As they (don’t) say on “Game of Thrones:” Summer is coming! And that means that now is the prime time to stock up on a beach and pool essentials for your summer-happy kiddos (and for yourself, moms!). Chief among gear to tote along on any beach or pool day is a great towel. Whether you’re on the hunt for a specific print or personalization option or you’re more concerned about fabric and UV-protection, we’ve found a beach towel for just about every member of the family!
And while you’re sure to have a hard time choosing between our super-cool towel picks, just remember that you have important beaches to lie on in just a few short weeks!
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Lands' End Kids' Tie Dye Beach Towel - Watermelon Ombre
Equal parts a nod to the still-hot ombre trend and to the classic pleasures of summertime, this watermelon motif towel from Lands End is sure to be a hit. Not only is it generously-sized, but it features the option for name or monogram embroidery and also has been tested and rated UPF +50 for excellent UV protection. $26, landsend.com -
Fouta Beach Towel
Available from East End favorite Serena and Lily, this Turkish cotton towel is as summery chic as it is soft and cozy after a dip in the water (it's made with smooth cotton on one side and looped cotton terry on the other for added wicking). Kids will love the soft feel of the fabric while moms will love the sophisticated look. $48, serenaandlily.com -
Zoocchini Sherman the Shark Hooded Towel
Ideal for kiddos ages 2 and up, this scary-but-sweet towel is a young shark-fan's dream. Complete with a cozy hood and fun shark fin on the back, this towel from Zoocchini is not only a great way to dry off, but also serves as a cool beach costume of sorts! $35.99, zoocchini.com -
Pendleton x Mara Hoffman Jacquard Beach Towel
While Pendleton is renowned for their heirloom-quality knits and textiles, and Mara Hoffman (a New York mom herself) for her prowess in the swimwear realm and her awesome use of bold colors, the two together make for a must-have beach towel! Crafted from 100 percent cotton, and emblazoned with a super-cool exclusive design from Hoffman, this towel is a perfect for fashion-forward moms, as well as trend-savvy tweens and teens. $78, pendleton-usa.com -
LL Bean Seaside Beach Towel, Anchor
Go nautical for your next family outing to the beach with this sea-inspired towel from LL Bean. The anchor graphic is a fun take on a summertime classic, and the blue and green hue is a nod to the splendor of the sea. Personalization options are also available. $29.50, llbean.com -
Desigual Reversible Cotton Towel
This 100 percent cotton kikoy towel by Desigual (and available from Nordstrom) is not only vibrantly colorful, but is also reversible! A perfect beach day treat for fashion-forward mamas who love Desigual's laidback Spanish style, this towel also comes complete with festive fringe around the border. $69, nordstrom.com -
Hello Kitty XL Beach Towel: Fruity
Hello Kitty certainly doesn't conform to the stereotype that cats don't like the water--and this cheery beach towel is proof! Your HK-loving little one is sure to delight in the new fruity print and in soft feel of this extra-long, 100 percent cotton towel. $35, sanrio.com -
Lacoste Bay Towel
Hit the beach--or pool--in perfectly preppy style with Lacoste's geometric print Bay Towel. Complete with smirking crocodiles to add to the wild summer fun, this printed velour towel makes for the perfect summer accoutrement for your sporty little sun-worshiper. $42, lacoste.com -
Pottery Barn Kids Nantucket Flamingo Beach Towel
Let this fancy flamingo be the captain of your summer fun ship this season! This cute towel from Pottery Barn kids features a very cool flamingo decked out in a yacht-worthy cap and classic striped shirt and comes complete with personalization options and UPF 50+ UV protection. $20, potterybarnkids.com -
Woolrich Beach Towel
Looking for a rugged beach towel that combines long-lasting quality with kid-friendly graphics and super-soft material? Look no further than this sheep-adorned pick by time-trusted brand Woolrich and available from outdoor gear mecca REI. This towel is 100 percent cotton and offers a super-plush feel. $49.50, rei.com -
Kissy Kissy Stripe Hooded Beach Towel
Calling all uptown moms! You turn to Bloomie's for just about all the rest of your family's clothing and accessory needs, so why not stock up on beach gear there too? This sweetly striped hooded towel by Kissy Kissy is as soft and snuggly as it is classically cute. $42, bloomingdales.com -
Quiksilver East Side Towel
Any surfer boys in your family? If so, they'll go wild for this beachy-cool Quiksilver towel. A navy backdrop, crisp white stripes, and a bold Quicksilver logo make up the designs of this unstated, yet totally tubular, cotton beach towel. $45, quiksilver.com