1. A bottle of dog spot repair if your puppy has a favorite pee spot and it shows... This stuff will get new grass growin' in no time so you can get back to hosting BBQs.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: “We purchased this to fill some patches in our backyard that were damaged by our puppy. Works like a charm. The one caveat is that you really do have to water it a bit every day. Once it takes off though, it grows pretty quickly! Within one week of planting this, we had 1-inch long grass blades. One month later, all the patches are gone. Highly recommended!” —Jessica N.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

2. A Thermacell mosquito repellent that also serves as a light source so you can squeeze in more hours on the patio without getting eaten alive by bugs. It works for a 20-foot zone!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I live near water and have animals = I get bugs. With one of these placed at each of my doors or windows outside = I get no flying bugs inside. Finally. During winter, truly no flies inside. During summer, an occasional fly/mosquito slips through the circumference. Overall, it saved me one summer when we were getting 10 mosquito bites a day. After I started using this, no mosquito bites! (Dogs do not even notice its existence)." —Christine D.

Get it from Amazon for $44.44.

3. Plus, a tabletop fly fan that'll do the swatting at bugs for ya. Its steady breeze serves as a deterrent while you're just trying to enjoy the great outdoors on your patio. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

If you're looking for something more whimsical, consider this donut-shaped option. 

Promising review: "This product works well on outside tables to keep flies off of your food. We used it just last night, and it's lightweight and a great size. No assembling required; just add batteries." —SmileyReviews

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

4. Solar lights you can stake along a walkway or pond right where you need 'em. Lighting is key for getting more use out of your outdoor space. Oh, and they look nice in the daylight too!

www.amazon.com

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 it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in packs of four or eight).

5. Aroll of perma-mulch you can use around your garden beds and *keep* there because this stuff (made of recycled tires) imitates wood mulch but won't need replacing. If you have trouble sitting still while there's yard work that needs doing, you'll especially appreciate this. 

Wayfair

Promising review: "This faux mulch border was just what I was looking for. I wanted something simple (not elaborate) to keep my bark in place. It looks good and now I need to order more : )" —Eva

Get a 1'' H X 120'' W X 4.5'' D roll from Wayfair for $33.20 (also available in a tree ring or pathway).

6. A variety of sunflower seeds that might just turn your backyard into the #1 destination for graduation pics this year. 

www.amazon.com

Created by Nature is a small business!

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

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

7. A pair of matching containers you can set on your patio, along walkways, or around seating areas.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The weight of each pot is perfect. Light enough not to be heavy when filled with soil but sturdy enough not to get blown over too easily. The speckled finish is quite modern and can go with many different styles of decor. The only thing I’d ask for to be different is the drainage system… the holes are on a plateau inside the pot. This means that certain plants will suffer from root rot as there will be about an inch worth of standing water. As long as you’re careful though, this may not affect you. I have had these pots outside on an uncovered patio year round now.. they still look new." —A. C.

Get them from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four styles).

8. Some colorful flower pots that'll brighten up a railing or distract from other backyard elements you'd like to ignore. They have draining holes and hooks so the plants inside can ~thrive~ while they sit there looking pretty.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Used these for the outdoor herb garden in photo. They were a little smaller than I expected, but definitely fit my needs." —Katy

Get 10 from Amazon for $16.99.

9. A *nice* looking patio cooler with a built-in bottle opener and drainage spout so you'll no longer have to drag the coolers you use for soccer practice back and forth. 

Amazon

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 $120.99.

10. An outdoor rug built to weather rain and more can pull together decor for an outdoor room or just cover up an ugly surface.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect for our patio. Easy to clean and feels great on feet!!" —JS

Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in four sizes and seven colors).

11. Or, some interlocking teak tiles to cover up a hard surface that, tbh, is beyond visual help. They're great for rental properties because you can take them apart and take them with you when you move!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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.

12. A weather-resistant cedar pathway you can roll out along garden beds or other paths where your family (including the members with paws) tends to tread and wear down the grass.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Leaving mine out, so I did use landscape fabric and pea gravel under it. It keeps dogs from tracking in mud when it rains and from trampling my plants. Sturdy and convenient! I bought a second one. I love it so much." —Kindle Customer

Get an 8-foot path from Amazon for $74.95.

13. Waterproof globe string lights for a big style impact when hung along your roofline, draped on outdoor structures like a pergola, or just strung up solo so you can enjoy the lights *and* the stars.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs.

Promising review: "These lights were perfect for my patio, I've recieved plenty of compliments so far. The Edison light bulbs and beautiful and offer the perfect amount of lighting for any occasion...the clips were ideal for my eaves, the overhang of the roof, which made for simple installation...now just need to find a dimmer capable of handling the required wattage and the package will be complete." —Brody Vins

Get a strand from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in six styles and seven lengths).

14. A smaller-scale nice-looking shed if you don't have room for a full-fledged shed to stash recycling bins, bikes, a lawnmower, and other hefty tools.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Good quality. Easy to assemble. Parts are individually bagged and labeled. Holds two 32-gallon round barrels — which is what I wanted it for. Very compact, which was a factor for where i had to put it." —Joe in Brooklyn

Get it from Amazon for $279.98. Also check out a similar shed in several sizes to find the right one to fit your space and needs.

15. Some rust-stopping spray paint that'll help you refinish tired metal furniture for a weekend afternoon project that'll have a substantial payoff. Just look at that zhuzhed garden gate!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used this Gloss White to paint an old garden arch, gate and a trellis over a garden bench. It was just a dreary, tired black; the white changed the look and feel instantly. Definitely get the trigger grip accessory if your project takes more than one can — mine was eight cans and that grip was a great idea.The paint is a true bright white with a bit of a shine after it dries. I did have to do two full coats to completely cover the original black wrought iron, but there's no color bleed through as a result." —Dogs & Horses

Get it from Amazon for $15.94+ (available in a variety of metallic colors).

16. And some outdoor fabric spray paint (yes, you read that right) can refresh your outdoor pillows and cushions.

The Home Depot

Promising review: "Pricey but worth it! My patio cushion covers would have cost a fortune to replace, given their unique shape. This is the ONLY fabric spray that has EVER held true to its promise of preserving the fabric’s original soft texture. Shake Suddenly Sapphire well, it will need at least three coats for an even application because it comes out very fine. Example: I needed one whole can for the first coat on the tops and sides of two cushions. At $14 a can, it can get up there, but it’s still better than replacing cushions!" —Juanita

Get it from The Home Depot for $9.98 (available in eight colors).

17. An outdoor drink stakes set that'll hold your beer while you tend to the fire pit or check out how those burgers are faring on the grill. These are low-commitment so you won't have to deal with an ugly side table stuck haphazardly where you need it at the moment. 

Amazon

Promising review: "As always, my order was shipped quickly and in perfect condition. I love the bright colors and they are tall and sturdy. They are perfect for bottles, cabs, and cups... Not so good with stemmed wine glasses! No problem: I just ordered silicone stemless wine glasses!" —LaDonna Clark

Get a set of six from Amazon for $39.95. Or get a set made for stemmed wine glasses here.

18. Some bleach-free outdoor cleaner to spiff up your walkways and other surfaces you can likely tackle before you break out the pressure washer. Its foamy formula is totally safe around your precious plants 

www.amazon.com

Reviewers have successfully used this on fences, mesh outdoor chairs, Sunbrella chair cushions,decks, vinyl siding, and cedar siding.   

Promising review: "I first used this product about two years ago on the awning on my RV. That awning was so bad that I thought I was going to have to replace it. After using this Scott's product as directed, the mold and mildew completely disappeared. This product definitely works and it works GREAT! What more can I say — it saved me nearly $500." —R. Latreille

Get it from Amazon for $10.98. 

19. But if that isn't cutting it, a power washer will give you an oh-so-satisfying "after" when it comes to stained and worse-for-wear concrete surfaces. (And the same goes for fences!)

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great product! I did my entire fence line with the 15 degree nozzle and it blasted off 15 years of mold and sun fading with ease... Definitely recommend! Next up the driveway..." —Trent

Get it from Amazon for $129.

20. And if cleaner alone won't work, some concrete paint for a refreshed look that'll make a HUGE difference.

Amazon

OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade but if you're no stranger to painting and want a big impact, give it a try!

Promising review: "Excellent, easy to use and clean up. My outdoor patio is a little rough and it took a full gallon to cover 200 square feet." —RLB

Get it from Amazon for $35+ a gallon (available in two shades of gray).

21. A fancy umbrella that reviewers love for their patio but *also* take along to the beach. But if you're landlocked, you still have lots of fab backyard ops. 

www.amazon.com

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

Check out aTikTok of the umbrella in action. 

Promising review: "This umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design. It is a higher end umbrella but still slightly less expensive than the other big name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stays standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it. The customer service from the company was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" —Taryn

Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in six colors). 

22. Or a lighted umbrella that'll tilt (literally) to your whims and give you the right amount of shade and light when/where you want it.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!

Promising review: "I normally don’t like buying products like this sight unseen, but I’m very pleased with the look and especially with the solar lighting. We enjoyed a pleasant evening on the deck with just the right amount of ambient light tonight, and we are hopeful that it will prove to be durable." —Dee Williams

Get it from Amazon for $71.99 (available in 11 color combos).

23. Or a clip-on light if you like your existing umbrella but could use the extra light. 

www.amazon.com

It has three different brightness options so you can set *~the mood~* perfectly. It also requires AA batteries, so be sure to pick those up as well.

Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings, to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. We decided to try and play outside. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $10.79.

24. A roll of faux ivy you can attach to ugly wire fencing, railing, or a trellis to obscure a view you don't love.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This is the second privacy screen I've purchased from Amazon. I have an area in my garden visible from the street. The screen hides all my gardening stuff (i.e. wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.). It truly looks like the real deal!!!" —soooz

Get a 94-inch X 39-inch roll from Amazon for $39.99.

25. A handsome privacy screen as a design element that'll also help obscure something less than desirable (like recycling bins or a neighbor's super ugly swing set).

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Over the last year, I ended up buying six of these to create some privacy and a little garden on my back patio. I love them. They are sturdy, weren't too difficult to build (get a power screwdriver to save time), and linking them together looks great. Pricey? Yes. But remember, you get what you pay for. I am encouraged by other reviewers that the product lasts for years. They have made my patio feel like my private garden and I just love it." —Joe K

Get it from Amazon for $341.85.

26. A double hammock you totally have permission to use just by yourself.

www.amazon.com

FYI, this includes a spreader bar for easy setup and can hold up to 450 lbs.

Promising review: "This hammock is much more comfortable than any of those that we’ve had in the past. It looks great in the yard and is very comfortable and soft." —D

Get it from Amazon for $74.49 (available in seven colors).

27. A dome trellis you can train plants onto for a straight-up magical effect.

Sunrise Domes / Etsy

Sunrise Domes is a South Killingly, Connecticut-based biz 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 $1,650.

28. A sunshade triangle you can rig up rather than a canopy you can rig up over the patio or the kids' sandbox to block up to 95% of UV rays and keep things a bit cooler.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in 14 colors).

29. Some color-changing inflatable pool balls so your pool is always the place to party. 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 long. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you would like 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.

30. A Scumbug to help keep your pool from getting too gross too quickly after you've done the FULL clean and opened it up for the season. It soaks up sunscreen, oils, and other gross stuff enjoying your backyard retreat. When it gets discolored, simply wring it out, rinse it, and then put it back in its watery home. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Scummy water bugging you? I just got this gem of a product last night. Popped it into my hot tub and from the picture I attached, you can see that in just about 12 hours, this little Scumbug ate up all the oil and filth in the hot tub. The water not only looks better, but smells better too! Highly recommended!" —Mickey D.

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.99.

31. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge you'll wish you were little enough to park yourself on. You may recognize it from TikTok where people are showing how they bought it for their dogs. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 $127.21 (also available in tan or gray).

32. A set of waterproof outdoor "flaming" Bluetooth speakers can pump out the tunes while blending in with your decor. They have two modes of flame light, and you can either plop 'em on a table, hang 'em up on a ceiling or tree, or staked into the ground like a torch. So suffice to say, you've got options.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I ordered speakers that were waterproof and could sit outside and I’m so glad I found these. 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, and as for battery life not sure cause I just received and haven’t had them a month. So far so good, and I’m satisfied with purchase." —applefir

Get a set of two from Amazon for $71.99.

33. A hook and ring game that'll work in even tiny outdoor spaces. Every backyard needs some kind of game element! You'll def be able to squeeze in this one. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Tiki Toss is a small business that took a classic hook and ring game to the next level by creating several unique ways to play it. 

Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing Tiki Toss. So simple and so fun. Quality and design of product is fantastic. Also makes a great gift." —jzek

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes).

34. A self-sealing magnetic screen door that'll let dogs help themselves out or in the house — so you won't have to peel yourself up your hammock after you got nice and comfy with a horror book. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this so my puppies could traverse to/from their backyard pen area...and keep flying insects out. It is AWESOME! The puppies figured out quickly that they could go through the screen — the screen snapped back into a closed state immediately after they got through the opening. If only all things in life could be solved this easily!" —Lynette S Quigley

Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

35. A gas firepit table can help create a patio focal point *and* fight the chill on cool nights when you're REALLY trying to make a backyard hang happen. 

www.amazon.com

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 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 $119.99+ (available in two sizes).

36. Or if you prefer a wood fire, here's another fire pitoption with a cool-to-the-touch rim that reviewers say is perfect for a small backyard. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This firepit is perfect for small backyards! It’s very low to the ground so it’s perfect for sitting around for warmth and marshmallows. Also very affordable and easy to put together!" —Clifford B.

Get it from Amazon for $59.95.

37. A tall table cooler combo if you'd like to avoid going in and out of the house to enjoy another bevvy. Also, it'll provide a spot to put said bevvy!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is sturdy, easy to assemble, and very nice decor. It has many uses as a table or cooler. Well made, looks nice. Highly recommend for outdoor cooler and table combination." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in graphite or brown).

38. A pretty garden bench will create another place where you can sit and admire all your outdoor-room handiwork. Maybe you'll even start drinking your morning coffee outside! Now if someone could just prep your continental breakfast for you. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 $109.99+ (available in eight colors).

39. A drink-dispensing cooler with a wide top, lockable taps, and a liquid-level viewing panel so you can mix your famous sangria right on your patio instead of mixing in your kitchen and then hauling it outside. Your pals are going to ask where you snagged this beaut. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Used it for a party that a neighbor has catered so no food needed, but I never go to someone's house without bringing something. This was a hit, and a few people at the party were adding it to their Amazon cart at the party," —signs

Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in six colors and in 3- or 6-gallon sizes). 

40. Some vinyl picnic table and bench coversreviewers found extremely helpful for camping and park use, BUT will also help your OG picnic table in your yard look more presentable while protecting you from splinters. Go ahead, have dinner outside today!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

RNOONY is a small biz. 

Promising review: "Great product! I bought it for my backyard picnic table. I think the table and bench covers are well made for the price I paid." —Maria

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in eight patterns).

41. A pooper scooper might seem like a prank gift. But will go to TOWN on all those piles your dog leaves in your yard without you having to bend down. 

Amazon

Promising review: "With three dogs, two small and one large, scooping the yard is a never-ending job. But with the Arm & Hammer swivel bin and rake, there is no more bending to pick up the doggy droppings. I am able to easily use the rake to push the droppings into the bag covered bin. When I am done cleaning up the yard, I just simply remove the plastic bag from the scoop, tie it off, and dispose. I do spray the rake off with the hose sprayer and then clip the rake onto the scooper for easy storage. I really like this handy scooper. It makes a very icky job much easier to handle." —Kelly Eldred

Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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