In addition to great food and a fabulous spot, you'll want a few other items to guarantee picnicking success. Don't forget to pack these essential things to bring to a picnic.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
If you want to plan the perfect picnic, first thing’s first: Bring something comfortable to sit on! We love this folding chair because it reclines and has a built-in pillow.
Why it made our list: A built-in beverage holder keeps your cold one close by.
If sitting on the ground is more your style, do it right with a luxury picnic blanket. It’s comfortable and practical, made with a durable nylon backing.
Why it made our list: The roll-up design makes this blanket easy to carry.
Keep your picnic food safe and cold with a high-capacity, heavy-duty cooler. You can fit up to 85 cans in this bad boy, and it’s rated to keep ice frozen for four days in temperatures as high as 90°F!
Why it made our list: We love the retro-inspired design!
Don’t get caught serving a cold casserole at your next picnic! This carrier not only protects its contents from the elements, but it also keeps your dish warm for longer.
Why it made our list: A built-in window slot makes it easy to identify your dish or list out any allergens.
Forget use-and-toss plastic ware: Serve your food in these patterned all-in-one bowls instead. They double as a storage container; just lid ’em up and they won’t spill in the car. When you’re ready to serve, pop off the lids and place them directly on the table.
Why it made our list: The quirky pattern is simple yet chic.
There’s so much to love about these insulated cups! They’ll keep your drinks cold for up to nine hours, or hot for as long as three. They’re designed for wine but, since they have a lid, you can use them for the kiddo’s drinks, too.
Why it made our list: They come in SO many fun colors.
Skip the single-use plastic bags and stash your sandwiches in Z wraps, instead. This sustainable option is made from beeswax and can hold anything from fresh fruit to a loaf of bread.
Why it made our list: We love the cute pattern, too!
Some of my favorite lawn chairs don’t have a drink holder, so these stakes always come in handy! Set them up next to your chair, the grill or to hold your drink while you’re playing your favorite outdoor games.
Why it made our list: The bright color scheme is perfect for outdoor parties.
Skip the plastic this year and use paper straws instead! In addition to the navy blue star pattern, they also have red- and yellow-stripped straws.
Why it made our list: Each pack is biodegradable.
We absolutely love this bamboo alternative to taking our heavy cutlery on a picnic. It’s lightweight but durable, so it won’t snap under pressure like plastic forks. Plus, it happens to be totally adorable, too!
Why it made our list: The mini size is perfect for little hands.
A picnic’s not a picnic without some good tunes! This Bluetooth speaker can connect to two smartphones or tablets, and it packs an impressive amount of sound for its small size.
Why it made our list: You’ll get up to 12 hours of playtime out of a single charge.
While we have some great homemade options for sunburn relief, I think we can all agree we’d rather not get there in the first place! This mineral-based sunscreen uses zinc oxide to protect your body from the sun’s powerful UV rays.
Why it made our list: It’s dermatologist recommended.
Cool down with a battery-powered misting fan. Just add ice water and enjoy up to 1,000 mist sprays.
Why it made our list: You can take this handy gadget anywhere.
Light up your picnic area with festive bamboo torches. If you fill them up with Bitefighter Torch Fuel, they’ll also keep the mosquitoes away!
Why it made our list: We love the star-spangled design.
These plastic sunglasses are the perfect way to protect your eyes in patriotic style. They’re UVA and UVB rated, and they have that classic look that never gets old.
Why it made our list: Priced at under $9, you can buy a pair for everyone in the fam.
