By Linda Steelyard

A sunny mood had overtaken the team at Shops HQ. We’ve realised that in hardly any time at all we’ll be jetting off on our summer holidays. Hooray!

As any serious sun-seeker knows, the key to a successful trip lies in planning – not planning where you’re going and how you’re going to get there, but planning what you’re going to take with you.

To get you started, here’s our handy list of lovely new things  you might want to save your pennies for.

1. Givenchy sunglasses

There are three things in life that are certain: death, taxes and our spectacle-wearing mates moaning on holiday that they can’t see the breathtaking view properly because they haven’t bought prescription sunnies.

Now, though, they might be persuaded to part with their pennies thanks to this classic black and white style by Givenchy, £179, which oozes Audrey Hepburn chic. Available now at opticians Dollond and Aitchison.

2. Ultrasun sunscreen

Sunscreen – so important, but it’s easy to forget to keep slathering it on, especially if you’re nipping for a paddle in the sea every five minutes. Avoid sore bits by investing in Ultrasun.

It protects against UVA and UVB rays, goes on easily and doesn’t need to be re-applied all day, even after swimming, showering or towel drying.  Protection starts at factor 17 and rises to 30. From £14. Available at Waitrose and John Lewis.

www.ultrasun.co.uk

3. Yes To Carrots travel kit

Some Shops team members fill mismatched mini-bottles with dregs of skincare products before jetting off, and keep them out of sight in a wash bag.

We’ll be buying them a Yes To Carrots travel kit (£11.99) containing essential holiday body care items packed with the goodness of beta-carotene (from carrots) and 26 Dead Sea minerals and trace elements.

It includes Hand and Elbow Moisturising Cream, Body Moisturising Lotion, Deliciously Rich Body Butter, Carrot Rich Shower Gel and Carrot Lip Butter. All products contain superior ingredients and none are tested on animals.

It costs £11.99. Yes To Carrots is available at Debenhams and selected Boots stores.

4. Paul Mitchell  beach bag

You’ll need a big, light, hard-wearing bag in which to take essentials to the beach: you won’t want to be digging around in a pocket-bedecked fancy number for towel, water, book, sun cream, snacks and sunglasses when there’s the sea to paddle in and relaxing to be done.

Spend £25 on Paul Mitchell Luxury Hair Care products from selected Leicestershire salons sharpish and you’ll get the perfect beach bag, plus a hair band, free.

For your diary: from July 1 you’ll be able to get a matching travel roll bag free when you spend £25 on Paul Mitchell, plus a free travel kit bag when you buy any four Paul Mitchell travel sizes.

5. QS swimming costume

Beachwear nightmare? If you’ve got curves, this cossie will show them off – and it’s got a ruched front which can be forgiving on extra “padding”. It costs £12, and it’s from QS.