55 Ways To Make Your Backyard So Much Nicer For Under $35

This unique wind chime only gets cooler as the sun goes down. It features six waterproof globes that appear white during the day, but light up in fun colors at night. It’s solar-powered and makes a unique, calming sound to fill your garden. A five-star reviewer noted, “Love these hanging under our trees. Beautiful light display!”

These mosquito-repellent sticks are a discrete way to stay bug-free. Burn them like incense, and their DEET-free formula will keep bugs away for up to three hours. They’re made with citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils, so in addition to “actually working,” reviewers say they “smell wonderful, too.”

Does your garden need a little extra whimsy? These solar-powered garden lights are attached to flexible copper wires so you can manipulate them into any shape or design. They require about four to six hours of sunlight for them to run up to 10 hours, and the lights have two modes: twinkling and always on. They’re waterproof and add a little sparkle to any outdoor space.

If you have a deck, fence, or porch railing, these solar lights keep it well-lit and festive. Attach them to the side or the top with the included screws. Then choose between warm white or color-changing; either way, they’ll charge up with sunlight during the day to give you up to 10 hours of illumination at night.

This decorative garden light is functional and adds personality to your outdoor space. It’s powered by the sun and will run for up to six hours on a full charge. The LED lights give a warm white glow that bounces off the rustic metal moon shape, and it has a stake on one end that secures it into the ground. With a 4.6-star rating, this accessory will make your backyard feel more like you.

Even if there aren’t fireflies where you live, these mason jar lights can give you the same magical feeling. This six-pack features mason jars filled with fairy lights and sturdy handles from which to hang them. The lights are solar-powered and will last for about 12 hours after charging for six to eight hours. They’re waterproof and the lids won’t rust over time.

Enjoy the breeze without the bugs with the help of this magnetic screen door. It attaches to your door frame with a magnetic opening in the center that easily separates handsfree so you (or your pets) can go in and out freely. After each exit, the doors find their way back to each other, thanks to the strong magnets. It’s earned more than 35,000 five-star ratings, too.

Get ahead of the bugs this year so you can truly enjoy your backyard with this backyard bug control spray. The 32-ounce bottle connects to your hose to easily spray your yard to help remove mosquitoes, fleas, and ants. One bottle will treat up to 5,000 square feet for 12 weeks. There’s no mixing required — it couldn’t be simpler. And for $9, it’s much less expensive than hiring a professional.

Keep the outdoors outside with this durable indoor doormat. Place it at your back door to stop family, friends, and pets from tracking in dirt, snow, or rain. The low profile is ideal because it fits under doors, yet effectively cleans your shoes. It has an anti-slip bottom and can also be used outside. Just hose it off to clean it.

These flexible LED lights have a powerful magnetic base. As a result, you can effortlessly mount them to the barbecue, the car, or the tent frame so you can see what you’re doing in the dark. They also feature a gooseneck design so you can direct the light any which way — plus each order comes with batteries and a storage case.

Set this beautiful mosaic solar-powered glass ball on your patio table — or anywhere in your yard — and let it create a warm and cozy atmosphere for you. A solar panel on the top powers it during the day. When the sun goes down, it turns on automatically, creating a warm welcome — and necessary light — to your outdoor space. It comes in five colors.

Your yard will be the talk of the neighborhood with these glowing rocks. They glow in the dark after charging under natural or artificial light. Use them as decorative elements or to light a path in your yard. Plus this pack is only $22.

Earning itself an overall score of 4.5 out of five stars on Amazon, this inflatable buffet bar is the perfect way to turn your outdoor party up a notch. Once you add ice, you can keep apps and drinks chilly regardless of how warm it may be outside. There’s also a convenient drain plug underneath to help flawlessly rid of excess water. Since it floats, it’s also great for serving up food while in the pool.

It’s always good to have a handy party game nearby, like this roll-up dart game that’s great for families or larger gatherings. Available in a few different themes, this game includes safe magnetic darts that don’t have sharp points or edges. It’s even reversible, including two different games on either side.

Capable of holding up to 50 pounds (or 30 pounds if mounted to drywall), this broom holder is perfect for organizing your rakes and garden tools. It has three slots for rakes and brooms and four hooks for pretty much everything else, and it comes with everything you need to install it.

These stainless steel baskets are perfect for cooking veggies, shrimp, and other finicky food that might otherwise slip the grate of your grill. For just $30 you get a set of three baskets, each a different size and shape to accommodate different food.

Create a sanctuary for birds in your backyard with this $24 solar-powered birdbath fountain. It fits in most birdbaths and comes with a built-in battery that’s charged by the sun and pumps water through six nozzles. Even on a cloudy day, the battery will charge to keep the birds happy. Reviewers awarded this birdbath fountain with 4.6 stars on Amazon.

Make your outdoor space more comfortable — even on the hottest days of the year — with this large sunshade. The breathable rectangular shade blocks most UV rays to not only keep you cooler but also to help protect your outdoor furniture. It has earned more than 12,000 reviews and is available in six colors as well as 13 sizes.

It’s simple: Choose your color, pick your team, pick your winning pattern, and take turns bouncing the ping pong balls in between the wooden pegs. Despite its simplicity, Bounce Battle has an overall 4.5-star rating and has been called “a total blast,” “absolutely one of our favorite games,” and the “best game ever.” It was awarded Game of the Year by Creative Child Magazine, and as long as you have a tabletop, you can play it virtually anywhere.

Add extra security to your home while improving your curb appeal by installing these solar lights that are less than $25 for a two-pack. This set includes 400 lumens waterproof lights that are ideal for mounting to your garage, front steps, or back patio. The LED lamps automatically charge all day, thanks to the sun, so they can be powered at night without the need for outlets. Plus, they are motion-activated up to 16 feet.

If you don’t have a lot of space or storage, you might want to shop for items that won’t take up too much space. This inflatable ottoman is a clever solution — and it’s affordable, too. The decorative stool inflates easily and stores flat, taking up almost no space at all. Choose from 21 trendy patterns to add seating to your backyard without overloading your storage (or wallet).

A grill scaper such as this solid brass one is ideal especially if you have pets or other animals around as a traditional grill brush with bristles can be harmful if ingested. This one will work with most grills and is even effective on surfaces such as Porcelain and Teflon-coated grates.

Not only do ice buckets elevate an outdoor party vibe, but they’re genuinely useful in making sure chilly drinks stay chilly. This versatile bucket is double-walled, helping to ensure it’s properly insulated, and even has a space within its lid to carry the included tongs so that they don’t get lost while you’re bringing it outside. It’ll also look sleek all day long, since it’s designed to hide fingerprints and smudges.

This set of silicone drink coasters will help ensure that your outdoor furniture stays in tip-top shape while having guests over. They’re perfect for the outside since they’ve been designed to withstand the elements, whether it’s rain, snow, or intense sunlight. They’re also dishwasher-safe when they need a good cleaning. Each set comes with eight coasters.

A combination of horseshoes and frisbee, this outdoor Polish horseshoe set assembles in less than five minutes and uses any beverage containers you have on hand. Just set up the pole, place a water bottle or empty beer can on top, and take turns trying to knock it off with the included frisbees. One reviewer wrote, “I bought this for a teen party at the park and it was a hit! It's super easy and fast to assemble anywhere and comes with a storage/carrying bag! I'm taking it to the beach next!”

Sometimes, the right tools can be a real game-changer — like these meat shredder claws that can not only save you on prep time but can create really tasty dishes, like pulled pork and pulled chicken. With these claws, you can avoid uneven shreds. Plus, when dinner is over, they can be popped right into your dishwasher for an easy clean-up.

Instantly elevate your outdoor space with these globe string lights that are trendy and give outdoor spaces a cozy feel. The affordable lights come in 48-feet long strands (and are available in 27 and 97 feet, as well). They feature 24 shatterproof Edison bulbs that are waterproof and can withstand rain, wind, or dampness.

If you ask me, every good backyard BBQ needs a little competition — and this ring toss game is not only fun, but the surfboard design also makes it a cool piece of decor. The game itself is simple: each player gets 10 chances to swing the metal ring in an effort to attach it to the hook on the board; the first player to 11 or 21 wins.

One Amazon shopper had this to say: “My parents have this game installed at their house, and I had to get one for my own. Product is durable and can be hung in multiple ways, depending on the surface. This game is simple, fun and suitable for anyone/any number of people. It is a perfect addition to my patio. Highly recommend.”

Just picture this — it’s Friday night, and you just finished creating the perfect pizza at home with this circular pizza stone that you’ll then eat on your patio while watching the sunset. Not only does this pizza stone cost around the same, if not less, than a local delivery, but it can change your entire routine for the better. It’s grease and burn-resistant, simple to wash, and easy to use. As a bonus, it comes with its own pizza cutter.

Cornhole is a backyard classic, and this lightweight set is ideal for playing inside or out. The waterproof plastic boards come with eight bean bags in two different colors. There’s even a built-in bean bag return that catches your bags after you make a “cornhole.” It folds and packs easily for travel, too.

Cozy up your outdoor space with some pillows — but make sure they’re resistant to water like these premium pillow inserts are. These microfiber pillows are not only resistant to water and hypoallergenic on their own, but they’re also perfect for inserting into outdoor pillowcases. The 18-by-18-inch pillows have earned more than 3,000 positive ratings and also comes in four other sizes.

Avoid catastrophic overwatering with these convenient plant saucers, which not only help keep excess water contained but can help bottom-feed your favorite indoor and outdoor plants. Made from heavy-duty plastic, they’re strong and durable as well as waterproof. They’re especially good for outdoor plants that may be residing on your patio or porch. You can buy them in multiple sizes and quantities depending on what types of plants you own.

Make your patio tables look more like an upscale restaurant with this eye-catching iron centerpiece that holds six votive candles, which aren’t included. It is a great way to add a little extra light during outdoor parties, and it’ll help set the tone. You can also pop citronella candles in as a genius way to keep bugs at bay. You can buy it in multiple colors, as well as in a version that holds a total of eight votives.

It might seem like a minor detail, but it can make a big difference — by upgrading your go-to barbecue tools, you’ll feel a little more confident behind the grill and ensure your meats, burgers, and dogs are in tip-top shape. This inexpensive set of heavy-duty stainless steel barbecue tongs will guarantee you’re covered. They’re crafted with durable silicone pads and can withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.

It should go without saying that a grill burn might ruin the mood when it comes to your barbecue, so these grill gloves are a smart add that will let guests know you’re serious about staying safe. Crafted from a mix of silicone, polyester, and cotton with an aramid shell, these heat-resistant gloves have a universal fit. They’re also cut-resistant, making them even more of an important buy.

Don’t let the holiday-themed packaging fool you — these light clips are a great way to display lights all year round. They work with a variety of light strings and styles, clipping right to your gutters for secure and stable displays. With 200 clips to a package, you’ll be able to create the outdoor mood lighting you’ve always dreamed of.

The weather is so unpredictable that it can be hard to keep all of your outdoor plants looking their best. This eight-pack of artificial boxwood shrubs is versatile enough to use in pots, planters, window boxes, hanging baskets, and centerpieces. The fake flowers are UV-resistant and shouldn’t fade over time. Plus, it’s only $13 for eight pieces.

Make your outdoor lighting a whole vibe with an entire wall of LED string lights. These curtain lights can be used inside or outside to hang vertically as a magical accent wall. They have eight modes — including seven unique blinking modes as well as an always-on option — and come in 9.8- and 19.7-foot lengths.

With these mesh grill bags in play, you’re bound to have a cleaner grill without any sticky mess at the end of the night. Great for charcoal, electric, and gas grills, these heat-resistant bags will prevent any accidental food loss, especially if you’re grilling up small patties or cooking delicate food like fish. They can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to bagging leaves or cleaning up the yard, reviewers are asking “Where have these things been my whole life?” These hand rakes allow you to pick up leaves and pine needles in large quantities and dispose of them with accuracy — or you can use them for spreading mulch and gardening. Either way, they’re made from durable plastic that’ll last for seasons and they have built-in wrist guards to protect your hands.

Easily set up a table tennis match in your backyard with this set, which includes a retractable net, two paddles, and four table tennis balls. With this set, you can turn any table into one that’s perfect to play on. Each paddle is crafted from crack-resistant wood, and the handle includes a sweat-proof grip that’ll make it easy to play, even in the sun.

You can easily clear your yard before guests arrive with the help of this pooper scooper. The swivel-head bin comes with a rake as well as two waste bags. It’s lightweight and has an extended reach that makes cleaning up after your pet easier than ever. You can use it without bags, but these specific bags are made with activated baking soda to lock in unwanted odors.

You may think patio table umbrellas are an expensive investment, but this one is affordable and sturdy. The half-patio umbrella is about 9 feet wide and can be positioned next to a wall, which is convenient for anyone with a small backyard or deck space. It’s made with alloy steel and has a convenient crank system for opening and closing it.

Outdoor solar lights may be convenient granted you don’t have to do any wiring, but they’re often dim and don’t provide much illumination for your drive or walkway. That’s not the case with these super bright solar lights. They use premium solar panels, high-power LED beads, and high-transmittance lampshades to make them as bright as possible for up to 12 hours — and according to reviewers, they’re “actually as bright as the product picture.”

Wine glasses can add a sense of elegance to your party, but they break fairly easily, which is why this set of four stainless steel glasses is the way to go. Not only do they offer more insulation than a standard wine glass, but they’re comfortable to hold throughout the night. Since they do retain their temperature, they’re also great for sangria or party punch — or even just soda or water. They come in both white and brushed stainless steel.

This plant stand is good for both indoor and outdoor use — but if you use it outdoors, it’ll add an extra level of beauty to your porch or patio. Crafted from strong rustic wood, this stand has the capability of supporting up to 120 pounds. It has eight tiers in total and can be split to better fit smaller spaces.

If you have plants in your outdoor garden that climb, this iron garden trellis will serve as a beautiful way to display them. You don’t even need any special tools to install them — just stick them in your soil, and climber plants will begin to wrap around them as they grow. While the bird design is quite lovely, it also comes in eight other versions that may be more to your style. These trellises are also great for indoor plants.

While you’re setting up your snacks for your outdoor party, serve them in style with this three-tier serving tray. Not only does it look incredible, but since it’s made from metal and porcelain, it’s sturdy and built to last. It’s a great way to display everything, from chips and appetizers to cakes and other desserts. Installation is a breeze, and it’s also easy to clean at the end of the night.

Add an extra glow for when the party runs long with these decorative fairy lights, which are battery-powered and work with a remote, which is included. They’re waterproof, safe to touch, and won’t burn any curious guests, and can even be set on a timer so you can forget about them and focus solely on your gathering. While this pack comes with two sets of 33-foot lights, you can also get them in 20-feet and 72-feet to best cover your space.

If you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, you might want to invest in these artificial lavender plants, which will make visitors think otherwise. Great to display on a front or back porch or patio to add a pop of color, these faux silk flowers are hassle-free and always in season. You’ll also love the rustic wooden containers they arrive in.

Organize, bundle, and carry all of your hoses and outdoor cords with this two-pack of storage straps, which has scored quite an impressive overall score of 4.8 out of five stars on Amazon. These straps are made from weather-resistant polypropylene and use a strong and secure nylon hook and loop system to help you get a better grip on your outdoor accessories. They also make a pretty useful gift.

These tabletop torches are great to display for any Fourth of July or Labor Day party but are also nice to have around to add a bit of everyday ambiance to your backyard setup. After filling them with torch fuel, each one will provide a little extra light for up to 10 hours. They’re also a great way to repel mosquitos from getting too close to your party guests.

Make sure your garden hose isn’t an eyesore with this elegant garden hose holder with a powder-coated bronze finish. It resists both rain and rust for years, and it’s crafted from solid metal to help it support a lot of weight. It’s both easy to use and easy to mount and looks far more expensive than it actually is. You can also get it in black.

When you’re grilling up a storm, you might not be thinking about the damage you might be doing to your grill with hot accessories and grease, which is why this silicone side shelf mat is a great purchase. It’ll help your grill look good as new as the years go by while also serving as a safe resting place for tongs and spatulas. “I wish I had had one sooner, to be honest,” said one reviewer.