With summer upon us, many are looking to spend the holidays outdoors. Life is easing back to normal slowly but surely in the U.S. and with that is the much-awaited reunion of friends and family. One way to spend time with your loved ones outdoors this summer is via a good old picnic. But did you know that the traditional picnic traces its roots back to the 1600’s?
In fact, the term “picnic” was most likely derived from the term “pique-nique,” which back then was a term used to describe a social gathering of the elite in which attendees must contribute a food item, much like a potluck, History Today reported. But the word picnic did not appear in the English language until the 1800s. In fact, when the picnic traveled to the U.S. from France, it was more of an outdoor event compared to the indoor gatherings of the French.
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Picnics are held almost anywhere—the park, beach, in a forest camp, or anywhere there’s a good view. Here are a few must-haves if you’re looking to spend time at a park picnic with loved ones this summer.
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Picnic Essentials for Summer in the Park
1. Picnic Time Oniva® by Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket
A picnic would never be complete without a picnic blanket! This Blanket Tote XL from Picnic Time Oniva® protects you and your loved ones from morning dew, damp grass, and sand, so your food stays fresh and clean. It’s a cozy portable picnic blanket that features a soft fleece topside and a unique, durable water-resistant underside that together packs compactly into a carry tote with a shoulder strap and zippered security pocket! This handy picnic blanket tote measures up to 38 square feet so you can take the whole family with you on a summer picnic at the park. It can also be used as a poncho during a surprise rainstorm. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “Super soft, large enough for me and three of my friends, easy to shake off and clean up, and it keeps our backsides dry while watching outdoor concerts. I love it. Highly recommended!” Nbk2101
2. Picnic Time Oniva® Large 5.5 ft. Portable Beach Umbrella
Featuring a vivid red color that’s perfect for summer, the Picnic Time Oniva® Portable Beach Umbrella is a five-foot canopy that protects you from the sun. It comes with a handy, convenient carrying tote and is made of polyester and steel. It even makes it easier to spot you in a crowded beach. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “Great umbrella for the beach. It comes with a bag to carry it. The tip makes it very easy to put it in the sand. The quality is great and is not very heavy at all. Looking forward to use it all summer long!” Pbdude from San Diego, CA
3. Picnic Time Oniva® by Outlander Folding Camp Chair with Cooler
For those who don’t want to sit on the ground but still stay comfortable while on a picnic, the Picnic Time Oniva® by Outlander Folding Camp Chair is for you. This sturdy travel chair features a steel frame, hinged feet for stability on uneven terrain, and durable polyester canvas construction that can hold up to 400 lbs. The best part? It comes with a 9-can capacity cooler and drink holder that can easily attach to the chair so you don’t need to get up. When you’re done, this portable outdoor chair folds into a drawstring tote with a shoulder strap and features a zippered security pocket behind the headrest. Great for picnicking, camping, and tailgating. 100% of reviewers recommend this product. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “Very well made and extremely durable. This chair is super comfy even has light padding on the arm rest. This chair is big and sturdy. The small cooler that you attach to the chair will hold Ice and a few snacks and drinks. It even has a zipper compartment on the back of the chair to hold small items. It has a cup holder on the side that’s large enough to hold cups, water bottles and adult beverages with a sturdy mesh bottom.” Bqwee from Stockton, CA
4. Koolatron Miller Lite Branded Ice Chest Cooler
No outdoor trip is complete without a cooler, so make sure you have the Koolatron Miller Lite Branded Ice Chest Cooler with you. It holds up to 85 cans of beer and features a solid steel design and solid steel latch that securely seals in the contents. It also features a rustproof, leak-resistant channel drain for no-tilt draining, stainless steel hands with rubber grip for easy carrying, and easy to clean base, lid, and liner, and built-in drain plug. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “I bought this last week and it arrived two days ago. Quality on finish and workmanship looks great, I would keep a eye on this and not leave it unattended, people will steal it I’m sure.” Barbiedoll
5. WeatherX Wireless Speaker with LED Lantern and Powerbank
Picnics won’t be complete without some entertainment! Whether for a Fourth of July trip or a simple picnic in the park, the WeatherX Wireless Speaker with LED Lantern and Powerbank is a handy essential you’ll want to have around. This all in one rugged speaker features a built-in LED lantern and an IPX4 water resistance rating so you know it can stand the outdoors. It has a USB port for mobile phone charging, micro USB port for battery recharge, carry handle, easy to use controls for volume and play, and different light modes such as on, medium, low, high, strobe, SOS, and off. It has a wireless range of 33-inch line of sight, and an audio output of 2.5W. It also has a DC battery power of 10000 mAH battery with battery life up to 20 hours per 6.5-hour charge. 96% of reviewers recommend this product. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “This handy speaker was so easy to set up and connect to my bluetooth device! I’m also very pleased with how bright the lantern light is! The charging dock station will definitely come in handy to charge my phone if I lose power!” S&Ltree from Livingston, TX
Picnic Essentials or Serving
1. Picnic At Ascot Deluxe 2 Person Picnic Backpack Cooler with Insulated Wine Pouch
One of the first things you need to have when going for a park picnic is this Picnic at Ascot Deluxe picnic backpack that makes planning for an outdoor meal a breeze. It’s fully equipped for serving two people and comes with a detachable insulated wine holder and thermal shield insulated cooler section with leak proof liner so your food and drinks remain in a perfect temperature. It also includes combination acrylic wine glasses, 9″ melamine plates, stainless steel flatware, napkins. The bag is constructed with a rugged 600 denier canvas that is protective against the outdoors, whether you’re going to the park, beach, mountains, outdoor concerts, and more. Its cooler compartment comes with a removable leak-proof liner and a removable insulated wine carrier. Its shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, while its front zippered pocket allows for storing keys, cell phones, tickets, and more. Shop at Macy’s.
2. Picnic Time Oniva® by Vibe Potluck Casserole Tote
Going for a potluck or a picnic? Make sure you’re equipped with the Picnic Time Oniva® by Vibe Potluck Casserole Tote, a versatile bag that features built-in elastic loops and a separate zippered section at the top so you can easily transfer your goodies from home to your party or even the outdoors. Keep your casserole intact, yummy, and looking great with this tote that features a large insulated compartment that you can use as a cooler or as a transport for casseroles with up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with a spacious, non-insulated top compartment so you can store serving utensils and other essentials. Its large handles make it easy to transport, while its two elastic loops at the back can hold one large serving utensil. It also comes with a framed window slot for your identification card so you don’t lose your bag! Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “I originally bought two for prizes at my daughter’s baby shower, but deciding to keep one for myself after seeing how nice it looked.I have used it twice and it keep the food warm for most of the day. The extra compartment at the top is a nice bonus.” Drmcd
3. Hyperchiller 12.5 OZ Patented Coffee/Beverage Cooler
Does the summer heat make your cold drinks lose their cool really quick? Worry not as the Hyperchiller can help make chilled drinks in just one minute! Whether for use at home or outdoors, the Hyperchiller lets you transform fresh hot coffee into perfect iced coffee in just 60 seconds without dilution. It is designed to conveniently fit into most full size single cup brewers and has a high-volume 12.5 oz capacity so you can make your cold brew wherever you are. It can also be used to chill a bottle of wine, your favorite whiskey or some iced tea. It’s truly a perfect summer must-have. This product is dishwasher safe. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “This is a fine product. You can use it to have any cold drink you want in no time! Anything you want gets chilled without losing any flavor to extra water caused by ice. Love it!” Cat67
4. Picnic Time Toscana® by Acacia Circo Cheese Board & Tools Set
One of the picnic essentials you must have on your way to the park is a board and knife set that’s handy to use to slice cheese, ham, sausages, and other picnic staples. This beautiful yet handy set from Picnic Time Toscana® by Acacia Circo features a swivel cutting board and four tools. The cheese board features a sleek rich wood color, and a recessed juice groove to catch cheese brine or juice, and comes with four full-tang tools for serving a variety of cheeses. The split-level cutting board is crafted from dark, gorgeous acacia wood and comes with a swivel-connected box. Inside, you’ll find four cheese tools including a one cheese shaver, one pointed-tip hard cheese knife, one chisel knife, and one fork-tipped hard cheese knife. This unique, compact set is great for picnics, beach trips, hiking, camping, tailgating, and more. Measures only 10 inches in diameter, making it a handy picnic essential. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “The size of this beautiful wood chessboard is perfect to serve 6-8 people. It’s round and the underside easily slides out and contains tools to slice cheese/meats, a great tool to remove the wax cheese rind, and other items. The underside area slides back when not in use. This is a great design to keep everything together and takes minimal space.” Orion
5. OXO Good Grips All-In-One Winged Corkscrew with Bottle Opener
The OXO Good Grips All-In-One Winged Corkscrew with Bottle Opener is one of the picnic essentials you must not forget to pack. Whether you are serving a glass of wine or a cold beer during a picnic, camping trip, or tailgate, this durable, die-cast zinc corkscrew can do the trick. It features a comfortable turning knob, contoured wings, and helix-style non-stick screw that lets you open cork-sealed wine bottles with ease. It also features a built-in bottle opener that can easily open beer bottles. 96% of reviewers recommend this product. Shop at Macy’s.
Promising review: “This corkscrew is super simple to use and opens a bottle with ease. It’s great to take along on picnics or travel when a big electric one would be too bulky.” Axmh1985
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Picnic Essentials for Cleaning Up
1. Clean Cubes 13 Gallon Disposable Sanitary Trash Cans & Recycling Bins
An attractive, sanitary way to dispose of your trash while at a picnic or a tailgate party, these durable paper bines are lined with a leak-resistant plastic trash bag for convenience. It makes recycling and trash disposal easy as it provides space wherever you go. It’s also reusable, as the outer paper is sturdy and the inner plastic lining can be replaced. Measures 13.5 x 10 x 17 inches Available on Amazon.
2. Alta + Antibacterial Hand Wipes
Great for cleaning hands on the go, the Alta+ Antibacterial Hand Wipes are made with no harsh chemicals or alcohol and are instead moistened with benzalkonium chloride to help reduce germs on hands and skin. Measures 5.5 x 6.5 inches. Available on Amazon.
3. Kleenex Multifold Paper Towels
Handy for wiping off any spills, drips, and other messes involved in sharing good food and drink with your loved ones. These are soft and highly absorbent for reduced waste and are designed for one at a time dispensing for easy use. Handy to bring in the car for trips or to be placed in a folded towel dispenser at home. Measures 9.2 x 9.4 inches when unfolded. Available on Amazon.
4. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Food Containers with Lids
Never go on a picnic without some extra storage food containers for leftovers. These glass storage food containers with lids are great for packing food to serve and leftovers. It features vented, microwave-safe lids for easy, splatter-resistant microwaving and a space-saving, modular design for easy stacking and mobility. This BPA-free, dishwasher safe glass is also microwave safe up to 450 degrees F so you can use it as cookware and serveware. Available on Amazon.
5. Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Heading outdoors for extended periods of time may require extra protection, so make sure you have the Repel Plant-based Insect Repellent with you at all times. This DEET-free insect repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours and leaves the skin with a cool, refreshing scent. Available on Amazon.
More great summer ideas await in the stories from our archive below. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of our posts, sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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