--- description: Don't leave for the long holiday weekend without bringing these fun items along on your trip. title: 8 Last Minute Items to Pack for An Awesome July 4th Weekend image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltd38e154e74b334f2/69889a605f570f1812b2192f/july-4th-weekend-packing-list.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [motto](/tag/motto/) ## motto Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # 8 Last Minute Items to Pack for An Awesome July 4th Weekend by [The Editors of Motto](/author/the-editors-of-motto/) ## The Editors of Motto Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Jun 29, 2016 6:29 PM CUT  Getty Images by [The Editors of Motto](/author/the-editors-of-motto/) ## The Editors of Motto Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Jun 29, 2016 6:29 PM CUT It’s July 4th weekend, which means barbecues, fireworks and beach time. If you’re going out-of-town, you have probably already packed your bathing suit and the next book on your summer reading list. But before you finish zipping up your [suitcase](http://motto.time.com/4204850/8-simple-tips-for-packing-a-carry-on-suitcase/ "undefined"), don’t forget a few last-minute additions from us. Our team looked for unique items that were functional and fun and less than $100 (though in one case we couldn’t help ourselves) that would make a weekend trip better. **1\. Portable Sound**Whether you’re enjoying a backyard cookout or a day at the beach, don’t rely on your phone’s speakers to play your music. Opt for a set of Bluetooth speakers or something like this retro-inspired [radio](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=391008.1&type=10&tmpid=16681&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fanthro%2Fproduct%2Fhome-travel-sun%2F39190111.jsp&u1=MOTTOFOURTH "undefined"), which is easy to carry and can hook up to your phone’s music library. _Sunny Life Beach Radio, $49,_ [_anthropologie.com_](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=391008.1&type=10&tmpid=16681&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fanthro%2Fproduct%2Fhome-travel-sun%2F39190111.jsp&u1=MOTTOFOURTH "undefined")_._ **2\. Chill Carry-all** This stylish [bag](http://markandgraham.7eer.net/c/249354/267860/4338?subId1=MOTTOFOURTH&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.markandgraham.com%2Fproducts%2Finsulated-tote-bag%2F%3Fpkey%3Dcview-all-new%26%26cview-all-new "undefined") is actually a cooler, with room for 2 wine bottles and all your desired picnic fixings. Fold it flat in your suitcase while traveling. _Insulated Tote, $80-99,_ [_markandgraham.com_](http://markandgraham.7eer.net/c/249354/267860/4338?subId1=MOTTOFOURTH&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.markandgraham.com%2Fproducts%2Finsulated-tote-bag%2F%3Fpkey%3Dcview-all-new%26%26cview-all-new "undefined")_._ **3\. Trusty Shades** Remember to find a pair that protect your eyes against UVA and UVB rays. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase of these [shades](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=433342.1&type=10&tmpid=11617&RD%5FPARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birchbox.com%2Fshop%2Ftraveler-by-toms-florentin-matte-black&u1=MOTTOFOURTH "undefined") goes towards sight-saving surgery, prescription glasses or medical treatment for someone in need. _Traveler by Toms Florentin Sunglasses, $78,_ [_birchbox.com_](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=433342.1&type=10&tmpid=11617&RD%5FPARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birchbox.com%2Fshop%2Ftraveler-by-toms-florentin-matte-black&u1=MOTTOFOURTH "undefined")_._ **4\. Water Bottle** Stay hydrated during long days outdoors while skipping the expensive pre-bottled water. Your body will thank you! This [one](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=415969.1&type=10&tmpid=12954&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.llbean.com%2Fllb%2Fshop%2F50041%3Ffeat%3Dwater%2520bottle-SR0%2526page%3Dpolar-water-bottle-insulated&u1=MOTTOFOURTH "undefined") is insulated to keep your water cool for longer. _Polar Water Bottle, Insulated, $13,_ [_llbean.com_](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=415969.1&type=10&tmpid=12954&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.llbean.com%2Fllb%2Fshop%2F50041%3Ffeat%3Dwater%2520bottle-SR0%2526page%3Dpolar-water-bottle-insulated&u1=MOTTOFOURTH "undefined")_._ **5\. A Versatile Outfit** Bring along clothing that has multiple uses to lighten your packing load. This cute lightweight [dress](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1062495&vid=3&pid=133885102 "undefined") works as a comfy outfit for a barbecue or as a swim cover-up. Bonus: It’s less than $10. _Sleeveless Knit Swing Dress, $8,_ [_oldnavy.com_](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1062495&vid=3&pid=133885102 "undefined")_._ **6\. Beach towel** Because hotel towels aren’t big enough to lay out on. We love the shape of this unique [towel](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/https://www.freepeople.com/shop/round-towel/ "undefined")—perfect for curling up with a summer read. _Round Towel, $110,_ [_freepeople.com._](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/https://www.freepeople.com/shop/round-towel/ "undefined") **7\. Waterproof camera** If you’re poolside or beachside, don’t risk ruining your phone trying to snap a selfie. Try this cheap (and [waterproof](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=38556890&category=W%5FACC%5FTECH "undefined")) photo option instead. _Waterproof Disposable Camera, $16,_ [_urbanoutfitters.com_](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=38556890&category=W%5FACC%5FTECH "undefined")_._ **8\. A Wine Flask (yes, you read that right)** In case you need some sangria or rose to go. _Wine2Go Foldable Bottle Flask, $12,_ [_urbanoutfitters.com_](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOFOURTH/http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=34420406&category=SEARCH+RESULTS "undefined")_._ ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4391014/4th-of-july-packing-tips/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4391014/4th-of-july-packing-tips/"},"headline":"8 Last Minute Items to Pack for An Awesome July 4th Weekend","datePublished":"2016-06-29T18:29:42.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T09:02:51.947Z","description":"Bring the fun with you","url":"https://time.com/4391014/4th-of-july-packing-tips/","keywords":["motto"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltd38e154e74b334f2/69889a605f570f1812b2192f/july-4th-weekend-packing-list.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"The Editors of Motto","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/the-editors-of-motto/"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltd38e154e74b334f2/69889a605f570f1812b2192f/july-4th-weekend-packing-list.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Sparkler and American flag","caption":"Sparkler and American flag","creditText":"Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/motto/","name":"motto"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4391014/4th-of-july-packing-tips/","name":"8 Last Minute Items to Pack for An Awesome July 4th Weekend"}}]}] ```