65 Cheap Things That Make Your Backyard Way Nicer & More Fun

Outdoor accent lighting can be such a game changer, and this set of globe lights is as low maintenance as they come. With four in a set, the solar-powered lights charge up in the sun over the course of the day, then turn on automatically at night. The come with simple ground stakes so you can set them up in garden beds or on your lawn. And they come in your choice of three pretty lighting styles: warm white, multicolor, or gradient red.

Looking for a fun activity to do outside with friends or family? This ladder toss game will get the party started, no matter the crowd you’re working with. It offers just the right amount of competition while being easy to set up and easy to learn. And it packs up into a reasonably small carrying case so you can store it between uses. Reviewers especially loved that it’s a good time for adults and kids alike.

Give your garden beds and pathways charming, rustic borders for minimal cost and effort. This landscape edging is made from pinewood slats that have been carbonized, sanded, and refinished to resist corrosion and weather damage. They’re also length-adjustable and easy to install thanks to their wooden spikes that you can just hammer into the ground.

An area rug instantly makes any outdoor space feel like an extension of your home, and this outdoor rug is waterproof, cozy, and easy to care for. Available in 14 sizes and 10 colors with reversible geometric designs, it’s made from heat- and UV-treated vinyl to handle high traffic and sunlight. It also rinses clean of dirt and dries fast after rain.

“We have had big fires in it and it is a 10 out of 10,” wrote one reviewer who deemed this outdoor fire pit table a “[great] first fire pit!” — especially since it includes a mesh lid with a handle and a poker that doubles as a lid remover. The 21.5-inch pit is made from durable steel alloy that’s rust-proof and weather-resistant, and it’s lightweight enough to place wherever you want to party.

“A hit among both adults and children,” one reviewer wrote about these rainbow fire packets, which offer “a simple yet spectacular way to transform any campfire or fire pit into a dazzling display of colorful flames.” Toss a mess-free, non-toxic packet into any wood-burning fire (indoors or out) to create a multicolor lightshow that lasts for up to 20 minutes each.

Place your grill, smokeless stove, or portable firepit on virtually any surface without having to worry about damage or fires. This outdoor fireproof mat is made from double-sided silicone with fiberglass inside, so it’s heat-resistant up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and available in tons of shapes and sizes.

If a new fence isn’t in the budget, use these length-adjustable privacy screens to cover chain-link fences, open railings, and see-through trellises. The willow branch frames collapse and expand like an accordion, while the UV-resistant faux leaves create an ivy-like barrier that requires no maintenance. They also come in floral and tropical-like designs.

These outdoor stair treads are made from rubber with a raised trellis design, so they give your outdoor stoop or staircase a homey feel. That said, they’re as practical as they are pretty, granted they offer traction in icy weather and temperature resistance when the sun is beating down on your deck. They also rinse clean of dirt, and they’re easy to secure in place with double-sided adhesive (not included).

This non-toxic chalk comes in a set of 24 vivid colors, each with its own handheld dispenser that keeps your fingers dust-free. The tubes twist up like lipstick, preventing any accidental snaps, while the crayon-like consistency lasts 12 times as long as standard chalk. While it easily wipes off blackboards, it stays significantly longer on sidewalks and driveways.

Place this floating solar fountain into your bird bath to make it way more attractive — for both you and the birds. The clog-resistant pump creates your choice of eight different spray patterns with the interchangeable nozzles, while the solar panels absorb sunlight during the day to power the color-changing LEDs at night. It also comes with rods to keep it centered.

Create your own private cabana with these outdoor curtain panels. Available in several sizes and 20 colors, they’re made from heavy-duty fabric that’s reversible, water-repellent, and light-filtering. They also have rust-resistant metal grommets that are compatible with virtually any rod, so you can hang them across your porch, pergola, or gazebo.

This portable hammock was designed to be rugged enough for camping, with its parachute-grade nylon fabric and modest weight. But you can also put it to good use in your backyard if you have trees you can secure it to using the sturdy straps. It’s available in a single version that can hold up to 400 pounds or a double version with a 500 capacity so you can cozy up with someone you like.

Maybe your deck has seen better days, or maybe you don’t have a deck at all; just a concrete slab. Either way, these easy-snap tiles are affordable, chic-looking, and simple to install. Available in 10 colors, they’re made from weather-resistant acacia wood with a self-draining design and interlocking, anti-slip feet. Use them to transform your poolside, patio, porch, or balcony in a single afternoon.

With over 35,000 five-star ratings, this patio umbrella light is difficult to ignore. It’s battery-operated for cord-free use, and it has an adjustable clamp design that fits most umbrella poles between 1.15 and 2 inches in diameter. Clamp it on, choose between three brightness settings, and enjoy an illuminated outdoor dining area well into the night.

During the day, these solar sunflowers look like lush blooms in your garden. Once the sun goes down, they automatically switch on, illuminating your yard with a warm-white glow. The metal stakes securely stick into grass and dirt, the flexible stems allow for adjustable arranging, and the solar panels are waterproof with a dusk-to-dawn sensor.

Yes, it looks like a wall-mounted work of art — but this propagation station is also a cost-effective way to keep your garden going on a budget. The two wooden shelves each hold three glass bulbs, which you can fill with water and plant clippings to grow new root systems. The set also includes a slim scrub brush and a wall hook for hanging.

Unexpectedly, blowing up one of these inflatable ottomans instantly adds a dose of chic to your outdoor space. While it looks like a solid piece of furniture (especially since it comes in dozens of trendy patterns), its puncture-resistant interior deflates and its fade-resistant fabric folds up for compact storage. It’s also super lightweight with a built-in handle, so you can move it from one chair to another for leg support.

You can always use a little more whimsy in your life, and this fairy door for trees is a simple yet unexpected way to add some. The set includes a tiny door, glow-in-the-dark windows, and a staked lantern — all of which are easy to install to your tree of choice with the included hardware. The pieces are made of durable resin that can handle the outdoor elements, so they’ll continue to look enchanting year after year.

This cute garden gnome statue brightens up your yard in more ways than one. Its weather-resistant hand-painted resin adds color to your landscaping long-term, while its solar-powered lantern automatically lights up when it gets dark, providing up to 10 hours of illumination. The brand also makes frog, fairy, and elephant designs.

Compatible with most types of railings up to 3.5 inches thick, this deck-mounted bird bath gives you a front-row seat to the wildlife in your yard. The metal bracket has an adjustable clamp to create a secure fit, while the flower-embossed bowl looks like terracotta, but is actually made from shatter-resistant plastic that you can remove, rinse, and refill.

“This works — even in Texas!” wrote one reviewer who usually gets bitten within five minutes, but thanks to these mosquito-repellent incense sticks, “we were able to have breakfast on the patio with no bites!” While the citronella and lemongrass scent actually smells nice to humans, the smoke aims to deter bugs for up to 2.5 hours. They also have a bamboo core for a clean, even burn.

If a new porch or pergola isn’t in the budget, this sun sail helps you create a shady retreat for cheap. Its tightly woven fabric blocks up to 95% of UV rays while still allowing the breeze to pass through, and it has curved, reinforced edges to prevent sagging. Secure it to roofs, columns, or trees.

Made from sturdy metal and decked out with butterflies and botanical flair, this trellis and bird bath combines two fabulous yard additions into one. Built to withstand rust, wind, rain, snow, and UV rays for years of outdoor use, it’s 57 inches tall with durable stakes to install it securely into the ground. Its rungs help support climbing plants, roses, and veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes.

You don’t have to drill holes through your bricks in order to hang things. These brilliant brick clips securely clasp around most standard bricks between 2.12 and 2.36 inches wide. Made from heavy-duty steel that can support up to 25 pounds each, they provide two hooks for hanging holiday decor, plants, signs, and outdoor lights — all without causing damage.

Don’t have a pool? This inflatable tanning lounger might be the next best thing (and it doesn’t involve the endless maintenance). Made of thick, UV-resistant PVC, it’s built to last season after season. It has a drink holder and a removable pillow for maximum relaxation, and you can even fill it with a little water to further enhance the good vibes.

According to one reviewer, these capiz shell chimes create a “wonderful sound when the wind goes through them,” so they sound as gorgeous as they look. Available in your choice of seven colors, the tinted oyster shells cascade down from a teak-wood base, which has a durable metal O-ring so you can hang it from porch ceilings, overhangs, and shepherd's hooks.

During the day, these solar rock lights fade into your landscaping with their realistic stone exterior, which is made from resin to withstand the elements. When the sun goes down, the solar panels sense the darkness and automatically turn on, transforming their stored energy into bright LED beams that illuminate your pathways, porch, or garden.

No screen door? No problem. This hands-free screen is made from fiberglass mesh with a magnetic slit down the middle, so it opens as you walk through and automatically closes behind you to prevent bugs from getting into your house. It’s a no-brainer for homes with kids, pets, and visitors, and it comes with adhesive strips and thumb tacks for installation.

This solar moon light has earned an average 4.5-star rating from over 11,000 reviewers. A crackle-glass globe sits inside a copper cut-out crescent, and the garden stake has a solar panel that collects sunlight, transforms it into energy, and senses darkness to automatically turn on at dusk. “I'm absolutely in love with this light,” wrote one reviewer who said it’s “gorgeous,” “brilliant,” and “casts a beautiful light pattern.”

While the multicolored pebbles look individually placed, the transparent netting on the backs of these riverstone stepping stones keeps them anchored in a neat circle. They’re also polished for a smooth feel underfoot and secured in place with a polyresin adhesive, which is slip-resistant and capable of withstanding the elements.

Tired of dropping shrimp, sliced veggies, and cubed meat between the barbecue grates? These grill baskets keep all of the aforementioned contained in their stainless steel cages. Hold them by the wooden handles and roll them over the flames to evenly season, sear, and cook your food. The set includes a hook to safely open the top, so you can slide your feast straight onto the plate — and they nest for compact storage.

Rather than making 20 trips back and forth from the kitchen to the grill to the patio table, you can stock this handy caddy and keep everything together in an easy-to-carry package. It has a spacious design, with dedicated compartments and hooks for everything you could need, from condiments, to utensils and even paper towels. Plus, the wide handle makes it easier to carry.

These decor-like reflective wind spinners offer a humane way to prevent birds from nesting in your eaves, bathing in your pool, or pooping on your patio. The spinning stainless steel discs have a mirror-like finish that reflects sunlight, scaring most bird species without harming them. They also come on hooks, so they’re easy to hang from branches and awnings.

Bring cottage-core to your backyard with these cute string lights, which feature a charming mushroom-inspired design. They have a water-resistant build so they can handle a little moisture, and they charge up in the sun during the day, then work their magic at night (no switch or remote needed).

Replace your downspout with this length-adjustable rain chain to elevate your home’s curb appeal. Its matte-black lotus design looks like a work of art, while its connective chains create a soothing sound as the rain cascades down. Still, it guides water from your gutter to the ground, minimizing mud splashes and directing moisture away from your home’s foundation.

With its wooden pegs and rope rings, this rustic ring toss game looks like a family heirloom — and since it’s built to last, it might just become one. The New Zealand pine is polished and finished, making it water-resistant for all-weather use. It also weighs under 3 pounds and comes with a moisture-wicking bag for portability and storage.

Create gorgeous borders for your landscaping, or keep pets and pests away from your flowers and vegetable garden. This decorative fencing has an arched lattice design that looks a lot more expensive than it is. Made from rust-resistant metal with ground stakes and connective cable ties, each set spans 10 feet and stands 24 inches tall.

Stick these artificial flower bundles in window boxes, plant pots, and hanging baskets to make it look like you have a green thumb, even if you have no idea how to garden. They’re UV-resistant to maintain their vivid colors despite sunlight, and they have flexible wire-rod stems so you can arrange them as desired. Most importantly, they “look so real,” one reviewer raved.

It’s way more stylish than your average camping lantern, but this metal table lamp is surprisingly practical and durable. USB-rechargeable with stepless dimming and three temperature settings, it provides up to 18 hours of light without any cords. It’s also made from aluminum alloy with a shatter-resistant acrylic bulb, and it comes in several color options.

If a rain drum wasn’t on your radar as a backyard must have, allow this highly rated one to change your mind. It plays eight to 13 notes, depending on which size you go for and falling rain activates it (though you can also use the included mallets to make your own melodies). It comes in a subtle forest green tone that will blend right in outside, or you can choose a color that pops like pink or lake blue.

This privacy screen has an average 4.6-star rating, and one reviewer wrote, “This has been a game changer when it comes to our dogs trying to fight the backyard neighbors' dogs.” Available in eight colors and tons of sizes, it zip-ties to most balconies, railings, and chain-link fences, turning transparent structures into opaque walls. Still, the mesh material is UV-protected and allows the wind to pass through.

I break out these pop-up food covers every single time I entertain outside. Their wide, tent-like design covers serving plates and large bowls, while their fine mesh fabric keeps bugs off your food. They also have lace trim that looks gorgeous on my tablescape, and they collapse down like umbrellas for compact storage in my tiny kitchen.

Create a canopy (or a wall) of lights in one fell swoop. This fairy light net spans 10 by 10 feet and illuminates your space with 270 warm-white LEDs. It’s waterproof with a 16.4-foot cord, so you can reach the nearest outlet, indoors or out. It also has eight lighting modes with various effects, and you can connect up to three nets at once.

This large tumbling wooden tower game was made for backyard gatherings or casual hangs with friends and family. Stacking up to 3 feet tall in total, it includes 54 large wooden pieces, a wooden dice, a handy scoreboard, and a convenient carrying case. It comes in several finishes and is also available in a 5-foot-tall option if you want to raise the stakes.

Install these solar lights on your deck, driveway, porch, dock, or around the pool for custom-like lighting on a budget. After charging in the sunlight for a few hours, they’ll produce up to 20 hours of illumination in your choice of cool-white or warm-white tones. They’re also weatherproof with aluminum alloy cases that can withstand up to 3 tons of weight, so it’s no problem if you accidentally drive over them.

The effects of this fancy-looking bird feeder are two-fold: First, it adds a stunning touch to your backyard on its own, with its artistic, handblown construction. It also makes your backyard better by helping to attract hummingbirds, for a truly magical vibe. It has a perch that wraps all around, giving hummingbirds plenty of plays to land (just fill it with nectar first). And it also has features to help keep ants and bees out.

These solar string lights look like bumble bees and transform the sun’s rays into a honey-golden glow that illuminates your garden after dark. The solar panel also has a dusk-to-dawn sensor, so they switch on automatically when the sun goes down. No wonder they’ve earned an average 4.5-star rating from over 8,800 reviewers.

Use these polished stones to line potted plants, fill vases, accent ponds and aquariums, finish garden beds, highlight water features, and create charming pathways. Each bag contain 5 pounds of smooth, wax-coated natural stones in hues of brown, cream, tan, and black. They don’t deteriorate like mulch, they help soil retain moisture, and they come in orders from 2 to 10 pounds.

Made from stainless steel with a 360-degree airflow design, this tabletop fire pit creates a 2-foot radius of heat — all while minimizing smoke, soot, and mess. It uses either wood or pellets for fuel, making it a convenient and clean-burning option for backyard parties, camping, and roasting marshmallows. It also comes with a stand and a nylon carrying bag.

These stainless steel hooks slide directly onto vinyl siding without any drilling or wall damage, providing a sturdy and discreet way to hang string lights, garlands, or wreathes. Each one holds up to 12 pounds, can be repositioned whenever needed, and look so subtle it almost appears your decor is floating.

Take beer (or water) pong to a whole new level with this 24-pack of giant party cups. At 110 ounces each they handle six times the amount of your traditional cup and even come with four oversize ping-pong balls so you can play on the ground or on a table. The thick plastic construction holds up enough to reuse if you treat them decently nicely and hand wash.

Unlike most “wind chimes,” this one doesn’t offer melodies but instead takes things up a notch with a nighttime color show. It uses a solar-powered design, so it charges during the day (so long as it gets direct sunlight), then turns on at night to light up your space, with LED bulbs that cycle through different vibrant colors. It includes a large hook that can be hung from trees, patio overhangs, porches, and garden stakes.

If the frogs aren’t gracing your backyard the way you’d like, you can still channel their cute vibe with this charming figurine. It’s truly tiny, just like the real thing, measuring at a modest 1.5 inches tall, and it’s posed to perfectly perch on the rim of a planter, making it look like it’s just hanging out. Made of resin, it’s even hand painted to add an extra special touch.

With six in a set, this bee watering station is designed to look like an assortment of colorful cone flowers, blending in with your garden while providing a helpful perch for your buzzing neighbors. Just use the built in stakes to slide them into garden beds or lawns, and add a little bit of fresh water (not too much). Each piece is made of high-quality material that promises to stand up to the elements.

Wish your fence had a little more pizzazz? These decorative butterflies are ready to flutter in and add some personality. Each set contains four multicolored pieces made of rust-resistant iron, with built-in hooks for seamless hanging. They measure over 9 inches tall and 7 inches wide (roughly the size of an iPad), making them substantial enough to get noticed without being overbearing.

Who knew keeping water away from your home’s foundation could be so cute? This splash block is designed to fit around most standard gutter downspouts, helping to redirect rain runoff to prevent it from pooling around your house (so it doesn’t lead to a soggy eyesore or costly damage). The style featured above has a cluster of cheerful birds, but it’s also available in other fun critter designs.

With these solar garden lights, you’ll be able to enjoy the lush look of hydrangeas all year round — and even at night. Each set comes with three pieces in assorted colors, and the leaves and stems are adjustable for a more natural look in your garden or along a pathway. Just set them up and they’ll charge up in the sun and turn on at night automatically.

You’ll want to spend even more time in your backyard thanks to this extra-large blanket. It features a waterproof design so you can lounge on your lawn without worrying about a soggy butt. Available in five fun gingham styles, it’s big enough to fit up to five adults, according to the brand, so you can round up all your friends or family — or enjoy all that space for yourself.

Nothing ruins a backyard party or barbecue faster than a swarm of bugs on your food, but with these mesh covers, the pests will have met their match. They have a transparent design so you can still see what’s underneath. And each set includes an assortment of covers in several sizes to work for all different dishes.

So unexpected and yet so delightful, this hot air balloon solar light is destined to become a centerpiece of your yard. Use the included hook to hang it wherever you could use a pop of whimsy. The colorful glass comes in several designs, and it charges automatically in sunlight to turn on at night for a spectacular effect.

Bird baths require regular maintenance to help keep your backyard friends healthy, but this copper disk is designed to help make things a little easier. It’s made to work with a variety of non-metal bird basics (including stone and plastic). Just place it in the water, and it’ll work automatically to allow less frequent deep cleanings, according to the brand.

Mood lighting is not just for the inside of your home. These glass torches are made for outdoor tabletops, and are perfect for casual or more elaborately planned gatherings after dusk. Each set comes with four glass lanterns in varied translucent colors. But they’re also available in additional styles.

If you don’t have a “porch goose,” what are you waiting for? Even if you don’t have a porch, this goose statue will add some silly fun to your yard. It comes in three sizes, with the one featured above hitting just below the knee. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a piece that will brighten your day every time it “greets” you.