July Fourth party essentials for the perfect summer shindig
Gear up.
By
Nicole Cammorata
on
Nicole Cammorata
Director of Special Projects
As Director of Special Projects, Nicole Cammorata helps guide Mashable's editorial innovations, licensing programs, and specialty series. Previously, she was the site's Executive Editor and its very first Shopping Editor before that. Nicole is also Mashable's resident gifting expert and gets a thrill out of helping readers find the perfect present. She received a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA in fiction writing from The New School. She lives in Maine with her husband, their three young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
Read Full Bio
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Credit: Mashable Composite
These are the tech, tools, and products — from laptops to e-readers, from earbuds to robovacs, and more — that Mashable ranks best in class.
Be the host with the most this year with help from our guide of the top party picks. July Fourth is all about the cookout: Being outside, grilling up some burgers and hot dogs, and celebrating all the best of summer in honor of our nation's birthday. Do it up right this year with these decor ideas, gadgets, and more.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Weber
Weber Grill
For a simple barbecue
Charcoal stans, assemble! This classic 22-inch, kettle-style grill features a porcelain-enameled lid and a collection tray for spent ash. The circular grate fits more than a dozen burger patties with ease.
Opens in a new window
Credit: NUOLAN
Bunting Flags
For getting patriotic
Red, white, and blue bunting flags add instant flair to a fence or porch and say "I love America" at the same time. Made of polyester, each flag includes three grommets to make them easier to hang. Comes as a set of five.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Home Depot
PROMOTED
Save at Home Depot
Get up to 35% off select furniture, rugs, and mattresses at Home Depot through July 16 for the 4th of July Savings event.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Polywood
Polywood Outdoor Chairs
For gathering the gang
I have a set of these chairs and they're excellent. Made out of recycled plastic, they hold up well in all weather (including cold and snowy Maine, where I live), they wipe down well, and they're easy to assemble.
Opens in a new window
Credit: OLIXIS
Nugget Ice Maker
For never running out of ice
Is it just me or is there something kinda gross about bagged ice? Take matters into your own hands with this countertop nugget ice maker that generates a fresh batch of cubes every nine minutes.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Ooni
Oonie Outdoor Pizza Oven
For homemade pizza
Whipping up your own homemade pizza isn't just delicious, it's also entertainment for your party guests. This Oonie oven is the same one I own. It heats up quickly and can be powered by either propane or wood.
Opens in a new window
Credit: SplashEZ
Splash Pad
For keeping cool
Keep the kiddos cool and entertained with this 60-inch splash pad and sprinkler. It's great for a range of ages and can even be used by the family dog. A must when temps top out in the 90s (or worse.)
Opens in a new window
Credit: TOSY
Light Up Flying Ring
For lighting up the sky
For those who don't live near a fireworks display, or who have kiddos who can't handle the loud sounds, these light-up disks are the next best thing. They're waterproof and float too, making them great for the pool.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Lifewit
Condiment Caddy
For all the fixings
No one wants a plain patty or a naked dog. Up your barbecue game with this lidded condiment caddy. The best part is the ice well underneath to keep everything cool so nothing goes bad. (A summertime essential.)
Opens in a new window
Credit: Camerons
Skewer Rack
For expanding your grill game
Smaller items like veggies and shrimp have a tendency to fall through the grill grates. Solve that once and for all with this stainless steel skewer rack. A removable handle makes it easy to flip without burning your hands.
Opens in a new window
Credit: QOLNBY
Floating Pool Lights
For night swimming
Rechargeable floating lights will transform your pool or hot tub with a flick of a button. Each light is waterproof (obviously) and comes programmed with multiple color settings. (Bonus tip for parents of small kids: They also work in the bath.)
Opens in a new window
Credit: Grillbot
Grillbot
For high tech grillmasters
Why clean the grill yourself when a robot could do that instead? The Grillbot is an automated grill-cleaning robot that you can "set and forget" after you're done cooking. A quick beep alerts you once it's finished.
Opens in a new window
Credit: KIRALUMI
LED Beach Ball
For after hours fun
Keep the party going after dark with this oversized light-up beach ball that's also waterproof. Included are 16 different color options and four light modes, all controllable via a long-distance remote.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Smirodi
Reusable Water Balloons
For endless fun
Whether you have kids or you're a big kid yourself, these reusable water "balloons" are a must for any summer gathering. The secret lies with the hidden magnets that keep each orb closed only to explore on contact.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Hasbro
Twister Splash
For when you want to get wet
It's the classic game from your childhood, reimagined for summer. Connect the Twister mat to a hose and instantly transform this game. Excellent for those super hot days when you don't mind getting a little wet.
As Director of Special Projects, Nicole Cammorata helps guide Mashable's editorial innovations, licensing programs, and specialty series. Previously, she was the site's Executive Editor and its very first Shopping Editor before that. Nicole is also Mashable's resident gifting expert and gets a thrill out of helping readers find the perfect present. She received a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA in fiction writing from The New School. She lives in Maine with her husband, their three young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
