Best Beach Accessories

Now that summer is almost here, many of us are likely to escape the heat by heading to the beach. But if you're planning on having some "fun in the sun" you may want to bring along more than just your bikini. The Early Show Contributor Laurie Hibberd has the line on all sorts of beach accessories in this week's Hib Report.

Hats
Bucket hats continue to be trendy and fun, plus they help shield you from the harsh rays of the sun. For those needing a little extra protection, there are plenty of floppy cloth or straw beach hats, too.

• Coral striped, blue striped or solid pink bucket hats by Mossimo at Target, $8.99
  
• Blue striped bucket hat from the Gap, $16.50
  
• Floppy red & white floral hat from H&M, $6.50
  
• Straw Panama sunhat from L.L. Bean, $36
  
• Floppy navy logo hat from Coach, $88

• Mimco headbands, $15

Also, lenses tend to be in lighter tints, almost clear, with so-called flash treatment. The shimmery reflective "flash" effect offers added protection for the lighter tints.

• Ray-Bans rimless wrap (aviator-like) shields for men or women available at Sunglass Hut, $109

• Bright cotton tunics from Calypso come in a variety of colors, $45
  
• Sarongs from Calypso, $50

• H&M black with pink rose, $5.50
  
• H&M yellow w/ flower, $5.50
  
• H&M pink strawberry, $3
  
• H&M blue/pink floral, $4.50
  
• Gap blue floral, $12.50
  
• Old Navy lavender, 3.50
  
• Old Navy red-orange striped or navy floral, $9.50
  
• Old Navy beaded pink or turqouise, $12.50
  
• Target pink & blue striped, $4.99
  
• Target two-tone pink, $6.99
  
• Sensi green w/ daisy from flipfloptrunkshow.com, $28
  
• Wood-sole sandal from Garnet Hill, $78
  
• C. Ronson terry pink/white striped slide from flipfloptrunkshow.com, $49

• L.L. Bean classic canvas tote comes in different color trim; $20.
  
• H&M straw bag, $12
  
• H&M canvas retro tote, $12
  
• H&M pink multi-colored striped tote, $12
  
• Gap yellow canvas tote, large $24.50
  
• Coach's wicker bag, $298
  
• La Rue vinyl-and-canvas bag, $19
  
• Bungalow Beach Bag from Dobre Goods in water-resistant vintage prints, $80. Available at girlshop.com.
  
• Loop's go-anywhere coated canvas tote with built in speakers - just plug in your MP3 or CD player and listen to your favorite summer tunes, $60 from girlshop.com.

• Dune Buggy Wheeled Chair totes everything to the beach with ease. This high-back reclining chair folds to become a rolling carrier that can handle up to 75 pounds of gear. The oversized wheels easily travel over sand. $85. It is available through Brookstone catalog on the Web only.
• Popsicle Sandchair is a portable snap-fold summer chair in cotton cloth with a steel tube framing. Comes with a handy storage pouch on the back and a shoulder strap for convenient transport. Colorful popsicle shades include aqua, coral or periwinkle. From Crate & Barrel, $15.95.
• Oversized towel(s): The many options for towels now include oversized (or blanket-sized) ones. Target sells an "Anchor It" multi-colored Beach Blanket (60" X 70") with corner grommets and four plastic anchors to secure the towel in the sand. From Target, $19.99.
• Beach Mat: Brookestone has a self-opening beach mat that is light and flat with a comfy washable terry surface with a polyester backing. A wind-resistant inner ring keeps the mat flat. Comes in yellow or blue with a built-in air pillow, drink holder and carry bag.$30, available through the Brookestone catalog on the Web only.
• Beach Mat/Chair in-one from Fresh Squeezed summer in red/pink at Target. Adult chairs, $14.99/Kids chairs, $9.99.
• Beach Umbrella: The 6-foot sand blaster umbrella sets up in seconds requiring no digging or struggling. The patented hammer action easily drives the pole deep into the ground. Available at Bed, Bath and Beyond Stores, $16.99
• Sunscreen: If you're tired of toting six different sunscreens to the beach every weekend, Aquavedic's new dial-your-SPF lotion is for you. It comes with two tubes of active ingredients inside, and you can blend them to get any level of protection, from 2 to 30. The lightly muskscented lotion provides UVA-UVB protection, has vitamin E and aloe vera, and is water resistant and FDA approved. $35; refille $15. Available at speciality stores and online at www.aquavedic.com.
• SPF Wipes: Dermalogica Full Spetrum SPF 15 Wipes offer portable sun-protection and it is perfect for travel. Each swipe is a soft towelette permeated with botanicals plus Vitamin A,C, and E; the towelette allows application of product to hard-to-reach areas like the upper back, and is ideal for children. 15 wipes/packet, $15.

• Game Towel: 30" x 60" towel also can be used to play checkers. Includes checkboard towel and oversized game pieces in mesh bag. From Bed, Bath and Beyond, $14.99.
• Beach Sports Set: Enjoy catch, football, or paddle ball at the beach with Brookestone's waterproof set. It comes with a soft football, two paddles and a paddleball, and a flying disc, all in a mesh bag. $30. Available at Brookestone Catalog/Web only.
• Rolling Cooler: A day of activity under the sun can work up a thirst and appetite. Crate & Barrel has an insulated cooler with in-line skates wheels, plus hideaway padded backpack straps for a comfy carrying alternative, to store drinks and food. Two exterior pockets carry extra items and a rain flap keeps water out. $44.95.
• Picnic Table: Perfect for active warm-weather pursuits, Crate & Barrel's table-to-go collapses in seconds, stowing into its red cotton bag for ready transport. $34.95.

Product/Retailer Phone List:
Brookestone: 800-351-7222
Calypso Stores: 212-274-0449 for store locations
Coach: 866-262-2440
Crate & Barrel: 800-323-5461
Garnet Hill: 800-622-6216
La Rue: 800-656-6548
LL Bean: 800-809-7057