Lifestyle

11 Essential Items to Buy When Summer Shopping

Lifestyle
May 18, 2024
5 min. read

The scorching heat marks the official start of summer in the Philippines and the time to update your wardrobe for fun escapades surrounded by the sun, sand, and sea.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, summer shopping can be an adventure. Fortunately, there is no shortage of shopping options at your disposal.

You can explore luxury malls for upscale brands, browse through bustling stalls for budget-friendly deals, or conveniently shop online for vouchers and discounts.

This blog post covers the must-have items for enjoying the sunny season, from beach essentials to outdoor gear. Get ready to discover unique finds, practical tips, and everything you need to conquer Philippine summer in style!

11 "Must-Haves" to Add to Your Summer Shopping Items List

With all the excitement of going to the beach or hiking up a mountain, you may forget some things that can make your experience more enjoyable. Here are some essential summer items you should bring on your trips.

  1. Reef-safe sunscreen
    Most conventional sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral reefs. As an alternative, opt for reef-safe sunscreens that don't have the following ingredients:
  1. Octocrylene
  2. Homosalate
  3. 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
  4. PABA
  5. Parabens
  6. Triclosan
  7. Nanoparticles or "nano-sized" zinc or titanium
  8. Microplastics like exfoliating beads

Ideally, you buy a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection.

  1. Summer-appropriate clothing
    Ditch your thick, long-sleeved tops and pants for lightweight shirts, sleeveless tops, and shorts this summer. Choose cotton and linen fabrics in light, breathable colors that reflect sunlight so you can stay cool. As for swimwear, choose brightly colored ones for better visibility in the water in case of emergencies.

    Don't forget about your shoes and protective wear too! Pack comfortable sandals or water shoes for beach days and sturdy hiking shoes for exploring. As for your eyes, wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat for shade.
  2. Action cameras
    If your budget permits, get an action camera to capture all your summer adventures! This type of device is often waterproof and shockproof, perfect for capturing snorkeling trips, cliff jumping, or simply lounging by the beach.
  3. Reusable water bottles
     

Travel expenses can add up, even if you buy inexpensive disposable water bottles. Hence, consider bringing a reusable water bottle wherever you go. Not only will you save money, but you'll also significantly reduce plastic waste.

Choose a sturdy, insulated bottle to keep your water refreshingly cool throughout the day. Remember to clean it regularly to avoid the build-up of gunk and bacteria.

  1. Sunburn prevention and treatment Items
    While sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays, it's not entirely foolproof if you stay outside for a long time. As a result, you may get sunburn, leading to premature wrinkling and other painful skin conditions.

    To prevent sun-caused inflictions, it's best to pack a soothing aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion to treat any mild sunburn. These products contain soothing and moisturizing properties that help alleviate discomfort and redness caused by sunburn. In particular, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling.

    Then, don't stay under the sun for too long as a preventive measure. Only sunbathe for up to 20 minutes. Also, schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest time of day, typically between 11 AM and 3 PM.
  2. Reusable snack bags
    Say goodbye to plastic baggies and hello to reusable snack bags! These bags are made from sustainable materials like fabric or silicone, which are perfect for storing snacks, sandwiches, or even fruits.

    They're eco-friendly, washable, and help you avoid unnecessary waste. They can also help you save money down the line.
  3. Bamboo toothbrush
     

    For your oral hygiene, bamboo toothbrushes offer a fantastic eco-friendly alternative. Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource, and the brushes are biodegradable. They clean your teeth just as effectively as plastic brushes, with a smaller environmental footprint.
  4. Mosquito repellent
    Keep pesky mosquitoes at bay with mosquito repellent sprays or lotions containing DEET or picaridin. These products help protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without the annoyance of bites.
  5. Outdoor gear
    Are you planning to spend the weekend at the beach? Or do you prefer hiking and camping in the wilderness? Regardless of your summer adventure, remember to pack essential outdoor gear. Here's a checklist you can follow:
  1. Beach trip
    • Beach umbrella
    • Beach towel and blanket
    • Cooler for drinks
    • Portable chair
  2. Camping
    • Tent
    • Sleeping bag
    • Portable stove and cookware
    • Cooler
    • Rechargeable lantern and flashlight
    • First aid kit
    • Emergency tools like whistles and fire starter
  1. Carry-all beach bags, beach hats, and water shoes

Stay organized and stylish with carry-all beach bags that can hold essentials like towels, sunscreen, and snacks. Likewise, wear wide-brimmed beach hats to protect yourself from the sun and ensure comfort and safety with water shoes that provide traction on slippery surfaces.

  1. Beach blanket or rug
    There's no better way to enjoy the beach than lying on the sand and listening to the waves crash against the shore. Opt for a lightweight beach blanket or rug instead of a bulky chair. The former is easier to carry, dries faster, and often comes in fun, vibrant designs. Use one to spread out on the sand or set up a picnic spot.

Conquer Summer the Cool Way

Remember, the key to a fantastic summer is being prepared—for fun, for the environment, and everything in between. Refer to the summer items list above to ensure you don't forget anything.

Looking to hit the shops today and snag all these essentials? Go for it with RCBC Credit Cards! We offer a variety of cards to suit your needs, making it easy to secure everything on your list. They also come with budget management features, so you can spend your finances wisely while getting everything you need.

Plus, we produce our cards from recycled plastics—a win for your summer style and the planet! Did we mention you can also use your points to donate directly to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)?

At RCBC, we're committed to providing exceptional credit cards with loads of benefits while embracing sustainability.

Apply for an RCBC Credit Card today and enjoy a fun, eco-friendly summer.

More Stories
Want an RCBC Credit Card?
Apply Now