46 Cheap Ways To Make Your Backyard 10x Nicer For Fall & Winter

Turn your deck, gazebo, or any outdoor space into a fairyland or outdoor bistro with these lights that are both waterproof and solar-powered. Energy-saving LED bulbs mean that you get six hours of light from a full charge, and the shatterproof plastic exterior can take winds up to 50 miles per hour. The lights will come on automatically when the solar panel is charged to provide warm illumination that’s bright enough to see what you’re doing on the grill.

While this yard tool may look strange, it’s definitely pure genius: It’s a scoop that essentially gives you hands the size of The Hulk for scooping up leaves, mulch, dirt, and whatever else you need to move around the garden. Made from heavy-duty plastic, it’s designed with a guard to protect your wrists, and hangs conveniently on a hook when not in use.

Pull together your outdoor living or dining space with this rug that won’t fade, mold, or mildew. Available in eight colors and a wide variety of sizes, the rug’s low-pile design won’t shed or fray, so it’s ideal for high-traffic areas inside your house, too. It’s stain-resistant and easy to clean with just a vacuum.

• Available sizes: 20
• Available colors: 8

When you want a pop of color in your outdoor living space, these pillow covers are a great choice. Available in 21 shades and a wide variety of sizes, they’re made from a durable canvas-polyester blend that has a waterproof coating to stand up to the elements. They’re fade-resistant and cleaning is easy — just throw them in the washing machine.

• Available sizes: 6
• Available colors: 21

Turn your outdoor lighting, water feature, or holiday inflatables on and off remotely with this smart outlet that works via a free app on your phone. Designed for outdoor use, you can use it to set schedules or turn the lights on when you’re away from home. You can even use voice commands to control this outlet with your Alexa or Google Home.

Make dining outside seem like a real event with this farmhouse-chic tablecloth that’s waterproof and available in 14 colors. Made from a sturdy polyester-cotton blend fabric that has the look of linen, it won’t fade in the sunlight, and it’s stain-proof as well, so spills simply wipe away. This easy-care piece is machine-washable and won’t wrinkle.

• Available sizes: 7
• Available colors: 14

With a look that’s almost architectural in nature, this canopy adds instant shade to your yard, whether that’s over your deck or patio, around the pool, or by your kids’ sandbox or play area. And while it looks like it might cost a small fortune, the price tag on this highly rated and ultra-durable version is surprisingly wallet-friendly.

• Available sizes: 13
• Available colors: 4

Ideal next to your outdoor seating, this side table has sleek, modern lines that are sure to complement any outdoor living arrangement. Crafted from steel, it’s lightweight but sturdy and has a weather-resistant coating, so the paint won’t peel or crack. Available in 10 colors, this table can hold up to 50 pounds of drinks, books, snacks, and plants.

• Available colors: 10

This light is specially designed to fit around the pole of your patio umbrella, so you can easily reach for the chips and salsa, even if you’re dining after dark. So handy and convenient, its 28 LED lights feature three modes to offer varying degrees of brightness, and it attaches to the pole easily with the provided clamp.

Pick up a few sternos, and you’ll always be ready for a traditional campfire treat with this s’mores maker that helps you toast your marshmallows to melty, golden perfection. The screen protects hands from the flame, and the compartments around the perimeter are perfect for holding chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.

Give your outdoor sofa or settee an update with this cushion cover that’s water-repellent, which means you don’t have to worry about running outside to pull the cushions in every time the weatherman forecasts a little precipitation. The fabric has just enough spandex to make it stretchy, so it’s easy to get on and off, and it’s machine-washable, too.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 15

Get yourself in the mood for the season at hand with one of these scented candles that come in seven fragrances like pumpkin, leaves, cinnamon roll, and mulled cider. The candles are made from clean-burning soy wax, and they provide 50 hours of enjoyment.

With an oh-so-stylish herringbone weave and a texture that’s soft as cashmere (without the high price tag), this blanket checks all the boxes. Crafted from acrylic in an especially cozy knit, it’s finished with fringe and available in 11 colors that won’t shed or fade.

• Available colors: 11

With a 1.5-liter capacity, this sturdy kettle is great for making tea, mulled cider, cocoa, and other hot beverages in the backyard, because you can just plug it into an outlet — no stove necessary. It’s made from heat-resistant and shatterproof borosilicate glass, and boils water in less than seven minutes. Plus, it’s available in your choice of seven colors.

• Available colors: 7

Add illumination to your driveway, front walk, or outdoor dining area with these solar-powered ground lights that have stakes you can simply stick into the grass. Waterproof and durable, they provide up to eight hours of light when fully charged, and you can choose between cool white and warm white.

If your green thumb is just plain wilting, try out these artificial shrubs to provide some realistic-looking plant life around your outdoor spaces. Available in a variety of colors and styles, they resist fading, and of course — never need watering. Just arrange them as you like and you’re done.

• Available styles: 9

Perfect for use on your patio table, this napkin holder has a weighted arm to hold your napkins down in a breeze so that they don’t fly away. Made from sturdy steel alloy, it has a traditional look with a little industrial flair.

Even if you have a small backyard, you can enjoy this compact, travel-size cornhole set that makes for a perfect addition to any outdoor event. Cornhole is easy enough for everyone to play, from ages one to 100, and can be a team sport or a one-on-one competition. When you’re ready to pack up, the bean bags store right inside the boards.

Grill all night long if you please with these barbecue lights that illuminate your food, so you can ensure you get the perfect char on your steak. The weather-resistant lights feature magnets for easy placement, and the gooseneck design lets you aim the beam of light right where you need it most.

This Scotchgard spray repels water and shields fabric from the sun, so your outdoor furniture and gear can stay vibrant — and not faded — for years to come. Just one can treats a remarkable 60 square feet of fabric, so you can cover your furniture, umbrella, and grill cover too.

Crafted from durable Tritan, these wine glasses are shatter-resistant but look just like regular wine glasses, making them perfect for al fresco dining or just enjoying some vino under the stars. The stemless design makes them easy to hold, and they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Add an attractive touch to your yard with these solar-powered lights that allow you to choose between warm white or one of seven colors, like blue, red, and green. With as little as six hours of charging in the sun, these lights offer up to 12 hours of lighting, and they can be mounted anywhere with the included hardware.

Your outdoor dining area will look like something straight out of Architectural Digest when you put up these curtains that have a cool glamping vibe. Available in a wide variety of sizes, the sheer voile fabric is waterproof, and the rustproof silver grommets make them easy to hang.

• Available sizes: 13
• Available colors: 3

Fall and winter can mean mud, snow, and leaves, but this shoe scraper can help ensure your inside floors remain clean. Made with stiff coir bristles, it removes dirt and grime from the soles of our shoes with just a few swipes. And if you’re wearing boots, you can use the raised sides to get even more cleaning power.

This grill cover is made from heavy-duty polyester fabric and treated for water, wind, and fade resistance. Available in a variety of sizes, reviewers rave about the sturdiness of this cover, and how it ensures that your grill will remain in good condition for years to come.

• Available sizes: 6

Lounge in this hammock chair and you can enjoy the great outdoors in the most comfortable way. The sturdy chair can hold up to 330 pounds, and you can hang it from a tree branch or patio overhang. And since you don’t have to clamber into it or worry about flipping it over, it’s quite a bit more convenient than a traditional hammock.

Made from durable silicone, this set of eight coasters also comes with a wine bottle coaster, so you can be sure nothing will be harmed by moisture. Available in black and gray, they’re dishwasher-safe and slide-resistant, so they’ll stay put on your patio table.

Ideal for special events — or to just to add a little delight to your everyday life — these pretty curtain lights can be hung from a pergola, roof overhang, tree or anywhere else you need a splash of drama. These waterproof strands can stand up to precipitation, and a convenient remote allows you to choose from eight modes, including steady on, slow fade, and twinkle/flash.

Boasting a 4.7-star rating after more than 60,000 reviews, this fan-favorite Bluetooth speaker lets you take your playlist outdoors. It’s IPX5 waterproof, and the stereo-quality sound offers resonant bass and clear sound with no distortion. Plus, the 24-hour battery life gives you plenty of play time before you need to recharge.

Made from sturdy metal, these tool hangers have spring-loaded clips that grip snow shovels, rakes, and brooms, so they’re no longer just lurking in the corner of your garage. The weatherproof hooks install easily on any flat wall with the included hardware, and they can hold up to 35 pounds each.

Perfect for lawn clippings and fall leaves, these yard bags stand up on their own, making it easy to fill them up. (Who doesn’t want to do away with the frustration of feeling like you need an extra hand to hold open a garbage bag?) Made from paper — not plastic — they’re compostable in most municipal waste systems, and can hold up to 30 gallons each.

From Cuisinart, this grill is small in size, but offers that same smoky charbroiled goodness of a full-sized grill. You can fit four burgers on its 150-square inch cooking surface, and the dual-venting system gives you control over the temperature of the coals. Plus, the small size makes it great for camping trips and tailgates, too.

Get everything you need to enjoy eating outside with this caddy that holds condiments, utensils, and even a roll of paper towels. Made from durable steel, it’s powder coated to resist corrosion, and has a wooden handle for easy carrying.

Available in a variety of colors and sizes, this buffalo plaid rug can cheer up any outdoor space. Also suitable for indoor use, it adds a cozy cabin vibe, and it’s easy to clean — just vacuum it or throw it in the wash on a delicate cycle.

• Available sizes: 5
• Available colors: 5

Simply throw one of these pouches into your fire pit, then sit back and enjoy the show of colors that develop from the vibrant flames. A rainbow of colors springs from the crystals, which will last for over an hour. Since you throw the whole packet in, there’s no mess to contend with, and they’re also excellent for use with an indoor fireplace.

If your outdoor space is up in the sky, you need this balcony screen to provide some privacy while you’re enjoying your deck. Made from a sturdy material that still allows breezes to pass through, it’s available in 18 styles and colors, as well as a variety of sizes. Install it quickly and easily with the included zip ties.

• Available sizes: 5
• Available colors: 18

This highly rated hammock makes for an ideal escape in your own backyard, but it’s so lightweight, you can also take it camping. Made from ultra-lightweight parachute nylon, it can hold up to 400 pounds, and comes with tree straps and carabiners — everything you need to sling it up and get your nap on.

• Available sizes: 2
• Available colors: 15

Crafted from natural bamboo, these wind chimes give a voice to mother nature as she blows a breeze through your backyard. Attractive and water-resistant, the low timbre of these chimes is a reviewer favorite: They’ve earned a 4.6-star overall rating, thanks to their durability and relaxing sound.

These artificial garlands have fall written all over them, and they’re a terrific way to welcome the new season. The silk maple leaves are so realistic looking, they appear to have just dropped from the tree, and the 5.7-foot length is a perfect doorway accent. One of the two garlands is adorned with fruit, while the other is simply leaves.

Raccoons, possums, and even bears can prowl around residential neighborhoods and get into trash cans looking for food, but this trash can lock prevents them from knocking your garbage contents out as they scrounge for dinner. It’s durable, size-adjustable, and can be used with both square and round cans.

Have a little fun when you crack open a cold one; this bottle opener is designed to be mounted to any flat surface, so you can play bartender. The opener comes with a cap catcher with a powerful neodymium magnet that attracts and holds your caps once they pop off.

The fencing around this bug zapper keeps animals and human hands safe, and since there’s no strong smell, you can use it without having to think twice. Designed to provide 1,500 feet worth of coverage, it has a collection drawer that can be easily removed for cleaning.

Citronella candles are a must when trying to keep mosquitoes and other harmful pests away outdoors, but most are plain-looking or, frankly, ugly. These citronella candles are set in beautiful jars that you’ll be happy to display on your table, and are made using soy wax and real citronella oil. One candle offers up to 90 hours of burn time.

You’ve set your whole picnic out and are just waiting for everyone to get to the table, when you look at the food and notice it’s covered with flies. Next time, avoid this scenario by placing these pop-up food covers over your dishes. They collapse flat, so you can take them camping or on picnics, and you can even use them in the garden to protect plants from hungry rodents and other pests.

Whether you use it for chocolate covered strawberries or bread covered in gooey cheese, this electric fondue pot makes outdoor eating a cozy affair. Available in 6- and 8-cup options, the pot features an adjustable temperature dial and stay-cool handles. It comes with eight fondue forks that are color-coded, so you’ll know exactly which one is yours.

Designed to run on smokeless, clean-burning bio ethanol, this tabletop fire bowl means that anyone can enjoy the soothing look of a real fire — even on a small city balconette. The glass is durable and temperature-resistant, and the modern design is a chic alternative to candles.