If You Refuse To Settle For A Boring Backyard, These 38 Picks Are For You

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. Few months later, and we had a spectacular color array. Great flowers!" —Shane

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

2. Or a pack of wildflower seeds that'll turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard.

Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets.

Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four mixes and two sizes).

3. 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).

4. A pack of solar-powered garden lights to turn your yard into a wind-powered light show. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required.

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, and eight).

5. A set of metal wind chimes that'll turn your yard into a peaceful soundtrack. With six precision-tuned tubes, it plays soft, melodic tones in the breeze. It also comes with a strong hook for easy hanging.

Promising review: "I purchased the rose colored chimes. I've been outside daily, working on the yard. Yesterday, I noticed a feeling of calm as a small storm moved in. It was the chimes, without noticing, they played in the background and moved me into a relaxed state." —Pegi

Get it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in seven colors and three sizes).

6. Or 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).

7. Ooooor 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 $13.99+ (available in seven shapes).

8. A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery to really make a big visual impact.

Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $18.59+ (available in multicolor, black, or white).

9. 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 spring showers), sync together for surround sound, and give 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 $69.99.

10. A colorful three-piece patio set if you 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 for 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 five colors).

11. Or a three-piece folding wood bistro set that comes with the cushions. This is such a timeless look; you can put this anywhere and it's sure to impress.

Promising review: "I recently moved and have a small front patio. The rules of the complex are neutral as far as furniture is concerned. And so I spent forever looking for something that would fit the color scheme, plus be cute and comfortable. I am so so happy with this purchase. The table and chairs are not only a good size, but they are tall! I myself am almost 6 foot tall, and to not have to lean over with a patio set is really cool. The cushions are very comfortable, and the setup was extremely easy. Highly recommend." —Ashley k

Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in three colors).

12. A tabletop firepit because your outdoor space may be small, but your s'mores game? Absolutely not. This compact tabletop firepit burns wood or pellets with barely any smoke, so you get the ambience of a campfire without smelling like one.

Amazon

Promising review: "I love this little bonfire pit. I got this for evenings out in my outdoor oasis, and it's perfect for when you don't have endless time to spend but still want to enjoy an evening by the fire. Easy to use and enjoy!" —V. Heldenbrand

Get it from Amazon for $69.95+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

13. A colorful small raised garden bed that costs less than takeout and looks like it came from a Crayola collab. It's tall enough to save your back, compact enough for small spaces, and colorful enough to count as decor. A cheerful little upgrade for anyone flirting with the idea of gardening.

Amazon

Promising review: "I searched all over for a planter small enough to fit on my porch. I’m so happy I came across this one. There really isn’t anything out there right now that’s 1. This size, and 2. This price. It’s exactly what I was looking for, and I was able to plant six herbs in it. Assembly was easy but it helps if you have an extra hand to hold the pieces together. It’s made out of metal and feels very sturdy. It has a drain hole, which is a plus. I highly recommend this, especially if you are limited on space." —Christine

Get it from Amazon for $45.99.

14. A solar-powered bird feeder with a built-in AI-powered camera to 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 $89.99+ (available in three colors).

15. Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights so enchanting they'll turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space.

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).

16. 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).

17. A six-piece outdoor furniture set that'll make your backyard look like it belongs in a magazine. The metal frame is super durable, the cushions are water-resistant and easy to remove, and you won't have to stress when someone drips pool water or a surprise shower rolls through.

Promising review: "I couldn’t be happier with this set. It’s stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly sturdy. The cushions are thick and supportive, and the frame feels durable enough to last through different seasons. It fits perfectly on our patio and has become our go-to spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Assembly was simple, and the overall quality exceeded my expectations for the price. Highly recommend for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor seating!" —Fab mamaas

Get it from Amazon for $990.89+ (available in six set sizes and six colors).

18. 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 $120.99+ (available in three sizes and three styles).

19. A quilted hammock with a detachable pillow so you can take a long nap in your own backyard. 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 $69.89+ (available in seven colors).

20. An inflatable pool for taking a dip whenever you please. No packing a bag and heading to the local pool required. It has a built-in bench and a couple of cupholders, too!

Promising review: "Good size. I'm 5'4", and I bought it for my 3-year-old and 2-year-old for the spring and summer. I didn't need anything huge; I have a nice-sized deck, and we spend a lot of time on the deck, so I wanted something big enough for them to have some wiggle room to keep cool but not too big so it wouldn't take up too much room. I also purchased an outdoor grass rug to put under it to protect the bottom of it and keep it from getting splinters (just a suggestion if you plan on using it on the deck). It has a drain plug, so cleaning and getting fresh water is not hard at all." —Majestic 0220

Get it from Amazon for $47.99.

21. And a dog/kiddie pool so the tiny tots and furry friends in your life have a safe spot to splash, too. This folds up for easy storage when not in use and doesn't need to be inflated to work.

Promising review: "I have a 3-month-old lab that I wanted to start introducing to water on a hot summer day. It was perfect because 1. He likes to chew everything, and this one can't pop and doesn't seem like it would puncture easily. 2. The sides kind of fold down if he was slowly getting in, but then I could easily reform it. 3. Super easy setup and cleanup. Now I don't have to have a huge ugly plastic pool propped up on the side of my house." —LBella

Get it from Amazon for $21.98+ (available in seven sizes and three colors).

22. An outdoor rug for an instant (and cheap!) way to make your outdoor space look pulled together. The bold floral print brings the color, it folds up when you don't need it, and it costs less than a round of drinks.

Promising review: "Love this outdoor rug and it’s reversible. White where the yellow is on this side. I love it ... the yellow is a beautiful, bright color. Just magical." —Barb

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes).

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

Hauteloom is a small business in Georgia that sells rugs for the home.

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 perimeter of the rug for a day to help flatten the edges. Great price for a great quality rug." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $35+ (available in 15 sizes and three colors).

24. 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).

25. 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 $229.99+ (available in 18 colors).

26. A solar-powered glass orb light to turn your garden into a set of a very tasteful woodland fantasy film. It charges via the sun by day and glows from within by night, casting a soft, colorful light that makes your garden feel extra special (and honestly, a little glamorous). Just set it on the lawn or a patio and let the sunshine do the rest of the work.

Apricot Mint / Etsy

Apricot Mint is a woman-owned small business based in California that makes glass garden decor.

Promising review: "Beautiful large solar orb! I have purchased quite a few orbs from this seller, and they all still look great out in the yard." —Leila

Get it from Apricot Mint for $134.99.

27. 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 $59.21.

28. A wood patio set that's cute enough to impress your guests and comfy enough to keep them lingering. The slatted acacia wood and crisp cushions give it a clean, modern vibe, and the table is juuuust the right size for a couple of cold bevvies and a snack bowl. It's proof that functional doesn't have to mean boring.

Promising review: "I was looking for some nice small chairs to put on our front patio. We had camping chairs out there before and they looked awful from the street. We ordered this little set and it has been perfect. They have great street appeal. They are extremely comfortable. The cushions are firm and supportive. We easily sit out here for an hour or two now each day. Cat and human approved." —Vik

Get it from Amazon for $74.99.

29. A pollinator hotel if you want to give native bees, ladybugs, and other good bugs a safe place to nest. It attracts the kind of insects you want around — like leafcutter bees and lacewings — so your veggies and flowers can thrive. Bonus: it'll look cute wherever you put it.

Garden Outside the Box / Etsy

Garden Outside the Box is a woman-owned small business based in Michigan that sells all sorts of gardening decor and gifts.

Promising review: "Love the pollinator, great construction and color." —annstewart51

Get it from Garden Outside the Box for $55 (available with brown or green accents).

30. A very pretty garden bench, because folks need a beautiful place to sit. Whether it's 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 eight styles and colors).

31. A wooden wall-mounted trellis for adding some vertical greenery to your exterior walls. From potted plants to air plants, this trellis will provide you with everything you need to help your garden grow vertically.

The planters are sold separately, and I recommend either this pack of white ones or this pack of multicolored ones.

Promising review: "I have a small balcony with two entrances, so not a lot of available floor space. By making a vertical garden, I can have my fresh herbs without taking up valuable real estate. It goes on a wall by the door that wouldn't have been used otherwise. Plus, it looks so pretty! It was very easy to install. With the addition of the hanging planters (sold separately), I love that I can easily take my herbs down to water them or bring them into my kitchen to cook with." —Luna

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in 13 sizes).

32. Some solar-powered stair lights that'll keep your stairs from turning into a tripping hazard after dark. They're waterproof, they charge themselves (bless), and they'll make your stairs look like the runway your guests deserve.

Promising review: "Where I live, it’s so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don’t fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —Brooke

Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in warm or cool white light and six pack sizes).

33. A steel firepit to elevate your backyard bonfires to legendary status. It's not just a firepit, it's a conversation starter, marshmallow roaster, and the best way to convince your friends you're the coolest host in the neighborhood.

HBeeFire / Etsy

HBeeFire is a small business based in Toronto, Canada making metal firepits.

Promising review: "It’s exactly as described, beautiful quality and great communication from seller. Super happy with this firepit, it works really well and is so unique :)" —Gabrielle ONeill

Get it from HBeeFire for $201.23+ (originally $250.95).

34. 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 $39.99+ (available in four sizes).

35. A garden stake of Big Foot if you want to add a bit of character to your yard. Because who needs gnomes when you have America's favorite hide-and-seek champion?

Arc Kraft / Etsy

Arc Kraft is a small business in Oregon that makes metal wall art and home decor.

Promising review: "Well made, arrived quickly, and will be a perfect addition to our personal beer garden (just a spot in the garden where we drink beer, LOL)." —Christy King

Get it from Arc Kraft for $32.25+ (originally $43; available in three sizes and two colors).

36. 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 $169.86+ (available in six colors).

37. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge specifically designed for tiny tots, though folks have figured out they work great for dogs too.