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. String up a 48-foot strand of waterproof and shatterproof lights for illuminating your outdoor space during al fresco nights. Because they aren't delicate, no need to take them down when winter weather hits.
Promising review: "These LED string lights are easy to install, and make any outdoor area feel special. The wire and fixtures are well made. Remember to put up your lights without the bulbs, this makes accidental damage less likely. Once you are happy with the positioning then add the bulbs." —Jo Robinson
Get it from Amazon for $44.99.
2. Grow your own fruits and veggies with a raised garden bed. I recommend planting taller plants on the lowest level (like tomato vines). That way you don't have to bend down too far to collect your bounty.
Promising review: "This was one of the best purchases I’ve made on Amazon. It was easy to assemble and the finished product looks great in my backyard. I planted two tomato plants in the top tier and one in the second tier flanked on each side with basil plants. On the lowest tier I planted lemon cucumbers." —Lewis F. Celli
Get it from Amazon for $66.99.
3. To keep yourself occupied during those lazy beach and pool days, try a pack of waterproof playing cards. No need to worry about drink spills or pool water. Just wipe down and voila! They're like new.
4. To create a beautifully patterned outdoor area, install interlocking Teak tiles. No tools or glue are required, the tiles just snap together. Teak is also the preferred wood for all outdoor stuff because of its ability to survive through all types of weather. It is one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil which repels water.
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 $77.99.
5. Impress everyone you know — especially yourself — this a geodesic dome for lounging about in style. Use it for anything, from creating a dream-like, all-encompassing trellis to housing turkeys.
Sunrise Domes is a small business based out of South Killingly, Connecticut, 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 $1,050.
6. Keep warm while the nights start to cool off with a gas fire pit table. It comes with a glass lid, so when the fire's not in use the whole thing can be used as a table.
Promising review: "My favorite purchase for our deck. I LOVE this fire table. Good size, great value compared to what is out there. Packaged nicely. My husband put together alone in 30–45 mins with no frustration and easy to follow directions. Puts out a decent amount of heat. Enough rocks to adequately cover. Just add your propane tank. I love that it has a lid as well. You will find sturdier fire tables, but not at this price. Excellent value." —Bellium
Get it from Amazon for $239.99.
7. Host an outdoor movie night with a massive inflatable screen. It comes with a fan that will inflate the whole thing in under two minutes.
What's included: Screen, inflation fan, rope, tent, and inflatable stakes.
Promising review: "Maybe the best purchase we have EVER made. We use it with our RV for outdoor movie viewing. Packs up nicely. The 9-foot one is huge, maybe the bigger one would be too big. The screen is a smooth nylon, cannot see the wrinkles when playing a movie. This thing comes with ties to keep from swaying but truly the base is such a good design you don’t really need the ties. We love how the screen snaps on and off for storage. Inflated in about a minute or less. Super easy to use and a lot of fun. Recommend this to everyone!!!!!!" —Lobsterbisque
Get it from Amazon for $126.99+ (available in two sizes).
8. Add some color to your outdoor space with a glassworks wind chime. Nearly all wind chimes are metal or neutral tones — which is fine! — but it's refreshing to find an option that has a bit more flair.
9. To combat UV rays while still enjoying your outdoor space, consider a canopy swing that rocks and swings *and* provides you with shade It's zero gravity, so when you're all tucked in you'll feel weightless.
Promising review: "We love this lounge chair!!! The price was fabulous!! (And just a note... If you take care of your things — i.e. cover up the swing with a tarp and bring the cushions in when not using it — It will stay like new. Sun and rain can age anything! Easy-peasy!!) This lounge swing is so comfortable, and made very well!! And it only took my hubby and I only 25 to 30 minutes to put together. Take my word for it... you are not going to find a nicer lounge swing at this price!!" —Marash
Get it from Amazon for $219.99+ (available in six colors).
10. Create huge bubbles with a set of massive bubble wands. Each kit comes with everything you need: the wand and bubble concrete, plus a booklet of tips on how to make the biggest bubbles ever.
Promising review: "The wand is awesome, but even MORE awesome is that I just used regular bubble solution (way cheaper, found anywhere) and it worked just as well. Maybe better. Some people in reviews have said that you must use the packets that come with the wand, but I gave it a shot anyway with regular bubbles and it worked just fine, with no noticeable difference." —Lauri
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in five styles).
11. Use a collapsible beer table to make sure you and your guests have brews and snacks whenever, wherever. It even has a built-in bottle opener!
The stand — from Faircraft, a sustainable home goods shop based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania — has room for two drinks and a snack in the center bowl.
Promising review: "I love this piece so much. It's perfect for people who love to spend time outside drinking cold ones." —Sarah Smiles
12. As the days start to get cooler — aka more bearable — use a floating balcony table to change up your WFH routine. You can take your work outside and enjoy some fresh air.
Atelier Espace Caribou is a Montreal-based furniture shop specializing in modern pieces. Check them out for entryway benches, decorative bike racks, and monitor stands.
Get it from Atelier Espace Caribou on Etsy for $102.82+ (available with or without the plant shelf and in two different colors).
13. Use a 25-foot-long slip n' slide that comes with six inflatable bowling pins for keeping cool while so many of us are still trying to beat the heat. The slide has as an embedded sprinkler system that connects to the standard backyard hose, runs the length of the slide, and has 100% water coverage so there are no dry spots.
Promising review: "Huge hit! So worth every dime compared to the regular slip n' slides. You definitely get what you pay for! Definitely will buy another one in the future to have double the fun! I saw people review saying the slide had parts that were dry. Not sure how that was unless it was set up oddly. Ours stayed covered with water from morning to night without issues." —Christina Love Venhorst
Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in four styles).
14. Create some much-needed shade with a triangular sail that also block UV rays. With 10 sizes and 13 colors and patterns, there's something for every aesthetic.
The corners of the sails have D rings so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.
Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant, hasn't faded, and the loops are well stitched. The sail has also faired well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. Shade is wonderful and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel compliments our pool area and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC Media
Get it from Amazon for $24.98+ (available in six sizes and 13 colors/patterns).
15. Take an extremely comfortable nap outside with a quilted hammock that comes with a detachable pillow. Each hammock can hold up to 450 pounds, so grab a loved one and get to snuggling.
What's included: One pillow, two chains, and two S-shaped hooks.
Promising review: "T.H.I.S I.S. A.W.E.S.O.M.E, in fact I’m laying in it right now as I write this! We vacationed in a beautiful hotel which had hammocks at the beach and courtyards and we enjoyed them SO MUCH that I wanted to get one like it for home. I figured the hotel ones were special/expensive and when browsing online this looked close enough. Well, SCORE, because this is just like the hotel’s! Actually it's better because this has an attachable pillow! So comfy, so pretty, so sturdy, great quality, just awesome. Staycation break anytime we want! Everyone in our family LOVES it so much and I’m thrilled to have it at home." —Leah
Get it from Amazon for $56.99+ (available in 12 colors/prints).
16. Keep kids — and frankly the whole family — entertained for hours with a nine-pattern sprinkler. A product that does double duty by watering the lawn *and* keeping family members busy? We'll take 10, please!
Promising review: "I love ALL my Dramm garden and yard products. They are made incredibly well and priced very reasonably and beautiful, to boot! This sprinkler has several patterns to choose from to include a nice one that provides great coverage for a bed right in front of the house. Plus it's just fun to play in. I love it!" —REB
Get it from Amazon for $23.97+ (available in six colors).
17. If mosquitoes are a problem, try an outdoor candle that'll keep bugs away because it's infused with citronella oil. Each seven-ounce candle is made from 100% soy wax, natural essential oils, and two cotton wicks.
There are three scents to choose from, though if you want to use it as a bug repellent definitely get the citronella and lemongrass scent.
Backyard Candles is a small batch candle company based in Connecticut making handmade, eco-friendly candles.
Get it from Backyard Candles for $20.
18. Set up a game of cornhole with a set that comes with eight bean bags. Each kit includes a carrying bag, so you can easily set up a game when the mood strikes.
The set comes with two regulation-size boards, eight bean bags, and a carrying case.
Promising review: "This is a very solid set and should be very durable if you keep it out of the elements. The surface seems to be slick enough to allow the bags to slide some, but not too much. I am well pleased." —Rob Armbruster
Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in three patterns).
19. Create a comfy spot to relax in an instant with a lounge chair you inflate just by whipping it in the wind. The patented design uses "anti-deflation technology" that promises to keep the lounge chair inflated for at least five to six hours, and comes with a stake for easy securing to the ground once inflated.
Promising review: "I'm not a small person, and I wasn't sure how it would hold me, but this chair is wonderful. I have used it all over! I took it camping, I took it to the beach, and I even sometimes blow it up and use it in my living room while watching TV. The hardest part is getting out of it gracefully!" —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $37.98+ (available in 16 colors and patterns).
20. Illuminate your outdoor space with a solar-powered lantern that looks as good on as it does off. The light charges via the sun throughout the day and will automatically turn on at night and work for up to eight hours.
DestinysLab is a woman-owned business in Portland, Oregon that specializes in handmade, solar-powered outdoor metal lanterns.
Promising review: "Stunningly beautiful at night along the driveway and in our patio courtyard through the front gate in the planting area with just one on each side. All of the comments from neighbors have been very positive and it helps (if you live in a community that all the houses are similar) to spot our house for deliveries of food and such. Couldn't be happier!" —paulajames224
Get it from DestinysLab on Etsy for $39.99.
21. Keep your friends busy for hours with a giant 4 Connect game, because who doesn't like yard games!?!
Promising review: "This game has provided many hours of fun for family. The first day I received this, my son and husband played for four hours straight. It is a super competition and makes you think several moves ahead. Best money I have spent in a long time. The game is constructed well." —D McCormick
Get it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in two sizes).
22. Give your porch or deck a boho look with a hanging hammock chair that reviewers swear is so comfortable. It comes with everything you need to mount it, so no trips to the hardware store will be necessary.
Promising review: "Hands-down the most comfortable hammock we've ever been in. Something about this chair puts you into REM sleep almost immediately because of how amazing it feels. One friend described it like being hugged by a cloud." —Never Wrongr
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four colors).
23. Add some color to your balcony or outdoor space with a patio bistro set. Its powder-coated steel frame will hold up really well against the elements for years, and it comes in seven beautiful colors.
Promising review: "So I have this tiny balcony for a studio apartment and I wanted something cute to fill up the space. This set is the most affordable and there were so many choices of colors. When I went for a walk around my apartment complex, I noticed some of the neighbors have the exact same set. Since my balcony is so small and I rarely have visitors, I only set up one of the chairs. I plan to get a small succulent next to decorate it." —Bunny
Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in seven colors).
24. Keep warm during cool nights with an oversized blanket. Many people use to use for everything from impromptu picnics to outdoor yoga, too!
Promising review: "Purchased this blanket to keep in my car for the impromptu picnic or beach visit. I love the colors and that it has a handmade look to it. It’s lightweight and is softer than other blankets this style. All and all very happy with my purchase!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six styles).
25. To add ambience, consider a tiki torch to your outdoor gatherings. It'll also keep mosquitoes away if you use a special torch fuel designed to keep bugs at bay.
26. Get a pool float in the shape of a giant unicorn to laze about the pool in style. Most pool floats are pretty small so you run the risk of falling off, but this one is basically a blowup bed that you sink into.
Promising review: "This floaty is huge! It’s big enough for an adult to lie on and not even touch the water. It doesn’t have a hole in the middle so it’s super comfortable. My friend's 5-year-old daughter loved it too! I’ve had it for over a month now, used several times with no issues at all." —Kelsey
Get it from Amazon for $36.99.
27. Set up a picnic table for your squirrel friends, because what's cuter than a picnic for your bushy tailed buds? Each picnic table is handmade in Ohio using high quality materials.
Delgado Handcrafted Treasures is a family-owned small business based in Akron, Ohio making handmade woodcrafts and yard art.
Promising review: "This is the most precious little picnic table I have ever seen! I smile every time I look outside my window and see my favorite squirrel having a buffet. Juan was unbelievably fast in making and sending this feeder to me. I am so pleased with the attention to detail and craftsmanship. Will absolutely be doing business with him again!" —Grace
Get it from Delgado Handcrafted Treasures on Etsy for $27.
28. Host the best game nights ever with an oversized block-stacking game. Sure, Jenga is cool. But if you want to raise the stakes imagine Jenga but five feet tall.
29. Cool down on hot days with a splash pad that only requires a hose to work. It's designed for kids, but the the whole family — especially fur babies — can partake. All you do is plug your hose into it and then you've got yourself a private waterpark.
You after your backyard becomes so cool that you become a backyard influencer.
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.