5 summer staples to get you through vacation season

Don't leave home without these

The Grand Canyon.
(Image credit: MargaretW/iStock)

1. National Parks Annual Pass ($80)

2. Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen ($13)

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This coral-friendly lotion earns top marks from the Environmental Working Group. Its nongreasy mineral formula rubs in easily and remains water-resistant for 80 minutes. The large, 6-oz tube could live in your bag all summer long. Buy it at Amazon.

3. J. Crew Dock Shorts ($50)

These stretchy chino shorts, available in five colors, "practically demand to be bought in bulk." They have three deep pockets, they're "as breathable as it gets," and the inseam — neither too short nor too long — "passes the Goldilocks test with flying colors." Buy it at J. Crew.

4. Malin + Goetz Stem Eau de Parfum ($95)

For a perfume that fits the season, try Stem, a garden-like cocktail of mandarin leaves, freesia greens, rose stems, and jasmine buds. It "perfectly captures the calming, soothing scent of newly trimmed ­foliage." Buy it at Malin + Goetz.

5. Onyx Paddle Ice Pop Mold ($35)

There's no shortage of fun plastic molds for making juice pops for houseguests, but this stainless-steel set "always draws oohs and aahs." The molds also release from the frame separately, so they're great when you're snacking solo. Buy it at Amazon.

Editor's note: Every week The Week's editors survey product reviews and articles in websites, newspapers, and magazines, to find cool and useful new items we think you'll like. We're now making it easier to purchase these selections through affiliate partnerships with certain retailers. The Week may get a share of the revenue from these purchases.