We’re bringing back some of our faves of Summer this week. In this case we wanted to because any berry picking expedition requires a few tools including a bucket with a handle for independent berry picking toddlers. This little Sand Play set made by Green Toys contains the precursory bucket perfect for small hands with an eco-friendly rope handle, rake and shovel. Plus, a sand castle mold for days at the beach. And once again Green Toys amazes us with a cool product that contributes to improving the health of the planet. By using recycled materials such as recycled milk jugs, they reduce CO² emissions and fossil fuel use. Sweet. $19.99, here.

Lately, we get around. We’re always on the go and this past weekend  we played another rousing round of a new game we like to play called, ”get the toddler tired enough to take a nap”. So, we packed up our classic Radio Flyer Town & Country and headed for Sauvie Island for some messy blackberry picking. This is hands down one of our favorite picks of the season. We’ve resisted these classic wagons for so long and why? Our neighbors stand by theirs and our tots absolutely love it. It’s perfect for two; durable, maneuvers well and it’s just darn cute to see two babies sitting in a wagon. Endless photo opportunities to boot. Removable stake sides and an extra long handle for tall folk. Measures 36″ x 16.5″ x 9.5″. If you can’t find it locally, $110.99, here.

We love a good bonnet and especially one with a tie for days spent in the berry patch. We were so excited to come across this little beauty on Etsy. If Little House on the Prairie and Holly Hobby had had a baby bonnet it would  have been this one and with the tie it is oh, so handy for  mamas with babes who refuse to keep anything on their heads. Now, fill up that bonnet with some chubby baby cheeks and watch out, too cute. This bonnet made from found 1980s red and white gingham & candy stripe cotton is reversible with geometric and soft pattern florals. Dots vintage cotton bias tape ties. Featherstitch, hand embroidered look top stitching. Adjustable back for maximum wearability. Available in three sizes, S, M, L and different fabrics, custom bonnets too. It’s a keeper and will last through a couple of kiddos. $22.50, here.

We recently toured a preschool with a special dark room for children to explore and have fun with flashlights. We had a hard time getting our tot to leave the room, she was having such a blast making shapes on the ceiling and dancing about that we decided we’d better bring this entertainment home. We were initially hoping to find a solar-powered flashlight, but we couldn’t find one that we thought would work for a toddler, so we settled on Melissa & Doug’s Sunny Patch Bibi Bee Flashlight. It’s lightweight, brightly colored and the handle is easy for small hands to grasp, plus the on/off switch is pretty easy-to-use. No eco-friend here, but we’ll keep searching. Meanwhile, our toddler can continue her flashlight dance party and strobe light simulation with this sweet little flashlight and it can also be used outside at night or when camping. $12.48, here.

We’ve always loved surf music and now The Venture’s play Telstar is our kiddos’ number one summer jam. We had no idea our little ones could cut such a rug until we put this record on. This awesome 60s soundtrack music reminds us a little of summers past, watching Gidget reruns with Grandma, eating jello pops and slip n’ slides. If you can’t get to the beach (sometimes you just can’t), this record is a great alternative in a pinch. Originally released in 1962, like most Ventures releases, the songs on Teltstar are surf versions of familiar songs. Try listening to “Percolator” or “Let There Be Drums”, both are silly and will turn any tot’s frown upside down. And “Green Onions” has been a family favorite for years, plus seeing our tots dance to these songs is pretty great. If you can’t find it any other way, get it in tandem with the Ventures In Space, $8.95, here.

Most of the sunscreens we’ve been testing are pretty thick and sometimes downright sticky. We really like the way alba’s very emollient SUNBLOCK  with mineral protection for kids goes on the skin and absorbs. Unfortunately, alba’s sunblock doesn’t earn a great rating on the skin deep website, so even though it’s effective, it may be moderately hazardous and not as protective as some of the other sunblocks we’ve been testing. Still, this product is paraben and tear free, hypoallergenic, contains long-lasting UVA/UVB protection, is lightweight and has  a fruity fragrance. Contains certified organic aloe vera and calendula to nourish and soothe skin, Green Tea and vitamin E provide rich antioxidant protection. 3 oz., $9.95, here.

California Baby sunscreens have long been a favorite of the cleeo & bea mamas, but after testing and reviewing a few others like the CB citronella SPF 30+ Sunscreen, there are a couple of things we might change. This sunscreen (rating of 2 on skin deep) is scented with non-toxic essential oils like citronella, lemongrass and cedar, but we’re not too crazy about the fragrance (a little bit strong for young sunbathers) and actually prefer the fragrance-free version, which also has a lower rating of a 1 on skin deep. The active ingredient is titanium dioxide and the formula is made without gluten, oat or dairy. It works for up to 80 minutes while in the water, too, so need to drag your tots out of the water to reapply. This sunscreen is tear free to boot, which is HUGE in our book, since our little ones have a habit of rubbing sunscreen in their eyes. Note: need to apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun. 2.9 oz. $19.99, here.

One of our favorites is Loving Naturals Sunscreen, especially for our youngest wee one. It’s made from 100% natural and organic ingredients with the highest level UVA and UVB protection and earns a very high rating of 1 on the Skin Deep website. This mineral based sunscreen is water resistant and not greasy. Contains mild and effective ingredients including grape seed oil, USDA certified organic sunflower oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (derived from coconut oil), soy wax (non-GMO), organic sesame oil, organic plum kernel oil, candelilla wax, organic cocoa butter (fair trade), organic hemp seed oil, organic macadamia nut oil, organic cocoa (fair trade), organic green tea, sea salt and water. 3 oz. Great price, $9.99, here.

We’re not terribly attracted to cologne, but a fresh smelling papa is pretty great. We love Burt’s Bees products for men and so do the papas we know. BB’s soaps are not too manly, natural, but still do the job of lathering and cleaning, and we find ourselves using them when we have them in the house. In particular their bar soap. It smells so good. Contains vegetable soap base, kaolin, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, citrus reticulata (tangerine/petitgrain) leaf oil, abies sibirica (fir needle) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil. No junk, hooray. Perfect small gift for papa. 4 oz. bar, $4.00, here.

The cleeo & bea papas love a good guide book and ones that feature camping and hiking are at the top of their lists. One of the cleeo & bea families are about to embark on a road trip to California and we’ve been perusing this book for the last month, but you could insert your own title, based on where you live or  where you want to go. We really like the Moon travel guides because they’re pretty thorough, down to amenities and ratings, tent camping and other tips about camping amidst bear. This guide in particular covers 1,400 camping spots, family destinations (thank you) and scenic ratings. Love that.  Great for any adventuring papa at the beginning of the summer. $23.95, here.

Why is it so hard to find pocket kites? We loved them when we were kiddos and have had a pretty difficult time locating any for our tots. We did finally find one and it’s been a great source of outdoor entertainment for the whole family. Perfect for small hands and small pockets, this kite is a great way to encourage team work and sharing, since it takes an adult or older kid to get the kite in the air. Single-line struttless pocket kite comes with a pouch, great for a windy picnic day at the park and won’t break the bank. $9.95, here.

One of our all time favorite things to do in Portland is to go to the farmers markets. We love to buy local produce, sometimes seafood and are always up for a breakfast burrito or pastry. This year our youngest tot is walking and loves to push anything with wheels, so we’re thinking it’s time to put her to work. We recently saw this little stroll cart, by kaiku, in action and are adding it to our must haves list for the summer. Great for first time walkers, but even more perfect for kiddos already comfortable steering with more control. Constructed from formaldehyde free, baltic birch, a cotton-poly soft basket and safe, non-toxic finishes. Wheels are non-marking, soft and durable. Lovely. Not cheap, but worth it for a push toy that will last a long time. Measures 20″ x 20″ x 14″. $149.00, here.