Five Below's $7 Picnic Mat Is Perfect For All Your Favorite Summer Activities
To have a truly great summer, you need a few things: the right weather, the right attitude - and the right picnic mat. And while you can't control item number one, you're firmly in charge of the other two.
It's up to you to settle on your summer vibe (some options to consider: YOLO summer, quiet-hangs summer, cottagecore summer, late-nights summer, early-mornings summer). But once you've got that down, I'm happy to report that we can offer some guidance on the picnic mat.
Picnic Mat, $7 at Five Below
Five Below's Picnic Mat was designed to be exactly what you need this season. And at only $7, it's an investment you'll be more than happy to make. What makes it such a steal? This adorable, trendy mat has the most important picnic-going trait: it's extremely portable. With built in handles, it folds up easily and is a snap to carry over your shoulder (leaving your arms free to hold the cooler, the beach towels, the bag of perfect beach sandwiches - or all three). It's also simple to shake it out, removing crumbs and sand before you fold it up again and head on your way.
Related: Aldi's $15 Chic Carry Cooler Is Perfect for Summer Picnics or Poolside Adventures
Two colors, two vibes
This chic mat comes in two styles: oranges and flowers. The flowers option is a pattern of light and medium blues, with very 60's petals printed in each square. With its slightly more subdued hues, it's ideal for park picnics, outdoor movie nights, and side-of-the-playground sits.
The orange's design is louder, brighter, and beachier. It features a mix of full oranges with stems and open oranges with cheerful wedges. On a pink background, the whole thing evokes California mornings and cocktail parties. This would be right at home at a friend-filled beach day or even a pool party, should the pool have some grass nearby.
Related: 13 Patio Decorating Ideas to Try This Summer
Practical Pieces
Whether you're heading out on a rainy day or just contending with morning dew, a picnic mat is nothing if it cannot keep you dry. This mat's waterproof backing solves that problem. While you're sitting on flowers or oranges, the mat is doing its job as a barrier between you and the elements.
Here's my number one pro tip: buy this ASAP, then keep it in your car. You never know when you might stumble upon an outdoor concert, a farmer's market with room to spread out, or even just a patch of grass that calls to you. With this mat at the ready, you'll be able to say "yes" to all of summer's spontaneous moments.
In short: with adorable color options, an easy foldable design, and waterproof backing, this mat really does do it all - for $7. For my money, it doesn't get much better than that.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 5:44 AM.