With Memorial Day weekend upon us many families will be hitting the pool and the beach to kick off the unofficial first weekend of summer. Stock up now on the essentials you’ll need to stay safe and cool this summer.

1. Target Spray Sunscreen. Thank goodness someone invented spray-on sunscreen. Thank you from mothers and kids everywhere. We use sunscreen every single day all spring and summer long and I’ve tested nearly every brand. Not only is the generic Target brand the cheapest of all of the spray-on sunscreens, I think it’s the best quality. Some of the other brands come out thick and goopy and others are just over-priced but don’t offer a better product. (Sunscreen is one of the many products you can have reiumbursed by your Flexible Spending Account, too. So make sure you keep the receipt and get paid back for protecting your family from skin cancer.)

2. Banana Boat Stick Sunblock. As much as I love the spray-on sunscreens, they just don’t work on faces. The old-fashioned creams are a pain, too, and inevitably get in the eyes of a wiggly toddler. But look no longer, I have found a great solution to covering the eyes,ears, nose and mouth (really…I’m not kidding) of your children. The sunblock stick goes on like a giant chapstick but it’s not greasy and messy but it offers great coverage.

3. Flavored Ice. My friend introduced me to flavored ice and I fell in love. It’s great in lots of drinks and even in just plain old water. Emeril would say it kicks it up a notch. Yes, you’re paying $2.50 for ice, but on a summer day when you’re tired of the same ol’ thing, it’s a nice way to find refreshment with a twist. It’s comes in lemon, lime, and orange varieties.

4. Fudgsicles. At only 100 calories these yummy childhood classics are healthier than a scoop of ice cream and they cool you off on a hot day while satisfying your chocolate cravings.

Question: What do you use to cool off and prevent sunburns during the dog days of summer?