Ah, fall—the season of changing leaves, crisp air, and my favorite time of year, not just for the pumpkin spice everything, but because it marks the return of soccer season! As a seasoned soccer mom entering my fourth season with two energetic boys, I’ve embraced the chaos, learned the tricks of the trade, and discovered some essentials that make those bustling weekends a breeze.
Whether it’s the early morning games, the enthusiastic cheers, or the post-match snack frenzy, having the right gear can turn the chaos into pure joy. In this blog post, I’ll share my top must-haves for 2024 that will help you navigate the soccer fields like a pro. From essentials that keep the kids happy to gadgets that keep you sane, I’ve got you covered. So grab your coffee (or maybe a whistle if you’re feeling extra authoritative), and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to being a prepared—and dare I say, stylish—soccer mom.
First on my list is my trusty wagon. It’s beefy wheels allow me to traverse any terrain and the fact that it is collapsable is huge bonus. Sometimes if we’re in a hurry to load up (ie someone is waiting for our parking spot we can just lift the entire wagon still expanded, contents and all, and it fits in the back of my SUV.) This has been a lifesaver on days when we have snack duty causing extra things to carry. I am typically team mom which means I create and bring the team banner to each game so the wagon is extremely helpful with carrying that and its stand. We have had this particular one for 2 years without any issues and its still going strong.
Next up is this backpack cooler. This has come in handy for keeping halftime drinks and fruit cold when on the days we have snack duty. We will either use ice from our fridge or cold packs to keep it cold. The bag is well insulated and easy to wear as a backpack. The best part about it, much like the wagon, is that it collapses and doesn’t take up much space when not in use. I’m not sure I could do a soccer season without it.
Moving on to creature comforts, these items make those chilly game nights a little more tolerable. The heated vest has kept me warm and cozy on many occasions (mind you we live in Southern California so cold for us is around 60). It is rechargeable by USB and there are different heat settings. The blanket is soft as well as aesthetic and somehow it reminds me of a soccer ball but in a much more pleasing neutral palette. A lot of times, my child that is not playing will sit on my lap and cuddle up with a blanket and this accomplishes the task.
Speaking of other children, typically whoever is not playing at the time usually complains about being “starving” and bored. I like to use these snack containers to pack them with fruit, nuts, and the occasional candy to keep them occupied and fed. This container is a little more interactive than others in that they can spin it. While I’m at it, I will usually pack myself some healthy snacks in the event that we have back to back games.
Because our soccer season starts in August and like I mentioned we are in Southern California, it is still typically around 100 degrees when our season commences. These next few items help me stay comfortable and protected from the sun and heat.
This visor has become my go-to. The bill is wide offering plenty of coverage. It is essentially a headband which is comfortable and I love that there is no velcro to fuss with. I can stuff it in my bag without worrying about it being crushed. I think I have it in just about every color and always get asked about it at games.
On those super hot days when we have a game where there is no shade or breeze, I like to pull out this fan. It’s the perfect size and works really well. I also love the color. It has kept me sane during many hot games.
Lately I don’t leave the house without this sunscreen. The fact that it is tinted (and universally flattering) makes me feel like I don’t need to apply makeup on those super hot, sweaty game days but still feel put together. ISDIN is a well-known skincare brand that offers a range of tinted sunscreens, popular for their effective sun protection and additional skin benefits. Here are some key facts about ISDIN tinted sunscreen:
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: ISDIN tinted sunscreens typically offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage such as premature aging and skin cancer.
- Tinted Formulation: The tint in ISDIN sunscreens helps even out skin tone and can provide light coverage similar to a foundation. This is especially useful for those who prefer a natural look or want to streamline their skincare and makeup routine.
- Photoprotection Technology: ISDIN uses advanced photoprotection technology to ensure stable and reliable sun protection. Some products include their patented UV filters that offer enhanced protection against photoaging.
- Additional Skin Benefits: Many ISDIN tinted sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that offer extra skin benefits, such as antioxidants to fight free radicals, anti-inflammatory agents to calm the skin, and hydrating components to maintain moisture levels.
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy: These sunscreens are known for their lightweight, non-greasy texture, making them comfortable to wear daily. They often have a silky finish that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Water-Resistant Options: Some ISDIN tinted sunscreens are water-resistant, making them a good choice for outdoor activities or when sweating is expected. This ensures prolonged protection even in wet conditions.
- Non-Comedogenic: ISDIN formulations are typically non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores, which is ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin.
- Variety of Shades: To accommodate different skin tones, ISDIN offers a range of shades in their tinted sunscreen line, helping to ensure a natural-looking match for various complexions.
- Dermatologist-Recommended: ISDIN is a brand often recommended by dermatologists due to its commitment to effective sun protection and skin health.
- Popular Products: One of ISDIN’s popular products is the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen, which not only offers sun protection but also includes DNA repair enzymes that help address past sun damage.
ISDIN tinted sunscreens are a great option for those looking to combine sun protection with skincare benefits and light makeup coverage. I often feel that I don’t need to apply foundation because the tint provides just enough. This helps on those hot, sweaty days where my makeup wouldn’t stay anyway.
If your kids are anything like mine and protest any kind of sunscreen application, especially to their face, then hopefully this will help you. This powder sunscreen is my go to for my sons’ faces. It’s easy to touch up throughout the day and they like the feeling of the soft brush on their skin. It is also a non-toxic alternative to sunscreens out there.
Although I love Stanleys, they’re just too big for me to carry around, especially when I’m carrying a billion other things (I know you can relate). I love this water bottle and my sons do as well. It is well insulated, durable and doesn’t have a straw to clean. My kids like to throw their water bottles everywhere and so far these have held up the best. Available in several aesthetic colors, this is my favorite.
When you’ve played a few seasons you really make some great friends, not only with the coaches, but the families as well. If I know the coaches like coffee, I will sometimes bring coffee and donuts on game day as a gesture of appreciation. This could also be coffee for grandmas or relatives that come to watch your children play. This coffee caddy comes in handy to carry them easily. It is sturdy, can carry 6 drinks and best of all, folds up for easy storage when not in use (are you sensing a theme?).
Lastly, I just love this game day bag. I think it’s so cute and perfect for storing all the extra things you might need to bring to the field (car keys, phone, lip gloss, bug spray, toys, wet wipes, band-aids, etc). While it’s definitely not a necessity I think it’s super cute for a sports mom and I have gotten so many compliments on it. Best of all it’s super roomy and plastic on the inside so it’s easy to wipe out.
Lastly, If you’re a soccer mom like me, you know the struggle of driving around with sweaty, stinky boys and their sports gear. After a long game or practice, that smell can quickly take over the car! That’s why I love using the Air Moji brand air fresheners, especially their Car Mojis. These non-toxic air fresheners not only eliminate odors but also provide a clean, long-lasting scent without the harmful chemicals found in other products. With a huge variety of fragrances to choose from and a sleek design, Car Moji keeps our car smelling fresh, no matter how smelly the boys get! One of my personal favorites during soccer season is “Johnny Appleseed” which smells like Fall to me! Use my link below to get $10 off your first order.
That concludes my 2024 Soccer Mom must haves, I will update as I enter this fall season. I hope this helps you be a little more comfortable! Best of luck with your games!!