Summer with a toddler is equal parts magic and mayhem — sun-drenched park days, sticky popsicle fingers, spontaneous splash pad stops, and the constant quest for that one thing that makes your day go smoother (or your outfit cuter, or your iced coffee last longer). As a couple in our late early 40s, juggling work, parenting, and the pursuit of a little fun for ourselves, we’ve become very selective about what earns a permanent spot in our weekend plans. That’s why we put together The Summer Shortlist — a no-fluff roundup of the products we’re genuinely obsessed with this season. From game-changing travel gear to the little luxuries that help us feel like real adults again (even if we’re chasing a barefoot toddler through the yard), most everything on this list has been tested, loved, and deemed worth sharing. Let’s dive in.
Backyard Royalty Starts Here
If there’s one thing our son could do all day, every day, it’s swing. And not just a gentle push—he wants to soar. (Seriously, our arms are starting to protest.) So when we started dreaming about our future backyard must-haves, a King Swings playset jumped right to the top of our list. These are the kind of beautifully crafted swing sets and playhouses that feel like something out of a childhood dream—only better, because you get to design them.
Whether it’s climbing towers, daring slides, or a cozy playhouse like The Lodge (complete with space for a pretend tea party or a parent hiding from the sun with a cold drink), King Swings offers customizable setups that grow with your family. We’re already picturing future birthday parties, neighborhood playdates, and sunny afternoons where we all unplug and just enjoy being outside together. These aren’t the flimsy, fall-apart-in-a-season sets you see everywhere. These are heirloom-level. The kind you’ll want to pass down—or at least never take down.
- Start customizing yours here.
Grill Master Extraordinaire (aka the Dad Jackpot)
Full disclosure: my husband used to be a chef. That means grilling season is basically his Super Bowl. For Father’s Day, I gave him this Kaluns BBQ tool set, and it’s been love ever since. It comes with every gadget he could possibly need—plus a few surprises he didn’t know he wanted.
The stainless steel tools are sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and come packed in a sleek aluminum case. He especially loves the 4-pocket apron (because toddler spills are real) and the built-in bottle opener on the spatula. I love that I can kick back with a cold drink while he handles dinner like a pro.
- Bonus: It’s currently on sale for Prime Day. You’re welcome.
Poolside Perfection (Toddler Splash Zone Included)
Between swim lessons, backyard splash pad sessions, and chasing our son around the pool, I’ve been living in my Aquari Solara Shirt Dress. It’s breezy, lightweight, and stylish enough to feel like I still have a personality beyond “mom who forgot sunscreen.”
This dress transitions flawlessly from poolside to iced coffee runs and even works over jeans for cooler evenings. The print is gorgeous, the fabric feels like air, and it gives me that effortlessly pulled-together look without actually putting in effort. If you want a summer staple that makes you feel like your best self—even on three hours of sleep—this is it.
- Oh & you’ll want one in multiple colors from Aquari
The Dress That Does It All
Let’s be honest—after an hour in the pool and 20 minutes of drying off a wriggly toddler who will not sit still, the last thing I want is clingy, complicated clothes. That’s why The Spa Dress is my go-to all summer. It’s soft (thanks to bamboo fabric), flows like a dream, and works for everything from lounging with coffee to waving hello to the Amazon guy.
It’s flattering without trying too hard, and comes in both long and short lengths. I wear it after swimming, while making lunch, or just when I need to feel like a human again instead of a soggy towel holder. Pro tip: get both lengths. Trust me.
- You’re going to need The Spa Dress
Mocktails That Feel Like the Real Thing
We’ve been on a bit of a wellness kick this year, which means cutting way back on alcohol—especially with a toddler running around. But that doesn’t mean we’re skipping happy hour. Enter: Schofferhofer’s Schofferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen that’s low in alcohol with only 2.5% ABV and Clausthaler’s 0.0% IPA.
These are crisp, refreshing, and feel way more festive than soda. They’re perfect for our neighborhood BBQs, evening wind-downs, or just cracking one open during nap time and pretending we’re in Germany on vacation. Clausthaler’s ISO 0.0 brew is even made for post-workout hydration (hello stroller walks in 90° heat). They’re the kind of drinks that make you feel included—even if you’re skipping the booze.
- Stock up online at Schofferhofer + Clausthaler
Cold Brew That Actually Lives Up to the Hype
We’ve tried so many cold brew setups over the years—and this is the one. The Cumulus Coffee Machine makes barista-level cold brew at home with the push of a button. No messy grounds, no waiting 24 hours. Just smooth, strong, glorious iced coffee ready in minutes.
As someone who loves going out to coffee shops, I have very high standards. And this thing delivers. Now I can enjoy café-quality coffee from the comfort of my swimsuit, robe, or mismatched loungewear while the toddler empties a toy bin. It’s worth every penny—and yes, there’s a secret sale happening right now.
- Use promo code SECRET20 through 07/13 for 20% off at Cumulus Coffee
Our New Nightcap Ritual (Without the Hangover)
When bedtime finally rolls around (and after the third round of stories and one more “sip of water”), we like to sit outside, listen to the bugs, and enjoy a quiet drink. Lately, my we’ve both been loving Reframe—a non-alcoholic cannabis-infused drink with 10mg of THC.
It helps us truly unwind after a long day of toddler energy and work stress, without any next-day grogginess. He sips his straight. I mix mine with a little juice. It’s our new ritual—grown-up fun that’s totally laid-back.
- Chill out and order Reframe
Sweet Treats for Us (and Maybe the Toddler If He’s Lucky)
These buttery, crumbly cookies have become our afternoon “quiet time” indulgence. The Walker’s Shortbread Rounds Snack Packs are perfect for Florida humidity and grab-and-go snacking (especially when our son insists on “helping” in the kitchen).
They come in small two-cookie packs that are great for portion control (or hiding in your bag). We also keep a stash of the fancier flavors—Salted Caramel & Milk Chocolate Chunk, Stem Ginger, and the regal Petticoat Tails—for those rare moments when we have a hot cup of tea and a quiet house. (A fantasy? Maybe. But a tasty one.)
- Great for home, packing for summer camp or in your bag on the go from Walker’s Shortbread
Our Favorite Summer Accessory (Other Than the Baby Monitor)
Margaritaville Island Time Sunglasses
Let’s face it—sunglasses are essential when your toddler demands to be outside all day. We both found styles we love from Margaritaville Island Time, and we’re officially obsessed. I wear the Driftseas—they’re fun, retro, and give me that “I still got it” vibe. He wears the Cabanas, which give major Tom Cruise energy (or so he says).
They’re light, stylish, and durable enough to survive diaper bag tosses and surprise splash fights. Whether you’re a diehard Parrothead or just need some good sun protection, you’ll want to check them out.
- Check out all of the Margaritaville Styles at Island Time Sunglasses
Want more? We’ll be adding more lists as we discover new family faves, travel finds, and toddler-friendly gear that help summer and Back to School feel a little more magical (and a lot less stressful). Until then, enjoy these little life upgrades—and we hope they make your season as fun and full as ours.
— The Summer Shortlist Crew
(P.S. Don’t forget sunscreen. Always sunscreen.)
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