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Spring is just around the corner and many of us are yearning to go outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Picnics are a popular way to celebrate the good weather and get closer to loved ones at the same time. There are many picnic items you can start to gather now, so you'll be ready to go when the season officially hits! Make sure to print out the handy checklist at the end of this article to help you remember everything.

Blankets, a tablecloth, towels and napkins are first on the list. Paper towels and napkins are very convenient and you can find them in recycled paper, which is better for the environment. Wet wipes also come in handy to clean sticky hands and faces. If the wet wipes are packed up for very long though, they might lose their moistness. If that happens, just add a little water and they'll be as good as new.

Utensils and plates would be next on the list. Paper plates, bowls, and cups are usually the most convenient, but you might want to look into melamine dishes to use instead. They are lightweight and cost efficient. It's easy to wash them off and store in your picnic hamper for the next outing. Bring some extra garbage bags to put used dishes in until you get home. That way you can just throw everything in the dishwasher so they'll be ready to go for next time.

For utensils, there are many kits you can buy today that have the forks, spoons and knives in a nice carrying case. The Winchester 22 Piece camping kit is excellent. Or you could buy some Hobo knives. Those are like pocketknives with a fork, spoon and knife. If you do that, make sure you have serving utensils as well if you'll need them. You'll find these products are much better to use than plastic forks and knives that break easily.

If you'll be barbecuing, then you'll need to plan on going to a park that has barbecue pits available, or get a small portable grill that is easy to pack and go. Make sure you have propane, if you use a propane grill. Or bring charcoal, lighter fluid, and a lighter for a charcoal grill or hibachi. Meyerco has a great camping and barbecue set that comes in a great carry case. This makes it easy to remember all of your barbecue utensils that you'll need.

Citronella candles are great to help keep insects away and will add a festive ambience to your picnic area. Insect repellant is also something you can pack in advance. If you're picnicking during the day, make sure and remember sunscreen. Buy new sunscreen every season to assure of its effectiveness. Keep a first aid kit handy too. This is something you hope you won't need, but if you do end up needing it, you'll be happy you remembered. You can either put your own kit together buying items you feel would be the best to have on hand, or you can buy a kit that all ready has an assortment of items in them. Some kits you'll find are waterproof and convenient for if you are going to be on or around water.

If you're picnicking into the evening you might want a flashlight, or even two. One flashlight can stay in your picnic area and the other one can be handy for trips to the car. Pack extra batteries for this.

A radio and recreation items are also fun to take with you. If you have extra Frisbees, sports balls, or other outdoor games, keep those packed and ready to go. A pack of cards, and board games are good ideas for this as well. They are a good change of pace when everyone is ready to take a break from the more active outdoor games.

Picnic Checklist:

__ Blanket
__ Tablecloth
__ Towels
__ Napkins
__ Wet Wipes
__ Utensils
__ Serving Utensils
__ Plates
__ Bowls
__ Cups
__ Garbage Bags
__ Portable Grill
__ Propane or Charcoal, Lighter fluid, and lighter
__ Barbecue Utensils
__ Citronella Candles
__ Insect Repellant
__ Sunscreen
__ First Aid Kit
__ Flashlight
__ Extra Batteries
__ Radio
__Games and Sports Equipment
__Camera to record all the fun!

By the time you are done packing these items into your picnic hamper, the only thing left you'll need to do is shop for your food and beverages. Don't forget the ice!