My neighborhood pool opens in a few days, and I’ve been keeping an eye out for everything I’ll need to live by the lap lanes this summer. This week, my tireless efforts mean summer-ready deals for you. I found discounts on tinted sunscreen, outdoor speakers, swim trunks, bikinis, a splash pad to turn your yard into a water park, and a bit of poolside reading material. I’d be remiss not to mention that it’s last call for Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale — I’ve dropped in some final picks below, but if you want to see everything we recommend, check out our entire coverage of the sale here. I’ll see you all next week, but if you want a few more deals, sign up for our email newsletter for five more deals (just for our subscribers).
If you’ve got a patch of grass, a garden hose, and a few kids who need to burn off some energy, you need this Twister splash pad that’s now 30 percent off.
This breezy tiered maxi dress from Amazon’s in-house line The Drop is available in 18 colors — and it’s 30 percent off in five of them: Ginger (pictured here), Mushroom, Navy, Off-black, and Rosette.
Whip up frozen cocktails, smoothie bowls, and sauces in a snap with this high-powered personal blender from Ninja. It comes with two 24-ounce cups and one 14-ounce cup for blending and taking on the go.
This is the newest model of a Bose speaker that has been recommended by Charlotte Tilbury, Adriana Lima, and Dove Cameron.
Sonos’s line of ultrasleek speakers seldom go on sale, so don’t dillydally. Strategist writer Lauren Ro says that the portable Move boasts the same “seamless convenience, sound quality, and build Sonos’s other speakers are known for.” (She notes that the hefty price tag is so that you can integrate it into a larger Sonos system.)
The Roam is our favorite smart Bluetooth speaker. It adapts its sound to your environment, spreading it out more evenly outdoors and toning down the bass in small rooms.
Here’s a sweet little cat (or small-dog) bed that comes in nine colors. It’s just $18 when you apply the on-site coupon.
Here’s a lightweight and inexpensive Bissell vacuum that features a tangle-free brush, detachable pod for cleaning small spaces, and HEPA-sealed system to trap allergens.
If you’re tall, these Nautica swim trunks have a longer, eight-inch inseam.
If seersucker isn’t your thing, I found the solid-color version on sale too.
Roman Roy’s Succession finale outfit included a $14 Wonder Nation tee from the kids’ section at Walmart. That quickly sold out, but we found other cute options (that could probably fit grown-ups in the bigger sizes, since they fit Kieran) that are currently on sale.
Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale wraps up this weekend. Aire’s sunglasses are stylish enough for everyday wear but inexpensive enough that you won’t be too heartbroken if you misplace them.
Here are some Joy-sparking desk organizers from Areaware to corral clutter.
And a smallish duffle bag for discreetly toting workout gear to the gym.
TripSavvy editorial director Laura Ratliff says that this crossbody travel bag makes organizing passports, boarding passes, headphones, and a Kindle easy: “It has three different ‘chambers’ for storage inside. It’s a sleek bag that looks just as at home at a nice restaurant as it does on the Global Entry line.”
Sports bras and bike shorts are currently $20 at Aerie. This supportive, strappy top has eight color options in solids and patterns …
… and the matching shorts come in five options. Both are available in sizes XXS through XXL.
Every single swimsuit is half off at Aerie through June 8. You can play mix and match with the brand’s wide array of bikini tops and bottoms …
… or live out your shimmery mermaid fantasy in this sparkly one-piece.
Senté skin care is 20 percent off at SkinStore this weekend with code SENTE20. Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series of books, uses the brand’s tinted sunscreen instead of foundation. She reports that it leaves no white cast, even though it’s a sunscreen.
Celebrity facialist Candace Marino vouched for Senté’s moisturizer in our best-night-creams story and the best products for sensitive skin: “It hits heavy with moisture without the weight you feel with most creams,” she says. “It promotes deep hydration, decreases inflammation, and stimulates collagen and elastin production.”
During the month of June, Bookshop is offering 20 percent off select books by LGBTQ+ authors with code PRIDE2023. We suggest comedian Samantha Irby’s new collection of personal essays, Quietly Hostile, and peruse her favorite things while you wait for its arrival in your mailbox.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
