35 Backyard Investments That Turn Every Weekend Into A Staycation

Promising review: "As the sun sets and the evening breeze gently rustles through your garden, these lights come to life, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven." —April

Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in packs of two, four, six, eight, and 10).

3. A canopy swing that rocks and swings and provides you with shade on extra sunny days. 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!! 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 $259.99 (available in 18 colors).

4. A solar-powered bird feeder with a built-in AI-powered camera so you can keep tabs on all your feathered friends without scaring them off. It even sends real-time notifications, so you'll know exactly when that beautiful blue jay shows up for round two.

Promising review: "I love watching birds, and I was so excited when I set up the bird feeder and saw the first visitors the very next day! The camera works perfectly, and the video quality is great — everything is visible in detail. My kids and I have a blast watching the videos together! We're amazed by the clarity and how close we can see the birds. It's like having a nature documentary right in our backyard. Highly recommend it to any bird lover!" —Shustric

Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three colors).

5. A bag of Scott's lawn food for turning your patchy, meh-looking grass into the envy of the neighborhood. It feeds your grass and contains iron, which is what'll give it a deep, rich color in just a few days. It's basically lawn care with instant gratification.

Make sure you get a fertilizer spreader to use this!

Promising review: "This product works. Our lawn was yellow and brown. We followed the instructions to the letter. Watered the lawn after application. After the third day, our neighbors noticed how green the lawn was. Happy to have purchased this product, and we bought another bag for the spring project." —dilimanqc

"I have been using this fertilizer for the past four years; has not burned the lawn, has a quick green up within couple of days. Proud of the way it makes my lawn look. I highly recommend." —hellbent

Get it from Amazon for $33.24+ (available in two sizes and in a liquid).

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. 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 $119.99+ (available in three colors).

9. 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.

SWOOC Games is a small biz specializing in game sets, many of which are outdoor-safe.

Promising review: "Our family loves Yahtzee, but Yardzee was so much more fun! It is like a giant lifesize game. It was so much fun to play outside as a family. We had ages 7–65 playing and enjoying the game. As a homeschooler, I also love that it sneaks in math and writing." —The Waldock Way

Get them from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two dice sizes).

10. An outdoor furniture set with a sofa, two chairs, and two ottomans so you can make sure your backyard is as inviting as your living room. The sofa and chairs offer ample seating for guests, while the ottomans serve double duty as extra seating or a spot to kick up your feet.

Promising review: "This patio furniture is great for the price. One of the better-known brands would sell a set like this for about $2,500–$3,000. It took a long time to put together by myself, but it was well worth the effort. My sister is on the market for patio furniture, and I recommended this set to her." —Ant Rico

Get it from Amazon for $791.99+ (available in two colors and with or without arms on the side chairs).

11. A chic black and white outdoor rug to instantly transform your outdoor space into a scene right out of The White Lotus. Not only does it add a touch of pizzazz, but it's also made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements.

Promising review: "Delivered exactly as described. This is a really beautiful outdoor rug that adds coziness and pop to my deck. I put heavy items around the rug's perimeter for a day to help flatten the edges. Great price for a great quality rug." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $37+ (available in 15 sizes and three colors).

12. 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 $41.64+ (available in four sizes).

13. 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 $28.49+ (clip the coupon on the product page to save 5%; available in three styles).

14. A two-burner griddle grill to make sure you have a delicious spread of food every time you host meals al fresco. No need to hurry into the house to get to cooking — with this you can stay outside with your pals and enjoy what's going on.

Amazon

Promising review: "My whole family and I recently went to Miami for a quick vacation, and we had a barbecue, so I decided to order this grill for my house to cook on my back porch. One of the best things about this grill is it’s so easy to move — anyone can move it from one place to another. My wife and I assembled this, and it took us about 35–40 minutes to put together, and it was so easy to assemble. I cannot wait to use this grill with my family and friends." —NP

Get it from Amazon for $149.99.

15. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge specifically designed for little kids, though folks have figured out they work great for dogs, too.

We've been seeing people's pets enjoying these all over TikTok! It is designed for kids ages 3–8.

Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this item and the matching picnic table and chairs. However the cabana is much more difficult to assemble then the picnic table set. There was a step in which two people were absolutely required and you need a cordless screwdriver and hammer. My granddaughter loves them and I absolutely would recommend this purchase to anyone." —Terri

Get it from Amazon for $102.19+ (available in two colors).

16. 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 $109.99+ (available in five colors and with a flat or fluted surface).

17. A pack of solar-powered path lights to stick into the ground so your pathways are always beautifully lit once the sun sets. Because they're powered by the sun, you never need to worry about running out of battery or turning them on at night. It all happens automatically!

Promising review: "These are great lights. We use them in our front and backyard. They are long-lasting and create a resort-like appearance." —Michele

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $32.93 (also available in a pack of eight).

18. An inflatable dinosaur water play center for transforming your backyard into a miniature waterpark. It has a slide with a landing pad and a movable dinosaur arch water sprayer to keep everyone cool.

Promising review: "Was looking for something to keep us busy and cool in our backyard. This is incredible, and my son (20 months) absolutely loves it! There's so much to keep us busy, from the ball toss to the misting slide. I even laid on it to sunbathe, and it was comfortable, lol. Really excited to use this for the summer and have people over to enjoy it with us!! If you’re on the fence, let this be your sign to buy! ☀️" —Ashley Edberg

Get it from Amazon for $55.21.

19. Some color-changing inflatable pool balls to illuminate your pool all night. They're solar-powered and will last about eight hours on a single charge.

Amazon

Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.

Promising review: "My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun, they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk (it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you want to hang them. They would be magical, hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." —J. Matheson

Get a set of four from Amazon for $69.99 (be sure to clip the 20% off coupon).

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

Promising review: "This set was just what I needed to add a pop of color to my porch. It seems sturdy and tolerant of extreme weather conditions. My friends and neighbors love the bright yellow." —Judith J.

Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in seven colors).

21. A portable 100-inch movie screen to host outdoor movie nights. Now that a lot of movies are premiering on streaming services instead of exclusively in theaters, you can have your own red carpet opening night (ball gowns and tuxedos optional).

Promising review: "I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend." —Kathi

Get it from Amazon for $88.95+ (available in two sizes).

22. 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 canopy here and 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).

23. A triangular sail to block harmful UV rays while providing your outdoor space with necessary shade. A simple way to create a cool, relaxing area during those hot days when the sun is just relentless.

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 and hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. The 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 $23.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns).

24. 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.

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 three sizes and two finishes).

25. A set of eight solar-powered jar lanterns filled with string lights to create a whimsical outdoor experience every time the sun goes down. The battery life can be maintained for more than 500 cycles of charging, so these will be the stars of the show for at least a few summers.

Promising review: "Very fun for garden decor. Have held up nicely through summer rain storms and continue to shine bright. Worked really well for a garden party." —Melissa

Get a nine-pack from Amazon for $39.99 (also available in packs of 12).

26. A gas firepit table so you can keep warm on chilly nights. 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. It's a good size and 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+ (clip the coupon on the product page to save $30; available in two sizes).

27. A pack of waterproof playing cards to keep yourself occupied during those long lazy days. No need to worry about drink spills or sudden spring showers. Oh, and they can double as drink coasters if you're in a pinch.

amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These playing cards are a HIT. I take them out with me for social events and when visiting people, even to the beach. We just play and play. So you can get them wet, and they won't soggy up and tear. It just becomes a little hard to shuffle. It is so cool that they look like you can see right straight through them, but you can't." —Tabitha

Get them from Amazon for $6.97.

28. A small wicker couch and matching ottoman with storage. It's wide enough for two, so grab a loved one and get to cuddling.

Promising review: "I am pleased with this product so far. The cushions are comfy and it's a good height for sitting. Assembly was easy and didn't take long. I can't wait to enjoy more days on my porch with this set." —Kathrin Kimmons

Get it from Amazon for $134.99+ (clip the coupon on the product page to save 5%; available in four cushion colors).

29. A cornhole set with major retro vibes to keep guests entertained for hours on end. This will be the VIP when everyone's waiting around for their burgers to come off the grill during dinner time.

Shop Cornhole / Etsy, Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

Shop Cornhole is a small business specializing in unique and personalized cornhole sets.

I recently moved into a home with a backyard that's great for entertaining, and as soon as winter ended, I knew I needed this cornhole set. It's surprisingly lightweight, nice to look at, and sturdy enough to handle a bunch of excited kids. Speaking of which, mine think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. A solid investment in our backyard fun!

Promising review: "We love our new cornhole set! We used it for the first time yesterday and were pleased with the quality and appearance of the boards. They're beautiful and I love the natural colors. We look forward to using it at my sister's wedding in a couple of weeks. Thank you!!!" —Vanessa Weseman

Get it from Shop Cornhole on Etsy for $229.99 (available in 19 bag colors).

30. Some interlocking teak tiles for creating a patio in your backyard — no tools or glue are required. The tiles just snap together. Teak is also a 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 that 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 $81.99.

31. 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 $18.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 16 colors).

32. A very pretty garden bench so you have a lovely place to take a seat. Whether strategically placed on your porch or plopped down in the middle of your garden, it's sure to turn heads with its unique design and available colors.

Promising review: "Its sturdy construction and classic design make it a standout piece for any patio. The robust cast-iron and steel frame ensure longevity, while the generous size accommodates comfortable seating. Elevate your outdoor space with this timeless and reliable garden bench." —Zhang_Shawn

Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in six colors).

33. A pack of sunflower seeds with nine varieties to turn your garden into an oasis for honeybees, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Each package has over 1,000 seeds and can cover up to 325 square feet. Sprinkle, sprinkle!

Created by Nature is a small business based in Oregon that sells customized wildflower seed packets inspired by each of the National Parks and designed to give back to nature’s bounty.

Promising review: "Planted a handful of the seeds in our front lawn area. A few months later, we had a spectacular color array. Great flowers!" —Shane

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

34. A very cool retro-esque umbrella to add some old Hollywood energy to your backyard. Most patio umbrellas have a simple design and are a solid color, but they don't have to be that way! Use this instead to really up the glam.

Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas.

Check out aTikTok of the umbrella in action.

Promising review: "This is exactly what we were looking for! An umbrella that's not only sturdy but easy to carry (comes with a backpack carrier), easy to set up, and provides excellent protection from the sun. It’s perfect for casual sunbathing in your backyard or a full day at the beach. Highly recommend!" —Sheila

Get it from Amazon for $116.86+ (available in six colors).

35. And a clip-on light for your patio's umbrella, because sometimes a great day in your backyard turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination.