I always see cute kids' items online and in catalogs, but am hesitant to order them and pay shipping for a fairly inexpensive item.  Lately we've found quite a few summery items in surprising places, from our local hardware to big box stores and we wanted to let you know that the items are likely available in your area too.

This shovel we bought for the beach came from our local Menard's for just shy of $5, available online for a little more here.  We started off with just one, an orange one, but after a few days I decided that I'd be willing to pay $5 more to stop them from bickering over who got to use it, so back to the store we went so Lucie could pick her color-- "Pink!"  It has a plastic grip and spade, but the handle is wood.  It's called a Dune Spoon.

We're loving this Fire Hose Nozzle that we picked up at Lowe's because I can turn the hose on, set the flow to a reasonable rate and then set the kids free with it.  We used to only have the trigger style which was too difficult for little ones to turn on, so I ended up standing there holding it for them which was a drag.  Available online here, but I got mine for a similar price at Lowe's.

This butterfly net was picked up at our local True Value (Gale's for any locals) for around $4 and we've already put it to use quite a bit.  Bug catching is a favorite pastime around here.  Elliot was even interested in catching an injured robin in it last night.  Of course, that was a no go.

I've eyed child-sized gardening tools a thousand times in the Montessori Services catalog, but I picked up this shovel along with a hoe and rake (in purple and yellow) at Lowe's for about $4 apiece.  The have a metal grip and tool, but the pole itself is a thick plastic.  You can see that it does double duty in our sandbox.

And everyone needs a sprinkler, right?  We have two kinds-- the old fashioned twirly yellow type by Nelson and this large beach ball variety by Little Tikes.  We got that one a few seasons ago at Target, but Amazon has it online for just under $16.  Lucie loves to roll it around the yard when it isn't attached to the hose.

Stock up now so that you're prepared for the upcoming long summer days-- then you can sit back and sip lemonade as they get busy.