With summer days already appearing, one of my favourite summer activities is going out and having a picnic. They’re something to me that symbolises good weather and spending time outside with friends and family. Today, I thought we could discuss a checklist, some budget-friendly ideas, the best foods, and some fun games and activities to enjoy.
The Picnic Checklist: What You’ll Want to Bring
A good picnic is light, simple, and stress-free. Here’s a handy list of essentials:
- A large blanket or picnic mat (If you’re looking for a cheap picnic basket, here’s one from Amazon)
- Reusable or paper plates, cups, and cutlery
- Napkins or a roll of paper towels
- A cooler bag or insulated tote (if you’re bringing cold items)
- A bin bag (for easy cleanup!)
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Wet wipes or hand sanitiser
- A book, speaker, or journal for relaxing.
Optional but useful:
- Cushions for comfort
- A thermos with hot tea or cold lemonade
- A parasol if it’s not in the shade
Budget-Friendly Picnics
You don’t need a fancy wicker basket full of expensive treats to have a picnic. Here are a few tips for keeping it simple:
- Use what you have: Repurpose leftovers into picnic meals (cold pasta, fruit, sandwiches).
- DIY snacks: Bake muffins, make sandwiches, or chop your own fruit skewers instead of buying pre-packaged items.
- Shop seasonal produce: purchase the fruits in season instead of the exotic produce which keeps the cost down
- Skip the extras: Bring what matters—good food, good company, and a comfy place to sit.
Remember: it’s not about how it looks – it’s about the memories you make.
Best Picnic Foods: Easy, Packable, and Crowd-Pleasers
Food that travels well is key. Here are a few classic, mess-free ideas:
- Pasta Salad: Use olive oil instead of mayo to avoid spoilage.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Wrap in parchment or foil.
- Fruit Skewers: Grapes, melon, and strawberries are perfect finger food.
- Baked Treats: Brownies, cookies, or banana bread slices are easy to carry and share.
- Pastries: It wouldn’t be a British picnic without some sausage rolls and pork pies.
Tip: Pack everything in reusable containers
Fun Picnic Games & Creative Activities
If you want to chill outside after some food, here are some fun things to do at your picnic:
- Frisbee or catch: Great for open spaces.
- Card games: Uno and Go Fish are some fun and simple card games.
- Scavenger Hunt: Make a simple list and see who can find the things first. You could also make some – find a feather, a yellow flower, something round.
- Watercolour painting: Bring a small travel set and paint what you see.
- Journal writing: Find a calm space and journal.
Wrap Up
A good picnic isn’t about perfection. It’s about making some fun memories, spending time with people and enjoying their company. It’s the way the light falls through the trees, the taste of fruit in the sun, the laugh that comes from a silly card game. Whether you’re solo or surrounded by friends, every picnic is an invitation to slow down.
So pack your basket (or your backpack), step outside, and find your soft patch of earth.
Have you got something you always bring to a picnic? Let us know in the comments below