The Ultimate Beach Bag: Kids Edition

ASHLEY SELSER
Jul 10
5 min read

One thing about me, I hold memories, childhood magic, and nostalgia in the highest regard. Never ask me for financial advice because I live by the motto that money comes and goes, and morality comes and grows. Your work would replace you tomorrow if you died—your children will never replace you. There have been multiple studies done that indicate the childhood memories the adult brain holds onto the most clearly and fondly are those of family vacations. That's really all I need to know to justify taking all the trips even when they are not financially responsible. It's not my kids' fault the economy sucks, momma's gonna find a way and momma's gonna make it special. You don't get a refund on time, and I plan to squeeze every freaking moment of joy I can out of mine.

Our family loves a good beach trip, just like my family did when I was growing up. I remember our multi-family beach vacations like they were yesterday and I hold them in such a special place in my heart. I feel like each sun-kissed freckle on my body holds a story from sunny days of vacations past—salt-filled wavy sun-in bleached hair, henna tattoos, skimboarding to impress the boys a few umbrellas over, playing mermaids, no bedtimes, watching Jaws only to be terrified of the water come morning, my first time catching a buzz and then having my first teenage punishment. Who knew our parents would realize the rum in their piña coladas had been replaced with water? The beach bags, oh how I loved the beach bags my mom would put together for us every year—she would fill them with things like goggles, monogrammed towels, new swimsuits, sunglasses, magazines, and just about anything she thought would make us feel "cool" that year. She made us kids beach bags each year like the Easter bunny would an Easter basket, they were the gift at the beginning of each trip we would look forward to—she called them happies and to this day those happies make me smile when I think back on them. Much to my husband's dismay, it's a tradition I have carried on with our own children.

When I make our kids their beach bag each year, I keep their age in mind. I still carry the boring stuff—for example, they don't care to look independent enough to have their own sunscreen yet so in mom's bag that goes. So, what did I fill their bags with this year? I break it down below or you can head over to my linktree and grab them now without all the filler words!

The Beach Bags—Obviously you can't fill a beach bag without a beach bag! This year I upgraded their bags, the old ones had run their course. When it came to the boys, I opted for backpacks this go around, and I really couldn't explain not buying these. They have a waterproof bottom that zippers open to a mesh lining to shake out the sand—genius. For the girls, I went with a less practical option, but I simply could not turn down the freaking cuteness of these tot-sized wicker bags—they're monogrammed AND come with a matching ribbon!
Beach Towels—I can confidently say, I get a good portion of our summer necessities from Sam's Club—usually on sale at that. These oversized towels were one of those items. They are super absorbing, sand resistant and they dry impressively fast for how big they are.
Matching Swimsuits—Who would I be if I didn't get a matchy-matchy coordinated group picture? This year I got the older boys' suits on sale at Academy, I really couldn't turn down a $7 swimsuit. We are nearing the end of our days with Rufflebutts and that makes me super sad—like how am I going to say the cuteness that are these are over for us? They say don't blink and I obviously did.
Hats—I love a trucker hat. I love shopping small. Kid-sized trucker hats? Say no more!
Sunnies—I go cheap because no matter what I do they seem to go missing. I am hoping this year by using these sunglass savers we will save at least a pair.
Water bottles—While they may not care about carrying their own sunscreen, they love a good water bottle. Thanks to Bullseye's Playground I was able to get them all a new one—Thanks Target!
Buckets—I have yet to outgrow the desire to build a magnificent castle or bury someone in the sand—like my husband when he is ticking me off. I always put some kind of sand toy in their bags. This year I found some really great deals on buckets that came packed with toys. The girls' came from Amazon and are collapsible which worked perfectly for the size of their bags. The boys' bags are larger and Target once again came in clutch with a total steal of a deal!
Sand Nets—For hunting those sand crabs or the tiny fish right at shore! Kind of like the sunnies, these never make it to the following summer. I was excited to find some collapsible ones that came in such a large pack. We catch and release, do not come for me
Goggles—My kids LOVE to swim around trying to grab those little fish with their nets. They don't however love when their snorkels funnel salt water into their mouths. I was excited to find kids-sized full face gravity goggles this year to keep the water out!
Sports Item—Listen, every kid does not need a football in their bag. What I prefer is to give them each a different sporty item. For example: I did a mix of footballs, frisbees, pong paddles—you get it. By mixing it up, they have more activities to choose from.
Popsicle Holders- For those dye filled frozen tubes of childhood nostalgia!

I didn't list this one, but I always like to add some surprise money in their bags to go buy something from the souvenir shops that seem to be popping up on every corner. Last year our son got a giant realistic temporary Mike the Tiger tattoo—he rocked it like he was the flyest guy in existence, smirking at all the girls and doing that silly hair flip and it made me giggle remembering a time where I too thought I was the baddest chick on the beach with my own temporary tat. Is it extra to make them a bag full of happies every year? Maybe. I don't plan on ever quitting though because every unnecessary bag I make for them is an extra memory they will be able to look back on one day when they need a happy. Life is short y'all, go out and make the memories. Squeeze every bit of joy time has to give you.