A while back I went from carrying a large purse to a smaller crossbody. I love the convenience of a small bag. However, in summertime I feel like I need to carry more necessities with me. Enter the roomy summer tote bag! And here are a few items that I include in my summer tote bag for times when I am out and about for longer lengths of time. This list does not include your most common items like cell phone, keys, tissues, etc. Those are a given.
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You will want to include a good pair of sunglasses. I really like Ray-Ban and Costa brands, but I give honorable mention to Oakley and Quay. All of these are a little pricey but the difference in the vision clarity is so worth the price. Often, you can find a great pair of sunglasses on sale online or in stores. If you try some of these brands then most likely you will not want to go back to cheaper styles.
I have recommended this chapstick in another post for winter products. It is my favorite! I keep it everywhere. Soothing Oasis Chapstick doesn’t have any flavor, it goes on so well, and it lasts. This brand also comes in flavors if you like it. It is not expensive and works better than some Estee Lauder and Smashbox lip balms that I used before discovering this. If you deal with dry lips you’ll want to give this one a try.
These cute Kavu wallets are perfect for putting in a tote bag. They hold your phone, cash, cards, and keys and they have a detachable rope strap to wear it as a crossbody. You can pull it out of your tote for a quick trip to the store or to pick up the kids so it is wonderfully convenient. Also, it comes in the prettiest colors and patterns!
My tote bag always includes a book or my Kindle and my wireless earbuds. I do not like to be caught with a lot of time and not have my current read with me. I like having the earbuds handy in case I have some time to listen to an Audible book or a podcast. Apple earbuds are great but expensive. I have this pair of earbuds and they work perfectly without the price tag!
My husband gave me this handy iWalk portable charger as a gift. It is perfect to toss into a tote bag or purse. I will often end up someplace with my phone on low charge and have no port available. He heard me say this so often that he got this for me. If you deal with low charge and want the security of having a charger with you then this is the way to go.
If you are spending time at the pool, beach, or lake then you need a waterproof phone case. This one is a great choice since it floats and it is touchscreen compatible. You can still check things on your phone and you can take underwater pictures. Keep your phone safe and still be able to use it. That’s a win – win!
Does anyone go anywhere without hand sanitizer anymore? I discovered this Sunshine & Lemons Anti-bacterial Hand Spray from Bath and Body Works during the pandemic and I loved the scent. I keep one with me most all the time. The scent is very fresh and does not have the strong alcohol smell that some sanitizers do. It also doesn’t seem to dry out my hands as much. They have other scents in this brand that also smell wonderful so you might find one you like even more!
For the times when you want you hands to be extra clean and sanitized then these handy sanitizing hand wipes are just the thing. They smell so fresh and make your hands feel refreshed and much more clean than hand sanitizer alone. If you are traveling these are really a life saver to have in your tote bag or in your car.
I remember first seeing the cute knotted headbands that Erin Napier wears on Hometown and thinking that they would be perfect for a bad hair day or a quick do! I like to keep some kind of hair bands, clips, or headband in my tote to tame my hair on a windy, rainy, or just a rough hair day. It is something that will be sure to come in handy with pool and beach hair!
When you are out in the summer heat a good water bottle in your tote bag is a must! This Simple Modern water bottle is the best! It comes in lots of colors and patterns and depending on the size you can get extra lids. With the one pictured, 32 oz., you get the lid with a straw and the lid with a cap. The 40 oz comes with 3 lids. When carrying this bottle you are sure to stay hydrated.
So that is my list of must haves for my summer tote bag. What do you like to keep in your tote? If you have suggestions then drop a comment below so that we all have everything we need to have the very best summer days!
Happy Summer Days,
Karen
Check out these posts for even more summer fun!
Five Simple Tips for Amazing Summer Road Trips
Movie Night Magic: What to Watch This Summer, Snacks, Activities, and More
A Quick and Easy Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love
Unique Beach Reads That Will Make a Great Vacation
Five Easy Ways to Kick Your Cookout Up a Notch
How to Light Up Your Fourth of July Celebration
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Baby Powder goes in my beach tote. It works wonders removing sand.
You are so right! And I forgot to bring it this year. Never again! 😊
This is a great list – I often have a book too, and headphones for podcast listening!
In the summer I usually have a bottle of sunscreen for spur of the moment adventures and snacks 🙂
Yes to sunscreen and snacks! Great ideas! Especially when the kiddos are along! ☀️❤️😊