We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide.

You'd like to be on the beach yesterday, but you can at least plan ahead so you reach peak relaxation once you're parked on the sand.

There's nothing like a looooong winter to make you go back through your camera roll and look at the last time you were at the beach. (Just me?) It may still be freezing and miserable outside, but you can help get by (and get pumped for your future beachy adventure) by planning ahead for the upmost peace and relaxation. You can't prevent someone from pumping up the MOST annoying jams on the beach, but you *can* control the comfort of your beach chair and pack some beach games to help occupy your more restless loved ones!

Promising review: "I got this for a week-long beach trip, and it did not disappoint. This thing is super easy to put up and has plenty of space for the littles to play in the shade. I didn’t worry even once about the wind snatching this thing up. It was super sturdy with the sandbags filled. 10/10." —Madison H.

Get it from Amazon for $129.95+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "Got this tent for my husband to use at the beach because he hates having sand all over him and would much rather be in the shade. Easy to set up, unless it’s windy, you will definitely need two people to set it up. Provides the perfect amount of shade and has windows that can be zipped up or down to allow a breeze. It is lightweight and fits inside our beach bag, and is quick and easy to take down. Also, it's easy to fold up if you have two people." —Aspen LeOra Little

Get it from Amazon for $31.99 (available in eight colors).

The bow straps are only available in the Large size. The Mini size has a top handle and an adjustable/detachable crossbody strap.

Promising review: "I’ve been wanting a sturdy and cute beach bag that was not mesh or a basic tote. This is it! It comes with a dry bag for the phone. The handles are thick. The iridescent color looks so cool in the sun, and it’s the perfect size. I fit two towels, a sunscreen bag, two changes of clothes, a speaker, goggles, and snacks, with extra room too." —Daniela G

Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "Love this! I am a flight attendant and keep it in my suitcase for various uses, but it's an outstanding for beach or picnic blanket. It weighs nothing, beautiful, and great quality! My new go-to gift item." —Laurance F. Haun

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in 25 patterns). 

Parents especially love this because babies and toddlers can lay on it without getting sand in their mouths. It has four corner bags to fill with sand to keep it down, straps with pegs to hold it in place on extra windy days, a convenient carry bag with a shoulder strap, and a zipper pouch for secure storage.

Promising review: "This was the BEST purchase I've ever made for a beach trip. We took this to Hawaii and it fit perfectly in my bag. We used this every single day of our trip and there was more than enough space for all four adults and all of our things, we sat out in the rain in it and it was dry within 30 minutes of laying in the sun. This will for sure be coming with me on all of my future travels!" —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in two colors).

After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. It's come in clutch in a few hotels and Airbnbs that didn't have working safes. 

Promising review: "Loveeeee this safe! Took it on a cruise, and it was such a great feeling of security. I put all my cash and docs in it while around and off the ship in the larger room safe. In my case, I had a roommate I did not know prior to sailing. With this, I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Easy to lock and unlock. Easy to secure around things. I just love it! I will be using it with other things at home/work as well." —Cara Sievers

Get it from Amazon for $22.54+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives, all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now thinking how awesome this hat has been and decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!" —Lyra S.

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 19 color combos). 

Check out a TikTok of the insect spray. 

Stay Away is a small business that specializes in pest-removing and repelling products. 

Promising review: "Deet doesn’t work for me, but this does! I’m the person who gets bitten while everyone else is fine. They follow me, and most repellent isn’t very helpful. This worked great! They came near but didn’t bite. The smell isn’t bad either! I didn’t mind it, and my sister has requested some also (she gets bitten even more than I do). I would have preferred a continuous spray nozzle, but I’m very impressed with how well it kept those dang mosquitoes away in Texas! I did sweat a little, and it didn’t change how well it worked." —eve

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $26.99 (also available in a bottle). 

Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. 

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a cruise. Never had issues with bites. Once back home I put them on my son who is allergic to some bites and always itchy after time outdoors. Since he’s had these on outside it’s hardly an issue anymore. Very cool." —MardiGrasGirl

It's also designed to be easy to disassemble and clean, and the lid and straw are dishwasher safe! Oh, and the 24-ounce bottles are designed to be universally cup holder-friendly.

Get a closer look at it on TikTok of the Owala Freesip!

Promising review: "Stanley who??? I absolutely LOVE this water bottle. Way better than other name-brand tumblers with a straw that sticks up! Love that the straw is covered, and the water bottle has a carry loop, making it easy to carry when your hands are full. So much easier to drink from and you have the option to drink from the straw or sip. This is truly leakproof and keeps drinks cold for hours! It's also durable. I have dropped it a few times and there wasn't even a scratch on the bottle. I will definitely be ordering more!" —BAJ

Get the 32-ounce size from Amazon for $32.99 (also available in 16, 24, and 40-ounce sizes, and in 22 colors).

MugGiez is a small biz specializing in this product. 

Promising review: "I absolutely have fallen in love with this universal cup handle. The picture I have is with a 40-ounce insulated cup, but it also fits my 32-ounce. It is awesome paracord covered with a very manageable silicone over the paracord. I love it… Buy it. You won’t be disappointed." —Ed Hicks

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in nine designs).

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

I own this and use it ALL the time. It comes in handy in a variety of situations at home *and* while traveling — especially when you're sitting in a stuffy plane in Miami in July with the doors open, waiting for the pilot to board and take off. I def got some jealous side-eyes from other passengers as I kept myself cool with this. 

Get it from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in four colors). 

And as one reviewer points out, they'll make your chairs stand out in a sea of towel lookalikes.

Promising review: "Took these bands on a cruise. They kept the towel secured to the lounge chair even with gusts of wind. Others had clips, and the clips kept popping off. People asked where I got these and were impressed how sturdy they are." —KT

Get them from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five colors).

Check out a TikTok of the towel clips in action. 

Promising review: "I purchased these for a family of eight going on a cruise and they loved them! So easy to use, just put your towel on the beach chair and clip down with these. They said they were especially awesome on windy days when others towels were blowing away if they were not sitting on the chair. The family was able to go to lunch or take a walk and not worry that their towels had been blown away and someone had then snagged their seats. Very inexpensive and functional clips." —TypeA

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $25.99+ (also available as a 48-count). 

Read more about lidocaine and pain relief at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "I brought this with me on a cruise, and I’m so glad I did! After a little too much sun on the deck, this spray was a total lifesaver. It provided instant cooling relief and took the sting out of my sunburn right away. The spray made it easy to apply without having to rub it in — perfect for those sensitive areas. The aloe was super soothing, and the lidocaine helped calm the burn fast. It absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any sticky feeling behind. Definitely a must-have for any sunny vacation or cruise — I'll never travel without it again!" —Barbara

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3

Promising review: "LOVE this. I no longer forget to put on sunscreen as this is part of my new routine. Love the shimmer (much more than anticipated), especially on my arms and legs. Face might be a bit much, but prevents a burn for the win." —Tawny Stammen

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Promising review: "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna

"These saved us on our vacation with our little that is sensitive to sun!" —felicia faith

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.99. 

Ponyflo is a small biz specializing in ponytail-friendly hats. 

Promising review: "I purchased this hat for the beach to cover my face and ears. It did the job and was way cuter than I thought! If you’re looking for a hat for the pool, beach, or a sports mom, this will be great!" —Matthew & Brittney Odom

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

Psst, you can find the Attitude Oceanly Lip Balm that reviewer is wearing on Amazon! 

Promising review: "Like a lot of women over 50, I prefer to use a tinted sunscreen instead of foundation these days. I have tried a dozen, and this one is the winner, hands down! It has a thin, nongreasy texture, no odor, and is lightweight and buildable if you want a little more coverage in certain areas. Best of all, it does not settle into pores or fine lines at all. So many of the others I've tried, including high-end expensive ones that are pushed heavily on social media, are greasy and settle into every pore and line. I've put this on auto ship and hope it never gets discontinued!" —Chartwell

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four tinted and non-tinted). 

HDE is a small biz specializing in fashion and accessories. 

Promising review: "Loved this swim top. Shorter than most but not too short. Awesome colors, dries quickly, size is accurate. Always excited to wear it." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 1X–3X and 10 patterns/styles).

TomboyX is queer-owned and B Corp Certified, meaning it's held to extremely high sustainability standards. (Read more on that here.) I have a pair of now-discontinued pants from the brand and they're EXTREMELY soft to the touch, and have held up to all kinds of washing, and wear and tear. (I'm not easy on my clothes, and send out my laundry where I'm sure they're using dryers that aren't easy on my clothes.)

Get it from TomboyX for $44 (available in sizes XS–2X, 4X, 5X). Check out the matching rainbow houndstooth collection and the pride collection. 

UV SKINZ is a small biz specializing in beach- and sun-wear.

Promising review: "I used these pants for kayaking, at the beach, and just walking around midday. They are cute, comfortable, dry fast, and keep me cool on hot days. I love the teal color that goes with so many of my fitness tops as well as bathing suit tankinis and sunshirts. Was kind of expensive, but I expect them to last through many summers." —GrannyGear

Get them from Amazon for $65.95+ (available in sizes XS–4XL and eight colors/prints). 

I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation in 2021 years ago when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. 

And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination. 

Promising review: "Used for the first time today on my 7-year-old. First time in his life he actually enjoyed having sunscreen applied to his skin! Very easy to use and not messy at all. Extremely pleased with this purchase!" —amyj

Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in six colors and in multipacks). 

Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this creamy SPF daily and it's a game‐changer. It absorbs easily, zero white cast, even with darker tones, and feels more like a moisturizer than heavy sunscreen. Makeup goes on smoothly and without streaks." —Kiki

Get it from Amazon for $10.96 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).

Promising review: "I got a ton of compliments. 💖" —Tasha

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 45 prints).

Promising review: "My kids will only use spray-on sunscreen (for their bodies and the stick for face and neck). This spray is easy to use and protects their delicate skin from harmful UVB rays. It's waterproof and sweat-proof, which is a big plus. Would highly recommend!" —S. Pme

Promising review: "This is a great product and gift for a beach lover. Works great and is a decent size for brushing away the sand after an amazing day at the beach! Going to buy it as a gift!! Easy to use and affordable!" —Sue Krauser 

I've been using this product for a couple of years now, and it tends to last me quite a long time. I also like to spray it along my hairline where I tend to be a little less vigilant about sunscreen application. It *does* smell like traditional, beachy sunscreen so if you hate that smell, I wouldn't rec. Oh, and it's vegan and reef-safe!

Get it from Amazon for $16.49 (oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, gluten-, cruelty-, and paraben-free).

Promising review: "I packed this hat into my suitcase twice and both times I just had to readjust it a bit and then it was the perfect shape again! There is a natural fiber smell when you first open the package for the first few days and then it goes away naturally. It’s super cute on and you can adjust the size inside with a strap as well!" —Jetsetgigi

Get it from Amazon for $65 (available in three colors and two sizes).

Promising review: "My car sickness has been getting worse for years. I drive often with my family back to my hometown about five hours away. I put these on and was finally able to ride without constantly fighting nausea. They fit comfortably and I quickly forgot they were on. This feels like a simple, cost efficient fix." —Breya Porter

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in adult and children's sizes).

Promising review: "Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy I’d reach for it. I’m sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" —Willy&Lilly

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of four). 

Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips to much success!

Promising review: "I have taken these packets on travels throughout the world. They are small and fit in my bag. They are good for a wash in a sink or wash bag. I use tide at home donut is my wash if choose. Glad to have them. They don’t leak either." —Barbara Jefferson

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain. 

With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation. So for a trip I'll buy 2–3, except for this one where I just knew I'd be in the water at The Blue Lagoon. And while I'm on the subject, check out a TikTok I made using the phone case! On the day I went, we had to duck and run inside because of rain. And it was hailing on us when I was in the water, so I head to face a certain way to keep from getting pelted in the face. But, when in Rome! Then we went inside and at lunch at the Lava Restaurant and it was GORGEOUS and clear outside post-lunch. So this case worked well taking pics in both bad and good conditions (as you can see from the two pics for comparison). I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So I really trust these!

Promising review: "I bought this because I do a lot of water sports when I travel and it was amazing!!! I had no problems with it the actual pouch detaching from the lanyard when I went snorkeling and my phone stayed completely dry. The touch capability is also great." —TJ

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors).

Promising review: "So glad I got these for my trip to Hawaii. These shoes saved my feet getting into the coral-covered beaches of Kaua'i. Great on the hot sand, too. Much more comfortable than the ones I got for my daughter at Target." —jaspy106

Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

The seller recommends checking the size chart, which details the best size for your foot length. The back strap is also adjustable!

Promising review: "Comfy and trendy enough. I like 'em! I prefer not to wear shoes that don't have a back. It's my paranoia that I'll have to break out in a run at some point. But these work very well. I walk miles in them without discomfort. Plus they're cute. Trends up any casual outfit. They are not Croc- or Birkenstock-level comfort because the sole is not cushioned, but it is carved out just right for the naked foot. Update: Just came back from a month in Costa Rica during rainy season and I'm so glad I brought these! They held up so well getting through muddy pebble streets. The soles were thick enough to not feel the rocks beneath me and keep my toes from getting in the dirt. When I got in, I just washed them off. The white color held up in all that and they never felt uncomfortable or as if they would come of my feet (a concern I have about sandals without ankle straps). They are excellent value. Get 'em!" —MelRay

Get them from Amazon for $17.99 (available in sizes 6–10 and two colors).

Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action. 

Promising review: "I am obsessed with these! I bought one for myself and immediately turned around and got a four-pack so I can keep extras in my desk at work and my car and give a few to friends. The cardboard carriers that you usually get from restaurants are wasteful and still need to be supported with two hands. With this, I can carry two to four beverages and a bag of take out food all in one hand with a hand free to open doors and such! There is no support underneath so you cannot leave them sitting in the carrier once you're in a car, but I wouldn't trust a cardboard carrier on the seat of my car full of drinks anyway. It is incredibly sturdy and everywhere I go I get constant compliments when I use it! I have run into very few cups that are too large, overall this is a total win! Can't recommend enough." —Allison

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks). 

Promising review: "I am super happy with this cute wrap. I wore it over a bikini to a yoga party. Was comfortable, tied easily and stayed put. The black fit just the same." —MCK

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 28 color combinations).

Promising review: "Bags held up great at the beach and the scoopers are very sturdy. My girls loved the cute bags to keep their shells in." —Kayla

Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles).

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 colors). 

Promising review: "All the cheap-os EVERYWHERE were sold out (June), so I had to buy more expensive chairs for our beach trip. I was a little apprehensive about these....between reading some of the reviews and the price, but SO GLAD I bought two. They are very comfy, beautiful-looking, easy to setup and carry. Worth the money!" —Kevin S.

Promising review: "This was an impulse buy and so glad I did it. Took them on vacation and they worked so well on the beach and sand. Must have." —paul molacek

Promising review: "At the beach, in the yard, by the pool, you'll be playing Spikeball. It's so much fun. All of my friends wait around calling 'next' whenever we're playing. Never met a person who has played and doesn't love it. Just get it. You'll be glad you did.On a separate note...$50 seems steep, but the game is freaking great and I'm of the opinion that if you come up with a product that makes the world a better place (like Spikeball) then you deserve to get paid. If you're on LifeKraze ([...]) you might get lucky and catch a $10 discount." —J.E.T.

Promising review: "I was going back and forth between this and an off-brand to save a few dollars. Glad I got this, though, it really works great. My drink was cold hours later, even in 80 degrees at the beach." —roni

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 31 colors).

Promising review: "We have owned this picnic basket for a couple of years. We take it to the beach, sporting events, and road trips. It has been great for our family. Refolding it was an education, but with a couple a tries it was pretty easy. All in all, glad we purchased it." —JANAY

Get it from Amazon for $44 (available in eight colors and patterns).

Promising review: "Love, love this cooler! Needed something lightweight with good capacity for road trips, and this worked amazingly well! Loaded it up with food and drinks, along with plenty of ice packs. Kept things ice cold in the car with 80-90 degree temps outside. Added ice as needed over the course of a week. I did take care to move cooler to the shady side of the car during the day to help stay cold. Quality item. Zippers smooth and love the side pockets for paper plates, napkins, wipes and silverware! No digging stuff out on a lunch stop. Haven’t used wheeled cart yet but may just around the house or next trip 😊 Highly recommend" —Lorrie Z

Get it from Arctic Zone for $89.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Saved us at the beach. My kids used this at the beach and it worked great!" —psychologistneedingbooks

Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "We've had this table almost a year and have used it everywhere from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. It's sturdy enough to support all your drinks, snack, and phones while still small and light enough to be packable and portable. Highly recommend!" —Kacey

Get it from Amazon for $13.33 (available in four styles). 

Promising review: "We just used our table for two days at the beach. It worked great to keep things out of the sand. It is so lightweight but plenty sturdy!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in small or large and in four finishes).

It's made to stay inflated at least five to six hours, and comes with a stake for easy securing to the ground once inflated.

Promising review: "Took a couple of attempts at first to figure out how to get it filled but once you do it’s easy (although I always feel a little dumb running with it to fill it lol). It’s super comfortable and even taking it to the beach it was easy to get the sand out of it. So glad I bought it!" —Jen

Get it from Amazon for $38.95+ (available in 16 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "We have a dog who loves going to the beach and this is so easy to pack for a beach day!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in two colors and two sizes). 

And there are LOTS more uses for this than just a beach day!

Promising review: "This wagon is a must have!!!! I love how compact it is when folded up (it also comes with a nice carrying back making it easy to move around!), this feature is important to me as trunk space is limited when packing the family up for a day trip to the beach or park. We found this wagon to be very easy to set up. Simply pull out of the bag and unclip and fold out! Simple as that, its now ready to use!!! I found the cargo area to be large enough to carry all of our items easily, it holds a lot and a good amount of weight, too. The wheels are great quality, easy to pull on pavement, grass even a dirt path. The front wheels swivel making it easy to maneuver. Overall, we are very impressed with the make, quality, and durability of this wagon. We highly recommend it and would purchase it again!" —Jess & Craig

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Elizabeth Lilly is a deputy editorial director with more than a decade of lifestyle journalism spanning a range of subjects under her (tool) belt that includes four and a half years at a home improvement magazine. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.