10 vacation must-haves for moms

Heading to the cottage or to a faraway destination for the family summer vacation? We moms are always sure to pack everything that's needed so the kids are properly clothed and sufficiently entertained, but what about for ourselves? Here are some great travel finds that are sure to give your trip a sunny outlook.

Spend a day lounging around in this gorgeous, tropical print kaftan – its breezy look instantly brings the urge to lay on a beach chaise under the hot sun with a good read.

Where to Buy?
Old Navy Printed Chiffon Kaftan, $30; oldnavy.ca

Say so long to frizzy vacation hair for good. This mini flat iron is less than six inches long, so it takes up little space in your carry-on. The ceramic coating on the flat iron’s plates reduces the friction caused by straightening hair, which means a great, smooth finish while minimizing damage to your locks.  

Where to Buy?
Cricket Company Friction Free Mini Flat Iron, $40; folica.com

Look your best day or night with these bright, beautiful, long-lasting colours available as a lip pencil, liquid lip colour, eye liner, eye pencil, cream for eyes and lips, mascara, and more. Best of all, the makeup is waterproof, melt-proof, and smudge-proof – what more could a busy mom ask for in her beauty products? 

Where to Buy?
Make Up For Ever Aqua Summer Collection, $23-$29 (all items sold separately); sephora.com

These boat-style shoes with a suede cushioned insole are durable enough to wear on the plane, at the beach, or out for a day of sightseeing. Bonus: they’re easy to slip on and off so you can keep up with the kids without fiddling with straps or laces.

Where to Buy?
TOMS Navy Perforated Bimini Stitchouts, $80; toms.ca

Keeping your skin protected from the sun doesn’t just mean your body, but your lips, too. Pucker up and apply this lip balm with SPF15 sunscreen to block out the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

Where to Buy?
Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15, $12 (15 mL); kiehls.ca

Okay, so the kids will probably want to stretch out on this blanket, too, but we’re betting it will get more use from you as you sit on the beach watching your little ones make sandcastles and splash around along the shore. As a mom, you’ll also appreciate the well-thought-out design – 100% comfy cotton on top and a bottom that’s lined with durable, water-resistant nylon. A carrying bag with side storage pockets is included, too.

Where to Buy?
Tuffo Water Resistant Blanket, $42; activebaby.ca

Every mom needs a handy bag for carrying her stuff around while on vacation, and let’s face it, you’ll be lugging most of the kids’ stuff, too. This blue-and-white striped tote has a nautical touch to it and can definitely hold everything from your beauty essentials and wallet to the kids’ water bottles and snacks. 

Where to Buy?
Joe Fresh Stripe Beach Tote, $12; joefresh.com

Whether you’re lounging poolside or strolling along the beach, these funky sunglasses keep you looking like the hot mama you are. At such an affordable price, buy two in case your little one breaks a pair. 

Where to Buy?
Aldo Denunzio Sunglasses, $12; aldoshoes.com

Whether on the patio at the cottage or hanging out on the beach, music is a way to set the mood for fun and relaxation. Listen to your favourite tunes as you unwind using this book-size, lightweight (it only weighs 1.75 lbs) travel radio that lasts all day on just six rechargeable AA batteries. The weather-resistant device is also compatible with iPod and other players and doubles as an alarm clock, making it perfect for wilderness camping trips, too.

Where to Buy?
Tivoli Audio SongBook AM/FM Alarm Clock Travel Radio, $240; tivoliaudio.ca

Protect your head from the sun’s rays and look fabulous all at once with this chic beige-coloured straw hat. The mustard yellow bow gives the hat a fashionable and extra feminine touch. 

Where to Buy?
Anthropologie Bowed Island Cloche, $58; anthropologie.com

9 family vacations for every style> We’ve got the coolest destinations for city, beach and adventure lovers…and for every budget.