Although Summer has just officially started most of us have been planning our getaways for a few months now but what about making the most of the weekends we spend at home? Well, we thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the things that will make the staycations and weekends as good as they can be. Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at everything from food, crafty outdoor ideas, and of course the latest gadgets to make your home gatherings as good as a weekend getaway.

Our first installment could be a must for those of you with a pool or traveling anywhere that you think music will enhance the mood. For that reason we love the wireless line from Ultimate Ears. I know Bluetooth speakers are nothing new but they seem to be listening to the customer feedback and  keep making the technology improvements that make these “must have” items for everyone from the techie to the homemaker.

We really like the Wonderboom speaker line ($99 USD) first and foremost because they simply sound good. The can reach good volume without sounding like the base is working too hard and going to crack at any moment. Perfect around the pool (or in it for that matter is they are waterproof) and the small size makes them easy to move around or take on take on vacation. They are easy to connect wirelessly to your cell phone or other device, which is key as most of us aren’t ready to start coding anytime soon nor do you want to stop hosting, serving, or conversing to figure out why there is silence in the background. Lastly, they come in some really cool colors that could actually enhance the décor of a room, loft, or patio.

The UE Roll 2 $99 is a slightly tamed version of the Wonderboom but also a good find. Now the sound quality is not as good but it is designed to be your “lunch pail” speaker. It can also take the water, the sand, but a pounding as well. Still very parable to other devices, it makes a great vacation idea. The key to this speaker is its ability to be taken on the go. Either attached to a backpack, keychain, mountain bike, or bikini bottom when roller blading, it makes a cool accessory.  Although they come in multiple colors and a couple of cool patterns, only three basic are really accessible the others you will struggle to find.

Ether models make great gifts and a must have for beach runs or pool lounging.