Sunscreen: Slathering on the sunscreen is any desert native’s priority during the summer. Luckily, manufacturers produce the protective lotion in a variety of SPFs and scents. From a light moisturizer with a high SPF (Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 for $12.99) to a sporty version that won’t slide off with water or sweat (Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 for $13.99), there are plenty of options for sun worshippers to choose from.

Summer reading: Every mainstream media outlet is set to hype a list of beach reads, making it easy to find a good book to take on vacation (or to the couch). National Public Radio has recommended books like Joanna Scott’s Follow Me and Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places, while AskMen.com is advising its male visitors pick up reads such as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith and The Yankee Years by Joe Torre.

Swimsuit: Retro swimming gear is in style this season, so beachgoers and pool loungers should look for suits in saturated colors like cerulean and plum. Ladies can pick up suits with 1950s silhouettes (think Marilyn Monroe) instead of tiny bikinis, while guys can scout for fitted trunks rather than baggy board shorts.

Other summer necessities include a beach towel, a picnic basket, a medium-sized cooler and plenty of refreshing (preferably tropical) beverages.

By Caitlin McGarry