1. Tie together decor for an outdoor room with an indoor/outdoor rug built to resist water so that it doesn't build up any mildew. Or just use it to cover up an unsightly surface!

Amazon

Promising review: "Love this rug. These were recommended by a friend for use on my outdoor patio. They are terrific. So easy to clean and no matter what the weather brings, they always look fantastic. And they make my outdoors look like a living room. Great, inexpensive way to spruce up a backyard." —Miami

Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in five sizes and 17 colors).

2. Cover up a hard surface that, tbh, is beyond visual help with interlocking Teak tiles, which you can install tool- and sweat-free! The best part? You can easily take them apart and take them with you wherever you go, meaning they're especially convenient for rental properties!

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!" —Adelia

Get 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $81.99 (also available in three smaller sizes).

3. Elevate your decor by scattering container plants in terra cotta pots throughout your yard — I mean, just look at this gorgeous Brooklyn backyard makeover! They'll add new levels of visual ~dimension~ to your space, especially if you have few (or no) flower beds and lots of hard surfaces.

Sweeten

Check out this full ~stunning~ backyard makeover. (Seriously, the "before" images are gonna make your jaw DROP.) And check out more amazing before and afters on Sweeten.

Promising review: "These 4-inch clay pots are exactly what I needed! They’re the perfect size for my plants. Super simple, classic design, and they feel sturdy—not flimsy or cheap at all. They also have drainage holes, which is a big plus. Overall, just great little pots that get the job done and look nice doing it. Would definitely buy again!" —Ana

Get a four-pack of pots from Amazon for $19.06+ (available in 10 colors). 

4. Roll out a weather-resistant four-foot wooden path along garden beds or other paths — you'll appreciate it when you want to avoid damp or muddy ground. It's also a delightful way of leading you into the more hidden spaces of your garden.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "The cats love to sleep on them and they do keep the wetter pathways dry under your feet. They are lasting quite well and although not cheap by any means, they are standing up to cats and people walking on them all day long. They are surviving both rain and sun and wind. We will be purchasing more." —susan osako

Get an 4-foot path from Amazon for $45.98.

5. String up waterproof globe lights to make every night a starry one. These'll liven up your outdoor space when the sun sets and will make a huge impact when hung along your roofline, draped on outdoor structures like a pergola, or just strung up solo!

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 $15.89+ (available in eight sizes and five styles).

6. Stash recycling bins, bikes, a lawnmower, and other hefty tools ~discretely~ in this hidden shed storage if you don't have room for a full-fledged shed. Or if your trash cans' color palette simply does not work with the overall earth-toned design of your yard. This lets you hide them while still allowing you easy access.

amazon.com, 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 $228.78+ (available in eight styles). Also check out a similar shed in several sizes to find the right one to fit your space and needs.

7. Switch to rapid-fill water balloons so you can cut down on prep time and have your ammo filled and ready to attack ASAP.

Amazon

Promising review: "My family has had a blast with these this summer. Easy to fill up to get the fun started! Just make sure to make all players agree to the yard pickup afterwards, but it’s worth it!" —Momof3

Get 100 balloons from Amazon for $18.49 (available in four pack options).

8. Or try out a set of reusable water balloons if you want to have all the water balloon fun with *much* less waste. Plus, unlike regular water balloons, these don't sting as they hit your body when you're the target!

Mama Love Boutique / Etsy

Mama Love Boutique is a Sellersville, Pennsylvania-based shop that specializes in these balloons and knit hats.

These water balloons are handmade with a chenille-like yarn, which means they're soft, absorbent, and a great alternative to wasteful plastic single-use water balloons. 

Promising review: "Got them, opened them, used them in the same day. I have two boys with LOTS of energy and they had so much fun pummeling me with these water 'balloons' 🤣 and I had fun throwing them right back. Not just for kids. Very well made. So happy with this purchase!" —Carley Campbell

Get the 12-pack from Mama Love Boutique on Etsy for $29.50 (available in three color combos).

9. Achieve endless summer entertainment with a mini sprinkler pool, which has a shallow water depth so that kids and dogs can safely have their fun in the sun without you having to dump out a kiddie pool's worth of water once the fun has wrapped.

www.amazon.com

Several reviewers shared that this little pool kept their kids engaged for hours.

Promising review: "My kids love this. It is soo easy to plug the hose into and turn the water on, and the kids can have hours of fun. Once the kids are done playing, I disconnect the hose, let the water drain, and hang it over the porch." —Austin

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four styles).

10. Allow your guests to admire these magnetic grill lights because they fully give "Yup, I've got this whole adulting thing NAILED" energy. These are designed to stick right onto your grill, shedding light exactly where you need it. Whether you're flipping burgers, toasting buns, or making sure those ribs are perfectly glazed, this light ensures you can do it all without getting roasted by the rest of the squad because your burgers ended up two shades too burnt.

www.amazon.com

But really though, why isn't every grill equipped with these from the factory?

Promising review: "This was a surprise for my husband. He loves them. The lights are nice and bright and make grilling those last few things that didn't get finished before dark hot. He's also used them early in the morning when he's setting the smoker up before dawn. He's happy and finding them very useful. He especially loves the magnet on bottom so he can hang them off of so many things while he's busy and he can use the flexibility to shine them where he needs them. Very awesome and easy to use." —Holly Gomez

Get two from Amazon for $21.99.

11. And keep an instant-read thermometer that'll act as your little helper to keep you from ending up with a less-than-perfect steak. Use it with meats (and for baking desserts!) so that they're grilled to *chef's kiss* perfection.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Couldn't be easier to use really. I tested it with ice water and boiling water and it seems to be pretty accurate. I've already cooked some steaks using it and they came out perfect. Plan to use it a lot with my smoker and expect good results there too. I love that it has the magnets so I can stick on the fridge, the grill or the smoker and it's always handy. And you really can't beat the price at under $10!" —FCC

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

12. Tell your outdoor drink stake, "Hold my beer," while you tend to the fire pit or start grilling some sausages. *Jennifer Coolidge voice* That makes me want a hot dog real bad.

www.amazon.com

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

Get a set of four from Amazon for $39.95 (also available as a set of six and in two color options). Or get a set made for stemmed wineglasses here.

13. Give your stained concrete patios or walkways a major refresh with some concrete paint, which'll make a HUGE difference. Plus, this finish won't easily scuff, fade, or crack!

amazon.com

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 sq feet." —RLB

Get a gallon from Amazon for $35+ (available in two colors).

14. Extend your backyard time by investing in 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.

amazon.com, 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

Get it from Amazon for $72.99 (available in 11 color combos).

15. Attach a roll of faux ivy to wire fencing, railings, trellis, or over your pergola to add a touch of botanical lushness to your yard. As the sunlight teases you through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating a serene atmosphere.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 $31.99+ (available in three sizes).

16. Create a comfy nook for yourself (no matter what the size of your backyard is!) with a hanging lounge chair that you *and* your pup will probably be fighting over.

amazon.com

Promising review: "The only problem I have with this chair is: I only have one of them and the whole family now fights over it! Seriously, it is THAT comfortable and relaxing. Pretty easy to put together, my husband got it all assembled in less than an hour and then proceeded to open up a beer and fall asleep in it next to the pool, HA! I like to take my laptop out with me and work on it as the movable umbrella shades my screen. Love love LOVE it!!" —Erin S

Get it from Amazon for $229.99+ (available in 15 colors).

17. Add a tropical ambiance with a light-up palm tree because it looks cool and doubles as an extra lighting option where you need it.

Amazon, amazon.com

Lots of reviewers actually bought this to use as a Christmas tree!

Promising review: "The palm tree was a perfect addition to our backyard patio! We like it very much. Everything about it works great." —James Poppe

Get it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in six heights and in sets of two).

18. Lose track of time lying in a dreamy double hammock, which can also be used as a solo ~zen~ spot.

amazon.com, amazon.com

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

Promising review: "Bought two and they've been hanging outside in the sun and rain for a month. Very happy with them. Sturdy fabric which is comfy to lay on, nice and wide for two people, and they look handsome on the lawn. I tied the pillows to them so they don't fly away. Very good purchase for the cost." —Just Another Reader

Get it from Amazon for $69.49+ (available in six colors).

19. Get yourself a set of s'mores sticks so that you don't accidentally burn yourself while trying to get a *perfectly* toasted marshmallow.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These roasting sticks will get the job done. They retract easily and will be perfect for light use (roasting marshmallows) with our fire pit. Not extremely sturdy but not flimsy either. The metal points are not sharp which is a good thing if kids are handling them. I like the storage pouch it comes with too." —Sheri J. O

Get a set of five from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in four color combos).

20. Indulge all your Jurassic daydreams with cute Brontosaurus sculptures. Don't worry, these won't bite (...I don't think).

Uncommon Goods

Promising reviews: "Husband loved it as a surprise. Kids were thrilled to have in the garden. It's excellent quality, stands easily, withstands various wind and rain, and happy to see that even the smaller size is large enough." —marybb

"This definitely makes my neighbors stop and take a closer look. I've received several texts letting me know I have a dinosaur in my yard. Truly a conversation starter. Plan to add to my own Jurassic Park with the other dinos in the collection. Sturdy and sets up easily!!" —Phyllis K.

Get them from Uncommon Goods for $90+ each (available in two sizes). Also check out some similar velociraptor garden sculptures.

21. Brighten up your outdoor space with a set of colorful mini flower pots to give your yard's boring brown fence the perfect touch of color it needs. Plus, they come complete with draining holes and hooks so the plants inside can ~thrive~ while they sit there lookin' super cute!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 a cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan

Get 10 from Amazon for $18.59 (also available in black and white sets).

22. Create a botanical accent piece with an easy-to-install trellis, which'll serve as a lovely focal point in your outdoor space. Plus, it's made of PVC, so it's super easy to take care of!

Wayfair

It's just ready and waiting for a vine you can train to climb it!

Promising review: "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy assembly, lightweight yet sturdy, used outside on a freshly made patio! Added ivy and solar lights along with solar fireflies! The stakes for these are super strong and easy to put into the ground. This set up with a turtle fountain, solar accent lighting, some plants, a chiminae, and the fencing for covering the garbage bins has the neighbors stopping by with envy!" —Dena

Get it from Wayfair for $67.99+ (originally $108.99; available in two colors).

23. Or create an actual outdoor room within your backyard, thanks to a dome trellis you can train plants onto for a devastatingly gorgeous 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!

Promising review: "When the boxes came in, I admit, it looked a little intimidating! The instructions were color coded along with the parts which made assembly a breeze! My husband had it together in about two hours. All parts were there and construction is sturdy. It's perfect." —Ashely Miller

Get it from Sunrise Domes on Etsy for $1,650.

24. Install a sunshade triangle because it blocks up to 95% of UV rays and keeps things a bit cooler. Perfect for setting up over your patio or your little ones' play area!

Amazon

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." —The Tiki Lab

Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in 13 sizes and 14 colors).

25. Try your luck with a set of jumbo lawn dice you can keep handy for some family fun on those lazy Sunday afternoons in your beautiful outdoor space.

Amazon

But what do you do with them? Well, you can use them to play huge versions of your favorite dice games or invent your own! Plus, they come with dry-erase game boards to keep all participants honest. ;)

Promising review: "Fun new twist on the lovable table game of Yahtzee. Gets you up and outside to have fun with family and friends. Well-built and made to last. Kids love to try to roll all six dice at the same time. Hours of fun with friends and family. I would recommend it for other to buy. Great summer game. Carrying case is nice to keep everything together and useful to pack in the car to take on the road."  —Brad Zalewski

Get them from Amazon for $37.54.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.