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Nov 15, 2023

Outdoor Picnic Must

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

It's al fresco dining season, baby.

BuzzFeed Staff

A pack of three food covers, because your delicious snacks and treats are for you to eat, not the local bugs. These collapse and spring up like a little umbrella.

A basket that comes with everything you and a friend need to have a perfect picnic — including a wine opener, salt and pepper shakers, and waterproof blanket! It's all here, folks, so you can focus on what you want to eat and drink instead of making sure you have all the utensils and other picnic essentials.

A lounge chair you inflate just by whipping it in the wind. The patented design uses "anti-deflation technology" that promises to keep the lounge chair inflated for at least 5–6 hours and comes with a stake for easy securing to the ground once inflated.

Promising review: "I bought this to take on short trips with my girlfriend and it's worked out pretty well. The basket part is pretty sturdy, the fake leather snap that holds it closed feels a bit flimsy but it has held up nicely and hasn't shown any sign of wear. It's definitely just for two people and mostly for snacks and a few drinks if you keep an ice pack in it. We just took it up to Big Bear for a day trip and we got a ton of compliments on it and it kept our snacks, sandwiches, and sparkling water nice and cold." —Gabe Escobar

Get it from Amazon for $41.89+ (available in six colors and interior fabric colors).

Promising review: "These disposable wineglasses definitely exceeded my expectations. I purchased them for a Labor Day weekend wine party. Everyone commented on how nice they were. They are very clear and quite sturdy. I ended up washing them to reuse because they held up so well. They even snap together in a stack, which would be nice for travel or just to keep them from blowing around outside. I would highly recommend these for a party or outdoor festival, picnic, tailgate, whatever." —Kimberly A

Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $15.98.

The speaker has 100 feet of Bluetooth range and can play up to 14 hours of tunes on one charge.

Promising review: "Exactly as advertised. It's exactly what I wanted. Perfect for picnics and small get-togethers. Pretty waterproof since I use it while I shower and it handles the condensation." —Sundi

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "A great gift! We received it as a gift weeks ago and used it for Valentines Day yesterday. Was very easy to clean, the knives that it came with were perfect. It made a picnic so easy — we will be going on them more often." — Bennett Wilson

Get it from Amazon for $24.98+ (available without or without bowls).

Promising review: "Used this for the first time today at the park. The ground was still wet from last night's rain, but the blanket kept all dampness out. It's a big blanket and two adults, two children, and a large picnic basket fit easily on it with room to spare. It was easy to shake clean and folded right back up into its little bag (and fit into the bottom of our mostly empty picnic basket). Can't wait to try it at the beach." —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in eight sizes and seven designs).

Promising review: "Perfect for a picnic blanket. Waterproof, easy to roll back up and store. Lightweight and easy to carry around. Nice big size for multiple people." —Marcasa Hanson

"I have had this product for a couple of months now and I just stash in my car. It has been so convenient!! We get to just have spontaneous picnics and beach trips without worrying about sitting in unpleasant grounds. So easy to clean too." —Mai

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "We use it when we go to concerts in the park and to the beach. This one is absolutely perfect! We are able to set this small table up in minutes and able to also put heavy objects on there that won't sink into wet grass or sand and fall over. The fact that it is compact and lightweight was another big factor for us as both picnic and beach parking can often be far away and we don't want to have to carry any more than necessary. We're also able to use this little table for things like playing cards, writing, and even as an extra platform on our outdoor table at home. It was the perfect purchase for us!" —Heather

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in small or large and in four finishes).

Promising review: "The perfect addition to any picnic! It held our wine bottle, glasses, and food. We opened the legs when we had wine glasses, and dropped the legs when we just needed it set up as a charcuterie board on a picnic table. We got so many compliments, and recommended it to everyone! This would make a great gift for a wine lover." —Kristin

Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in five styles).

Promising review: "I live in a community where we often have concert cocktails in the local cul-de-sac — this is way fancier that a cooler! Nice colors — and can fit beer and wine/cocktails. I love it." —Mary

Get it from Amazon for $22.95 (available in three colors/patterns).

Promising review: "I love these!! They are inexpensive, collapsible, and easy to clean. I use them for barbecues and picnics to keep flies and gnats from getting on the food. A friend uses them in her garden, too!" —Yvonne Ruby

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (six sizes and quantities available).

Sok-It is a small business in New Jersey that makes drink holders to keep drinks cold when you're on the go.

Promising review: "I adore this product! I have two for my car, one in my house, and bought two for a friend. I like to sip on a drink for hours, and this keeps the ice from melting for a very long time, and also keeps my hand from getting wet every time I pick up the cup. Also keeps a bottle of water cool if you drop it down into one in the car, and fits a lot of other fast food cups as well. Will probably buy more of these since I love them so much!" —Toni Blake

Get it from Sok-It on Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and over 50 prints).

Plus, each lid is color coordinated with its container so you won't have to play that annoying guessing game of "which lid goes with which tub" anymore.

Promising review: "These food storage containers lock in flavors and food juices, no leaks when accidentally tipped, and they’re a softer plastic so they don't crack if you drop them on the floor. The lids are dishwasher safe, which is helpful because I get tired of seeing lids in my sink that need to be hand washed. Plus, each container has a different color trim on the lid that matches the same color dot on the bottom of the right container and the whole set locks together with the lids on. I’m going to order another set." —Mosey

Get a 10-piece set from Amazon for $24.37+ (available in three color combos).

Promising review: "These are great! They look and feel like traditional disposable picnic ware, but they are much better. Additionally, like I said, no plastic guilt." —N and N Transportation

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in natural or white).

Promising review: "I take my speaker everywhere. The sound is awesome. It is loud enough to even leave it in another room. It paired very easily with my iPhone 11. I hid it in a bowl of fruit for ambient sounds at the table. I even sleep with it in my bed playing white noise." —Memaw

Get it from Uncommon Goods for $40 (available in black or teal).

Promising review: "These are fun, sturdy, and a hit around the fire pit. Will come in handy while working in the garden or outside relaxing in the chaise. Easy to assemble, install, and move to where the party goes!" —Mark Weinberg

What it from Amazon for $32.95.

SeedGeeks is a family-owned and operated farm in St. Louis that specializes in heirloom seeds, as well as honey and body products.

Promising review: "Love this bar! I live in the state of Minnesota where our state bird is the mosquito! This Bug Off bar works!" —Nature Reflections

Get it from SeedGeeks on Etsy for $6.49.

Promising review: "I had my doubts about this little unit that I saw on Shark Tank, but it really works. We have a lot of misquote and I was itching and remembered the little bug bite thing. I ran in the house and used it. No itch! It was gone. My husband got a horse fly bite I used it and the pain and itching gone. It's easy to clean and easy to use. Great for anywhere. Backyard, camping, picnic and fishing. Literally take it everywhere. And the price is inexpensive. 5 🌟" —TKYam!!!_66

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors).

Collective Harmony Co. is a woman-owned small business based in Illinois making fragrances and candles for the home.

Get a 6 oz. candle from Collective Harmony Co. on Etsy for $14.

Promising review: "We live in Maui, Hawaii, and wind gusts on the beach can exceed 50 mph some days. The wind also changes direction constantly and never comes from just one direction. We have spent over $500 trying to find various combinations of anchors, umbrellas, and tie downs, and NOTHING has worked until these bad boys. We bought one initially and tested it out on a VERY windy day and were super impressed. It never once became inverted or blew over. Meanwhile, the other umbrella we were using that day broke. Needless to say, I have since bought two more so we can have ample shade for my husband, my dog, and myself." —Beth

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in blue or orange).

It can fit practically any 750-milliliter bottle of wine, and should be washed by hand.

Promising review: "We love this! We had been in need of an ice bucket but I'm so glad I opted for this instead bc it has so many more uses! Fits a bottle of Champagne perfectly and kept ours chilled until we finished the bottle. Super easy to toss in a bag and take on a picnic. We chill ours beforehand, and voila." —Roselyn

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in stainless steel or copper finishes).

Promising review: "Fantastic product! Makes red wine more enjoyable, as the 'smoky' flavors tend to taste soapy to me. (I can't be the only one here...) This was gorgeously packaged and came in two pieces to 'assemble,' if you can even call it that. The wine stopper is leak free and the top keeps it from dripping red wine down the bottle onto your easily stainable white countertops. Wonderful product that I'll easily be gifting to friends." —Melissa

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

Woodcamptables is a small business based in Turkey making folding and portable picnic tables.

Promising review: "Beautiful table! It was perfect for a picnic in the garden! We also, enjoyed using it as an outdoor activities table!" —Caitlyn

Get it from Woodcamptables on Etsy for $135+ (available in three sizes and three leg heights).

Promising review: "So this thing is brilliant (literal and figurative for those of you keeping track). It's a great idea for a party or a picnic. At a more formal gathering, in a wine bucket or other ice bucket its amazing. Lots of great light for access or pouring but more importantly it looks amazing. Easily charged, very user friendly. We own four!" —FlexableFlyer

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

Promising review: "We are a household that loves our condiments! They are perfect for separating sauces, and also for portion control while sharing. I like that they are different colors too! Definitely comes in handy when you are separating sauces for wings and need to be able to tell the difference. They stay on all of my plates great, including medium saucers. I highly recommend!" —Rebecca H.

Get a set of eight from Amazon for $9.99.

Faircraft USA is a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania-based small business run by a husband-and-wife duo creating beautiful and functional wooden home goods.

Promising review: "Purchased this as a gift for my brother to go with his corn hole boards. It is just as pictured. It seems like it'll be a little low to the ground for taller men standing around a corn hole board...but better than the beers sitting on the ground or in the off hand. Beautiful workmanship. Highly recommend this product and shop!" —Hayley

Get it from Faircraft USA on Etsy for $60.

Promising review: "These inflatable loungers are the best! We bought two and liked them so much that we bought two more for family and friends! They are perfect for a nap in the park or an afternoon picnic. They easily accommodate two when you sit in it diagonally like a couch. We get compliments on than and asked about them wherever we use them. Great product. Great seller!" —Scott R.

Get it from Amazon for $38.95+ (available in 16 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "I love food and I love the outdoors in every season, which makes Alanna O’Neil‘s The Art of the Picnic a perfect go-to for me. Too good to be true? Impractical? No…because within the romance of these pictures, recipes and stories lies serious practical advice for ways to make it all happen and easily come together — which I appreciate so very much, thank you. My car will never leave the driveway again without a picnic basket with the essentials… just in case life takes me to an impromptu picnic in a park or scenic byway. I’ll be ready!" —richela r.

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available on Kindle, soft, or paperback).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.