Spice Up Your Summer Parties. Photo courtesy of Mess of Pottage

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. It’s when we pack up our sweaters, pull out our swimsuits and get ready for three months of sun, sand and surf. If you’re heading to a Memorial Day barbeque, make sure you don’t go empty handed. Take a little gift to spice up your holiday and get summer started right.

Beach Towels

Doesn’t it seem like these disappear every summer? Start the season out with a fresh set of brightly colored beach towels. Target has some great basic beach towels on sale. These colorful dot towels are available in sets of two for $11.99.

Sun Hat

Make sure your loved ones are properly protected from the sun’s rays with a cute beach hat. Banana Republic has a great floppy straw hat that comes in gray or brown for just $59.

Portable Speakers

Music can set the mood for the perfect summer bash. Make sure your parties always have the ideal soundtrack with portable speakers. These portable Logitech speakers are just over an inch thick and have flexible power options. Pick them up from Fad Fusion for $48.99.

Outdoor Wine Glasses

The patio is no place for fancy glass goblets. Pick up some colorful acrylic wine glasses instead like these from grill master Bobby Flay at Kohl’s. They’re on sale for just $4.89 right now and they come in blue, yellow or clear.

Ice Cream Maker

This isn’t your ordinary ice cream maker. The Play and Freeze needs no electricity which makes it perfect for whipping up a quick snack on a campsite or at the beach. Just put in the ingredients, and then play with the ball. After about ten or fifteen minutes, your treat will be ready.