June 02, 2026

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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Shopping for kids’ swimsuits can involve a tricky bit of calculus: I’m always looking for the right mix of sun protection, bright colors that make them easier to spot in the water, convenience (especially for trips to the bathroom), and style. What works best can vary greatly depending on whether you’re dressing an infant for a first dip, a 5-year-old for a romp at the splash pad, or a tween for a day at the lake. And now that my two daughters are well past their swim-diaper days, they have stronger opinions than ever about what they prefer to wear to the pool or the beach — as do many of their friends. So as part of The Strategist Swimsuit Project, senior writer Liza Corsillo polled a range of parents about the best swimsuits for kids, including rash guards, trunks, one-pieces, two-pieces, and tankinis for kids of all ages.

RECOMMENDED READING

“One of the main job requirements of being an aunt is to read books at bedtime, and I’m nothing if not a dedicated employee. I typically reach for I Want to Be a Vase, a 2022 picture book by comedian and TV writer Julio Torres about a plunger that … wants to be a vase. Like the rest of Torres’s work, the story is wacky, meta, and extremely delightful, and the artwork — a mix of surrealist 3-D images and bright colors — is fun for kids and adults alike. The main message is simple yet profound: You can be whoever you want to be. I can’t think of a better gift to give.”  —Hannah Kotzen, audience growth manager 

DON’T DILLYDALLY

Skylight (the company behind a Strategist-recommended digital photo frame and the calendar that transformed my family’s ability to keep track of our Tetris-like schedules) just launched the Skylight Buddy, a device designed to help kids independently manage daily routines and chores. It also has alarm-clock and visual timer functions, and I honestly can’t wait to test one.  

LEGO’s new Woodland Mushrooms set is the latest addition to the brand’s Botanicals line and would make a nice present for cottagecore teens.

I recently learned about Cali’s Books, a publisher that makes really great (and rechargeable!) musical books for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 7 or so. It just launched its first title with legendary children’s musician Laurie Berkner, Waiting for the Elevator, and it’s a super-excellent gift for kids in the 3-year-old range. I read it with my niece over the weekend and have been humming the tune ever since.