Your backyard could be so much better with any of these 45 cheap, clever things

It’s never been more affordable — or easier — to make your backyard cool.

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When you have an outdoor space at your home — whether it’s a terrace, patio, deck, or backyard — it’s like having an extra room in your house. That being said, it’s up to you to make the most of it. Now, you could spend big money tricking things out with expensive buys, or you can simply stock up on a few cheap, clever things for your backyard.

First off, outdoor lighting used to be super expensive, but thanks to solar power, that’s no longer the case — peep these spotlights that are ideal for showcasing features in your landscape, and these fun path lights that are shaped like fireworks. Both options automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, which means they’re not just cost-efficient, but low-maintenance, too.

And if you’re ready for some fun, you can turn your outdoor space into a veritable carnival with items like this wall-mounted ring toss game and this portable table tennis kit, both of which are great options for at-home entertaining.

This roundup of backyard upgrades has everything from highly rated grilling tools to a giant inflatable palm tree that serves as a sprinkler (not kidding), so keep scrolling.

01

The dreamy solar garden light shaped like the moon

Designed in the shape of a crescent moon cradling a pearl, this garden light adds a touch of mystical fantasy to your garden. The rust-resistant metal construction is complemented by the intelligence of its design, which relies on solar power for illumination. The glass globe glows with a warm white light and comes on automatically when it’s dark, turning off when morning comes.

02

A magnetic screen that can be hung in any doorway

Give your back door — or any door — an upgrade with this magnetic screen door that makes it easy to come and go, all while keeping those aggravating insects out. It’s designed to install easily on most doorways measuring up to 38 by 82 inches, and the strong magnetic strips on either side reattach to each other after every entrance or exit, so you don’t have to close anything behind you — especially helpful if you have kids or pets.

03

The bug zapper that provides 1,500 square feet of coverage

If you love to sit outdoors, but your deck time is just about ruined by mosquitos and other annoying pests, this bug zapper is definitely a must-have. It lures those unwanted bugs using UV technology, and zaps them when they make contact with the lamp’s electric grid. Designed to cover an area of 1,500 square feet, it has a hook for hanging, as well as a removable tray that makes cleaning it out a breeze.

04

These pathway lights that light up your patio

Patio looking a little dark for your liking? Not only are these solar pathway lights easy to install (just press them right into the ground), but the solar panel built into the tops means that there’s no complicated wiring required. Choose from three finishes: stainless, bronze, or black.

05

These grow bags for mess-free gardening in small spaces

Made from breathable, double-layer felt, these grow bags provide the ideal environment for growing all kinds of vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and carrots — and you don’t even have to dig up your yard. These containers have built-in flaps on the sides that give you a window into the root system, so you can observe the growth process and harvest from below. Although they’re soft and lightweight, they’re sturdy enough to move during the growth cycle without risk of disturbing the plants.

06

This versatile plant stand made from eucalyptus wood

Add some texture to the entertaining area on your deck with this multi-tier plant stand made from natural eucalyptus wood. This piece makes a terrific home for plants or your herb garden, but can also be utilized for so many other items on your back patio; deck it out with candles for a romantic effect, or use it for storage of napkins, condiments, and other items you need for al fresco dining.

07

This string of outdoor lights that gives off a warm, rustic glow

When you want to add some upscale lighting to your outdoor area, Edison-style bulbs are always a great way to do it. Adding some old-fashioned charm, these string lights can be hung over your patio table or conversation area, providing a festive feel. Great for parties and events, they’re available in warm white and multicolor versions.

  • Available sizes: 3
  • Available colors: 5

08

This light that snaps into your patio umbrella

When the sun sets on your al fresco dinner, pull out the remote, switch on this umbrella light, and keep the conversation going a little longer. It snaps right onto the pole of your umbrella and acts like a ceiling light. You can dim the 12 bulbs for a romantic ambiance or turn up the light so people can see. It operates on batteries but uses very little power so it gets a 75-hour run time. It will turn itself off if you forget.

09

A pair of solar spotlights that show off landscape features

These solar spotlights are ideal when you want to highlight special features in your landscape, like a particularly lovely tree or a water feature. Each light has 40 LED bulbs that provide warm white illumination wherever you place it. They’re easy to install — simply stake them into the ground — and they automatically turn on at sunset and off at dawn.

  • Available lighting colors: 4

10

An inflatable sofa that’s great for lounging anywhere

With just a few waves back and forth through the air, this inflatable lounger sofa is all blown up and ready for you to relax on — no air pump or lung power required. It folds up into a pouch, making it convenient for carrying, and also comes with a stake that lets you secure it wherever you decide to rest. It’s super versatile; use it to fully recline for a nap, or share it as a sofa with friends.

  • Available colors: 16

11

The sprinkler that turns trampolines into water parks

You don’t have to visit a water park to cool down when it’s hot outside — just add this sprinkler to your trampoline. The extra-long hose fits trampolines up to 16 feet, but can be adjusted to fit smaller ones as needed. Plus, installation is so simple that no tools are necessary.

12

These sturdy yard stakes that hold onto your drink

Stick these colorful drink holders in your yard instead of splurging on an outdoor table. They’ll easily hold onto your beverages, even the ones in cozies or tumblers. This pack of sturdy steel holders also comes with four different colors to help you color-code drinks at your backyard party.

13

These path lights shaped like fireworks

Spice up your path lighting with these solar lights that are shaped like fireworks. They’re not only good for illuminating walkways, but they can also be placed anywhere in your yard or garden to add a whimsical touch. Available in warm white and multicolor options, the four waterproof lights come with a remote control, so you can adjust brightness and toggle between eight different modes

14

The hanging chair that’s as relaxing as a hammock

Woven from soft cotton rope with back and seat cushions for extra comfort, this hammock chair is perfect for reading, napping, or just plain old watching the day go by. The swing chair features two side pockets that are ideal for your smartphone, a book or magazine, so you can stay put, with everything you need within reach. It’s easy to hang in just a couple minutes with the included hardware, and comes in three colors: beige, light gray, and dark gray.

  • Available colors: 3

15

The silicone tongs that can handle hot grills

Made from sturdy stainless steel and silicone, these highly rated tongs will stand up to strenuous use, and look good while doing it. The long handles keep your hands and arms safely away from heat, whether you’re grilling outside or cooking on your stove. Each tool is also dishwasher-safe, so post-meal cleanup is a cinch.

16

These 2 grill lights you can stick right to the BBQ

Stop holding a flashlight in your teeth in order to grill after dark. These grill lights are bright — with nine high-density LED bulbs in each, have a bendable gooseneck to aim the beam where you want it, and they each sit on a magnetic base that clings firmly to the BBQ. They are useful in many other places, too. “These things are a must-have,” said one reviewer. “Comes with a nice case, too.”

17

These water-resistant binoculars that are easy for travel

This pair of binoculars make it so easy on you when you’re traveling with them. They’re lightweight for your travel bag, and they’re water-resistant for when you get to your destination. Plus, you get a storage box, strap, lens cloth, and a carrying case for wherever you’re taking them.

18

A sun shade that has an almost architectural look to it

With a bold, architectural look, this sun shade sail adds a cool design element to your deck or backyard while also providing some respite from the sun. Available in 11 colors and styles, as well as a wide variety of sizes, it comes with all the hardware you need to attach it to your roof, fence, or trees. The sturdy fabric not only provides shade and shelter from the weather, but also blocks 95% of UV rays.

  • Available sizes: 200+
  • Available colors and styles: 11

19

This cold-brew coffee maker that’s also a pitcher

When the weather is nice, grab a glass and this cold brew maker out of the fridge and take your liquid energy in the sun. The measure marks on the pitcher, stainless steel filter, pouring spout, and handle make it so easy to brew and sip that you will wonder why you ever stood in line for your favorite motivator. And the silicone base and tight sealing cap make it easy to take to the yard.

20

These colorful coasters that are nearly indestructible

These cute, silicone coasters are so durable you can leave them out in the garden or on the patio. Six of them sit in a decorative holder making a nice garden element. And the coasters are flexible, have a textured surface that gives glass condensation a place to go so glasses don’t stick to them, and protect your outdoor furniture from wet marks or hot cups. Throw them in the dishwasher when they get dirty.

21

An ice bucket and tongs for your outdoor parties

When the outdoor festivities call for iced drinks, save yourself from traipsing back and forth to the kitchen by filling this stainless steel ice bucket with ice and carting it out to the party. It’s double-wall insulated and has an airtight lid so the ice will stay frozen for hours. And a set of matching tongs hooks to the side. It has a strainer in the bottom so melted water drains away.

22

These wind chimes with a solar-powered light

Made from high-quality metal with a distressed bronze finish, these solar wind chimes are topped with a crackled glass sun ornament that glows after dark. The wind chimes are easy to install and provide delightful, relaxing tones, while the solar panel collects light all day, then switches the light on once night falls. It’s a true highlight for any landscape, and is available in other styles, like a copper turtle or a moon.

  • Available style: 5

23

This ring toss game that’s perfect for backyard get-togethers

Move over, cornhole — there’s a new backyard game in town. This ring toss game is great for all ages, and is suitable for group play, head-to-heads, or solo challenges. Easy to assemble, it features a miniature surfboard-shaped board that can be mounted to the wall, adding a relaxing, beach-inspired vibe to your setup.

24

A fork holster for your pickle jar

Pickles improve every gathering that involves snacks but letting people finger fish in the pickle jar is not the way. Attach this condiment fork to the jar, though, and your system will not only be sanitary and convenient but it will make you the party thrower with the cleverest accessories. (This all applies to olives, too, btw.) The holster’s elastic band loops around the jar and the fork has sharp tines that are perfect for the task.

25

This press for better, faster burgers

Add this stainless steel burger press to your grill kit so you can press and smash your burgers like a pro. A pressed burger cooks faster and has less grease and this press gives you the leverage — with that slick handle on top — to apply the necessary pressure. It’s easy to clean, too.

26

These grilling prep trays that make your life easier

Make your grilling life easier by prepping everything in the kitchen and carrying it to the grill on these two stacked prep-and-serve trays. They are colored — red for raw, and black for cooked — so you never accidentally use a tray that has carried raw meat to serve food. You will also never find yourself with a perfectly cooked steak and no place to put it because you carried a serving tray out with your raw ingredients.

27

These packets that light up fire in brilliant colors

Looking for ways to switch up your evening campfires? Toss one of these packets in, and the flames will light up in brilliant shades of green, blue, purple, and more. They work great during camping trips — and one reviewer even raved that “it was truly mesmerizing for kids and adults alike.”

28

The extra-large beach blanket that’s perfect for backyard picnics

This oversize beach blanket is perfect not only for lounging by the ocean, but also for picnicking in your own backyard. Super lightweight for portability, it’s made from ripstop parachute fabric that dries quickly and repels sand and dirt. It has six integrated pockets around the perimeter — stuff them with sand to keep the blanket from blowing away. Last, it folds up into a small pouch, so it’s easy to take anywhere.

  • Available colors: 6

29

This bird feeder that’s shaped like a face

Give your favorite tree a face — and feed the birds at the same time —with this tree face bird feeder. Crafted from resin that’s painted to look like bark, the pieces are designed to attach to your tree using simple keyhole hangers — you provide the nails — and once hung, they’ll remain there throughout all weather conditions. Simply fill the mouth with birdseed and watch as feathered friends come flocking.

30

The tumbling block game in a jumbo size

These jumbo wooden tumbling blocks are scaled up for outdoor play, where things can get a little more raucous (and there’s less chance of knocking over any valuables). Made from 100% pine, they’re ultra-durable and are designed for hours of enjoyment on your deck or patio. It comes in a convenient carrying case, so you can also take it tailgating and camping.

31

A grill wok so you can cook veggies, too

Sometimes your BBQ creations call for small items like shrimp, vegetables, and smaller pieces of meat that are likely to fall through the grill grates. You could make kebobs, sure. But this square grill wok makes it easier — for you and the people eating the food. The perforated steel gets as hot as your grill — and lets the smoky flavor get to the food — but has small holes so nothing falls out.

32

The wearable bear claws that make shredding meat fun

When you pull your BBQ pork off the grill and it’s time to turn it into yummy pulled pork, skip that two-fork method that will destroy your wrists and don these meat claws. After entertaining your guests with your best grizzly bear impression, you can continue growling as you shred that meat quickly, efficiently, and with no wrist pain. You will have fun — and many return guests.

33

The glowing spheres that add solar-powered decor to your deck

Charged by solar power, the brightly colored orbs in this crystal ball dangler light up at night to add a lovely touch of color to your outdoor landscape. Rain-proof and moisture-proof, the lightweight balls blow in the breeze, adding just a bit of movement and magic. The hanger attaches easily to any stable object like the side of your deck or a tree.

34

This tape that helps keep rugs from shifting around

If your outdoor rug has a tendency to slip out from underneath you, consider securing it down into place using this traction tape. It’s tough enough that you can use it indoors as well as outdoors — and the waterproof adhesive won’t shake loose if it happens to rain.

35

This Table Tennis Set That Will Seriously Last A While

This table tennis set is always put together when you want to play. It’s complete with six table tennis balls, plus the four wood paddles are super crack-resistant. These durable paddles also have a soft sponge layer to protect them and all of the extra table tennis balls.

36

The BBQ grill brush that’s gets the job done fast

No one likes cleaning the grill. That’s why you need this powerful wire BBQ grill brush. Go ahead and throw your back into it. Scrub that grill with all your pent-up aggression. It is sturdy, heavy-duty, and effective. And with three stainless steel wire bushes in play, the job will be over very quickly so you can get on with grilling.

37

A 2-pack of bright camping lanterns

Whether you are partying in the yard or camping in the wilds, this two-pack of LED camping lanterns will throw the light you need to find your way. They are compact, collapsing into a packable package that’s just under five inches tall. When you open them, they throw 360 degrees of bright light, have a carry handle, and are completely weatherproof.

38

These floating lily lights that make your pool festive

If you have a pool, pond, or water feature outside, these floating lights add colorful illumination. Made from fade-resistant EVA foam, they resemble water lilies, and the LED lights are battery-powered to deliver up to 48 hours of continuous illumination. Each flower has four layers of plastic petals for a full and attractive bloom.

39

The hammocks that let you lounge in style

Not only are these hammocks a comfy addition to any backyard, but each one is also made from tough parachute nylon that can support up to two people. They fold down into small drawstring pouches, making them great for camping — and the extra-long straps make it easier to secure them around trees.

40

This paper towel holder you can stick to the fridge or grill

Where do you want the paper towels? Because with this magnetic paper towel holder, you can get exactly what you want. Stick it to the fridge, grill, your car at a tailgate party, or any other metal surface. It rotates so you can angle it the way that works. position it exactly the way that works for grabbing a dry towel easily when you need it.

41

The garden seat that doubles as a kneeler

Make gardening chores more comfortable with this combination seat and kneeler. When used as a seat, it enables you to get closer to your plants without having to stoop over, and when used as a kneeler, you can get low to the ground while still padding your knees. In addition to taking a load off, this gadget also helps you tote your gardening tools — it features two large pouches to contain items like shears, a spade, gloves, and more.

42

This genius light that clips right onto your grill

If your grill could use a little more illumination but you don’t want to commit to string lights, this easy-to-install light clips right onto your hood. Its heat-resistant design won’t let it melt, even when your grill gets really hot — and many reviewers appreciated how it’s “nice and bright.”

43

An Acacia wood napkin holder

Load this Acacia wood napkin holder with napkins, secure them with the weighted stainless steel bar, and leave the entire rig on the table or out on the patio. You won’t have to worry about bringing napkins to every meal, it looks decorative, and the napkins won’t blow away. “It looks classy on the kitchen table,” said one reviewer.

44

This waterproof grill cover that also prevents dampness underneath

This waterproof grill cover obviously guards against rain, but it also protects your grill from condensation and dampness on the inside. It has a breathable vent, so you never uncover your grill and find it wet. The anti-fading and sun repelling cover is also complete with handles.

45

This patio umbrella that offers tons of shade

With a 7.5-foot diameter, this patio umbrella is big enough to shade three to four chairs plus a table. The canopy is waterproof, and can be tilt-adjusted with the hinge near the top of the pole. The six sturdy ribs provide plenty of durability, while the wind vent at the top keeps it from tipping over if the weather picks up. Choose from colors like tan, red, and blue and white stripes.

  • Available colors and styles: 14