Six Survival Products You Don’t Want to do Summer Without!

Summer is in full swing, and I don’t need to tell you that it’s looking very different this year. If we could time travel and tell parents a year ago that they’d be adding masks, sanitary wipes and buckets of hand sanitizer to their shopping list—they’d look at us like we had three heads. But here we are... the summer of COVID-19.

I feel like I’ve been transported back to the days of having toddlers where I had to do a full inventory of my diaper bag before heading out for a quick errand. Hand Sanitizer? Check! Masks?  Check! Sanitizing wipes? Check! My goodness… there are days that I’m lucky if I remember the kids!   

As a parent of teenagers, I have a few summers under my belt, so now when July comes around, I have a pretty good idea of what products I need to pick up to ensure we’re ready for whatever summer may throw our way. Below are six of my family’s tried-and-true products that are must-haves whenever we head out—whether it be on a hike, a picnic, a camping trip, or a day trip to the beach. So, take a look through and hopefully this will help ease some of the work out of building your own summer survival kit!  

Nature’s Aid Multi-Purpose Skin Gel  

This is my go-to, always-gotta-have, works-on-just-about-anything product! If I could only have one product in my arsenal against summer bites & scrapes, this is it! It takes the itch out of bug bites, the sting out sunburns, the irritation from allergic reactions, and is excellent on scrapes and cuts as a natural wound healer. The more you use it, the more uses you will discover. Nature’s Aid is a gel made with aloe vera, tea tree, witch hazel, rosemary and vitamin E. Made locally in Niagara on the Lake, it is free from parabens, GMOs, sulfates and other harsh chemicals. It truly is the one product that wears many hats!  

All Good Mineral Sunscreen   

Anyone else have one of “those kids” with super sensitive skin that practically burns in the shade? Well, I do! Sunscreen has been a battle for us over the years. If you’ve tried to walk down the natural sunscreen route before you would know the challenges with trying to find one that stands up to the test. We tried ones that were SO difficult to rub in that application is a battle in itself, ones that turn them into a pasty white mess, some that make them so greasy that they could land a plane with the reflection coming off of them… so many imperfect options! For a long time, it seemed that conventional sunscreen had us beat—until I found All Good Mineral Sunscreen! This mineral sunscreen uses non-nano zinc as the active ingredient—a topical mineral that sits on top of your skin and won’t absorb into your body. With added ingredients like green tea leaves and rosehip oil, it’s doing double duty to protect your skin while nourishing and repairing at the same time. Oh, and the best part for us parents?? I LOVE the fact that it is a SPRAY, making application no longer a battle of wills!      

Roar Organic Electrolyte Drinks  

Kid and parent approved; Roar is a product you’ll almost always find in my refrigerator. Keeping our kiddos hydrated in the heat can sometimes be a challenge, but with this product your new challenge will be keeping the fridge stocked! Made with coconut water, it is a healthy alternative to other sports drinks that are chock full of artificial colours and refined sugar. With only 10 calories in a serving, everyone in the family will enjoy finding their favourite flavour! I also make sure to have a few of these around during flu season—as they are great for recovery to keep kids from getting dehydrated and for boosting those electrolytes. Our family’s faves are the Mango Clementine or the Georgia Peach; but honestly, they’re all delicious… tough to choose just one!  

Organic Matter Hand Sanitizer Spray 

I never thought there would be a day where I had hand sanitizer around every corner—yet here we are, 2020 you never cease to surprise me! There’s a grab & go size in every purse, pocket, suitcase, backpack and glove compartment. I’m really liking the Organic Matter Hand Sanitizer Spray. Organic Matter has combined an H202 activator with a higher level of alcohol (80%), plus hemp seed oil to create a super-hydrating sanitizer. With kids, anything spray is always preferred, so this makes sanitizing those little hands easy on-the-go.     

Dapis Gel 

IMO you can’t have too many things in the war against those annoying bug bites! Any parent that has been up in the night with an itchy child knows what I’m talking about. This was one of the first products that I discovered when I began my journey here at Goodness Me! and 9 years later it’s still a must-have in our medicine cabinet. Dapis Gel is a homeopathic gel that relieves the pain, itching and swelling of insect bites and hives. It is not greasy, easy to apply and absorbs quickly to cool and offer relief. Just a quick application and within minutes the cooling sensation takes over and takes the itch away. You’re welcome for that good night’s sleep!  

Patch Natural Bamboo Adhesive Bandages  

Remember how I said I’ve got “that kid” whose skin reacts to EVERYTHING? Well, band aids are included on that list. We’re loving these new Patch Natural Bamboo Adhesive Bandages that just arrived this summer here at Goodness Me! These strips are perfect for those who like to keep it simple. The natural bamboo fibre & mineral-based pressure sensitive adhesive gently adheres to the skin; they are hypoallergenic & free from plastic and irritating chemicals. On top of being cute to look at, they are breathable and flexible to allow wounds to heal, breathe, and move while protecting the skin. A must-have for every first aid kit!