Beachy Keen
As the weather heats up, so do the gift-giving possibilities. Today’s presents are all inspired by a trip to the beach or a day in the sun, so buckle in and pick your favourites for all those summer birthday occasions.
Welcome to Paradise Tote – $34.99 @ ModCloth
While I’ve got a pretty awesomely designed tote featured later in this post, I couldn’t help but share this bold, oversized-type tote bag that’s simply perfect for running around town with. I always feel a little weird in the summer when I’m skipping about town with a more formal purse; to me, a relaxed canvas bag is great for all those little errands you run on foot: whether it’s a trip to the pool, a visit to the library, an afternoon at the Farmer’s Market, or offering to babysit a friend’s little one for the afternoon, this cute bag signals your state of mind some summertime and is roomy enough to stash your basic essentials. A perfect birthday gift choice for your good friend!
Ice Cold Towels – $24.99+
This, my friends, is pretty ingenious. When you’re sweating buckets, cool off instantly when you wet one of these towels, give it a shake, and press it to your skin. Presto: you’ve got a chilly compress that’ll automatically dip 20 degrees (F) below whatever it is outside. The uses with this one are endless. Gift one to your dad before you spent the day sweltering on the golf course or sitting on a boat. Pack them in your emergency bridal kit for a cooling fix before you strut down the aisle. Stash one in your backpack when you’re hiking or have one at the ready after a hearty jog around the neighbourhood. Really, just about anyone will appreciate a little breath of fresh air with one of these clever towels. Give one as a congrats gift to your brother, best friend, or spouse that’s running a marathon this summer.
Sorbet Collection Mix & Match Swimsuits – From $34.95 a Piece @ La Vie En Rose
Summertime = swimsuit season, and while for some ladies that may make your skin crawl, I have to tell you that La Vie En Rose’s Aqua collection may very well sweep in to save the day. I’m particularly drawn to the sun-drenched shades of their mix & match Sorbet collection, which includes both prints and solids in a rainbow of colours. Whether you’re looking for coverage of a certain area or you want your swim wardrobe to go the extra mile by swapping out pieces with one another, I strongly recommend perusing their collection to find a range of suits to flatter your figure, no matter your shape. They’ve also got some great sales going on (as of me writing this) to help make it extra affordable for you to pick up a few new pieces that all work in harmony together. Give a gift card to a friend that’s just shed some weight or had a new baby and is a little insecure about her tiger stripes – she’ll love you for it!
Le Palais des Thés Iced Teas – $29
Real iced tea is made with well, real tea. And my friends, it doesn’t get much better than refreshing carafe filled with one of Le Palais des Thés Iced Tea blends. This gorgeous gift set contains 4 extra large tea bags of 4 flavours to allow for the lip-smacking flavours to fully unfurl. Plus, the bags come with extra long strings so you can easily pull them out of your pitcher before drinking up. Once you’ve chosen a favourite flavour (I personally adored the The du Hammam’s lush fresh fruit notes), be sure to stock up on a box of your favourites. A fantastic pick for the hostess with the mostest on your gift list.
Ruffle Beach Coverup – $120 @ Dear Frankie
Who says a cover-up has to mimic a muumuu? Not Dear Frankie, that’s for sure. This saucy ruffled cover-up will keep your skimpiest bikinis in check when you stroll along the boardwalk for some ice cream or fries, plus it looks adorable when paired under a denim mini or even over a pair of leggings. Although it doesn’t exactly cover too much up, it provides just that extra bit of coverage when you’re out of the water and laying back on the sand. I love it as a gift for your girlfriend or wife so you can enjoy some eye candy all day long.
Island Shade Shack – $108.99 @ Brookstone
Speaking of covering up, what better way to than with this stylish cabana-esque shade shack? Not only does it look fantastic and provide great sun coverage, it also rolls up into its own carrying case, weighs just 10 lbs for easy trekking to the beach, and promises 30 second set-up with included sand bags for this windy days. The mesh panel in the back allows a gentle breeze to cool you off, and the included pillows make lounging a cinch. Not only is this one fantastic for the beach, consider bringing it along when camping for an instant living space separate from your tent. An awesome anniversary present for your parents or surprise gift for a beach-loving spouse.
Marc Jacobs Sunshine Editions – $75 – $85 @ The Bay, Sears, Holt Renfrew, Sephora, Murale, etc.
I’ve said it before and I’ll mention it again – I’m very much a fan of revisiting your beauty routine as the seasons change. In the summer, it’s all about lightening up your scent to something bright and light, just like the sunshine and fresh air you’re enjoying outdoors. Luckily many perfumers release limited-edition reinventions of their scents to match the warmer weather, like Marc Jacobs’ new spins on his beloved Daisy and Oh Lola! fragrances. For fans of his 2007 classic ‘Daisy’, you can indulge in either the regular Sunshine Edition (filled with fruity notes of Lychee, Guava, and Apricot Skin) or the new Sunshine Eau So Fresh (with suitably pink notes like Strawberry, Apple Blossom, Pink Grapefruit and Rose). If you’re more of a fan of Marc’s oh-so-adorable Oh Lola! scent, the new Sunsheer Edition is a lighter take with juicy Raspberry and Pear coupled with girly Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Magnolia. A perfect pick for any gal pal celebrating a milestone birthday.
Shake Tote Bag – $89.99 @ Quirky
Every gal I know has a designated beach bag – after all, who wants sand granules sticking to their lip gloss or that delectable croissant you stuff into your purse, well after you’ve hit the shore? Quirky however, has come up with an ingenious solution that makes your beach bag extremely versatile, to the point where you may be able to turf your regular purse all summer long. The Shake Women’s Tote features a reversible flap that can either conceal or reveal the bag’s mesh bottom. When you’re done after a day on the sand, simply shake the bag free from any crusties and be on your merry way. To the unassuming eye, it’ll look like a sleek oversized bag. To you however, it’s a lifesaver that’ll eviscerate sand from all your everyday goods. Not in the market for a new tote? The Shake line includes bags of all sizes – from a cute little clutch for those weddings by the shore to a men’s tote and kid’s bag so your whole family can shake off the sand.
Put The Love In The Coconut Beach Towel – $79 @ Castle
If you really want to make a statement on the sand, this vibrant and adorable beach towel from Australian shop Castle is completely worth the price. This limited-edition beach accessory is reminiscent of designer Rachel Castle’s beautiful and eye-popping line-up of linens, cushions, and other decor items, only it’s meant to be seen by the world at large. If you and your spouse are taking a sojourn somewhere beachy this year, surprise them by tucking this into their suitcase for a special treat upon arrival.
Kiss My Face Sun Care Collection – $14.99 – $16.99 (also available at Well.ca)
Here’s a tricky conundrum for you – we all know that excessive exposure to the sun is bad for us, so we slather on sunscreen. But most sunscreens actually contain pretty harsh chemicals that are easily absorbed into our skin (especially when sweat glands open up in the hot weather). Luckily some brands are taking note and coming up with safer, smarter solutions. Kiss My Face has launched two new sunscreens in Canada this year that have made the EWG’s list of just 184 sunscreens that meet their criteria for a healthy sun protector. The water-resistant adult formula provides SPF 40, all-natural mineral protection including the ingredient hydresia, to help moisturize as it protects, even for sensitive skin. The kid-friendly option is free from all kinds of nasty stuff – like phthalates, fragrances, and animal ingredients – and uses Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to block out the sun’s rays, while soothing natural butters keep your skin happy and nourished. Buy them for every mom on the block – or every friend you’re hitting the waves with – and be hailed as a local hero in no time.
Cool news kids! I’ve got a fun little gift set to give away – one winner is going to score a $100 gift basket of products from Kiss My Face to protect your skin, a $25 gift card to La Vie En Rose to kickstart your swimsuit shopping, some Ice Cold Towels to cool you off during sweltering afternoons, and a Quirky Shake Tote to carry all your goodies. Here’s how to enter:
1) Leave a comment by July 16th with your favourite featured beachy gift idea + who you’d gift it to (yourself counts!)
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around July 17th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Pin for more chances to win! There are 10 summertime gift ideas featured in this post. Pin as many as you like and earn a bonus entry for each pin (for up to 10 in total) – just leave a link to your Pin(s) below.
Canadian Gift Guide 
Love the Island Shade Shack, you can create your own little oasis wherever you go. This would be great for anywhere really, I could see my brother and his wife using this a lot when I’m not borrowing it.
Pinned all 10 summertime gift ideas:
Great products!! I love the island shade shack – would be a great think to have out on the dock at the cottage 🙂 I’d gift it to my family, since it’s a family cottage…
Ice cold towels to the rescue. The last few days have been unbearably warm and humid and I would have made good use of the ice cold towel. All of these summer products are not just fun but useful too.
The Island Shade Shack is perfect for beach outings. I’d keep it myself but my daughter would be borrowing it a lot to keep the grandkids out of the sun.
My mother-in-law would love the Le Palais de the. Iced tea is the bomb!
I like the Put the Love in the Coconut Towel, it’s kinda cute. And… I think I’m due for a little treat, so if I won, I’d be selfish & keep it for myself!
My favourite is Marc Jacobs’ Daisy, and I’d keep it 😉
I really love everything. So sweet – every single product like the cold towels. … but my most fave because I love scents is the Marc Jacobs Sunshine Editions . I love trying out new scents. 🙂
I love the Island Shade Shack and would set it up near my pool for my nieces to lounge in after a swim!
The Island Shade Shack would be great!!
Love the ice cold towels. They’d be a gift I’d give myself for gardening in the hot summer.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the **** Island Shade Shack **** !!!! I would gift many people with the Island Shade Shack, but this time, I would gift myself first. But I would welcome them to come join me under the shack.. LOL !!! LOVE IT !!!!
My favourite is the Island Shade Shack–Love it and I would gift it to my son and girlfriend who love going to the beach in the summer
Love the Shaky beach tote. My first impulse is to buy for myself
The Island Shade Shack would be great for my hubby, thanks
Put The Love In The Coconut Beach Towel – for myself
The Shake Tote Bag is genius! would definitely treat myself to it 🙂
island shade shack for me and my family
Island Shade Shack for me
For myself I would definitely pick the towel. I have a little obsession with beach towels. I see a cool comfy one and I need it. I love the coconut wording on the above towel.
I love the island shade shack and I would save it for me:)
Pinned all 10 summertime gift ideas
Marc Jacobs’ sunshine editions for myself.
pin #1 – Welcome to Paradise Tote
pin #2 – Ice Cold Towels
Pin #3 – La Vie En Rose
Pin #4 – Iced Teas
Pin #5 – Ruffle Beach Coverup
Pin #6 – Island Shade Shack
Pin #7 – Marc Jacobs
Pin #8 Shake Tote Bag
Pin #9 – Put the Love in the Coconut
Pin #10 – Kiss My Face
I would love to have the Ice Cold Towels. I could definitely use this. I’m hot a lot of times and others around me are not so this would be really useful for me.
My fave is the island shade shack
marc Jacobs perfumes for me
My fave gift idea is the shake tote bag and I would be the lucky recipient.
Ice Cold Towels
The Island Shade Shack…one for myself and one for each of my daughters!
Woud love to try that ice cold towel
The coconut beach towel is cool and I would give it to my husband, he loves coconut.
Wow! Definitely the Shake Tote Bag- can’t believe noone has thought of this before! For me, of course. 😉
Love the Island Shade Shack! The other products are spectacular as well.
Love the Island Shade Shack , Great idea!
I love the shade shack! What a great idea
island shade shack
I’d love to try the Ice Cold Towels.
And I’d keep them for myself :-0
I think the “Put the Love in the Coconut” beach towel is awesome! I’d gift it to my best mate!
I love the island shade shack. My son and his kids would love this for the beach.
My favourite featured beachy gift idea is the Sorbet Collection Mix & Match Swimsuits. I’d gift one to myself 🙂
I love the Sorbet Collection Swimsuits, very cute and the colours are wonderful. I’d gift it to my daughters.
i love the island shade shack it’s a great idea for the hot sun
I like the Put The Love In The Coconut Beach Towel ,,and I would gift it to myself! 🙂
Loving the Island Shade Shack! Just got a Beach Shade (half tent) that I was thrilled with until I saw the Shade Shack! Oh Poo!!
My fave beach-themed item/idea would be the Marc Jacobs Sunshine Editions – $75 – $85 @ The Bay, Sears, Holt Renfrew, Sephora, Murale, etc. A great gift for a close friend’s birthday coming up late next month. Thanks so much.
Island shade shack cause I am fairskinned and it has a layer to put towels on so chic
LOVE LOVE LOVE the island shade shack. LOVE it. I would keep it and myself and the kids would use it 🙂
Pinned all 10 pics 🙂
I really liked the Put the love in the coconut towel. Now I can’t get the song out of my head. LOL
Shake Tote Bag – love to have this for myself 🙂
I like the Island Shade Shack. I would give this to my sister who frequents the beaches. SUEPER NICE!
The ice cold towels, for me and all my 50+ friends. We could use them all year round! LOL
The Island Shade Shack and I would gift it to my family. It would be great for those beaches that have zero shade!!
i really like the Island Shade shack – I’d give it to my husband and I to relax in at the beach.
ice tea! for my granny!
I like the ruffle beach cover up and I would gift it to my daughter
Marc Jacobs perfumes–would love to try Eau So Fresh
Island shade shack for me
The Island Shade Shack
LOVE the island shade shack!
I like the Marc Jacobs Sunshine Editions the most.
I like the Marc Jacobs Sunshine Editions and would gift to myself.
I would pick the Ice Cold Towels for myself. I melt at anything above 22 degrees, would be great for working outside. I am checking out their website.
So many choices all great ideas for the summer. I really like the cold towel ideas great for these steamy hot blistering days with the humidex through the roof that is my favourite pick.
When I saw the Brookstone Beach Shade.. I gasped. That is totally needed for me. I love outdoors but I am terrified of the sun and need shade always!
I love the Island Shade Shack, but I would have to gift it to myself 🙂
The shade shack looks like a good gift for my wife and I, just to read a book in the shade on the beach, or make out!
I like the Island Shade Shack the best – I’d gift that to my friend for her big trip to PEI this summer!!
ICED TEAS FOR THOSE HOT SUMMER DAYS
I love kiss my face suncare its my favourite so I’d keep it for mydelf!
I love this…Island Shade Shack – $108.99 @ Brookstone
The Iced Teas! & I’d give it to my sister because she is coming to stay with me this summer and we both love tea 😉
I love the shade shack Great for the kids at the beach
I can’t decide between the towel or the shack! They’d definitely both be for me, though!
I love them all, but the island shade shack is my favorite. I would put this in my backyard all through the summer even, too good just to use at the beach.
I love the Ice Cold Towel. In fact I could use one right now, its so hot!! I would give one to every one I know!
Great products!! I love the Ice Cold Towel and the island shade shack… they would make really good gifts
My favorite is the island shade shack. I would love that for the beach. I would split the prize with my gf.
La Vie En Rose
I would give myself the marc jacobs sunshine edition perfumes
My favourite thing is the Island Shade Shack and I would give it me!
I would really like someone to give me the Island Shade Shack!
My favourite featured beachy gift idea is the, “Ice Cold Towels – $24.99+” & I’d gift it to all my sporty friends & motorcycle lovers, including myself 🙂
Bonus Entries:
Paradise Tote: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642628/
Ice Cold Towels: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642661/
La Vie En Rose’s swimsuits: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642689/
Le Palais des Thés’ Iced Teas: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642707/
Dear Frankie’s Ruffle Beach Coverup: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642719/
Brookstone’s Island Shade Shack: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642733/
Marc Jacobs’ Sunshine Editions: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642747/
Quirky’s Shake Tote Bag: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642757/
Castle’s Put The Love In The Coconut Beach Towel: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642770/
Kiss My Face’s Sun Care Collection: http://pinterest.com/pin/190347521723642800/
Thanks
I love the Island shade shack. It’s great that’s it’s portable and weighs less than 10 lbs and a 30 second set up is what I need.
Love the Island Shade Shack! How cool is that! Would keep it, sorry kids!
Pinned:
Love the Kiss My Face mineral sunscreen. I would give it to myself!
the island shade shack would be a great gift
My favourite beachy gift idea is the Marc Jacobs Sunshine edition perfumes. My moms birthday is coming up in August so I would give a bottle to her.
I’d like the natural sunscreen of Kiss My Face’s collection. I find many sunscreens and moisturizers make my eyes run. I’m hoping this brand can do the job of protecting my skin with no tears.
I like the Marc Jacobs Sunshine Editions perfume idea. I’d gift it to my mom-she loves perfume!
i’d give the shake tote bag to my mom b/c she always lugs everything around for us when we all head to the beach!
the little shade shack would be perfect for me b/c i love to be at the beach all day, but i definitely need a shady break from the sun’s rays. (http://pinterest.com/pin/163044448982555269/)
and, hey, i love marc jacobs’ scents too–i’d share with my friend lisa! (http://pinterest.com/pin/163044448982555276/)
I like it all
put the love in the coconut towel for myself
Put the Love in the Coconut towel would be a great gift (for me!)
Hi. I would love to try this product, sounds natural . And something new. Thank you!
I really liked the Sun shade shack although all of the products are great. Have pinned as well!
Hi Carol! You have to share the links to your pins or it doesn’t count. Thanks 🙂
I like the island shade shack and I would give it to my girls.
Definetly I’d pick the Ice Cold Towel! And I don’t mean to sound selfish, but I’d have to keep this one for myself. 🙂 I get really really bad migraines, and the heat of summer triggers them, and makes me even more miserable….I love the idea that I could have portable cold with me, to maybe stop or help those migraines.
The Shade Shack is amazing and I would have to keep that one myself!
I would love to get the shade shack or the sunscreen. I would gift ME!
i would like to enter the contestt i love the product and the bags
i would get the Island Shade Shack and keep it for myself!
I love the Le Palais des Thés Iced Teas, and I would gift it to myself but share with friends and family when they came over.
Any fragrance by Marc Jacobs is “Summertime”.
the island shade shack would be perfect for me, i love everything
Sorbet Collection Mix & Match Swimsuits – From $34.95 a Piece @ La Vie En Rose
Put The Love In The Coconut Beach Towel – $79 @ Castle
Love the kiss my face suncare collection. It is great for my toddler, and will be great for my 1 month old! I would gift it to myself/my kids.
the shade shack – it’s 37 in our backyard today and any shade would be most welcome!
I love the Island Shade Shack! Just this weekend I was wishing I had something like this! I also love La Vie En Rose swimwear.
I think I would keep this prize for myself and my family
I would be most excited about the Kiss my Face Sunscreen (for me) lol and I would give the ice tea to my mom 🙂
love the Shake Tote Bag
I looove the Island Shade Shack…I want to gift this to myself! Would look great in my backyard!
rebthecatsitter at gmail dot com
Marc Jacobs sunshine set
Love the Marc Jacobs perfume.. but i think my mum would love it more, so i’ll give it to her.
Island Shade Shack is amazing!!!!
I would LOVE to have those Ice Cold Towels! Aaah! I get so overheated in the summer and one of those would help me cool down and be able to stay out and enjoy the weather longer! ❤
I would give my Mom the iced tea, she loves iced tea
Brookstone Beach Shade
marc-jacobs-sunshine-editions
shake tote bag
coconut beach towel
Kiss My Face Natural Sunscreens
I would have to go with the island shade shack. being a fair skinned redhead that would really make a day at the beach or cottage more comfortable for me.
iced tea package – for my partner
I would give the marc jacobs sunshine edition perfumes to myself – nothing like light summer smells!
i would like to enter the contest to win the kiss my face products tks
The Shake Tote Bag is such an awesome idea! No more bringing loads of sand home 🙂
Le Palais des Thés Iced Teas – $29, I’d gift it to myself…but of course I’d share with my tea loving friends!
the Welcome to Paradise Tote is adorable
I would have to gift to myself the Island Shade Shack
i love the ice cold towels and my daughter would love it even more she is a jogger and a migraine sufferer and i am sure she would love this product if i was to win the wonderful prize you are offering i would order towel for my daughter and keep gift for myself or perhaps share it with my sister
I would love a new bikini for myself from La Vie En Rose. Love the sherbet colors!
Love that island shack! I’d gift it to myself as it would be fantastic for keeping my littlest one shaded on the beach!
My family would love the shake tote so it would be a gift to us.
I love the island shade shack. I would keep it for myself but share it. I like being outside but need to stay out of the sun.
I would get the Le Palais des Thés Iced Teas – $29 and make ice tea for all my friends all summer long!
i love the put the love in the coconut beach towel!! I would gift it to myself, of course!
Would love the Island Shade Shack for us on the beach!
The ice cold towels would be a welcome respite from the hot sultry weather. Cool!!!
I LOVE the Island Shade Shack. I would gift it to myself. 🙂
Yikes! Pick one you say – tough to decide but I would go with that great Coconut beach towel!!!
My daughter LOVES Kiss My Face products so I would definitely gift to her.
Really like the Marc Jacob Sunshine edition! Thanks.
I would love the iced tea
I like the towel. I’d give it to my sister who’s planning a trip to Fiji. Lucky!
shake tote bag and I would keep it for myself
Great products! I’d really like the Island Shade Shack and I’d keep it to use myself!
Love the “Island Shade Shack”….my mom loves to go to the beach, but always complains about the sun. So now we can go in the afternoon & she can just lay under the shade shack!
Kiss My Face Natural Sunscreens
Rachel Castle Beach Towel
marc-jacobs-sunshine-editions
Brookstone Beach Shade
Le Palais Des Thes Iced Teas
Ruffle Beach Coverup Dear Frankie
La Vie En Rose Sherbert Mix and Match Swimsuits
Ice Cold Towels
Beachy Keen
Welcome to Paradise Tote