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Picnic season is finally upon us. In Chicago, where I live, we only get a few good months of weather a year. So, I intend to spend now through October outside, mostly lounging on a blanket by Lake Michigan with a beverage and book in hand.

I became a picnic person early on in the pandemic, when catching up with friends amid the relative safety of fresh air seemed to be the best social option. I've perfected the al fresco dining setup since then, from stocking my favorite wine cooler to finding the perfect spot on the beach, but all you really need is a good picnic blanket.

To buy: Scuddles Store Extra-Large Picnic and Outdoor Blanket, $27 (originally $40) at amazon.com

This Scuddles Store blanket is it. It's made with three layers, including one of foam padding so you don't feel any rocks or other bumps, and another of waterproof plastic that keeps it from getting damp after a day at the beach. Another thing that makes it beach friendly? It's sand-proof. I was skeptical of that at first (sand sticks to everything), but the grains shake right off this blanket when it's time to go. You can wipe it down without needing to actually do laundry.

This is not a personal-size blanket. It's large––60 inches long by 79 inches wide––and can fit about two people lying down or four people sitting or lounging. I don't limit its use to picnics and the beach, though. It's great for outdoor sporting events, outdoor concerts or plays, and camping trips. No matter where you go, it conveniently folds up and fastens with velcro to create a tote that's surprisingly lightweight.

The blanket comes in a variety of colors––orange, yellow, blue, or red––and in a striped or tartan pattern. And while it's typically $40, you can pick one up for just $27 at Amazon right now. Add it to your cart, and let picnic season commence.