Spring break is a state of mind – top picks for fun at home
We won’t beat around the bush: Week-long vacations far away from home or your dorm room are probably not in the cards this year. But spring break isn’t a total wash. It’s still quality time to spend relaxing, recharging, and even dreaming up future plans to get out of town when it’s safe to do so. These are all the things that have inspired the spring break shopping list below.
Think along the lines of products that give you perfect beach waves without the sand in your swimsuit and wanderlust-inducing meals that are easier to make from home than you’d expect (promise). The truth is, we’d all rather be on an adventure right now, but until that time, it’s still possible to somewhat satisfy that antsy, internal travel bug.
SHOP: More fun spring break-inspired buys
If one of the main reasons you choose a beach vacation destination is because you can ditch hair products for the week and simply use ocean water to style your waves, here’s something that’ll come in handy for the rest of the year. This affordable product has an easy-to-spray nozzle that distributes a salt-water formula and gives texture to your hair usually only found on the coastline.
SHOP: Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, $4.74, available at Walmart
Spring break isn’t all fun and games, but it’s usually part of the equation. Grab your roommates or family during your week of respite and try your hand at a classic, summertime sport: cornhole.
SHOP: Official Size Wood Cornhole Game Set, $124.51, available at Lowe's
For your next beach day, whenever it may be, try this candy-colored, striped suit. The one-piece shape is great for taking a dip or playing volleyball, but you can also extend the life of your garment and style it with jeans, too.
SHOP: Solid & Striped The Anne Marie Striped Seersucker Swimsuit, Was $168, Now $50, available at The Outnet
For those who are all about chasing adventure, the GoPro Hero9 is the ideal accessory to take along for the ride. Brush up on your camera and editing skills now before taking it with you on your next ziplining, sailing, or alpine skiing excursion.
SHOP: GoPro Hero9 Black Basic Bundle, Was $467.99; Now $417.99, available at Adorama
Consider a charm bracelet an alternative to a travel scrapbook. Instead of pasting together old train tickets and postcards, use trinkets to remind you of your fondest getaways. In the case of this charm, perhaps to somewhere that’s very sunny.
SHOP: Pandora Me My Summer Sun Dangle Charm, $25, available at Pandora
Traveling is a feast for the soul and stomach, which is why some of your favorite meals may be from a far-flung destination you’ve only been to once or twice before. During your break, turn that passion into something delicious in your own kitchen. Explore a tome such as Eat California: Vibrant Recipes From The West Coast, which offers unique and diverse tastes across the state, including Korean BBQ, tacos, and tons of dishes brimming with fresh ingredients.
SHOP: Eat California: Vibrant Recipes From The West Coast by Vivian Lui, $35, available at Rizzoli New York
In case no one has reminded you yet, SPF is for every day. Not beach days, not vacation days, not even days when you’re walking outside. Every. Single. Day. That said, this lightweight formula by Cocokind should be a part of your daily skincare routine. It’s reef-safe, too, which will be good to remember once vacations are in the cards.
SHOP: Cocokind Daily SPF, $24, available at Cocokind
No matter what kind of trips you’re planning, nothing kills the mood more than a carryall that somehow manages to carry very little. If your go-to weekender is cramped, falling apart, and has a Bermuda Triangle effect on any accessories you toss into it, this Dagne Dover bag is your new trusted companion. It’s not only sleek and soft on the outside, but the interior compartments are thoughtful and plentiful.
SHOP: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag, $185, available at Dagne Dover
Thankfully it doesn’t take any amount of travel to put the “break” in “spring break.” For those seeking relaxation, create a cozy oasis where you are. Slip into a silky mask and catch up on hours of sleep you might have missed while hitting deadlines.
SHOP: Slip After Dark Sleep Mask, $50, available at Slip
Once a telltale sign of dads on vacation everywhere, a fanny pack is a modern-day option for a hands-free bag that makes life a little easier. This one has two zipped compartments to keep things organized. Toss it across your outfit before navigating your way through a crowded airport or a stressful Sunday grocery store run.
SHOP: Dual-Zip Belt Bag, $17.99, available at Forever 21
Step up your sun protection with statement frames. This pair by New York label Lele Sadoughi features a beautiful smokey quartz finish and cat-eye shape that gives them a classic glamorous feel.
SHOP: Smokey Quartz Downtown Cat-eye Sunglasses, $175, available at Lele Sadoughi
Here us out: Vibrant pool slides without a pool in sight. In a bright tie-dye pattern, these Champion slides are the perfect choice of footwear for any tropical getaway, but for the time being, they’ll serve as your favorite house slippers. They’ll be much more fun to look at (and style) than an old pair of socks.
SHOP: Women's Champion Ipo Tie-Dye Slide Sandals, $40, available at Finish Line
Whether you're beachside, lakeside, or just taking a stroll around the neighborhood, a cool hat helps protect against sun damage, completes an outfit, and exudes happy vibes — something we all could use more of nowadays.
SHOP: Black Smiley Dad Hat, $10.99, available at rue21