To the Beach.... don't forget these!

You've made a list and checked it twice.... no forgetting the sunscreen, sunglasses for all, hats, the towels, beach umbrella, beach chairs, lunch, beverages, dry clothes for the kids, even your own stuff (and how nice it would be to have that 'assistant' to carry some of it?!).

You arrive at the perfect beach spot, be it an ocean, lake, pond. The kids get stripped down to their suits, as you realize, beach toys are at home!? (oops....)You won't want to be without at least a basic Beach Bucket - makes a great snow sculpting set too! Ours (as pictured above) may contain any of the following (though contents may vary)

• watering can
• shovel
• rake
• Shaped mold
• assorted colors
• ALL sets include the bucket w/ handle

Windy and a little too chilly for the water?
This fits in a travel pocket, and unpacks for easy flying fun. Made of nylon, so much more durable than 'plastic' kites of a similar price. The Pocket Kite from HQ Kites (and, as a bonus, it's not hard to get back IN the bag after use!) will last many beach, park, camp, or backyard uses. String and handle also included. Tell your kids to "go fly a kite" (and MEAN it!).


One last suggestion (we could go on and on but will spare you by stopping with our top picks....) is a flexible, soft flyer. It's 6" diameter and easy for anyone to throw. We like it for the smallest of 'frisbee' players, who tend to throw a bit more erratically and complain about how 'hard' a plastic frisbee is when they try to catch it.