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 bottle of dog spot repair if your puppy has a favorite pee spot and it shows... This stuff will get new grass growin' in no time so you can get back to hosting BBQs.
Promising review: “We purchased this to fill some patches in our backyard that were damaged by our puppy. Works like a charm. The one caveat is that you really do have to water it a bit every day. Once it takes off though, it grows pretty quickly! Within one week of planting this, we had 1-inch long grass blades. One month later, all the patches are gone. Highly recommended!” —Jessica N.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five sizes).
2. Solar lights you can stake along a walkway or pond right where you need 'em. Lighting is key for getting more use out of your outdoor space. Oh, and they look nice in the daylight too!
3. A variety of sunflower seeds that might just turn your backyard into the #1 destination for graduation pics this year.
Created by Nature is a small business!
Promising review: "Planted a handful of the seeds in our front lawn area. Few months later, and we had a spectacular color array. Great flowers!" —Shane
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
4. A pair of matching containers you can set on your patio, along walkways, or around seating areas to help improve your plant situation faster than actual sowing seeds.
5. Some colorful flower pots that'll brighten up a railing or distract for other backyard elements you'd like to ignore. They have draining holes and hooks so the plants inside can ~thrive~ while they sit there looking pretty.
6. A *nice* looking patio cooler with a built-in bottle opener and drainage spout so you'll no longer have to drag the coolers you use for soccer practice back and forth.
7. An indoor/outdoor rug built to weather rain and more can pull together decor for an outdoor room or just cover up an ugly surface.
Promising review: "Love this rug. These were recommended by a friend for use on my outdoor patio. They are terrific. So easy to clean and no matter what the weather brings, they always look fantastic. And they make my outdoors look like a living room. Great, inexpensive way to spruce up a backyard." —Miami
Get it from Amazon for $51+ (available in four colors and sizes).
8. Or some interlocking teak tiles to cover up a hard surface that, tbh, is beyond visual help. They're great for rental properties because you can take them apart and take them with you when you move!
Promising review: "Living in Hawaii you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adazzle
Get 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $81.99.
9. A weather-resistant cedar pathway you can roll out along garden beds or other paths where your family tends to tread and wear down the grass.
Get an 8-foot path from Amazon for $74.95.
10. Waterproof globe string lights for a big style impact when hung along your roofline, draped on outdoor structures like a pergola, or just strung up solo so you can enjoy the lights *and* the stars.
Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs.
Promising review: "These lights were perfect for my patio, I've recieved plenty of compliments so far. The Edison light bulbs and beautiful and offer the perfect amount of lighting for any occasion...the clips were ideal for my eaves, the overhang of the roof, which made for simple installation...now just need to find a dimmer capable of handling the required wattage and the package will be complete." —Brody Vins
Get a strand from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in three styles and lengths).
11. A smaller-scale nice-looking shed if you don't have room for a full-fledged shed to stash recycling bins, bikes, a lawnmower, and other hefty tools.
Promising review: "Good quality. Easy to assemble. Parts are individually bagged and labeled. Holds two 32-gallon round barrels — which is what I wanted it for. Very compact, which was a factor for where i had to put it." —Joe in Brooklyn
Get it from Amazon for $279.98. Also check out a similar shed in several sizes to find the right one to fit your space and needs.
12. Some rust-stopping spray paint that'll help you refinish tired metal furniture for a weekend afternoon project that'll have a substantial payoff. Just look at that zhuzhed garden gate!
Promising review: "I used this Gloss White to paint an old garden arch, gate and a trellis over a garden bench. It was just a dreary, tired black; the white changed the look and feel instantly. Definitely get the trigger grip accessory if your project takes more than one can — mine was eight cans and that grip was a great idea.The paint is a true bright white with a bit of a shine after it dries. I did have to do two full coats to completely cover the original black wrought iron, but there's no color bleed through as a result." —Dogs & Horses
Get it from Amazon for $15.94+ (available in a variety of metallic colors).
13. And some outdoor fabric spray paint (yes, you read that right) can refresh your outdoor pillows and cushions.
Get it from The Home Depot for $14.98 (available in eight colors).
14. An outdoor drink stakes set that'll hold your beer while you tend to the fire pit or check out how those burgers are faring on the grill. These are low-commitment so you won't have to deal with an ugly side table stuck haphazardly where you need it at the moment.
Promising review: "As always, my order was shipped quickly and in perfect condition. I love the bright colors and they are tall and sturdy. They are perfect for bottles, cabs, and cups... Not so good with stemmed wine glasses! No problem: I just ordered silicone stemless wine glasses!" —LaDonna Clark
Get a set of six from Amazon for $39.95. Or get a set made for stemmed wine glasses here.
15. Some bleach-free outdoor cleaner to spiff up your walkways and other surfaces you can likely tackle before you break out the pressure washer. Its foamy formula is totally safe around your precious plants
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.
16. But if that isn't cutting it, a power washer will give you an oh-so-satisfying "after" when it comes to stained and worse-for-wear concrete surfaces. (And the same goes for fences!)
17. And if cleaner along won't work, some concrete paint for a refreshed look that'll make a HUGE difference.
OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade but if you're no stranger to painting and want a big impact, give it a try!
Promising review: "Excellent, easy to use and clean up. My outdoor patio is a little rough and it took a full gallon to cover 200 square feet." —RLB
Get it from Amazon for $35+ a gallon (available in two shades of gray).
18. A fancy umbrella that reviewers love for their patio but *also* take along to the beach. But if you're landlocked, you still have lots of fab backyard ops.
Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas.
Check out a TikTok of the umbrella in action.
Promising review: "This umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design. It is a higher end umbrella but still slightly less expensive than the other big name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stays standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it. The customer service from the company was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" —Taryn
Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in seven colors).
19. Or a lighted umbrella that'll tilt (literally) to your whims and give you the right amount of shade and light when/where you want it.
Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!
Promising review: "I normally don’t like buying products like this sight unseen, but I’m very pleased with the look and especially with the solar lighting. We enjoyed a pleasant evening on the deck with just the right amount of ambient light tonight, and we are hopeful that it will prove to be durable." —Dee Williams
Get it from Amazon for $71.99 (available in 11 color combos).
20. Or a clip-on light if you like your existing umbrella but could use the extra light.
It has three different brightness options so you can set *~the mood~* perfectly. It also requires AA batteries, so be sure to pick those up as well.
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 of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. We decided to try and play outside. 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 $10.79.
21. A conversation set with coordinating seats and a table so you can sit and enjoy your revamped backyard awhile. You deserve it!
The four-piece set include two club chairs, a loveseat, and one coffee table.
Get it from Target for $524.09 (available in three colors).
22. A roll of faux ivy you can attach to ugly wire fencing, railing, or a trellis to obscure a view you don't love.
Promising review: "This is the second privacy screen I've purchased from Amazon. I have an area in my garden visible from the street. The screen hides all my gardening stuff (i.e. wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.). It truly looks like the real deal!!!" —soooz
Get a 94-inch X 39-inch roll from Amazon for $39.99.
23. A handsome privacy screen as a design element that'll also help obscure something less than desirable (like recycling bins or a neighbor's super ugly swing set).
Get it from Amazon for $341.85.
24. Some light-up flowers to nestle amongst the *real* flowers in your flowerbeds around seating areas for a whimsical touch that'll make your backyard look like it's out of a fairytale once the sun sets.
Promising review: "The pictures don't do these justice. At night my backyard looks like a scene from Avatar. The light itself is not bright, but the colors are very vibrant and intense. The color transition is gradual and glowing. They are hypnotic to watch. During the day they are unobtrusive and don't look too fake or artificial. The green leaves are very bendable, the stems of the flowers are somewhat pliable, and the cloth that makes up the petals can be smoothed and manipulated a bit so you can make them look different and more realistic. I've had them for a couple of weeks and so far they are performing perfectly. They are simply beautiful and we love them!" —Zavanna
Get eight flowers (between two bunches) from Amazon for $15.99.
25. A double hammock you totally have permission to use just by yourself.
26. An easy-to-install trellis to establish a garden focal point. This one's made of PVC so it'll be super easy to take care of!
It's just ready and waiting for a vine you can train to climb it!
Promising review: "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy assembly, lightweight yet sturdy, used outside on a freshly made patio! Added ivy and solar lights along with solar fireflies! The stakes for these are super strong and easy to put into the ground. This set up with a turtle fountain, solar accent lighting, some plants, a chiminae, and the fencing for covering the garbage bins has the neighbors stopping by with envy!" —Dena
Get it from Wayfair for $61.99 (available in two colors).
27. Or a dome trellis you can train plants onto for a straight-up magical effect.
Sunrise Domes is a South Killingly, Connecticut-based biz that specializes in geodesic domes. Reviewers also use these structures from this Etsy shop as sculptures or even to contain their yard turkeys!
Get it from Sunrise Domes on Etsy for $1,650.
28. A *tasteful* sunshade triangle rather than a canopy you can rig up over the patio or the kids' sandbox to block up to 95% of UV rays and keep things a bit cooler.
Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in 6 sizes and 13 colors).
29. Some color-changing inflatable pool balls so your pool is always the place to party. They're solar-powered and will last about eight hours on a single charge.
Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.
Promising review: "My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun, they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk ( it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night long. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you would like to hang them. They would be magical, hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." —J. Matheson
Get a set of four from Amazon for $69.99.
30. A Scumbug to help keep your pool from getting too gross too quickly after you've done the FULL clean and opened it up for the season. It soaks up sunscreen, oils, and other gross stuff enjoying your backyard retreat. When it gets discolored, simply wring it out, rinse it, and then put it back in its watery home.
Promising review: "Scummy water bugging you? I just got this gem of a product last night. Popped it into my hot tub and from the picture I attached, you can see that in just about 12 hours, this little Scumbug ate up all the oil and filth in the hot tub. The water not only looks better, but smells better too! Highly recommended!" —Mickey D.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
31. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge you'll wish you were little enough to park yourself on. You may recognize it from TikTok where people are showing how they bought it for their dogs.
We've been seeing people's pets enjoying these all over TikTok! It is designed for kids ages 3–8.
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this item and the matching picnic table and chairs. However the cabana is much more difficult to assemble then the picnic table set. There was a step in which two people were absolutely required and you need a cordless screwdriver and hammer. My granddaughter loves them and I absolutely would recommend this purchase to anyone." —Terri
Get it from Amazon for $127.21 (also available in tan or gray).
32. A vinyl privacy screen that won't be an eyesore while masking your AC (or another yard essential).
33. A set of waterproof outdoor "flaming" Bluetooth speakers can pump out the tunes while blending in with your decor. They have two modes of flame light, and you can either plop 'em on a table, hang 'em up on a ceiling or tree, or staked into the ground like a torch. So suffice to say, you've got options.
Promising review: "I ordered speakers that were waterproof and could sit outside and I’m so glad I found these. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy, and as for battery life not sure cause I just received and haven’t had them a month. So far so good, and I’m satisfied with purchase." —applefir
Get a set of two from Amazon for $71.99 (clip the $8 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in two colors).
34. A hook and ring game that'll work in even tiny outdoor spaces. Every backyard needs some kind of game element! You'll def be able to squeeze in this one.
Tiki Toss is a small business that took a classic hook and ring game to the next level by creating several unique ways to play it.
Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing Tiki Toss. So simple and so fun. Quality and design of product is fantastic. Also makes a great gift." —jzek
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.