Clever, Cheap Things You Didn't Know About That'd Make Your Backyard a Heck of a Lot Better

Set an ambient mood for al fresco dining using this cheap patio umbrella light whose cordless design eliminates messy-looking cords. The dimmable fixture has 28 LED lights and offers three brightness levels to suit different outdoor activities. It’s battery-operated and fits most standard umbrella poles using a strong adjustable clamp.

These solar stair lights are a cheap but effective way to illuminate an outdoor staircase and upgrade your backyard. The triangular lights come in a pack of six and charge for five hours in direct sunlight to produce up to 10 hours of light once dusk hits. They are weatherproof to withstand the elements and include strong 3M tape and mounting screws for easy installation.

If you spend most of the summer covered in mosquito bites, you will appreciate these clever mosquito repellent coils. Each includes a holder, burns for up to seven hours, and covers a 10-foot radius. The coils’ green color seamlessly blends with the outdoors, and the repellent is an excellent choice for a patio, porch, or pool area.

These solar garden lights look like clusters of fireflies as they gently sway in the wind. They consist of flexible iron wires and heavy-duty round bulbs that produce a warm white glow. The solar lights are heat and moisture-resistant, and since they are powered by the sun, they don’t require any plugs or extension cords.

Not only does this portable metal table lamp look incredibly chic, but it’s highly practical, too. It’s dimmable and offers three light colors to choose from: white, neutral, and warm light. The lamp has a built-in battery that powers it for up to 30 hours on a full charge, and features an indicator light that’s red while the lamp charges and green once it’s ready for use.

Stop tablecloths from being blown off tables by clipping on these adorable tablecloth weights. They consist of stainless steel clips that hold black cast iron birds that can flawlessly add to your party decor. Four weatherproof and windproof bird weights arrive per set.

Late night grilling is about to get easier with this pair of magnetic grill lights. Each battery-operated light is waterproof and features nine bright LEDs that produce a wide beam of light. The flexible goosenecks allow you to rotate the lights 360 degrees and the magnetic base creates a secure attachment on any flat magnetic surface.

Anchor a seating arrangement on the deck or patio with this patterned outdoor rug. It’s constructed from a plastic straw that’s waterproof for durability and smooth for comfort underfoot. The rug is lightweight, fade-resistant, and can be rinsed with water to remove dirt, stains, and pollen.

This compact tabletop fire pit is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, meaning you can enjoy s’mores rain or shine! It has a streamlined design, a heat-resistant cement construction, and burns for up to 70 minutes. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about ashes, smoke, or odors — this tabletop fire pit delivers all the fun of a real fire minus the cleanup.

An outdoor grill can be a hefty investment, so use this pumice griddle cleaning stone to keep it nice and clean. The set includes four pumice stones, which can be used up to three times to remove grease, dirt, rust, and grime. The heat-resistant handle protects your hand while you clean, and unlike a grill brush, you don’t have to worry about loose bristles accidentally ending up in your grilled dishes.

Take outdoor entertaining to the next level with this set of inflatable serving bars. Each bar is made of thick vinyl for durability and can be filled with ice to chill drinks and snacks on a hot summer day. Arriving with their own pump, these bars can be deflated for space-saving storage when not being used.

For maximum safety replace real candles with this pair of flameless pillar candles. They are waterproof and suitable for outdoor use, and create a realistic flickering effect for a cozy ambience. The battery-operated candles come with a remote control which can be used to set a timer, adjust brightness, and turn them on and off.

This clever bag holder stand makes backyard cleanup a breeze; The heavy-duty metal stand holds any 39–45 gallon plastic or paper bag to make trash and leaf pickup easier. It’s portable, you can disassemble it for space-saving storage, and it’s versatile enough to double as a laundry bag holder.

For a magical backyard accent, get this butterfly solar lantern. The copper lantern features butterfly-shaped cutouts that cast lovely shadows whether you place it on the ground or hang it up. It automatically charges during the day to give off up to eight hours of light at night, and has a waterproof, thickened metal construction that ensures it doesn’t rust or blow away.

Bonfires get a colorful twist with these magical flame packets that turn any wood-burning fire into an array of rainbow-colored flames. Each packet burns for an hour, after which more can be added to continue the vibrant flame display. The flame packets are safe for indoor and outdoor wood-burning fires, and you can toss in as many as three at a time.

Add comfort and a stylish touch to an outdoor seating area with a set of these waterproof throw pillow covers. They are made of breathable and quick-drying polyester and are specifically designed for outdoor use. The covers have hidden zippers to keep inserts in place and they are machine-washable for easy care.

Store, transport, and serve snacks with ease using this genius lidded serving tray. Made from durable BPA-free plastic, it includes eight removable compartments and has a clear lid with a handle for convenient carrying. To make sure your picnic snacks stay fresh and don’t attract pests, the lid has four snap-buckles and a silicone seal that create a tight closure.

Create a unique pathway through your backyard using a turtle stepping stone. Also available in a frog shape, this stone is crafted from heavy-duty cast iron. The stepping stone is flat, sturdy, and easy to walk on. The material is water-resistant, and the tops of each stone feature a carved pattern that adds a beautiful detail. One arrives per purchase.

Light candles and start bonfires with ease thanks to this rechargeable electric lighter. It has an extra-long wand for practicality and charges fully in just 60 minutes. Unlike an old-school gas lighter, this one is flameless, odorless, and windproof. It’s also designed with safety in mind and takes six clicks to activate it.

Use this sun and water shield spray to prolong the lifespan of your outdoor furniture. The spray repels rain and snow, helps reduce fading, and can be applied to everything from seat cushions and umbrellas to boat covers. It dries odorless and should be reapplied seasonally for a lasting effect.

Line a backyard pathway with these solar sunflower lights that make for a charming landscaping accent. Each stem features three large and very realistic sunflowers that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, producing up to 15 hours of light on a full charge. The stakes are made of strong and sturdy stainless steel and the solar sunflowers are suitable for year-round use thanks to their weatherproof construction.

Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, cook ribs to succulent perfection by placing them in this standing BBQ rib rack. It’s made from heavy-duty steel wire and has five built-in slots to hold different sizes of meat. The sturdy construction prevents tipping, and the metal rack is dishwasher-safe for quick post-meal cleanup.

Seamlessly move the party from the patio to the pool with these floating wine glasses. They come in a set of two and are made of tritan, a virtually indestructible, shatterproof type of plastic. The glasses hold 18 ounces each, feature an elegant shape, and have a flat stemmed base for when you want to rest them on a table or pool edge.

Keep any slim 12-ounce can chilled by slipping it in this slim can cooler. Not only is it available in a bunch of cool colors for a fun personal statement, its insulated stainless steel walls keep beverages ice cold and prevent condensation. Plus it’s a reviewer favorite with more than 55,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Replace a traditional fly swatter with this way cooler tool: the Zap It bug zapper. The electric racket-style swatter is rechargeable and, since it has a built-in LED light, can be used day and night. It delivers up to 10,000 zaps on a full charge, destroying mosquitoes, flies, and other pests when they come into contact with the 4,000-volt mesh grid.

Serve drinks from these stainless steel pint cups to avoid having to clean up shattered glass. They come in a pack of five and are an outdoor entertaining must-have. Each unbreakable cup holds 16 ounces and can be tossed in the dishwasher for quick cleanup. The cups are durable and rust-proof, and even have nonslip bottoms to protect surfaces.

This outdoor pocket blanket is a must-have for backyard picnics as well as beach and camping trips. The lightweight polyester blanket is waterproof, and it comes with a handy little storage bag you can attach to a backpack using the carabiner. As a bonus, it’s designed for sand to shake right off. The blanket stays in place thanks to the four corner pockets you can fill with sand or stones to weigh it down.

These charming outdoor solar string lights feature 50 LED flower lights that’ll turn your backyard into a magical fairy garden. Stretch the string lights to hang or arrange them to look like clusters of flowers — they look lovely either way and automatically turn on at dask after charging throughout the day. The string lights are waterproof for durability and safe for both indoor and outdoor use.

For hours of fun for the whole fam, get this hilarious “You Laugh You’re Out” game — all you need is four players who are 14 and older. It includes 125 prompt cards that tell you what funny action you have to act out in 30 seconds to make the other players laugh. Whoever laughs most loses. The game is easy to learn, fun to play, and a great activity for any backyard get-together.

Place these mosquito dunks in containerized standing water such as a rain barrel, bird bath, or gutters. They contain an ingredient that’s toxic to mosquito larvae but is nontoxic to other animals and humans. The dunks come in a six-pack, work for 30 days each, and treat an area of 100 square feet of surface water.

Install this triangular sun shade sail so you can enjoy your outdoor space while being shielded from the sun. It has a curved edge design that prevents sagging and is made of breathable fabric that blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays. The sun shade sail allows for optimal air flow so the space underneath it is cooler, less humid, and comfortable than if the sun were beating down on it.

This solar turtle garden statue is a sweet accent for an empty patio corner or a patch of landscaping that could use a little personality. The resin statue features beautiful detailing and holds seven colorful succulents that are solar LED lights. Turn on the solar light during the day so it can charge and produce up to 10 hours of illumination once the sun goes down.

Display greenery in these beautiful flower pots that feature a two-tone design and a modern matte finish. The pots are made of solid plastic and have a detachable drainage tray to help prevent root rot and encourage plants to flourish. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and are available in multiple colors and sizes to best fit your color scheme.

Light this beautiful citronella candle to repel mosquitoes and other pesky insects from your backyard. The three-wick candle is made with soy wax and scented with citronella and lemongrass essential oil for a long-lasting 125 hour burn. The candle comes in a lovely lidded ceramic container that’s adorned with a sweet floral design and can be reused once the candle has been used up.

These nonstick grill mats will help you get the perfect grill marks while minimizing messes. They happen to be a reviewer favorite with more than 14,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. They can handle heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and are thick and durable enough to provide up to 1,000 uses per side.

If an island getaway is not in the budget right now, this inflatable pool lounger is the next best thing. It has a large ribbed base and includes a detachable headrest so you can float away in comfort. Two cup holders keep you hydrated while you work on your tan. The extra-large pool lounger is made of thick, UV-resistant PVC and comes in multiple vibrant color variations.

Chill cans and bottles on ice in this acrylic oval party tub. It’s made of clear acrylic, holds multiple large bottles, and has two easy-grip handles for easy carrying without spills. The open top keeps beverages within reach. Because the tub is made of food-grade materials, it cleverly doubles as a punch bowl for indoor and outdoor parties.

Enjoy a relaxing pool day with a beverage in hand — or floating by your side in this genius floating drink holder. The neoprene holder fits standard cans and bottles of any height, and includes a built-in rope so you can attach it to your pool float. Each package includes two medium-sized drink holders in a fun tropical leaf print pattern.

Protect your favorite picnic dishes with these dome-shaped mesh food covers. They come in a set of six, have a sturdy frame, and are collapsible for space-saving storage once the party’s over. The covers are reusable, which makes them a sustainable and money-saving alternative to disposable plastic wrap or foil. You can also use them to shield plants in your garden from bugs and backyard animals.

Get the pool party started with this portable bluetooth pool speaker that floats in water and has 360 degree surround sound. It also changes color and has eight modes to choose from — including slow and fast flashing color and a more chill color gradient mode. The speaker has garnered thousands of positive customer reviews, with shoppers commenting on the great value for money, high quality sound, and beautiful pool aesthetic it creates.

Get ready for this hanging hammock chair to be your new favorite hangout spot. It’s made of a cotton-polyester blend for comfort and includes a metal spreader bar that securely holds the chair ropes and supports up to 500 pounds. The hammock chair comes with a matching drawstring bag for convenient storage. Unlike a regular hammock, the chair is much more versatile in that it doesn’t require two trees for setup.

Rather than leaving spare keys under the door mat, hide them inside this fake rock. It’s molded from poly-resin and looks incredibly realistic, resembling an actual rock in size, texture, and color. The only difference? This one has a secret compartment inside that’s large enough to hide a standard set of house keys.

These reusable BBQ pouches are designed to make grilling easier. They have a nonstick mesh construction, snap buttons to contain food, and are heat-resistant. The bags are suitable for most types of grills, including charcoal, electric, and gas. Not only do they make flipping items easier, but they prevent food from falling through the grates and causing stuck-on messes.

Drop tongs and other grilling utensils on this heat-resistant silicone grilling tool rest to keep surfaces clean and scratch-free. It has raised edges to contain excess liquids and built-in prongs to hold unlocked tongs. The silicone surface is nonstick, large enough to hold a pair of tongs and a slotted turner, and conveniently dishwasher-safe.

Instead of burning your hands or fiddling with flimsy forks, shred meat effortlessly using these stainless steel meat claws. The ergonomic claws come in a pair and have easy-grip handles that are comfortable to hold and provide good control. Each claw has six sharp tips that separate meat quickly to save you time and prevent wrist strain.

Have an epic outdoor movie night courtesy of this mini portable projector. It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices, has built-in speakers, and includes a remote control you can use to adjust the projection screen size from 25% to 100%. Shoppers say the projector is easy to set up and they appreciate the high quality given its compact size and budget-friendly price tag.

Project the big game or everyone’s favorite movie on this 150-inch projection screen that’s suitable for outdoor use. The foldable screen has a wrinkle-free design to prevent annoying creases and only takes a couple of minutes to set up. It includes ropes, hooks, nails, and double-sided tape for easy mounting on flat interior and exterior walls.

Every pool party needs a cute float, and it doesn’t get any cuter than this giant pink flamingo pool float. It’s extra-large and designed to fit one adult or two kids, supporting up to 200 pounds in total. Because floats can be a pain to inflate, this one is designed with ease in mind and features a large valve that allows you to inflate and deflate the flamingo five times faster than usual.

Set an inviting mood for an outdoor gathering with the help of these outdoor fairy lights. The LED lights are battery-powered and attached to a metallic wire that’s easy to bend. This flexibility helps if you want to get creative and arrange them in a lantern or use them as part of a centerpiece. They give off a warm white light and include a remote control to operate them from a distance. The remote can also help adjust brightness, set timers, or shut your lights off for the night.

Protect the area under your grill with this thickened grill mat. It has a multi-layer design which consists of fiberglass surrounded by a waterproof, heatproof, and oilproof silicone coating. The mat lays flat and can easily be washed with soapy water and rinsed with a garden hose.

Attach a garden hose to this rotating garden sprinkler that covers an area as large as 3,600 square feet. It rotates 360 degrees and offers a high and low-speed mode depending on how much watering the yard needs. The three arms are fully adjustable so you can create a customized spray pattern. You can also connect multiple sprinklers to cover a larger area.

Get this portable hammock and set up a comfy resting spot, whether you’re in the backyard or away camping. Made of lightweight nylon, the hammock is rip-resistant, holds 500 pounds, and only takes a minute to set up using the provided carabiners. A built-in storage pocket doubles as a storage bag for this hammock, which is an Amazon fan favorite with more than 45,000 five-star reviews.

Grilling is made easier with these rolling grilling baskets that can hold a ton of chopped veggies, meats, and seafood. They are made of sturdy and rust-proof stainless steel and can be tossed in the dishwasher once you’re done cooking. The reusable baskets are compatible with a variety of grills, including charcoal. This two-pack also includes an oil bottle, two small food forks, two hooks, two silicone brushes, and a storage bag.

Get the look for less with this checkered picnic blanket that looks just like a much pricier version. In addition to its ultra-soft fleece surface, the blanket’s three-layer design includes a soft sponge layer for comfort and a PEVA lining that makes it waterproof. For storage and travel purposes, you can roll it into a cylinder shape and secure it the built-in straps.

Use this bamboo tray table for al fresco backyard dining, whether that’s breakfast on the patio or dinner under the stars. The tray table is constructed from 100% natural bamboo and has raised edges to prevent dishes from slipping off. There are built-in carrying handles on each side and the table legs fold down to save space when the table is not in use.