Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, which means barbecues, extended vacations, and lots of time outside. Get in gear with our top picks for everything you need to have the best time ever. Think of these as your summertime essentials: All the best tools, gadgets, and seasonal upgrades for your home, yard, and beyond.
Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Projector
Best for outdoor movie nights
Stop watching movies on your phone and gift your family the entertainment upgrade it deserves. Our reviewer called this small, portable projector “lightweight and perfectly packable,” making it ideal for camping and summer travel.
Coleman Inflatable Hot Tub
Best for relaxing
The best thing about this inflatable hot tub is that it doubles as a regular ol’ pool. (Only smaller.) Just keep the heat low (or off) during the heat of the summer, making it perfect for a quick dip. Then when the the temperatures drop off in the fall, go for the heated soak.
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Shop the Home Depot sale
Best for saving big
Get up to 35% off select furniture, rugs, and mattresses during Home Depot’s Memorial Day sale — live through June 4.
Sylvox Outdoor TV
Best patio upgrade
Turn your back deck into an extension of your living room with an all-weather TV like this one from Sylvox. It’s waterproof and sunproof, with an anti-glare screen that’s well-suited to the outdoors.
L.L.Bean Pima Percale Sheets
Best for catching up on sleep
There is something almost magical about a freshly made bed. This set of pima percale sheets from L.L.Bean are crisp and cool, perfect for summertime sleeping with the windows open and the breeze blowing through.
Solar-powered outdoor lights
Best for creating ambiance
One of the most enjoyable parts of summer is when the daytime hang keeps going long after the sun has gone down. These adorable globe lights make that easy — and stylish. Plus since they’re solar-powered, you’ll never have to remember to turn them on.
AirTags
Best for keeping track of things
Can’t find the diaper bag for the hundredth time? Live in fear of lost luggage? Want to keep tabs on everyone at the amusement park? Enter: The humble AirTag. Apple’s flagship tracker can be affixed to nearly everything and easily pairs with the Find My app.
Insulated Cooler Tote
Best for picnics
I have this cooler and I swear by it. Great for taking to the beach, keeping snacks cool in the car, or for a day of exploring tucked under our stroller. It’s easy to wipe clean on the inside and is deceptively large, plus it has that classic L.L.Bean look, which I love.
Raised Garden Bed
Best for flexing that green thumb
Whether you’re just getting into gardening or you’re a seasoned pro who can never have enough plants, this snazzy raised planter makes a welcome (and stylish) addition to your yard. Try flowers that cascade down for some curb appeal or stock it with herbs that you can snip from while cooking.
Ninja Creami
Best for making homemade ice cream
Whether you’ve seen this all over TikTok or are just learning about it now, this beloved kitchen gadget is quickly becoming a summertime essential. After waiting the necessary 24-hour freezing period, use it to transform simple ingredients into creamy ice cream in minutes.
Aventon E-Bike
Best for exploring
An e-bike takes a bit of the edge off your pedaling efforts, giving you a slight assist while cruising around town. This model from Aventon can go up to 60 miles on a charge and comes with fat, 4-inch tires that can handle a host of terrain.
Kamado Joe charcoal grill
Best grill upgrade
Kamado Joe charcoal grills may be trendy, but it’s for a good reason. This smart model is a combination grill and smoker, which comes complete with an autostart function and temperature controls that can be manipulated via an easy-to-use app.