains, go away. The giant mesh tote keeps your gear in and sand out. When emptied, it folds into a self-contained pouch.

Available at onestepahead.com, $15.



Toys You'll Want to Keep on Display


Swim Goggles
Marco! Polo! They can duck underwater safely wearing watertight goggles in fun alligator or flower designs. Along with being adjustable, they have antifog and UV-protected lenses.

Available at potterybarnkids.com, $14.50.




Plum Kids Fruit & Veggie Shredz
At the beach, it's okay to play with your food. Kids can twist, tie, and twirl the ribbons of real mashed organic fruits and veggies.
Available at ecomom.com, $4





Haba Sand Toys
The beach is a construction zone, so add to your builder's tool belt. Twist the sand drill to dig holes. Jiggle the sand shaker to sprinkle texture. Fill and tip the spilling funnel to pour water.
Available at
fatbraintoys.com, $4-$10.




Petunias Wet Bag
Separate drippy suits from dry towels with graphic pouches. Each modern style - owls, turtles, cars, trees, and more - has a waterproof lining and is machine washable.
Available at etsy.com, $16-$34.




For more beach bag musts, check out DailyCandy.com.

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