The plastic pail that's all pail, no plastic

When I find myself packing our bags for a beach side vacation , I always look for ways to cut back on the number of space-hogging things we're taking. With the SandSac they can bring their sand pail and shovel without taking up too much …

The plastic pail that's all pail, no plastic

When I find myself packing our bags for a beach side vacation, I always look for ways to cut back on the number of space-hogging things we're taking. With the SandSac they can bring their sand pail and shovel without taking up too much precious luggage space. No kidding.

This collapsible square cotton canvas beach pail can squish down to fit into our bags, then open up for collecting sea shells, rocks and even the occasional sea creature--temporarily of course. Or fill it with sand using the renewable bamboo shovel and flip it over to make sandcastles. And, since no sandcastle is complete without a moat, my kids were thrilled to find that the canvas SandSac can even carry water up and down the beach.


One of my favorite things about the family-invented SandSac is that it comes with a set of non-toxic fabric markers so that each of my kids can personalize their own bag. But if you're smart, you'll hide the markers in your suitcase and pull them out for the first rainy day on vacation. Just in case. -Christina
The SandSac is available online at Planet Happy Toys.

Congratulations to Natalie, lucky winner of the Sandsac, bamboo shovel and fabric markers!

More in KidsView all picks →

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be all backpacks, supply lists, and new sneakers. Sometimes the best way to mark a new school year is with something that feels a little more fun—and a lot less practical. Enter Build-A-Bear , where …

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Back-to-school shopping has a funny way of turning into a negotiation. Parents want shoes that are comfortable and durable. Kids want the pair everyone will notice in the hallway. Luckily, Shiekh makes it a little easier to keep everyone…