Summer’s nearly here and unlike the hustle and bustle of the winter holidays, this season is all about slowing down and soaking it in. Think: less stress, more sunshine and a few great finds to help you get things started. That’s where Shop TODAY style contributor Chassie Post comes in. She’s rounded up her must-have finds for the season — from fashion and beauty to home and outdoor — all from Target and starting at just $8!
Post kicks things off with one of her go-to summer styles: a sweet sundress. This one is easy, breezy and features a trendy boatneck — perfect for everything from patio dinners to seaside strolls. And if you’re headed out the door, don’t forget the Bogg Bag. This cult-favorite tote comes in three sizes, so whether you’re packing for a full beach day or just bringing your on-the-go essentials, there’s a Bogg for the occasion.
For beachy, carefree hair, Post loves a sea salt texturizing spray. She found one that adds volume and offers UV protection to your hair and scalp. (We love a multi-use product!) And for those spending time outdoors, Post’s got you covered there, too, with extra large beach towels, a compact rolling cooler and a clever gadget that keeps bugs at bay, without the discomfort of sticky insect repellents.
Ready to shop? You can browse each of Post’s picks below — or if you’re all in, add everything to your cart in one quick click. There's no time like now to start summer-ing!
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Mini Sundress
$15.00
$25.00
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Rechargeable Mosquito Area Insect Repeller with Dock
$31.99
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Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray with UV Protection
$9.79
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Original Tote Bag
$90.00
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Baby Tote Bag
$70.00
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Bitty Tote Bag
$55.00
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XL Reversible Beach Towel
$15.00
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Soft Sided Roller Cooler (36 Can)
$49.99
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Rattan Solar Outdoor Patio Lantern
$24.99
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Racerback Linen Midi A-Line Dress
$21.60
$36.00
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Towel Clips (4 Pack)
$4.20
$6.00
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Essential Flip Flops
$9.99
$29.00
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"BuzzPatch" Adult Mosquito Repellent Stickers (24 Count)
$9.99
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Adult Outdoor Portable Camp Chair
$9.99
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Lip Balm (SPF 30)
$6.29
$8.99
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Very Skrubby Heavy Duty Scouring Pads
$8.99
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Metal Shell Tablecloth Weights
$10.00
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Inflatable Lounge Pool Float
$10.00
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Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen (SPF 35)
$14.00
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Plastic Water Bottle with Filter (26 Ounce)
Winner: Best budget water bottle
$15.99
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Men's Vintage Elevated Washed Pull-On Shorts
$20.00
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Linen Blend Vest
$25.00
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Woven Wrapped Beverage Tub
$44.99
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Propane Gas Column Fire Pit
$52.50
$75.00
Universal Thread Mini Sundress
Post says this versatile "throw on and go" sundress from Universal Thread can take you from the beach to brunch and beyond. Not only is it comfortable (thanks to its stretch waistband), it's got a flattering silhouette and is available in sizes XS to 4X. Wear it with flip flops or sneakers during the day, then swap them for slides, wedges or kitten heels at night. Post says you could wear it as a poolside cover-up one day or to a summer wedding the next!
Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Area Insect Repeller with Dock
Goodbye, mosquitoes! This innovative device was designed to keep bugs away with a 20-foot zone of protection — meaning no icky sprays, smoke or strong smells, according to the brand. Better yet, it’s deet-free. Post says it’s so easy to use, too: Just insert your 36-hour repellant cartridge and press the button. No mess, no hassle and you get full coverage in just 15 minutes, per the brand. We also love that it’s cordless, rechargeable and lasts up to 6.5 hours on a full charge.
Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray with UV Protection
Looking to achieve effortless, beachy waves? Post says this texturizing sea salt spray is a secret weapon for creating a coastal hair look — no skill or hot tools required! Formulated with dead sea salt and sea kelp, this Not Your Mother’s spray helps to create separation in your strands, adding texture and body, per the brand. Simply spray it onto wet or dry hair from mid-length to the ends, then scrunch your hair and opt to air dry or diffuser dry it, creating volume. It’s like ocean air in a bottle, provides UV protection and is just $10!
Bogg Bag Original Tote Bag
If you're not already familiar with the viral Bogg Bag, let us clue you in. With hundreds of millions of fans, they’re like the Crocs of the bag world, says Post. Fans are obsessed! According to the brand, each bag is made out of a soft, flexible material that's durable, waterproof and easy to clean — a dream for the summer adventures. It also comes with a handy insert for smaller essentials like your phone, cards and more.
Bogg Bag Baby Tote Bag
This slightly smaller Bogg Bag is great for those who prefer a medium, more purse-sized tote. It's so fun to accessorize with a keychain or even your own small bandana or silk scarf.
Bogg Bag Bitty Tote Bag
This "Bitty" tote is great for those who only need the essentials, or for children who want to take part in the Bogg Bag trend. It comes in an array of bright summer colors, including "Beach Hydrangea" and "Peach Daquiri."
Sun Squad XL Reversible Beach Towel
Post says that these XL Sun Squad beach towels are some of her favorite beach towels ever. Why? They’re huge (36 x 72 inches) and made with super-soft, absorbent 100% cotton terry. They also come in the “happiest” colors and a chic cabana stripe, per Post. They even have a hanging loop so they don’t slide off the wall or knob when you hang them up, which makes drying them a breeze. All that for just $15! Pro tip: Post also thinks these make fabulous house warming or hostess gifts — just roll one up and tie a ribbon around it!
Embark Soft Sided Roller Cooler (36 Can)
According to Post, it’s all about the portable party with this rolling cooler! Perfect for transporting cold drinks to the beach, pool or park, it’s got built in wheels and a retractable handle (just like your suitcase). The top lid has four cup holders, so it can also function as a small serving table. The cooler fits 36 drinks with room for ice, per the brand. It comes with a bottle opener!
More Target summer finds
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia Rattan Solar Outdoor Patio Lantern
These patio lanterns are a fuss-free summer essential, since they’re solar powered (no more tealights!). They come in two heights, so you can buy two as a set, or one that best fits your space.
Future Collective Racerback Linen Midi A-Line Dress
If one fabric screams summer, it’s linen. This dress does it in a classic shape, and we love that it’s available in sizes 00 through 30. Plus, it’s easy to wear casually with flip flops and a denim jacket, or dress up with heels and jewelry.
Sun Squad Towel Clips (4 Pack)
Keep your towel from flying up at the beach, park or campsite with these clips, which clamp the towel and stake into the ground. Ideal for breezy days!
Vera Bradley Essential Flip Flops
These Vera Bradley flip flops are 66% off right now and come in seven color-pattern combinations.
NatPat “BuzzPatch” Adult Mosquito Repellent Stickers (24 Count)
If you’re looking for an alternative to sticky bug sprays, consider these patches, which boast a plant-based repellant to keep mosquitoes away, per the brand. This pack is specifically designed for adults, but the brand also has a kids’ version.
Dealworthy Adult Outdoor Portable Camp Chair
The real hero of summer is the classic camp chair. For less than $10, you can’t go wrong.
Sun Bum Lip Balm (SPF 30)
It's easy to forget the lips when it comes to sunscreen, but protecting them is just as important as the rest of your skin. This SPF lip balm makes it simple and affordable to do so. Plus, it has aloe and vitamin E and is water-resistant for 80 minutes after application, according to the brand.
Skura Style x Eva Mendes Very Skrubby Heavy Duty Scouring Pads
While these scouring pads work well inside the home, we're particularly excited that they're strong enough to take on the grill, too. According to the brand, they're not only durable, but double sided, flexible and are treated with an antimicrobial agent, so they don't carry a lingering odor.
Threshold Metal Shell Tablecloth Weights
Have you ever hosted a picnic or outdoor dinner, only for a gust of wind to totally disrupt your tablescape? These tablecloth weights provide a genius (and pretty!) solution. Just clip them around the edges of your tablecloth and they'll hold down the fort.
Sun Squad Inflatable Lounge Pool Float
Pool owners know, these inflatable floats are some of the best on the market and they're just $10! They're easy to relax on, hold your beverage and the hole at the end allows you to dip your feet in when you're in need of a refresh.
E.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen (SPF 35)
SPF is a year-round necessity, but it's especially important when the weather gets warm, as the UV is higher and you're likely out in the sun more often. This invisible sunscreen is dermatologist approved and since it's completely clear, it won't leave a white cast. It boasts the blurring effects of a primer, too.
Brita Plastic Water Bottle with Filter (26 Ounce)
This Brita water bottle was a Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner in 2024, which means its been vetted by our editors and seriously held up. Like a classic Brita, it filters your water, but in this case through the straw! It also has a leak-free lid and an easy-sip straw, per the brand.
Goodfellow & Co Men's Vintage Elevated Washed Pull-On Shorts
A classic pair of shorts is key for getting through the summer heat. These ones are just $20, come in five colors and have an elasticated waistband, which looks casually cool with the twill fabric.
A New Day Linen Blend Vest
Vest-style tank tops are everywhere right now, but few are just $25. This one has an elasticated back for flexibility, as well as adjustable straps. It comes in a striped version, too!
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia Woven Wrapped Beverage Tub
This new launch from Joanna Gaines' Hearth and Hand with Magnolia line is worth adding to your to-buy list if you're plotting a backyard bash. Not your standard beverage tub, it lets you keep your drinks cold without compromising on style.
Room Essentials Propane Gas Column Fire Pit
Turn your outdoor space into a summer sanctuary with this propane fire pit, which allows you to take in live flames without the usual mess. It has an adjustable flame, so you can keep it under control. And thanks to the column shape, you don't need a huge outdoor space to be able to use it.
How we chose Target summer kick-off finds
We consulted style expert Chassie Post and the Shop TODAY editorial team for items that are editor-approved based on style, seasonality and quality. To round out the list, we also considered items with high customer ratings.
For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Target). The retailer does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
