We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An inflatable pool because you refuse to let this heat wave take the fun out of your summer. Now you can kick back and sip on a glass of lemonade while cooling off, even if you've only got a tiny backyard.
Promising review: "Good size. I'm 5'4" and I bought it for my 3-year-old and 2-year-old for the spring and summer. I didn't need anything huge; I have a nice size deck and we spend a lot of time on the deck so I wanted something big enough for them to have some wiggle room to keep cool but not too big so it wouldn't take up to much room. I also purchased an outdoor grass rug to put it on to protect the bottom of it and keep it from getting splinters (just a suggestion if you plan on using on the deck). It has a drain plug so cleaning and getting fresh water is not hard at all." —Majestic 0220
Get it from Amazon for $43.42+ (available in two styles).
2. Or a family-friendly backyard sprinkler that's your one-way ticket to staying cool without the hassle of filling and dumping a massive kiddie pool. Just set it up and let everyone splash around and enjoy — when you're done, there won't be a giant pool of water to deal with. It’s easy, refreshing, and sure to be a hit with the whole crew!
Promising review: "My 2-year-old and 10-year-old kids and 32-year-old husband love it. Super easy to put together. Great for easy cool down in the back for those without a pool. Florida living here, so water is a must in summer. Has held up very well in terms of durability. Left it out for a few days, and it still worked great." —Deja T.
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three designs).
3. A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality.
Promising review: "This is an amazing hammock! The bright colors, the sturdiness, and the very easy setup. It took myself and my sister-in-law about five minutes to set up. I put this hammock in my backyard, had some visitors for a couple of weeks and they used it very very regularly, to read, sleep, and just lounge. The only thing that may bother some people is that when lying in it the sides come over and wrap you like a cocoon. But I love it!!" —Juliet, Florida
Get it from Amazon for $57.99+ (available in 17 colors/patterns).
4. A sprinkle of fast-acting lawn repair formula ready to turn your patchy yard into a lush paradise. This grass seed repair minimizes the effects of unsightly pet urine spots, digging disasters, and worn-down, high-traffic areas. Watch as your lawn transforms into a picturesque Windows home screen, complete with grass swaying in the wind.
Promising review: "This stuff is a miracle! I know it says patch repair but we had an entire bare backyard that needed tending to. I mixed two bags of this stuff with a 2-pound bag of grass seed and, of course, raked the yard and tilled to overturn the dirt, spread this stuff, and watered 2-3 times a day lightly. I even forgot about it one day, and still, to my surprise, I had nice grass growing all throughout the backyard. Our backyard is very shady so I didn’t expect these great of results. We also have a dog that runs around the yard constantly barking at airplanes and people who walk by. Still this stuff is going strong, very impressed." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.84+ (available in five sizes).
5. A Scumbug for keeping your pool or hot tub sparkling clean all summer long. This clever sponge soaks up all the oils, sunscreen, and other icky stuff that inevitably builds up from use. Just toss it in and let it get to work — when you notice it getting a bit discolored, simply wring it out, give it a quick rinse, and pop it back in. It's as simple as that!
Promising review: "Scummy water bugging you? I just got this gem of a product last night. I popped it into my hot tub, and from the picture I attached [above], you can see that in just about 12 hours, this little Scumbug ate up all the oil and filth in the hot tub. The water not only looks better but smells better, too! Highly recommended!" —Mickey D.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
6. Some flame colorant capable of turning your ordinary bonfire into a spectacular light show. It’s like having a bit of witchcraft up your sleeve, and it’s sure to leave your friends and family spellbound.
FYI, if you're making s'mores, don't throw these on until *after* you're done cooking with the fire. To get the show started, just add 1–3 of these packets to your fire, and you'll get up to a full hour of colorful flames before the vibrancy fades. You can add additional packets as needed!
Promising review: "These fire color-changing packets are the backyard secret weapon you never knew you needed! These super colorful wonders turn an ordinary fire into a mesmerizing spectacle that lasts about 45 minutes. Throw in two or three at a time, and you've got a backyard rave that even Mother Nature would RSVP to. A simple yet enchanting way to add a pop of color to your outdoor gatherings!" —Matt Peterson
Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $18.99.
7. A deck of Uno Splash, a super cool water-resistant twist on the classic game we all know and love. Not only are you set for some serious fun, but now you'll *also* be prepared for any impromptu cannonballs! The cards are durable and designed to withstand the elements, so you can focus on the game and enjoy those epic moments of triumph (or defeat) without any stress.
Promising review: "Love that these come with a clip. Makes it so handy to travel with and not lose any of the cards. Great for kids, too, because they always seem to break the box when they have to put them back in the box. Of course, the waterproof aspect is wonderful!" —Peachy Keenes
Get it from Amazon for $14.24.
8. A pack of motion-activated lights, because the fun doesn't have to stop just because the sun went down. They come equipped with solar panels, letting you light up all those shadowy corners without adding a cent to your electricity bill.
Promising review: "I purchased these to cover the side of my house. Installation was easy and I left them outside for two days to charge. The light coverage was about what I expected from them and do the job well. The motion sensitivity covers all the side and lights turn on. It has rained about three times and still work great and hoping they last for a long time." —J. Argueta
Get a set of four from Amazon for $32.99.
9. And a pack of solar-powered stake lights to put an end to your nights of tiptoeing down a dark walkway, fearing a misstep might send you tumbling. These lights are both a practical and magical upgrade for your walkway, offering two fantastic lighting options: classic white for a sophisticated glow, or vibrant multicolored lights sure to make every night feel like a celebration.
Promising review: "These are incredible!! I like using the color feature in winter when it's drab outside, but once my gardens bloom, I stick to white. I have purchased these five times, and it's going to be six. I bought the first set two years ago and just purchased my newest set. I put the old ones right next to the sets I just purchased and had never changed the batteries on the original ones...they were still bright so I never needed to. They are beautiful!!" —mosey
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $46.99.
10. A sunshade triangle here to create a shaded area for when you need to escape the blazing hot sun. Hang it over a section of your pool or strategically place several to transform your patio into a cozy retreat.
Promising review: "I’ve been meaning to get something like this for years. Our patio has no cover at all, especially in early spring when the leaves aren’t back. The sun is unbearable at times. We bought the install kit and used it to attach the two sides to the house and used a ratchet strap to attach the other end to a tree on the other side of the patio. So far it’s holding up well. We added lights which makes it super cozy at night and completely changes the feel of our patio." —Kaitlyn Tugend
Get it from Amazon for $33.97+ (available in 10 colors and a variety of sizes).
11. A high-voltage bug zapper ridding your yard of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies (oh my!) in an impressive half-acre range, making your outdoor gatherings more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Promising review: "Worth it 100%. I live in Texas by a natural body of water and a stream so we get a LOT of critters floatin about. All I gotta say is this thing does its job spectacularly and consistently. Worth the price, and a beautiful, powerful product." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
12. And a garbage guard for when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your evening...when all of a sudden, you hear this agitating, grating noise of flies buzzing around the garbage can. This little gizmo sticks inside your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that keeps bugs at bay for a whopping four months.
Promising review: "Got an outdoor can, the kind the mechanical arm on the garbage truck picks up and tips over, with the lid opening by gravity. Placed this on the inside of the lid, near the hinge to lessen the chances of it being scraped off during emptying and no flies/maggots! No apparent odor, just seems to put a big hurt on the fly party that used to be my trash can (litter box contents, remnants of meat, etc)." —Michael E. Bradley
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
13. A patio table mosquito net enclosure acting as a personal bouncer, making sure those winged party crashers aren’t buzzing around ruining the mood. And! When those uninvited guests aren’t around, you can simply tie back the netting to open up the space.
Promising review: “We bought this for a rather large umbrella over our table in the backyard, and used it for the first time last night. We were less concerned about mosquitoes because we have a service to eliminate them — it's the bees that were disturbing our outdoor meals and events. My wife hosted a few friends last night, and they all fell in love with this. They've all been fighting with bees lately, and they were not bothered once by any bugs. Every friend bought the netting on the spot. Also, when you're inside the netting sitting on chairs, it's almost as if the netting is invisible; most of the time you can't tell whether it's even there, especially at night.” —Sara Olshanky
Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in two colors and a version with LED lights).
14. Or a pack of mosquito dunks formulated to decrease the presence of mosquitoes over time, allowing you to reclaim your outdoor sanctuary. These dunks are infused with BTI, a bacteria that's toxic to mosquitoes and their larvae, but safe for wildlife. Just drop the dunks into any standing water, and within hours, it will eliminate both mosquitoes and larvae for up to 30 days.
You can learn more about BTI, the bacteria in mosquito dunks, at the CDC.
Promising review: "These did an amazing job last year cutting down on mosquitoes in my garden area. I live in a hot, wet area and every time I would go out to work in my garden I would come back in with multiple bites, and for whatever reason, I am extremely sensitive to mosquito bites. After putting some of these out in buckets of water in various areas, I actually noticed I wasn't getting bitten up anymore. As I'm beginning to plan a garden for later on this year, this is first on my list to re-buy. I love that they're non-toxic and don't harm anything except mosquitoes. I'm looking into buying a bird bath at some point and have hesitated due to not wanting standing water, but a piece of one of these mosquito dunks every now and then in the water should keep that from becoming an issue." —Bonnie
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99.
15. A tree swing that beckons both kids and adults alike with playful swinging under the treetops and moments of serene, gentle swaying that can calm even the busiest of minds. It can hold up to 900 pounds, withstand the elements, and reviewers say it’s pretty easy to put together.
Promising reviews: "This swing is so worth it! I recently bought my first house and bought this for my nieces/nephews. Not only do the kiddos love it but so do us adults!!! I’m about 130 pounds and have sat on it with my nieces and swung with no problem. My fiance and dad have both sat on it as well. It’s very sturdy. Easy to put together. It will keep your household entertained anytime you go outside." —Angelina
"Fun for grownups, too! We purchased this for our little grandchildren to enjoy and then discovered that with the high load capacity, we could swing with them, too! The product is sturdy, was easy to assemble, hang, and adjust the lengths of the ropes. It’s a great addition to our front yard and immediately became a neighborhood kid magnet, too! It’s only been up for a couple of weeks but has enjoyed hours of playtime." —Richard S
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
16. A battery-operated patio umbrella light offering a lovely blend of style and functionality. Now you’ll have overhead lighting while enjoying a meal under the stars or playing a board game with the fam.
The tool-free installation is as simple as opening the unit and camping it onto the umbrella pole. It requires four AA batteries to run, which are not included.
Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. There are two 70+ year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
17. An adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease.
Promising review: "This has been the most loved purchase in my household so far this summer. Temperatures are reaching 100 in Georgia now and this makes it much more bearable to spend time outside. I can sit outside in full sun exposure and not feel too hot due to this mister. It truly is an essential purchase to save yourself if you have kids or pets who need to spend time outside!" —Maddie Pannell
Get it from Amazon for $36.99.
18. A stainless-steel grill insert because the weather is finally nice out, so we’re going to seize every chance to savor the outdoors. With this, you can transform your kettle grill into a fancy pizza oven for a delightful family dinner al fresco.
Promising review: "I really researched and shopped around before I purchased this from Amazon. I cooked my first pizza on it, and it came out like a pro!! We will be using this especially during the summer, as it pretty much stays in the triple digits here (the Mojave Desert). I cannot believe it took less than 10 minutes to bake an entire pizza. I recommend that you go to the KettlePizza website to get pointers from some of the celebrity chefs that they have videos of. These pointers really did help me to cook a perfect pizza!" —Kim Suzanne
Get it from Amazon for $144.95.
19. A discreet outdoor Wi-Fi extender if you've ever found yourself wishing you could take your work outside without losing your internet connection the moment you step too far into your backyard. This nifty device attaches to a wall or pole to instantly expand your network's reach. Now you can enjoy the best of both worlds: soaking up the sun while staying connected for those all-important video calls.
Promising review: "I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" —Texas
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
20. A slatted 6-foot tall cedar privacy screen equipped with built-in planters, giving you your own secluded nook while blocking out the less-than-pleasant views of your neighbor's tool shed, garbage cans, and AC units.
Promising reviews: "We have a neighbor who keeps her Christmas light on year-round. This gives us privacy on our patio but it doesn’t completely block, which is fine with us. I love the idea that I can plant my garden." —Sandy912
"I normally hate assembling things but the instructions were so clear and the pieces fit so perfectly, it really was a breeze. The screen is well-made and sturdy. I hung flower pots on it as well as putting pots in the bottom. It’s holding up extremely well to the four or five times a week the flowers get watered. Hasn’t tipped or moved despite some recent high winds. Very happy with the look and quality!" —Lynn L.
Get it from Amazon for $140.10+ (available in two sizes and two colors).
21. Or a roll of faux ivy to give your fence a makeover, creating a lush green barrier to keep nosy neighbors out of your business. Or! You can drape these vibrant vines over your pergola — as the sun plays peek-a-boo through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade-resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon Customer
Get a roll from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too.
22. An outdoor drink stakes set here to secure a spot for your cold drinks if your chair lacks a cup holder. (Like come on, reeeally?!) No more worrying about spills or having to awkwardly hold onto your beverage when you need to stand up. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, making it easy for everyone to remember which drink is theirs.
23. An easy-to-install hummingbird feeder to turn your plain window into your very own birdwatching paradise. You'll get a front-row seat to those colorful little aviators buzzing about before your very eyes.
Sweet Feeders is a family-owned small business that toured with their feeders at state fairs across Texas before moving the business online in 2017.
Promising review: "I have to admit, it took a few weeks for the hummingbirds to find this feeder, but now that they visit it frequently, this beautiful feeder is a source of continual joy. Easy to use, lovely to look at on its own, and a true wonder to watch the hummingbirds feed a few inches away. The perspective this feeder offers is wondrous. I have already purchased one for a friend who lives in a much more wooded region, and she had hummingbirds feeding at it faster than I did. It's artsy, easy, genius and fun!" —Tristram
Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in two finishes).
24. Solar-powered mason jar lights ready to twinkle all around your backyard, casting a soft, inviting glow on tables, fences, and stair steps. They'll set the stage for a magical evening under the stars, reminiscent of those carefree nights spent chasing fireflies as a kid.
Since these are solar-powered, you'll need to place them in the sun to get them to light up. Between 6–8 hours of sun exposure will work if you want roughly eight hours of light. And if you don't want to do that, no worries, because they have a spot for an optional AAA battery if you'd rather power them up without the sun.
Promising review: "Absolutely love these lights. I bought these about five years ago and they were very loved, so I upgraded and bought more this year. They add such whimsy to your garden and beautiful ambiance. I love that they're solar-powered. I will definitely recommend getting these." —folse1
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $21.99 (available in five colors).
25. A side table cooler designed to keep your drinks ice cold and at your fingertips while lounging outside. As a bonus, just raise the lid up and the cooler becomes a sleek cocktail table.
Promising review: "This product is the bomb, so much so we purchased a second one...Had outdoor game day with our children and this kept everyone outdoors. Easy access to beverages for all ages. Would definitely recommend to any outdoor partygoers." —Leslie A. McClendon
Get it from Amazon for $82.16+ (available in brown and grey).
26. A stunning glassworks wind chime for creating a symphony of colorful sights and soothing sounds with every gentle breeze.
Promising review: "This is definitely the most beautiful wind chime I've ever seen, and I love the sound, too. The packaging was nice, all glass pieces were well protected. I will definitely consider buying again as gifts." —Anita J.
Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in 10 color combinations).
27. A water-resistant Bluetooth speaker, aka the missing piece for those warm sunny days spent chilling on your patio or by the pool. Its clever angled design isn't just for looks; it throws sound upward, filling the space with rich, crystal-clear tunes, all without a hint of distortion. Plus, it's portable, so if your party moves around, this speaker's ready to go.
Promising review: "Wow. When I opened the box and pulled it out, I thought it was bit small and surely wouldn't be that loud...BOY, WAS I WRONG!! This FREAKING ROCKS!!! Seriously don't hesitate — BUY ONE! The reviews were spot on! Perfect poolside! Best money I've ever spent on a Bluetooth speaker. The wife was skeptical, and then, I turned it on, and she was like, wow, excellent purchase, way to go!" —RIC78
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in 10 colors/styles).
28. A massive pack of wildflower seeds here to convert your plain green lawn into a vibrant tapestry of colors. These aren't just any flowers; they're the kind that even those of us without a green thumb can grow with ease. Your garden will get a rainbow makeover that'll make every glance out the window or stroll in the yard a delightful experience.
Promising review: "It is early July, and I could not be more pleased with this seed mixture. Almost every day since April, I have had new surprises in my garden. I have enjoyed alyssum, Chinese forget-me-not, zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds. I am beginning to see more forget-me-nots, poppies, pineapple sage, and Armeria. I am a beekeeper and, hence, was trying to plant some flowers the bees would like. I have an unbelievable number of pollinators busy among the flowers all day long. Today, I saw a hummingbird!! I am hoping to have these flowers self-seed and to have even more lovelies next year!" —Bio Teacher
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes and as annuals or perennials).
29. A fully enclosed mesh cat tent giving your four-legged cutie a VIP pass to the great outdoors, where they can comfortably bask in all the sights, sounds, and smells while staying safely within their own little haven.
Promising review: "I bought this cat tent because our two fur babies will sit in the window and cry if we are outside. I tried a leash, but they didn't like that, and they often escaped it. I came across this tent, and it was the BEST purchase I made. The quality is great! Both cats fit in it, so the size is perfect. Very excited that this is actually a product for the cats!!!" —hgrizz
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in three colors).
30. A splurge-worthy yet functional pop-up tent making your yard the place to be rain or shine. Its waterproof cover can weather all the elements while sporting a cool ventilation feature that keeps the vibe chill and breezy. Just deck it out with some comfy furniture, a chic outdoor rug, and piles of pillows and blankets, and boom — you've just created a peaceful sanctuary.
It has two large entrance doors and even internal hooks for hanging coats and bags.
Promising review: "It keeps cold wind and leaves out and some heat in. There are zip vents at top to let in fresh air and two zipper doors. This has extended the season for hot tub use, we were able to set up in early March in Chicago area. Would also be fun for around a small picnic table and to sit outside in the rain." —Lisa F1969
Get it from Amazon for $274.59+ (available in four sizes).