Dwell Picks: 20 Summer Must-Haves We Can’t Stop Raving About

Summer vacation looks a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some socially distanced fun. Here are the products that are bringing us a bit a joy.

Duncan Nielsen, Assistant Editor:

"This thing rules. The compact, fold-out design makes it perfect for a car camping cookout in the great outdoors, or just tailgating at the beach or park on the weekend. Cooking meals at home through the pandemic has turned me into even more of a cooking snob, so the burner control is a huge plus."

Sam Daly, Associate Editor:

"I love this piece so much. It does double-duty as both a bowl and a plate, and I get happy every time I see it in my cabinet—is that weird?"

Erin Mahoney, Social and Community Manager:

"As much as I love a sun-kissed, summertime glow, I love high SPF and a wide-brimmed hat more. This summer, I’m getting that just-back-from-the-beach look courtesy of this lip and cheek tint from Freck Beauty. It’s made from plant collagen and—though I’m no expert—sounds infinitely safer than UVA and UVB rays."

"First came the quarantini, then came the walktail. While I’ve enjoyed a to-go cocktail or two since New York began its reopening, I can’t deny the satisfaction of an at-home aperitif. Recently I’ve been sipping on this Botanic Vodka from AMASS. Inspired by Nordic distilling tradition, the smooth spirit is perfectly suited for your Friday evening cocktail—if you’re still keeping track of days, that is."

Jenny Xie, Executive Editor:

"Pandemic summer means lots of camping, and I’ve been bringing this holographic green cutie from Snow Peak everywhere I go—its retractable handles make for easy packing."

"After so many weeks of working from home, I feel like I may never wear real clothes again. Pants are out, bike shorts are in, and I’m not mad about it."

"My go-to cocktail has been the Naked and Famous: equal parts mezcal, aperol, chartreuse, and lime juice. Zesty, smoky, herbal, and fresh."

"This short story collection by Ted Chiang is absolutely mesmerizing. From time travelers in ancient Baghdad to a parrot critiquing humanity’s obsession with alien contact, each character invites you into a world that’s at once wholly foreign and disturbingly familiar."

"I’ve used the same toiletries bag while traveling for the past 10 years—now that it’s disintegrating (wah), it’s time to find a replacement. I just ordered this case by Muji, which conveniently hangs from bathroom hooks (or tree branches, if you're camping) and comes with a detachable pouch."

Maris Berkowitz, Sales and Marketing Assistant:

"Summer equals beach weekends (socially distant of course!), and this tent has been the ultimate game changer. It allows for long days outside, keeping us cool when the heat gets high. It’s extremely easy to set up and compact to carry out—and comes in fun colors and prints too! Added bonus? It can transition from a beach tent that stabilizes with sand bags to a park picnic tent with stakes."

"Adding on to beach trips, this blanket has been great! Extremely comfortable, lightweight, and beautiful."

"As someone who recently welcomed a puppy into their life, I am very pleased with these toys! My pup loves them, they are durable—and they look nice around the house."

"Can’t forget sunscreen!"

Nicole Wolfgram, CFO:

"It’s rosé season and I love to keep myself well stocked via Winc—this is my current choice."

"Three children does require a well-stocked home bar. I buy these for the home and as gifts: These glasses look delicate, but have a nice weight to them."

Zach Klein, CEO:

"The most reliable way we found to get the kids to put their stuff away is to give them a dinosaur head to stash it. It also doubles as a picnic basket for socially distant picnics."

"Our dog isn’t getting outside as much this summer, as we’re spending more time at home. We spoiled him with this remarkably affordable shag bed and it’s durable, cozy, and hides wear and tear really well."

"This year’s backyard blockbuster for kids."

"For two years running, this is still the best all-around summer sandal. Just as comfortable as its suede predecessor, the rubber version of the Birkenstock Arizona is supportive and easy to clean."

Mike Chino, Senior Editor:

"I don't live in the Outer Sunset—but if I did, I would wake up each weekend, ride the Mohinder wavy train to Trouble Coffee, order a ‘Build Your Own Damn House,’ and spend the rest of the morning ogling handcrafted ceramics and ‘warm modernism’ books at General Store. Wash, rinse, repeat."

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