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. Waterproof globe lights so your outdoor gatherings can continue long into the night. Hang them along your roofline, drape them on outdoor structures, or just string them up solo to give your backyard the most magical vibe.
Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs.
Promising review: "I am loving my new lights! Just got them up in time for hanging out on the back deck for springtime. They give a great outdoor cafe feel to my back deck. I advise purchasing extra light bulbs when purchasing these lights. It comes with one extra, but they are extremely fragile/delicate. We ended up breaking four total during the hanging process." —charlee harris
Get 25-foot strand from Amazon for $15.19+ (available in five styles and seven lengths).
2. And solar-powered mason jar lights for placing around your backyard — on tables, along fences and railings, or on stair steps — to liven up evenings and make you nostalgic for nights spent catching fireflies as a kid.
Since these are solar-powered, you'll need to place them in the sun to get them to light up. Five to eight hours of sun exposure will work if you want roughly eight hours of light. And if you don't want to do that, no worries, because they have a spot for an optional battery if you'd rather power them up without the sun.
Promising review: "I purchased these solar lights last weekend for my front porch space re-do, I absolutely love them! They are high-quality, and work great. I like that they have an on/off switch on the underside of the lid, so I can turn them off when I’m finished using them for the night. I’m very happy with my purchase and will definitely recommend these to anyone." —Deborah M. Mehaffie
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
3. A chic outdoor patio set perfectly paired with a nice rug, some pouf footstools, and boho-style pillows to really cozy it up and draw the space together. You and your BFF can park yourselves here while catching up over a drink!
It comes with two chairs and a small matching glass table.
Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. Construction seems sturdy. Dimensions and style were perfect for the small patio space I was looking to get use out of, and the egg shape of the chairs is very comfortable. I paired them with a seagrass outdoor rug, faux fur chair pads, a beanbag-style poof footstool, and some boho throw pillows, and I love how the space was instantly transformed. I highly recommend this set." —Baby blues
Get it from Amazon for $159.99+ (available in five colors).
4. Decorative outdoor throw pillow covers that can go right over those boring pillows currently being used outside. They'll really help tie your outdoor furniture in with the green surroundings and make it an even cozier place to hang out.
Don't have any pillows on hand? No worries, you can buy a set of these hypoallergenic pillow cushions to get started on your patio update. Opt for cushions two inches bigger than your covers for the fluffiest effect (so 22x22 inserts for 20x20 covers).
Promising review: "These are some of the best outdoor pillows we've had. They're not super soft but I don't expect that in an outdoor pillow. But they are beautiful and durable, which is what counts! I'd definitely buy them again." —Amy B
Get a set of four 20x20 covers from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three sizes and 18 designs).
5. A durable, fast-drying outdoor area rug made to withstand storms and other wear and tear. It brings the whole look of your decor together and makes your patio feel like a cozy oasis.
It's super easy to clean — just wash it off with the garden hose if it gets dirty, and it'll dry in no time!
Promising review: "The colors are very nice, and you can just hose it off anytime. It certainly has brightened up the deck in my backyard. Update: I have had this outdoor rug for over two months. It has been rained on many times, and so far, the rug is holding up great. I am planning on buying a second one! I love it." —Dr. Oceanfront
Get an 8x10 rug from Amazon for $141.01 (available in six sizes and 26 styles).
6. A high-voltage insect zapper you can set up near the grill, patio, firepit, or wherever people will be hanging out the most in your backyard. It eliminates mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs with wings that are undeniably the worst part of lounging around outside.
It has a range of up to 1,500 square feet!
Promising review: "Usually if I am outside with a group of people, the bugs come hunting for me, and nobody else gets bitten if I am in the area. I got tired of putting on bug spray every time I go out on the patio, so I bought this to try, and it has made a huge difference. I turn it on for a little bit every night, even if I am not outside, and you can hear and see it doing its thing, and now I can sit out back and have no bug spray and nothing bothers me. Very effective product. On the recommendation of some other reviews, I also purchased a Black Flag Octenol Lure to help attract even more bugs, and I think it helps too." —Todd F
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two colors).
7. A cosmic-themed fire pit, complete with moons and stars etched into the sides, so you can set up an area for s'mores, late-night chats, and star-gazing. Cozy ambiance, here we come.
It's made of thick durable steel and covered with rust-resistant, high-temperate pain. And the effect of the light shining through the moon and stars at night? Stunning.
Promising review: "Got this as part of our backyard renovation project. Shipping was super fast, received it earlier than expected. Large fire pit, super easy to assemble. It’s a sturdy piece! I read the reviews and decided to take some precautions — we drilled three drain holes at the base, fast and easy to do. We also bought a cover just in case. Used it the same day during a chilly NC night to watch an outdoor movie with friends and blankets in the backyard. Worked amazingly and kept us toasty. Love the cutouts! Friends asked where we got it all night. Would recommend to anyone!" —Isabel
Get it from Amazon for $239.
8. Or! A tabletop glass fireplace you can place in your backyard seating area if you don't have the space for a fire pit. It's not just nice to look at — it can also be used for s'mores!
A bit of assembly is required when you first unpack this mini fireplace, but the pieces snap together pretty easily. You'll just need to provide your own fuel (this three-pack of Sterno cans from Amazon will work just fine), and you can buy it with or without sand and rocks. The sand is needed to protect the wood base from direct heat, so you'll need to use some of your own if you don't get the Deluxe kit. When not burning a fire, you can also just use this as a holder for a regular candle!
One Man One Garage is a small business based in Nashville that was founded in 2013 and offers artisan designs, many of which also make great gifts!
Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful! I bought this for a friend, and she had a great time putting it together. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I got the deluxe box with extras, and it didn't disappoint! The wooden forks for the s'mores were perfect. The overall structure is sturdy and adds such an ambiance, a perfect centerpiece while chatting it up for hours! Definitely recommend." —Megan
Get it from One Man One Garage on Etsy for $35+ (available in Deluxe sets with flat or beveled glass frames, and in a cheaper mini size ($20) that uses a tea light instead).
9. And a pack of marshmallow roasting sticks to keep on hand so everyone can take a turn roasting up fluffy marshmallows for the iconic campfire treat. *Technically* you can use that stick you found in the woods, but it's time to start taking your s'mores operation a little more seriously.
You can use these to roast hotdogs, small corn, and veggie skewers too!
Promising review: "Roasted a lot of marshmallows on sticks and clothes hangers. The MalloMe sticks make it so much easier and more fun. First, they are compact, easy to carry, and easy to find in their own bag. Next, it is easy to put a marshmallow on the stick. Then, extending the stick as much as needed is easy. Rotating over the fire carefully is easy. The twin tines keep the marshmallow from falling off. And taking the marshmallow off is easy. Cleaning is not very hard but I'm not sure I'm doing the best job. I love these sticks and intend to buy several more as gifts." —catch1949
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in packs of eight, 12, and 20).
10. An outdoor drink stakes set if your backyard chairs don't have cup holders — they'll keep your cold drink secure when you need to get up and walk away, and the different colors will help everyone keep track of which one is theirs.
Promising review: "We put them out by the fire pit immediately and everyone loves them, plus the different colors help keep track of whose is whose if you get up and forget." —Amanda
Get a set of six from Amazon for $39.95 (also available in a pack of four). Or get a set made for stemmed wine glasses here.
11. Or a full-on collapsible beer table with a built-in bottle opener so you never have to get up to retrieve one when the conversation is flowing. It can hold two drinks and some snacks in the middle! No more accidentally knocking things over when you're a couple of beers deep.
Once again there is also a version of this made for wine glasses if you prefer!
Faircraft USA is a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania-based Etsy shop run by a husband-and-wife duo creating beautiful and functional wooden home goods.
Promising review: "Purchased this as a gift for my brother to go with his corn hole boards. It is just as pictured. It seems like it'll be a little low to the ground for taller men standing around a corn hole board...but better than the beers sitting on the ground or in the off hand. Beautiful workmanship. Highly recommend this product and shop!" —Hayley
Get it from Faircraft USA on Etsy for $60.
12. Comfortable, weather-resistant Adirondack chairs to replace your mismatched assortment of camping chairs. They're made of a plastic material that looks like real wood but is resistant to rot — a good thing since you'll want to just leave them outside parked by the fire pit.
If you've never sat in an Adirondack chair before, I can testify to their comfort. My parents have a set of these that sit outside by their fire pit in Missouri year-round, and we've sat in them for hours during countless bonfires. The angle of the seat feels great on your back as it's helping relieve pressure on your spine, and the wide arm rests give you a place to lay your arms and relax your shoulders as well.
Promising review: "It took me about 25 minutes to assemble, I will admit I was a little overwhelmed at first, but luckily the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. The finished product was well worth it. The wood look finish is even prettier in person. It has somewhat of a gloss to it but not too much; it looks gorgeous when the sun is beaming on it. Totally surpassed my expectations! The color is also just what I was expecting from the pictures, so it matches the rest of my decor perfectly. The chair is quite heavy; it is totally designed to last! I am sure I will get many years of use out of this. A gorgeous new addition to my backyard." —Barby4321
Get them from Amazon for $139.99+ each (available in 16 colors and sets of two and four).
13. Or some portable folding rocking chairs you can store when not in use — they even have cup holders so no one accidentally knocks over your drink on their way to the cooler.
Note: This is the firepit-specific version of this chair that's lower to the ground, ideal for lounging by the fire and for people who are on the shorter side, but there are other chair styles on the listing!
Promising review: "The best camp chair I’ve ever owned! I camped five days in this and didn’t want to get out of it. The fire pit rocker sits lower to the ground (but not weirdly so), and I’m 5-feet-tall, and this is the first time my legs didn’t dangle from a chair. Super comfortable if you have hip or back pain. I actually felt better after sitting in it after a hard hike. And! I was able to get out of it quickly to kung fu fight a raccoon trying to steal my s’mores! I will be ordering a second one for my daughter since we fought over who got to sit in it." —wer002
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in many other colors and styles).
14. An outdoor daybed that'll allow you to start taking your mid-day naps outside without fear of getting a sunburn. Its retractable canopy keeps you nice and cool — and when you're not taking a snooze, it comes apart into multiple seats with a center table for group hangouts.
You'll probably want to add in some of your own pillows to make it even cozier!
Promising review: "Took about two hours total with one person — everything was included (a couple of extra screws helped out). Assembly instructions were visual and easy to understand. Had to reverse the front canopy piece after assembly, but their video tells you how to determine if it's backwards. Once I had it assembled, my wife promptly took a two-hour nap on it and said it was great — worth every penny. Make sure you purchase a weather cover for it, and it'll give you long-lasting satisfaction!" —Joseph Vivona
Get it from Amazon for $499.99+ (available in four colors).
15. Or a hammock so comfortable, it has reviewers swearing off their *actual* beds entirely. Pair it with a refreshing drink and a good book, and it'll become your go-to hangout (or snooze) spot.
Plus, the stand is easy to assemble, disassemble, and pack up in the included carrying case for storage or travel.
Promising review: "Features to love: The cotton fabric is sturdy and breathable. I never feel stuck to it the way I do in a nylon hammock. The set up/take down is super easy and the frame is very sturdy — we have definitely put 300+ pounds in it. The ability to raise and lower the hammock with the multiple hook positions might be the best feature. I have bad knees and like to get into the hammock from a higher position... no problem. My kids like it lower so they can reach the ground to swing it... no problem. It works great as a traditional hammock to lay in. It works as a 'swing' to sit on. It has enough fabric that you can cover up if you're cold or want to block out light or bugs. We have accidentally left it out in the rain several times and it dries great, hasn't faded from the sun, hasn't had any mold, and hasn't developed any weird smell. Things not to love: Nothing! This is a great hammock. It may not be as portable as those little nylon hammocks but if this is for your yard and not for camping, this is hard to beat." —Mary
Get it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in 17 colors).
16. A watermelon pool ball that'll become a staple in any pool games, as it moves through the water just as easily as the air! That means you can bounce, dribble, pass, and come up with all sorts of games for *endless* hours of fun. Oh, and the tough PVC material is also durable enough to withstand multiple summers of play.
Note: Because the watermelon ball is full of water, it's heavier than other types of balls, so multiple reviewers warn against throwing it at people's heads!
Promising review: "We have all kinds of toys and floats for the pool, but this is the one thing that they never get tired of. We love playing the game when we have friends over (it's kind of like tag football or keep-away under water) but the kids and I also just really like passing the ball around underwater and bouncing it because it's fun to see how it moves. It also becomes a great water bomb that my kids think is hilarious to surprise each other with (it's just a ball, so it doesn't hurt, but it's heavy enough that it has some force behind it). I am really impressed by the quality of the ball too. It's a very thick plastic that has held up very well all summer. Ours stays in the pool all the time, so I realize it may not last as long over time, but so far it seems to be holding up great (just a slight bit faded by the sun). It was very easy to fill and I've only had to add air once this summer." —Sandra McLeod
Get it from Amazon for $17.54 (available in two sizes, two colors, and a glow-in-the-dark version).
17. A TikTok-popular inflatable hot tub to create the ultimate relaxation zone. It'll give your yard some of that luxurious spa energy without shelling out thousands — or committing to have an actual giant hot tub in your backyard year-round.
It sports 120 air jets and heats up quickly to a soothing 104 degrees — just imagine this on a clear night with a glass of your favorite chilled drink. Reviewers say about two to three people is the max for the most comfortable fit.
Check it out in this TikTok.
Promising review: "I was skeptical about buying an inflatable hot tub, but my sister has wanted one forever. After researching many varieties we ended up purchasing this. I am amazed at how well it works. I have had it for several months now and it is still working perfectly. The lining is thick and sturdy, and supports your back. It is easy to get in and out of. The cushioned bottom is more comfy than I expected. It holds heat well, we like it at 104 and it stays between 102 and 104 while in use in a 40 to 60 degree environment. The bubbles are plentiful and relaxing and strong. I thought setup was quite easy, filters are easy to change and water chemical balance is easy to maintain. Five out of five stars. Get it!" —Kristine
Get it from Amazon for $445.75+ (available in two colors).
18. A pressure washer so you can blast away all the caked-up mud, dirt, and dust on your deck, patio furniture, fences, and rugs — and rediscover what your outdoor surfaces *actually* look like.
Promising review: "This has been a great addition to our cleaning regime. We wash cars, sidewalks, and backyard pool areas. Today I am cleaning my outdoor BBQ and can't wait to get started. It is easy to use and set up and cleans everything easily. The canister is easy to pull around and never tips over due to its unique wheel design. I highly recommend this product." —Caroline Leary
Get it from Amazon for $124.56+ (available in eight styles, from 2100–3400 Max PSI).
19. And two bottles of OxiClean outdoor cleaner — it's super concentrated, so dilute with water as needed, then pair with a pressure washer (like the one above), a scrubber, or another tool to wash away layers of dirt, grime, and mildew buildup. Though heavy-duty, it doesn't contain residual chemicals, and you won't choke on any harsh fumes.
The above before and after photos show one reviewer's teak end tables from a patio set after using the OxiClean outdoor cleaner.
Promising review: "The product exceeded my expectations! I was able to get a dingy and ill-maintained backyard porch of our recently purchased home cleaned and looking like new right before my stepdaughter's big birthday party! My only wish is that I would’ve taken before and after photos to show the drastic change in appearance! Will definitely purchase additional bottles for future cleaning maintenance for the rest of our home!!" —Keith Galloway
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.99 (available in multiple sizes and in spray form).
20. A lighted umbrella because shade is a *must*, so add some cover to your hangout spot — it'll also help illuminate the area when the sun goes down. No more squinting and shielding your eyes while you're just trying to have a conversation.
Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!
Promising review: "Great umbrella! We don't keep it up all the time, just take it out when needed. Great quality. The lights are great at night, really elevates our backyard! The option for leaning the umbrella is really nice, too, in the mornings when I want to sit outside without the morning sun blaring down on me. If you don't want it to break, don't keep it outside all the time, that simple!" —Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $61.19+ (available in 11 color combos).
21. Or a sunshade triangle to block the sun while still letting the breeze pass through. It's a little less bulky and more out of your way than an umbrella, especially if you don't have a good table for mounting.
Some people even hang this over part of their pool for a shady area. And you could drape some lights along this as well!
Promising review: "I’ve been meaning to get something like this for years. Our patio has no cover at all, especially early spring when the leaves aren’t back. the sun in unbearable at times. We bought the install kit and used it to attach the two sides to the house and used a ratchet strap to attach the other end to a tree on the other side of the patio. So far it’s holding up well. We added lights which makes it super cozy at night and completely changes the feel of our patio." —Kaitlyn Tugend
Get it from Amazon for $21.98+ (available in 14 main sizes, many custom sizes, and 13 colors).
22. Faux ivy for placing along a fence to shield your yard from the view of your neighbor's messy backyard — and to enhance the beauty of the space and make it feel more natural. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for gorgeous effect.
Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game." —Amazon Customer
Get a roll from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too.
23. A hammock chair everyone will be fighting to sit in during bonfires and cookouts. The cotton rope hammock style adds lovely boho vibes and is so comfy, you'll want to park yourself in it with a good book and cold drink on nice days.
It can hold up to 320 pounds of weight! If you don't have a place to hang it, you can also get a stand for hanging it, as shown on the right above.
Promising review: "No assembly required; super easy to put up and adds so much character to our backyard. It's also very comfortable to sit in. I'm only 5 feet tall, so I'm able to sit cross-legged with extra room." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in seven colors).
24. A dog spot repair solution for addressing the dirt patches in your backyard caused by pet damage. It's made from a combo of mulch, seeds, and soil designed to help healthy grass regrow in no time.
Promising review: "I have lacrosse players and dogs and this stuff is amazing. My yard looked like an abandoned lot before this and it literally 'grew anywhere' just like it said. The bag I planted last year actually came back strong this year so I put more down and it is working like a dream!" —chchmom
Get it from Amazon for $16.44+ (available in five sizes and in packs).
25. A mildew remover to rescue your patio furniture and other outdoor surfaces from a buildup of mold and mildew, because absolutely no one wants to sit on that. This formula cleans away stains without any heavy scrubbing needed — just spray down whatever you're trying to clean, let it sit, then rinse it off with a hose to finish the job.
If it's a particularly tough stain, you might need a second application and light scrubbing!
Promising review: "I don't often write a review of a product. But this was so impressive, I thought I should let others know. We have a set of vinyl outdoor chairs that were constantly covered with mildew. When we were feeling ambitious, we'd take the time to power wash the chairs, which worked pretty well but was a lot of work. The problem was that a couple of days later, the mildew was back almost as bad a before. With this mildew stain remover, we sprayed the chairs, let them sit a few minutes, and hosed off with a regular garden hose. Easy. And they were cleaner than they ever got using the power washer. When we put the chairs away two months later, they were still clean." —Christine A. Simonson
Get it from Amazon for $10.48+ (available in three sizes).
26. A tall table-cooler combo you can place in the fire pit area, by the pool, or wherever people are hanging out so no one has to walk allll the way into the house for another beer. It also gives you another place to put food, drinks, and s'mores supplies on top!
You can also shut the top and just use it as a regular end table when you're not utilizing the cooler function.
Promising review: "Have gotten so many compliments on this already. Great even when not using as a cooler for just a functional end table near our furniture around the fire pit. Can put drinks on there, s'mores stuff, etc. It's nice because it functions as a table without being big and bulky. It can easily be moved around to where it is needed. and the cooler function of course is what sets it apart from all other tables and makes it awesome!" —Amy M.
Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in two colors).
27. A discreet pair of waterproof, LED-lit Bluetooth speakers for hanging around your fire pit, patio, or table so whoever's DJ-ing can control the tunes right from their phone and keep the party going all night long. And because there are two of them, you can position them on opposite sides for a ~surround sound~ effect.
The Bluetooth distance between phone and speaker is up to 33 feet, while the dual pairing distance between the two speakers is up to 66 feet! The handles at the top make them easy to hang, but you can also just set them on the ground or a table!
Promising review: "The surround sound that we get at night while sitting around the fire pit is wonderful! We invested in shepherd's hooks so that we can relocate wherever we want! Nice." —Denise Peoples
Get the two-pack from Amazon for $149.98 (available with white lights or rainbow lights).
28. Some flame colorant so you can pretend you're a wizard when you drop a couple of these packets onto your bonfire and green, blue, purple, and yellow flames start to emerge. This one's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Promising review: "These fire color-changing packets are the backyard secret weapon you never knew you needed! These super colorful wonders turn an ordinary fire into a mesmerizing spectacle that lasts about 45 minutes. Throw in two or three at a time, and you've got a backyard rave that even Mother Nature would RSVP to. A simple yet enchanting way to add a pop of color to your outdoor gatherings!" —Matt Peterson
Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
29. A pair of flexible magnetic lights — secure these to your grill, and you'll be able to keep the crowd well-fed even after the sun's gone down. Nothing better than enjoying some kebabs by the light of a flickering fire.
Promising review: "I used these for the first time the other night, and they were exactly what I wanted. I often tend to grill after dark and I can’t see what’s on the grill, but not anymore. These light up the entire grill surface area perfectly. Would definitely buy again." —Flossie DeGrave
Get a pair from Amazon for $19.99.
30. And a rechargeable, waterproof cooler light so people don't have to whip out their phone flashlights every time they get up to go for another drink.
One charge is good for 60 hours of white light and up to 31 hours of red light.
Promising review: "Such a neat item! I purchased this for my husband’s hunting trip, and he’s truly enjoyed the handiness of the light. He said it provided extra light in the dark wilderness. The light is compact and easy to charge. It lasted multiple days from one charge. Also, the different light modes are fun, and one can even have a party with the blinking effect!" —Elena
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
31. Colorful outdoor inflatable ottomans you can put by the pool, on your patio, or in the garden for not only chic decor, but also places to sit or rest your feet. They can withstand over 500 hours of direct sunlight without fading!
These are water-repellent and stain-resistant, too, with a handle on the side that makes them easy to carry.
Promising review: "These are too cool!! The fabric cover is sturdy and really nice; the colors are bright and vibrant. Ordering more for the patio and son's play area. And wherever else! Note: Gotta put the inflatable part in the cover before you inflate it LOL. I didn't read the instructions first." —Jennifer S.
Get one from Amazon for $32.99 (available in 43 styles and two sizes).
32. 10-inch speckled hanging planters to ~elevate~ the look of your backyard patio and let your precious succulents or hanging plants thrive. By hanging some of your greenery, it'll make your yard feel more like a tropical getaway.
They each come with four predrilled drainage holes to prevent overwatering!
Promising reviews: "I really love these hanging planters. Highly recommended. Lightweight, modern, and has drainage holes!" —thelma marie hart
"The perfect added touch! Exactly what I wanted to add a touch of color to our new outdoor eating area!" —Deborah Del Vecchio
Get a set of two from Amazon for $26.99 (also available in five other colors and three sizes).
33. A rainbow collection of flower pots so you can throw some color onto your fences and railings. These cheery pots will give your backyard a welcoming feel, but they're just as practical for your plants, with draining holes and hooks so they're easy to water and hang.
You could even color-coordinate the flowers you put inside 🌈. Do note the size of these, as they're pretty small! They're just under 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide.
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 of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan
Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $17.99 (also available in black and white sets).
34. Solar-powered light-up flowers that'll come on as the sun goes down, transforming your yard and garden into a whimsical fairyland. You can mix them in with your real flowers, or if you don't have an actual flowerbed, stick them into the ground.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE THESE!!!! They’re so colorful and bright...I’ve said 100 times I wish I could put them all over my front and backyard. My favorite Amazon purchase all summer!!!!!" —Misty
"Love it! Looks beautiful at night, and guests love them! Planning on ordering more soon! Works in all weather, rain, snow, heat! Just need sunlight! Only con is probably not a con, but they only stay lit at night for approximately two and a half hours. That’s fine because we head to bed, so it’s perfect for us! Highly recommended!" —Damon R. Jackson
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $33.99 (also available in a 10-pack).
35. A light-up palm tree if you're constantly planning your next vacation — this can tide you over by channeling some of that tropical ambiance into your own backyard. Besides, one can never have too much funky lighting!
Some people even use these as coastal Christmas trees! BTW, the 8- and 9-foot versions come with "coconuts" that make them even more vibrant (as shown above, right).
Promising review: "The new pool needed a little something, and this tree made it! We love it! Our neighbors love it! Our guests love it, and everyone is asking where to get one! Fast delivery, easy setup, and looks terrific! Daytime and nighttime awe! It's held up to storms and wind so far. I screwed the base down into the deck, but the framework is sturdy! I've even had birds fooled into thinking this thing is REAL! Well worth it, folks!" —Jon
Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in five heights, a solar-powered version, and a two-pack).
36. A highly rated projector so you can designate an area as the outdoor movie spot and host your own watch parties in the open air. Just pair it with a good screen, and your backyard will be the new go-to hangout on warm evenings.
It connects easily to a Fire TV Stick, laptops, DVD players, and more via HDMI input.
Promising review: "I NEVER leave reviews, but thought I should leave one because this thing is awesome. Super good quality picture! Could be a liiiittle brighter, but for the price, I’m not complaining. I use a Fire Stick and have no problems streaming anything at all. The sound isn’t super loud and doesn’t have any bass, so if you have people over, you probably won’t be able to hear very well if you use the projector speaker. Plug in a speaker through the aux cord jack, and there’s no issues!! 10/10 recommend for anyone wanting to have movie nights in the backyard. I got so many compliments; all of my friends have been asking me where to get it!" —Payton H
Get it from Amazon for $57.97. If you need a screen, here's a 120-inch option for $25.99 that many people buy alongside this projector.
37. A mounted outdoor fan, because keeping the air circulating won't just keep things cool; it'll also help cut down on the bugs that linger while you're outside trying to enjoy the fresh air.
This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against wetness.
Promising review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air in hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night around the fire pit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected of a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it’s not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again" —Bigdad
Get it from Amazon for $89.91+ (available in three sizes).
38. A stylish, functional garbage bin to replace your eyesore of an outdoor trash can — it has a latching lid to help protect against harsh weather and hungry critters.
Promising review: "This is our second one in 10 years (and only because a piece of the clip on the top lid finally broke off our first one). We still use that one in the 'man cave' for recycling. I purchased this originally to use in the kitchen because we have a large family and needed a larger locking can to keep our kiddos and dogs out of the trash. Very sturdy and well-made. It's super easy to snap together and looks great. When we have guests, they don't even realize it's the trash can. As long as these are still being made, we will not buy any other trash can. This is our can for life!" —J&A
Get it from Amazon for $59 (available in four colors).
39. An outdoor pizza oven because nothing satisfies a big crowd more than some 'za. From pizza parties with friends to intimate date nights, your backyard can transform into a professional-style pizza kitchen anytime you need it.
Promising review: "I bought this for a party so everyone could make their own pizza. The setup was so easy, and I will say it is built great — it's made of high-quality materials and put together with precision. Followed instructions and did a pre-burn, and it got up to temp fast and stopped with the smoke very quickly. Made 21 pizzas the next day and it went great, the only challenge was keeping the temp up and the dough thin so it would cook and not burn. Tips: With the dough, make sure to use ingredients with little juice so the crust won't have issues when loading the oven, and make sure to use flour because it helps everything not stick. The size and portability of this oven make it a game-changer when tailgating and family parties." —Panther512
Get it from Amazon for $299.
40. A vintage camper birdhouse to invite the birds to stay a while. It'll make your backyard their personal campground (and double as unique retro decor for the trees).
No glue is necessary for assembly.
Promising review: "I love this so much! I just built it, so I'm not sure if I will get any inhabitants or not, but that's okay because it’s SO CUTE. Took a little brain power to put together cause the pieces aren’t labeled, but it’s (clearly) do-able and a fun little project regardless. The little details are so fun, and it is very well-made. Highly recommend!" —Lauren Woods
Get it from One Man One Garage on Etsy for $10+ (available in six colors or a natural finish you can color yourself, and two sizes).
41. And a picnic table feeder you can set up to distract those mischievous squirrels from getting into the birds' food. It has a screw to hold a cob of corn and a hole to hold a little bowl for other snacks. Now, when you're sitting outside at your table, you'll get to watch your backyard squirrel enjoying a meal at his, too.
Delgado Handcrafted Treasures is a small business based out of Akron, Ohio, that sells an array of handmade woodcrafts and yard art.
Promising review: "Adorable! My outdoor eatery quickly became a hit. The seller went above and beyond, keeping me posted on tracking the package. Excellent customer service. I would highly recommend ordering from this shop." —irosing
Get it from Delgado Handcrafted Treasures on Etsy for $44.
42. Also: A drip- and bee-proof copper feeder (invented by a former zookeeper!), because we can't forget about the hummingbirds! Stick it into your flowerbed to turn your backyard into a local aviary.
Just fill these with a sugar-water mixture (one part sugar to four parts water) and watch the local hummingbird community flock to your backyard for an afternoon treat.
Copper Hummingbird is an Etsy shop run by Nancy Higgins. In 2006, she invented a bee-proof, drip-free hummingbird feeder for use in the hummingbird aviary at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona where she was a zookeeper for 22 years! After receiving so many non-zookeeper requests for her feeders she decided to open up a public-facing shop.
Promising review: "I love these feeders, nice weight, and quality craftsmanship. Arrived quick and packaged nice. Highly recommend these feeders. Easy to keep the nectar fresh given the size, which is perfect." —Linda Victory
Get it from Copper Hummingbird on Etsy for $34.
43. Interlocking teak tiles to cover a surface that has seen better days. Durable and weatherproof, they'll instantly kick your backyard aesthetic up a notch and make it look sharp and put-together.
Promising review: "Spendy, but hey, if you have the $! Getting them added a very nice touch to our backyard. We are renting our townhouse, so I didn’t want to do too much back there, but these are perfect! We have gotten so many compliments. Also, a perk: We reside in Portland, Oregon, where it rains cats and dogs, so they are durable for sure!" —Tally
Get 10 square feet of tiles from Amazon for $82.98.
44. A classic, easy-to-install trellis that'll upgrade your garden area and draw everyone's eye. It's made of vinyl and won't rot, crack, rust, or discolor, making it *super* easy to take care of as well.
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! These stakes 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 $58.99+ (originally $105.25; available in two colors).
45. And small (1-foot tall!) picket fencing to install around your garden beds to really make them stand out and look nice — and also deter kids and animals from getting into them and ruining your hard work.
You chilling in your backyard after making it a beautiful, peaceful place with the best vibes:
