45 Ways To Quickly Make Your Backyard So Much Better For Under $30

Pergolas and gezebos are gorgeous and provide tons of shade — but they can cost thousands of dollars. This sun shade sail is significantly more affordable, but it still blocks up to 95% of UV rays without trapping hot air. It comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors, and it has metal D-rings for mounting on poles and other structures, though hardware kits are sold separately.

• Available sizes: 6 x 10 feet — 20 x 30 feet
• Available styles: 12

Create ambiance during an outdoor dinner party or roast marshmallows without having to build a fire. This tabletop firepit is made from concrete and marble with a steel burning chamber. The flame is fueled by isopropyl alcohol, which burns for up to 120 minutes without smoke.

This best-selling umbrella light has an adjustable clamp design that fits most poles with a diameter up to 1.81 inches. Since it runs on batteries, it creates cord-free illumination so you can enjoy your outdoor space long after dark. The LED’s three lighting modes range from dim to super bright.

Keep food fresh despite sun and high temperatures when you’re entertaining outside. This condiment caddy has a brilliant bottom layer that you can fill with ice to chill your fruit, side dishes, and garnishes. The tray comes with five removable compartments, each with its own individual lid to keep bugs out.

Made with durable nylon mesh, these food covers keep bugs away from your food without lids and while still allowing steam to escape. Despite the fact that they cover 17-by-17 inches of table space, their pop-up design makes them compact to store, since they collapse down into thin rods.

• Available styles: 4

Dimmable, waterproof, and smart, these outdoor string lights are “well worth the price,” according to reviewers. For less than $30, you can get a 24-foot strand, which is Bluetooth-enabled and syncs to an app. Using your phone as the remote control, you can set automatic timers, adjust the brightness, and choose from six lighting scenes.

• Available sizes: 24ft — 96ft

Hang lights from railings, poles, and eaves much more easily thanks to these deck clips. Their flexible design clamps onto surfaces between 0.25 and 1.5 inches thick, while the open-ended clips hold wires from fairy lights, Edison bulbs, and holiday strands.

Whether you’re camping or lounging by the pool, if you enjoy sipping wine under the sun, this wine chiller set is a must-buy. The bottle and two tumblers are lined with stainless steel and vacuum-insulated to retain the temperature of your drink despite sun and heat. They’re also shatterproof and come with lids, so you can prevent any accidents.

• Available styles: 14

Stick these solar garden lights into the lawn with their included stakes or place them along your paths and outdoor staircases. Either way, they’re sleek and modern thanks to their slim, in-ground profile, and they’re low-maintenence since they charge up with the sun and turn on automatically at dusk.

For households that have pets, kids, or frequent outdoor parties, this magnetic screen door is one of the “best purchases” reviewers have “ever made.” The mesh material keeps bugs out and lets air in, while the magnetic design automatically opens when you walk through it and closes behind you. It also comes with both adhesive strips and pushpins for easy installation.

• Available sizes: 82” x 38” — 83” x 39”

Hide your clutter in style and ensure that all of your outdoor essentials are easily accessible. This outdoor storage box has an attractive faux-wood design that comes in six sizes and six colors. It’s also made from sturdy, weatherproof resin so it doubles as a seat or side table, and it’s lockable so you can protect your stuff.

• Available sizes: 31 Gallon — 230 Gallon
• Available styles: 6

This outdoor smart plug has IP64 weather-resistance and a waterproof cover to keep dirt and moisture out. It also has a Wi-Fi range of 300 feet and is compatible with Google Home and Alexa. That way, you can control your outdoor lights, pool pumps, fountains, and other electrical appliances from your phone or using your voice.

• Available styles: 3

Use this wall-mounted broom holder to tidy up your shed and ensure that your yard tools are easily accessible. Its five spring-loaded slots grip most items with long handles (including mops, shovels, rakes, and weeders) while its five flip-down hooks hold smaller items. It comes with all hardware necessary for installation and it can support up to 35 pounds.

“Wasn't sure this would really do the job but it made us believers,” one reviewer wrote about this weed puller. “Tried it out on various weeds and it worked wonderfully. We'll never be without one.” Position the three steel teeth over the weed, push the tool down with your foot, twist the handle, and press the lever — it’ll grab and release the whole weed, including the roots.

Picking up your pet’s waste is never fun, but according to reviewers, this spring-loaded pooper scooper makes the task as “quick and easy” as possible. Pull the green lever to make the clamp close for one-handed operation. It’s compatible with bags to keep things more hygienic, and it folds up for compact travel and storage.

• Available styles: 2

Indoor odor eliminators are dime a dozen, but when your pets go to the bathroom outside, this yard odor eliminator is a novel and useful idea. Spray it on any outdoor surface (including concrete, patio furniture, plants, fences, grass, and turf) to get rid of unwanted odors from stool and urine. Its concentrated formula is safe for greenery, and it comes with a hose connector so you can spray it all around the yard.

• Available sizes: 16 Fl Oz — 64 Fl Oz
• Available styles: 2

Given the low price point, reviewers are pretty impressed with these solar pathway lights: “These little solar lights brighten up my driveway and walking areas,” one reviewer wrote. “Love the pattern they reflect.” Others commented on how bright and long-lasting they are, especially since they’re entirely powered by the sun.

• Available sizes: 10 Pack — 15 Pack
• Available styles: 2

The next time you host a fire pit, stock up on these magical flame pouches to keep the kids mesmerized and the guests impressed. Each packet contains color-changing elements that turn your wood-burning fires rainbow for up to an hour, and you can toss it in unopened for mess-free use.

• Available sizes: 5 pk — 50 pk
• Available styles: 3

A more whimsical take on your standard garden lights, these look like a cluster of fireflies among your shrubs and flower beds. Each flexible wire has a solar-powered bulb at the end, which sways when the wind blows. Since they charge up with the sun, turn on at dusk, turn off at dawn, and can handle the weather, they’re “easy to install” and require “no maintenance,” according to reviewers.

• Available sizes: 2 Pack — 6 Pack

Hide eyesores, create privacy, and maximize shade with these reed dividers. They’re made from eco-friendly grass that’s been woven together to create a tropical bamboo look, and reviewers have used them to fence in chickens, create pergola roofs, and make balconies, porches, and patios feel more secluded.

• Available sizes: 48 in H x 96 in L — 48 in H x 96 in L
• Available styles: 3

Cover up an eyesore and add privacy with this artificial ivy screen your chainlink or picket fences less see-through. You can also use it to hide unkept structures or decorate a blank wall. The panels snap together quickly and secure in place with zip ties.

• Available sizes: 98x39 inch — 158x40 inch
• Available styles: 5

Made from lightweight EVA foam, these knee pads are designed to provide cushioning and protection while you’re kneeling out in the garden (or around the inside of your house). They have adjustable straps so they fit just about anyone, and they’re waterproof and easy to rinse clean after you’re done.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack
• Available styles: 2

Reviewers have called this metal hose stand “very sturdy” and a “simple solution” to make your garden hose more accessible. Its long spikes stick in the ground so you can put it wherever you need it, while its thick iron construction and raised design can support up to 150 feet of hose.

• Available sizes: 3 Spikes — 4 Spikes

Quit overwatering. This watering timer attaches to your hose so you can automatically set the frequency and duration of your sprinklers — plus it has rain delay options to save water. It’s also weather-resistant and comes in larger sizes with splitters so you can attach multiple hoses at once.

• Available sizes: 1 Outlet — 3 Outlet

Unlike so many other grill-cleaning tools, this grill and griddle scraper (made from brass) won’t leave behind bristles that get stuck in your food. It has different sized ridges and a flat edge to clean various surfaces while the other end has a built-in bottle opener for convenience. “This thing works like a charm,” one reviewer wrote.

To get the most out of your barbecue while doing the least, this convenient grill basket is the ticket. Made of durable stainless steel, it has a long, sturdy handle that’s designed to be detached once you add your items to the grill. It’s available in three designs for a variety of dish types and sizes, and it also includes a basting brush so you have everything you need. “This is a perfect grilling basket for doing fish or meat or veggies,” one fan noted. “No more trying to flip what ever you are grilling, just attach the handle and flip, everything stays secure inside.”

This Scotchgard spray is an easy way to add water-protection to so many of your outdoor fabrics, including cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and hammocks. Applied once per season, the spray acts as a potent water shield while still leaving your fabrics breathable. “I bought this to protect my outdoor patio furniture cushions. It worked well beyond my expectations!” one reviewer wrote. “Water just runs off of them! They no longer discolor or soak up water taking days to dry out.”

If your outdoor plants are struggling or just not reaching their full potential, these easy-to-use fertilizer spikes can help bring them to life. The spikes are available in two formulations: one for trees and shrubs, and another for fruits and citrus. To use them, just wet the ground (if it isn’t moist already), cover the top of the spike with the plastic cap, and drive it into the ground with a hammer. You only need to add them to the soil twice a year — once in fall and once in spring — to enjoy more vivid, lush foliage.

• Available options: 4

There’s no better way to add a little warmth and style to a deck or patio than with an area rug. This sturdy indoor-outdoor rug is made with durable polypropylene so it’s tough enough for garden spaces, and it has an non-obstructive, low-profile design. You can choose from oval, circular, or rectangular versions, and it comes in almost a dozen colors.

• Available sizes: 2 x 3 feet — 12 x 18 feet (including oval, round, and square designs)
• Available colors: 10

Grill your shish kebabs evenly and effortlessly with this clever rack for your barbecue. Simply place the skewers on the stainless steel rack and rotate them periodically to get the perfect roast. The rack has a universal design that can be adjusted to fit any size barbecue. “Setup and grilling process is easy and the end result is a great meal,” one fan wrote. “No sticking to the grill plate and a thorough cooking of the meal makes using the plates a pleasure.”

This high-tech infrared laser thermometer gun will put your old manual meat thermometer to shame. The convenient handheld gadget can read temperatures ranging from -58 to 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has an emissivity range of 0.1 to 1.0, which makes it extremely precise. On top of that, it has a bright, crisp LCD display with numerous custom functions, and comes with two AAA batteries.

Clean up the eyesore of cords and equipment all over your yard, patio, or garage with these brilliant wall hangers. Available in several sizes and quantities, they’re made with heavy-duty polypropylene that’s weatherproof for indoor-outdoor use and can hold up to 50 pounds. Best of all, they have stainless steel grommets so you can hang them on walls or the side of the house.

• Available options: 9

Adding a couple of decorative throw pillows to your outdoor furniture is a great way to give your backyard a makeover. Available in 15 different colors, these tough, water-resistant garden pillow covers are constructed with high-quality polyester that's been coated in polyurethane so it’s fully weatherproof. The zippers are hidden for a clean look, and the material is machine washable. (Just note the pillow inserts are sold separately.)

• Available sizes: 12 x 12 inches — 24 x 24 inches
• Available colors: 14

If you’re adding some cool throw pillows to your backyard, these are the perfect pillow inserts to go with them. Shoppers noted that they fluff up easily and do a good job of holding their shape. The pillows come in a convenient set of four — and, since they’re available in 13 different sizes, you’re almost certain to find the one you need.

• Available sizes: 12 x 12 inches — 24 x 24 inches

A time-tested way to get more use out of your backyard is by adding a cozy hammock; this one is designed with camping in mind, which means it’s lightweight, portable, and super easy to set up and take down. Available in multiple sizes and 19 colorways, it’s made of soft but durable ripstop nylon and features sturdy tree straps and carabiners. It’s a fan favorite on Amazon, with a 4.8-star overall rating after nearly 50,000 reviewers weighed in.

• Available sizes: Large — X-Large
• Available colors: 19

If you have a storage box that lives outside, this waterproof cover is a great way to protect it from rain, snow, wind, and other elements that might otherwise age it quickly. The heavy-duty yard accessory, which comes in three sizes, is constructed from 210-denier ripstop fabric that offers full waterproofing, in addition to UV protection so it resists fading.

• Available sizes: Large (52 x 26.5 x 28 inches) — XXL (62 x 30 x 28 inches)
• Available colors: 2

Don’t fumble around in the dark when you’re in your backyard. These convenient motion-sensor lights illuminate the path when you walk by, offering a wide range of light that stretches for 200 square feet. They’re water-, frost-, and heat-resistant so they can handle all conditions. What’s more, they are solar-powered so you don’t have to deal with electrical outlets or extension cords.

Make your outdoor surfaces shine with this powerful cleaner, which has a hose sprayer attachment that makes it easy to clean decks, vinyl siding, concrete, bricks, plastic furniture, and other hard outdoor surfaces. The cleaner has a reach of up to 24 feet when used with your garden hose — so you won’t need to rely on a ladder to get every spot. Available in a two-pack, this solution is also safe to use near your lawn and plants (just be sure to only use it as directed).

Instantly create a more fun backyard atmosphere by adding a game that everyone can enjoy. With more than 6,600 five-star reviews on Amazon, this popular Tiki Toss game can be mounted to a tree, a post, or other vertical surfaces outside. It’s simple to set up and learn — simply try to swing the ring onto the hook — but it’s challenging enough to keep you engaged. “Such a fun addition to any outdoor space!” wrote one reviewer. “The kids love it as well as the adults! Looks nice and seems to be holding up well on our semi covered patio.”

• Available options: 3

Instead of using cold hose water to rinse off outside, why not get yourself a heated shower? This cool solar shower bag can be hung from a tree, draped over the side of a deck, or placed anywhere you have something to loop it over. It can heat water up with just three hours of direct sunlight, reaching temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The bag holds 5 gallons of water, and it’s equipped with a temperature indicator and no-leak valve.

• Available colors: 11

This magnetic dart board is an easy way to up the fun factor in your backyard, and it can be hung almost anywhere that you can place a hook or nail. The reversible board has a different design on each side for more variety, and the ends of the darts feature flat magnets (rather than sharp points), so they’re safer for everyone. Available in several designs, this well-loved set has a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon after more than 2,300 reviewers weighed in.

• Available styles: 6

This cute welcome mat is made from 100% pure coconut coir which is exceptionally durable, ensuring that it won’t get worn out quickly. There’s a heavy-duty rubber backing underneath the mat to prevent it from sliding around, and the material is water-resistant. It comes in two sizes and six fun designs.

• Available sizes: 16 x 24 inches or 18 x 30 inches
• Available styles: 6

This pretty rectangular planter can be used inside or outside, and it’s incredibly lightweight, with a convenient drainage hole to help prevent overwatering. It’s made from smooth acacia wood that adds a natural touch to your backyard space. “These flower boxes are so cute!” one fan wrote. “I love the wood and the size. And they were really easy to put together!”

Does your pup love sitting in the backyard sun? This elevated pet bed is a wonderful way to keep them comfortable on those warmer days. It’s constructed with breathable mesh that helps keep them cool, along with a raised design that allows air to flow underneath them. The bed is available in four sizes to accommodate a wide range of dogs, and it comes in your choice of several colors.

• Available sizes: 35.4 x 21.8 x 8 inches (Small) — 54.0 x 35.4 x 8.0 inches
• Available colors: 6

Decorate your garden with these cute little outdoor planters that are shaped like various creatures including a smiling mushroom, a pig, a cow, and a duck. All of the designs feature glowing LED lights for eyes, and the solar-powered design means you never have to worry about replacing batteries. Plus, these planters are coated in rust-resistant resin, so they’re ready for all types of weather.

• Available styles: 7