Cactus Juice: Sun, Skin & Insect Protectant, SPF 20 - $8.99 for 8 oz

We put this product to the ultimate test on a trip to Costa Rica, where the sun shines bright and bugs grow big. Cactus Juice kept the critters at bay and saved us from sunburn. When we added kids to the equation a few years ago, we were thrilled to realize that this product is non-toxic and safe for children six months and older. The key ingredient is prickly pear cactus juice — it may sound strange, but the mosquitoes hate it. The spray is easy to apply and smells inoffensive (at least to humans), so kids won't put up much of a fuss at application time.

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Recycline: Plates and Cutlery - 8 pack of plates $4.75, 24 pack of cutlery $4.50

Tree huggers rejoice: Eating outdoors can be guilt-free thanks to Recycline's reusable plates and cutlery. Recycline gives new life to Stoneyfield Farm yogurt containers by squashing them into new shapes, such as plates, forks and knives. Their colorful serveware is dishwasher safe and meant to last for years. Plus, unlike saggy paper plates, the sturdy 10" plastic plate can withstand a whopping slice of watermelon, and the plastic knives are designed to cube even the toughest steak.

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The Out Mat from Go Baby - $45

Don't you hate it when all the prime picnic benches have been spoken for at the park? Plan B: set up your meal under a shady tree with this roomy (50" x 50") spread. Getting it there is easy: Hang the mat's carrying bag from the stroller handle with the handy strap. The top terry cloth layer is soft enough for an impromptu nap. And don’t worry about soggy grass — the bottom of the mat is water-resistant. Plus, style mavens will approve of the three hip patterns. Once the picnic is over, roll up the mat and toss it in the washer for a quick clean.

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Mustela: Cleansing and Soothing Wipes - $10.99

Sand boxes, frogs and water fountains — the great outdoors is rife with germs. We would never suggest you stay inside; instead, bring along some wipes to tackle the mess. You'll be happy to have packed these when the nearest rest room is far away or a little scary-looking. Mustela's wipes are thick and moist, making cleaning up a MDS (messy diaper situation) as easy as de-griming hands. Stash a 70-pack in your stroller and you’ll be ready to sink into your 'smores playground-plague free.

Get it from Amazon.