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Shopping and Style

Shopping: Picnic Picks For Families

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As the weather heats up, al fresco dining becomes more and more appealing. Make the most of the sweet summer sunshine and plan a family picnic–and even better, plan one for National Picnic Day on June 18! To ensure that your outdoor eating adventure goes smoothly–and offers something for the whole family–we’ve rounded up our favorite picnic essentials (from the perfect basket to the ultimate portable wooden chair) for families (many from some fantastic local brands and stores)!

  • West Elm Picnic Basket

    West Elm Picnic Basket

     This basket from West Elm is woven from banana leaves and looks like wicker, making it a perfect carrying case for the summer. Lined with patterned fabric, this basket is classic and fun, and its leather strap is fashionable and makes it easily portable. It also comes with a wine caddy for mom and dad. $54.99, westelm.com
  • Skip Hop Central Park Outdoor Blanket + Cooler Bag

    Skip Hop Central Park Outdoor Blanket + Cooler Bag

     By day, it’s a bag! By (still) day, it’s a blanket! After you carry this bag--by beloved local brand Skip Hop-- to your destination, it opens up into a water-resistant blanket. Attached to the blanket is an insulated cooler bag that can detach and be used for drinks and snacks. $45, skiphop.com.
  • Anthropologie Portable Briefcase BBQ

    Anthropologie Portable Briefcase BBQ

     This kit from Anthropologie lets you carry a grill wherever you go so no matter how crowded it is, you’ll always have a place to get cooking. In a convenient travel case, the Portable Briefcase BBQ can bring the picnic wherever you want it to go. $328, anthropologie.com.
  • Land of Nod Just Grillin’ Play Set

    Land of Nod Just Grillin’ Play Set

     Chances are, your kids want to grill too as soon as they see you doing it. Let them grill along (safely!) with this play set from Land of Nod. They can push plush food onto plush skewers and imagine them cook over the flames while you take care of the real meal. $59, landofnod.com.
  • Dixie Ultra Moments Tableware

    Dixie Ultra Moments Tableware

     You can bring some summer color to your usually drab disposable tableware to make your picnic meal festive. Patterned cups, napkins, and plates by Dixie (we're loving the Ultra Moments patterned collection) can brighten up any meal and transform your picnic into a celebration. Prices vary, dixie.com
  • Mark & Graham Ashwood Travel Chair

    Mark & Graham Ashwood Travel Chair

     This wooden chair by Mark & Graham neatly folds up so it can be carried with you wherever you decide to plant yourself. An attached canvas pocket makes it easy to stash necessities at arm’s length. The chair can also be monogrammed for free, so you can put your own mark on it (plus, if it has your name on it, no one else can sit there, right?). $179, markandgraham.com.
  • PetNic Organizer

    PetNic Organizer

     Want to take your furry friend out on a picnic? The PetNic helps you organize everything your pet might need for the outing. An internal, removable divider can help separate food and water or even toys. $90, store.alessi.com.
  • Sanrio Kirimi 4 Piece Snack Set: Bento

    Sanrio Kirimi 4 Piece Snack Set: Bento

    This Sanrio container set lets you carry snacks in style. Kirimi and friends are pictured with traditional bento foods on the covers of each container. You can keep all your kids’ snacks separate (because as many moms know: "If they touch, they’re no good") and as a nesting set, the containers can be neatly stored away after all the food’s been eaten. $18.50, sanrio.com.
  • S’well Shimmer Collection

    S’well Shimmer Collection

     This sleek, glossy bottle comes in a variety of cool colors, but it doesn’t just look cool. Under the beating sun, it can keep your cold drinks cold for 24 hours (and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours, when the season changes). It can be purchased in several sizes to best accommodate how much you need to carry. $25-$45, swellbottle.com.
  • Perfect Picnic NYC Grab & Gt Delivery Service

    Perfect Picnic NYC Grab & Gt Delivery Service

     If you haven’t prepared for a picnic but still want to eat in style, or if you just don’t feel up to making your own sandwiches, Perfect Picnic NYC has both pick-up and delivery options for a picnic meal anywhere in Manhattan (or at the Brooklyn Bridge park for a $25 fee). You can order from a variety of meals serving any number of guests, either online or by phone. Prices vary, perfectpicnicnyc.com.

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