These smart summer buys changed my summers!
I am not a person who loves hot summers, and because of this, I’ve always been really careful regarding what things I buy to prepare for this season. I mean, summer is fine, but depending on where you live, there are some smart summer buys that can make your whole life much easier.
Living in South Carolina is not that pleasant during summer, and I believe that this makes me the right person to recommend to you some amazing stuff you can buy. And since I want to make this list more accessible, I’ve selected only things you can find in Walmart.
I’ve never been a fan of Walmart myself, but in the last few years, this retailer has surprised me with its dirt-cheap prices for some items you would spend so much more on in other places. So, without further ado, here are the Walmart smart summer buys I think any senior should get.
Electrolyte drink mixes
As I aged, I noticed something about myself: I sweat more than I used to. If a decade ago I was fine staying outside in 90 degrees, now I perspire like I ran a marathon just by going to visit my neighbors. I guess this is one of the downsides of aging, but maybe you are luckier than I.
The idea is that while you are sweating, your body eliminates lots of essential electrolytes, which are vital for maintaining proper bodily functions. Yeah, this doesn’t sound good for your health, but you can prevent this with one of the smart summer buys that I decided to add to this list.
Hopefully, you can prepare yourself electrolyte drink mixes, and studies show that this is the easiest way to replenish the lost minerals. These mixes prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue, and make you feel better during scorching weather.
One of my actual favorite choices is DripDrop Fast Hydration Sunburst Variety Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix, 8 Count, available for $8.38. And if you want something that has no sugar, you can also find this version for $7.98.
Insect repellent
If you are like me and prefer to be somewhere outdoors during summer nights, then you definitely need insect repellent. Last time I forgot to buy myself some, it was a nightmare, and the bite marks persisted on my skin for weeks! I hate mosquitoes.
If I were to pick something out of the Walmart selection, I would go for Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 6 fl oz. It costs only $6.73, and this specific formula has aloe and vitamin E. Great for keeping your skin smooth.
In case you want something more portable, my favorite is the OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent I, Smooth & Dry Mosquito Bug Spray, 2.5 fl oz, which costs $4.00. It fits perfectly in my pocket and is useful when you need on-the-go protection at an affordable price.
Insect repellent is one of the most useful smart summer buys that comes into my mind, and I tend to carry these sprays with me even during the day. Better to be safe than sorry!
Breathable summer clothing
It took me a while, but when people tell you that you need to choose your clothes wisely during summer, they are not talking nonsense. They are actually right. I was pretty stubborn regarding this matter, but not anymore.
If you are living in a hot, humid climate like Florida, for example, you need to know that clothing crafted from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen is essential if you want to survive summer.
Last time I went to Walmart, I discovered some good pieces, such as the Time and Tru Women’s Cotton V-Neck Tee with Short Sleeves for women. I consider it a staple, and for $4.98, this is a steal. For Bill, my husband, I always pick the George Men’s and Big Men’s Stretch Twill Flat Front Shorts, 9″ Inseam. These ones are comfortable and versatile, and you’ll pay $9.98.
For seniors, I tend to believe the safest bets are breathable materials and clothing items that are easy to wear. Personally, I’ve been buying Walmart t-shirts for two years already, and I don’t regret it.
Sunscreen and sun protection
Enjoying the beautiful summer outdoors is a true pleasure. I love it, especially late in the summer when the weather is not that hot anymore. But one important thing is that you should never forget to protect your skin from the sun.
After a certain age, your skin is more delicate and prone to sun damage. One interesting discovery of mine is the BUTKLNYTS Summer UV Protection Sun Hat. This is one of my smart summer buys, and you can easily get it from Walmart for $13.99. The same brand also offers options with neck flaps for even more coverage.
For sunscreen, I choose Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel Cream Sun Cream SPF50 50ml. It cost $13.00, and for now, I consider it pretty effective. The thing I like the most about it is the gel consistency that makes it light and not heavy or sticky against your skin.
If you prefer Amazon, you can get this great UV protection sun hat.
Cooling towels
This is a new addition to my smart summer buys collection, and it was a recommendation from a good friend of mine. I was skeptical about it, but it turns out this is a simple but efficient method to cool yourself during the hot summer days and even nights.
All you have to do is wet the towel, and it will become cool as ice instantly. What I like a lot about them is their reusability and portability, as this makes them convenient for various activities.
My favorites are the Frogg Toggs Chilly Mini Cooling Towels, which come for an incredibly low price of $1.97 per towel, which means you will pay $5.91 for a 3-pack. If you want a larger towel, you can go for the Frogg Toggs iCOOL® PVA Cooling Towel, Sky Blue 26″ x 17″, at $9.76 for a 2-pack. I’ve never tried them, but they are the same brand, and they have good reviews on the website, so why not?
Cooling solutions for a good sleep
Now, sleeping with a wet towel is not the most comfortable thing. I personally hate it, and this made me explore deeper into the world of unconventional cooling solutions. This is how I discovered these cooling pillows at Walmart.
The Sertapedic Cool Nites Bed Pillow, Standard/Queen, 2 Pack is a very popular solution from a trusted brand. I love these pillows, and you can have them for $11.88. If you prefer the king-size version, you will need to pay more, $37.99. But trust me when I tell you it is worth it. These pillows are cool to the touch, like this all night long, and they are filled with hypoallergenic fill, so they are exceptional for those suffering from allergies.
This is not the longest list, but these smart summer buys are saving my life when the weather gets insufferably hot. Most of them are basic things, but people forget about them, so I think it is important to make it clear that they are real game changers.
Do you have any smart summer buys you would like to recommend to me? Tell me all about them in the comments!
You should never feel bad about splurging on these items, some of them are also smart summer buys: 4 Home Items That Pay Off