Dwell Picks: 20 Summer Must-Haves We Can’t Stop Raving About
Meet the beach tents, sandals, bike shorts, and unicorn-shaped sprinklers we’re crushing on.
Meet the beach tents, sandals, bike shorts, and unicorn-shaped sprinklers we’re crushing on.
Summer vacation looks a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some socially distanced fun. Here are the products that are bringing us a bit a joy.
Duncan Nielsen, Assistant Editor:
"This thing rules. The compact, fold-out design makes it perfect for a car camping cookout in the great outdoors, or just tailgating at the beach or park on the weekend. Cooking meals at home through the pandemic has turned me into even more of a cooking snob, so the burner control is a huge plus."
Primus Tupike Outdoor 2-Burner Stove
Bring the heat. Consider your outdoor cooking game changed thanks to a setup that feels a little more kitchen-like. Strong and study, this camp stove is also a real beaut—fashioned from stainless steel with wood and brass details that just look better with time and use. Open this baby up for full wind protection to ensure steady boiling, simmering, pan-frying (need we go on?) on its two 7,000 BTU burners. It comes with a small nonstick griddle plate to quickly serve up burgers or grilled cheeses while a drip tray is easy-to-remove and clean so you can get up and go as soon as your pals devour your famous chili. Photo Courtesy of Food52
Sam Daly, Associate Editor:
"I love this piece so much. It does double-duty as both a bowl and a plate, and I get happy every time I see it in my cabinet—is that weird?"
East Fork Everyday Bowl
Perfect for tagliatelle with bolognese, a garden salad, potato and leek soup, a rice bowl—or about 3 and 1/2 cups to the brim.
Erin Mahoney, Social and Community Manager:
"As much as I love a sun-kissed, summertime glow, I love high SPF and a wide-brimmed hat more. This summer, I’m getting that just-back-from-the-beach look courtesy of this lip and cheek tint from Freck Beauty. It’s made from plant collagen and—though I’m no expert—sounds infinitely safer than UVA and UVB rays."
Freck Cheekslime
Be your own boo and give yourself the best blush job. Never heard of a slime blush? Us either, that’s why Freck is bringin the world’s first (again). Infused with liquid plant collagen, this buildable tint blends effortlessly into your skin for a multidimensional wash of color, across any skin tone. CHEEKSLIME is the perfect compliment to FRECK OG.
"First came the quarantini, then came the walktail. While I’ve enjoyed a to-go cocktail or two since New York began its reopening, I can’t deny the satisfaction of an at-home aperitif. Recently I’ve been sipping on this Botanic Vodka from AMASS. Inspired by Nordic distilling tradition, the smooth spirit is perfectly suited for your Friday evening cocktail—if you’re still keeping track of days, that is."
Amass Botanic Vodka
Distilled in Copenhagen, AMASS Vodka with Marigold, Chamomile, and Lemon celebrates Nordic distilling tradition and the rich, vibrant history of Scandinavian drinking culture. Introducing an unconventional production method, botanicals are carefully distilled on an Aquavit still to create a heart with subtle layers of flowers folded around fresh, hand-grated citrus. Inspired by the city’s long summer evenings and longer winter nights, the result is a light, elegant spirit that pays tribute to Nordic drinking tradition, perfectly suited for a variety of cocktails and seasons.
Jenny Xie, Executive Editor:
"Pandemic summer means lots of camping, and I’ve been bringing this holographic green cutie from Snow Peak everywhere I go—its retractable handles make for easy packing."
Snow Peak Ti Single 450 Colored Cup
Although the color might fade, Snow Peak's Ti Single 450 Colored Cup won't ever change really. Its titanium construction is beefy enough to last for seasons and seasons of camping, to the point where you might hand it down to the next generation.
"After so many weeks of working from home, I feel like I may never wear real clothes again. Pants are out, bike shorts are in, and I’m not mad about it."
Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short
You don’t have to bike to wear bike shorts, but biking cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, reduces road congestion, and is a pollution-free mode of transport... just saying. Made from recycled water bottles for working out and looking cute.
"My go-to cocktail has been the Naked and Famous: equal parts mezcal, aperol, chartreuse, and lime juice. Zesty, smoky, herbal, and fresh."
Madre Mezcal
Madre Mezcal comes from the Garcia Morales Ranch, set in the rolling hills of the Oaxacan Sierra. Watching over the land for centuries, the family started distilling the spirit of mezcal for the intent of personal guidance and celebration.
"This short story collection by Ted Chiang is absolutely mesmerizing. From time travelers in ancient Baghdad to a parrot critiquing humanity’s obsession with alien contact, each character invites you into a world that’s at once wholly foreign and disturbingly familiar."
Exhalation: Stories
In these nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories, Ted Chiang tackles some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could imagine. In "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," a portal through time forces a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and second chances. In "Exhalation," an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications that are literally universal. In "Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom," the ability to glimpse into alternate universes necessitates a radically new examination of the concepts of choice and free will. Including stories being published for the first time as well as some of his rare and classic uncollected work, Exhalation is Ted Chiang at his best: profound, sympathetic—revelatory.
"I’ve used the same toiletries bag while traveling for the past 10 years—now that it’s disintegrating (wah), it’s time to find a replacement. I just ordered this case by Muji, which conveniently hangs from bathroom hooks (or tree branches, if you're camping) and comes with a detachable pouch."
Muji Hanging Case With Detachable Pouch - Gray
A versatile hanging case that comes with a detachable mini pouch. Great for travel, school, or daily necessities.
Maris Berkowitz, Sales and Marketing Assistant:
"Summer equals beach weekends (socially distant of course!), and this tent has been the ultimate game changer. It allows for long days outside, keeping us cool when the heat gets high. It’s extremely easy to set up and compact to carry out—and comes in fun colors and prints too! Added bonus? It can transition from a beach tent that stabilizes with sand bags to a park picnic tent with stakes."
Neso Grande Beach Tent
Large and in charge, the Neso Grande beach tent is perfect for a beach day with family and friends. Made out of a Lycra/Nylon blend. UPF 50+ and water resistant. Weighs only 6.5 lbs.
"Adding on to beach trips, this blanket has been great! Extremely comfortable, lightweight, and beautiful."
MINNA Marta Throw Blue
As versatile as it is cozy, the Marta Throw is comfortable at home and on the road. Throw over the couch, bed, or table; spread out at the beach or picnic at the park. Lightweight enough to take on your next adventure! Handwoven in partnership with a family-run cooperative in Mitla, Mexico.
"As someone who recently welcomed a puppy into their life, I am very pleased with these toys! My pup loves them, they are durable—and they look nice around the house."
Wild One Toy Kit
Tug, toss, and chew your heart out. Bundle our Triangle Tug, Twist Toss, and Bolt Bite, and get all the Wild One toys your dog will love. Made with 100% natural rubber, 100% organic cotton, and designed so you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics or functionality. Each toy has a reinforced core for added strength and thoughtful design features to heighten engagement - a perfect toy set for puppies.
"Can’t forget sunscreen!"
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This innovative, antioxidant-rich SPF primer preps skin for makeup while providing broad spectrum SPF 40 and protection from blue light, the light emitted from our phones and computers. The unique oil-free formula glides onto skin providing shine control and leaving a velvety, makeup-gripping finish.
Nicole Wolfgram, CFO:
"It’s rosé season and I love to keep myself well stocked via Winc—this is my current choice."
2019 Summer Water Droplet Case
Summer Water is more than the rosé of the season – it’s a state of mind, and every drop is full of pink-tinted possibility. Summer never ends with Summer Water Rosé. This perennial favorite is delightfully crisp, lighthearted, and destined for a good time. The grapes for this wine were picked early in the season to achieve a natural acidity that’s ideal for warm-weather drinking. To ensure as little extraction from the skins as possible, we used the direct press method, retaining the delicate fruit aromas and pale color rosé is known for. The result is light, aromatic, and dry - with notes of melon, peach, rose, and citrus. Summer-friendly fare like shellfish, ceviche, and salads will pair swimmingly or just drink it chilled with the ones you love.
"Three children does require a well-stocked home bar. I buy these for the home and as gifts: These glasses look delicate, but have a nice weight to them."
MATCH Glass Tumblers (Set of 4)
A sturdy bar glass. Fill out your glassware collection with this set of 4 Italian crystal tumblers. These short glasses have a comforting heft to them, and we use them day in and day out for all sorts of cocktails (and sometimes just a glass of juice too).
Zach Klein, CEO:
"The most reliable way we found to get the kids to put their stuff away is to give them a dinosaur head to stash it. It also doubles as a picnic basket for socially distant picnics."
Suck UK Dinosaur Case
Store all your roar-some essentials and let your dino obsessed child’s imagination run riot with this multipurpose Jurassic themed storage container/ lunchbox. Make boring lunch boxes, toy containers or gift boxes extinct, as your handy children’s T-rex organizer can make every playtime a mouthful of fun. Whether you’re bonkers for a brachiosaurus, a super fan of the stegosaurus or a devotee of the diplodocus, we have your pre-historic playmate covered. This fearsome carnivore may seem ferocious to its herbivore prey, but there's no safer place to store your accessories than in the teeth of a pre historic predator! Encourage your children's interest in natural history and give them an ideal partner to continue stomping around with, as the fabric carry handle allows you to hold the container easily and securely on the go. Take your great explorer on a trip to the museum with their very own hand-held reptile, keep your school stationary organized or tidy away your toys. Be it your favorite pen, toy or present, step up your pencil case game. Round up your fossils by letting Rex gobble them up and gripping them in his sharp tooth mouth when play time has finished. Load him up with sandwiches for family picnics, with the containers compact size allowing it to be stored away safely in a back pack or ice cooler. Or even place as an ornament on your bookshelf, desk or bedside table, turning your home into a scene from Jurassic park. From Suck UK, designers of the greatest gifts on earth!
"Our dog isn’t getting outside as much this summer, as we’re spending more time at home. We spoiled him with this remarkably affordable shag bed and it’s durable, cozy, and hides wear and tear really well."
Best Friends by Sheri Donut Bed
With ultra-soft and cushioned walls all the way around, your dog or cat is sure to feel loved and comforted while napping in the Best Friends by Sheri Donut bed. The interior and exterior of this bed is made with faux fur/shag material that is unbelievably soft to the touch. The bottom of the bed is made with tough nylon fabric that resists both dirt and water. You will appreciate that the bed is conveniently safe to machine wash and dry (machine wash gentle cycle, Tumble dry very low heat) keeping it free of hair and odors.
"This year’s backyard blockbuster for kids."
Jasonwell Inflatable Unicorn Sprinkler
Made of thick quality and tested material. Perfect for outdoor backyard water play, summer party, pool party, unicorn party, etc.
"For two years running, this is still the best all-around summer sandal. Just as comfortable as its suede predecessor, the rubber version of the Birkenstock Arizona is supportive and easy to clean."
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA
The legendary two-strap design from BIRKENSTOCK - the Arizona. The often imitated, never duplicated, comfort legend and fashion staple. Shown in EVA, a synthetic waterproof and lightweight material. Super lightweight - great for after the gym or the beach.
Mike Chino, Senior Editor:
"I don't live in the Outer Sunset—but if I did, I would wake up each weekend, ride the Mohinder wavy train to Trouble Coffee, order a ‘Build Your Own Damn House,’ and spend the rest of the morning ogling handcrafted ceramics and ‘warm modernism’ books at General Store. Wash, rinse, repeat."
Mohinders Men's City Slipper - Woven
City slip-ons handmade in India from all-natural materials. The City Slippers from Mohinders are handmade by their partner cooperative in rural India, a standalone nonprofit that comprises 170 families of artisan entrepreneurs. Meticulously hand-made and equipped with a durable yet flexible natural crepe rubber sole, this sweet-sweet slide is ready for everyday outdoor wear.
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