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Summer Is Undoubtedly The Best Season And These 27 Products Show Why

Snow cones and ice pops in the hammock, all summer long.

1. A shaved ice machine to pump out hot weather snow cones ON DEMAND, just like your childhood self always dreamed of. Reviewers recommend flavoring your cones with everything from syrup and soda to hot sauce and frozen drink mixes — frozen margs, anyone??

Just be warned that you may become the most popular person in the neighborhood once word gets out. 

Promising review: "When I bought it, I only hoped it would make the shaved ice I love without crunchy bits in it. I did not expect it to do so, but bought it anyhow for at least small ice. It turns out, it really does make great shaved ice that is not crunchy. The ice is delightfully like snow. I have started making 'snacks' of shaved ice with it and freezing a second bowl of it for later. Each little round block of ice makes about two bowls full of light, fluffy shaved ice. I have been eating the ice plain, because I just like plain ice most of the time, but I plan to go add some of the flavorings to my cart soon to try those out too. I love this little machine." —Brandywine

You can try a sampler of shaved ice syrup flavors also available on Amazon! 

Get it from Amazon for $49.99

2. Plus an at-home slushy-making cup *so* user-friendly that us slush-lovers won't believe our good luck this summer. Just freeze the silicone cup for four hours, pour any cold drink in (soda, LaCroix, juice, smoothies, or what-have-you) and squeeze the sides of the cup. Behold: perfect slush.

The small cup shaped slushy maker
A model crushing the silicone cup to make a slushie

It even comes with a spill-proof lid so it won't leak while you're crushing the cup.

Promising review: "These are becoming a daily used item in our house. We ordered multiples for each of our children but they're great for all ages. I like making an Orange Julius and my son loves frozen Dr. Pepper. The options are endless and they work like a charm every time." —VLS

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 14 colors and packs of two). 

3. s'mores-themed ChapStick collection for a sweet throwback to your favorite summer memories, because you can still revel in sleepaway camp vibes even if you're ~technically~ at your 9-to-5.

Each set comes with three flavors: milk chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker. Basically, it's like a deconstructed s'more for your lips.

Promising review: "My mom and I are ChapStick fans, so I bought us both a pack of these. The marshmallow is clear, the chocolate is brown, and the graham cracker is tan. The color isn’t too extreme, but it will leave a little bit of tint on your lips. The flavors are DELICIOUS. Graham cracker reminds me of Golden Grahams cereal and chocolate is just perfect. I love the marshmallow best because it tastes slightly toasted." —Elle Ardi

Get it from Amazon for $4.79.

4. An avocado pool float that comes with an avocado pit you can use as a beach ball while you float along. Now you can pay homage to your favorite fruit the way it DESERVES. 

A lot of reviewers mention this is legit super comfy to lay in.

Promising review: "It’s obviously a super cute float. But it also is the perfect shape for sitting in the opening and resting your head back on the larger part. It’s perfect! Inflates fast, and deflates quickly with the large opening too." —DShops

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes as well as in a seashell design). 

5. A durable, soft portable hammock so you can hang out in the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, and live your best life whether in your backyard or camping. Drink, book, or second person optional.

Reviewer laying down in hammock with their dog, smiling
Reviewer and another person relaxing in their hammock, with just their shoes kicked back in the hammock showing

It supports up to 400 pounds and comes with two 9-foot hanging straps and two carabiners.

Promising review: "The best hammock EVER! It comes with a stuff sack that is EASY to stuff it into, and which doubles as a drink holder when the hammock is in use. It also comes with strong straps. I received it as a gift, I use it at home in my yard, and camping — it is the single best gift I've ever received. Just bought two to give as a wedding present. Wise Owl is *excellent* quality, and it comes in so many color combinations to match your personality. Terrific value, quality, and just doggone fun!" —kk

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in two sizes and in 15 colors).

6. An easy-to-use rolled and chopped ice cream maker that'll turn any yogurt into delicious frozen yogurt in just five minutes. Plus, you can customize the flavor by mixing in toppings like chocolate, cookies, candy, or cereal — or even make your own sorbet or gelato. SCREAMING.

A cold plate with frozen yogurt topped with cereal
The ice cream chopped up in a bowl

Promising review: "It was definitely worth the money. Good for making a single serving at a time but I can use it two or three times to make a soft serve consistency. Easy to clean and use. This item has been such a hit with the kids and grandkids that I have sent out several for birthdays. Perfect for milk alternative drinkers because they can't have dairy. They can make their own dairy-free treats with choices of fruit. I LOVE this product. It is perfect." —Sandra

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors). 

7. A reclining, adjustable Ostrich chaise lounge here to answer the prayers of those of us who love lounging on their stomachs, due to its *v* convenient face hole so you can lie down and nap, read, and generally relax to your heart's content — which you can now do out in the sunshine!

A blue lounge chair with a headrest converted to become a face hole
Reviewer reading a book in the grass with their face in the hole of the chair

Promising review: "This is the most comfortable chair of its kind I have ever experienced. I love being able to finally lie on my stomach without cranking my neck. I am so grateful to whoever came up with this design. And the red color is perfect. Definitely adds a classy touch." —Julie

Get it from Amazon for $56.99+ (available in four colors). 

8. An adjustable "sport-brella" designed with SPF 50+ (!) and a universal clamp to attach to any chair or outdoor table you like for instant shade and sun protection. 💪 If you work from home, this'll help you actually be able to see your screen outside, so you can happily type away in the sunshine.

A white umbrella attached to a chair shading a laptop on a table
Reviewer who attached the umbrella to a car seat on the beach to shade a child

Psst — a lot of reviewers swear by this for easy hands-free shade solutions for strollers and wheelchairs as well!

Promising review: "I originally bought this about three years ago and my husband used it and liked it so much recently that he bought an additional one. It is easy to maneuver and angle to block the sun, but non-intrusive. It is easy to fold and replace in the carrying case. It is worth every penny." —Sara B.

Get it from Amazon for $27.49+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).

9. luminous lavender pink blush inspired by the colors of the Santa Monica sunset and made with skin-loving ingredients like green tea and aloe vera. Creamy and pigmented yet buildable, its shades will make you look — and feel — like you were kissed by the sun, perfect for a dreamy, easy summer look.

A spatula blending the mauve blush shade
Three models of different skin tones wearing the mauve blush and smiling, and then a hand holding up the blush

I feel a little silly saying this, but the moment I first tried this blush on, it immediately became my favorite blush. It's the whole package — beautifully glow-y, pigmented and creamy, yet so buildable that applying it is basically impossible to mess up. But also, this shade!!! A beautiful blend of lavender and pink that looks like it popped out of a sunrise. I wish I could wear it all the time tbh, like including to bed?? And hey, I'm an adult so maybe I just WILL.

Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are vegan and cruelty-free.

Get it from Tower 28 or Sephora for $20.

10. A refreshing mini sprinkler pool with shooting water that'll keep kids cool and entertained for HOURS in what's basically a win-win for everyone. It's super easy to set up, and it's shallow enough for extra little ones to enjoy safely, too.

Reviewer's small inflatable pool with water shooting up from the squirters all around the rim of it, attached to a hose, with a toddler next to it
Reviewer's kid playing in the shallow pool

Promising review: "My kids love this. It is soo easy to plug the hose into and turn the water on and the kids can have hours of fun. Once the kids are done playing, I disconnect the hose let the water drain, and hang it over the porch." —Austin

Get it from Amazon for $24.96+ (available in four patterns and two sizes).

11. A set of ice pop molds so you can prepare ice pops all summer-round using fruit, yogurt, or ice cream. Literally drooling at the possibilities. 

Each set also includes a base tray, a funnel, and a cleaning brush. 

Promising review: "Good price, good quality. I've bought a few different molds over the years trying to be the cool dad who does fun activities and most of them end up being junk that I throw away when the kids aren't looking. This one froze well, didn't freezer burn and was easy to get pop out without losing the stick and melting." —Nathan Rasmussen

Get it from Amazon for $11.99

12. multipurpose, super adaptable pool float with a mesh center that you can use as a sort of ~water hammock~ in the pool, as a lounging chair, or even as a workout saddle for some exercise when it's extra hot out.

A reviewer sitting in the floatie like a chair with the inflatable arms on both sides of her. She's holdings drink in a pool.
Another reviewer laying on the pool flight. It has a square net in the middle and inflatable floatie edges in two ends.

Promising review: "These are the best floaties!! They are perfect for vacation because they take up no room to pack. You can also sit on them a few ways like laying back or sitting upright with the floats on either side. I bring them on vacation and people always ask where I got them. They're perfect for laying back with a cool drink." —Jenna DiPaolo

Get it from Amazon for $11.42+ (available in nine colors). 

13. A temporary tattoo so realistic and beautiful that your friends might just think you got yourself some new ink while you're living your best life in sleeveless digs this summer. The shop features tons of different gorgeous designs, so you're sure to find one you'll love.

Model with a floral tattoo on their upper arm
BuzzFeed editor's wrist with two birds temporarily tattooed
Tattoorary / Etsy, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says she's *obsessed* with these temp tattoos: "I waited for ages to get them, and I wish I'd done it much sooner, because I've had such a blast mix and matching them as a fun quarantine distraction! They transfer beautifully with warm water and look like legitimate tattoos (my neighbor truly thought I'd gotten some great ink), and are so easy and gentle to remove with a light scrub in the shower."

Tattoorary is an Etsy shop based in the Netherlands that specializes in temporary tattoos, offering a large range of sizes, colors, and designs. Each tattoo lasts from two days to a week.

Get them from Tattoorary on Etsy: the vintage floral tattoo for $7.99, and the little birds tattoo for $3.

14. A mess-free microwave s'mores maker that'll make warm, melty s'mores in under 30 seconds to satisfy your campfire cravings (and delight your kids or roommates to no end). 

Promising review: "This is a very cute gadget. I saw this on a TikTok and fell for it lol. I'm glad I did. My kids and I have so much fun making instant s'mores. They're done in about 30–40 seconds with literally no cleanup. The marshmallow doesn't melt over so you basically can just run hot water over it to remove a few crumbs from crackers and be done." —Shawna G.

Get it from Amazon for $14.51.

15. An ingenious pair of gardening gloves with claws at the end to make digging into soil while you're gardening this summer approximately 1,000 times easier than using your bare hands or regular gloves.

Model using gloves with claws to garden
Model showing glove claws in garden
Amazon

Plus, reviewers say these gloves actually prevent dirt from getting under their fingernails.

Promising reviews: "I laughed when I first saw the picture of this item. I thought, well if they don’t work I’ll use them for a costume. But they are amazing at pulling weeds. I use mine for those pesky weeds in the rocks. One pull and you get root and all." —cynthia Williams

"I was skeptical about how well these are made. I stand corrected. These are well made and will stand up to years of gardening fun. Besides, even if you never actually dig any dirt with them, they are well worth the exclamations of 'what the heck are THOSE?' from everyone.'" —Regmanabq

Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in two colors and as a pack of two).

16. A portable Chill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler to change the summer game for every finicky cold drink lover. This bb can make any 12-ounce drink ice cold in just one minute (!) — that means any room-temp cans of seltzer, soda, beer, and more. If your fridge just isn't doing the trick to chill your drinks, this will deliver the icy kick you've been craving.

Check out a TikTok of the Chill-O-Matic in action. 

Promising review: "I was so afraid of wasting money. But I didn’t. I love my sodas cold. But sometimes there’s not a cold one available, and waiting 30-40 min for one to get cold in the freezer is not always ideal. This will get your room temp can to fridge cold in 90 seconds. I let it run double that to get almost freezer cold. I wish it had a power cord. But I do appreciate the portability that the batteries provide. I can’t wait to try it out on vacationing, as access to cold sodas isn’t always available. All you need is a literally a little bit of ice." —G. Massey

Get it from Amazon for $29.99

17. An airy, romantic puff-sleeve maxi dress with an elastic bodice and flowy skirt for a summer that's straight out of a Jane Austen novel. 🎀

reviewer wearing the dress in red
reviewer wearing the dress in yellow

Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and fell in love with the dress! This dress is very cottage core and fits well. The dress also has a slip under, so that it isn’t too sheer, and the sizing is correct for the most part (depending on your bust as the top half of the dress is made of “stretchy” material). I would definitely recommend this dress! Buy it if you’re thinking about it." —Jin

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 27 colors). 

18. A pair of popular cushioned "recovery" sandals for staying stylish in the sun while treating your feet to cloud-like soft, shock-absorbing support. They have an anti-slip sole so you can wear them poolside or to the spa without any stumbles.

reviewer in red slide-on sandals
reviewer in caramel colored version

Promising review: "I have ordered several pairs trying to find the one that lives up to its hype, well this one is it. Super cushy, fits true to size — I ordered the mauvish pink colored one and love it. I will be ordering a black pair. I have a heel spur and planters fasciitis so regular flip flops bother me after wearing several hours, these do not. Very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend." —leah

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 30 colors). 

19. A two-in-one citrus squeezer so satisfying and easy to use, you'll be splashing delicious citrus in fresh cocktails, salads, and chilled water glasses all summer long.

Reviewer clamping down on hand held squeezer to extract fresh lemon juice
Reviewer pic of a juiced lime inside the device

Promising review: "A lot of my recipes call for fresh lime or lemon. I should have gotten this six months ago. I'm using fewer limes and lemons because I can get so much more out of them using this squeezer. It is sturdy. The limes go face down on the green part for a good squeeze and then lemons go face down on the yellow side. How did I get to my age and not know they go face down? Guess it helps to read directions. I hand wash this." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven colors). 

20. A set of reusable "water balloons" that'll give you the best of both worlds during a water balloon fight. It's made with extra absorbent material so you'll still get that classic SPLASH! effect when you throw them, but since they're not made of plastic they won't sting your opponent or damage the environment. Pain-free, eco-friendly fun? I'm in.

The small absorbent balls in pink, blue, red, and yellow
Children running around throwing the balls
Amazon

Promising review: "Purchased these for a 9-year-old's birthday party with 20+ kids. The day was 101 degrees! We filled some tote boxes around the yard with water and these were a BIG HIT. Kids 3-years-old to 12-years-old played together and everyone had so much fun. No mess to clean up and these can be used again and again. The kids would throw them and another one would quickly grab it and soak again. So much fun." —BGriffiths

Get a set of 56 from Amazon for $19.99

21. A sleek Beast countertop blender because one of the best parts of summer is all the DELICIOUS fruit smoothies. This reviewer-fave blender crushes fruit and ice like a pro, and is designed specifically to reduce noise and vibrations, so you can make superb smoothies without waking up everyone in your home.

Reviewer holding their cloud white beast blender with a green blend inside
Reviewer using their cloud white beast blender to crush ice
Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed

Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Britt Ross says, "I got this blender over the summer, and wow, as someone who had firmly decided I was an 'I don't need a blender' person, I quickly changed my mind after the first use. For starters, it's not as large as those super industrial-strength blenders, and it's so aesthetically pleasing that I have it out on my counter at all times. Plus, it couldn't be easier to use — just fill the bowl with your ingredients, pulse, and in a matter of ~moments~ you'll have a perfectly uniform blend of whatever you're trying to blitz. I first tried it out on a smoothie made with frozen bananas and peaches (see it in action on TikTok here!), and it pulverized the icy fruit like a champ. Best of all? It's a total breeze to clean, which, if I'm being honest, was probably the biggest factor in my having waited so long to add a blender to my kitchen arsenal. I can't recommend it enough, 15/10, no notes." For more deets, check out BuzzFeed's full Beast blender review!

Promising review: “I love morning smoothies but had stopped making them with my old blender because it would either wake the whole house up or leave my toddler running out of the room yelling that his ears hurt. I read about The Beast and there were tons of comments saying it was significantly quieter than other blenders. I hemmed and hawed for a few months because of the price tag, but in the end, went for it. I'm so impressed — it looks super sleek on the counter and packs a punch as far as power. The drinkable containers look sleek too — people comment on them, and they're all dishwasher safe. So happy with my blender, I can't believe I didn't buy it months ago." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $185.95+ (available in three colors).

22. Soft cross-waist bike shorts you'll be psyched to throw on this summer. They're breathable, squat-proof, and sport two side pockets for your phone and keys 💪 — so they'll serve you well whether you're running around on a hot day or getting a sesh in at the gym.

reviewer wearing the shorts in black
reviewer wearing the shorts in red

Promising review: "These shorts are everything! I saw a review on TikTok and I had to get these. As a plus-size woman, I have found that it is very hard to find cute and affordable gym shorts that actually look good! BUT THESE!?!? They are perfect." —Siani Herrera

Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, in 28 colors, and in packs of two). 

23. A lightweight, family-friendly flying disc for endless fun in the backyard, park, and on vacation. It flies straight so it doesn't require much skill, and it's specifically designed not to hurt in case it eventually boops someone.

Reviewers throwing flying disc at the beach
A red and blue pair of round discs propped on a dock

Promising review: "I used to play Ultimate Frisbee in college and it took me a lot of practice to get my throws down. Wanting to teach my kiddos how to throw, I researched and ended up buying these. I REALLY like them! I bought one set of two. And want to buy more. They are super easy for beginners to learn on and almost always fly true. They also don’t hurt when they hit you and my kids can catch them. Win. Win. Great colors and design! And they can skip a little bit. 🥏💗" —asnowmomma

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in nine color combos). 

24. A breezy, rainbow stripe puff-sleeve midi dress so you can feel dressed up and cute in the heat without having to sacrifice warm weather comfort for style.

model in shorts sleeve colorful stripe fit and flare
Mr Water New York/Etsy

Consult the size chart in the product description, but also note that this brand tends to run on the smaller side!

Promising review: "Absolutely gorgeous dress!! Came exactly as pictured, and better than anything I’ve bought at a big box retailer in years. Considering how voluminous and dramatic the piece is, it’s about as lightweight as you could ask for a lined, semiformal dress. I usually wear a 10 or 12, but I went with a 12 out of caution and it fits like a glove." —Angelina Meehan

Mr Water New York is a New York-based, Asian American woman-owned small business that makes truly stunning and special vintage-inspired clothing no one else you know will have.

Get it from Mr Water New York on Etsy for $89 (available in sizes S–XXL).

25. A stainless-steel beer layering tool for the coolest summer party trick you've seen in awhile. It lets you literally layer your beers on top of each other, so you can pour your dark beer on top of your pale ale and enjoy it as a deliciously un-mixed mixed drink. 

The contraption is shaped like a turtle!

Check out a TikTok of the turtle beer layering tool in action. 

Promising review: "Does what it says! The trick is to pour the Blue Moon so it has a nice head on it and then pour the Guinness over the turtle slowly so it filters through the head. Can do the same thing with a spoon, but this little guy makes it into quite the show. 😁 Impress your friends and family today! 🍻" —Stacy Tomlinson

Get it from Amazon for $10.96

26. canopy swing you'll love blissing out in all summer long, even if your kids are screaming and causing chaos all around you.

a reviewer sitting in a blue swing using a laptop
the blue swing in a different reviewer's yard

Promising review: "We love this lounge chair!!! The price was fabulous!! (And just a note: If you take care of your things — i.e. cover up the swing with a tarp and bring the cushions in when not using it — it will stay like new. Sun and rain can age anything! Easy-peasy!!) This lounge swing is so comfortable, and made very well!! And it only took my hubby and I only 25–30 minutes to put together. Take my word for it... you are not going to find a nicer lounge swing at this price!!" —Marash

Get it from Amazon for $229.99 (available in nine colors).

27. A cute lined cow-print slip dress bursting with personality to make this summer your most fun yet. It has a loose babydoll fit with tie sleeves, a defined waist, and a voluminous skirt — and pockets so big you can fit a foot-long sandwich in it.

Model wearing the cow print slip dress, front view
Model wearing the cow print slip dress, back view
Tuesday of California

It's preshunk and made of cotton and linen.

Promising review: "I love this dress — it surprised me how much! The print is adorable, the fabric lightweight and airy, and so comfortable. It’s perfect for summer." —Lisa R.

Tuesday of California is a small biz that makes size-inclusive, sustainable clothing.

Get it from Tuesday of California for $96 (originally $120; available sizes XXS–7X and in black). 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.