My home is cozy — but as soon as company comes over, the house starts to feel like a can of sardines. As a result, my backyard needs to function as an extension of my indoor space, and a few clever Amazon finds helped me achieve that on a budget. These impressive backyard upgrades boost the comfort, functionality, and ambiance of your outdoor space, all for less than $30.
A roll-out wooden walkway for an easy DIY path
Made from pressure-treated cedar wood with a textured surface to prevent slipping, this roll-out garden path creates a walkway anywhere in your backyard. It comes in both straight and curved options and each slat is joined with rubber cords for weather-resistant durability. “Looks great in my backyard,” one reviewer wrote, while another said they “keep your feet clean,” even when walking over grass, dirt, and gravel.
- Available sizes: 6ft curved — 12ft straight
Step lights that look elegant & boost safety
These solar step lights make the stairs on your stoop, porch, or deck look way more elegant — but they also illuminate each step so they’re safer to navigate in the dark. You can secure them in place with either screws or double-sided adhesive tape. Best of all, since they’re IP65-rated waterproof, solar-powered, and have dusk-to-dawn sensors that turn on automatically at night, they’re an effortless set-it-and-forget-it option.
- Available sizes: 6 — 12
- Available styles: 3
A sturdy rack to organize your garden tools
This garden tool rack “wound up freeing space in my garage and allowing me to organize my yard tools effectively and efficiently,” one reviewer wrote. The 32-slot grid holds just about anything with a handle (including rakes, shovels, axes, brooms, and more) while the six extra-long hooks are ideal for smaller accessories. It’s also made entirely from metal for durability and rust resistance.
- Available styles: 3
An outdoor area rug that’s stylish yet easy to clean
One of the easiest ways to make your outdoor space feel cozy and inviting? Add an area rug. This outdoor mat comes in five sizes and five colors with a reversible design. Since it’s made from plastic straw with a UV coating, it’s waterproof, stain-resistant, and protected against heat and fading. “It's so pretty and easy to clean,” wrote one reviewer who said it’s “very good quality” for the price.
- Available sizes: 5x8 feet — 9x12 feet
- Available styles: 5
LED net lights that add a magical touch
According to reviewers, these LED net lights are “absolutely beautiful” and “add a magical touch” to your outdoor space. Unlike most fairy lights, these come in a square net that spans 10 by 10 feet, so you can mount them underneath pergolas and porches, drape them over walls and bushes, and hang them from gazebos. Each has eight lighting mode options and you can connect up to three sets.
- Available styles: 4
A raised garden bed for better plant growth
Made from galvanized steel for rust resistance with a wave-like construction for durability, this raised planter box organizes and protects your garden while encouraging better growth for your flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Its open base supports drainage, ventilation, and healthier root systems, and according to reviewers, it’s “well made,” easy to install,” and “very nice looking.”
- Available sizes: 4 Ft — 6 Ft
- Available styles: 4
Pebbles that absorb sunlight to glow in the dark
Reviewers have tossed these glow-in-the-dark rocks around fire pits, along pathways, in planters and garden beds, and around ponds. When they get sunlight during the day, they “stay glowing for a good while” and “look awesome.” You can get them in white, blue, green, aqua, and multicolor options.
- Available sizes: 190 — 450
- Available styles: 5
A UV-resistant sun shade to create a cool backyard retreat
If a new porch, gazebo, or pergola isn’t in the budget, this triangle sun shade offers an easy and affordable way to create a cool retreat in your backyard. Available in tons of colors and sizes, the UV-resistant fabric blocks up to 90% of the sun’s rays, the curved design prevents sagging, the ropes are reinforced for long-term use, and the stainless steel D rings are compatible with most mounting kits (sold separately).
- Available sizes: 7’ x 13’ — 19’ x 19’ x 19’
- Available styles: 16
Hanging solar lights that are “gorgeous” & “bright”
Reviewers described these hanging solar lights as “ornate,” “gorgeous,” and “bright” — not to mention “very convenient.” Since they charge up with sunlight, turn on automatically at dusk, and don’t require any power cords, you can put them anywhere you need extra light, including along the driveway, next to paths, or scattered throughout the garden bed. They also come with 34-inch shepherd hooks for height and ambiance.
- Available styles: 3
Metal plant stands for an incredible price
Made from sturdy iron that can support up to 130 pounds, these metal stands raise your plants up to improve visibility, allow for better drainage, and protect your surfaces. The anti-rust coating is suitable for outdoor use, and they come in a pack of five different sizes for an incredible price. “Just what I needed for my patio flowers,” one reviewer wrote. “Very pretty!”
An inflatable ottoman that’s one of my favorite buys
This inflatable ottoman is one of my favorite purchases I’ve ever made for my backyard. I use it as a comfy footrest while I’m reading on my deck, but since it’s filled with air, it’s lightweight and easy to pack away for the winter. Available in dozens of stylish, colorful patterns, the cover is also fade-resistant with a built-in handle.
- Available sizes: 21"D x 21"W x 9"H — 31"D x 31"W x 14"H
- Available styles: 43
A decorative wicker basket that disguises your hose
Disguise your garden hose as decor with this wicker basket, which fits hoses up to 100 feet long and has four built-in holes for drainage and feeding the ends through. Since it’s made from durable resin, it’s designed to withstand the elements without fading, cracking, or rusting. “Looks much better than hanging it on the wall or in a pile on the ground,” one reviewer wrote.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 6 Pack
Whimsical fairy lights that are solar-powered
Sold in eight color options (including rainbow) for seasonal decorating or year-long ambiance, these solar fairy lights come on a flexible 40-foot wire that’s easy to wrap around trees, bushes, railings, umbrellas, gazebos, porches, pergolas, and more. Best of all, they’re solar powered, waterproof, and weather-resistant with eight lighting modes.
- Available styles: 8
A citronella candle with color-changing lights
Yes, this citronella candle burns for up to 25 hours to keep bugs away from your outdoor gathering — but it also has LED lights that automatically turn on alongside the flame, changing colors to boost the ambiance. According to reviewers, it’s “the coolest candle” because the scent “keeps mosquitos away” and the colorful lights elicit “lots of compliments” from guests.
A waterproofing spray to protect your outdoor surfaces
Spray this WaterSeal multi-surface stain on wood, concrete, or bricks to protect outdoor surfaces against moisture and UV damage — without changing the color. Buyers have tried it on decks, outdoor furniture, terracotta pots, bird feeders, fences, and more, and one reviewer who’s used it for decades wrote, “I've tried other brands but nothing compares to Thompson's for extending the lifetime of wood in an outdoor environment.”
- Available sizes: 12 Ounce — Gallon
Clever clip-on solar lights that couldn’t be easiser to set up
Give your backyard a simple upgrade with these motion-sensor clip lights that are impressively simple to use. Each light in the set has a hingeed clip, allowing you to attach it to railings and more with ease. Choose from three different color and brightness modes, all while relying on energy-efficient solar power.
A magnetic storage caddy for the grill
Attach this magnetic caddy to just about any barbecue or smoker for instant, damage-free storage while grilling. It has a metal shelf with a railing for spices and sauces, hooks to hold spatulas, tongs, grill brushes, and oven mitts, and a built-in paper towel holder for cleanup. According to reviewers, it’s “sturdy,” “super convenient,” and so “easy to install.”
Solar post lights that look like flickering flames
Love the look of a flame, but don’t want to worry about fire hazards? These solar post lights charge up with the sun during the day and turn on automatically at night — and the LEDs behind the metal mesh grates flicker like gas lanterns for a flame-like appearance. According to reviewers, they “look so real,” people “hesitate to touch them.” They also come with a mounting kit for installation on fences and railings.
- Available sizes: 2 pack — 6 pack
A durable storage box that doubles as a seat
While it looks like wood, this patio storage box is actually made from high-density resin, which is waterproof, UV-resistant, and lightweight. Still, it stores up to 30 gallons of pool toys, cushions, and other outdoor essentials, and it doubles as a seat thanks to its 220-pound weight capacity. It’s also lockable with built-in handles for security and portability.
- Available sizes: 20 Gallon — 240 Gallon
- Available styles: 8
Damage-free siding hooks that are “brilliant”
Reviewers have called these siding hooks “brilliant” and “well worth the money” because they’re “so easy to use, remove, or relocate.” Compatible with most types of horizontal vinyl siding, they slip in between the slats to hold lights, signs, decor, wreaths, plants, mailboxes, address numbers, and more — all without drilling or damage. Each metal hook can support up to 18 pounds.
- Available styles: 5
A water-repelling shield for your outdoor fabrics
Keep your outdoor items clean and dry with this Scotchgard fabric shield. It creates an odorless, water-repellant layer on umbrellas, covers, upholstery, and outdoor pillows. It’s earned an average 4.6-star rating from over 9,000 Amazon reviewers because it’s effective, long-lasting, and easy to use. (You can use it on shoes and clothing, too.)
A viral light that clamps onto your patio umbrella
This LED umbrella light clamps onto the pole of most umbrellas between 0.86 and 1.81 inches in diameter. It then illuminates your table or sitting area with its three lighting modes from dim to super bright — and since it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about outlets or wires. “This is the best and least expensive way to add lighting to a patio umbrella,” wrote one of over 34,000 five-star reviewers.
Mesh food covers I break out for every barbecue
I break out these pop-up food covers every time I entertain outside. The fine mesh fabric keeps bugs at bay while the metal tent-like frame is wide and tall enough to cover most bowls and plates — but the best feature as far as I’m concerned? They collapse and fold down flat when the party is over, so they take up minimal space in my small kitchen.
- Available sizes: 14” x 14” — 24” x 39”
An elegant dinnerware set that’s virtually unbreakable
Serve dinner outdoors in style and without having to worry about accidents. This dinnerware set looks like porcelain with an elegant ribbed pattern — but since they’re made from BPA-free wheat straw fiber, they’re virtually unbreakable. Each set includes six bowls, six plates, and six cups, and everything is microwavable, dishwasher-safe, and temperature-resistant up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray paint that stops rust, discoloration & chips
Every few years, I spray my metal firepit chairs with Rust-Oleum spray paint, and afterward, they look brand new — even though I leave them out year-round. The oil-based formula covers discoloration, stops rust, and protects items from chipping and damage. This particular spray creates a speckled multicolor finish on wood, metal, concrete, or masonry for a natural, stone-like look.
- Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 3
- Available styles: 6
Hanging pocket planters made from lightweight fabric
“We have a narrow backyard, but still wanted some flowers and herbs. These planters are perfect,” one reviewer wrote about these hanging plant holders. They’re made from felt fabric, which is lightweight, durable, easy to install, and moisture-resistant. You can get them in horizontal or vertical designs, each with six pockets.
- Available styles: 2
A pressure washer nozzle that’s a “great value”
“One of my best investments for the money!” one reviewer wrote about this high-pressure washer gun, which is designed to fit most pressure washers and comes with five interchangeable nozzles for sprays between 0 and 65 degrees. Others wrote that it’s a “great value compared to name brands” because it’s “it’s constructed well” and the cleaning power is “truly impressive.”
- Available styles: 6
Handy stick-on grill lights that stay in place with magnets
Give yourself proper visibility as you barbecue with these magnetic grill lights. A strong magnet in the base allows you to stick each light to the hood of your grill, while the pliable gooseneck lets you bend the light into the perfect angle. And because they’re battery operated, you won’t have to worry about any annoying cords.
Mesmerizing solar wind chime that glows for up to 8 hours
When it comes to outdoor lighting, opt for unique offerings like this color-changing solar wind chime. This waterproof chime comes with multicolor glowing orbs that can shine for eight hours on a single charge. It comes with a convenient metal hook for easy installation as well.
A bug zapper that’s the “best thing” reviewers “ever bought”
Reviewers called this electric bug zapper their “new favorite weapon in the war against bugs” and the “best thing” they “ever bought.” Plug it into a nearby outlet, and its blue-violet light attracts mosquitos flies, moths, gnats, and hornets into its 4,000-volt grid, protecting you for up to 1,600 square feet. It’s also waterproof with a fireproof casing and a child-safety screen.
- Available styles: 2
Fire pit that’s compact enough to sit on your table
Make outdoor evenings feel like a trip to the mountains, thanks to this tabletop fire pit that creates cozy ambience. The flame rests on a bed of rocks and there are two protective panels on both sides — just add rubbing alcohol to the center to ignite. You’ll even get roasting forks for marshmallows.
Best-selling solar security lights with motion sensors
A bestseller with over 61,000 reviews on Amazon, these security lights are designed to keep your home safe with minimal effort on your part. They convert sunlight into electricity for cord-free use, have built-in reflectors to make the LEDs extra bright, and use motion sensors to turn on automatically when someone walks onto your property. They’re also waterproof, heat-resistant, and frost-resistant for year-round use
- Available sizes: 2 Pack — 8 Pack
Machine-washable gardening gloves that are protective & breathable
Breathable yet protective, these gardening gloves are made from sweat-wicking bamboo with a textured rubber coating on the palms and fingers for grip. They’re also machine-washable for ongoing use, have plenty of elastic so they fit like a second skin, and are touchscreen-friendly so you can use your phone without taking them off.
- Available sizes: Medium — 2X-Large
Edison bulb string lights that actually last
“I have bought several sets of these lights not only for myself but also as wedding gifts,” one reviewer wrote about these outdoor string lights, which are dimmable, waterproof, and span 100 feet with their shatter-resistant Edison bulbs. “They hold up very well, give off great light, and have lasted several years with being out in the weather.”
- Available sizes: 50FT — 100FT
Low-maintenance garden edging for a more professional look
This no-dig landscape edging couldn’t be simpler to use when creating a garden upgrade. All you have to do is lock the panels into place and gently press them into the ground, creating a clean and classic-looking border for your plants and flowers. Line them up straight or bend into curved shapes depending on your unique vision for your yard.
A “must-have” tool for gardeners
According to reviewers, this multipurpose knife is the “best gardening tool” and a “must-have for even the novice gardener.” With its dual-sided blade, pointed tip, and etched measurements, it helps you weed, dig, prune, and cultivate with a single tool — and it’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel with a comfortable wood handle and a belt pouch for storage and portability.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack
- Available styles: 3
Outdoor pillow covers that are waterproof & washable
These pillow covers have a special coating that makes them waterproof and dust-resistant for outdoor use. They come in six sizes and dozens of colors with hidden zippers for a secure fit, and you can toss them in the washing machine when they start to get dirty. That about explains the overall 4.5-star rating from over 15,000 reviewers. Note: The inserts aren’t included.
- Available sizes: 16" x 16" (Pack of 2) — 24" x 24" (Pack of 2)
- Available styles: 36
Classic solar garden lights that cast a striking shadow
Turn your yard into a glimmering light show with these solar outdoor lights. They have a traditional stake and lantern shape, but the shade has unique etchings that create a stunning pattern when the bulbs are on. Better yet, they automatically power on and off in response to ambient light levels outside as well.
- Available colors: 2
Solar garden lights that look like camellia flowers
Granted, they look like camellia flowers in your choice of pink, red, or yellow, these solar-powered lights effortlessly blend into your garden — but the bright LEDs are woven into the stems to illuminate the buds from within. They come on 12-inch aluminum stakes with upgraded solar panels that are designed to absorb more sun for longer-lasting light.
- Available styles: 3
Cordless lights to illuminate outdoor dinners
These minimalist wireless lamps are the perfect addition to any outdoor gathering. They’re rechargeable (so no plugs required), but still boast a traditional design, complete with shades. Dim them to your preferred brightness, then enjoy the soft glow they provide on your patio.
- Available colors: 4
A bamboo spout for a relaxing DIY fountain
Add a pump, and this bamboo spout turns almost any container of water into a relaxing fountain on a budget. “I love the look but didn’t want to shell out almost $50 for the ones that come with pump, so I settled for this one and added a cheap $6 pump,” one reviewer wrote. Another raved, “Such a relaxing sound with the water trickling in my fountain.”
Sparkler garden lights with flexible metal wires
A fun take on your standard garden lamps, these solar fairy lights have tiny LEDs on flexible copper wires. Fan them out to look like fireworks, or arrange them in various designs so they look like jellyfish, peacocks, or lotus flowers. They have long metal ground stakes with solar panels that keep them lit for up to 10 hours once fully charged.
- Available sizes: 2 Pack — 8 Pack
- Available styles: 4
Highly rated garden hose holder that mounts to your wall
Keep your yard accessories from becoming a trip hazard with this garden hose holder. It’s made from sturdy iron and can support up to 70 pounds of weight. For easy installation, all the screws and anchors you’ll need to mount it come included. It’s beloved by Amazon users as well, over 6,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.
- Available colors: 4
A power stake to automate your outdoor electronics
Maximize your outdoor power and put your holiday decorations, lights, and fountains on automatic timers. This outdoor power stake has a 6-foot extension cord with six grounded outlets, all of which are UL-listed with waterproof covers. It also has automatic timer settings, a dusk-to-dawn sensor, and a remote control that works from up to 100 feet away.
- Available styles: 2
Architectural solar bricks for a unique outdoor lighting setup
If you’re looking to vary things up beyond string lights and lanterns, these solar brick lights offers up an expected take on outdoor lighting. They come six to a pack and feature a textured floral exterior for added visual interest. And since they boast an IP65 waterproof rating, they can stand up to inclement weather as well.
- Available colors: 3
Cute fans that spin to keep the bugs away
“I bought these to keep flies away when sitting on [the] patio, and they really do work,” one reviewer wrote about these portable table fans. They’re rechargeable with a cute design that looks like a potted flower, and the soft “petals” spin to keep bugs away from your food and your guests. You can also hang them upside down from the collapsible hook on the base.
A hanging bird bath with a solar-powered light
This solar bird bath functions as both pretty decor and a practical addition to your backyard. Hang it from a branch or a shepherd's hook with the built-in metal handle and fill it with either water or seeds; the curved sunflower bowl offers a welcoming rest stop for birds, while the solar panel collects sunlight during the day to illuminate the crackle-glass bulb at night.
- Available styles: 2
Gorgeous lanterns you don’t have to fuss with
“I wanted gorgeous, magical lanterns that I wouldn't have to fuss with,” one reviewer wrote — and needless to say, they “fell in love” with these solar lanterns. Hang them on branches with their built-in handles or place them on surfaces thanks to their flat bottoms. Either way, the 6-lumen LEDs charge up with sunlight before turning on automatically at dusk, while the cutout design creates a stunningly intricate pattern.
- Available styles: 3
Adhesive stem clips that blend in with your plants
Discreetly direct your climbing vines and cascading greenery with these plant clips. The self-adhesive backs stick to most smooth surfaces (including tiles, glass, metal, marble, and wood) while the hollow fasteners snap over stems of most thicknesses. Since they’re green and look like leaves, they blend in with your plants so you’ll hardly notice them.
- Available sizes: 12 pieces — 24 pieces
Self-draining grow bags that make a “huge difference”
Can’t seem to keep your plants, vegetables, and herbs alive? These grow bags are made from non-woven fabric, which has excellent drainage and lets your roots breathe for faster, healthier growth. The durable handles and tear-resistant fabric let you move your plants from spot to spot, plus they’re reusable for years and foldable for compact storage. “Huge difference in plant size [and] health,” one reviewer wrote.
- Available sizes: 1 Gallon — 30 Gallons
- Available styles: 2
Combination torch & speaker that turns up the volume on backyard parties
Bring your outdoor entertaining to a whole new level with this outdoor Bluetooth speaker and LED torch that can pair with your phone. You can either hang it by the handle or display it as a torch thanks to the included stake. The LED bulb offers up a realistic-looking “flame mode” that flickers just like a real torch, too.
Decorative ladybug garden stones that add a ton of character
It’s hard not to smile looking at these ladybug garden stones that are bound to brighten up a range of outdoor spaces. They’re made from durable ceramic and come in a range of sizes to create depth and interest wherever you lay them. Reviewers are impressed with the longevity, too, with Amazon user Teresa Miller writing, “I put a set of these out in a stone garden last year. I was looking at them closely today and they are as bright and vivid as the day I put them out.”
Celestial solar lights that create an otherworldly glow
Create a unique and unexpected decor scheme in your yard with these solar outdoor stake lights. Each set comes with a sun, moon, and star stake, each with a glowing orb in the center surrounded by a decorative, perforated shade that creates striking shadows. Simply drive the stake into the ground with the attached solar panel facing upward to install.
Flexible misting stand to help you keep your chill outdoors
When temperatures start to heat up, cool things down with this standing mister. It comes with four flexible hoses with brass nozzles which spray mist in a full 360-degree path so multiple people can enjoy it at once. And thanks to its sturdy tripod that hooks up to your garden hose, it’ll stay stable and upright during use.
Blossoming floral solar light that doubles as decor
Form and function meet in this lotus solar light. It boasts a striking design with shades that peel backwards like flower petals, exposing the glowing orb in the center. It’s treated with UV-resistant paint for enhanced durability and automatically powers on at dusk and off again at down.
- Available colors: 4
Realistic-looking faux florals that light up at night
Liven up your garden with these solar flower garden lights. During the daylight, they resemble real roses, but at night, they light up to create a dazzling display that looks like a fantasy novel come to life. Each stake comes with five blooms attached, and all you have to do is drive them into the ground and keep the solar panel in view of the sun. Perhaps most impressively, they’ll stay lit for an impressive 12 hours after a full charge.
