32 Things That’ll Help You Make The Most Out Of Your Backyard In These Final Days Of Summer

Promising review: "Instantaneous results. Once the light came on, anything flying was immediately drawn to it. I only ran it for less than an hour and needed to clean the catcher bowl. Great product, especially in South Florida where mosquitoes are immune to every spray that's been created." —Glu Mobile

Get it from Amazon for $35.99.

3. Or a Thermacell mosquito repellent if you want a peaceful backyard hang without the high-drama zapping soundtrack. This tiny but mighty device will create a 20-foot no-bug zone without a whiff of citronella or a single sticky spray. It's also rechargeable and cordless.

This comes with two 12-hour cartridges. You can buy refills here.

Promising review: "I had a backyard party, and wanted to make sure my guests didn’t get eaten alive by mosquitoes, so I asked everyone I know for ideas. Three different people recommended Thermacell, and I’m so glad they did! They work great, and no one said anything about mosquitoes! Now I use it whenever I’m weeding my garden or just sitting on my deck!" —C Cler

Get it from Amazon for $28.74+ (available in six styles).

4. A colorful three-piece patio set for when you're dealing with limited space but want a cozy place to enjoy your morning cup of joe or meal al fresco. The bright color can create a nice focal point in an otherwise drab area of your outdoor space.

Promising review: "Perfect size for our quaint balcony space in our condo building. The vibrant chartreuse color couples perfectly with our retro robin egg door. Lightweight, already assembled, and super easy to clean. The price makes this set a no-brainer. (It's cheaper than Target and CB2, but it is equal in quality.) Awesome summer buy." —Nouvelle Mere

Get the set from Amazon for $99.74+ (available in six colors).

5. Some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist.

Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes).

6. Or a set of solar wind chimes for bringing a little glow and gentle sound to your outdoor space after dark. They charge during the day, then kick on automatically at night with soft, color-changing light.

Promising review: "Ok so I absolutely LOVE this! So much so, I have bought two more for gifts, lol. They shine wonderful amounts of light. The whole unit is lightweight. Hangs well and blows nicely in the wind. I could watch it for hours... and have. I see more orders in my future." —Fairy girl

Get it from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in 16 shapes).

7. A weed-puller tool to easily remove weeds from your garden or lawn. It's the bestselling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 46,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars.

Grampa's Gardenware Co. is a family-owned small business based in Oregon that makes gardening tools.

Promising review: "We just moved into a new home and I couldn’t find my Grandpa’s Weeder tool. My husband said he had gotten rid of it via donation, not knowing it’s something I’ve used for over 20 years! Well, needless to say, I found it here on Amazon and was sooo happy that I could replace it. I cannot weed without this tool, and honestly, I won’t even try. This gets the entire root of your weed and removes the possibility of it coming back! Once in a while, if a weed is super-sized, it may take more than one removal, but it really does a phenomenal job and saves my back, too. It’s also kinda fun to use." —Rachael

Get it on Amazon for $39.97.

8. A Western-inspired patio rug that looks like something you'd score at a desert flea market, but it's waterproof, reversible, and made from recycled plastic. The geometric pattern and swoon-worthy colors feel totally unexpected for an outdoor rug, and if it gets dirty, just hose it down and let it dry in the sun like the showoff it is.

Promising review: "This is the third one of these rugs I have bought over the last 10 years. Not because they wear out, but because I am adding to the stock. I use them on a covered screen porch, and they look so nice and are so durable that they are in place even in the winter." —Ms Lin Sewanee

Get it from Amazon for $45.74+ (available in 28 colors and 15 sizes).

9. A wicker bench with a cushion to turn any corner of your yard into a sit-and-stay-a-while spot. The weather-resistant frame and cushion will handle summer storms without a fuss, and its 700-pound capacity means it'll hold you, your favorite person, and maybe even a tray of lemonade with ease.

Promising review: "Holds over 600 pounds with ease, much nicer than the price point suggests. It's deep enough from front to back to sit comfortably. The cushion is comfortable, and the slight give of the weaving underneath the cushion makes a very soft, supportive seat. I am very, very impressed with the quality of this bench, especially considering that similar benches cost two to three times as much. I kind of expected this bench to have cut corners, and was very pleased to find that the quality is equal to much more expensive benches. I highly recommend this product!" —B Ba

Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in 14 color combos).

10. An artificial ivy privacy screen that'll make your fence, balcony, or unsightly wall look like it belongs in a secret garden instead of a parking lot. Using this is an easy way to add a little greenery and have a lot of coverage, all without having to plant a single thing.

Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down nor loosen up its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C.

Get it from Amazon for $69.99.

11. A roll of natural reed fencing to provide your outdoor space with some much-needed privacy without installing something permanent. Perfect for screening off your patio, balcony, or that spot where your neighbor's window looks directly onto your yard.

Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were woven with wire, which look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S.

Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in five sizes and two colors).

12. A hanging hammock chair, because sometimes you just need a main character moment and this is the chair that'll give it to you.

This swinging hammock chair comes with two cushions and installation hardware.

Promising review: "Back to basics — simple, chic, and comfortable. Perfect addition for the backyard, porch, or anywhere you'd like to lounge. There were no installation directions, but they do provide a number of options to work with based on your needs." —afytasuki

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors).

13. A vertical planter so you can grow herbs, strawberries, or flowers without giving up your whole patio. Just stack the five tiers, fill with soil, and plant up to 20 things in one tidy, compact tower.

Mr. Stacky is a small business that makes vertical plant growing products.

Promising review: "It is pretty sturdy, holds up to howling winds quite well. I did put regular topsoil in the bottom of the sections to add some weight to it (we live in a very gusty area). I then topped the sections of with potting soil. It's easy to water, sometimes to well at the bottom. ( I planted strawberry plants on top and seeded the bottom with taller herbs. It's a great addition to my gardens. I also ordered one for my mom, and she loves it just as much as I do." —Dave & Chessey

Get it from Amazon for $36.95 (available in more sizes and colors via their store page, including the pink option above).

14. Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights for turning your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space, they create an intimate setting that's both magical and inviting.

Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.

Promising review: "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. —D Kelly

Get it from Brightech on Amazon for $34.99+ (available in warm or soft light).

15. A narrow wicker chair to give you all the cozy, cocoon-like vibes of an egg chair — without eating up half your patio. It's just as comfy and stylish as the oversized versions, but way better at fitting into tight spots.

Promising review: "Loved this compact version of an egg chair. It it gorgeous and doesn’t take up too much space on the patio. It was very easy to put together and the instructions were clear and simple to read. This chair is very sturdy and doesn’t seem like it will unravel or break. The cushions are very plush and the covers unzip and can easily be cleaned in a washing machine. Overall, this purchase has been so worth it." —Evelyn Ndidi

Get it from Amazon for $141.95+ (available in three styles).

16. A pair of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that'll double as flickering torch lanterns, because music is great, but music with ambiance is even better. They're waterproof (bring on those summer showers), sync together for surround sound, and given serious "cozy evening under the string lights" energy.

Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF

Promising review: "I ordered waterproof speakers so I could sit outside, and I’m so glad I found these. They’re perfect for what I needed because they are similar to tiki torch lights that are already planted. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy. So far, so good, and I’m satisfied with my purchase." —applefir

Get it from Amazon for $74.99.

17. A foldable play set if you want a literal playground in your backyard. It has a slide, climbing wall, swing, monkey bars, rope wall climbing net, and a wooden ladder. Bonus: it works indoors or outside, so when the cold weather hits you can move it inside.

Amazon

Promising review: "Bought this for my 2-year-old's birthday. It was a HIT at her party. She uses every section regularly. We set it up outside for the summer and just brought it in for the fall! It can be used by several kids at once. As a buy-nothing queen, I was hesitant about the price but am satisfied." —Jonathan D

Get it from Amazon for $499+ (available in two sizes).

18. A colorful tree swing for you and the tiny tots in your life to create Hallmark movie–level memories. It's waterproof AND has a weight capacity of 900 pounds, so the whole gang can comfortably and safely use it together.

Promising review: "We've had this swing hanging in our tree out back for two years now. Our kids, and their friends, LOVE it. I love that it's large enough to accommodate a number of kids/people, and that it's held up so well over time. Would totally recommend." —Krystal

Get it from Amazon for $45.96.

19. A pair of breathable bamboo gloves that'll make you feel like a gardening pro. They're breathable, flexible, and grippy enough to keep a solid hold on your tools (or that stubborn weed that refuses to budge). Plus, they're made from bamboo, so your hands stay cool and comfy while you work your backyard magic.

Promising review: "I have bought many, many pairs of gardening gloves, hoping to protect my hands, but I put them on and end up taking them off. I simply do not like not being able to feel the plants I am working with or the texture of the planting material. These gloves are totally different. The black material on the fingers and palms protects my hands while still allowing me to feel the dirt. They are comfortably cool and fit well. I am an avid gardener, and these gloves are holding up and in use every day." —Amy D,

Get it on Amazon for $7.49+ (available in three sizes).

20. A pack of garden lights to beautifully light up your outdoor space when nighttime hits. Use these for practical purposes like illuminating a walkway, or just spread them throughout the garden to create a whimsical environment that looks like something out of a Tolkien novel.

They're solar-powered and automatically turn on at night!

Promising review: "I love the solar flowers. Their colors are vibrant, rotating, and an asset to my patio. People stop by to comment on their nighttime beauty!" —Ruth Lovely

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $25.99.

21. A wicker patio set that turns your space into a cozy little nook where you can sip your coffee and read an important piece of nonfiction...or just zone out while doomscrolling TikTok.

Promising review: "I love this loveseat ... when my cat is not hoarding it 😩 I spend so much time sitting longways on it, reading books. It’s lightweight but sturdy — I weigh over 200 pounds and feel supported while stretched out on it. It was also super easy to assemble. I normally hire someone to assemble anything that comes in pieces, but I was able to tackle this alone in about 45 minutes." —Brittney-Elizabeth Williams

Get it from Amazon for $93.70+ (available in four colors and 1-, 3-, or 5-piece sets).

22. A crack weeder tool to make your pathways, driveways, and patios like new again. The uniquely shaped head allows the tool to fit into tight cracks and grab weeds by the roots for easy removal.

Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

Garden Guru is a small business that sells lawn and garden tools.

After moving to the East Coast, I quickly learned that the stone pathways around my home are basically a spa retreat for moss and weeds. The cracks collect moisture, trap organic debris, and offer *just* enough shelter to help unwanted greenery flourish, especially with all the shade and rain we get. I didn't want my outdoor space to turn into a jungle, so I grabbed this tool and got to work. It's weirdly satisfying — kind of like flossing, but for your stone paths. The bent tip slides right into the cracks and pulls weeds out from the root, which helps keep them from coming back anytime soon. I've used it on my pathways, driveway, and anywhere else something tries to sprout where it shouldn't. The handle is comfortable, and it doesn't take much effort to use. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. If you've got hardscaping, you need this in your toolkit.

Get it from Amazon for $19.95.

23. A chic cooler that doubles as a side table to keep your drinks cool. Now you can kick back and relax instead of having to run into the house every time you want to crack open a cold one.

Promising review: "This thing is great and perfect to start off the spring/summer. We dumped a giant bag of ice in there and kept our drinks cold all afternoon. The swivel top is convenient and fun. Love that it’s a table and an aesthetically pleasing cooler." —Shana

Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in four colors).

24. A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly.

Pick up a sturdy rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it!

Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara Bushendorf

Get it from Amazon for $19.22+ (available in 10 sizes and 13 colors).

25. A gas firepit table so you can keep when the nights start to get chilly. It comes with a glass lid, so when the fire's not in use it 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 it together alone in 30–45 minutes 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 $199.99+ (available in two sizes and four styles).

26. A 21-inch Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts long enough — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome).

Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare.

A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage.

Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries.

Promising review: "I have about 1,500 sq. ft. yard and I have mowed it four times and the battery is at 50%. It does great on a 25% incline slope. It has so much power that I had to lower it to 50%. Best lawnmower I have ever owned. Highly recommend." —RchoHomeOwner

Get it from The Home Depot for $549.

27. A quilted hammock with a detachable pillow so you can take a nap under your favorite tree. Each hammock can hold up to 450 pounds, so grab a loved one and get to snuggling.

You can get the stand here!

What's included: One pillow, two chains, and two S-shaped hooks.

Promising review: "There is nothing more comfortable than being cradled and rocked in a hammock that is comfortable with its padded quilted canvas, built-in pillow, and the size built for two. The craftsmanship and anchors give you a secure feeling." —Just.Rob.Stone

Get it from Amazon for $67.40+ (available in seven colors).

28. A fully insulated, aesthetically pleasing cooler that'll be the hit of any backyard bbq you host. With a 45-quart capacity, it can hold all your favorite bevvies — because no one likes running inside for refills. It's got a built-in bottle opener, a drainage spout for easy cleanup, and a lid you can pop open for quick grabs or shut tight to keep things frosty.

Backyard Expressionsis a family-owned small business in Huntington Beach, California that sells outdoor furniture and decor.

Promising review: "This was easy to use. The wood is rustic and what I would call a carpenter's cut (rough cut). Easy to assemble. Great conversation starter." —Paul H.

Get it from Amazon for $108.99+ (available in two sizes and three styles).

29. A portable, Bluetooth-enabled outdoor speaker with all the bells and whistles you could possibly ever need. Can it play music nonstop for 24 hours on a single charge? Totes. Is it waterproof? Yes. Floatable? Uh-huh. Does it have a racetrack subwoofer with a max output of 80W? Heck yeah, it does!

Promising review: "I cannot understand how something this size can possibly produce such amazing, loud, clear sound and bass. It is a truly incredible device that I intend to use daily because it works well outside, too. Do not be deceived by the affordable price. It is significantly better than a $400 JBL. The battery life is great, too. If I want it loud, half the volume is all you need. If I want to blast my neighbors, 80%. I haven’t needed to push it further. The bass-up function is awesome. You’re gonna love this thing." —Rob and Piper

Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in three colors).

30. A canopy swing that'll rock and swing and provide you with shade on extra sunny days. It's zero gravity, so you'll feel weightless when you're all tucked in.

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!! It only took my hubby and me 25–30 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 $199.99+ (available in 14 colors).

31. A giant four-in-a-row game for keeping you and your guests entertained for hours. It's all-weather, designed to be quiet, and has a carrying case for storing when not in use.

Champion Sports is a family-owned and operated small business that's been operating out of New Jersey since 1961.

Promising review: "I bought this for the kids to play during cookouts. We have corn hole and other games as well, and I find myself playing this as much, if not more, than corn hole. Great quality, and it comes with a carrying bag to put away for easy storage and clean up." —Alan Rich

Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in two sizes).

32. And a set of giant wooden dice with a matching bucket to make your backyard feel like summer camp, minus the bug bites. You get six jumbo dice, a wooden bucket, and scorecards for games like Yardzee and Farkle — basically everything you need to entertain friends, kids, or very competitive grandparents.