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Five Below has everything you need for a picnic this spring
Spring means longer days, warmer weather and blooming flowers, creating the perfect combination for a picnic. Plan your menu, pack food and utensils, choose some outdoor games and decorations and you’ll be ready to celebrate spring with your loved ones.
Five Below makes it even easier to put a picnic together with affordable picnic blankets, coolers and more.
Planning a spring picnic
The first step to planning a memorable picnic is picking a theme. You don’t have to go all-out with decorations (although you certainly can), but having a theme can help you narrow down what food and drinks to bring. For example, an Italian picnic could feature a spread of pasta salad, charcuterie, imported sodas and bocce ball for entertainment.
Think beyond food and drink to make sure you have enough utensils, seating and entertainment for all your guests. Follow these guidelines to make sure you have your picnic bases covered:
Where you’ll eat: If you’re picnicking somewhere with picnic tables, pack a tablecloth to create a clean and on-theme dining surface. If you’re eating on the ground, bring a picnic blanket that keeps guests dry and is easy to clean. Have camping chairs for guests who can’t sit comfortably on the ground.
What you’ll drink: Spring days don’t tend to get dangerously hot, but it’s still a good idea to stay hydrated. Bring beverages, including plenty of water, in insulated tumblers to keep them refreshingly cold.
How you’ll eat: Salads or other dishes with small ingredients can be kept organized by portioning them in bento boxes. Make sure you have enough plates, flatware, cups and napkins for all your guests. Opt for earth-friendly reusable picnic supplies that can be washed and enjoyed over and over.
Transporting picnic supplies: When it comes to picnic aesthetics, nothing beats a classic wicker picnic basket. However, hard-sided coolers, insulated totes and backpack coolers do a better job keeping your food and drinks chilled.
Picnic fun: Guests of all ages love outdoor games, such as cornhole, Frisbee and croquet. Just make sure your picnic site has enough space for games, especially if you plan to throw a football around or set up volleyball, badminton or another large-scale game.
Other picnic considerations: Check the forecast — spring weather can be unpredictable, so choose your date carefully and bring layers of clothing to stay comfortable. Pack sunscreen, bug spray and a first-aid kit to help everyone stay safe outside. Finally, remember to take plenty of pictures to commemorate the occasion, and consider bringing an instant camera to create mementos for guests to take home.
Best Five Below picnic supplies
Five Below Printed Picnic Cooler
This soft-sided cooler has all the charm of a traditional picnic basket with less bulk. Its oval lid fully unzips for easy access to food and drink. It can hold about 10 gallons and comes in two prints.
Stay dry and avoid grass stains with this folding picnic mat. It unfolds to measure 50 by 57.5 inches and includes a handy carry strap. Choose from three cheery prints.
Five Below Gingham Cooler Backpack
This soft-sided cooler can be carried by its shoulder straps or worn as a backpack. Available in red or blue gingham print, it’s insulated to keep your picnic chilled on a hike or day trip.
Five Below Collapsible Picnic Basket
Handy for picnics, farmer’s markets and more, this fabric basket folds flat for easy storage. Its metal handle features a nonslip grip. It’s available in two colors to coordinate with your other picnic gear.
Five Below Collapsible Picnic Basket
This plastic collapsing basket folds flat and easily wipes clean after your outing. It comes in a sunny shade of yellow and can hold 3.5 gallons of food and picnic necessities.
Five Below 30-Ounce HydraSip Handle Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Stay refreshed during your picnic with this metal water bottle. Its lid features a built-in straw and a large handle for easy carrying. Choose from four color combos.
Five Below Large Bento Box with Utensils
This pastel bento box keeps food organized and picture-perfect. The leakproof box measures 8.75 by 6 inches and offers three compartments for food, plus storage in the lid for its fork and spoon. It comes in four colors of bioplastic that is free from bisphenol A (BPA).
Five Below Turkish Throw Blanket
Spread out this cute Turkish-style throw blanket to set a backdrop for your picnic. It’s woven with a distinctive herringbone pattern and features chunky fringe trim. It measures 48 by 60 inches and comes in four stripe patterns.
Five Below BPA-Free Reusable Sandwich Bags 3-Count
Measuring a roomy 8 by 8 inches, these reusable bags are perfect for sandwiches, snacks and more. They’re washable, resealable and BPA-free.
Pack your child’s picnic lunches in their own adorable bento boxes. The animal ears lift up to serve as a handle and the lid features an indentation to store the included spork. Choose from cat, panda or white tiger designs.
Stash outdoor games and picnic blankets in this generously sized fabric tote bag. It comes in three summery prints and is perfect for trips to the beach, the park and more.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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