How to Pack for the Perfect Summer Picnic

As the sun finally graces us with its presence and the summer heat kicks in, there’s no better time to head outdoors for a summer picnic. Whether heading to the park, beach, or your garden, a summer picnic is a brilliant way to gather friends and family for a day filled with sunshine, food and fun. Ready to make it easy, enjoyable and affordable? You’ve come to the right place. Let's dive in and make this summer one to remember!

How to Prep for Your Perfect Picnic

Planning your picnic in summer doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few budget-friendly essentials and a little prep, you can organise a day out packed with flavour and fun. Poundland’s picnic-ready range has everything you need to get started.

Opt for a Scenic Spot to Enjoy Your Picnic

Selecting the perfect picnic spot can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable experience. So why not opt for a scenic location that adds an extra touch of magic to your outdoor feast? Whether it's the golden sands of the beach or the lush greenery of a local park, choosing a picturesque setting provides the ideal backdrop for your picnic adventure. Scenic spots offer stunning views and also give ample room for the kids to unleash their energy and enjoy their favourite outdoor games. 

Picnic Baskets and Coolers for the Win

Before preparing your summer picnic dishes, ensure you have the right gear to keep everything cool and fresh. A spacious, insulated cool bag is a picnic essential, and Poundland’s Summer Party Leaf Large Cool Bag ticks all the boxes. Available in pink and green leaf designs, it’s not just practical, but stylish too, perfect for adding a pop of colour to your picnic set-up.

Line the base of your bag with a handful of ice packs, frozen the night before, to keep sandwiches, pasta salads, and fresh fruit crisp and cool throughout the day. Whether you're picnicking at the park or enjoying a garden lunch, they’re essential in keeping your picnic foods at the right temperature in summer.

Delicious Summer Picnic Food Ideas

Now, let’s talk food! No summer picnic is complete without a delicious selection of dishes that cater to all ages and appetites. The key is to keep it simple, easy to transport, and full of flavour, whether for a family picnic or simply meeting friends in the park. 

Best Picnic Food: Savoury Snacks for All

Savoury snacks are a must for grazing between games and chats. Think crunchy crackers, crisps, and carrot or cucumber sticks, all perfect for dipping. Our Crawford’s Cheese Flavour Savoury Nibbles also offer a tasty, cheesy crunch and are ideal for popping into reusable containers for easy sharing at a summer picnic. 

Throw in a few tubs of hummus or salsa, and you have a light, satisfying snack for a summer picnic that pairs perfectly with a chilled drink. As a snack for the kids, pick up the Swizzels Refreshers Squeezee Ice Pops from your local Poundland store. These tasty ice pops double up as a refreshing treat and a fun snack to cool off with under the sun.

Picnic Sandwiches and Cold Treats

You can’t go wrong with a mix of classic and creative sandwiches as your main summer picnic dish. Prepare a variety of options to suit all tastes, think ham and cheese sandwiches, egg mayo, chicken and salad, or falafel and hummus wraps. To keep things neat and portable, wrap them individually or store in airtight containers to keep them fresh. You could also prep pasta salads, rice bowls or even mini quiches for a little variety. These summer picnic dishes travel well and can even be enjoyed cold.

Don’t Forget the Drinks!

No summer picnic is complete without chilled drinks to keep everyone refreshed. Our soft drinks selection offers great value with plenty of crowd-pleasing options. Stock up on favourites like 7UP Free Lemon & Lime, Capri-Sun Orange Juice Pouches, or Fanta Orange Zero for a fruity fizz. For younger guests, try the Fruit Shoot Apple & Blackcurrant, which is the perfect refreshing drink for little hands.

Pop your chosen drinks into the cool bag with a few ice packs to keep them frosty until it’s time to sip. Whether after classic Coca-Cola, fruity juice, or something fizzy, our drinks range makes it easy to stay cool and hydrated throughout your picnic.

Top Tip: Take an Umbrella for Sunny Days

Here's a top tip for those scorching hot days: don't forget to pack an outdoor umbrella! Taking an umbrella along on outdoor adventures is a game-changer, providing much-needed shade and protection from the sun's intense rays. It’s especially important for younger children and babies, whose delicate skin can be more susceptible to sunburn. Paired with the right suncream, they’ll be protected from all angles. 

With an umbrella, you can create a cool and comfortable oasis wherever you go, ensuring everyone stays safe and happy under the sun during your summer picnic.

Outdoor Games to Keep the Kids Entertained at a Summer Picnic

Picnics aren’t just about delicious food, they’re also about making memories that last. Keep the little ones smiling with classic outdoor games that add fun and energy to your summer picnic. Our outdoor toys and games range is packed with budget-friendly picks that are easy to bring along and guaranteed to entertain.

Get everyone involved with games that are as fun to play as they are to watch. The Kids Ring Toss Game is a brilliant way to challenge coordination skills while keeping things light-hearted and competitive. For active play that gets them running around, pack the Click & Catch Ball Game – it comes with four pieces, perfect for pairs or group play.

Set up the colourful Bowling Set for a picnic lane-style challenge, or watch them twirl and chase the Large Rainbow Windmill around the garden or park. Bubbles always bring joy, so be sure to bring along the Bubble Windmill for a playful, breezy moment between your summer picnic dishes.

Your Complete Picnic Essentials Checklist

To make your day run smoothly, it helps to be well-prepared. Here’s a quick checklist of must-haves to pack before you set off:

• A spacious, cool bag to keep food and drinks chilled
• Ice packs to help maintain freshness in warm weather
• A comfortable picnic blanket and cushions for relaxing
• Easy-to-serve snacks and sandwiches that travel well
• Reusable containers and kitchen foil for organised packing
• Sun protection, including hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Bin bags for quick and easy clean-up
• Napkins or kitchen roll to keep things tidy
• Reusable plates, cutlery and cups to reduce mess
• Entertainment – think books, games or a playlist for background tunes

Our top simple picnic planning tips will help you avoid last-minute stress and make the most of your sunny day out. With a little prep and Poundland’s budget-friendly essentials, your summer plans just got more exciting.

Host the Best Picnic with Poundland 

Planning an easy summer picnic is all about embracing simplicity and creativity. From selecting the perfect picnic spot to packing delicious treats and entertaining games, Poundland has everything you need to make your outdoor dining experience a breeze. 

For all your summer picnic essentials and more,  visit your nearest store, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.