20+ Summer Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do)

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Summer is finally here, and no matter if you are planning a getaway, a BBQ, or just trying to stay cool during a British heatwave, having the right essentials can make all the difference.

In this guide, I’ve put together some of my favourite summer products to help you make the most of the season. From skincare heroes and comfy fashion finds to must-have gadgets and staycation-ready goodies, everything here is designed to keep you feeling fresh, fabulous and fully ready for whatever summer throws your way.

So grab a cold drink, pop your sunnies on, and let’s dive into this season’s must-haves!

Arianna Grande – Ari from Perfume Direct

The Ariana Grande “Ari” Eau de Parfum is the ultimate sweet-meets-sassy scent for summer days and starry nights. It opens with juicy pear, pink grapefruit, and raspberry blossom, then settles into a creamy heart of vanilla orchid before finishing with marshmallow, musk and blond woods. It’s light, fruity, and youthful, think marshmallowy clouds in perfume form and totally perfect for bagging on-the-go moments or breezy evening strolls.

Offering a strong sillage and delightful longevity on clothes, even if on the skin it can dip after around four hours. Packaged in a cute bottle that’s just asking to sit prettily in your travel case, it’s as much a joy to look at as it is to wear. Whether you’re gifting it or treating yourself before a cheeky summer getaway, it hits that sweet spot of fun, confidence, and nostalgic charm.

Where to Buy: Available from Perfume Direct currently £41.99 for 100 ml, £32.99 for 50 ml, or £26.99 for 30 ml.

Rio Mare Insalatissime Tuna Salads

When you need something easy, tasty, and travel‑friendly for those picnic blankets or balcony brunches, Rio Mare Insalatissime Tuna Salads are the ultimate go-to. These ready-to-eat packs combine tender Mediterranean tuna with flavour-packed veggies, think sweetcorn, beans, chickpeas or couscous, sealed in stay-fresh packaging that keeps everything crisp and juicy. They’re an effortless twist on convenience that still feels fancy enough for a sunny lunch date.

Each salad comes in at around 200–300 calories, with roughly 10–22g of protein and 10–22g of carbs, even keeping fat moderate thanks to lean tuna and olive oil dressing. With no chopping, cooking or washing up involved, they’re perfect for beach days, quick lunch fixes, or even topping a green salad on the go.

Where to Buy: Available from Waitrose, Ocado, and Morrisons; look out for the Insalatissime range in flavours like Corn, Couscous, Beans, Chickpeas and more.

Sausage Dog Mini Travel Case

Keep your small summer must-haves stylishly organised with the Mini Travel Case from Rex London. This adorable case is covered in sausage dog drawings and packed with personality. Offering just enough space for headphones, lip balm, contact case or snack. It’s an ideal companion for your handbag, beach bag, or the top of your holiday suitcase, bringing a cheeky smile every time you reach for something inside.

What I love most is how it blends quirky character with practical use, no more rummaging in a messy bag! Plus, the wipe-clean material means sand, sunscreen, and spills don’t stand a chance. It’s the small detail that elevates your travel game and instantly adds a bit of fun to everyday organisation.

Where to Buy: Pick up the Sausage Dog Mini Travel Case from Rex London, where it costs £3.95.

Sosig

Kids and adults alike will love Sosig, a super-portable and playful sausage-themed tile-placement game that packs big fun into a tiny box. Playable in just 10–15 swift minutes, players draw sausage “body” and “head” tiles and aim to build complete sausages for points. While bonus points are on offer if you add spicy tiles or fulfil special order cards. But watch out for “Burn” or “Chomp” cards: these little take-that twists can dramatically derail your sausage masterpiece and your plans to win.

It’s brilliant for family holidays, camping trips, or rainy-day indoor breaks as the game wraps up quickly, which means more fun and less waiting. The charming design and simple rules make it a fantastic filler game and a go-to travel companion.

Where to Buy: You can grab Sosig for £7.99 from Amazon UK.

Off On Hols! 7 Day Countdown Calendar from TOYL

Kick off your holiday prep in style with the OFF ON HOLS 7‑Day Beauty Calendar from TOYL, your mini, pre‑holiday countdown wrapped up in one fabulous box. For just £29.99 (worth over £59), you get seven travel and airport‑friendly skincare and beauty treats, think hydrating creams, SPF saviours, eye masks and more, all designed to get you glowing before you even pack your bag.

Each day, peel back a door to discover a brand‑new pampering delight perfect as a fun solo ritual or a little indulgence shared with a friend. It’s got that excitement of an advent calendar but for summer, and it’s been described as “a first‑of‑its‑kind, exclusive beauty calendar to help you get summer‑ready like never before”.

Where to Buy: Snag the beauty calendar from [TOYL – Time Of Your Life] for £29.99 (free P&P).

Travel Scales with Tape Measure

If you’re the type who always ends up repacking at the airport, these Travel Scales with Tape Measure in stylish petrol blue from Rex London could be your new holiday hero. Compact, lightweight, and super easy to use, this nifty little gadget helps you avoid surprise excess baggage fees by weighing your suitcase before you even leave the hotel. No more balancing on bathroom scales or guessing whether your haul of local snacks has tipped the limit!

It also comes with a handy built-in tape measure, perfect for checking cabin bag dimensions. Plus, let’s be honest, it just looks fab, a great little buy if you’re planning summer getaways or even just want to be more organised for weekends away.

Where to Buy: Pick it up from Rex London for £6.95.

Vista Print – Water Bottle with Carabiner

Stay refreshed in personalised style with this water bottle from VistaPrint. Sleek, lightweight, and full of attitude, it’s the perfect sidekick for picnics, afternoon walks, and trips to the beach.

This single-walled aluminium bottle comes with a handy twist-on lid and a carabiner clip, just attach it to your bag and go, no spills in sight. The water bottle can be personalised with a full-colour wrap design, which allows you to show off a favourite photo as you head off on your summer adventures.

Where to Buy: Pick it up from Vistaprint starting at £11.94 for a single bottle..

Triumph Midnight Swim Swimming Costume

Looking for a swimsuit that’s got the flattering fit and a touch of glam? The Triumph “Midnight Swim” Swimming Costume delivers just that. With a sleek cut, subtle plunge detailing, and a decorative ring accent, it feels playful without trying too hard. The padded cups help to offer support and are both removable and quick-drying.

This elegant swimsuit is going to be perfect all summer long, from days at the beach to times by the pool

Where to Buy: Available now through Triumph’s UK site & select retailers with an RRP of £60.

VQ Cath Kidston – Power Bank

Looking for a stylish lifesaver for those long summer days out? This Cath Kidston Power Bank from Cath Kidston is your perfect companion. Adorned with a fantastic bee pattern, it’s both gorgeous and practical. Compact enough to slip into your bag, it packs enough juice to recharge your phone (and even a tablet) at least once (it offers 3 hours of charge), making it perfect for beach days, festivals, or getaways where charging points are scarce

What makes it extra clever? Dual USB ports (USB‑C + USB‑A) let you charge two devices together, and built‑in safety features protect against overheating and overcharging. There’s also a handy LED torch that doubles as a mini flashlight.

Where to Buy: Snag it now for £19.99 from Amazon UK.

Yoto Mini and Accessories

If you’re heading out on summer adventures with little ones in tow, the Yoto Mini is an absolute game-changer. This screen-free audio player is designed for kids, giving them the freedom to listen to stories, music, learning content, and more, all without the need for Wi-Fi. The Yoto Mini is compact enough to pop into little hands (or your bag), with simple, chunky controls built for little hands. So no matter if you are off on a long car journey or just spending a quiet afternoon in the garden, it’s a fab way to keep young minds entertained without a screen in sight.

Plus, it’s not just the player itself that makes this range shine; the accessories are just as clever. The Yoto Mini Adventure Jacket adds grip and drop protection, while the Yoto Mini Travel Case and Card Case help keep everything organised on the go. Pair it all with the Yoto Wireless Headphones (designed for safe listening) and a stash of Yoto Cards filled with their favourite stories, songs or music, and you’ve got the ultimate summer-ready audio kit. It’s ideal for road trips, rainy day backups, and even bedtime wind-downs in unfamiliar places.

Where to Buy: You can find the full Yoto range, including the Yoto Mini (£59.99) and accessories, at Yoto Play UK.

Wildsmith Skin Super Moisturising Treatment Mist

When the heat hits, our skin can quickly go from glowing to parched, and that’s where the Wildsmith Skin Super Moisturising Treatment Mist steps in. This luxurious facial mist is more than just a quick refresh; it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate, soothe and protect. With a light, spa-like scent and a featherweight feel, it’s the kind of product that instantly makes you feel more put-together, even when the weather’s trying to melt you.

It’s brilliant for layering under your skincare, topping up hydration throughout the day, or giving your skin a gentle pick-me-up after time in the sun. I especially love how it helps reduce that tight, dry feeling you can get after air-con or long days outdoors. It’s a little bottle of calm in the chaos of summer—and yes, it looks very fancy on your skincare shelf too.

Where to Buy: Available direct from Wildsmith Skin – RRP £40.

Warmies Honey Bee

She’s large, she’s buzzy, and she’s here to warm your heart (and your lap): meet the Warmies Honey Bee! This plush is fully microwavable, scented with real dried French lavender, and perfectly weighted to deliver up to two hours of snugged-in comfort, ideal for soothing hot summer evenings, chilly mornings, or even little anxieties when you’re away from home

More than a cute companion, Bees are clever multitaskers: use them warm for cosy snuggles or pop them in the freezer for a cooling chill on balmy days or after a stint in the sun. It’s like a mini hug in toy form, and at £24.99, it’s a sweet, self-care steal for all ages.

Where to Buy: Grab the Warmies Honey Bee directly from Warmies UK for £24.99.

Helly Hansen Women’s HH Slides

When the sun’s out and shoes feel like too much effort, the Helly Hansen Women’s HH Slides step in as the comfy, casual hero your summer wardrobe needs. Lightweight and easy to wear, these slides are perfect for everything from lounging in the garden, a day at the pool or even a quick dash to the corner shop. The moulded footbed adds a surprising level of comfort, while the wide strap keeps them secure without digging in, making them a joy to wear all day long.

I love how they combine laid-back style with Helly Hansen’s signature quality. Whether you’re heading to the beach or just want something simple to pop on after a long day, these slides are practical without being boring. They’re water-friendly too, so ideal if your summer plans involve sea, sprinklers or spontaneous paddling.

Where to Buy: You can grab a pair directly from Helly Hansen, where they come in at £35.

Opies

If you’re building a beautiful summer BBQ spread, picnic platter, or sundowner setup, the Opies range of British pickles and preserves is your secret ingredient. Since 1880, this family-run, Kent-based brand has been making pantry staples like lemon slices, mini gherkins, black cherries, stem ginger, and mixed peel that turn simple nibbles into something effortlessly elegant. These jars aren’t just tasty, they’re conversation starters, brightening up cheese boards, adding to delicious cakes, or even fizzing up your G&T

The range is ambient-stored, meaning they are perfect to pop in your suitcase for a staycation, cottage getaway or al fresco lunch, to help you add a little something extra to your cocktails, cakes and snack boards with no fridge necessary until opened.

Where to Buy: You can find Opies jars at stores like Sous Chef, Sainsburys, Tesco and other stores.

Omnilux Squalane Jelly Moisturiser

Need something light, soothing, and skin-loving for post-beach or poolside? The Omnilux Squalane Jelly Moisturizer is a dream. Featuring a featherweight jelly-like texture, it’s powered by hydrating squalane, pore-reducing niacinamide, and oat kernel to soothe the skin. In time, it helps to restore your moisture barrier after sun exposure, helps minimise enlarged pores, and is gentle enough for daily use even on blemish-prone or sensitive skin.

It’s also the perfect travel companion: no fuss, no heavy creams, just ultra-light hydration that layers effortlessly over SPF or after LED skincare (if you use it). At around £42 for a 50 ml bottle, it feels luxe but practical for summer, especially when your skin needs a little extra TLC after SPF and salty swims.

Where to Buy: Available via the Omnilux website (currently about £42.80) in a 50 ml size.

Odylique Summer Products

Organic, gentle and designed with caring for your skin in mind, the Odylique collection brings natural love to every sunny day. First up, the Hydrating Lavender Shampoo is perfect for soothing the scalp after salt, sun and sweat. It’s 100% natural, 62.6% organic, pH-balanced, and packed with nourishing oils (avocado, coconut), plus rosemary and aloe to leave hair soft without stripping essential oils

Next, the Superfruit Concentrate is a luxurious yet lightweight face oil blend of premium rosehip, sea buckthorn, pomegranate, avocado, jojoba and rosemary. Certified organic and full of antioxidants to support radiant, summer skin, it’s a brightener that doubles as a prepping primer for sticky-hot days.

For those who want deeper hydration, the Ultra Rich Balm is a multi-purpose hero to soothe dry elbows, sun-kissed cheeks or flaky patches. With a rich texture, clean ingredients it offers intense hydration for very dry skin.

And finally, the Natural Sun Screen SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) using mineral filters and gentle botanical ingredients, making it perfect for those sunny moments or daily outdoor outings.

Where to Buy: These gems are available on the Odylique site and at select natural beauty retailers.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm

This sweet jar of skincare magic is a true one-pot wonder, offering up a balm that melts into the skin and works as a cleanser, overnight mask, cheek highlight, cuticle salve, or eyebrow tamer. It is packed full of incredible ingredients such as organic wild rosehip, shea butter, jojoba, borage and hemp oils that help it nourish deeply and add a radiant boost.

Whether your vibe is a post-beach moisture rescue or a chilled bedtime ritual, this balm delivers. The newer Wild Rose Beauty Balm in a vegan formula swaps beeswax for candelilla and introduces silky pumpkin and sumac berry waxes.

Where to Buy: Available in 15 and 50 g jars via Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Black Tea Strengthening Shampoo from Murdock London

The Murdock London Black Tea Strengthening Shampoo is a sleek little hero for anyone in need of summer-ready hair. Infused with caffeine-rich black tea, amino acids, and panthenol, it aims to boost volume, nourish strands, and give hair that fuller, thicker look without sulfates or parabens.

It’s clear, gel-like texture lathers up gently and rinses cleanly, leaving your hair fresh, soft, and ready for styling.

Where to Buy: Available in both 250 ml (£21.00) and 50 ml (£10.00) sizes via Murdock London.

Malibu Sun Protection

Heading off into the sun? Meet your summer squad: Malibu Sun’s SPF30 lotions, sprays, face cream, and lip balms are all designed to keep you protected without fuss.

The SPF30 Lotion Aerosol Spray is a continuous mist that’s vitamin-enriched, water-resistant, and photostable, great for freeing up your hands on beach days or festival trips.

Then there’s the lightweight SPF30 Face Cream that combines aloe vera and Vitamin E in a non-greasy tube, perfect for quick reapplications during sunny walks.

Don’t forget your lips: the SPF30 Lip Care Balm 3‑pack comes in juicy flavours like Watermelon, Vanilla, and Mint. All of which is water‑ and sweat‑resistant and made in England for just a few quid.

Where to Buy: Find the full range over on the Malibu website.

The Hydrating All Over Deodorant from Luna Daily

Need a deodorant that works on delicate summer areas like inner thighs, under-bust or back of the knees? Luna Daily’s Hydrating All‑Over Deodorant™ is your summer bodycare MVP. This silky gel stick glides on invisibly, feeling refreshing and cool (without leaving stains or stickiness) thanks to a lightweight, balm-like formula. It is powered by DEO‑PLEX® enzymes to neutralise odour at the source, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and prebiotics to support your microbiome.

With two fresh scents, Jasmine & Ylang Ylang or Fresh Cotton, it’s a light and non-overpowering deodorant which leaves you feeling confident. What’s more, it is chemical-free, pH-balanced, and aluminium-free.

Where to Buy: Grab your 70 g stick (8‑week supply) from Luna Daily for £14.

Just One

Looking for a light, laugh‑packed game to round out your summer evenings? Just One is the teamwork treasure you didn’t know you needed. In this cooperative party game, 3–7 players team up to help one person guess a secret word using just a single‑word clue each. Just make sure none of you accidentally choose the same word, or it gets cancelled! Quick to learn, fast to play (about 20 minutes a round), it’s a perfect blend of brain-teasing creativity and silly fun.

Whether you’re at a holiday cottage, packing for a beach staycation, or enjoying a BBQ night, Just One is a fab fill‑in game that never overstays its welcome. It’s won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award in 2019 and continues to be praised for sparking laughter, surprise, and warm teamwork vibes, exactly the kind of game that turns chatty evenings into memorable moments.

Where to Buy: Available from Amazon UK and various UK retailers (typically around £18–20).

JLAB JBuds Mini

When you’re out and about this summer, the JLab JBuds Mini are perfect for seizing every moment, without weight or bulk slowing you down. These are some of the tiniest true wireless earbuds around, each bud weighing just over 3 g and fitting snugly into a keyring-style case. Despite their size and wallet-friendly price (around £40), they offer nearly six hours of battery life per charge and still pack a punch when it comes to sound.

They’re sweat-resistant (IP55), making them great for summer strolls, killer workouts, or catching shows in bed. They offer clear calls and a be aware mode along with being very comfortable, easy to use, and convenient to carry, making them a solid choice if you’ve got smaller ears or just want something fuss-free.

JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3

If you’re after something more robust for sport, the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 is a premium summer gym buddy. Featuring hybrid dual-driver audio with hybrid ANC, LDAC hi‑res support, and earhooks designed to stay put even during intense sessions, these are built to move with you.

They offer up a long battery life of 52 hours of playback, clear audio, and a sweatproof IP66 rating, and customisable sound via the JLab app, alongside multipoint Bluetooth pairing and a built-in interval timer, making them a winner for fitness fanatics.

Where to Buy: Find out more about these headphones and others they have on offer at the JLab website.

Hervitality Cooling Mist

When the summer sun decides to crank things up or those sneaky menopausal night sweats strike, the HerVitality Cooling Mist is your portable oasis. Clinically proven to be cooling with just one spritz, it uses gentle hero ingredients like rose water and aloe vera to instantly soothe, refresh, and hydrate overheated skin. It even balances moisture with humectants like hyaluronic acid and betaine, and comes in a handy 100 ml bottle that’s perfect for handbag or suitcase stash.

Dermatologically tested and GenM approved for menopausal women, this mist is a discreet summer lifesaver, especially when kept chilled in the fridge for that extra “ahhh” moment.

Where to Buy: Available from Boots, Amazon UK, and other retailers at around £8.66 for a 100 ml bottle.

The Take-Out One

Swipe‑on sun safety? Yes please! The Hello Sunday “The Take‑Out One” Invisible Sun Stick SPF 30 is a cult-favourite for a reason. This travel-friendly stick glides on clear, leaving no greasy residue or worse, sticky hands. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, it hydrates while shielding you from UVA/UVB rays, and a gentle scent which is refreshingly summery without being overpowering. It’s water- and sweat-resistant too, so reapplying after beach dips or garden workouts is hassle-free.

For £20, it’s your handbag’s BFF, a convenient, clean, eco‑friendly way to stay sun-safe wherever you go.

Where to Buy: Grab your SPF stick from Hello Sunday for £20, with free UK delivery over £30 or snag it at retailers like Cult Beauty or Lookfantastic when it’s in stock.

Miracle Mist

Light, clean, and delightfully hydrating, the FIGGI Beauty Miracle Mist is the kind of facial spritz you’ll reach for all summer long. Infused with rooibos extract, aloe, niacinamide and allantoin, it calms, revives and lends a dewy radiance in one easy spritz. No fragrance, essential oils, or artificial nasties, just pure, soothing hydration for sensitive skin.

No matter if you are topping up sun-exposed skin, setting makeup, or just craving a midday reset, it’s lightweight yet nourishing, and every bathroom countertop deserves one. Loved by those with reactive skin, it was just awarded Silver for Best Toning Mist at the Universal Beauty Awards 2025.

Where to Buy: Grab a 120 ml bottle of Miracle Mist from FIGGI Beauty UK for £29, with free delivery over £30.

elete Electrolytes Pocket Bottle

Need portable, no-fuss hydration for hot days, workouts, or travel? elete Electrolytes Pocket Bottle (25 ml) is your go-to. This tiny dropper delivers a powerful blend of four essential electrolytes: magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride, plus 70+ trace minerals.

Just add 2.5 ml to 1 litre of any drink to make refreshing electrolyte water without sugar, calories, or artificial flavours. It’s WADA-certified and works in hydration packs with zero residue or smell, ideal for gym bags, backpacks, or beach kits.

Where to Buy: Pick up the elete Pocket Bottle (25 ml) from eleteWater.co.uk or health shops for £8.90 (includes ~10 servings).

Codenames

If you’re after a game that’s clever, quick, and sparks loads of laughter, Codenames is an absolute must. This word association game has players split into two teams, each with a “Spymaster” giving word clues to help teammates guess their words on the grid without accidentally picking the opposing team or the dreaded assassin! It’s equal parts strategic and silly, with just enough pressure to keep things exciting. Perfect for 4–8 players (or more with teams!), It’s quick to learn and endlessly replayable.

What makes Codenames such a summer gem is how versatile it is; you can play it indoors, at the park, or around a picnic blanket, and it only takes about 15–20 minutes per round. It’s the kind of game that brings out everyone’s inner word fiend, and it’s just as fun whether you’re playing with family or friends.

Where to Buy: Available now on Amazon UK for around £16.99, with other editions like Disney and Duet also available for mixing things up.

Arighi Bianchi Shroom Shine Mushroom Table Lamp

This charming Shroom Shine Mushroom Table Lamp from Arighi Bianchi is crafted from hand-blown glass, shaped like a delightful mushroom and available in a range of colours including this dreamy blue hue. The striped glass pattern gives it a sophisticated, tactile look, whether lit or not, and the soft, ambient glow is perfect for bedside reading, cosy corners, or summer evening vibes. Mains-powered with an easy inline on/off switch, it’s both practical and playful and most definitely ideal for adding a touch of whimsical light to your summer sanctuary.

Priced at £30, it’s a budget-friendly piece of mood lighting that feels a little fancy, offering an easy way to sprinkle charm without splashing out. No matter if you are curating a staycation haven or refreshing your home decor, this lamp blends form and function beautifully.

Where to Buy: Snag the Shroom Shine Mushroom Table Lamp in blue from Arighi Bianchi for £30.

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