28 Amazon Products to Make Your Rad Summer Even Better

Nothing beats Amazon for finding unconventional and affordable products you didn’t know you wanted *or* needed. Chances are, you’ll find one or more of these goodies handy for whatever you’ve got planned this season. Complete your outdoor movie night with a popcorn popper, embark on a river floating escapade with a jumbo inflatable donut or turn your backyard into a party-ready arena with LED string lights. Scroll on and take your pick from these 28 Amazon products to make this summer the best one yet!

1. Topist Camping Hammock ($30): When it comes to backpacking, the key is to pack light. Don’t get stuck carrying a heavy, bulky tent — instead, opt for this lightweight but durable camping hammock that features a breathable mesh net to keep those pesky insects away.

2. Kangaroo Giant Donut Pool Float ($10): If you love donuts *and* lounging in the pool, look no further than this delicious find. This colorful float makes a great pool accessory for kids and adults alike.

3. Popeez Ice Pop Molds ($20, set of six): The only thing better than Popsicles is fun-shaped ones! Use this colorful set of six molds to create star-shaped ice pops you and your friends can enjoy at your next pool party. For extra pizzazz, add a generous dose of edible glitter to really make those stars *sparkle*.

4. Mobility Universal Waterproof Phone Case ($10): Embark on your next outdoor adventure with this waterproof phone case and you won’t have to worry about snow, dust, sand or water ruining your phone. It’s also touch-friendly, making it easy to text, scroll through Instagram or take photos, so you might actually use it.

5. Kangaroo Emoji Table Tennis Balls ($6, six-pack): Whether you want to hone those paddle skills or become the next beer pong champion, make your game adorable with these emoji-inspired ping-pong balls. If you’re worried about losing your favorite — some dogs can’t resist chewing up these things — consider getting the 48-pack for only $15.

6. Jet Creations Inflatable Flamingo Ring Toss Game ($40): Mix things up at your next pool party with a little competition. Split up your friends or family into teams and see which side can get all three rings around the flamingo first!

7. Stansport Fold-Up Chair ($27): As great as being outdoors is, no one likes getting their bottom wet or dirty. Keep the seat of your pants clean and dry with this handy fold-up chair you can use wherever you need instant seating.

8. Vino Please Vacuum Wine Stoppers ($35, set of two): Keep your summer sweet by saving your favorite wines with these vacuum wine stoppers. They promise an airtight and leak-proof seal so you don’t need to worry about your wine developing a weird aftertaste or oxidation.

9. Fun Central Glow-in-the-Dark Beach Ball ($9): Each pack comes with one white beach ball and two green glow sticks. Activate the glow stick and insert into the beach ball to ensure your volleyball game will last long after the sun sets.

10. iLounge Inflatable Lounge Chair ($70): Choose from 12 brightly colored lounge chairs to make a statement at the beach, pool, lake or wherever you go. When deflated, it’s compact and portable, which makes transporting it a cinch. It also deflates or inflates in a matter of seconds, giving you an instantly comfy and convenient spot to lounge.

11. Savvy Infusion Water Bottle ($29): Regardless of what you’re doing — lounging around or playing sports — stay hydrated with your own fruit-infused water. Simply add fresh or frozen fruit and herbs to create your uniquely tasty water, tea or lemonade infusion.

12. bobble Insulate ($25): Take your favorite beverages to go with this leak-proof, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free insulated water bottle. Its sleek, modern design will make it your go-to vessel for hot and cold drinks.

13. Fun Express Flamingo Coaster ($2, set of 12): Throwing a Hawaiian-themed party? Complete your luau-inspired decor with this set of 12 festive flamingo drink floats your guests are sure to love.

14. Swimline Log Flume Joust Set ($21): Featuring two inflatable logs and two inflatable log boppers, this joust set is an all-’round good time waiting to happen. Turn a one-on-one game into a tournament so all your friends can participate.

15. Intex Jumbo Inflatable Beach Balls ($19, set of two): This set of two giant beach balls, one with stripes and the other with dots, guarantees double the outdoor fun. There’s no doubt they’ll be a summertime hit.

16. Coleman LED Lantern String Lights ($20): This string of 10 mini LED lanterns isn’t just cute — it’s the answer to your outside lighting needs. Because it operates on batteries, it’s the portable must-have for any backyard or outdoor gathering.

17. Carpathen Marshmallow Roasting Sticks ($38, set of six): Made of premium quality stainless steel and natural wood, these roasting sticks are the durable and colorful tools to use for making s’mores this summer. Their extendable steel rods allow you to evenly roast marshmallows without getting too close to the fire.

18. Bestek Mini Power Bank ($8): You won’t have to worry about your phone running out of juice with this mini power bank. Featuring a built-in micro USB charging cable, this li’l guy is the on-the-go solution for when you want to take photos during your outdoor activities without completely draining your battery.

19. GetBacktoBasix All Natural Mosquito Repellent Bracelets ($20, set of two): These colorful bracelets are infused with non-toxic citronella oil to ward off mosquitos for up to 180 hours. Easy to use and adjustable, this natural bug-repelling solution is so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it.

20. All Ware Pineapple Slicer and Corer ($5): If you’re planning on throwing a tropical party this summer, make sure to have this pineapple slicer and corer at hand. Its effective design ensures an effortless way to core and slice the famously unwieldy fruit, making perfectly shaped pineapple rings while preserving the rest of the fruit to use as a bowl.

21. GresaHom Outdoor Pocket Blanket ($60): Don’t be fooled by how compact it appears in its pouch — this 71-by-55-inch blanket is large enough to fit at least two people comfortably. Its multipurpose design makes it suitable to use as a camping blanket, beach mat or even rain cover at sporting events.

22. Swimline Inflatable Swimming Pool Shock Rocker ($50): Constructed from durable vinyl, the extra-large Shock Rocker can hold up to 650 pounds, making it an ideal float for your entire family or squad to enjoy together. It also features ergonomic handles for comfort and stability.

23. KMD Sport Pop Up Tent ($36): Forget umbrellas that can fall down with the slightest breeze and opt for this lightweight but sturdy pop-up cabana you can set up in minutes. Take it with you on your trips to the park or beach for instant sun and heat relief.

24. MumsPrefer Co Popcorn Maker ($30): This is the movie night essential you didn’t know you needed. Cater to your whole party with this silicone bucket that lets you make up to eight cups of yummy popcorn at a time in the microwave. It comes with a booklet of 10 recipes to inspire a summer’s worth of party noshes.

25. Kangaroo Giant Swan Pool Float ($60): This oversized float is sure to become a summer favorite for you *and* your BFF. It also photographs really well against the water, as you can see, so your Instagram will be popping.

26. GoQK Watermelon Slicer and Corer ($35): Chunky and uneven slices of watermelon are a thing of the past, thanks to this easy-to-use gadget. Made of high-quality stainless steel, the utensil set promises an effortless way to slice and serve your favorite summer fruit.

27. GAOGE Waterproof Bag ($17): If you’re planning on going somewhere that involves water, consider bringing this trusty bag. Rest assured when you go kayaking or hiking in the rain, it’ll keep any sensitive items nice and dry. It even comes with a waterproof phone case for your most precious belonging.

28. J-Tech Digital, Inc Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($34): Get ready to jam out to the hottest tracks this summer with this conveniently portable Bluetooth speaker. Its shockproof, waterproof and dustproof design is well suited for the outdoors, so you can bring it camping, rafting or wherever the summer takes you!

Which of these Amazon goodies will you get? Follow us on Pinterest for more summer-inspired products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning — and insanely expensive — Zillow houses for sale right now.

Beach Houses

Image via Zillow

East Hampton Beach Cottage

Cost: $44,500,000

The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!

Image via Zillow

Destin Beach House Destination

Cost: $4,100,000​

Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? 😉​

Image via Zillow

Marvelous Marco Island Getaway

Cost: $5,450,000

I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is — I promise it won't disappoint!

Image via Zillow

Laguna Beach Beauty

Cost: $21,500,000

Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 — a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?

Image via Zillow

California Dream House

Cost: $55,000,000

Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)

Image via Zillow

At Home In The Hamptons

Cost: $79,995,000

Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.

Image via Zillow

Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage

Cost: $9,950,000

In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.

Condos & Townhouses

Image via Zillow

Gorgeous Georgetown Condo

Cost: $5,495,000

DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...😭), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.

Image via Zillow

Upper East Side Excellence

Cost: $65,000,000

Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!

Image via Zillow

Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,950,000

Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!

Image via Zillow

Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,995,000

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.

Mountain And Lake Houses

Image via Zillow

Charming Wyoming Ranch House

Cost: $8,199,000

It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.

Image via Zillow

Cozy North Carolina Castle

​Cost: $7,500,000

Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. 😉​

Image via Zillow

Sante Fe Getaway

Cost: $3,375,000

The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!

Image via Zillow

Lovely Michigan Lake House

Cost: $3,649,000

The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!

Looking for more home inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, and be sure to check out our storefront!

Header image via Zillow

Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!

While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second — and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!

Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."

Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly — and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."

"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."

After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 — and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.

What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista

‘Tis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isn’t a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).

Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we don’t necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. That’s where walking sandals come in!

Sandalsneed to be comfy if we’re gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits – from casual to more dressed-up.

The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.

Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.

“I’ve worn my Tevas to the ground,” she says. “The inch height boost is appreciated as someone who’s 5-feet 2-inches and they’re incredibly sturdy and cushiony.”

Practicality: 5/5

Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.

“They’ve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmer’s market, and grabbing coffee.”

Although they’re super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of “constant use” from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.

Style: 5/5

The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but they’re still stylish for today’s age. The 1 ¼-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.

They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.

One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.

Chacos Z Sandals

Comfort: 4/5

The classic Chacos Z Sandals – once you actually break them in – are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.

To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (that’s me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but it’s not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.

Practicality: 4/5

Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, they’re durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they don’t slip a single bit.

“They work so well as water shoes,” Meredith says. “I’ll wear them on long lake days and I don’t ever have to take them off, even when I’m out of the water.”

The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip™ layer on the bottom that has a “good amount” of tread, according to Meredith.

The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.

“I definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,” she says. “It can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the straps again.”

Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, they’re not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (she’s had her Chacos for 6 years) that they’re “walkable for a day, but I wouldn’t hike in them.”

Style: 4/5

The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so they’re obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.

Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you don’t have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!

Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasn’t noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years she’s worn them!

OluKai ‘Aka Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, they’re not even quite flip flops, either. They’re like flip flops, but elevated, really.

The ‘Aka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.

Practicality: 4/5

“For a pool day, these are absolutely practical,” Meredith says.

These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesn’t soak up water, but rather, repels it.

This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.

As far as the actual walking, there’s not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but don’t feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.

Style: 5/5

The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Ahh, Birks. They’re so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.

“The cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,” according to Meredith.

On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so you’re not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.

Practicality: 3/5

These walking sandals aren’t quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.

“I'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmer’s market,” she says. “Maybe I just haven’t broken them in enough yet, though.”

Their flat sole doesn’t have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface that’s not an inside floor or pavement.

Style: 4/5

These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. They’ve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.

These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.

Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.

Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though she’s toyed with different levels of tightness, they just don’t fit Meredith’s feet right.

The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.

Practicality: 2/5

Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith can’t really endorse these walking sandals’ practicality.

“They’re super cute, but I just can’t have them on all day,” she says. “I wish they fit me better than they do.”

Style: 5/5

While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.

As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.

The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via brands.