Gear

Toys of Summer

Five Things You Need to Kick Off Summer

As you know, summer technically doesn’t begin for another month. And as you also know, anytime the word “technically” is used, you can disregard everything after it and do what you want. So grab these surfboards, tents and lawn bowling sets and make with the summering already...

FOR MAKING WAVES

Summer Can’t Start Without a Surfboard

What This Is: A handcrafted surfboard designed by the lords of Pacific Northwestern sharpness, Pendleton Woolen Mills. Thankfully, they decided not to use wool.
When You’ll Use It: On a trip to Malibu. Or Big Sur. Or Mavericks. Especially if you have a house with an empty wall in those places.

FOR GOING YARD

A Lawn Bowling Set to Bring Everywhere

What This Is: A set of six elm-wood bowling pins and a rattan bowling ball, all neatly held together in a burlap sack. Wood + rattan + burlap = hitting for the artisanal cycle.
When You’ll Use It: Memorial Day barbecues. Summer wedding rehearsal dinners. Between lunch and your afternoon meetings.

FOR ROUGHING IT IN STYLE

Yep, There’s a Tent for Your Car Now

What This Is: A heavy-duty waterproof canvas tent designed to fit atop any car with a roof rack. It comes with a built-in ladder, a queen-size mattress and a stern disclaimer against using while driving. (We assume.)
When You’ll Use It: Camping trips. Music festivals. In a pinch if you lose your house keys.

FOR TREATING YOURSELF

An Ice Cream Maker Powered by You

What This Is: A stupid-simple DIY ice cream maker. Just add salt, ice and any mixture of ingredients, then shake vigorously. Then devour even more vigorously.
When You’ll Use It: July 19. No real reason, we just figured that’ll be a good day for ice cream.

FOR SUMMER JAMMING

A DJ Booth That Runs on the Sun

What This Is: A massive solar-powered outdoor DJ booth that has digital turntables for streaming music from your phone. Luckily, it requires no actual DJing experience whatsoever. Unluckily, it may require a forklift to transport.
When You’ll Use It: Pool parties. Rooftop soirees. On Halloween to complete your Jazzy Jeff costume.