When it comes to picnics, we're firm believers that they should happen all the time. We know that it's not always possible because of dumb stuff like "weather" and "schedules," but in a perfect world, everyone would be at a picnic with friends and family at least once or twice a week, right?
We love being inspired by other people's photos of picnics — not that we're necessarily going to do all the cute crafts that seem to be everywhere online, but we definitely enjoy looking at those pretty picnic pictures, anyway. Normally, we're more into picnics that are easy and taste good than look cute, but there's nothing wrong with doing a little extra for the 'gram, right?
And for all those tasty picnic treats, look to classic summer picnic recipes for delicious picnic foods that grandma would heartily approve of. And stay cool and breezy on that picnic in a linen dresses that will still look put-together and on trend.
We think picnics are the perfect event because they're so low key and relaxed, nobody feels the need to get all dolled up for them, so the barrier for entry is low, especially for new moms who are in no way prepared to get it all together to go to otherwise intimidating social events on an hour of broken sleep. It's also easy to set them up as potlucks — and it's frankly even expected –because that's just the nature of picnics.
The food that's made for them is typically inexpensive, and all the gear doesn't cost too much, either — these items are under $35!
Hey! Play! Rope Washer and Ring Toss
This is such a classic game for the whole family on a picnic, from kids to grandparents. We love the fact that it's so easy to set up and even easier to learn how to play. The game also includes a carry case so bringing it along is a breeze.
Hey! Play! Rope Washer and Ring Toss (sale $21, Wayfair)
Wooden Bowling Game Set
Pin bowling is so easy to use on grass — and kids of most ages can play. This set comes with its own canvas tote bag that fits all the equipment — making it handy to bring to a picnic.
Wooden Bowling Game Set ($25, Target)
Little Kids Scented Jelly Belly Bubble Wands
Blowing bubbles keeps the kids busy for hours, and these handy bubble wands come in the top flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans. The pack of 10 has two of each Jelly Belly scent, so there's plenty to share.
Little Kids Scented Jelly Belly Bubble Wands ($16 for 10, Walmart)
Reversible Sherpa & Gingham Throw
Look, we've had big beach-blanket-sized picnic blankets and little wool picnic blankets and everything in between, but the truth is, nothing really beats a classic red-and-white checked picnic blanket. This guy's a gem.
Reversible Sherpa & Gingham Throw ($25, Target)
Picnic Blanket, Navy Stripe
Some people are going to want a more technical approach to a picnic blanket. This soft, stylish blanket is made of waterproof polyester, which is great for inevitable spills (or some equally inevitable dew on the ground).
Picnic Blanket, Navy Stripe (sale $35, Pottery Barn Kids)
Large Gingham Lined Wood Picnic Basket
Some things should just be like a clip-art version of themselves. For those who are nostalgic for a traditional, simple, elegant picnic basket, this version from Overstock is about as old-school cute as it gets.
Large Gingham Lined Wood Picnic Basket (sale $25, Overstock)
Igloo Contour 30 qt Cooler
OK, yes, we adore the classic look — but there is something to be said for a cooler that, well, stays cold. This one has dry storage in the lid for anything we want to stay extra not-wet (sandwiches come to mind) and is ergonomically engineered for maximum comfort. Ahhh.
Igloo Contour 30qt Cooler ($23, Target)
Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle
This thermos keeps stuff cold longer than any other thermos we have ever seen in our lives. It's basically magic: Pack the thing with some ice and a ton of drink, and it stays icy cold for literally days.
Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle ($20, Amazon)
Green Tint Glass Authentic Resealable Carafe Bottle
We love how gorgeous and classic this resealable carafe is. Made of recycled, green-tint glass, this vintage, charming bottle is also perfect for bringing bottles of ice water, lemonade, or cocktails for the grown-ups to a picnic.
Green Tint Glass Authentic Resealable Carafe Bottle ($6, WebstaurantStore)
Food Tent
Toss this charming little tent over food that may attract flies, ants, or bees, and suddenly, no more bug problems! Yes, it's a little bit over-the-top (literally and figuratively) to bring food tents from the patio on a picnic, but why not!
Food Tent (sale $5, Crate & Barrel)
Rustic Melamine Dinnerware Set
This 12-piece set would work well for families who picnic a lot. Rather than using disposable dishes, which just adds waste, families who picnic regularly can buy a set of BPA-free, lightweight dinnerware sets. They'll also be useful for patio dining or camping.
Rustic Melamine Dinnerware Set ($35, Amazon)
BambooMN Camping Mess Kit Lightweight Organic
Another great fit for families who go for picnics (or go camping) frequently enough to warrant owning a set of lightweight plates and cutlery. We love bamboo for its sustainability and incredibly lightweight nature.
BambooMN Camping Mess Kit Lightweight Organic ($30, Amazon)
Brheez Palm Leaf Disposable Bamboo Style Square Plates
These plates are a better choice families who don't eat outdoors often enough to justify owning a set of plates, or who want to have a more biodegradable option around for when they won't be returning right home after a picnic to wash dishes.
Brheez Palm Leaf Disposable Bamboo Style Square Plates (from $13 for 25, Amazon)
Bobo&Boo 16 oz. Eco Friendly Bamboo Cups for Adults & Kids
We love these incredibly lightweight bamboo cups! They're durable, they're made from sustainable bamboo, they're FDA and LFGB food safe approved, and they're naturally free of BPA — not to mention being biodegradable.
Bobo&Boo Adult-Sized (16oz) Eco Friendly Bamboo Cups for Adults & Kids ($20 for 4, Amazon)
IKEA Kalas 18-Piece BPA-Free Flatware Set
This lightweight, colorful, BPA-free flatware set is the perfect thing to throw in the picnic basket. The colors are cheerful and adorable, so everyone can get their favorite (although let's be real, someone's going to cry anyway).
Ikea Kalas 18-Piece BPA-Free Flatware Set ($18, Amazon)
Bamboodlers Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set
We love this eco-friendly, biodegradable, wooden cutlery set. It's so much better for the environment than plastic. It can literally be tossed into the compost heap and it'll just become more healthy dirt for the plants!
Bamboodlers Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set ($20, Amazon)
FlexiFreeze Party Mat Chiller
This lightweight chiller mat doesn't require ice — it's made of refreezable cubes that help keep food chilled longer. A smart choice for items that may more easily go bad, like deviled eggs and egg salad. Plus, it doesn't leak water everywhere — perfect for a no-mess picnic!
FlexiFreeze Party Mat Chiller ($20, Amazon)
Hot Headz Inflatable Bar/Buffet in White
This inflatable bar (or buffet!) is definitely a whole lot of pizzazz for a picnic, but we kind of love it for that! Keep cold drinks colder and bowls of creamy salads cooler in this awesome thing that's definitely not going to break the bank.
Hot Headz Inflatable Bar/Buffet in White ($7, Bed Bath & Beyond)
ASAP Wooden Bocce Set
Bocce can have up to eight different players. Just toss the small silver target ball, and then toss other balls after it! Points are scored for landing nearest the target. This is a game for people of many different abilities.
ASAP Wooden Bocce Set ($16, Stein Mart)
Power Mist Aloe Vera
Kids (and parents') hands get awfully sticky on a picnic, so bring something to keep the grossness at bay. Baby wipes work, but so does this excellent hand sanitizer that doesn't feel weirdly sticky itself (the way so many sanitizers leave hands feeling). Totally dry and clean, it kills 99.99% of germs, and is also moisturizing.
Power Mist Aloe Vera ($12, Touchland)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
