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Make the most of your sunny reads with these cozy, cute, and functional must-haves
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of diving into a new book under the warm summer sun—whether you're lounging by the pool, chilling at the beach, or curling up in a shady backyard nook. But every good bookish escape needs a few essentials to take it to the next level.
At Hello Milo, we believe in turning every reading moment into an aesthetic, cozy experience—so here are our top summer reading essentials to help you read in style and comfort all season long. Bonus: we found the perfect little poolside basket to keep everything neat and within reach 🌊📚
🧺 1. A Poolside Basket to Hold All the Things
Let’s be honest—when you're balancing a cold drink, sunscreen, a Kindle, and maybe a paperback or two, things get messy fast. That’s why we’re obsessed with this portable plastic organizer basket (Amazon affiliate link) that’s perfect for stashing your summer reading gear by the pool or patio.
It’s lightweight, durable, and super easy to clean. Plus, the open design keeps things from getting soggy. Use it to store your book, water bottle, snacks, phone, and sunscreen so you can focus on the important things—like chapter 27.
👕 2. A Bookish Tee or Sweatshirt for Breezy Evenings
When the sun sets but you’re not done reading, a comfy bookish layer is essential. Our “Rather Be Reading” Comfort Colors tee or “Cozy Reads” sweatshirt is perfect for those cooler summer nights spent reading on the porch or by a firepit. Soft, relaxed, and made for readers.
👉 Shop our bookish apparel here
☕ 3. A Cold Drink in a Cute Cup
Iced coffee, sweet tea, sparkling water—whatever your summer reading drink of choice is, you’ll want a cup that matches your vibe. Our 16oz sipper glasses (with a lid and straw!) keep your drink cool and your hands dry. Try our “Drink Water, Read Books, and Don’t Be a Dick” or Tropes We Love designs for extra flair.
🔦 4. A Rechargeable Reading Light
If you're a night reader, you need a flexible book light. This clip-on rechargeable reading light (Amazon affiliate link) is lightweight, adjustable, and perfect for late-night page-turning—without disturbing anyone nearby. It’s compact enough to toss in your beach tote or reading basket, and the charge lasts for hours.
📖 5. Your Summer TBR (Obviously)
No essentials list is complete without the books. Some of our favorite summer reads include:
Happy Place by Emily Henry (rom-com at a summer cottage)
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (YA nostalgia + beachy vibes)
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (for fantasy lovers who love spice and adventure)
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune (emotional, romantic, and page-turning)
Need help organizing your reads? Our Hello Milo Reading Journal is great for tracking your TBR and reviewing everything you devour this summer.
🌴 Final Thoughts
Summer reading is more than just a hobby—it’s a vibe. Whether you're lounging poolside, jetting off on vacation, or just soaking up quiet moments in the sun, your experience deserves to be cozy, cute, and a little bit magical.
Grab your basket, your favorite bookish tee, and a tall glass of iced coffee—and don’t forget the SPF.
Happy reading, bookworms 💛
xoxo,
The Hello Milo Team