The Best Gear, Toys and Accessories for Summer

One Kick-Ass Pair of Bucks

Nothing in your wardrobe says summer quite like a sweet pair of Bucks. Forgo the usual white and opt for something a little more edgy from Mark McNairy New Amsterdam. The former creative director of J.Press’ eponymous shoe line injects a lot of color and major attitude into the storied Buck. Go for the Navy Buck, Yellow Soul style, a dark blue buck with a modern, bright yellow, EVA soul ($385). Equally amazing would be the Gene Kelly Saddle in acid green. With shoes like these, you’re practically guaranteed to have an exponentially greater summer than without.

A Made-to-Measure Polo That’s Less Expensive Than Your Others

Polos are a summer staple for when you need something more than a t-shirt, but not as buttoned-up as a short sleeve oxford. Take the classic polo a step further this summer with a made-to-measure option from Kent Wang Modern Haberdasher. Taking the mystique and guesswork out of ordering online, Kent Wang sends you a trial fit before you commit to a final size. Other great details include a sturdy, spread collar that doesn’t lose its shape in the wash. The best detail of all? The greatest fitting polo you’ll ever own will still cost less than other polos. Go for the navy & white strip for a nautical kick ($65).

Even If You’re Not A Spy

Ditch your baseball cap and add a little romance and intrigue to your wardrobe with a classic Panama hat with a modern twist. Miansai’s genuine Panama hats are hand-woven in Ecuador and updated with the house’s signature, maritime-grade cord fashioned into square-knotted hat bands with brass details. They're super stealth and sexy, even if you’re not a spy sweating it out in South America ($95).

Bring the Party With You

Summer parties need a grill, or it’s not a summer party. For the space-challenged apartment dweller or weekend grill master on the go, the sporty, portable Fuego Element Gas Grill will fire up any gathering. Sleek and sexy design meets 160 sq. inches of grill space that all folds into a neat, 15 lb. bundle. Sturdy enough to handle a weekend camping trip or tailgate party at the ballpark, yet modern enough to satisfy any design junkie. Bust out your "Kiss the Chef" apron, mix up some Sangria, and officially get the party started ($150).

Rub Meat Like a Pro

Amp up your barbecue and wow your guests with minimal effort with Kaufmann Mercantile’s BBQ Spice Set. Dry spice rubs impart intense flavors to your grilled meats and don’t burn as easily as sugary sauces. This set of six rubs, including a spicy Chili BBQ Rub and a smoky Chipotle & Honey Rub, are all ground to order to maintain their subtle flavors. Coat your steaks, chops or ribs and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then throw them on the grill. Summer should always be this easy...and delicious.

I’d Tap That Watermelon

Once upon a time, Food Network introduced Kegworks' Faucet and Shank Kit to a watermelon and created the you’ve-just-got-to-try-it Watermelon Keg. The rest is summer fun history. This crazy, yet simple, DIY project combines a draft beer faucet, a watermelon, and lots of booze into the ultimate BBQ centerpiece. Genius.

When a Tote’s Not Your Thing

If you're not into tote bags but you’ve got stuff to stash for later, toss on a grownup’s rucksack and keep your hands free for other pursuits, like a cold beer. Equally suitable for a day at the beach, a hike, or weekend getaway, Best Made’s Alpine Rucksack gets your gear where it needs to go in style. Made from French canvas in Germany, exclusively for Best Made, this stand out bag should last you a lifetime ($398).

Because Everyone Already Has a Frisbee

How do you make something as all-American as throwing a football around on the beach even more fun? When you do it with this cool vintage, handmade leather football from Kaufmann Mercantile. Meticulously hand-crafted from American tanned hides in Glen Rock, New Jersey by the folks at Leather Head, it’s slightly scaled down from the standard NFL size to accommodate us regular guys. With a little love it’ll last for many summers and will look great hanging around your place in between weekends ($115).

If You Have Two Trees

If your weekend plans are decidedly on the more relaxing side, and you’ve got two handy trees, wasting an afternoon in a retro-70’s, L.L.Bean rope hammock is the way to go. A Bean original since 1973, this roomy love nest is woven from more than 1,000 feet of soft, 100 percent cotton rope and is plenty big enough for two. It’s tough to beat the allure of a day spent swinging in a hammock, so invite her over, mix up some summer cocktails and let the magic begin ($109, and if you don’t have two trees, L.L.Bean also sells a hammock stand).