Picnic Essentials at Monsoon Market | Things to do in Spring

Spring is upon us here in Phoenix, Arizona!

It’s a magical and finite time where even life’s heaviest of woes seem to disappear under a cool, shady breeze. Suddenly walking is in, in one of the better known “unwalkable” cities. The universal question uttered when getting to a restaurant with your friends is “we should definitely sit outside, right?” Patio hangs with a glass of something sparkling (natural wine or a mocktail) is one of the most magical experiences. But what Phoenix does best in the spring is picnics. Blankets are kept in the back of our cars so we are prepared for the sudden spontaneity of a randomly free afternoon of no obligations and the warmth of the sun on our face. It’s up for debate which park reigns supreme, but drive by any of them during this time of year to see groups of friends plopped lazily against one another, spoon feeding each other snacks. Lovers intertwined as the sun sets whispering a language no one else can decode. It’s a lesson in gratitude, as we know that all good things come to an end, and soon the scorching heat of summer will be all we can think or talk about. In the meantime, we put together some essential market items to create the ultimate picnic escapade.

1. Baby Baggu Reusable Bag

For starters, what are you gonna use to haul all of your must have goodies from that long walk from the parking lot? If you’re not familiar by now, Baggu has become a worldwide phenomenon, first starting out as a brand making washable, durable, and most importantly stylish reusable bags in a variety of sizes and prints. They have gained a cult-like following, collaborating with artists far and wide, including collaborations with Hello Kitty, Keith Haring, Peanuts, and Miffy just to name a few. In recent years they have continued to expand retail into items like socks, wallets, bath towels, and even more bag options. The baby Baggu is the perfect size to hold a few canned bevs, your keys, water, etc in one organized place. Whatever your style, there’s bound to be a pattern that speaks to you. The fun part is choosing which one to get.

2. Leisure Tropical Mango

If you’ve been in Monsoon Market before, then I’m sure you’ve heard us rave about how much we love Leisure Hydration. We fell in love with their electrolyte beverage several years ago and haven’t looked back since. Deeming it “what we want Gatorade to be like but better”, it’s full of vitamins, electrolytes, and calming adaptogens like ashwaganda to lower stress. In a climate like ours, it’s more than necessary to stay hydrated, and good taste shouldn’t have to be sacrificed. Leisure makes 3 different flavors – Wild Blueberry, Lemonade, and Tropical Mango. The Tropical Mango flavor brings all the charisma of summer without the heat stroke, so enjoy sipping it on your park day, after a workout at Groundwork, or after a night out at Bikini Lounge and one too many tequila sodas.

3. Kooz Beverage Holder

Kooz has become one of our personal favorite items in the market. Originating from San Diego, Kooz has made it a breeze to keep your drink insulated in a super colorful koozie, featuring an assortment of prints and styles, with a chain attached to sling it crossbody so you can be on the go and hands free. Although we understand in this scenario you’ll be at the park, it will keep your can cold and provide the cute aesthetic you desire to post on your Instagram story. You’ll be in good hands to take it with you on your next roadtrip, day at the beach, music festival, you name it. Plus, Kooz is women owned! As a woman owned business ourselves, it’s important to highlight other badass business owners who are creating quality product that is also pleasing to the eye – our motto if you will.

4. Crap Eyewear

A picnic isn’t complete without a perfect pair of sunnies to keep the sun out of your eyes and more importantly, complete the outfit that will surely be captured by your friends as they document the day. Crap Eyewear has been in the market for over a year now. Along with brands like Baggu and Wildflower Cases, bringing Crap Eyewear to Phoenix felt like a no brainer to make it easier than ever to shop their selection of versatile, quality frames in real time. No matter your style, there truly is a pair for everyone. Their unique curation of frames elevate any scenario – big bright cherry red frames to add that pop of color for your spring break trip, a tortoise shell for every day, or a colorful blue lense to create a cool toned 90’s inspired look.

5. Vacation Sunscreen Orange Gelee

There is nothing more important than SPF when you live here in Phoenix. We have moved on from the Coppertone days onto a brand more clean in ingredients, Vacation Sunscreen. The renowned og Orange Gelee was a coastal French Riveria classic, known for slathering over your body and baking in the sun until your aperol spritzes ran dry. What’s not so chic is skin cancer. Vacation’s version of an old favorite has that same smooth feeling and classic scent but with 30 SPF and more nourishing oils to keep skin protected and moisturized. The perk of their amazing packaging with a retro feel is that it’s nice enough to leave out on your counter after a day out in the sun. Bring this along with you to the picnic and put everyone on to the fact that sunscreen doesn’t have to be boring!

6. Graza Olive Oil Chips

Now at this point in the picnic, we can assume you are starting to get hungry. One of the best parts about a picnic is the snacks, so we had to come out swinging with a chip that has become a full blown obsession with our customers. Graza Olive Oil chips are slow fried in olive oil instead of the leading brands that use canola and other less favorable oils. Topped with flaky salt, each chip is thin and crispy, delicate, and soooooo damn good. If you’re feeling like elevating the eating experience, we suggest a garlic tahini dip, a drizzle of Shuug’s Harissa hot sauce if you like the heat, or Fishwife tinned fish. There’s a reason that we can’t keep them in stock for too long!

7. Legally Addictive Cookies

Legally Addictive cookies live up to their namesake, they truly get you hooked after the first bite. Advertised as “part cracker, all cookie”, this brand is doing it right, creating the perfect balance of savory crunchy graham cracker with a sweet coating on the outside. Flavors vary depending on if you prefer a cinnamon sugar churro more than a rainbow sprinkle. These treats have a soft spot in our hearts and our customers, as we unfortunately have to put them on a hiatus during summer months when it’s too hot to receive in good condition in the mail. There’s nothing quite like completing the picnic with a sweet treat to commence the joy of being with loved ones and snacking together.

Come gather your picnic essentials and plenty more at Monsoon Market, open every day from 11-7 in Central Phoenix!