Gear up for stay at beach

You’re planning a jaunt to the beach, but your gear has seen better days. That tried-and-true cooler reeks of ghosts of picnics past. Your battered beach chair still has sand in it from last year. And that old kite has taken one too many nosedives into the dunes.

Frustrated? Don’t blow out your flip-flop. These beach-related products might bring a glow to your coastal experience. All prices are suggested retail.

For grown-ups

> The sand can be scorching hot, but the Kelsyus beach canopy chair ($59.99, SwimWays) rides low to keep you cool. The waterproof design allows you to park it in the rushing tide. Its canopy provides shade for beach reading, and the chair has four recline positions. Its steel frame is sturdy and supports up to 250 pounds. When the sun is gone, fold it flat and sling it over your shoulder with the enclosed backpack straps.

Available at: Amazon.com

> Be it basic hydration or party libation, drinks are key at the beach. The Kelsyus floating cooler ($39.99, SwimWays) holds as many as 18 12-ounce cans, or about 12 cans with ice. With a few huffs and puffs, the cooler can be blown up in about 30 seconds. Stuff the center compartment with cans and ice, and zip the lid closed. An outer tube keeps the cooler afloat. Six individual cup, bottle or can holders are embedded in the tube. Each holder is numbered to help you remember which drink is yours. And a tethered handle helps you hang on to the cooler when taking it into the ocean or pool. Done with the drinks? Deflate the cooler and fold it into a carry bag.

Available at: Amazon.com

For kids

> Countless kids imagine taking to the stars like Luke Skywalker. Deep space, not so attainable. But what about the summer sky? These 3-D kites ($24.99 each, Jakks Pacific), for ages 6 and older, do the trick. Each is shaped like a classic “Star Wars” vehicle: an X-wing fighter, a Tie Fighter and the Millennium Falcon. The nylon kites feature fiberglass construction, have 15-foot tails and are massive in size. Skywalker’s X-wing, for instance, has a wingspan of more than 3 feet. Its winder is shaped like the handle of a lightsaber. Kite string is included.

Available at: Toys “R” Us locations.

> Buckets and shovels are one thing, but this toy goes to the next level. The bright yellow Matchbox construction claw ($16.99, Mattel) fits over a child’s hand. Squeeze the handle, and the jaws close and you hear mechanical sound effects. The jaws have teeth, which help the claw grab hunks of sand. It requires three button cell batteries and is designed for kids 4 and older.

Available at: Toys “R” Us locations

> The fairies lounge chair ($14.50, Disney Consumer Products) sits low to the ground. It easily folds to about 2 feet in length when it’s time to take off. A bold image of Tinker Bell surrounded by a floral print is plastered on the chair. A removable purple and green pillow attaches to the top of the chair with Velcro. Fairies may be dainty, but this chair holds up to 100 pounds. A matching fairies towel ($14.50, Disney Consumer Products) features Tinker Bell in a different pose with a similar color scheme and a background of stars and flora. It spreads out to about 5 feet of lounge space.

Available at: Toys “R” Us