Packing for the PERFECT Pool Day

Summer is here and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spend at least a few days this season poolside.  There’s nothing like a good book, the sounds of children squealing (or maybe music is more your speed), the smell of burgers at the grill, toes in the water, and sunshine on your face. It never gets old!  Here at More Than Paper, we have a few tips for packing for your next pool day to ensure your day is great.   One of our favorite tips is to have your pool bag stocked and ready to go – so at any time, you could just go to the pool or beach without much effort. Store it in the front hall closet or by the door so if the moment strikes you – you are able to go.  

Bag Essentials 

Keep everything in one large bag that you can easily transport. You will want to select a bag that is large enough for towels, books, magazines, snacks, and water bottle. Keep your essentials like sunscreen, phone, keys, and wallet safe and dry by packing them in a waterproof bag or pouch that fits inside. At More Than Paper, we have a variety of large tote bags that work perfectly for the pool.  Most popular are our large canvas tote bags.  See them all here: 

 

Lather Up 

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is critical and you will want to be prepared. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. We recommend using a multi-step approach to sunscreen (yes, really!)  First, lather with the cream version before you leave for the pool.  Re-apply with the spray version when you arrive.  (Double-duty!) Use a stick for facial sunscreen as it tends to cover your face better.  Don’t forget sunglasses to shield your eyes (they are not just for fashion) and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp. Store all your sunscreen in one dopp kit bag that is easily accessible like this one: 

 

Stay Hydrated 

Hydration is key in the sun and summer heat. Be sure to bring a water bottle and keep drinking! If you are indulging in any adult beverages, make sure you have a 1:1 ratio at least of adult beverages to water. These custom engraved 32-ounce water bottles are perfect for the pool this summer. They come in a variety of colors and design styles for your engraving. 

 

Towels

Don’t forget the towels! We love a thick, absorbent towel that does double duty on uncomfortable lounge chairs.  At More Than Paper, we have a variety of personalized towels that are great additions to your pool bag. This “Big Name” towel stands out from the crowd, and we love the bright and cheery yellow and white stripes. The towel is sized 30” x 60”, too – so it is nice and big!

 

Flip Flops or Pool Shoes 

Slip into a pair of comfortable flip flops or pool shoes like Crocs to protect your feet from hot surfaces and to easily transition from the pool to other areas without getting your feet dirty. Lots of germs at pools, especially in some locker room-style showers so protect your feet! 

 

Entertainment 

Whether you enjoy reading a book, listening to music, or playing games, don't forget to pack some options that will enhance your day.  We always bring a combination of magazines and books and always have music, but you may prefer something different. Just don’t forget what makes you happy. 

 

Change of Clothes & Wet Bag 

No one likes a wet bathing suit on the ride home from the pool so before you head back home, change into dry clothes.  Be sure to pack a smaller, waterproof bag that you can store your wet bathing suit and clothes in. A zip lock bag will work just fine. 

 

Snacks & Drinks 

No one likes to go hungry and having snacks on hand at the pool is a must.  Consider packing a small cooler of fruit, dried fruit, salty snacks, or even sandwiches.  We have some great lunch cooler bags that can be personalized and work perfectly for these hot summer days. This small cooler has a zippered closure to secure items inside. The bag is water resistant and insulated inside to keep things cool.  

 

There you have it! With these simple tips, your pool day should be perfect.  Here’s to enjoying the summer. 

New Totes are in!

Just in! Brand new totes, coolers, and bags that we love are now available at More Than Paper. 

With any luck, your end of summer plans will include some water parks, pool days, or beach trips. Packing for the perfect outing can be daunting. Snacks, water, towels, suits, a change of clothes, books, sunscreen and more—you have a lot to carry! With the new totes that we have rounded up and added to More Than Paper, packing for your beach day has never been easier. (BONUS – you can use ALL of these year-round for other activities!) 

This hot pink striped knotted rope tote is the perfect addition to your summer days. It has a large capacity! Rope handles make it comfortable to carry and the front is monogrammed so you can really make it yours. Get yours here at More than Paper!  

No one wants to be in the car on the road with a hungry kid or a hungry adult for that matter, so use these spacious totes to keep your food and drinks cool during road trips. They’re also perfect for transporting dishes to dinner parties. 

This has plenty of room, so you can fit food, snacks, and drinks for the whole family. It has 2 straps for easy carrying. The bag has a USDA approved cooler lining and features a front zip pouch to store more goodies. Find it here at More than Paper!

This jute and leather tote is perfect for shopping trips and running errands with the little ones or by yourself! It’s spacious and comfortable on your shoulder, but also has the perfect soft design for everyday usage. 

The straps are secure and strong, and it's got an easy top opening to throw things in as you go. The inside has a zipper pouch for phones or a wallet, and also smaller compartments for valuables you don’t want to dig for. The front is personalized with your name, and you can pick the color too. Find it here at More than Paper. 

Up next, meet this large, insulated lunch cooler that is customizable with your name and initials. You can choose the colors of the embroidery to really make it yours. The straps are long so you can get it up on your shoulder without struggling, and the spacious, large design is perfect for extra things you may need to pack at the end. You can find this one here at More than Paper! 

For days you aren’t planning a big trip, but you still need an insulated bag for the office or school, this small canvas cooler bag will do the trick. This bag is an insulated lunchbox style and also has a pocket in the front for an extra dessert item or a phone for safe keeping. Personalize it as you see fit – choose the style of your monogram and color! Get this one here at More than Paper. 

#6:

This boat tote is a classic and a best seller! Perfect for bringing your stuff to the beach or pool, this tote comes in a variety of colors and sports your personalization in our beautiful embroidery style. This is a must have for any family for sure! Comes in medium and large sizes. 

Summer Pool Party

With Memorial Day behind us, we are officially in summer mode! Camp is a few weeks away and we are hitting the pool as often as we can -- hooray for this season!  At More Than Paper, we're throwing a pool party to celebrate the official launch of summer and inviting a few neighborhood and school friends.  Are you doing the same thing? Here are a few ideas for throwing an adorable pool party with the kids! 

Start with an adorable invitation, like this one by Paper So Pretty. It's fun and whimsical style fits the theme perfectly. 

Be sure to pair your invitation with a cute address label sticker, like these from Stacy Claire Boyd. You can use these for your correspondence all summer long!

Once you have your invitations out, you can start planning all the fun party details.  We love the blue drink "pool water" we found on Pinterest, watermelon shark, and adorable fish plates. Don't forget an old school game like water balloon toss, it's sure to keep the kids occupied and cool.  We love these sunglasses, hat and bathing suit, too! 

There you have it: great ideas for an adorable summer pool party with the kids. Share your ideas with us here on our blog or on our Facebook page!