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It’s finally spring! That means I can go outside without a jacket and get some fresh air. If you ignore your allergies, it’s actually quite nice.
National Picnic Day also happens to be coming up on April 23rd, and it’s a great opportunity to visit a community park to gather with family, friends, neighbors, or even plan a picnic date with someone special. If the weather allows, maybe you can even play a card game or frisbee.
Below are some staple items that can help you have the perfect picnic. You might already have some of these, but you could still find a few helpful ideas or use this as a checklist. Enjoy your day out!
Picnic Backpack
Picnic Backpack
This all-in-one picnic backpack has everything you need, and keeps everything organized with an insulated cooler compartment and multiple storage pockets. Plates, stainless steel cutlery, wine glasses, serving tools, and a waterproof fleece blanket are all included. This is a set for two, but it also comes in a set for four.
$51 on Amazon $61
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Modern Prairie Pie Carriers
Modern Prairie Pie Carriers
An insulated cotton pie carrier makes it easier to bring homemade desserts to potlucks, cookouts, or gatherings. There’s an internal pocket to include a recipe card or note as well. Every different style even has other matching accessories in the same fabric available on their website.
Shop on Modern Prairie
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Snackle Box
Snackle Box
A snackle box is like a tackle box for snacks. Seven removable compartments keep snacks like fruit, nuts, candy, or veggies neatly separated for sharing. Sometimes you just don’t want certain foods touching each other, you know? I don’t care that it’s “all the same” when it gets to my stomach. Don’t touch my cookies with your apples!
$13 on Amazon
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Portable Charcuterie Board
Portable Charcuterie Board
This bamboo charcuterie board is easily portable with a handle and locking lid, perfect for picnics. One side works as a cutting board, the other as a serving platter, with compartments to keep foods organized and 4 included cheese tools.
$20 on Amazon $22
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Wine Appetizer Plates
Wine Appetizer Plates
Each wooden appetizer plate includes a slot that holds a wine glass so you can carry small bites and a drink with one hand. The acacia boards work well for cheese, charcuterie, or desserts.
$28 on Amazon $59
(Price at Time of Publishing)
S’well Stainless Steel Salad Bowl
S’well Stainless Steel Salad Bowl
Keeps salads organized on the go with a 64oz stainless steel bowl, removable inner tray, and 2oz mini canister for dressing or toppings. Leakproof and dishwasher safe, it’s perfect for food prep and going outdoors.
$28 on Amazon $50 $28 on S’well $40
(Price at Time of Publishing)
L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
Wet grass shouldn’t deter you from a picnic on a nice day. Bring this soft fleece blanket with a waterproof backing. Elastic loops make it easy to roll up, and a stuff sack is included for convenient storage.
$65 on L.L.Bean
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Made with recycled synthetic insulation, this packable outdoor blanket adds warmth and comfort when sitting outside. The water resistant shell helps protect against damp grass or sand, and it packs down into a compact stuff sack for easy transport.
$75 on Rumpl $100 $75 on Amazon $100
(Price at Time of Publishing)
NutriBullet Flip Insulated Portable Blender
NutriBullet Flip Insulated Portable Blender
Blends smoothies and shakes on the go with a compact rechargeable design that fits easily in a bag or car cup holder. The insulated cup helps keep drinks cold, and the flip top lid makes it easy to sip right after blending.
$56 on Amazon $120
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Cuisinart Venture™ Portable Gas Grill
Cuisinart Venture™ Portable Gas Grill
Depending on how serious this picnic is, you might need some portable grilling. Cuisinart makes it easy with this compact gas grill designed for the outdoors. Porcelain enameled cast iron grates hold heat well, and the wooden lid doubles as a cutting board for quick food prep.
$230 on Sur La Table
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Thermos 24oz Icon™ Food Jar
Thermos 24oz Icon™ Food Jar
Ok, so bringing a portable grill might be unrealistic for you, but you still want hot food. If you don’t have one already, Thermos makes an insulated food jar that stays hot up to 10 hours and cold for 24 hours. This one holds up to 24oz and comes with a foldable spoon in the lid.
$33 on Thermos
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Coleman XPAND 20Qt Capacity 16-Can Soft Cooler
Coleman XPAND 20Qt Capacity 16-Can Soft Cooler
Designed with a 20 qt capacity, it holds up to 16 cans and keeps food and drinks cold for up to 24 hours. An expandable front pocket stores small essentials, while a stretch side pocket fits a water bottle, and padded handles with an adjustable shoulder strap make it comfortable to carry.
$21 on Walmart
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Igloo Retro Picnic Basket 25 Qt Cooler
Igloo Retro Picnic Basket 25 Qt Cooler
Flashback to bright ‘90s days with the Retro Picnic Basket 25-quart cooler. Molded handles and a waffle-top lid make carrying and stacking easy, while THERMECOOL™ insulation keeps contents cold. Durable hinges and room for 36 cans make it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
$57 on Igloo $57 on Amazon
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Fly Repellent Fan
Fly Repellent Fan
Don’t bother shooing away flies anymore with lightweight tabletop fans that help keep them away from food while you eat outside. Reflective blades deter insects without chemicals, and the foldable design makes them easy to pack.
$30 on Amazon $34
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Picnic Table Cover
Picnic Table Cover
Public picnic tables can get pretty dirty if they’re not maintained often. Bring this fitted table cover set to protect yourself from the surface and keep things clean. Includes one tablecloth and two matching bench covers sized for standard outdoor tables. The waterproof fabric helps protect from spills, and the elastic edge keeps it tucked nicely even when its breezy out.
$19 on Amazon $25
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Ozark Trail Quad Folding Camp Chair
Ozark Trail Quad Folding Camp Chair
If you don’t want to sit on the ground, and the picnic tables are taken, a camp chair can offer a comfortable place to sit. It has a mesh cup holder and packs into a carry bag. Not that it’s particularly special, but for about $10 I wouldn’t hesitate.
$10 on Walmart
(Price at Time of Publishing)
Sanitizing Hand Wipes
Sanitizing Hand Wipes
When all is said and done, I hope you don’t plan to leave with dirty hands. Sometimes it’s hard to find a sink at public parks, so make sure to bring along some sanitizing wet wipes with you. These are alcohol free and made in the USA.
$10 on Amazon $11
(Price at Time of Publishing)
