We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A pack of motion-activated lights with built-in solar panels to tackle those dark trouble spots around your home's exterior. If you're tired of tripping up the front stairs or standing in a pitch-black yard while taking out the dog, these solar-powered lights are your solution.
Promising review: "I purchased these to cover the side of my house. Installation was easy and I left them outside for two days to charge. The light coverage was about what I expected from them and do the job well. The motion sensitivity covers all the side and lights turn on. It has rained about three times and still work great and hoping they last for a long time." —J. Argueta
Get a set of four from Amazon for $29.99.
2. And a pack of solar-powered stake lights for shedding some light on your too dark walkway. Instead of worrying about spraining an ankle in the dead of night, you can enjoy one of two exciting light modes — multicolored or classic white!
Promising review: "These are incredible!! I like using the color feature in winter when it's drab outside, but once my gardens bloom, I stick to white. I have purchased these five times, and it's going to be six. I bought the first set two years ago and just purchased my newest set. I put the old ones right next to the sets I just purchased and had never changed the batteries on the original ones...they were still bright so I never needed to. They are beautiful!!" —mosey
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $49.99.
3. A set of metal hanging flower pots if you have a fence, deck railing, or trellis in need of some zhuzhing.
Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot a cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in multicolor, black, and white).
4. A high-voltage bug zapper so you don't get eaten alive by bugs while trying to enjoy the weather. This little lantern offers top-notch protection from mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and moths in an area up to 1,500 square feet.
Promising review: "You will not be disappointed. I just moved out to the country and have been working out in the garage late at night. With the weather getting warmer, I've had the garage doors opened and mosquitos, gnats, and everything else have been finding there way into my garage, so I had to do something about it. I bought this and hung it next to my garage door opener because there's an outlet there and it is way better than expected. I have dead bees, stink bugs, gnats, mosquitoes, and other bugs that I do not know what they are. My 8-year-old son keeps asking me to remove the bottom tray so he can see all of the dead bugs that got zapped. Again, you will not be disappointed, I'm extremely happy I bought this!" —Chris & Jenny
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
5. A best-selling double cotton hammock with a sturdy steel stand for quickly solving the "no tree" issue that has long kept you from fulfilling your hanging cocoon dreams.
Promising review: "This is an amazing hammock! The bright colors, the sturdiness and the very easy setup. It took myself and my sister in law about five minutes to setup. I put this hammock in my backyard, had some visitors for a couple weeks and they used it very very regularly, to read, sleep, and just lounge. The only thing that may bother some people is that when lying in it the sides come over and wrap you like a cocoon. But I love it!!" —Juliet, Florida
Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in 35 colors/patterns).
6. A fast-acting lawn repair formula because your dog's peeing, playing, and digging have wreaked havoc on your yard. This easy-to-use combination of grass seeds, mulch, and soil amendment is specifically designed to repair pet-induced damage and get new grass growing ASAP.
Promising review: "I used this in the spring to fill out our lawn more, and it worked great! I was worried because I feel like you always hear grass seed horror stories, but I just raked our lawn good, spread seeds all over, and watered it once (sometimes twice) per day and it filled the lawn in beautifully!" —Mariah
Get it from Amazon for $16.44+ (available in five sizes).
7. A battery operated patio umbrella light with three brightness modes that'll add some much-needed overhead lighting when the sun goes down and the fam is knee-deep in a backyard board game.
the tool-free installation is as simple as opening the unit and camping it onto the umbrella pole. It requires four AA batteries to run, which are not included.
Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. There are two 70+ year olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
8. A flexible adjustable mister to help you keep cool whether you've got a full gardening itinerary planned or just want to lay out in the sun without overheating immediately.
The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsy detail.
Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek
Get it from Amazon for $30.89.
9. A discreet outdoor Wi-Fi extender with a weatherproof enclosure if you long to work outside, but the internet sucks far too much in the backyard to take video calls. This unit mounts easily on a pole or wall to extend your network's range and get you outside while still enjoying all the technological advances of modern living.
Promising review: "I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" —Texas
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
10. A slatted cedar privacy screen with built-in planters so you can create a cozy sitting corner, gain some privacy, or just block your ambience-ruining trash cans from view.
Promising review: "We are really happy with these! We bought two to section off a private cozy spot on our large patio and are loving spending time out there now. Excellent quality out of the box. Time will tell how they age. They’ve held up to a few good storms so far. Love the planters and the flexibility of their placement." —PH
Get it from Amazon for $328.94.
11. An easy-to-install hummingbird feeder because any perfectly average window can be turned into a full-on bird observatory with 100% free admission that you can enjoy inside or out on the patio.
Sweet Feeders is a family-owned small business that toured with their feeders at state fairs across Texas before moving the business online in 2017.
Promising review: "I have to admit, it took a few weeks for the hummingbirds to find this feeder, but now that they visit it frequently, this beautiful feeder is a source of continual joy. Easy to use, lovely to look at on its own, and a true wonder to watch the hummingbirds feed a few inches away. The perspective this feeder offers is wondrous. I have already purchased one for a friend who lives in a much more wooded region and she had hummingbirds feeding at it faster than I did. It's artsy, easy, genius and fun!" —Tristram
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in two materials).
12. A long-handled standing weeder that'll make clearing away those rogue dandelions easier than ever — you don't even need to bend over!
Grampa's Weeder is a family-owned small business that's home to a standing weeder design that's been around since 1913.
Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to made weeding easy.
Promising review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weeds was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JG
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
13. A ready-to-spray bleach-free outdoor cleaner to tackle tough stains with a fast-foaming formula that's safe to use around plants and grasses. Dirty sidewalks, mildewy planters, and dingy patio furniture have met their match.
Promising review: "I first used this product about two years ago on the awning on my RV. That awning was so bad that I thought I was going to have to replace it. After using this Scott's product as directed, the mold and mildew completely disappeared. This product definitely works and it works GREAT! What more can I say — it saved me nearly $500." —R. Latreille
Get it from Amazon for $10.98+ (available in three styles).
14. Plus, some heavy-duty outdoor cleaning wipes if you need a grab-and-go option to spruce up your outdoor space between thorough cleanings, like when the picnic table is coated in pollen or a drink gets spilled on the deck.
15. Connectable Edison bulb string lights so you can make your backyard look like a trendy beer garden and leave passersby wondering how they can get a reservation.
Promising review: "I have ordered four boxes of these light sets now. I love love love these lights. They are gorgeous. I plugged them in while in the package to make sure they all worked. Then I unscrewed all the bulbs to make it easy to hang. I hung them up all around my balcony using a staple gun. When I finished I screwed the light bulbs all in :) I would highly recommend these lights. They are PINTEREST perfect!" —Cora
Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in four sizes and four styles).
16. A gorgeous glassworks wind chime for adding a little color and a lot of whimsy to your outdoor oasis every time a breeze rolls in.
Promising review: "This is definitely the most beautiful wind chime I've ever seen, and I love the sound, too. The packaging was nice, all glass pieces were well protected. I will definitely consider buying again as gifts." —Anita J.
Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in nine color combinations).
17. A water-resistant Bluetooth speaker because every great outdoor hang needs a playlist to match. The angled design helps project sound upward for massive volume without distortion in a portable package.
Promising review: "Wow. When I opened the box and pulled it out, I thought it was bit small and surely wouldn't be that loud... BOY, WAS I WRONG!! This FREAKING ROCKS!!! Seriously don't hesitate — BUY ONE! The reviews were spot on! Perfect poolside! Best money I've ever spent on a Bluetooth speaker. The wife was skeptical, and then, I turned it on, and she was like, wow, excellent purchase, way to go!" —RIC78
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in a variety of colors).
18. A assembly-free balcony bar top that'll transform any balcony, patio, or deck banister into a functional bar surface so you can enjoy that view the way you really want to — with snacks and a drink.
Best Balcony Bars is an Etsy shop selling custom bar tops to mount on your balcony or porch railing.
Promising review: "Best buy ever!! The bar arrived perfectly packed and in pristine condition. Had a slightly hard time getting it on the railing of my balcony, as it was a little snug on one side. After a little finesse, it fit on snuggly and was perfect! The dark cherry looks great! Can’t wait to enjoy all summer long!!" —Matthew Scott
Get it from Best Balcony Bars on Etsy for $185.95+ (available in two sizes and four finishes).
19. A 4-in-1 soil moisture meter to help you figure out why your grass is browning or your flowerbed is wilting with a simple-to-use gadget that can measure soil's moisture, nutrient, pH, and light levels in just a few minutes.
Promising review: "This is my first year gardening with crops and flowers. Our home came with two raised garden beds out in the field. However, the beds were closed down and covered with a tarp, bricks, water buildup, etc. This soil meter helped me discover what was needed and if I could use what was already there. I'm excited to use it again after my first composting experience, too." —Taylor Wingfield
Get it from Amazon for $14.39.
20. And now that you're a soil whisperer, a massive pack of wildflower seeds if your monochromatic green lawn could use some livening up with a diverse array of blooms even beginner gardeners can easily grow.
Promising review: "It is early July, and I could not be more pleased with this seed mixture. Almost every day since April, I have had new surprises in my garden. I have enjoyed alyssum, Chinese forget-me-not, zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds. I am beginning to see more forget-me-nots, poppies, pineapple sage, and Armeria. I am a beekeeper and, hence, was trying to plant some flowers the bees would like. I have an unbelievable number of pollinators busy among the flowers all day long. Today, I saw a hummingbird!! I am hoping to have these flowers self-seed and to have even more lovelies next year!" —Bio Teacher
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and as annuals or perennials).
21. A fully enclosed mesh cat tent so your favorite feline can safely tag along to enjoy all the stimulating sights, sounds, and smells your backyard has to offer.
Promising review: "I bought this cat tent because our two fur babies will sit in the window and cry if we are outside. I tried a leash, but they didn't like that, and they often escaped it. I came across this tent, and it was the BEST purchase I made. The quality is great! Both cats fit in it, so the size is perfect. Very excited that this is actually a product for the cats!!!" —hgrizz
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in two colors).
22. A pack of polished vinyl siding hooks for finally hanging up that planter, sculpture, or sign you bought months ago, but didn't know how to hang outside without doing permanent damage to your siding. The answer? These durable hooks that slide right into the seams with no tools required.
Promising review: "I had previously ordered hooks for siding, and I couldn’t use them. But these are great!! They are easy to 'slide' into the siding and are pretty sturdy, too. I am using three of this set and have hung different objects with them. The heaviest was a long welcome sign! You won’t be dissatisfied by ordering them." —Cheryl
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.86 (also available in larger multipacks).
23. An adhesive garbage guard because your yard is awash in flies, and you're pretty sure your trash is to blame. Apply one of these to the inside of your bin lid and it'll slowly diffuse vapor that kills bugs while preventing new infestations.
Thanks to controlled release tech, one of these lasts for four months!
Promising review: "Got an outdoor can, the kind the mechanical arm on the garbage truck picks up and tips over, with the lid opening by gravity. Placed this on the inside of the lid, near the hinge to lessen the chances of it being scraped off during emptying, and no flies/maggots! No apparent odor, just seems to put a big hurt on the fly party that used to be my trash can (litter box contents, remnants of meat, etc.). " —Michael E. Bradley
Get it from Amazon for $9.07.
24. An outdoor power strip stake with an attached nine-foot extension cord and six outlets (three on each side) that'll take care of all your outdoor electronic needs while blending in with the surrounding landscape.
Promising review: "This is a great addition to our front porch (we are not using the stake portion). We have three artificial lighted palm trees, an outdoor floor lamp, and we take an Alexa out and listen to music when we go out. There's still room to plug in another item, but the best feature is the fact we only have one cord visible, and we have it mainly concealed behind the patio furniture. I highly recommend this power stake." —Shirley
Get it from Amazon for $20.99.
25. An outdoor bungee hanging tug toy to keep your pup wildly entertained without you having to lift a finger so you can actually enjoy being outside without your dog nudging a ball into your hand constantly.
It easily mounts to just about any tree by wrapping it around the trunk, hanging it from a branch, or a combination of the two. Also, reviewers note that it's easy to swap out the included rope toy with a new one if need be.
Promising review: "My pitfall puppy has destroyed every 'tough' and 'durable' toy possible, but this little guy? Lasted us almost a full year. Our older pitbull/lab is incredibly strong, and it still hasn't broken under his weight. It tired them out, too, which is great. I also found it's great for training the dog to drop/leave it because they can't run away from the ball, which makes it easier to train." —Ashlyn
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors).
26. An ash wooden tree swing able to support up to 300 pounds so you can inject your space with some much-needed fun for kiddos and adults, alike. All you need is the right tree and some simple hanging hardware.
The Original Tree Swing is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based shop creating wooden swings from local lumber that has been cut down for construction, weather damage and the like, saving it from the landfill and bringing it back to backyards everywhere.
Promising review: "My daughter LOVES this swing, and it was super easy to install with the eye splice and video instructions. Thanks for making a kid's birthday dreams come true!" —Julie Crosby
Get it from The Original Tree Swing on Etsy for $100+ (available in four sizes).
27. A ceramic windproof ash tray for hiding away stray cigarette butts in a stylish piece that actually enhances your outdoor space, instead of detracting from it.
Promising review: "I’ve had this for about three months, and still, everything about this ashtray is perfect. It looks nice, feels like quality ceramic, and holds a decent amount of butts. Just note if you have this outside even with the lid on, rain will get in if you’re not under an overhang." —Myles Wagner
Get it from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in seven colors).
28. A basket weave cotton throw blanket suitable for indoor or outdoor use because a little chill in the air isn't going to stop you from spending time on the patio. It's safe to machine wash, and makes your outdoor setup look infinitely more cozy.
Promising review: "This is an outdoor blanket, so I didn’t expect it to be super soft, but it really is very nice. Excellent quality. We put ours on the screened-in patio on outdoor furniture where it might get rain/sun/etc., and it’s been just fine. Highly recommend because it looks really good." —Cathy
Get it from Amazon for $17.47+ (available in 12 colors).
29. An adjustable gardening bench that can be used as a seat or padded kneeler so you can enjoying the process of sowing seeds and pulling weeds without doing a number on your knees.
Promising review: "This is great for the garden. Keeps my knees out of the stickers, and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down — easy to maneuver around the garden and in between the rows. Haven't tried sitting on it, but i'm heavy, and this feels very sturdy under me. Pockets deep enough for tools and seed packets, easy to remove and wash if necessary." —Cpt Dragon
Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three versions).
30. A charming outdoor fairy door to bring some magic and mystery into your garden with a handcrafted portal to tiny unseen worlds.
My Fairytale Doors is an Etsy shop based in the Netherlands creating tiny little fairy doors to help you build out an enchanting world in your own backyard.
Promising review: "This gnome door came with adorable attention to detail and was perfect in so many ways! Thank you!!!" —Clare Heilman
Get it from My Fairytale Doors on Etsy for $24.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.