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    25 Of The Smartest Summer Problem-Solvers To Buy *Now* Before You Really, Really Need Them

    Before the heat sets in and the mosquitoes get too comfy, maybe you should assemble your Avengers (aka your summer essentials).

    1. A pair of sockless shoe liners so your feet don't overheat in actual socks. A summer without sweaty, smelly socks? Sounds like a win to me. These no-slip and no-show liners are also washable! 

    The liners come with trimming guidelines so that you can cut the insert to your desired size.

    Promising review: "I can't recommend these inserts enough! After a week of heavy use, they hardly smell. Pop them in the wash, and they are ready to go again! Super comfy and doesn't move around. So nice to have in shoes you don't feel like wearing socks with! Plus, so many fun patterns!" —Vicky L. Parr

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes [fits women's sizes 6–13] and four colors).

    2. A pack of 10 DEET-free mosquito-repellent bracelets that use essential oils to keep bloodsuckers away. Some reviewers suggest wearing one on your wrist and one on your ankle if you're in mosquito-dense areas.

    Promising review: "I'm mosquito heaven and get eaten alive every spring and summer. I've used the spray bug stuff in the past, but I really don't like spraying it on my skin. I put one of these bracelets on an ankle and one on the opposite wrist before playing pickleball and haven't had one bite yet!" —Amazon Customer

    Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $9.99.

    3. An SPF 30 scalp sunscreen mist because you probably forget that the top of your head needs sun protection, too. Formulated with plant-based antioxidants, this spray will also help nourish your hair and prevent UV-related hair color fading.

    Hand holding Coola Scalp & Hair Mist, SPF 30 sunscreen spray; key benefits include UV protection, water resistance, and targeted nozzle application
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I have two girls, and we spend a lot of time outside in the summers. I work as a nurse and have seen scalp skin cancer, and I definitely wanted to protect myself and my girls. We usually use the regular spray, but it leaves the hair greasy or stiff. This has a great scent, and a little goes a long way! I was worried about the small size, but it lasted us all summer. Also leaves no residue." —Liz Young

    Get it from Amazon for $28.

    4. A Shark Tank-famous bug bite suction tool for mosquito bite relief because you're excited about tank tops and short shorts but not the fact that you'll be exposed to some nasty bloodsuckers. It pretty much sucks the irritant out from under your skin so you can live an itch-free life.

    Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times, so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. It arrived Monday and Tuesday morning. I woke up with a bug bite on my arm, so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions), and immediately after use, it stopped itching! Less than 24 hours later, the bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but it's a small price to pay, IMO Bottom line: It's awesome. I'm carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in four colors).

    5. ceiling fan carbon air filter to catch dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. These self-adhesive filters are made from coconut shells whose lightweight structure traps particles and contaminants. Turn your ceiling fan into an air purifier!

    The black carbon filter attached to the blade of a ceiling fan
    Person holding three used carbon filters covered in dust

    PSA: There's a chance that the included Velcro-like adhesive can become dirt-traps when the filters are removed. Also, some reviewers wrote that the adhesive peeled the finish off of their fan during removal. If you’re scared of that happening, you can install these filters with Command strips instead!

    Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" —Haylee Marez

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.

    6. crack weeder tool if weeds think they're being clever by growing in the cracks of your patio or sidewalk. This L-shaped tool can remove the entire root without you needing to literally dig around for it. It's also got a soft grip handle because taking care of your home's outward appearance shouldn't be physically taxing.

    Promising review: "I've been searching for something to remove the weeds for a while and came across this amazing tool. Since I refuse to use chemicals in my yard, I've been left with scraped knuckles every time I attempt to remove weeds. The weeds have grown so tightly in the concrete cracks that I pretty much gave up; even weed-whacking it didn't help much. Yes, you do have to use a little bit of effort, but the end result was so worth it!" —Shelley Arakaki

    Get it from Amazon for $16.95.

    7. A set of stackable stick-shaped ice molds so you can easily toss a few pieces of ice into your bottle without having to literally force a square into a circle. Staying cool and hydrated just got a little easier.

    Promising review: "I got these to make ice cubes that I could fit into hot water bottles to make 'cold water bottles.' I'm in the big heat wave, and it's been over 100 every day for the last week, with no sign of it letting up any time soon. These are quick and easy and the cold water bottles have been the only thing helping me sleep in a room anywhere between 80–90 degrees at night. I love the lids! It makes my ice trays easy to stack and more secure. I wish all ice trays came with lids like this!" —A.J. Stark 

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99+ (available with or without covers). 

    8. A sleek 3-in-1 handheld fan because it's also a portable charger and flashlight, so if you're caught in the dark, and it's hot and your phone is on 1%, you'll be glad to have this gadget in your back pocket.

    image of reviewer holding the closed portable fan
    image of reviewer with the open and in-use portable fan

    Promising review: "A lifesaver! The compact design makes it easy to carry in your bag or pocket. The fan's performance is impressive; it generates a strong breeze for its size, instantly cooling me down on hot days. The noise level is pleasantly low, perfect for use in quiet environments. The battery life is impressive, lasting through extended outings. It's a must-have for anyone looking to stay cool and refreshed during summer or while traveling. We are thrilled with this handy little fan!" —Allie

    Get it from Amazon for $14.38+ (available in three colors).

    9. A pre-swim hair cream since it'll help protect your hair from dryness and chlorine damage. Enriched with aloe, this cream can create a barrier to prevent your hair from absorbing chlorine and salt. No green hair and no frizz!

    The cream
    Partial view of reviewer's wavy hair, which looks soft and moisturized

    Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING! Literally nothing else keeps tangles out of my daughter’s hair like this does. Her hair is so thick and very difficult to brush; this makes it easy peasy to brush the tangles out after a swim in the pool. It also softens her hair. When not used, the pool chemicals make her hair very stiff and dry. We even use this every once in a while just because! It smells wonderful and doesn’t make the hair greasy in any way. I cannot recommend this product enough!!!" —Emily

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99.

    10. A hot tub cleaner scientifically engineered to remove all the gunk hiding in the plumbing. So all the dirt, grime, oil, and sweat will go bye-bye in exchange for improved water clarity and filtration.

    Hand holding
    Outdoor hot tub with dirt brown foam buildup

    Promising review: "Our hot tub was so much grosser than I could have imagined. The amount of ick that this stuff got out of the jets was surprising. Honestly so embarrassing. I drained and cleaned the tub a few months ago but did not think of getting this jet cleaner. I will not make that mistake again. The hot tub smells so so clean now. I will definitely use this again next time I drain the tub." —Kaerlia

    Get it from Amazon for $18.36.

    11. A set of stackable starfish-shaped sand cup holders so you don't have to fight to keep your bottle of water upright in the sand. It's also great for holding your phone, sunscreen, or keys — anything you don't want getting lost or covered in sand.

    Island Genius is a small biz making fun and unique products for the whole family to enjoy in and outside of the house.

    Promising review: "If you are going to the beach these are a must have. Keeps sand off your drinks, easy to clean and travels easily in a beach bag." —Patti

    Get a pack of four from Island Genius on Amazon for $12.99.

    12. A set of electrolyte-rich Liquid I.V. hydration packets because sometimes you get so caught up in having fun on a scorching hot summer day that you forget to drink water and start to feel a little...not good. These can help hydrate you lickety-split!

    Psst — it's also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free! 

    FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic.

    BuzzFeed writer Elizabeth Lilly swears by these:

    "I always ALWAYS pack this stuff for trips. I recently visited Vegas for ~48 hours for an outdoor music festival. I drank one in the morning before boarding my flight, then once I got checked into my hotel, then the next morning before the music festival where I was outside and guzzling tall boys of beer. And I felt great when I woke up the next day! Drinking Liquid IV also meant I didn't have to guzzle plain water (and then stand in line for the bathroom a ton) to stay hydrated for the 12+-hour festival." 

    Promising review: "I’m a tile setter in South Texas, and Liquid IV has made a significant difference in my ability to stay hydrated in these 100+ degree summer days." —Colton F.

    Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $21.11+ (available in 17 flavors; also available in sugar-free flavors). 

    13. An easy-to-install smart sprinkler controller since it monitors your local weather and will skip watering if the forecast calls for rain. It'll always provide the right amount of water, making sure your greens stay green AND your water bill stays low.

    reviewer image of the Rachio installed on the exterior of a home's siding
    reviewer image of a perfectly maintained lawn

    Promising review: "I installed this in February, and it had paid for itself by August by allowing me to turn off watering via the phone app from the comfort of where ever I was. The savings have accelerated this fall, and I expect by next February, I could buy another with the savings. Spring and summer were pretty dry, and the smart features really didn't come into play much. This fall has been pretty wet, and the Rachio has been good about both not watering if rain is coming and skipping if the 'ground is saturated.'" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $169.99+ (available in two styles).

    14. A pack of SPF-sensing stickers that change color to alert you as to when to apply more sunscreen. And because they're hypoallergenic, latex-free, and pain-free to take off, they're great for the whole family.

    sunscreen sticker on back of shoulder, clear
    sunscreen sticker after being out, now dark

    Promising review: "I'm multiracial with tan skin. I burn when [the sun is] intense, but I get a great tan otherwise. My 9-month-old is fair, fair, fair. Blue eyes and porcelain skin fair. I reapply my own SPF 50 after a few hours, but I'm not consistent. I've never been great about sunscreen, but I was not going to let my daughter get burned. We live in South Florida, and just walking or park time is a potential burning hazard. This is a great visual for me to reapply her sunscreen or make sure she gets in the shade. They're an absolute essential for parents, especially the 'sun goddess' type." —FlightLife

    Get 16 stickers from Amazon for $19.95 (also available in packs of 48).

    15. A portable electric mosquito repellent — this DEET-free and scent-free shield works to keep mosquitoes up to 15 feet away. Each repellent mat lasts up to four hours, and they change color to let you know it's time to replace them. So bring this out to your backyard and have some worry-free fun!

    reviewer photo of the repellent in pink
    reviewer photo of the repellent in blue

    Promising review: "I bought this because I was looking for an effective insect repellant for my patio this spring/summer. I didn't want a bulky candle or tiki torch that smelled like canola oil. I found the Thermacell. It looked modern and promising. We tried it, and it works really well. It also produces no smell or sound. We live in the south, where mosquitos are really awful, and the Thermacell made sitting on our patio tolerable! Definitely recommend." —Trusted Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $15.41+ (available in seven colors).

    16. A sand-removal powder bag because you love the beach, in theory, but in practice? You hate getting sand all over your body. This talc-free and reef-friendly bag easily removes sand and leaves you feeling clean.

    Comparison of a foot covered in sand before and after using a sand-removing product
    Amazon

    Shakalo is a small business based in San Diego.

    Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1–2 times a week. I even use it on my dog's paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of, too. I will definitely be buying the refill and another baggie to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

    Get it from Shakalo on Amazon for $24.99.

    17. A stick-on shade since the sun plans to tag along on your travel adventures so some protection from its rays might be nice. This is great especially if you have kids in the backseat.

    Promising review: "These shades work great. With a freshly cleaned window they stick to the glass quickly, even in Arizona. They fold up easily and stay on indefinitely." —Brad

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a two-pack and in an animal design).

    18. A windproof beach tent so you don't have to lie directly under the sun when all you want is to feel a cool breeze and hear the waves crash down. This spacious tent offers UPF 50+ protection, meaning the material can block 98% of harmful UV rays!

    Promising review: "What an amazing product! I needed this to go to the beach on a hot day (almost 100 degrees) for some shade. It is easy to put it up. On that hot day, it kept us from burning under the sun for four hours; we opened the windows for ventilation, and it worked fine." —Georgina

    Get it from Amazon for $31.98+ (available in four sizes and eight colors).

    19. And a foldable baby tent for trips to the beach or backyard! Covered in a breathable mesh, this playpen allows you to keep an eye on your little one while also providing them some shelter from UV rays since it comes with a UPF 50+ canopy.

    Lightweight, mint green mesh playpen set up outdoors on grass
    A baby wearing a long-sleeve onesie is sitting in a mesh playpen outdoors

    Promising review: "Keeps the bugs out! Baby loved having the space to roam and enjoy the sunshine. Very easy to set up — literally just pops open! Comes with stakes to secure into the ground or sand. Also comes with a top attachment for extra shade. I was worried it might get muggy inside the tent, but there was great ventilation, and the baby stayed cool as a cucumber. This thing is going to be great for the beach and all the sunny days ahead. I was tempted to buy two: one for home and another for travel. Highly recommend." —Sam

    Get it from Amazon for $114.99+ (available in six colors).

    20. A laptop shade because it'll not only give you privacy while you work by the crowded pool but it'll also help protect your laptop from the heat of the sun.

    SunShader is a small biz!

    Promising review: "This truly blocks the sun and stays on strong and secure. It's also lightweight and slim when folded up for easy transport. I have a MacBook Air, and it fits perfectly without any space for the sun to come in. Great product!" —HML

    Get it from SunShader on Amazon for $54.99+ (available in two sizes).

    21. A pack of towel bands so you don't have to curse the winds for carrying your towel away from the chair you claimed at the pool. These durable latex bands won't rust, break, or lose strength over time like towel clips.

    White towel with a blue towel band across it, securing it to a chair
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Last-minute purchase for a trip to Jamaica. So happy I bought them. They always kept our towels on the chairs correctly. It was also easy to tell our chairs apart from others on the resort. Will definitely be recommending them to others." —RG

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four colors).

    22. A refillable roll-on sponge sunscreen applicator that's easy enough for your kids to use (with supervision, of course)! Just fill it with your sunscreen of choice, and let the fun in the sun begin! Plus? There'll be less mess on your hands.

    Promising review: "My children are fair-skinned and extremely easy to burn. Wearing sunscreen is not optional, but they still fight me every time. Using this product was so fast and easy they didn't even complain!!" —Jeshleigh

    Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in 10 colors).

    23. A set of heel caps because it's stiletto weather but you shouldn't have to risk sinking into dirt, gravel, and grass just to look sharp.

    plastic flower-shaped cap on stiletto heel keeping it from sinking into gravel
    A pair of sparkling high-heeled shoes with heel caps on them

    Promising review: "I just tried these last weekend at an outdoor wedding with an indoor reception. They were amazing! I kept them on all night. First, I walked outside in thick grass, and the wedding photos were taken in a mushy grassy area. I didn't sink even a little bit. It was fantastic. My heels were fabulous. I then decided to leave them on for the rest of the night since they made my heels more stable and comfortable. So glad I tried them. I was showing them off to the other ladies, and everyone loved the look of them." —J L D

    Get a pair on Amazon for $11.99 (available in four sizes).

    Check out my colleague's full Stoppers Heel Protectors review.

    24. A waterproof baby carrier with adjustable straps so you can take your little one into the pool with you and they can safely splash around. It features adjustable, padded straps for the wearer's comfort.

    Perfect for little ones between 4 months and 24 months old.

    Promising review: "Absolutely love this product. I used it when my son was only about 6 to 9 months old, and I still use it now as he is 15 months old. I just love this product. It is so easy to use with the babies. Love it as they get to be in the water as well. This product also dries very quickly. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be in the water with their children. An added benefit is that you are hands-free!" —Hannabelle

    Get it from Amazon for $89.55 (available in six colors).

    25. A long-reaching lotion applicator — moisturize your back without trying (and failing) to force your arms to bend in ways they simply don't. You can also use this to apply self-tanner or sunscreen on your back. No more sunburns in places you normally can't reach!

    Collage of people using holding the lotion applicator
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Living alone, it is impossible to lotion your own back. This tool is perfect. It works very well to distribute the lotion all over and is easy to clean. Absolutely love it!" —Kathi

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.