Thank you to Curate Snacks for sponsoring this post
Summer is great, but it also can be go-go-go, I’m sure you know what I mean! I feel like there are a million mom hacks I’ve yet to learn, but one thing that I do know is the power of being prepared. I love having a grab-n-go bag in the car, a Summer Car Essentials Kit, filled with items that will save the day in a pinch. Having things ready right there is a life-saver and you’ll love having your bag with you!
I have pulled together what I keep in mine, what I think are the Top 10 essential items to have with you as you run from place to place. Some moms might take them in a diaper bag, but since my kids are older, I just like to have a bag in the car. That way I have it with me when I need it, but I don’t have to carry around a bunch of extra stuff from store to store.
Watch the kit load itself 😉
Summer Car Essentials Kit
Here’s the run-down of what I like to keep on hand. But I’m sure there are tons of other ideas, so if you’ve found something that works really well for you, let us know!
—WATER – running from activity to activity, you’ll want to have water easily accessible. I love always having water availabe. If you want, you can make it cute by adding fun patterned paper around it.
—SNACKS – seriously, kids ask for something to eat about 50 times a day. Be prepared! We’ve tried out the new Curate Kids Bars, and they are a perfect snack to have on hand. They’re healthy – only 10 grams of sugar per bar while providing 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of plant based fiber. Curate adult & kid bars can be purchased at your local Target and/or Amazon.com.
Curate is a new snack brand that takes a culinary approach to traditional snacking. Their first collection of nutritious snacks includes six snack bars that are non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Eachbar recipe features layers of flavor complexity using ingredients combined in wonderfully surprising ways.
A bonus is the fun games that are included on the back of the kids’ boxes:
—SUNSCREEN – I don’t worry about planning to pack sunscreen based on the activities we’re going to, because I know that I have some with me at all times in my grab-n-go back. It’s an essential!
—HAND SANITIZER – especially in summer, when you’re doing lots of messy outdoor activities and having picnics, you’ll want a way to clean up all the kid germs.
—SUNGLASSES – my kids always forget to bring theirs (sometimes I do as well!) so it’s great to have an extra stash.
—PIPE CLEANERS and PONY BEADS – these are my go-to time filler activity craft, my secret weapon. In case you’re running errands and kiddos are getting restless, or it’s a long drive, or a long wait at an appointment, you can bust out pipe cleaners and pony beads and just let them be creative. They can twist them into all kinds of shapes, thread on beads, etc – you’ll be surprised at how long they’ll play with them!
—BOOKS – I love always having a book in the car for the kids to read.
—ACTIVITY BOOK – my kids are currently hooked on Mad Libs, but any type of activity book will do.
—PENS/MARKERS – don’t pack crayons, in case they’re left in a hot car, but you’ll want writing utensils for the Activity Book and for just general drawing and writing.
—HEADPHONES – for those times when you might need to bust out an electronic device 😉
