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Ah, summer, the actual most wondrous time of the year. (Don’t @ me, winter.) The weather is hot, the ocean is beckoning, and the canned drinks are waiting in an icy-cold cooler just for you.
No matter what kind of summer adventures you’re seeking — a day at the beach or a backyard barbecue with all your favorite people — you can get all the supplies you need delivered straight to your front stoop through DoorDash. Read on for all my favorite summer-fun products, from the most hydrating chapstick to the best inflatable cooler.
Plus, DoorDash is offering five weeks of deals for DashPass members (sign up!) to help you make your summer better — at a better value.
For an Afternoon at the Beach
Summer isn’t summer without at least one beach day, but there are a few things you’ll need to make yours succeed. First off, sunscreen. I am extremely partial to the Supergoop! Glow Stick, which comes in the most adorable neon yellow tube and gives you SPF 50 protection and a highly flattering glow with each buttery-soft swipe — put it on your cheekbones and thank me later.
Next up, shade — because even with sunscreen, a full day of direct sun exposure is good for no one. Try a lightweight, transportable option like this Body Glove Sunrise Stripe 7' Beach Umbrella, which has a 2-way tilt mechanism to adjust for the sun’s position. It also comes with 50+ UPF protection and a power twist base for anchoring into the sand.
Then of course you’ll need some proper beach towels — or better yet, an oversized blanket for two. Finish it off with a waterproof wireless Bluetooth speaker so you can blast your tunes without worrying about sand and water damage.
For the Ultimate Camping Trip
If your idea of a summer adventure means a few nights in the woods, it’s time to gear up with a few camping essentials. Of course, you’ll need to start with shelter, and a Quest Overlook 4-Person Dome Tent is an excellent option thanks to its free-standing frame for easy setup.
Next, grab a couple of Quest Adults Timber Rec Black Sleeping Bags which are lightweight enough for warm-weather camping and surprisingly great value for how cozy they are (and how small they compress for transport).
Then it’s time for the varsity-level camp accessories: My three non-negotiables are a Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp (a lightweight, storm-proof, 300-lumen must-have for cooking, hiking, and setting up tents after dark), a MSR PocketRocket 2 Canister Stove for boiling water, and a pour-over set for turning said boiling water into a surprisingly excellent cup of morning coffee.
For a Summer Pool Party
There is no more coveted summer accessory than swimming pool access. But whether you’re hosting your own pool party or just trying to zhuzh up someone else’s, inflatables are key.
Grab a pool float for a highly Instagrammable drift sesh and a Palm Tree Oasis Inflatable Cooler so your ice-cold drinks can float alongside you. Bonus points if you fill that baby up with a variety pack of Cutwater canned cocktails — the Tiki Rum Mai Tais are particularly on-theme and surprisingly tasty. (*Alcohol delivery and alcohol sales are permitted in certain states and only to people 21+. Please drink responsibly.)
For a Sleepaway Camp Care Package
If your kids are spending their summer doing color wars in a cabin far, far away, part of the bargain is sending them a really excellent care package once in a while. The ideal care package formula must include at least one thing from each of the following categories: edible + useful + fun.
Start off with some treats: A Crumbl Cookies 6-Pack will never fail to delight, nor will a Cheez-It Variety Pack as a savory option. Throw in some useful items like bug spray, chapstick (I swear by the gluestick-sized Palmers Cocoa Butter Swivel sticks), sunscreen, travel tissues, and a cool water bottle, like the Yeti Rambler Junior. Round it out with something fun like a card game (UNO is always a win!) or a FujiFilm Instax Mini 12 Purple Camera Bundle for capturing memories sans smartphone.
For a Backyard BBQ
Hosting a horde of hungry friends? With Doordash’s grocery delivery option, you can order an entire cookout menu, from the steaks and hotdogs to the chips and drinks, without the trek to the store.
But that’s not all —you can even get the grill itself delivered through DoorDash (which is a particular type of miracle if you’re a city dweller without a car, like moi). Try the Weber Original Kettle 18" Black Charcoal Grill 441001, which is a classic for a reason thanks to its rust-resistant vent and one-touch cleaning system — just don’t forget the charcoal.
Complete the day with a Spikeball set, which includes everything you need (balls, net, handy carrying case) to keep your sportier guests entertained for hours — while the rest of us camp out next to the hot dogs.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography: Paul Quitoriano
Art Direction: Sarah Ceniceros Gomez
