I was never a Girl Scout, but I do believe is always being prepared!​ These summer favorites allow my family to have a fun and safe summer!

This post is not sponsored. These are just things I use and love.

Sunday Afternoons Hat- My children and I love these hats. They offer excellent sun protection and wash wonderfully. They are adjustable so your kids can wear them for several years.

Pop Up Beach Tent- This tent is lightweight and easy to set up.  It provides enough shade for me and the kids on a quick trip to the beach.

See Kai Run JettyIII Sandals- I love these kids' sandals because they have a thick sole and are waterproof. They are perfect for running through sprinklers or playing on the hot concrete at a splash pad.

Sunscreen and Foundation Brush- I prefer a mineral sunscreen but they can be hard to apply. This Badger sunscreen comes in a tin, and I apply it with a cheap foundation brush.  This application method is mess-free, blends in well, and the kids don't mind it at all.

Suds2Go Cap- This little cap screws onto a bottle of water and turns it into a hand washing station. I keep this in my car and use it for washing hands before picnics.

Car Organizer- I keep this on the passenger seat of my car and it houses all the supplies I could need. I have anything we may need while we are away from home, but I don't have to carry it with me all day.

This post contains affiliate links. This which means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the links. ​

Winter can prove to be a challenging time for kids and parents alike. There are not as many opportunities to get outside and burn off that extra energy. And many of the indoor activities that we all enjoy, are not available this year due to Covid restrictions. It seems like some toys actually cause my twins to disagree because there are not enough of them to go around. I am vowing to not rely on screens (too much) this season, so I have been researching great interactive toys to keep my twins engaged and happy.

 HapiNest Turtle Stepping Stones
This is a fun toy that will keep your kids moving and help with balance, coordination, and gross motor skill development.  They are very sturdy and can be used outside, however we reserve ours for indoor play. The set comes with activity cards and several games to play. The multiple stepping stones ensure everyone gets their fair share, and my twins are able to create many imaginary games with this open-ended toy (see video below for more info). I reached out to Hapinest and asked for a discount code and they obliged! So until the end of January (2021) you can use code TOY21 to receive 20% off the whole site!

Subscription Boxes
I really like these subscription box services that send a new collection of activities, books, or toys each month. And with so many different options, you can find something that aligns with your child’s interests. It’s also fun to get mail!

Kinetic Sand
If your twins enjoy sensory play, then kinetic sand is for you. I find it to be far less messy than bins of rice or play-doh. And if you are really mess adverse, plop the kiddos in the tub to make it a mess free activity. I also like that by using different add-ins (small dinosaurs, people, etc.) you have an entirely new activity.

Portable Party Light
This has been the MVP of quarantine. We have weekly dance parties and this portable party light really makes our discos (as my twins call them) super fun (see video below for more info).  

Marble Run
If your twins like legos and blocks, try a marble run. Your twins can build separately or together. I love that this toy helps kids improve problem solving skills in a creative way. My only suggestion is to make sure you have plenty of marbles.

Books
Of course I’m not going to make a list of screen free toys without including books. My twins really love this book (Wildlives), because it has short interesting stories about actual animals. It is a book we read over and over.

Hopefully this list will give you a few ideas that can help your twins enjoy a (mostly) screen free winter!

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Summer is finally here, which means long days playing outside. While I love enjoying nature with my family, the sun is always a concern.  As someone who lived in Florida for several years, I know about the damage the sun can do. So I take sun protection very seriously. If you are looking for a little respite from the sun, here are my favorite products. 
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1. Sunday Afternoon Play Hat- My favorite hats for kids, and I have tried many. They stay on, don't make the kids too sweaty, and have a safety release on the strap. They are also adjustable, so they can be worn for many years.
2.  Long Sleeve Rash Guard- This is a must for us. Because sunscreen has it's limitations, my kids and I always wear protective clothing. There are many places to find long sleeve rash guards, but for kids, I like a budget option because you only wear them for one season.
3.  Pop Up Tent- This is a new addition to my summer must-haves. If you have babies or young children, shade really is essential. There are options that are lighter/ easier to transport, but I like that this is large enough for my whole family and doesn't blow away on the beach.
4. EWG's Sunscreen Guide- The Environmental Working Group publishes a list of the safest and most effective sunscreens each year. It's a great resource.
5.  Huaaniue Swim Hat- These hats are perfect for the pool or beach. They are made of quick-drying material and provide extra sun protection with a nice long neck flap.

Some of the links are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you use the link to purchase the item.