Whether your little camper is heading to day camp in the urban jungle or preparing to pitch a tent in the great outdoors, the right gear and supplies are sure to make all the difference. Our top 12 picks for summer 2016 are not only practical, but also totally fun!
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Hydration Station
Izola’s 10-oz. Multi-Language Water Bottle is not only a handy way for your camper to keep hydrated all day long, but it also helps with cultural knowledge. Emblazoned along the side of this stainless steel canteen is the word for “water” in 13 different languages (including Swahili, Swedish, and Japanese). Plus, there’s an option to engrave a name or monogram on the bottom. $34, izola.com -
One Direction
Learning the cardinal directions of the compass is an essential outdoor skill—but regardless of whether your kiddo is venturing into the woods for sleepaway camp or down the block for day camp in the city, they’ll love this Key Ring Compass from Kaufmann Mercantile. Made in Minnesota from a waterproof brass casing and Lexan lens, this handy compass easily attaches to a backpack or lanyard. $49, kaufmann-mercantile.com -
Perfect Pillow
Help your child deck their bunk out in the coolest way with Minted’s Adventure Camp Pillow. The rustic-inspired print—featuring cute raccoons, s’mores, evergreen trees, and more—is sure to fit right in at camp, while the fact that the natural fabrics are printed and manufactured in the USA assures top quality. Plus, a range of shapes and sizes are available. $40-152, minted.com -
Sweet Dreams
Worried that your kiddo is going to have a hard time going without their favorite sweet treats all summer long? Hook them up with the Candy Collage Sherpa Fur Blanket, available from the popular Upper East Side camp gear outpost Love Laura Gifts. The sherpa backing is super-soft and the candy-covered front side is sure to tide your camper over until their next dessert. $56, lovelauragifts.com -
Hairy Situation
For many children, camp is the first time they’ve been away from mom and dad for an extended period of time—meaning that they have to take a more active role in their own hygiene and haircare. Enter SoCozy! Founder (and local mom) Cozy Friedman has long been an expert in kids’ haircare and her SoCozy Trial Kit: The Must-Haves is all the proof a parent could need. The Kit includes 20 oz. bottles of Cinch 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Wash, Cinch Detangler + Leave-In Conditioner, and Behave Styling Cream—all of which feature dreamy scents and are specially formulated to make shower time a breeze for kids. $29.99, socozy.com -
Throw Some Shade
Just last summer, the Honest Company (Jessica Alba’s line of eco-friendly products for families) released an exclusive collection of Knockaround sunglasses to provide stylish eye protection with a lightweight and comfortable fit for kids. These specs (suitable for kids age 1 and up) are crafted from plant-based plastic, offer UV400 protection, feature shatterproof polycarbonate lenses to reduce infrared sunlight, come with a cotton canvas carry case for safe-keeping, and are available in a range of summer-worthy hues. $12.95, honest.com -
Sleep Tight
Leave it to the outdoor experts at REI to change the sleeping bag game in the coolest way. The REI Kindercone Sleeping Bag is designed not only to keep kids toasty during chilly nights, but it can also grow with your child, thanks to an attached stuff sack that cinches down to adjust the sleeping bag’s length. The mummy-bag shape, rip-stop nylon shell, and soft polyester taffeta liner insure a comfy slumber while the variety of eye-catching colors (with contrasting prints inside) cater to your camper’s sense of fun. $43.93-59.50, rei.com -
The Written Word
While you may or may not expect to receive ultra-detailed missives from your young campers, you can certainly try to tilt the scales in favor of snail mail by sending your child off with a healthy stock of correspondence supplies. Custom Camp Stationery by idesign + co, available locally from Love Laura Gifts, offers all kinds of paper goods in adorable prints (we love the sports theme shown here). Plus, it’s all customizable—so you can add your child’s name, the name of their camp, and more. Notepads, $24; Notecard Set, $38; Postcard Set, $15; Keep in Touch Cards, $25; lovelauragifts.com -
Shower Style
From Lester’s—the ultimate kids’ clothing outpost on the UES—come this pair of colorful Happy Camper Showa Flops (which are designed specifically for safe and comfortable use in the shower). They’re perfect for your camper to keep by their bunk and wear into the shower in order to keep things germ-free. Plus, the neon hues are sure to appeal to trendy tweens. $23-25, lesters.com -
Tat-tastic
The creation of two super-stylish sisters, Stoney Clover Lane (a fave among celebs like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and more) is known for its playful and eye-catching picks. Their Camp Temporary Tattoo set includes one sheet with three bracelet tattoos and 13 individual tattoos. Even though the tats are temporary, they’re sure to aid in making lasting memories when shared with new friends at camp. $10, stoneycloverlane.com -
Pack It Up
Brooklyn-based social entrepreneurs and parents Jacq and Scot Tatelman created STATE Bags as a way to give back—STATE hand-delivers a backpack packed with essential tools for success to an American child in need for every bag purchased. Beyond the feel-good nature of the company, we also love how their Kane backpack (shown here) is eye-catching, kid-friendly, and full of useful storage compartments. Plus, you can even add a monogram for an additional price. $55, statebags.com -
This Little Light
For campers whose energy keeps flowing after lights out, LL Bean’s Trailblazer Jr. Headlamp is the perfect summertime accessory. Its two bright LEDs are perfect for reading in the bunk and navigating in the dark or in the outdoors if the need arises. Plus, the light can throw a beam up to 27 meters and features a screw-top battery compartment and a large on/off button. $19.95, llbean.com
