10 for $10: Beach Bag Edition
As of writing this post, my city has had a pretty blazing hot summer – at least for the last week or so. Not that I’m complaining (although some AC would be nice!) Anyway if you’re looking to escape the heat and head to the beach, I’ve picked out ten awesome items to stash in your beach bag – all for $10 or less (not including shipping, taxes and so on). Have a sunny day!
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45 – $6.99 @ Vitacost
Obviously the MOST important thing in your beach bag has got to be some sunscreen. This cruelty-free option is free from scary phtalates and sulfates, and promises long-lasting protection. In a refreshing green tea scent, gift it to that pal that insists on sitting out in the sun for eight hours a day.
Classic Round Sunglasses – $6.80 each @ Forever 21
For that friend that needs to match every swimsuit with its own accessories, I bring you Forever 21’s expansive line of cheapie sunglasses. I love the retro shape and contrast metallic trim of these beauties – perfect for when you’re channeling a Bond Girl vibe.
Beach Ball – $1 @ Walmart
Nothing’s quite as classic for a day at the beach as a beach ball, am I right? This traditionally-styled model is so cheap, you can afford to splurge on a few of them in case one of the grandkids pops it.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balms SPF 25 – $8 each @ Sephora
Your lips are one of the most vulnerable places for sun damage to hit. These high-powered balms are designed to both soothe parched lips and protect ’em from further damage. In five tasty flavours, they’re also unisex!
Chich Sandals – $9.99 each @ La Vie En Rose
These sandals just squeak in here (they’re on discount) price-wise, but they will handily win a spot in your go-to beach wardrobe with their simple styling and goes-with-everything colour options. A winning pick to say thanks to your mom for grabbing your mail while you were on summer holidays.
Intex 76″ Inflatable Whale – $9.99 @ Amazon.ca
We all float on – or at least we could, if we had one of these kid-friendly floatie toys stashed in our bags. With an included patch kit, insane price and hours of fun to come, this is a must-have for any family outings to the beach.
Girls Classic Straw Fedora With Black Band – $8 @ Bluenotes
A good hat can keep your scalp from getting burned, your hair from getting fried, and your body from getting overheated. This simple straw fedora goes with everything in your wardrobe!
Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult – $7.59 @ Indigo
While the kids are splashing in the water, you can kick back with an engrossing but light read. Jodi Picoult’s novels are hits for a reason and many of ’em are available as bargain reads on Indigo right now. Pick one up for a friend and be sure to borrow it afterwards.
Waterproof Pouches – $5.99 for 3 @ Coleman Canada
Even though the point of the beach is to chill out and disconnect, I know it’s unrealistic for a lot of folks! These watertight pouches are ideal for stashing your wallet, smartphone, makeup, ereader and any other essentials safe and dry whether you’re boating on the open water or resting by a pool.
Eco Friendly Canvas Tote – $8.75 @ Who Doesn’t Want That
You didn’t think I’d leave you hanging without an actual beach bag option, did you? This sturdy canvas tote will easily hold most or all of the items highlighted in this post, plus the cute beach chair design gives it an instant summery feel.
Bonus entry into this month’s Find of the Month giveaway for Distinguished Designs: What’s the number one essential in your beach bag? Which of these featured goodies would you add to the mix?
Canadian Gift Guide 
Sunscreen (SPF 60+) and a hat are definitely essentials in my beach bag. I would want to add the lip balm with SPF. The grapefruit looks like a great flavour!
Sunscreen is my essential stuff with beach towel.. I would like to add the waterproof pouches to it.
Sunscreen is the first thing that goes in my bag. We actually have one of those inflatable whales – lots of fun!
Sunscreen and water are the first things that go in my bag. I would probably add the Jack Black lip balm.
sunscreen and water for sure. I’d also add the waterproof pouches.
My #1 product in my bag would be sunscreen SPF 30 and from your list I would add the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm.
My favorite thing in my beach bag is a good book but I always have some Jack Black lip balm in there too. I would love to add that cute fedora to my bag!
You can’t go to the beach without a good sunscreen – the Alba Hawaiian looks perfect.
Number one essential in my beach bag:sunscreen. Of the featured goodies I’d add the hat!
sunscreen is always in my beach bag
The Jodi Picoult novel would be a great addition to my beach bag.
Distinguished Designs bonus entry: the number one essential in my beach bag is definitely high factor sunscreen! Of these featured goodies, I would add the “Waterproof Pouches – $5.99 for 3 @ Coleman Canada” to the mix ‘cos who wants to ruin a great beach day with water damaged items, boo.
My number one essential is a sunscreen, but a 60 spf for me. Water is another essential. I would love the straw hat…classic
sunscreen is the #1 essential at the beach, followed by a good read. Love all of J. Picoult’s books.
The #1 item is sunscreen and a beach ball would add lots of fun.
My essential beach bag item is any facial sunscreen that is at least SPF 50. I’d add Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
the beach bag has to have sun screen & water in it,