12 Essentials to Help Make Your Next Picnic a Success

If you’ve been searching for the perfect picnic or beach blanket, look no further. This waterproof option from Redcamp will keep everything on it dry on damp days, and sand rolls right off of it. It’s large, lightweight, and packable, and, in addition to being easy to spot clean, is machine washable. It even has a handle for easy carrying. We can’t recommend it enough!

For an upgrade to the classic picnic basket, try this small but mighty Igloo cooler. Its environmentally friendly insulation layer is extremely efficient, and it’s guaranteed to keep your food cool for hours. The cooler also comes with zippered storage to hold utensils and tools in the lid, and its locking handles make it easy to carry over one arm. Who can resist mint green?

For all of you slow sippers out there, these can coolers have your back. You can’t beat the price on these stainless steel coolers, which are designed to be easy to hold and keep your drink cold for hours at a time. If your drink of choice comes in a skinny can, try one of these colorful options ($15.99)  to give your drink a stylish twist while keeping cool. Whether it’s a hot day at the beach or you’re easily distracted by lawn games, you’ll never suffer through the last warm sips of your drink again!

Simplify your picnic prep with these stackable containers from Meal Prep Haven. Each container has three compartments that stay separately sealed, which allows you to pack the hummus next to the pita chips without worrying about spillage. They’re also microwavable and top-rack dishwasher safe for total ease of use. Need we say more?

Single-use plastics are an unfortunate byproduct of picnics, but they don’t have to be. Avoid using handfuls of plastic bags that will only end up in the trash with these silicone bags, which are nothing short of miraculous. They’re dishwasher and microwave safe, and they can even be placed right in boiling water to heat or cook food. They’re perfect for everything from sandwiches to salad dressings, and they fold up easily for transport. This set of five even comes with two mesh bags for carrying produce. You’ll never have to buy plastic sandwich bags again!

Hello and welcome to hydration nation! Keep your group running all day with this leak-proof water jug from Igloo, which will keep your drinks chilled for hours at a time. The classic jug has a spigot for easy pouring and hooks on the handle to allow you to hang it somewhere convenient. It’s easy to clean and carry, making it perfect for remote picnics or beach days. Igloo’s unbeatable durability means you’ll be using this for years.

We all know homemade lemonade is heavenly, but juicing pounds of lemons? Not so much. Take the pain out of your favorite summer drink with this Hamilton Beach juicer. It comes with a handy cleaning tool and dishwasher-safe parts to simplify the cleanup process, and the extra-large pulp bin means you can juice a lot of food before cleaning it out. Whether you’re trying out new recipes or sticking with classic lemonade, this option is affordable, convenient, and easy to use.

Take the guesswork out of salad dressings with this handy bottle, which has recipes and measurement guides printed right on it. Simply add the ingredients and shake – no measuring cups, messy container lids, or whisking necessary. Its leak-proof, easy-pour top will help you avoid drenched salads, and the whole thing is dishwasher safe.

Slicing and dicing vegetables just got a whole lot easier with this multi-function vegetable cutting tool. Though we still recommend a classic apple wedger ($7.95) for your apple-slicing needs, this one is perfect for just about everything else. It comes with attachments for slicing, shredding, grating, chopping, cubing, and more, plus a hand guard and cleaning tools to keep you safe. It includes a bin underneath to keep all your vegetables together and your kitchen cleaner. Whether you’re making a salad or french fries, this gadget has you covered.

This utensil set makes it easy to quit single-use plastics. They’re lightweight, durable, dishwasher safe, and come with a detachable loop to help you keep track of them. At 88 cents each, you can easily outfit the whole family with flatware they can use for lunch on the go, picnics, and camping trips for years to come.

You won’t believe these amazing-looking plates are melamine until you feel how lightweight they are. Like the reusable silverware, these festive, dishwasher safe plates will help you ditch your single-use plastic habit for years. The durable plates are break-resistant, making them ideal for kids and outdoor events.

Don’t be fooled by the name – these cups are perfect for adults as well. Their small size makes them easier to pack for any excursion, and they’re built to last. They’re highly durable and both dishwasher and microwave safe. At this price, you can buy one set for your house and a second set to keep at the ready with the rest of your picnic supplies.