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 full-size inflatable lounge pool for cooling off on hot days when going tubing sounds like too much work. Go plop down in this, enjoy a spiked seltzer, and kiddie pool the day away!
Promising review: "LOVE this pool! It's the best purchase I’ve made this year! It's easy to blow up (we used a pump from our blow-up mattress) and easy to deflate and clean (we clean it weekly). The material is thick and sturdy, and doesn’t feel “cheap” or thin. So far we have had six adults in it comfortably. BEST decision I made to help get us through the California heat waves we’ve been having." —hotrodrachel
Get it from Amazon for $55.99 (available in two styles).
2. An outdoor cat tent designed with enclosed mesh, so your indoor critter can enjoy basking (safely) in the sun with you when you feel like catching some rays in the yard.
Promising review: "This is a great little tent for cats. I am super pleased with it; would definitely buy and recommend. It's easy to assemble, lightweight, and it comes with everything you need to set it up. And there's virtually no spot that a cat can't see from because it's netting all the way around." —Shann/Steph
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
3. A boho hammock chair — this outdoor seating is gonna make your backyard look lovely and become your favorite reading "nook" in no time.
This comfortably holds up to 320 lbs. BTW, If you don't have a tree or structure to hang this on, you can pick up a stand separately.
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 $39.99+ (available in three colors).
4. An outdoor fan to place on your patio and circulate the air around you, helping keep away bugs without the strong smell of bug spray ruining the crisp night air.
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 $97.07+ (available in three sizes).
5. A table-cooler combo so you can optimize your outdoor furniture with weatherproof products that are as useful as they are good lookin'. With a table full of cold drinks by my side, I could spend the whole day in the backyard. I'm staying for keeps.
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 $62+ (available in two colors).
6. A glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag set that'll encourage your family to hang out outside, even when it gets dark. Don't waste these warm nights...just play a game that includes some lights!
Promising review: "The game comes with very easy, animated directions and we were surprised at the high quality of the components. We first tried playing on a camping trip with three families and it only took a couple minutes to learn the game and set it up before we were giggling like crazy people. It was really dark and the blinking lights and glowing orbs added a lot to the excitement. We played with adults, teens, and young children and everyone really got into it because this is something that everyone can do. My children have been asking to play it every night since." —Roy Jones
Get it from Amazon for $48.49.
7. Or a jumbo 4-to-score game — this thing proves everything (even basic board games) can be bigger and better when you're outside.
Promising review: "This is equally loved by kids and adults. Playing the table top version is boring (to me) but I love this oversized version! If you have the space for it buy it! When computer time is over this is the first thing my kids want to play. I was a reluctant buyer because I wasn't sure it would keep their interest and was afraid it would take up too much space. But we are still playing it over a month later and it easily slides out of the way. Looking forward to when we can again use it during back yard barbecues with friends." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $189.99 (available in six color combos).
8. A gazebo with curtains for creating a private oasis even if your yard is exposed to the neighbors. This heavy-duty gazebo is solid and substantial, for folks who want a real gazebo without the real estate commitment.
Promising review: "This gazebo went together beautifully. My husband was VERY impressed with the quality and ease of assembly. He likes things that go together smoothly! Yes, there are many pieces but just follow the directions and you shouldn't have any trouble. Two of us put it together in a leisurely and relaxed six hours. All the bits and pieces lined up perfectly making the assembly a fun experience. The color is lovely and the roof is opaque so lighting gets through and the roof also has UV protection." —MW
Get it from Amazon for $899.99+ (available in four sizes).
9. A pair of light-up flower bundles to turn your backyard into a mystical spot that gives nature a little extra oomph.
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 $19.99 (available in two color combos).
10. A portable 120-inch screen that'll turn your family's regular movie night into a fun night out (at least, out to the backyard). This is lightweight, sturdy, and reviewers say it's a cinch to set up.
Promising review: "This projector screen is easy to set up and for the money, it is a great value. It is a stretchy material. The stakes are definitely needed if you set up outside as it is basically a big sail. When you have it strapped down, it does make it feel sturdy. So far we have used several times outside with no issues. It comes in a simple bag, which is nice to pack in the closet as well. This projector is worth the investment." —Kelly Wooten
Get it from Amazon for $105.99.
11. A wood fire grill fire pit — your kitchen is about to start sweating, because once this is in your yard that ol' oven of yours is going to be obsolete. Your backyard? It's the best restaurant in town.
"My dad got one of these to test out and has been so excited to take his grilling *and* backyard game to the next level. Not only does this fire pit look awesome and provide a cozy place for your family to hang out, but because it's made with a specific COR-TEN material you'll be able to cook all kinds of things right along the edges. Pretty freakin' cool. If you'd rather *not* place your steak directly on the pit, you can go for their grill grate and cook it above the flames." —Heather Braga, BuzzFeed
Get it from Breeo for $349+ (available in three styles and two colors).
12. Weather-resistant Adirondack chairs made of a plastic material that looks like real wood but is resistant to rot — these surprisingly soothing seats are perfect for lounging around outside all season (excuse me; all the seasons) long.
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 $159.98+ each (available in eight colors).
13. Or a four-piece furniture set that just might make your backyard better furnished than your living room.
This set includes a loveseat, two chairs, and a table.
Promising review: "Wow! Such a great set! It comes in a surprisingly small box — these people must be great at Tetris! It was easy to put together and they even made all the screws the same size! Super comfy and looks great on my new deck!" —Jennifer Cupkey
Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in four styles).
14. A high-voltage bug zapper — this is gonna zap insects within a 1,500-square-foot area. All those creepy crawlies who try and ~bug~ you during the summer are doomed! This works so well you're not gonna believe how fast your yard turns into a horsefly cemetery.
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 mosquitoes, gnats, and everything else have been finding their 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 $29.59.
15. A SunPrint paper kit sure to spark the interest of artistic souls and clever kiddos. Gather leaves, flowers, and the like in your yard and set them up on this kit while it sits in the sun. Then watch your natural craft come to life!
16. A canopy so you can create some shade in your sunny yard without taking away from the open fresh-airy-ness that brought you outside in the first place.
Don't forget to purchase the hardware set to attach this canopy to your home.
Promising review: "Have had it up for over a month and it is holding up very well to sun, wind, rain, and storms. I take it down when I get enough forewarning of strong storms, but sometimes we've been out of town and it has held up quite well. We roll it up and to the side using the installation kit anchors when we get warning for strong winds. But, like I've said, we've come home after storms to small branches down in the yard, but the sail was good. It does a great job of blocking the sun and cools the house and patio quite nicely from the summer sun." —Ms. Shannon
Get it from Amazon for $34.98+ (available in seven sizes and colors).
17. A set of outdoor string lights — these'll be a particularly *bright* idea if your goal is dazzling everyone who steps into your yard at night.
Promising review: "These are so cute and perfect! I have a decent-sized balcony and have been looking to turn it into a relaxing area. I got my lights within a few days and I immediately opened up my package — everything was there, no broken bulbs and a spare bulb. I then tested out the power and these lights are perfectly bright and still set a very calming and intimate scene." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in four lengths and six colors).
18. A two-person hammock for days when you'd love to ~hang out~ outside but don't have time for a full-fledged hike. A spot between your sycamores is just the thing!
Promising review: "This is absolutely perfect!! I hung it between my jeep and a tree and it was PERFECT!!! If I had the need for more I would buy more. I'm 5'2" and can lay out fully from side to side with a few inches to spare. It held the weight of my daughters and myself." —Kayla Hillard
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 colors).
19. A bubble machine your family is gonna love so much they are sure to *burst* into smiles every time you turn it on.
Promising review: "This is so much easier than giving your kids bubbles only to have them spill all over their clothes and the ground. It is truly a 'set it and forget it' item that provides hours of entertainment, even for a little ones! Such a great investment." —Allison A.
Get it from Amazon for $29.97.
20. A flexible adjustable mister that'll help you keep your cool when some sun would do you good but the heat makes you hide inside.
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 $30.11.
21. A multi-functional fire pit can keep your toes cozy when there's a chill in the air. When it's hot outside? Fill the pit with ice, snacks, and drinks!
Promising review: "I love the functionality of this fire pit so much! To just sit by the fire or to decide we want to do a quick barbecue on it is just so wonderful! I appreciate the cover that comes with it to protect it from the elements. Assembly was quite easy. I look forward to having this for many years to come. I highly recommend this product." —Kimi
Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
22. A retro beach umbrella sure to add some charm to your backyard *and* protect your skin from cooking under the summer sun.
Promising review: "SO cute!! I half expected it to be a junk but it’s so darn cute and pretty sturdy for the price!! Definitely exceeded my expectations. I will probably buy another!!!" —Meghan Small
Get it from Amazon for $94.55+ (available in seven colors).
23. And an umbrella light — with this spiffy light, your family game nights are gonna last well past sundown. Overhead lighting is just an umbrella away! If you're playing Clue, I'm coming over.
Promising review: "When I bought this, it was totally on a whim. I was convinced that because it was so inexpensive, it would be a cheap piece of junk! Was I wrong! It does a great job of lighting up the table with the three different settings. AND, if you turn it upside-down, you can further vary the brightness. (Sometimes you just want a hint of a glow, rather than a spotlight in your face.) I'm very happy with this, especially since I left it out all summer long with no issues. It was hidden under a closed umbrella, but I'm sure it got a little damp with rainwater and it survived! For just $10, it is such an easy solution for my patio that has no electricity, and therefore, needs something battery powered." —LouiseN
Get it from Amazon for $11.98.
24. An outdoor pizza oven, because summers in the backyard are for snackin'! This is an authentic gas, charcoal, and wood-powered cooker that'll cook up to 930 degrees. It's time to spend the summer working on the perfect pizza crust.
Promising review: "This is easy to use and great quality. It cooks pizzas to perfection. I like that you can use charcoal or wood/pellets. We also use the oven for a lot more than just pizzas, super fun to use. I really like the look of it as well, sharp design and extremely portable, very lightweight. A great buy — I would HIGHLY recommend! We enjoy cooking pizzas with the entire family and the kids love the pizza!" —John Mercer
Get it from Amazon for $344.99.
25. A bamboo mason bee house, which is a friendly way to let neighboring bees know they are welcome to hang out (and pollinate the flowers) in your yard.
Promising review: "This is a very nicely made mason bee house that should last a long time outdoors. It has a slight overhang in the front to protect the entrances from rain or snow. It has a hanger with a slot for a screw on the back. It has has a small rope attached at the top, but I will not hang it that way because the rope may deteriorate over time. I'm looking forward to hanging this as soon as the weather permits!" —Alison
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
26. And finally, a charming country store-themed bird house so you can be a spiffy one-stop shop when local birds are looking for a snack and *you* are looking for a chance to birdwatch.
Promising review: "It is obvious a lot of thought went into the design of this house. Between the ventilation, raised floor, easy access for cleaning, extra interior grip for fledgings, and the metal guard for the access hole ... you couldn't find better quality for the price. To anyone that purchases this house, I would recommend pre-drilling the holes for the metal guard, cedar wood is soft and I caused a small split in the wood by not pre-drilling. Otherwise, enjoy!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
When I ask my homebody family if they'd like to buy new things for the backyard instead of spending money on a camping trip surrounded by all that spooky nature:
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