{Guest Contributor} Deven’s Beach Bag Essentials

We are simply beach people. For my husband, spending time in the ocean brings peace of mind. For me, having grown up in the Midwest, I still feel amazement and excitement every time I see the twinkling water. And for our kids, going to the beach is just plain fun. We can spend hours on the beach when we are home in Malibu, and when we go on vacation…it’s usually to the beach!

 Over time I have figured out what I need for an enjoyable day on the sand and in the surf with my family. These are the things I take in my beach bag, as well as, a few more items that make our beach outings easy, comfortable and fun. The Basics, are things that are always in my bag; The Extras, things I’ll throw in for a solo beach trip or when my kids are older; What’s Not Inside, too big for a beach bag but make your trip much more comfortable; and finally In The Car, a few ideas post beach trip to minimize sand in your car.

I hope you all enjoy many trips to the beach this summer with perfectly packed bags! Please share with me what is in YOUR Beach Bag!

My beach Bag

The Best Bag EVER For Sand Toys

All the sand falls through the mesh instead of collecting at the bottom of your bag. Tip: Give it a good shake before loading it in the car.

Perfect For Vacation

This bag is amazing. It’s inflatable – just like a beach ball. The largest bag accommodates everything and more you need for a long day at the beach. And when you’re finished, it deflates and takes up practically no space in your suitcase.

Gotta Be Hands Free

For those who need their hands for something other than packing bags to the beach (like carrying Baby for example), the good ole backpack is a no fail option.

What’s Inside:

The Basics

• Towels: Large beach towels or blankets for adults & smaller, lightweight towels for kids
• Sunscreen: For face, body & lips 
• Sunhat & Sunglasses 
• First Aid Kit
• Lucas Papaw Ointment: Perfect for stings, bug bites, sunburn, rash… 
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Water
• Kids Water Bottles
• Snacks: For young kids think about snacks that do not attract sand. Watery snacks like apples or watermelon can get gritty when eaten with sandy hands. PB&J sandwiches, Cliff bars, bananas or yogurt tubes are some safer options. 
• Sand Toys: Of course!
• Waterproof bag (a Ziploc works perfectly) for your necessities that shouldn’t get wet or sandy. Such as your phone, car keys or camera.

The Extras 

• Book or Magazine 
• iPod 
• iPad or Kindle

What’s Not Inside (but nice to have at the beach!)

• Water Resistant Blanket 
• Beach Umbrella 
• Pop Up Tent
• Beach Chairs

In the Car

• Jug of water to rinse sandy feet 
• Clean towels 
• Change of clothes

My Beach Bag

For more of Deven’s style advice, click here! TGIF and enjoy a beachfilled weekend!

Bags to order ~ 1. Deven’s Beach Bag 2. Sand Toy Bag 3. Bubble Bag 4. Backpack