My home is cozy — but as soon as company comes over, the house starts to feel like a can of sardines. As a result, my backyard needs to function as an extension of my indoor space, and a few clever Amazon finds helped me achieve that on a budget. These impressive backyard upgrades boost the comfort, functionality, and ambiance of your outdoor space, all for less than $30.
Pebbles that absorb sunlight to glow in the dark
Reviewers have tossed these glow-in-the-dark rocks around fire pits, along pathways, in planters and garden beds, and around ponds. You can get them in white, blue, green, aqua, and multicolor options.
LED net lights that add a magical touch
According to reviewers, these LED net lights are “absolutely beautiful” and “add a magical touch” to your outdoor space. Unlike most fairy lights, these come in a square net that spans 10 by 10 feet, so you can mount them underneath pergolas and porches, drape them over walls and bushes, and hang them from gazebos. Each has eight lighting mode options and you can connect up to three sets.
A roll-out wooden walkway for an easy DIY path
Made from natural cedar wood with a textured surface to prevent slipping, this roll-out garden path creates a walkway anywhere in your backyard. It comes in both natural and brown options and each plank is joined with steel wire ropes and rubber spacers for weather-resistant durability.
Deck or fence lights that charge via the sun
Powered by the sun, these solar lights will flip on automatically when the sun sets, putting out a warm white glow for visibility and ambiance. They’re designed for spots like your fence or deck, and they’re screwed in place to stay put. Sixteen come in the pack.
Architectural solar bricks for a unique outdoor lighting setup
If you’re looking to vary things up beyond string lights and lanterns, these solar brick lights offers up an expected take on outdoor lighting. They come six to a pack and feature a textured floral exterior for added visual interest. And since they boast an IP65 waterproof rating, they can stand up to inclement weather as well.
Step lights that look elegant & boost safety
These solar step lights make the stairs on your stoop, porch, or deck look way more elegant — but they also illuminate each step so they’re safer to navigate in the dark. You can secure them in place with either screws or double-sided adhesive tape. Best of all, since they’re IP65-rated waterproof, solar-powered, and have dusk-to-dawn sensors that turn on automatically at night, they’re an effortless set-it-and-forget-it option.
An outdoor area rug that’s stylish yet easy to clean
One of the easiest ways to make your outdoor space feel cozy and inviting? Add an area rug. This outdoor mat comes in five sizes and five colors with a reversible design. Since it’s made from plastic straw with a UV coating, it’s waterproof, stain-resistant, and protected against heat and fading. “It's so pretty and easy to clean,” wrote one reviewer who said it’s “very good quality” for the price.
Edison bulb string lights that’ll actually last
“Not only do they give off a warm, cozy glow that totally upgrades my backyard vibes, but the fact that they’re solar-powered makes them even better,” wrote one reviewer about these outdoor string lights. The same commenter confirms the lights are durable enough to last through the elements; they’re waterproof by design, and the bulbs are shatterproof.
Waterproof solar sconce that looks high end
This solar outdoor light has a clean, modern silhouette that makes it look much pricier than it is. It boasts an IP65 waterproof rating, ensuring it can stand up to some inclement weather, and it can offer up 10 hours of illumination on a single charge. Choose from four different brightness modes.
Handy stick-on grill lights that stay in place with magnets
Give yourself proper visibility as you barbecue with these magnetic grill lights. A strong magnet in the base allows you to stick each light to the hood of your grill, while the pliable gooseneck lets you bend the light into the perfect angle. And because they’re battery operated, you won’t have to worry about any annoying cords.
Whimsical fairy lights that are solar-powered
Sold in eight color options (including rainbow) for seasonal decorating or year-long ambiance, these solar fairy lights come on a flexible 40-foot wire that’s easy to wrap around trees, bushes, railings, umbrellas, gazebos, porches, pergolas, and more. Best of all, they’re solar powered, waterproof, and weather-resistant with eight lighting modes.
A UV-resistant sun shade to create a cool backyard retreat
If a new porch, gazebo, or pergola isn’t in the budget, this triangle sun shade offers an easy and affordable way to create a cool retreat in your backyard. Available in tons of colors and sizes, the UV-resistant fabric blocks up to 90% of the sun’s rays, the curved design prevents sagging, the ropes are reinforced for long-term use, and the stainless steel D rings are compatible with most mounting kits (sold separately).
A crack-repairing liquid that can support weight in just 45 minutes
Help your outdoor space look its best by fixing up small imperfections with this liquid cement crack filler. Simply use the precision applicator to squeeze small layers into both shallow and deep cracks. After just 45 minutes, it’ll be dry enough to support foot traffic. Once it’s cured, you can even paint it to match its surroundings.
Flexible garden lights that sway in the wind
These solar garden lights offer a unique way to amp up your outdoor ambiance. Each stake features eight warm-hued solar bulbs attached to a flexible stem. Once they’ve charged up, they create a moving, glowing effect that’s almost like fireflies darting around your yard.
A highly rated privacy screen that blocks out prying eyes
Turn your backyard into an oasis of solitude with this privacy screen fence. It comes with built-in grommets and included zip ties for easy installation, and since it’s made from a breathable fabric, it allows for plenty of ventilation. Amazon reviewers appreciate this fence, over 3,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an overall 4.5-star rating.
Cordless lights to illuminate outdoor dinners
These minimalist wireless lamps are the perfect addition to any outdoor gathering. They’re rechargeable (so no plugs required), but still boast a traditional design, complete with shades. Dim them to your preferred brightness, then enjoy the soft glow they provide on your patio.
Sparkler garden lights with flexible metal wires
A fun take on your standard garden lamps, these solar fairy lights have tiny LEDs on flexible copper wires. Fan them out to look like fireworks, or arrange them in various designs so they look like jellyfish, peacocks, or lotus flowers. They have long metal ground stakes with solar panels that keep them lit for up to 10 hours once fully charged.
A hanging flower basket you’ll never need to water
This faux hanging plant is about as low maintenance as you get. Simply arrange the blooms into a pattern of your choosing and stick them into the foam inner core. It comes with a metal chain and hook for easy suspension and a woven-style basket for a rustic look.
A bamboo spout for a relaxing DIY fountain
Add a pump, and this bamboo spout transforms almost any container (ranging from 10 to 18 inches in diameter) of still water into a serene fountain. “Beautiful, simple and affordable,” is what one shopper wrote about it. The three-arm design is stable, so you don’t have to worry about it toppling.
A sturdy rack to organize your garden tools
This garden tool rack “wound up freeing space in my garage and allowing me to organize my yard tools effectively and efficiently,” one reviewer wrote. The 32-slot grid holds just about anything with a handle (including rakes, shovels, axes, brooms, and more) while the six extra-long hooks are ideal for smaller accessories. It’s also made entirely from metal for durability and rust resistance.
A bug zapper that’s the “best thing” reviewers “ever bought”
Reviewers called this electric bug zapper their “new favorite weapon in the war against bugs” and the “best thing” they “ever bought.” Plug it into a nearby outlet, and its blue-violet light attracts mosquitos flies, moths, gnats, and hornets into its 4,000-volt grid, protecting you for up to 1,600 square feet. It’s also waterproof with a fireproof casing and a child-safety screen.
Metal plant stands for an incredible price
Made from sturdy iron that can support up to 130 pounds, these metal stands raise your plants up to improve visibility, allow for better drainage, and protect your surfaces. The anti-rust coating is suitable for outdoor use, and they come in a pack of five different sizes for an incredible price. “Just what I needed for my patio flowers,” one reviewer wrote. “Very pretty!”
Mesh food covers I break out for every barbecue
I break out these pop-up food covers every time I entertain outside. The fine mesh fabric keeps bugs at bay while the metal tent-like frame is wide and tall enough to cover most bowls and plates — but the best feature as far as I’m concerned? They collapse and fold down flat when the party is over, so they take up minimal space in my small kitchen.
Hanging solar lights that are gorgeous yet bright
Since they charge up with sunlight, turn on automatically at dusk, and don’t require any power cords, you can put these lanterns anywhere you need extra light, including along the driveway, next to paths, or scattered throughout the garden bed. They also come with 38-inch shepherd hooks for height and ambiance.
A raised garden bed for better plant growth
Made from galvanized steel for rust resistance with a wave-like construction for durability, this raised planter box organizes and protects your garden while encouraging better growth for your flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Its open base supports drainage, ventilation, and healthier root systems, and according to reviewers, it’s “well made,” easy to install,” and “very nice looking.”
A cushy door mat with a subtle geometric pattern
You can enjoy your backyard a lot more if you’re not trekking it inside with you, so roll out this door mat to keep dirt where it belongs. Made with a soft, tufted top layer that traps grime, this mat will stay in place thanks to the nonslip backing. You can even toss it in the washing machine for deeper cleans, too.
A garden hose mount that’s waterproof & rustproof
Crafted from aluminum alloy, this garden hose holder is both waterproof and rustproof, making it a durable choice. It can hold up to 100 feet of hoses that are 5/8 inches, supporting up to 50 pounds. It also comes with all of the screws and anchors you need for an easy and convenient installation.
A 3-wick citronella candle that deters mosquitoes
When you light this 12-ounce three-wick citronella candle, you’ll release a herbaceous citronella aroma that may be appealing to you, but not to mosquitoes. Each soy candle includes a refreshing mix of 10% essential oils. The candle itself will last around 50 hours, providing a clean burn the entire time.
Drill-free siding hooks to hang lights, decorations, & more
Personalize your outdoor space with these vinyl siding hooks that slip and clip into place — no drills or nails required. Each stainless steel hook can support up to 12 pounds of weight, be it holiday decorations or string lights. Plus, they’re loved by shoppers, nearly 16,000 of whom weighed in to give them an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.
Clever clip-on solar lights that couldn’t be easiser to set up
Give your backyard a simple upgrade with these motion-sensor clip lights that are impressively simple to use. Each light in the set has a hingeed clip, allowing you to attach it to railings and more with ease. Choose from three different color and brightness modes, all while relying on energy-efficient solar power.
A magnetic storage caddy for the grill
Attach this magnetic caddy to just about any barbecue or smoker for instant, damage-free storage while grilling. It has a metal shelf with a railing for spices and sauces, hooks to hold spatulas, tongs, grill brushes, and oven mitts, and a built-in paper towel holder for cleanup. According to reviewers, it’s “sturdy,” “super convenient,” and so “easy to install.”
A durable storage box that doubles as a seat
While it looks like wood, this patio storage box is actually made from high-density resin, which is waterproof, UV-resistant, and lightweight. Still, it stores up to 30 gallons of pool toys, cushions, and other outdoor essentials, and it doubles as a seat thanks to its 220-pound weight capacity. It’s also lockable with built-in handles for security and portability.
Damage-free siding hooks that are “brilliant”
Reviewers have called these siding hooks “brilliant” and “well worth the money” because they’re “so easy to use, remove, or relocate.” Compatible with most types of horizontal vinyl siding, they slip in between the slats to hold lights, signs, decor, wreaths, plants, mailboxes, address numbers, and more — all without drilling or damage. Each metal hook can support up to 18 pounds.
Elegant solar lights with a striking cracked glass shade
Create statement-worthy lighting in your space with these solar globe lights. Each sphere-shaped lamp comes with a cluster of LED bulbs inside a cracked glass shade for a truly otherworldly look. And they’re incredibly low maintenance, too, since they power on automatically at night and off during the day as they charge.
A viral light that clamps onto your patio umbrella
This LED umbrella light clamps onto the pole of most umbrellas between 0.86 and 1.81 inches in diameter. It then illuminates your table or sitting area with its three lighting modes from dim to super bright — and since it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about outlets or wires. “This is the best and least expensive way to add lighting to a patio umbrella,” wrote one of over 34,000 five-star reviewers.
An upright weeding tool you can use without bending or crouchin
Caring for your lawn is no longer a literal pain in the neck (or back) thanks to this weed puller tool you can use standing up. Simply drive the steel teeth into the ground and use the foot pedal to activate a lever that grabs the weeds. Remove the tool and take your foot off the pedal to dispose of those pesky garden invaders.
Clever grill baskets for evenly cooking small items all at once
If you love grilled veggies but hate the hassle of cleaning small pieces of food out of your grill grates, these rolling baskets are here to help. By keeping your produce or small pieces of meat or fish enclosed in a steel mesh container, these baskets allow for even heat distribution with less fuss. Simply turn them from side to side as needed with heat-safe wooden handles.
Packets that create dazzling, colorful bonfire displays
Take your outdoor gatherings to the next level with these color fire packets. All you have to do is throw one onto your campfire with the wrapper still on. As it burns up, it’ll turn the flames bright, vivid colors. Each packet lasts for up to an hour of mesmerizing blue, green, and purple displays.
A pressure washer nozzle that’s a “great value”
“One of my best investments for the money!” one reviewer wrote about this high-pressure washer gun, which is designed to fit most pressure washers and comes with five interchangeable nozzles for sprays between 0 and 65 degrees. Others wrote that it’s a “great value compared to name brands” because it’s “it’s constructed well” and the cleaning power is “truly impressive.”
Mesmerizing solar wind chime that glows for up to 8 hours
When it comes to outdoor lighting, opt for unique offerings like this color-changing solar wind chime. This waterproof chime comes with multicolor glowing orbs that can shine for eight hours on a single charge. It comes with a convenient metal hook for easy installation as well.
A s’mores maker you can enjoy year-round
Enjoy some s’mores anytime thanks to this tabletop s’mores maker. It plugs in for power, and the heater — which is flameless and smokeless — will roast your marshmallows to toasty perfection. Utilize the four compartments to organize all of the components.
Best-selling solar security lights with motion sensors
A bestseller with over 61,000 reviews on Amazon, these security lights are designed to keep your home safe with minimal effort on your part. They convert sunlight into electricity for cord-free use, have built-in reflectors to make the LEDs extra bright, and use motion sensors to turn on automatically when someone walks onto your property. They’re also waterproof, heat-resistant, and frost-resistant for year-round use.
A decorative garden statue that doubles as a solar lamp
Upgrade your outdoor decor by opting for fun, unexpected picks like this fairy house solar statue. Just switch the power button on and the panels inside will charge up in the daylight and automatically power on at night to look like an inviting, lit-up cottage. It can run for an impressive 10 hours on just one charge, too.
Low-maintenance garden edging for a more professional look
This no-dig landscape edging couldn’t be simpler to use when creating a garden upgrade. All you have to do is lock the panels into place and gently press them into the ground, creating a clean and classic-looking border for your plants and flowers. Line them up straight or bend into curved shapes depending on your unique vision for your yard.
A “must-have” tool for gardeners
According to reviewers, this multipurpose knife is the “best gardening tool” and a “must-have for even the novice gardener.” With its dual-sided blade, pointed tip, and etched measurements, it helps you weed, dig, prune, and cultivate with a single tool — and it’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel with a comfortable wood handle and a belt pouch for storage and portability.
Outdoor pillow covers that are waterproof & washable
These pillow covers have a special coating that makes them waterproof and dust-resistant for outdoor use. They come in six sizes and dozens of colors with hidden zippers for a secure fit, and you can toss them in the washing machine when they start to get dirty. That about explains the overall 4.5-star rating from over 15,000 reviewers.
Classic solar garden lights that cast a striking shadow
Make your yard stand out with these solar outdoor lights. They have a traditional stake and lantern shape, but when on, they project a starburst pattern onto the surrounding area. Better yet, they automatically power on and off, glowing for up to 10 hours straight. Ten come in the set.
Solar garden lights that look like camellia flowers
Granted, they look like camellia flowers in your choice of pink, red, or yellow, these solar-powered lights effortlessly blend into your garden — but the bright LEDs are woven into the stems to illuminate the buds from within. They come on 12-inch aluminum stakes with upgraded solar panels that are designed to absorb more sun for longer-lasting light.
Highly rated garden hose holder that mounts to your wall
Keep your yard accessories from becoming a trip hazard with this garden hose holder. It’s made from sturdy iron and can support up to 70 pounds of weight. For easy installation, all the screws and anchors you’ll need to mount it come included. It’s beloved by Amazon users as well, over 6,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.
A power stake to automate your outdoor electronics
Maximize your outdoor power and put your holiday decorations, lights, and fountains on automatic timers. This outdoor power stake has a 6-foot extension cord with six grounded outlets, all of which are UL-listed with waterproof covers. It also has automatic timer settings, a dusk-to-dawn sensor, and a remote control that works from up to 100 feet away.
A bright lantern that doubles as a mosquito repellent
Not only does this bright lantern illuminate outdoor spots, but it also creates a 15-foot zone of mosquito protection without any DEET. It’s powered by a fuel cartridge and utilizes unscented repellent mats that last up to four hours each.
Solar deck lights that cast dazzling shadows
Simply screw these solar lights into place along your deck or on a fence to illuminate your backyard in the prettiest way. With decorative, cut-out floral shades, these lights create striking shadows at night. They power on automatically after charging during the day and can run for an impressive 12 hours straight at night.
Self-draining grow bags that make a “huge difference”
Can’t seem to keep your plants, vegetables, and herbs alive? These grow bags are made from non-woven fabric, which has excellent drainage and lets your roots breathe for faster, healthier growth. The durable handles and tear-resistant fabric let you move your plants from spot to spot, plus they’re reusable for years and foldable for compact storage. “Huge difference in plant size [and] health,” one reviewer wrote.
Combination torch & speaker that turns up the volume on backyard parties
Bring your outdoor entertaining to a whole new level with this outdoor Bluetooth speaker and LED torch that can pair with your phone. The LED bulb offers up a realistic-looking “flame mode” that flickers just like a real torch, too.
A mesmerizing solar lamp with a disco ball vibe
Get a little funky with your outdoor design choices by displaying this color-changing solar-powered glass ball covered in boldly hued tiles. While you can opt for a color-changing light mode that displays various shades, you can also select a single-color white mode as well. It’s durable, too, as one Amazon user noted that it’s “still going strong years later.”
Celestial solar lights that create an otherworldly glow
Create a unique and unexpected decor scheme in your yard with these solar outdoor stake lights. Each set comes with a sun, moon, and star stake, each with a glowing orb in the center surrounded by a decorative, perforated shade that creates striking shadows. Simply drive the stake into the ground with the attached solar panel facing upward to install.
Flexible misting stand to help you keep your chill outdoors
When temperatures start to heat up, cool things down with this standing mister. It comes with four flexible hoses with brass nozzles which spray mist in a full 360-degree path so multiple people can enjoy it at once. And thanks to its sturdy tripod that hooks up to your garden hose, it’ll stay stable and upright during use.
Blossoming floral solar light that doubles as decor
Form and function meet in this lotus solar light. It boasts a striking design with shades that peel backwards like flower petals, exposing the glowing orb in the center. It’s treated with UV-resistant paint for enhanced durability and automatically powers on at dusk and off again at down.
Motion-detecting patio lights that power on when you need them
Nothing beats a practical backyard upgrade, and these motion-sensor lights deliver just that. Install them on a fence or the facade of your home and choose from multiple lighting modes, all of which power on when they detect movement and stay lit for 20 seconds of inactivity. And since they’re solar powered, they’re easy on your electric bill, too.
A magnetic screen door that keeps the bugs out
Seamlessly transition from indoors to outdoors with the help of this magnetic screen door. It stays in place around your door frame using the included adhesive velcro strips and pins. Along the center, a row of magnets separates the two mesh panels, ensuring the “doors” will close right up behind you when you enter or exit.
Grippy, angled pads that keep your rug from curling up
Even outdoor rugs could use a little attention and care, and these V-shape rug grippers make for a quick improvement with a big impact. They have an angled design that fits perfectly underneath the four corners of your rugs. Simply stick them in place and they’ll prevent the edges from curling up to create a streamlined look with less of a trip hazard.
Dreamy curtain lights to create an outdoor oasis
Cultivate a show-stopping outdoor space with these curtain lights. Featuring 10 rows of cascading LED bulbs, these lights are the perfect finishing touch to accent a pergola, gazebo, or window. They even come with a remote control so you can set the lighting mode to a flash, twinkle, fade, and more.
A garden hose extender that bends without kinking
Get better range of motion for your existing hose using this garden hose extension adapter. It’s made from flexible polyurethane and can bend into a U-shape without kinking, allowing for uninterrupted water flow. Simply screw it onto your water hook-up and attach your hose to the opposite end.
Bird-deterring spikes to keep roofs, awnings, & more clean
If you love your avian friends but not necessarily the messes they leave behind, these bird spikes are for you. Made from stainless steel, these spikes are perfect for the top of your mailbox, along your roof, or anywhere else you’d rather birds not congregate or nest. Most importantly, though, they don’t harm the birds — they just make wherever you place them an unappealing place to land.
A grill-cleaning gadget that won’t shed bristles into your food
Enjoy the festivities of barbecue season with fewer hazards thanks to this bristle-free grill scraper. This metal gadget has a variety of cutouts along the perimeter, ensuring it can scrape residue off a variety of grate shapes with ease. No more brush bristles coming loose and making their way into your food, at last.
A tiny, portable fire pit perfect for s’mores (& ‘more)
Create a true gathering place in your backyard with this tabletop fire pit. Simply fill it with wood or pellets to create a smokeless fire, thanks in part to the 360-degree airflow around the base. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows or simply warming your hands, this tiny camp fire provides just the right amount of ambiance.
Sturdy cabana curtains to create distinct, intentional outdoor spaces
Just like the inside of your home, curating separate areas helps a space feel grounded and intentional, which is where these outdoor curtains come in. Made from sturdy, weather-resistant material, they’re ideal for cordoning off a patio, designating a dining area, or just creating a touch of extra shade anywhere you want it. And thanks to the steel grommets, they’re easy to install, too.
A grippy silicone grill mat that holds all your cooking tools
This grill mat is the perfect accessory for your next outdoor meal. It features a grippy, ridged surface to grab your tools and keep them from rolling around during prep. And since it’s made from heat resistant silicone, you don’t have to worry about resting your hot utensils. It even comes with built-in grooves and compartments for extra organization as you grill.
Sunflower solar lights for a glowing, nighttime garden
Enjoy a thriving garden day or night with these solar sunflower lights. They couldn’t be easier to install — simply drive the stake into the ground and they’ll automatically power on at night. “These lights are amazing; they provide plenty of warm light, sufficiently light up dark areas, and also look very pretty! [...] With these lights, I don't need to leave an outdoor light on [...] I am so glad I bought these!” one reviewer wrote.
Weatherproof fence lights with vintage, Edison-style bulbs
These solar fence lights are a breeze to set up: just screw them in or use the included double-sided tape to stick them in place along your fence. What sets them apart from similar lights are the stylish Edison-style bulbs inside, which give them such a fun, retro feel. And thanks to the IP65 waterproof rating, they can stand up to inclement weather.
Nonslip treads for your stairs for added safety
Outdoor stairs are particularly prone to rain, ice, or other debris that can mke them unsafe to walk on. These stair treads solve for that problem with an adhesive design and a nonslip material that sticks to your stairs to provide your feet a little more traction. This is a pack of 12 with 12 treads, and they come in bunch of sizes to match your staircase.
An stand-up weed puller you can use without bending at all
Weeding grass is a somewhat unpleasant backyard chore, but it’s easier if you don’t have to bend down at all. This stand-up weed puller allows you to plant the tool, unearth the weed, and pull it out, all with one quick motion. The ergonomic design on the handle makes it comfortable to use, even if you have to do the entire backyard.
Solar-powered lanterns you can hang or set out anywhere
If you haven’t switched to solar power in your backyard, you should really consider these solar lanterns. These feature a solar panel on the top of each lantern, which will soak up all of the sun in the daytime, and can run for up to 12 hours during the night. They also feature an automatic sensor that turns them on when the sun sets, so these make for a hands-off but high-impact upgrade to your backyard.
Waterproof tea lights for decor & illumination
Thanks to their waterproof design, these tea lights can go anywhere in your backyard and will withstand the elements. Use these to line an outdoor staircase, set them out on your patio’s coffee table, or stick them into a jar to create pseudo candles that you never have to remember to blow out. The possibilities are endless. This is a set of eight.
A fence repair kit for quick fixes
For quick fixes to your broken fence, consider this repair kit which comes with anchor stakes, screws, and the tools you need to repair any tilted or broken pieces of your fence. The anchor stakes are made with an alloy steel that’s strong and weather-resistant, so this fence fix can last you through the seasons.
