The Suricata Mesh Beach Bag is a very good quality, affordable beach bag that you should definitely check out and in this review, I’ll get into why I love it so much!

Best Beach Bags for Moms

Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag with Zipper - Extra Large

5.0

$49.95

If you're trying to cart around, towels, snacks, beach toys and more, and don't want to be constantly cleaning your beach bag or dumping out the sand, this is the bag for you! We LOVE it!

Size and Weight: 1.28 pounds

Material: Mesh

Design: Extra Large Beach Tote

Company: Red Suricata

Feature: Magnetic Closure

Pros:

• Lots of pockets
• Extra large size
• Mesh and waterproof fabric keeps it clean
• Zipper opening to keep contents from spilling out
• Super cute color choices

Cons:

• Strap hardware not the strongest (may need to replaced; not our experience)
• Large style can be difficult to carry when full (it is BIG)

Check it Out on Amazon Now

Check it Out on RedSuricata.com

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

03/07/2024 05:52 pm GMT

What I Like About the Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag 

I’ve been pretty blessed the past few years and have been able to go on two family beach vacations, take a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, and hang out at my in-law’s lakehouse where we get to boat.
This bag was SUPER usefull in all those scenarios, keeping everything I needed in one bag.

I really love this bag not only for its size but for a few reasons. First of all, it’s made of a sturdy mesh material that is both durable and breathable — sand can fall out, and wet items can dry.

The bag also has a zip closure which is great for keeping everything secure. Additionally, the bag comes in super cute color combos (I have the orange and green which is super bright and bold in person, which I love) making it easy to spot on the beach. Overall, I think the Suricata Mesh Beach Bag is a great option for anyone who needs to carry a ton, keep things clean, and still wants something cute — so like many moms!

What’s Worth Noting About the Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag

When it comes to selecting the perfect beach bag, there are many factors to keep in mind. But if you’re looking for a bag that’s both stylish and functional, then the Suricata Mesh Beach Bag is definitely worth considering. Here’s a closer look at what makes this bag so special:

First of all, the bag is made from high-quality mesh material, which is both durable and breathable. This means that your belongings will stay well-protected from the sand and sun, while also staying cool and dry. The bag also features a zipper closure, which is great for keeping everything securely in place.

Another great feature of the Suricata Mesh Beach Bag is the fact that it’s lightweight and portable. This makes it easy to carry around with you, whether you’re headed to the beach or the pool. And when you’re not using it, the bag can be easily folded up for convenient storage.

So what’s the bottom line? The Suricata Mesh Beach Bag is a great option for anyone looking for a stylish and functional beach bag. It’s made from high-quality materials, it’s lightweight and portable, and it comes with a zipper closure to keep your belongings safe and secure. So if you’re in the market for a new beach bag, the Suricata Mesh Beach Bag should definitely be at the top of your list!

Features of the Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag

The Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag with Zipper is a great bag for the beach. It has a lot of features that make it perfect for the beach. The first feature is that it is made out of mesh. This means that it is very breathable and will keep your things cool. The second feature is that it has a zipper. This means that it is very secure and will keep your things safe. The third feature is that it is very spacious. This means that you can fit a lot of things in it. The fourth feature is that it has a lot of pockets. This means that you can keep your things organized. The fifth feature is that it is very durable. This means that it will last for a long time.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Mesh Beach Bag?

If you enjoy spending time at the beach, then you know how important it is to have a good beach bag. Not only do you need a bag that is big enough to fit all of your beach essentials, but it also needs to be durable enough to withstand sand and sun. A mesh beach bag is a great option for those who are looking for a bag that is both functional and stylish.

There are many benefits of using a mesh beach bag. First, it allows sand and water to easily pass through, which helps to keep your bag clean. Second, it is very breathable, so your belongings will not get too hot in the sun. Third, it is very lightweight and easy to carry, which is ideal for a day at the beach. fourth, it is very affordable. And fifth, it comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect bag to match your personal style.

If you are looking for a new beach bag, then you should definitely consider a mesh beach bag. With so many benefits, it is hard to go wrong with this type of bag.

What Are the Drawbacks of the Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag?

Back when I was shopping for a big ole beach bag that could cart around sand and pool toys, and was reading the reviews for the Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag, one criticism popped up once or twice that had me worried; a few reviewers noted that the hardware the keeps the shoulder strap hooked to the bag would break. Of course I took a chance anyway and planned to bring an extra carabiner with me if I found the straps flimsy and might need a last-minute fix. I never needed it.

I personally find the hardware nice and strong (it feels heavy-duty to me) and even after packing it FULL and with heavy wet towels and water bottles, it has yet to give me any signs of weakness. I don’t know why those folks had theirs break, but mine was perfectly sturdy, and I can only speak to my experience of course.

One drawback I can say is that this thing is so big, you will fill it and it will be bulky and heavy. If you’re a weakling like me, and/or don’t have a strong partner to help you out if it gets too heavy, you may want to keep testing the weight out before you leave for the day… it’s way too easy to overpack this thing.

Would You Recommend the Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag to A Friend or Family Member? Who is it Best For?

One-Thousand percent!

If you’re looking for a great beach bag, you should definitely check out the Suricata Mesh Beach Bag. It’s made of a durable mesh material that’s perfect for carrying all your beach essentials, and it has a handy zipper closure to keep everything secure. Plus, it comes in a bright red color that’s perfect for summer.

I’ve been using my Suricata Mesh Beach Bag for two years now, and I absolutely love it. It’s been so handy to have on my beach trips especially, and I always get compliments on the bag’s bright color. The zipper closure is also great for keeping everything secure, and I love that the bag is made of durable (but still flexible) mesh material. Overall, I would definitely recommend this beach bag to anyone!

Where Is the Suricata Mesh Beach Bag Available?

The Suricata Mesh Beach Bag is available both on their website and on Amazon, but if you live in Canada like I do, Amazon is your only option (here’s the direct Amazon.ca link).

Best Beach Bags for Moms

Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag with Zipper - Extra Large

5.0

$49.95

If you're trying to cart around, towels, snacks, beach toys and more, and don't want to be constantly cleaning your beach bag or dumping out the sand, this is the bag for you! We LOVE it!

Size and Weight: 1.28 pounds

Material: Mesh

Design: Extra Large Beach Tote

Company: Red Suricata

Feature: Magnetic Closure

Pros:

• Lots of pockets
• Extra large size
• Mesh and waterproof fabric keeps it clean
• Zipper opening to keep contents from spilling out
• Super cute color choices

Cons:

• Strap hardware not the strongest (may need to replaced; not our experience)
• Large style can be difficult to carry when full (it is BIG)

Check it Out on Amazon Now

Check it Out on RedSuricata.com

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

03/07/2024 05:52 pm GMT

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But all the excitement of the holiday can cause safety to be overlooked to potentially disastrous ends.

To ensure that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween, follow these simple safety tips.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

1. Buy flame-resistant costumes, masks, wigs, etc. Look for the Flame Resistant label.
2. Avoid costumes with long trains, baggy sleeves or loose pieces that can drag in a candle or jack-o-lantern and catch fire.
3. Hem your child’s costume up to avoid them getting tangled in the legs and causing your child to trip and fall.
4. Choose a costume that is light colored or apply some reflector tape to your child’s costume if you’ll be out at twilight or after dark. Carrying a flashlight or glow sticks is a good idea too.
5. Make sure your child’s costume also allows for easy bathroom access. The last thing you or your child wants is an accident to cut a fun night short. You may also want to schedule a bathroom break into your trick-or-treating plans.
6. Make sure your child is wearing comfortable shoes to avoid tripping. If they put up a fight for not being able to wear those princess slippers, tell them be able to get more candy because they’ll be able to walk longer.
7. Substitute any props such as swords or pointed daggers with ones made of softer material or without dangerous sharp edges or points. Avoid using fake guns as they can be mistaken for the real thing.
8. Paint your child’s face with nontoxic face paint instead of wearing a mask, which can make it hard for him or her to breathe and see.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

9. Never let your child trick-or-treat alone. Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult.
10. Trick-or-treat only in familiar areas or neighborhoods.
11. Take the route with the fewest street crossings, and lowest traffic volume.
12. Use the outing to reinforce looking both ways before crossing the street to look for oncoming cars.
13. Write emergency identification information (name, address, phone number) inside your child’s costume or on a light-colored wristband.
14. Make sure your child’s costume is climate-appropriate. If it’s already chilly at night in your area and your child’s costume is lightweight, make sure he or she can fit warm clothing underneath the costume. Or, if it’s still balmy and warm, make sure your child won’t be too warm in his or her costume.
15. Teach your little one to only trick-or-treat at homes with the front light on.
16. Make sure your little one is walking on the sidewalk only. It’s easy for tiny feet to trip on things in the dark.

Halloween Decorating Safety Tips

17. Keep candles and lit jack-o-lanterns out of your child’s reach. If you are setting out jack-o-lanterns, use pumpkin lights instead of a real candle. These tiny lights flicker to mimic a real flame.
18. As much as your child may want to help you carve the pumpkin, the sharp knives and even the special pumpkin-carving tools can injure tiny hands. Let him or her scoop out the seeds or decorate the pumpkin with stickers or paint instead. If they really want to make a lit pumpkin, give them a Sharpie and tell them to draw the face you will cut out for them.

Other Misc. Halloween Safety Tips

19. Inspect your child’s candy for suspicious pieces, evidence of tampering, razors or pins, or candy that could pose a choking hazard. Don’t eat any homemade treats, unless you know and trust the person who made them.
20. Keep your pets secure in the house when trick-or-treating time starts. The commotion and bustle of the night can spook and make even the friendliest of animals act aggressively.

As you start to make your Halloween plans, one question you’ll likely have is, “What time can I start trick-or-treating on Halloween night?” Of course, the answer depends on your neighborhood and when the sun goes down, but in general, if you have small children, around 6 p.m. is the time to head out trick-or-treating.

Consider Your Specific Location

If you’re in one of the few spots where your sunset is before 6 p.m, trick-or-treating begins even earlier, and you can head out as soon as the sun begins to set or around 5 p.m.

Consider Lingering COVID-19 Restrictions

Although it’s unlikely in 2022, if you’re still unsure if Covid restrictions are still taking place in your area, check your local news outlets for exact trick-or-treating times, as well as your city’s most recent safety guidelines.

Consider Your Neighbourhood

On an even smaller scale, start times can also vary by neighborhood. Consider the ages of your neighborhood’s kids, if your neighborhood has lots of other younger kids, things will get rolling well before sunset. However, if your neighborhood is older, and most of the few children on your block are pre-teens, the bulk of the trick-or-treating may happen after dinner time.

What if October 31 Falls on a Weekday?

Halloween falls on a Monday in 2022 so you may be wondering if you should go out that night, or the weekend before. Unless something special is being advertised in your community, trick-or-treaters are always expected on October 31, regardless if that date falls on a weekday, a Saturday, or a Sunday.

If you head out on any other day expect to be disappointed.

When it’s time to say goodnight, turn off the light, blow out the pumpkins and stop answering the door to a few stragglers. You might have a few extra kids who won’t get it, but most will get the message. A porch light is a universal signal that the house is open for trick-or-treaters.

How to Tell if a Home is Trick-or-Treat Friendly

Look for a (spooky) sign to show that a home is accepting trick-or-treaters before walking up.

A well-lit house is also a good indication of one that’s welcoming kids. When a doorway is darkened it means that that house is not passing out candy.

How Late Can You Go Trick-or-Treating?

If you’re running behind schedule thanks to a wonky nap, shift work, dinner tantrums, or any of the millions of things that can make life with small children hectic, heading out around 8:30 pm would be about the latest opportunity.

Most homes will close up shop by 9 pm to avoid pranksters playing tricks on children or homes.

Luckily, with little ones, just a handful of homes is enough to make the night memorable, get them a sweet treat or two, and give them the trick-or-treating experience, so heading out just before 9 p.m and going to one or two homes is probably enough.

What are Some Other Halloween Activities Traditions if Trick-or-Treating is Out?

Maybe your little one is too excited and needs something to keep them occupied before they go trick-or-treating.

Maybe Covid 19 is lingering in your city and trick-or-treating is still being discouraged.

Or maybe trick-or-treating is just not happening for you this year (I’ve been there, standing at the door with my over-tired two-year-old, trying to get her to put on her costume when she just didn’t want any of it)?

If any of those describe your situation, there are plenty of activities to keep the Halloween spirit going for your baby, toddler or preschooler:

• Create a paper pumpkin. It doesn’t take much to get a pumpkin craft going, just some orange and black construction paper, glue and some kid-safe scissors, or even just some plain paper and crayons. A last-minute pumpkin drawing session could be just what is needed, and you’ll have a nice memento to replace that missing costume picture.
• Make s’mores bar over candlelight. If you’ve got a jack-o-lantern with a candle in it, you’ve got the perfect place to melt some marshmallows for some special Halloween treats, s’mores!
• Dress up yourself and get some fun costume pics!
• Watch some “scary” movies (age-appropriate of course).
• Put on some spooky tunes and have a Halloween dance party! With few exceptions, nothing will make a kid light up like the chance to dance with her favorite people. Throw on some kid’s Halloween music, move to the beat and watch them light up.
• Read a “spooky” story. An age-appropriate book read by flashlight is the perfect way to wind down and enjoy Halloween night. My favorite for the under-five crowd is Sesame Street’s The Monster at The End of this Book, because it’s silly and will get lots of repeat requests after Halloween is over too (check it out on Amazon here.)

In this post, I’ve got a ton of ideas to help you stuff your toddler (or preschooler’s) stocking for very little money but with all the joy!

Three Tips to Fill A Toddler’s Stocking for Less

Before I get into a list of inexpensive items to fill the stockings with, look at these two tips to help you get the most bang for your buck:

Tip 1: Fill it with larger items. Not only will this fill the stocking up faster and with fewer items, but you’ll also avoid some of those tiny knick-knacks that never actually get played with anyways.

Tip 2: Add a few things from around the house. Already have an apple in the pantry? Maybe some leftover boxes of crayons from your back-to-school shopping spree? You certainly don’t need to purchase everything from the store.

Tip 3: Check out your local thrift shop for gently-used items, little kids don’t care as long as it’s fun! When my daughter was three I found a wack of plastic animal figures for a few dollars that filled her stocking and she LOVED them!

Stocking Stuffer List for Toddlers

• An apple or an orange. There’s a reason they did this in the early 1900s; for some reason, kids get so much more excited about fruit if they find it in their stocking!)
• Bubbles. If it’s too cold outside where you live, blowing bubbles is still a fun bath activity, where it’s less messy!
• Slime, silly putty, kinetic sand, and/or PlayDoh. Always hours of fun!
• Waterbeads or Orbeez. For sensory play and fun.
• Small hand sanitizers or lotions. I don’t know why but small kids, especially our COVID babies, love this one. Just make sure you’re watching them and showing them how to use it if they’re a bit young for it.
• Watercolors. This Crayola 16ct set is very inexpensive and looks like lots of fun!
• Toothbrush. This is always a staple in our stockings, and it gets kids excited about brushing with the toothbrush Santa brought.
• Stickers.
• Free printed coloring pages. Roll these up and tie them with a piece of ribbon and you’re good to go!
• Playing cards. Either just regular playing cards (great for teaching numbers or UNO, Go Fish, Pokemon, etc. games are great.
• Mini Play-Dough. This long and skinny 10-pack of PlayDoh is very cheap and would fit great in a stocking if you didn’t want to wrap them individually (though you still could).
• Small stuffed animals. Disney Tsum Tsums would be a big hit!
• Bath toys. Little squirt toys are especially great. These Munchkin squirt toys are classics.
• Plastic safari, ocean, or other animal figures. Wrap these individually so they fit in the stocking and prolong the fun!
• Chapstick or lip gloss. I don’t know why but little girls especially love a tube of Lip Smackers chapstick!
• Markers and/or Crayons.
• A Yo-yo or a slinky. Usually, these can be found at your local dollar store.
• Hot Wheels cars. A classic stocking stuffer you can find almost anywhere for a cheap price.
• Finger puppets. I love this adorable, washable and very cheap finger puppets 12-pack, which you could wrap individually and between a few stockings for a great value.
• Mittens. Let’s face it, you’re going to buy them anyway, and your little may be happier to wear them if Santa brought them.
• Fluffy socks. Practical and fun. You can find these at your local dollar store.
• Sidewalk Chalk.
• Flashcards. Cards like these large alphabet cards are fun and of course educational. If you’re lucky, sometimes you can spot some at DollarTree.
• A Rubiks cube. Because they are sensory fun even if you can’t solve them.

As long as you follow those tips and then just choose a few of these items, you’ll be set!

And of course, balance it out with some candy, too. If you’re trying to limit the candy you could always include healthier packaged snacks like whole grain Goldfish crackers, boxes of dried raisins, etc. They’ll take up some space and be a nice treat.

If you’ve got a birthday party coming up soon, and you’re worried about pulling it off without breaking the bank, you should know that it is TOTALLY possible to have a super fun and successful party without spending much money at all!

Here’s how to save and get the full birthday fun, without the big birthday bill:

Disclosure: This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.

1. Choose Big and Colorful Decor

First of all, when choosing your party theme, consider getting creative and not limiting yourself on options. Choosing a theme like “Twister’ or “zoo” will keep lots of colors in play and allow you more options when finding decorations for your theme.

No matter what your theme is, bigger, generic decorations like balloons and streamers in your party colors are inexpensive and can make a room feel very festive for very little money when compared to all those fancy party store decorations.

If you really want something special, you can also use decorations from a previous holiday or party, or ask to borrow decorations from a friend or family member. You can also ask your local Buy Nothing Facebook group if anyone recently had a party and has extra decorations to pass on.

Remember not everything has to be of excellent quality; if your budget is limited there are always good options that don’t break the bank.

Keep the Guest List to VIPs

The amount of money you spend can vary greatly depending on the number of guests. 

If you invite only a small group of children your expenses will be much lower than inviting every child in the neighbourhood. If you’re having parents stay with their children as well, obviously the expense will be greater.

Host the Party at Home (or at the Park)

The cheapest option is your house or in the house of a family member or friend – or if weather permits at your local outdoor park.

If you have no choice but to rent a place like a clubhouse or a party room, do it during the week and at earlier hours, as that will also reduce rental costs.

Plan it for Snack Time

The schedule is very important, plan it after lunch or after dinnertime so you can prepare only snacks, appetizers, and other light foods. That way you can leave more free room in your budget for other things.

Or, Throw a Potluck!

If you do decide to have a lunch or dinner party, why not make it a potluck!

Ask your close family or friends to help you by bringing a favorite dish or drink. That way you aren’t spending as much and you will have a larger variety of foods. Plus, the homemade dishes can be a great conversation starter!

Bake the Cake Yourself

Instead of shelling out a fortune on a cake from a bakery, try your hand at making your own! You can snag a box of cake mix for just a few bucks and whip up your own frosting from ingredients in your pantry.

A couple of dollars worth of sprinkles (you would be surprised what baking mishaps sprinkles can fix) and fun candles will be all you need to make a cute cake.

Serve Drinks in Pitchers and/or Dispensers

Bottled waters, sodas, and juices may be convenient, but they are certainly not cost-cutting.

Instead, consider the option of preparing flavored waters. Aside from being healthier, it’s also less expensive if you use seasonal fruit in a large dispenser. If the little ones prefer juices, you can prepare juice from frozen concentrates in large dispensers or jugs.

Pro tip: Put names on the cups so the children and adults will keep their own as this limits the number of orphaned cups that get thrown away.

Get Cheaper, Generic Disposable Dishes and Cups

If you’re up for the dishes, you could save more money if you use your regular plates and cutlery.

That said, time is money too, and spending hours doing the dishes after your event is, in my opinion, not worth the few dollars you can spend on disposable items.

Instead of buying the super expensive themed plates at the party store, opt for the generic ones which are far more inexpensive. Instead of themed cups, grab a pack of red Solo cups and some stickers to match your theme.

If you prefer true birthday plates and cups try to buy them at your local dollar store or buy with coupons during a sale to get them for cheap!

And don’t throw out the extras, save them for next time (no one is going to care if there are a few birthday plates mixed in at your 4th of July BBQ).

Skip the Invites; Create an Event

Do not spend money on paper invitations. Instead, use social networks like Facebook to create your own event with all of the details of your party.

It’s easier to see who can attend this way, and all without spending a single dollar.

Play Games As Entertainment

If you have deep pockets a clown, princess, or bouncy house rental are great, but honestly, little ones get just as excited and have just as much fun playing free party games.

Some of the best party games, that won’t cost you a penny, are:

• Musical Chairs (click here for a video tutorial)
• Hot Potato (video tutorial available here)
• Red Light, Green Light (video tutorial here)
• Red Rover (video tutorial here)
• Egg Toss (the official rules are explained in this video, but you can modify them as needed)
• Duck, Duck, Goose (video tutorial here)
• Treasure Hunt (video tutorial here)
• Potato Sack Races (old pillow cases work great for this, here’s a video showing what it looks like)

Choose Big Party Favors, Not Bags

Kids party favors are by no means mandatory, but if you would feel bad for not offering the children something to take home, don’t go for the bag filled with little items. As cheap as the little toys and things they sell you to fill up these bags are, you need so many of them it quickly becomes expensive!

Instead, buy a single bigger item for each kid for a buck or two each. A bottle of bubbles, a pail and shovel, a dollar store puzzle, or something that looks nice with a bit of ribbon or streamer tied around it can make a big impact and keep the cost down at the same time.