Favorite Beach Essentials From a Mom of Two Tiny Tornadoes

Published on 2 July 2025 at 09:13

Look, I get it. You think going to the beach is all about laying out in the sun, sipping a cocktail, and looking like a carefree human being. But then, you have two boys aged 4 and 1, and suddenly it’s more like a weekly episode of Survivor: Sand Edition.

After countless sandstorms (thanks, toddlers), chasing rogue snack spills, and wrestling with every beach tent known to mankind, I’ve narrowed down the five absolute essentials that every local parent should pack to survive the beach — and maybe even enjoy it.

 

The Nesso Tent — Because Shade Should Not Be a Myth

If you think pitching a regular beach umbrella is a breeze, you clearly haven’t met my 4-year-old’s “strong gust of wind.” I know, the Shibumi Shade is a favoriet for a lot of people-it's easy to but up, easy to pack up, and takes up the smallest amount of space.  But who needs the noise (or the price tag), and what happens if there is no wind? Enter the Nesso tent: the magical fortress of shade that actually stays put.  It comes in multiple sizes, no noise, and packs up nicely too.

The Sand-Wiping Beach Blanket That Stakes to the Ground — Yes, Really

Remember those beach blankets that turn into sand magnets? Yeah, those are for people who want to bring half the beach home. This one? Sand wipes off like it owes you money. Plus, you stake it to the ground, which means no more wrestling matches with the wind or trying to explain to your toddler why their “flying blanket” is grounded. A win for sanity.

The Bogg Bag — Because A Regular Beach Bag is a Lie

Normal beach bags are for people who like soggy swimsuits and leaking sunscreen in their trunks. The Bogg Bag? Waterproof, sand-resistant, and built like a tank. It’s basically the superhero of beach totes, holding everything from toys to snacks to your sanity. If you don’t have one, you’re just carrying a glorified purse filled with beach garbage. Also, there are so many accessories to add (check out my amazon finds to see what I mean).

The Snackle Box — Snack Time, Minus the Sand Crunch

Let’s talk snacks. If you have kids, you know snacks are survival currency. The Snackle Box is designed for parents who want their food not to taste like a sandy shoe. It separates snacks so no more mysterious “crunch” in the crackers, and it’s compact enough to fit in even the tiniest of toddler-carrying arms. Yes, you can bribe your kid with snacks AND keep your dignity.

The Scout Beach Bag — Because Style and Function Can Coexist

Finally, the Scout Beach Bag. Yes, I bring two beach bags with me-this one holds all the towels, extra clothes, diapers, sunscreen...you know, the things that start off dry and sand free. Stylish enough to make you feel like you belong on a beach magazine cover (even if you look like you just survived a small tornado), but practical enough to hold everything a family of four could possibly need. 

So there you have it: my top 5 beach must-haves for local parents who want to survive (and maybe enjoy) their weekly sandy chaos. Get these right, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to kick back for a minute without chasing a rogue toddler or fishing sand out of places sand shouldn’t be.