6 Summer Must-Haves from DC Area Companies

Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a leisurely day at the pool or even an afternoon outing to the local splash pad, you’re going to need the right gear (and accessories!). The good news? You don’t have to go far to stock up. From a beach towel that doubles as a cover-up to a portable mini bonfire you can take to the beach, these DC companies will have you summer-ready in no time. Scroll down for the best products from local DC companies to fill your summer tote with.

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Get Pool Side Ready with a Mani & Pedi

Get your pedi pool-ready with Black woman-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo. Named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan, this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for the pool or beach. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf’s Shop Made in DC shop.

Online: JanetandJo.com.

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Wear Your Towel to the Beach or Pool

Beach cover up, beach towel, beach tote…. roll those all together and you get the Go Go Towel, the original wearable beach towel. Created by the same DC company that brought you the Dad Vest and the Dad Hoodie, the Go Go Towel is made of a quick drying, odor resistant and sand-free microfiber that comes in both kid ($29.95) and adult ($39.95) sizes so the whole family can match!

Online: gogotowel.com

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Bust Beach House Boredom

Rainy days at the beach can be a drag! Bust beach house boredom with an illustrated educational game by DC company Little Likes Kids. These picture puzzles come packaged in their own cardboard tote so you can easily pack an activity for your beach rental or Airbnb pool house. Splash Park is a 24 piece set perfect for kids 3 & up featuring everyone’s favorite summertime activities: the playground, splash pad and ice cream truck.

Online:amazon.com

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Bring a Bonfire to the Beach

Make bonfires kid-friendly with Maryland-made City Bonfires, a portable, reusable candle-sized bonfire you can take on all of your outdoor adventures. These small bonfires, created from a non-toxic soy wax, are perfect for making s’mores even if you don’t own a firepit.

Online: citybonfires.com

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Toast to Family Time

Clink, clink… it’s summer! Whether you’re hosting a BBQ with a baby on board or you just want a refreshing drink everyone can drink (we’re looking at you, Shirley Temple crew) check out DC-based Mocktail Club. Mocktail Club is sold at local Whole Foods and served in some restaurants so look for it in the wild.

Online: mocktailclub.com

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Summers in the Haus

Suit up for summer fun at Kinder Haus Toys in Arlington, VA. Kinder Haus is a one-stop shop for all your beach-bound needs. Pick up whimsical swimsuits from Tea Collection along with summer basics like brightly colored shovels and pails, water toys, bug nets and rainy day musts like puzzles and games.

Online: kinderhaus.com

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These Booties Were Made for Lounging

Protect little feet with these Montessori-inspired footwear by DC’s Auggie Froggy. This company specializes in “cool stuff for creative kids” with handmade products featuring pops of color and bold, fun prints. Auggie Froggy products are available online and at Shop Made in DC stores.

Online: auggiefroggy.com

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