50 Cheap, Clever Things That Make Your Backyard Look Way Nicer With Almost No Effort

Not only do these wind chimes light up in brilliant colors, but a solar panel built into the top also keeps them lit for up to 10 hours at night. The waterproof design keeps them working come rain or shine. And if you aren’t into the globe style, they also come in seven other designs: hummingbirds, dragonflies, butterflies, and more.

There’s no complicated wiring required when installing these garden lights, as each one is powered using a built-in solar panel that keeps them lit for up to 20 hours. The flexible goosenecks allow them to sway in the wind, making them look just like fireflies from afar — and the waterproof design keeps them in good working order come rain or shine.

Even the most gorgeous backyards can look crummy if your patio furniture is faded. Enter: this color restorer. Simply wipe it onto your sun-damaged furniture, and it can help refresh its color so that it looks almost good as new. It’s suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, including vinyl, plastic, rubber, stone, fiberglass, and more.

These solar deck lights are a solid pick for anyone who likes to avoid tackling DIY projects. Installation is as easy as pressing them right into place on your deck railing using the included adhesive, and most reviewers were able to get the job done in 15 minutes or less. Plus, a solar panel built into the top of each one keeps them lit for several hours at night.

Whether your backyard is big or small, this sun shade likely comes in a size to suit the space. It’s made from high-density polyethylene that blocks the sun’s harsh rays while still letting gentle breezes pass through. And since it’s permeable, there’s no need to empty out pooling water after it rains.

If the plants in your backyard are looking a little limp, consider taking a look at these food spikes. You only need to use them once in the spring and fall for best results — simply hammer them into the ground near your plants, and they’ll gradually release nutrients that help promote lush, beautiful foliage. “I use these for my orange trees, so easy to use and seem to feed them well,” wrote one reviewer.

Not only is this pool large enough for small kids and pets, but its folding design means you can stash it away at the end of the day — no need to leave it sitting out in your yard. The tough PVC material is designed to hold up against paws as well as overactive children. Plus, a drain on the bottom makes emptying it out a total breeze.

There’s no need to take this fire pit inside at the end of the day, as its heavy-duty steel frame is designed to stay rust-free. It’s large enough for up to five people to gather around — and the mesh screen prevents sparks from popping into your yard. Each order also includes one fire poker.

There’s nothing wrong with using plastic planters. Though if you’re looking for a more polished option, this particular planter may be right up your alley. It’s made from 100% solid acacia wood, with earth-colored grains running throughout. And unlike some wooden planters, this one is suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use.

You don’t have to hire a gardener if you want to make sure your plants stay hydrated while you’re out of town — just grab this timer. It attaches to your spigot, and can be adjusted in frequency from every six hours up to once every seven days. “Very easy to program, with many options,” wrote one reviewer. “It gets used heavily as we travel a lot and it never missed a beat.”

Hang these string lights up across your backyard, and there’ll be no need to head indoors once the sun has gone down. The waterproof sockets ensure they’ll keep working if it starts to rain. And if your backyard is on the bigger side, you can even connect up to 60 strands to cover extra-large spaces.

Plug your outdoor lights into this smart plug, and you’ll instantly be able to turn them on or off, as well as put them on schedules using the Kasa smartphone app. Though if you really want to “wow” guests, pair it with your Alexa or Google Home. The next time you have people over, you’ll be able to turn them on simply by saying, “Alexa, turn on backyard lights.”

This screen door is a smart upgrade for anyone who constantly forgets to shut their sliding door behind them. A series of magnets running down the center allow it to seal itself shut once you’ve passed through — no need to close it yourself. Plus, installation is as easy as using the included thumb tacks to secure it into place around your door frame.

Getting down on your hands and knees to weed your garden is rarely ever a good time. Instead, give this weed puller a try. Its long handle lets you remain upright, while the claw on the bottom reaches deep into the ground, pulling up weeds by their roots. One reviewer wrote, “This made the task of weeding my garden beds significantly faster and prevented me from having to bend over as often to try to detach weeds.”

It’s almost too easy for extension cables and hoses to turn into a jumbled mess — but that’s where this strap comes in handy. It’s made from weather-resistant polypropylene that can hold up to 100 pounds, so there’s no need to worry about it tearing under heavy loads. Plus, the handle at the top makes it easy to carry around.

Don’t let your dog overheat while they’re relaxing in the sun. Instead, give them this elevated bed to lie on. Air circulates underneath, helping dissipate heat so that your dog stays comfortable. The heavy-duty mesh holds up against scratching or chewing — and with six sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble using it with small as well as large breeds.

If you like decor that’s full of personality, search no further than this quirky piggy. It’s made from sleek ceramic — not plastic — and the fade-resistant paint won’t dull easily when left out in the sun. Plus, a built-in solar panel keeps the eyes lit for up to eight hours at night.

You don’t have to hop out of the pool when you need another drink — just keep a few floating nearby inside this inflatable cooler. Five cupholders give you somewhere convenient to rest your drinks if you feel like taking a jump off the diving board. The rainbow design is adorable, and reviewers actually love using it for their dogs to float in the pool.

If your backyard looks a little dull, consider spicing things up with these pebbles. Not only are they colorful, but they also glow in the dark, making them great for lighting pathways, or even pouring into a glass vase to create a unique table centerpiece. And if your backyard is already looking good, you can still toss them into a fish tank for a fun look.

Whether you prefer sipping on chilled whites or room-temperature reds, this wine set has a bottle with vacuum-insulated walls to help keep your vino at its ideal temperature until you’re ready to pour yourself a glass. It’s made from shatterproof stainless steel that’s resistant to odors, smudges, as well as rust. Plus, each order includes two insulated wine glasses for serving.

From crunchy celery to nutrient-dense kale, this packet comes with 18 different types of seeds to help you get your vegetable garden started. Each order includes step-by-step instructions on how to to make sure your seeds sprout, as well as how to save the seeds for later — just in case you don’t want to use all 15,000 of them. They’re also non-GMO, non-hybrid, as well as open-pollinated.

Dirty patio furniture can put a damper on any outdoor gathering, so cleaning it up with this spray is a prudent move. The formula contains powerful enzymes that make it easy to wipe away dirt, bird poop, food stains, and more, leaving your furniture looking good like new. “Leaf stains, bird poop, pollen - it all came out,” wrote one reviewer.

Throw out that rusty trowel you’ve been using in favor of this stainless steel one. Not only is it resistant to rust, but its V-shaped tip also helps you remove weeds by their root. The ergonomic handle features contoured finger indentations to help you keep a firm grip — and a small loop at the top lets you hang it up in storage.

If you’re looking for something to dress up your patio table, this solar-powered decorative glass globe is worth a look. It lights up in gorgeous colors once the sun has gone down, and features a built-in solar panel that keeps it lit for up to 10 hours. Plus, the weather-resistant design helps ensure that it continues to work come rain or shine.

Starting a fire without the proper kindling can be tricky — keeping these sticks on hand ensures you can get lit with ease. They’re made from pine wood that’s rich in resin, allowing them to light easily as well as burn consistently. You can use them in wet or dry conditions — and each one is made without any synthetic chemicals.

Most gardening gloves will leave your hands sweating after just a few minutes of wear — but not these ones. Not only are they made from breathable bamboo that helps keep your hands cool, but if your hands do start to sweat, they’re also absorbent enough to keep you feeling good and dry. Plus, the index fingers are even touchscreen-friendly.

Brighten up that dark patio pathway with these LED stake lights. A solar panel built into the top of each one keeps them lit for up to 10 hours at night — and installation is as easy as pressing them into the ground. Since they’re made from stainless steel, they’re also less likely to rust over time.

Pet waste is one of the easiest ways to make your backyard feel crummy, which is only part of the reason why I’m a fan of this poop scoop. Its nonstick claw won’t latch onto poop — and the folding design makes it easy to stash away inside your garage, or even inside a deck bin. Thousands of reviewers also awarded it either four or five stars, with one writing that it “[...] allows you to scoop it all and not leave skid marks!”

Every pool (or heck, backyard) needs at least a few cute floats, so why not grab this giant unicorn? With a weight limit of up to 400 pounds, it’s large enough to hold up to two adults — and the quick-inflate valve helps you inflate as well as deflate it up to five times faster than normal. One reviewer also wrote about how “[...] once you’re on it, it’s very comfortable and works super well for pool jousting.”

If you’ve got a mess of gardening tools sitting out in the open, consider tidying them up with this broom holder. It has a weight limit of up to 35 pounds, making it suitable for shovels, weeders, pool skimmers, and more. Plus, the slots feature rubber grips that prevent your tools from sliding downwards.

These magical flame pouches are an easy way to add an extra touch of fun when sitting around a campfire or fire pit. Simply toss a few packets into the fire, and they’ll add colorful shades of purple, blue, and green to the flames. One reviewer wrote, “The colors were beautiful and received a lot of oooooos and ahhhhhhs.”

You don’t have to eat indoors just because the sun has gone down — instead, add this LED light to your patio table umbrella. No tools are necessary for installation, as a strong clamp in the center keeps it firmly fastened to your umbrella pole. Plus, it only needs four AA batteries (which are not included) in order to produce hours’ worth of light.

Installing these wall lights is as easy as nailing them right into place wherever you like. There’s no need for any complicated wiring, as a solar panel on the top of each one powers them throughout the night — and their weatherproof design keeps them working come rain or shine. A built-in motion sensor turns them on whenever they sense someone (or something) in your backyard.

From black flies to mosquitoes, this electrified racket is great for zapping all sorts of flying pests. The battery lasts through up to 10,000 zaps before it needs to be recharged. Plus, the LED indicator light helps keep you safe by letting you know that electricity is surging through the netting.

Whereas some power washers can set you back upwards of $200, this one is currently available for less than $150. At only 19 pounds in weight, you shouldn’t have any trouble moving it all around your home, blasting away all sorts of mildew and grime as you go. The pump automatically stops when the trigger isn’t engaged to help conserve motor life.

If you don’t have space in your backyard for a campfire or fire pit, it’s not a problem when you have this tabletop version. While small enough to fit on a coffee table, it can still hold enough fuel to burn for over a full hour. Plus, the thick cement frame prevents heat from leaving scorch marks on your table.

Condiments, paper towels, tongs — this caddy has space for everything you’d ever want to keep nearby when grilling meat. It’s made from solid steel, with a powder-coated finish that helps keep it free from rust. And if that isn’t enough, a cute wooden handle on the top makes it easy to carry from grill to table.

Kneeling down on the ground when working in your garden is rarely ever comfortable. Instead, take a seat on this miniature bench. If you need to get closer to the ground, the legs fold inwards so that you can kneel down on the padded top — and both sides even have a small caddy where you can stash tools.

If your patio feels like it’s missing something, the answer may be as simple as laying down this area rug. It’s made from ultra-durable fibers, making it suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use. The low pile means it’s unlikely to snag on opening doors — though if you’d prefer a little extra cushioning, feel free to add this rug pad underneath.

Letting your potted plants sit directly on the ground looks all right — though if you’d like to make them look nicer, put them on this stand. The frame is made from eucalyptus wood, and features enough space for more than seven pots. Plus, with a weight limit of up to 180 pounds, feel free to load it up with as many plants as you like.

If you’re tired of scraping all that crud off your grill, then these mats are worth a look. Simply place them on your grill, top them with whatever ingredients you want to cook, then grill as you normally would. Your meals will still have that deliciously grilled flavor — but without the mess that typically comes with it. Plus, the heavy duty material is heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s no need to worry about them melting.

Place these magnetic lights on your grill, and they’ll make it easier than ever to see what you’re doing when cooking outside at night. The flexible goosenecks allow you to direct the light in any direction you need — and each order even comes with batteries included.

These customizable lights give you that whimsical backyard patio moment without a ton of effort on your part because they’re solar-powered. Simply pop the solar panels in the lawn or a plant pot, string up the lights, and you’re ready to control these dainty waterproof lights with the included remote. There are even eight different impressive modes to choose from.

Forks, napkins, solo cups — this outdoor utensil caddy has space for all of it and more. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry from house to patio. And if you forget to bring it inside at the end of the day, the mesh frame won’t retain any water should it start to rain. Choose from three finishes: silver, bronze, or black.

When no amount of fertilizer seems to help your lawn, it may be time to give these aerator shoes a try. The spikes on the bottom poke holes into the soil so that air, water, and other nutrients penetrate deeper. The result is that your grass can grow in thicker after just a few weeks.

From bright red to peacock blue, this side table comes in so many colors that you may have trouble narrowing your choice down to just one. The steel frame features a protective UV coating to help keep it looking good when left out in the sun — and it even has a weight limit of up to 50 pounds.

The rules of this ring toss game are simple: whoever lands their ring on the highest-scoring numbers, wins. It’s that simple. People of all ages can join in the fun regardless of whether they’re five or 55. Setup is also incredibly easy — all you have to do is hang it up on a wall and it’s ready to go.

If heading out to water your plants every day is cramping your style, this irrigation system is worth its weight in gold. You can customize it to water potted plants, hanging baskets, planter beds, or any other greenery in your backyard. Plus, setting it up is easy enough that most reviewers were able to get it done in about an hour.

Nosy neighbors won’t be able to peer into your backyard once you’ve set up this privacy screen. It’s made from UV-resistant HDPE fabric, with durable brass grommets that make hanging it up a total breeze. And if your neighbors keep to themselves, you can also use it to create shade for vegetable gardens.

Not only is this tablecloth suitable for outdoor use, but it also features a zippered hole in the center so that you can fit it around umbrella poles. It’s made from 100% polyester that’s stain-resistant as well as waterproof. And with 10 colors as well as four sizes to choose from, it should be simple finding one that suits your table.