It’s finally, officially summer 2021. Thank God. So many of us are trying to figure out what this post-vaccination, new normal world is going to really look like. (And also, please, get vaccinated. KK?) I wanted to share some things to do and have which are perfect for summer 2021.
My family and I are planning a fun, yet low-key summer. We are tiptoeing back into the travel world, getting out a little more around town, and particpating in a few weeks of summer camp. We have 4 out of the 6 members of our family fully vacinated so we have more flexibility than last year. However, we know the Covid-19 pandemic is not over. Check out products I found that help my family and I live smarter and easier for summer 2021.
8 Things You Need For Summer 2021
1. U-Stand, $49.99
This new product is pretty amazing. We are heading to the beach over the 4th of July weekend and I ordered this U-Stand to take our beach trip to the next level. The U-Stand is an umbrella stand which is part container, part cooler, part umbrella stand, and part cup holder, and all awesome.
The all-in-one product can hold our beach gear, keep our drinks cool, and make sure our beach umbrella doesn’t fly away. The U-Stand is made with durable, UV-protected plastic and will fit any umbrella, ranging from resort-grade wood poles to the standard beach umbrella.
2. The Comfy, $39.99
The Comfy is a one-size fits all super, crazy soft wearable blanket. This is lightest, softest, and most comfy hooded blanket I’ve ever seen. The Comfy Dream is giant, fitting all ages, sizes and genders. It’s perfect for cool summer nights or dealing with the air-conditioning that is a little bit too cold.
The Comfy Dream is a single layer of luscious microfiber that’s as soft as a baby blanket. You can wear it around the house, pack it easily to travel, or even sleep in it (which my 11 year old has done since we opened the box).
3. Infamous Swim Swimwear, $69+
Matching swimwear for Dads and their kids? Yes, please. These Infamous Swim suits are adorable and very fashion-forward. The men’s trunks are a bit more fitted and are a little shorter than what you may be used to, but they are so cute!
The brand is famous for twinning swimwear with their Mini Swim collection as well as offering matching options for the special guy in your life! Infamous carries an array of styles and matching accessories! The best part about this company is their mission to help everyone embrace the body you have and bring awareness to body positivity no matter your size, gender or stage in life.
4. A Staycation, Hotel Colee, $175+
So you want to get away, right? This summer, a staycation might be just the thing your family needs. With two kids still unvaccinated, we haven’t wanted to travel very far. So when the opportunity came to hang out for a few days at Hotel Colee in Atlanta’s posh Buckhead neighborhood, I jumped at it. The Marriott-owned hotel is super hip and sleek. I felt like one of the cool kids here for sure.
I loved that they offer connecting rooms as well as suites to give families extra room. The luxe linens and body products in the rooms were heavenly. We even got a couple of kid-free hours to hang out at the Bubbly Bar! Chocolate martinis for the win!
5. Nintendo Switch, $199+
I love the Nintendo Switch because it can help you spend quality time together as a family (or siblings) this summer. Or, it can give one of my teens or preteens the ability to tune it all out and have fun on their own. Whether we are at home, on the road, with friends, or during our long-awaited vacation, the Nintendo Switch can help. Check out our 9 favorite Nintendo Switch games for summer 2021.
- NBA 2K21
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Just Dance 2021
- Mario Golf: Super Rush
- Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
- Minecraft
- New Pokémon Snap
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
6. A [NEW] board game: Super Mario Monopoly, $29.99
We spent so much time in 2020 working our way through the board games we have in our arsenal. So for summer 2021, we needed something new. I received the recently released Super Mario Celebration Monopoly game just in time. Players can buy, sell, trade, and scheme to win it all with iconic Super Mario artwork, characters, and themes. My kiddos loved the Question Block with the fun classic Super Mario sound effects. And I loved that we could play the game in under an hour!
7. A gift basket (for others or you), $19.99+
You deserve a treat. Your family deserves a treat. Why not surprise them with a yummy gourmet gift basket? GourmetGiftBaskets.com has a great new collection of gifts to match all kinds of families and their secret desires for delectable deliveries. Send one to the family you haven’t seen in 18 months or send one to yourself. You’re worth it! Here are my 3 favorite gift baskets to send to yourself.
- Baked Goods Sampler, $59.99 Nestled inside a sliding lid crate are scrumptious cookies, decadent brownies, and original chocolate and vanilla whoopie pies.
- Mixed Nut Collection, $39.99. Many people would go nuts for this gift. The wood tray cradles premium peanuts, cashews, pistachios, and almonds. I gave this healthy gift basket to my husband for Father’s Day this year.
- Meat and Cheese Basket, $59.99. This basket includes an array of artisan meats, cheeses, and crackers. The snacking possibilities are endless.
8. Go to a ballpark: Gwinnett Stripers, $5+
Baseball is the game of summer for a reason. The crack of the bat echoing off the stands…the 7th inning stretch…the popcorn my kids spill all over the seats but I don’t have to clean up…love it! I’m excited to check out the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers Minor League Baseball team during summer 2021. They play their home games at Coolray Field and I have heard these games are crazy fun, family-friendly and among more manageable crowds. Plus the tickets are WAY more affordable than going to an Atlanta Braves game. I want to see a 6-4-3 and eat some caramel corn. Stat. It has been way too long.
Summer 2021 will be different (again) but we can do this. We can make this new normal…well…normal. What do you need to have a sensational summer this year?
