Weird Things You Didn't Know About That'd Make Your Backyard A Heck Of A Lot Better

Sure, you could utilize a plain, boring downspout on your gutters. But you should upgrade to this seriously cool gargoyle one for just 30 bucks. It’s made using real crushed stone and bonded with resin for top durability. The gargoyle’s wide mouth opening will guide water where you want it to go.

During the day, these 450 rocks are a pretty blue shade. Then, as soon as dusk falls, they glow bright blue (they’re powered by the sun) — it’s quite the sight. Use them to line your patio, liven up planters, and more.

The glaring sun can totally ruin a casual hangout, but this sun canopy is extra-large in size (at 10 by 13 feet, to be precise) to create plenty of shade. It’s made from high-density polyethylene to block up to 95% of the sun’s UV rays as well. Use the four D-rings and hanging cords to put it up. Various sizes and colors can be found in the listing.

These two flamingo statues float on water — whether that’s your pool or another water feature in your yard — and then at night, they glow gently for a serene vibe. They’re powered by the sun and can run for up to eight hours on a full charge.

This net light strand is a whopping 10 by 10 feet to cover a large area like a gazebo or trellis. Plus, it’s covered with 360 LEDs that can be set to eight lighting modes for custom ambiance. Use the timer function for auto-off so you don’t have to remember to do it yourself.

Rugs aren’t just for indoors. This outdoor rug is made from tightly woven plastic straws that are completely waterproof by design to last through rain, snow, sleet and sunshine — it even has a UV coating to stay vibrant. This pick is reversible with a different geometric pattern on each side. It comes in seven sizes and eight colors in the listing.

It can be nearly impossible to effectively store rakes, shovels, brooms, and other tools — they always topple over. However, this organizer rack has 35 individual slots (plus hanging hooks) to solve this dilemma. Even with this, the organizer is compact, and it’s on wheels so you can move it around as needed.

Illuminate your fence by installing these six solar lights on it. They can be set to nine different colors — including shades of white and even vibrant hues — or set to cycle through them. “These solar fence light were easy to install, brightening the area around the deck and look fantastic. I like the ability to change colors for different moods,” wrote one commenter who adds that they’re a great value.

These four vinyl hangers slide right into your house’s siding, then they can be used to hold various items (up to 12 pounds) like string lights, wreaths, planters, and more. They won’t cause any damage — simply pull them out after the fact.

Create a 30-foot mosquito-free zone in as few as 10 minutes with portable repellent — because no one wants to get bitten by these pests. The lightweight, compact device is powered by a built-in battery that’ll last for up to four hours. It’s rechargeable via USB.

This outdoor power strip has six outlets to plug in a bunch of electronics, plus a heavy-duty, 25-foot power cord for use almost anywhere. Utilize the 12-inch stake to stick it securely in the soil. Overload protection cuts off power in the event of any potentially hazardous situations.

Picnics in the grass just got bougier with the addition of this foldable table. It has individual compartments for all of your favorite foods — it makes for a great charcuterie board, too — and there are four slots that each can hold a stemmed wine glass. The table legs fold for transport.

Each of the 100 LEDs on this string light strand is shaped like a star — and they can even be set to twinkle (or seven other light modes) for an extra-whimsical look and feel. The strand is 49 feet long, though up to 10 strands can be connected together if desired. This pick is waterproof.

This mesh screen door is an overwhelming best-seller on the site — with 53,000-plus five-star reviews — and that’s because the middle is lined with magnets for hands-free opening and closing. It installs quickly with hook-and-loop tape and push pins.

Add these heavy-duty treads to outdoor stairs to make them far less slippery for safety’s sake. Each of the eight treads has durable adhesive to stick in place — they’ll last through all weather conditions — and they come in a range of widths and lengths for a perfect fit.

Dandelions and other weeds majorly detract from the beauty of your yard, but this weeder tool pulls the whole thing out (root included), and it doesn’t leave behind a gaping hole. It features a two-pronged fork for removal and a soft-grip handle that’s comfy to hold.

Most string lights need to be plugged into an outlet to work, but these particular string lights have a solar panel for power — it’s a money- and hassle-saver. Each of the two waterproof strands is about 40 feet long with 120 super bright LEDs that put out a vivid blue glow. Not a fan of blue? Other colors can be found in the listing.

Not only do these wind chimes make a pleasant sound when the wind blows, but the seashells and starfish that they’re covered in will also get illuminated as soon as the sun sets. The solar-powered pick has a built-in panel to absorb energy through the day, and they’ll work for 10 hours per night. An all-white and multicolor option can be found in the listing.

Don’t just sit around in silence; use this Bluetooth speaker to blast your favorite jams. It doubles as a lantern with its flame-like glow that’ll illuminate the area you use it in, whether that’s hanging from a tree, staked into the ground, or placed on a table. This pick is waterproof, Bluetooth enabled, and battery powered.

“I love how they transform my yard into a magical space, providing a warm and inviting ambiance,” wrote one shopper about these solar-powered lights that are shaped like miniature mushrooms. Put them in “flicker” mode to mimic the glow of fireflies or use them in steady-on mode to brighten up your garden. Your order comes with two lights, each of which has six mushroom caps.

This whimsical duckling parade—complete with lily pads, lotus flowers, and a cute frog—adds a little storybook charm to your backyard. Hand-painted, waterproof, and at just 7 inches long, it fits anywhere: your garden, bookshelf, or that one weird empty spot on your patio table.

Hang these string lights on your umbrella for full-on illumination. The lights can be controlled with the included remote control; choose from various lighting modes, adjust the brightness, and set up a timer. This pick works on umbrellas ranging from 6 to 10 feet in size.

Ordinary bonfires are fun, but these magical packets take the experience to new heights. Just toss one to three packets into any fire (indoors or out), then watch as a colorful, vivid spectacle unfolds in front of you. Your order comes with 12 packets.

A stylish alternative to an ugly downspout, hang this rain catcher from your gutter to catch water in its 12 lotus-shaped cups. The hanging chain is over 8 feet long, but can be shortened if need be by removing links and/or cups. A version with a copper finish can also be found in the listing.

Part bug deterrent, part decor, this clever fly fan disguises itself as a potted plant while keeping your snacks safe from insects. Its soft blades reflect light to confuse flies, and it shuts off instantly if touched—aka kid- and clumsy-proof. Lightweight and foldable, it runs on USB or batteries, so your backyard hangs stay blissfully bug-free and low-effort.

Cover your picnic table top with this vinyl cover that’s super stretchy for a snug fit, even if it’s a particularly windy day. The surface is waterproof, making it super simple to wipe down between uses (and if there’s an accidental spill), and the backing is nonslip to keep it in place. There are plenty of colors and sizes to choose from in the listing.

This rock light looks realistic, particularly if you place it among other rocks. And yet, it projects a bright light (in either a warm white color or a bright white one) to illuminate any area you aim it at. The built-in solar pattern absorbs sunlight and turns it into energy; this allows it to work for up to eight hours at night. It measures nearly 3 inches across.

These solar-powered path lights are easy to install — literally, just stake them in the ground — but they make your yard look 10 times better. Each stake casts a warm, patterned light that’s perfect for lighting walkways, driveways, or patios. No wires, no stress—just stick them in the ground and let the sun do its thing.

This wasp trap uses color and pattern to lure in pests like red wasps, mud daubers, and carpenter bees—then traps them on a sticky surface (no scent, no mess). You can hang it on manmade structures, like pergolas, sheds, or garages, to prevent insects from building nests and damaging your property or hang it near an existing nest to help deplete the population.

Paint for your grass? Yes, it’s a real thing! This concentrated pick will effectively transform brown or yellow lawns into a lush green paradise. It’s designed to spray on for ample coverage, and it’ll last for three-plus months. This pick is safe for use near pets and kids.

Sitting underneath a gazebo or a similar structure can be hotter because they trap the heat. However, this gazebo fan ensures air circulates for top comfort. It plugs into an outlet for power and can be set to three speeds. Plus, there’s a built-in light.

Tablecloth annoyingly blowing away? With these clip-on weights that won’t be the case. “These little gadgets are a game-changer for outdoor dining! [...] The weights are small and unobtrusive, so they don't detract from the overall look of my table setting,” wrote one shopper. Ten are included in the set and they come in three styles in the listing.

These decoy wasp nests look cool hanging up, but reviewers stand by the fact that they’re also functional. “We had hornets trying to build nests inside the downspout and once I hung this up they all slowly disappeared and stopped going into the gutter downspouts,” wrote one shopper. Since they’re made from paper, your best bet is to display them in an area that won’t get wet. They come as a pair.

This solar-powered light is both practical and super pretty. Shaped like a lotus flower with a cracked-glass crystal ball center, it adds a soft glow (and a whole lot of charm) to gardens, patios, or walkways. It’s about 10 inches in diameter—compact enough for a table centerpiece, eye-catching enough for landscaping. No wires, no batteries, no stress.

Placing your spare door key under a rock or doormat is obvious. But this cast iron bird isn’t. The hidden compartment is perfectly sized for a key, and it’s heavier than its plastic counterparts, so it won’t get easily knocked over by creatures or the wind.

It’s pretty much impossible to not smile back at this tree face. And the extra-cool element is that its mouth can be filled with seeds for critters to enjoy. “Really cute-the squirrels and birds love the treats I put out for them in its mouth,” wrote one fan. It’s made from sculpted resin and painted to blend in with the bark.

For less than five bucks, this metal scraper will get your grill clean — and it doesn’t have any potentially hazardous bristles. It features universal stainless steel grooves to scrape stuck-on food and debris from the grates, plus an easy-grip leather handle. There’s even a built-in bottle opener.

Plain fence or deck? Use these cap lights for extra illumination and style. Each one has 12 built-in LEDs to shine (they’re solar powered to glow for eight hours when dusk falls), and they mount on most wooden posts without issue. They come in a pair.

This inflatable pool serves as the ultimate spot for lounging, reading a book, or tanning. It can also be filled with water. It inflates to 70 by 46 inches in size with a thick, ribbed base and removable, pillow-like headrest for comfort. There are two cupholders for your beverages.

Don’t have the space or desire for a bird bath on your actual lawn? This 12-inch one actually mounts onto your deck rail (the adjustable clamp fits decks up to 2 inches thick). The bowl itself is made from plastic, and it can be pulled out of the base for convenient filling.

This miniature frog statue wants to hang out (just like us). It sits on a rocking chair, and the coffee cup that it holds actually lights up — it’s powered by the sun, turning on automatically at night and glowing for up to eight hours. A few other animals can be found in the listing.

These outdoor lights each have a sturdy triangular shape to sit perfectly on a flight of stairs. The lights boast 13 LED beads for high-powered illumination. They charge during the day by the sun and glow for up to 10 hours once it’s dark. They’re waterproof by design and come with all the hardware necessary for installation.

This 6-foot-tall metal wind spinner is the prettiest. It’ll smoothly rotate in both directions, and the glass ball in the center absorbs sunlight during the day to then radiantly glow at night. “Great product for the price as well as very good quality,” wrote one commenter.

Position any potted plant on this adjustable caddy. It can support up to an incredible 330 pounds, it extends in size from 8 to 21 inches for various pots, and the four wheels allow you to move it around as needed, whether you’re trying to get it in the shade or sun. Lock the wheels after the fact so the wind doesn’t blow it around.

Grampa’s Weeder has been around since 1913—and for good reason. It's 45-inch handle lets you yank weeds without bending or digging around in the dirt, and the four-prong design pulls them up root and all (especially in softer soil). It’s a great alternative to chemical weed killers that may not be safe for kids or animals. Plus, this weeder is oddly satisfying to use.

These solar-powered sunflower lights blend right in during the day and glow softly at night, thanks to 12 built-in LEDs around each petal. Made with weatherproof silk fabric and flexible stems, they look surprisingly lifelike—even in winter. The built-in battery charges fully in five to seven hours and stays lit for up to 15, making them both pretty and practical.

With no chemicals or sprays involved, this hybrid-spectrum bug zapper is a cleaner, quieter way to keep bugs off your patio (and out of your house). It uses UV and black light to attract everything from mosquitos to moths—then zaps them with a high-voltage grid. It’s waterproof, covers up to half an acre, and has a built-in switch for easy on/off control.

Outdoor lanterns don’t have to look rugged. And this particular one is the perfect example; with its curved handle, glowing light orb, and black finish, it’s ultra chic. The light has a built-in battery that’s rechargeable via the included USB cable. This allows you to carry it wherever you need a little extra illumination.

You’ve heard of camping tents but have you ever come across these mesh food tents? They’re a magical invention that makes picnics and barbecues much more enjoyable since you won’t have to constantly swat flies away. Pop the six tents over every tray and collapse them flat when not in use.

Add charm to your yard with this hand-painted birdhouse. It features a whimsical scene of mushrooms, birds, and more in muted colors. The birdhouse comes already assembled, and there’s a jute cord attached to hang it from a tree or shepherd’s hook. Pull out the plug on the bottom to clean it.

Upgrade from a regular flood light bulb to this smart one, which frankly couldn’t be cooler. It can be set to literally millions of colors via the free app or your voice (it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant devices). It’s dimmable, too.

With extra-long handles, this pooper scooper saves you from breaking your back every time your furry friend needs to go. It’ll be easy to do, no matter if you’re picking up after them on grass, gravel, or concrete since both a spade and rake are included in this set. All pieces are made of durable stainless steel but are extremely lightweight.

To make sure your outdoor space is full of everything you want and nothing — and no one — that you don’t, screw in this Wi-Fi-enabled light bulb security camera. It’s completely waterproof, wireless, and able to track motion so you see everything that’s happening, even when you’re not home.

These bee lights are literally the cutest thing. The light strand has 20 LEDs for illumination, and since they’re completely solar powered, you don’t have to be tethered to an outlet to use them; hang them literally anywhere you please. Each bee is 1.4 inches long and the entire strand is 16 feet long.

When it’s time for your next pool day, make sure you bring out this sea turtle float to enjoy the fun with you. It’s spacious, comfy, and has two grab handles to keep you sturdy. It can support up to 176 pounds and is an impressive 6-plus feet long.