If, like me, you have a love-hate relationship with summer, then you have come to the right place. For those of us who run hot, even the smallest outdoor errand can be a true test of strength. I do not think it is asking too much not to want to arrive at work drenched in sweat before it is even 9 am. And do not even get me started on the mosquito situation. Memorial Day sales are the perfect time to stock up on all kinds of items, but I am looking forward to getting a few things to help me survive the heat and keep me comfortable. Below, I have compiled a list of all the items I am getting while they are on sale for Memorial Day, including bug repellents and ice machines, breezy shorts and more. Take a look below and get ready with these essentials before the heat ramps up — because we love our deals hot, not our body temps.
1. Classic Denim Shorts
Sometimes, all you can do to beat the heat is to wear less clothing — and these classic denim shorts will come in handy if you need to dress minimally while still feeling a little bit put-together. Get these 5-inch-inseam shorts in several washes and women's sizes 24-34. $40 at Amazon (typically $55).
2. Redesigned Stanley Tumbler
Stanley is now offering a 40-ounce tumbler with a flip straw, which happily eliminates existing concerns about the cleanliness of an exposed straw. You can get this leakproof stainless steel cup in a ton of colors. $34 at Amazon (regularly $45).
3. Cooling Neck Fan
As soon as the weather warms up, I reach for my neck fan. It is the only way I can keep myself sweat-free on my work commute, and it is a must for any day spent outside with my kid. This option is sleek, effective and, dare I say, stylish. But most importantly, it is designed to give you instant relief from punishing hot weather and humidity. It is easy to use and charge, and it is designed to cool you down quickly with three different speeds and a quiet, blade-free construction. $23 at Amazon (regularly $34).
4. Spray-Free Mosquito Repelling Device
Mosquitoes feast on me throughout the summer season, making the outdoors unbearable. I have heard only great things about the Thermacell rechargeable mosquito repeller, and I am finally biting the bullet and buying one. It is a no-spray mosquito-repelling device that promises up to 15 feet of pest-free protection, without the use of DEET or any harsh scent. Instead, it uses a compact fuel cartridge to warm up and diffuse the repelling product. $38 at Amazon (regularly $55).
5. Oscillating Tower Fan from Levoit
Standing 36 inches tall and able to circulate 25 feet of air per second, this Levoit tower fan has four modes and five speeds you can adjust using the included remote. The fan has 90-degree oscillation to help cool down the whole room, as well as an eight-hour timer. $55 at Amazon (regularly $75).
6. Cooling, Ultra-Smooth Percale Duvet Cover
You can grab this Lands' End duvet cover in smooth, crisp percale (this also comes in a comforter in two of the three patterns that are available as duvets). The 100% cotton construction promises to be cool against the skin — perfect for hot sleepers — and the cover has a button closure and corner ties to keep it secure. You can get the cover in sizes twin through king. Just note that the pillow shams are sold separately (but conveniently, they are available on the same product page). $45+ at Lands' End (regularly $130+).
7. Versatile Air Fryer
The thought of turning the oven on during a heatwave makes me want to walk into the sea. A multifunctional air fryer, like this popular one from Cosori, is a great way to whip together a delicious dinner without overheating your entire home. If you are a fan of crunch, then you want to check it out. It uses powerful fan speed and hot temperatures to help your food get perfectly crispy and juicy. It has a 5-fan speed system that cooks food evenly and quickly, even with a large 6-quart basket. It is a very highly rated and popular option at Amazon. It can air fry, roast, bake, broil, dry, proof dough, reheat and keep foods warm. $90 at Amazon (regularly $120).
8. Sticky Nipple Covers
These reusable sticky nipple covers come in five different shades to help you find a skin tone match, and they could replace your bra if it is too hot to wear one. Thousands of 5-star reviewers on Amazon noted that these silicone covers are easy to use and offer comfortable protection for every outfit. $25 at Amazon (regularly $33).
9. Silky Nightgown
I am a big-time nightgown lady, and the summer season is my time to shine. Made with 100% mulberry silk, this nightie is the perfect warm-weather pajama. It features the brand's bestselling panther print and resplendent emerald green shade with piped trim that makes it look neatly tailored. It is designed to feel soft and smooth against your skin, with just the right amount of coverage to keep you comfortable without overheating. During the Memorial Day Sample Sale, the brand is offering 25% off sale prices, so you can get up to 70% off on the brand's luxury pieces, including their signature pima cotton, cashmere and 100% mulberry silk staples. $85 at Petite Plume (regularly $150).
10. Grill-and-Smoker Combo
If it is too hot to use your oven, you will probably want to cook outside — and you might as well do it right with this top-of-the-line Traeger Pro 34 grill-and-smoker hybrid. This 6-in-1 cooker uses wood pellets to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Members of the r/smoking Subreddit say it is a "tank" that "runs amazing" and is great for feeding crowds. $499 at Amazon (regularly $730).
11. Shady Beach Canopy
I love hitting the beach but cannot stand being exposed to the crushing sun for hours, which is why a beach cabana is an absolute must. My small tent is no longer big enough for the entire family, so I am looking to upgrade to a roomy beach canopy. This one at Amazon is 8 x 8 feet, features UPF 50+ sun protection, has an adjustable height, is wind resistant and has a cute retro-style striped pattern. $97 at Amazon (regularly $140).
12. Breezy Linen Button-Down Top
A great linen top is a must during the warm months, and this short-sleeved button-down from Athleta is versatile enough to take you from the office to happy hour, the playground with your kids and beyond. It is also great for travel days spent exploring new vistas. The linen fabrication is designed to be light and breathable, and features a cropped hem so you can wear it with high-rise skirts and pants and feel put-together and chic. It is available in a range of stylish colors. $48 at Athleta (regularly $95).
13. Patio Umbrella
If you are lounging on your patio, then a patio umbrella is de rigueur. Not only will it protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but it can also help to keep you cool. This umbrella spans 7.5 feet wide and is made with a threaded pole design that is easy to install. It is durable, easy to use and folds down neatly, so you can put it away with ease. The crank makes it a breeze to open, while the strong fabrication is made to withstand the elements. $25 at Amazon (regularly $40).
14. At-Home Slurpee Machine
Indulge my summer fantasies: how divine is this slushee maker? I can already picture myself drinking homemade piña coladas and slurpees from the comfort of my own home. It can turn just about any beverage into a slushee without ice, making it great for margarita enthusiasts and frappe lovers. It was designed to work quickly, has five preset controls to adjust the thickness of your drink, has an option for soft drinks, juices, wine, beer and cocktails, and has a roomy 68-ounce tank. Best of all, it is easy to clean thanks to a built-in cleaning function that cycles soap and water through the tank, though you can also detach it and toss it in the dishwasher. $180 at Amazon (regularly $300).
15. Collapsible Cooler
For the aforementioned beach trips, along with camping expeditions, outdoor parties and more, a cooler is a must. I do not have the bandwidth to drink a lukewarm beverage when it is hot out, and this Coleman cooler is perfect for those of us with limited storage options. It is a collapsible hardside cooler that holds up to 45 quarts and can supposedly keep ice cold for more than two days thanks to its fully insulated interior. It is sturdy and has handles that make it easy to carry, and the waterproof, removable liner was designed to be easy to clean. $165 at Amazon (regularly $220).
16. 64-Ounce Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Similarly, an insulated stainless steel water bottle is essential for keeping water and other drinks cold while on the go. This dishwasher-safe wide-mouth water bottle can keep drinks cold up to 24 hours as a result of its double-wall vacuum insulation. It is also made to be lightweight and easy to click shut without spills. I like this moody blue shade, though other hues are also on sale at Amazon. $49 at Amazon (regularly $65).
17. Portable Ice Maker
Having ice on hand for my drinks is a must all summer long; a sad, warm drink, no matter what it might be, is simply unacceptable. This countertop ice maker is nice and compact, making it easy to carry around your home, out to your garage or onto the patio. It is designed to make ice in as little as six minutes, with two ice cube-size options and a self-cleaning function. One reviewer said it works just as well as an expensive machine, and that it is "really simple and easy to use. The ice is great and tastes good." $48 at Amazon (regularly $70).
18. Fluttery, Lightweight Shorts
Despite the fact that these butterfly-style shorts are part of Thinx's teen line, I will be adding these cute shorts to my middle-aged cart. Like most of the brand's products, they function as period undies while also being cute and functional. They would make great sleep shorts but are cute enough to wear out while running errands and hanging out at the playground. They are made with light, breathable fabric that will hopefully keep me comfy when the temperatures get unbearable. Thinx is offering 25% off sitewide plus free shipping on all US orders through May 26. $29 at Thinx (regularly $39).
19. High-End Espresso Machine with Cold Brew
I adore cold brew, but I never like how it turns out at home when I make it in my French Press. This De'Longhi espresso machine is a great investment for anyone who wants to add cold brew to their coffee repertoire alongside all the other features of a traditional espresso machine. It has a built-in grinder and unique cold brew technology that brews a cold coffee in less than five minutes. It makes it easy to get barista-quality coffee at home. $500 at De'Longhi (regularly $700).
20. Luxurious Percale Sheet Set
I am a very hot sleeper, and recently made the switch from linen sheets to percale cotton, and it has completely changed the quality of my sleep. I am looking to add new styles to my bedding repertoire, and this Coyuchi set has caught my eye. It is designed to be cooling and comfortable, with a tight weave that is as durable and breathable as it is soft. If you love a crisp hotel sheet, then you need one of these. Coyuchi rarely holds sales, and through May 26, you can enjoy 20% off sitewide, an extra 20% off sale items and free shipping. $182 at Coyuchi (regularly $228).
