When the weather is warm, my backyard is my sanctuary and my go-to spot for entertaining. That said, a functional yard is so much more than some greenery and a few chairs — and a few odd but clever upgrades take it to the next level. You probably didn’t know that these weird, genius things for your backyard existed, but you’ll be happy you discovered them: They keep the tunes bumping, the food fresh, the eyesores hidden, the birds coming back, and the bugs at bay.
A long-lasting rechargeable lantern with a smooth dimmer dial
“We've had a hard time finding a camping lantern that you could set on a picnic table that was bright enough but didn't blind us with the glare,” one reviewer said. This cordless table lamp fits the bill with its stepless dimmer dial, so you can endlessly adjust the brightness to suit the task at hand. It’s also waterproof with a built-in handle that doubles as a hook, and its rechargeable battery provides up to 50 hours of light.
- Available styles: 5
A spray that melts away bird poop & spider droppings
This effective stain remover is designed to dissolve spider spots and bird poop. While reviewers raved that the mess “instantly melts away,” the gentle formula won’t strip finishes, paint, or waterproof coatings, so you can use it on fiberglass boats, porches, painted wood, and outdoor upholstery. Just spray it on, let it sit for 30 seconds, wipe it away, and rinse it off.
A liquid cement crack filler that’s “so easy to use”
“Worked like a charm!” one reviewer said about this liquid cement formula, which fills concrete cracks in minutes so the slab “looks smooth and professionally done.” Since it comes pre-mixed in a squeeze bottle with a precision applicator, reviewers wrote that it’s “so easy to use” — especially since it’s self-leveling, dries into a gray color that matches most concrete, and hardens to a traffic-ready consistency in 45 minutes.
Glow-in-the-dark tree spirits for your plants
Put these tree spirits in your potted plants to give them a whimsical, adorable touch. Inspired by the film Princess Mononoke, each one stands about 1.5 inches tall, and they’re coated in glow-in-the-dark paint so they shine at night. Multiple reviewers called them “super cute,” and one wrote that they’re a great gift for “a friend who loves Studio Ghibli.”
A fireproof mat that protects your deck, patio, or floors
Temperature-resistant up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, this fireproof mat is made from heat-absorbing fiberglass with a thick silicone bottom and a grease-resistant coating. As a result, it protects your deck, patio, lawn, or hardwood floors from grills, smokers, fire pits, and wood-burning fireplaces. Use it indoors or out and easily rinse away oil and ashes with a quick spray from the hose.
- Available sizes: 15.75" x 13" — 76"x48"
Grilling baskets that keep shrimp, veggies & other small items contained
Reviewers called these grilling baskets “totally amazing” and a “great invention.” Made from stainless steel mesh with a cylindrical design, they keep veggies and shrimp contained so they don’t fall through the grates, and they roll effortlessly over the grill for even cooking. This set also includes an oil sprayer to prevent sticking, two silicone brushes for basting, and four metal tools for rolling and retrieval.
An LED lantern that doubles as a speaker
Light and music are the ultimate duo for ambiance, and this torch speaker creates both. Its warm LED flickers to mimic a flame, while its Bluetooth speaker has a high-performance driver and subwoofer for sound that reviewers called “crystal clear.” You can even sync the light and the music together. Last but not least, it’s waterproof and comes with a stake for mounting in the ground or a hook for hanging.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
A floating duck light that’s solar-powered
Measuring 18 inches tall, this floating duck light brightens up your pool or pond with its adorable glowing design. It’s inflatable and waterproof, making it easy to set up and maintain, and its solar-powered battery charges up with sunlight during the day and automatically turns on at night for up to eight hours of illumination.
- Available sizes: 1 — 2
Mess-free fire packets that turns flames rainbow colored
Toss one of these color-changing packets into a wood-burning fire pit to create a mesmerizing rainbow light show that’s both kid- and adult-approved: “It was a spectacular show and our guests loved it! Now everyone wants to do this at their cookouts!” Each packet lasts for about an hour and burns entirely away for mess-free use.
A rechargeable lighter that works in any weather
I switched to electric lighters years ago and never looked back. This one uses a USB-C rechargeable battery to power its electric arc, which lights grills, fires, and candles in any weather and without having to worry about lighter fluid. It also has a long aluminum body that keeps your fingers away from the flame and an LED indicator that tells you when it’s time for a recharge.
- Available styles: 5
Solar step lights that make stairs safer & more stylish
Brighten up your outdoor stairs with these solar step lights, which not only make them safer for nighttime navigation, but also look like an expensive upgrade. Just install them with 3M adhesive tape or screws and let the sun do the rest. “After two months of use, I pronounce these lights GREAT,” said one reviewer who loves their durability and ambiance.
- Available sizes: 4 Pack — 24 Pack
- Available styles: 2
A magnetic screen that automatically closes behind you
I have one of these magnetic screens on my back door, and it’s a lifesaver when I’m entertaining or letting the dogs out. Made from fiberglass mesh that stops bugs without blocking the breeze, it attaches to your doorframe with adhesive velcro, and the walk-through slit has magnets that automatically close behind humans and pets. They even come in sizes big enough to fit your garage.
- Available sizes: 38" Wide x 82" High — 8.3X7.15ft
Gorgeous wind spinners that aren’t noisy
“Turns nicely in the wind and is beautiful to watch. It doesn’t really make a sound and/or is not irritatingly noisy in a medium wind,” said one reviewer who’s gotten “lots of compliments” on these garden spinners. Made from rust-resistant, waterproof metal for durability, they come in four different design options to suit your outdoor aesthetic.
- Available styles: 4
A rechargeable cooler light that’s shockingly useful
With an average 4.7-star rating, this cooler light is the chill sidekick you didn’t realize you needed. It’s waterproof and USB-rechargeable to brighten up the ice in your cooler, so your guests can find their drinks and the fisherman can find their bait. “Coolest thing you’ll ever buy,” one reviewer said. Another raved about how it “still works” despite four years of use and “12+ hours of melted ice.”
Durable, universal clips that secure your tablecloths
If you love entertaining outside, these tablecloth clips are a “must-have” for barbecues, garden parties, and camping, according to reviewers. Made from stainless steel with a flexible clamp-like design, they slip onto most tables up to 1.4 inches thick to keep your tablecloth in place and the wind from ruining your gorgeous spread. They’re also durable and endlessly reusable.
A clear spray that repels water & blocks UV rays
I’ve used this Scotchgard sun and water shield to protect my porch pillows from the elements, and it works like a charm. The spray-on formula dries clear and odorless to block out UV rays and repel water on virtually any outdoor fabric. Use it to extend the life of your patio furniture, hammocks, umbrellas, grill and boat covers, awnings, and more.
- Available sizes: 10.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) — 42 Oz. (4 Cans)
Reflective hanging discs that deter birds
If you’re looking for an easy, harm-free way to keep birds from eating your crops, nesting in your awnings, or pooping on your deck, these hanging discs may be able to help. Using double-sided, highly reflective panels, they deter most flying breeds, including sparrows, pigeons, and waterfowl. “They actually work!” one reviewer wrote. “No more birds!”
A power stake that automates your outdoor decor
Power and automate your holiday decorations, string lights, and automatic water fountain in one fell swoop. This outdoor power stake has three grounded plugs with waterproof covers and multiple timer settings, including a dusk-to-dawn sensor that turns your electronics on when it gets dark. It also comes with a 6-foot extension cord and a remote control that works from up to 100 feet away.
- Available styles: 2
Rubber stepping stones that are practical & elegant
While they look like intricate metal grates, these stepping stones are actually made from weather-resistant rubber, which cushions your feet while withstanding the elements. Toss them on rocks, grass, or dirt to create an affordable yet practical walkway that allows for drainage while minimizing mud and discomfort. “Classic and elegant,” said one reviewer who loves that they’re “so easy to move if needed.”
A tabletop fire pit that’s cozy & mess-free
No room for a backyard bonfire? No problem. This tabletop fire pit offers all of the cozy ambiance with none of the mess. Its solid steel base holds a burner that’s fueled by isopropyl alcohol for up to 50 minutes of ash-free, smoke-free flames. In fact, it burns so clean, you can use it inside or use it to melt marshmallows for s’mores.
- Available styles: 4
Dissolvable tabs that get rid of mosquitoes & nothing else
These mosquito dunks have an average 4.4-star rating from over 22,000 reviewers because they’re an easy way to stop mosquitoes before they become an issue. Drop them into bird baths, ponds, gutters, flower pots, or rain barrels, and they’ll dissolve into a bacteria that tackles mosquito larvae, but is non-toxic to all other wildlife, including pets, fish, plants, and humans. Each one treats up to 100 square feet of water.
Magnetic grill lights that have other uses, too
“The best thing I bought this year!” one reviewer said about these battery-operated grill lights, which have bright LEDs, flexible goosenecks, and magnetic bases that mount to metal surfaces without damage. While they’re designed for after-dark barbecueing, they’re “not just for your grill,” as another reviewer pointed out: You can also use them for tinkering under the hood of your car or fixing a leak under the sink.
A wood grill scraper that’s safe, simple & effective
Avid grillers are moving away from traditional wire scrapers, since the metal bristles can break off and get into your food. This grill scraper is made from wood and has notches that fit most grate sizes. It’s designed to remove burnt food, grease, and charcoal without damaging your barbecue. “Easy to use and well-built,” one reviewer said. “Most importantly, there's no danger of metal wires getting into your food.”
- Available styles: 2
Solar string lights to brighten your patio umbrella
“This is a great addition to my backyard ambience,” one reviewer said about this patio umbrella light. The string lights zip-tie to the ribs of umbrellas between 7 and 10 feet in diameter, while the solar panel clips onto the edge of the canopy to collect sunlight for plug-free power. Since it’s waterproof and doesn’t stop the umbrella from closing, you can install it once and leave it on long-term.
A portable table lamp that makes a statement
USB-rechargeable with a sleek metal base and a unique acrylic interior that diffuses the light, this table lamp makes a statement wherever you put it — and since it’s wireless, portable, and durable, you can put it outside during your nighttime gatherings. Choose between three color temperatures (warm, white, and warm white) and dim the bulb from 5% to 100% depending on the task and intended mood.
- Available styles: 5
A Bluetooth speaker that looks like a Corona
“Great for my bar cart for poolside music!” one reviewer said about this beer bottle speaker, which looks like a Corona, but delivers “good sound” and is “very durable.” Its rechargeable 300mAh battery provides three hours of playback time, its Bluetooth connectivity wirelessly syncs to your phone, and its water-resistant construction means you don’t have to sweat the splashes.
Pop-up covers that keep flies off your food
Using metal wire frames and mesh panels, these food tent covers keep flies off your dinner — and they’re big enough to cover several bowls and plates at once. They also come in cute patterns that add to your outdoor tablescape, and when the barbecue is over, they collapse down like umbrellas, so they’re easy to store even if you have limited space in your cabinets.
- Available styles: 2
A sun sail to create a shady retreat on the cheap
Unless you have several thousand dollars lying around, a gazebo, pergola, or covered sunporch might be out of your budget. Luckily, this sun shade sail helps you create a shady retreat on the cheap. It comes in tons of sizes and colors, all made from dense, fade-resistant fabric that blocks up to 95% of UV rays while letting the wind pass through. It also has durable D rings for mounting, though the hardware kit is sold separately.
- Available sizes: 6’ x 10’ — 32’ x 32’ x 32’
- Available styles: 13
A resin basket that turns your hose into decor
A tangled garden hose is a common eyesore in just about any backyard, but this decorative basket turns it into decor. While it looks like charming wicker, it’s actually made from weather-resistant resin to prevent fading, chipping, and rotting. It’s also large enough to hold hoses up to 100 feet long and has a discreet cutout where you can feed the end through.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 6 Pack
Drill-free brick clips that take 10 seconds to install
Attach plants, holiday decor, clocks, mirrors, frames, string lights, and address numbers to your indoor or outdoor bricks without any drilling whatsoever. Made from tempered steel, these brick clips have rounded notches that grip the brick to support up to 25 pounds. According to reviewers, they’re “very sturdy” and take “about 10 seconds” to put in place.
Shatterproof wine glasses that float on water
“These are the best!” one reviewer raved about these wine glasses that bob on top of the water, so they’re a no-brainer for the pool, hot tub, or lake. “They definitely float and I haven’t lost one sip.” Made from BPA-free Tritan plastic with an 18-ounce capacity, they’re virtually shatterproof and big enough to hold an entire can of soda for fewer refills.
A rechargeable light with a 4-in-1 design
Thanks to its brilliant four-in-one design, this rechargeable waterproof light is a puck lamp when you’re camping, string lights when you want to set the mood, a flashlight for nighttime tasks, and a distress signal for emergencies. Its 2000mAh battery lasts for up to 12 hours when fully charged and the string lights retract into the base for portability and storage.
- Available sizes: 1 — 2
- Available styles: 2
Solar sunflower lights that brighten up your garden
If you’re a fan of sunflowers, these solar sunflower lights are a no-brainer for your backyard. They’re affordable, automatic, and cord-free, plus they brighten up your garden during the day with their yellow petals and at night with their soft glow. “These are the absolute cutest things ever,” one reviewer said. “They’re flexible for bending and they light up beautifully!”
- Available sizes: 2 — 4
A rechargeable light show for a pool, fountain or hot tub
This floating light turns your pool, hot tub, or fountain into a nighttime disco with its color-changing capabilities and six dynamic effects, which you can control using the included remote. The light itself is IP68-rated waterproof with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to four hours, and according to reviewers, it “looks so cool” and is especially “fun for the kids.”
- Available styles: 4
A rolling storage cart for poolside essentials
Pool parties just got a whole lot easier. This rolling storage bin has an 18-by-18-inch basket to hold towels, toys, rafts, and pool noodles. It also has a hanging pocket for sunscreen and other small essentials, a lightweight yet durable PVC frame with tear-resistant mesh, and wheels that allow for maneuverability but lock in place for storage.
- Available styles: 3
Inflatable serving bars with countless uses
Impromptu coolers, floating drink stations, ice-filled buffets that keep your food platters fresh — you’ll find countless uses for these inflatable serving bars, which have earned an average 4.5-star rating from more than 7,400 reviewers. They’re made from puncture-resistant BPA-free material and come with a hand pump, plus they’re so easy to deflate and store.
- Available sizes: 1 PC — 3 PCS
Metal tiki torches that are way better than bamboo
According to reviewers, these metal tiki torches are so much better than bamboo: “Makes my outdoor space look much more refined,” one said. Another wrote, “Unlike their flimsy bamboo counterparts, I think these will last.” Fill them with citronella oil and they’ll burn for up to five hours each, repelling mosquitoes and setting the mood. They also have fiberglass snuffers, foot levers to firmly anchor them in the ground, and adjustable metal poles so you can customize the height or set them flat on tables.
A feeder that attracts orioles, hummingbirds & more
This unique bird feeder holds two halves of an orange and a glass cup for jelly, nectar, or mealworms. It’s designed to attract orioles, but reviewers wrote that it also draws in mockingbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It’s made from powder-coated steel with a UV-resistant coating for durability and the cup easily comes out for easy cleaning.
Adhesive plant clips for discreet direction
Direct your creeping vines up the wall or position your cascading plants right where you want them. These plant clips attach to virtually any surface using a durable adhesive and have wide channels that fit stems of most thicknesses. Best of all, since they’re green and shaped like leaves, they’re “super cute” and “blend in well,” according to reviewers.
- Available sizes: 12PCS — 24PCS
Floating solar lights that look like crystal balls
According to reviewers, these floating solar lights “brighten the whole pool” with their “great display of colors” that make them look like “crystal balls.” Despite their impressive appearance, they’re shockingly low-effort; once inflated, the hard plastic retains air and resists water damage, while the solar panels absorb energy from the sun during the day to provide up to 10 hours of illumination at night.
A modern cordless lamp with a leather carrying cord
Switch between three color temperatures and adjust the brightness as needed. This rechargeable table lamp has a modern spherical design with a touch-activated base and a leather cord for easy carrying. Since it’s wireless and portable, it’s great for backyard navigation or illuminating your outdoor table when guests linger long into the night.
Resin pebbles that glow in the dark
Use these glow-in-the-dark rocks to give your pond a magical feel or light up your pathways for nighttime navigation. During the day, they look like standard white pebbles, but they’re actually made from sun-absorbing, radioactive-free resin that glows blue when the sun disappears. “I got these to put in with my red lava rocks for around my swimming pool,” one reviewer said. “Love them!”
- Available sizes: 190 — 450
- Available styles: 7
A handle for storing & carrying hoses & wires
This Wrap-It storage strap has a stellar 4.8-star average rating from over 4,600 reviewers because it’s a “great space saver” that “makes work easy.” The industrial-strength hook-and-loop closure is sturdy enough to support up to 50 pounds and adjustable to fit everything from garden hoses to extension cords, while the weather-resistant handle doubles as both a hook for wall storage and a grip for comfortable carrying.
- Available sizes: 17” (2-Pack) — 48” (2-Pack)
- Available styles: 2
Interlocking tiles that look like custom masonry
Custom masonry costs a pretty penny, but these interlocking tiles help you get the same look for significantly less. Made from high-density plastic, they’re lightweight while remaining resistant to sunlight, water, snow, and cracks. Use them to create a patio on your lawn, give your deck or balcony a refresh, or create a self-draining platform for outdoor showers.
- Available sizes: 9 — 36
- Available styles: 5
A gadget that creates a 15-foot shield against mosquitoes
Free from DEET, smoke, and fragrances, this Thermacell mosquito repeller uses a heat-activated cartridge to create a 15-foot shield around your patio, porch, or fire pit. “Mosquitos vanished within a few minutes of turning it on,” one reviewer said — even though the formula is independently tested and safe for kids and pets. Each set includes one repeller, one 12-hour fuel cartridge, and three repellent mats (which last four hours each).
- Available styles: 11
A color-changing candle that keeps bugs away
This Coleman scented candle does two things at once: It burns for up to 25 hours with its citronella wax that repels bugs, and it has a color-changing LED for ambiance that automatically turns on when you light the wick. “I was honestly surprised by how cool this candle is,” said one reviewer. “Keeps the bugs away and looks good while doing it!”
Solar garden lights that look like fireflies
With a round bulb on the end of each wire, these solar garden lights are way more whimsical than your average lantern-style design. Each one has a solar panel on its metal stake, so it charges up with sunlight during the day to create a warm, automatic glow at night. When the wind blows, the flexible iron wires sway, so they look like fireflies among your landscaping.
- Available sizes: 2 Pack — 10 Pack
A custom misting system that keeps you cool
“I am not a fan of hot weather,” one reviewer said, but this misting system “works like a charm” to “make the hot weather tolerable.” Using flexible tubing and brass nozzles, it releases a fine mist that cools you off when temperatures are high. You can attach it to your hose or outdoor faucet and install it on your patio umbrella, gazebo, or trampoline netting. It’s also great for misting plants in greenhouses.
Mesh grilling bags that “couldn’t be easier” to use
Use these mesh grilling bags to barbecue anything that’s small enough to slip between the grates, including chopped vegetables, shrimp, flaky fish, and chunks of steak. They’re non-stick, heat-resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and have metal snap buttons so nothing slips out. “Couldn’t be easier” and “clean up is a breeze,” one reviewer said.
Fly-repelling fans that actually work, according to reviewers
These fly repellent fans keep bugs away from your food, friends, and festivities — without toxic chemicals or electric zaps. The battery-operated motors power the flexible blades, which won’t hurt if they come into contact with fingers, but have holographic dot patterns that deter flies. “I would never have believed this simple device would keep flies away from food, but it does!” one reviewer said.
- Available styles: 2
A sprinkler that covers up to 3,600 square feet
Using three adjustable arms with 12 spray nozzles positioned at various angles, this automatic garden sprinkler rotates 360 degrees to water up to 3,600 square feet at once. “This little contraption works so much better than any store bought sprinkler,” one reviewer said. Another raved that it “cuts watering time in half” because it “distributes a lot of water.”
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
A whimsical solar light that’s solar-powered
Line your pathway or pond with these lotus lights or place one on your outdoor table for elegant yet whimsical illumination. Painted in a UV-resistant blue-green color, the metal petals encircle a glass crackle ball that automatically lights up when the sun goes down. It’s also weatherproof and solar-powered for cord-free, set-it-and-forget-it use.
- Available styles: 3
Solar string lights that couldn’t be cuter
During the day, these bumblebee string lights sit on top of your plants and soak up energy from the sun. At dusk, they use their plug-free power to glow a welcoming yellow. Each set includes a 20-LED strand with a solar panel and a ground stake. Over 8,000 reviewers have given them an average 4.5 stars because they’re “cute,” “reliable,” and “very bright.”
A turf pad where your pets can go to the bathroom
Train your pets to go on this artificial grass pad so you don’t have to deal with messes on your lawn, or use it as a convenient alternative for yards without grass. The top layer has realistic-looking turf made from non-toxic polypropylene, while the bottom layer has plenty of drainage holes that allow urine to pass through. Since it’s durable and waterproof, you can spray it with the hose to clean it off.
- Available sizes: 33x33 Inch — 59.1x40 Inch
A rechargeable bug zapper that works in 1 swing
While it’s safe for humans to touch thanks to its triple-layer mesh, this bug zapper has a 4,000-volt grid underneath that gets rid of flies, mosquitoes, and gnats in one swing. Sold in three sizes and three colors, it’s USB-rechargeable with up to 10,000 zaps per charge and it has a built-in LED flashlight so you can hunt flies in the dark.
- Available sizes: Mini — Large
- Available styles: 3
