Amazon is selling a ton of these cheap things that make your backyard so much better
Spend more time outdoors.
Those first sunny days of the season are full of warmth, excitement, and the crucial reminder that it takes serious effort to maintain a backyard. Whether you’re just getting started with your space, or you’ve had it for a while and are looking for upgrade ideas, Amazon is selling a ton of these cheap things make your backyard so much better.
The wide array of options on this list can help you create the outdoors of your dreams. Think easy lights and decorative pieces, functional accents like rugs or trays, and even tools and supplies that simplify yard work and maintenance. And no worries if you don’t have a yard in the traditional sense, there’s plenty of ways you can enhance a patio, porch, deck, or indoor space, too. Read on for the products that will give you a shortcut to an awesome summer.
01These deck lights that can be installed right on your fence or railing
Finally, no more dark corners in your yard — these solar deck lights can go anywhere you need them to (as long as you the surface can take screws). They glow with warm white light and have an elegant bronze finish that looks great with most exterior styles. Plus, they’re waterproof.
02This magnetic paper towel holder that clings to your grill
Few things are more annoying than being in the middle of cooking and not having what you need within reach. This magnetic paper towel holder attaches right to your grill without taking up precious surface space. Plus, it’s adjustable to suit multiple sizes and brands of towels.
03These motion sensor solar lights that illuminate any corner of your home
Hang these solar-powered outdoor motion sensor lights where the sun shines for all-night power and security. Buyers rave about both their brightness and efficiency, with high praise for how well they detect motion, too. Choose between three modes; permanent on, security mode, and a smart control that stays on and brightens for movement.
04This hands-free magnetic screen door that conveniently keeps pests out of your home
Attach this best-selling magnetic screen door to your doorway of choice to allow fresh air into your home, while bugs, leaves, and debris stay out. It works in regular or sliding doors, and the center opening makes it easy for people and pets to walk through while providing quick closure behind them.
05These versatile grill baskets made of perforated stainless steel
These durable, stainless steel grilling baskets are designed to help you get the perfect cook on vegetables, meat, seafood, and more. They also help keep your grill clean because nothing falls through the grates, and they’re easy to wash in the dishwasher between uses. Each set includes a round basket, a square basket, and a grilling pan.
06A motion sensor light you can put on the patio
It’s hard to have an outdoor party if it starts getting dark. This wireless motion sensor light might do the trick. Suitable for both indoors and out, this cordless battery-operated light is waterproof , and can detect motion from up to 20 feet away. All you need are three C batteries to power this light for a full year.
07This portable brush that’ll help you keep your golf clubs clean
Thanks to its strong nylon bristles, this portable brush can help you clean your gold clubs between uses — even when you’re playing a mellow game in your backyard. When you’re trying to remove grass or dirt from the club, simply dispense water onto the surface and scrub. The entire brush can be connected to your keychain, too (making it easier to keep track of).
08This water-resistant bamboo charcuterie board for your next backyard picnic
Next time you’re planning a backyard picnic, display your cheese on this charcuterie board that’s built with water-resistant bamboo. The board itself has grooves along the edges to help prevent spills, along with a built-in drawer filled with snacking utensils. Plus, it has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon — and tons of customers wrote that it’s “easy to clean.”
09A pair of speckled hanging planters for indoor or outdoor display
Position these weather-resistant hanging planters outside on your deck or patio, or install them in a window inside your home to add greenery and decorative vibes. Choose between three neutral colors for the bowls (each with speckles), and two lengths for the rope.
10A bug zapper to keep pesky pests at bay while you’re relaxing outside
Few things can ruin an evening outdoors faster than a swarm of mosquitoes (or other unpleasant bugs). Enter this bug zapper, which you can position on a surface or hang wherever it’s most helpful — and then enjoy its 1,500-square-foot radius of protection. The bottom tray is removable for easy cleaning, too.
11These silicone gloves that help you grill safely & efficiently
You’ll love these silicone oven mitts for their versatility and durability — not only do they provide heat protection, but they’re waterproof and machine-washable, so you can handle the hottest of foods and clean them right up afterward. Choose between four sizes and 12 colors.
12This reversible area rug to instantly elevate your patio or deck
Part form and part function, an outdoor rug is a great way to define a lounge area or patio space. This reversible choice is offered in five different sizes, and there are 15 prints to choose from, ranging from leafy botanicals, neutral patterns, and modern geometric designs. It resists stains, moisture, and fading.
13An easy-to-use meat thermometer to get everything right on the grill
Use a handy dandy meat thermometer to check the status of your cook without cutting or ruining the integrity of your food, and feel confident about your cooking and grilling. It provides a read in seconds, and you can opt to read the display or use the talk function to hear the temperature.
14These solar-powered garden lights that are weather-resistant
Line a walkway, light up a garden, or simply stake these solar lights in your yard however your heart desires. They promise to be weather- and waterproof (even through snow or sleet) you can count on them. They’re offered in black, stainless steel silver, or stainless steel bronze.
15This geometric plant stand that’s a breeze to put together
No tools? No problem. Not only is this wood plant stand attractive and useful with multiple surfaces and shelves that you can fill with your favorite plants, but assembly is a cinch. The corner joints are included, along with a wooden hammer that secures everything in place. It also comes with gloves for assembly and gardening tools. Use it indoors or out.
16A self-watering planter that makes it easy to maintain your favorite plants
Whether you prefer your plants to be low-maintenance or you go out of town often, this self-watering planter will do the trick — it holds up to a week’s worth of water at a time. Position it on your porch or patio, or on a windowsill since it’s versatile enough for indoor or outdoor use.
17A UV-blocking shade to turn your outdoors into a shaded oasis
If your yard (or deck, or driveway, or patio...) is in desperate need of cover, then you might want to consider this best-selling sun shade. It comes in a versatile rectangle shape with slightly curved sides, or a triangle shape, and both options include d-rings and a rope for installation. Choose between six neutral colors.
18The flying discs lined with LED lights that glow mid-air
This flying disc — which has a bright LED-bulb border — is rechargeable, and it’ll even turn off automatically if the battery needs to be preserved. Plus, it’s available in tons of colors including blue, red, purple, and more.
19These bamboo gardening gloves that protect your hands from pokes or pricks
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or you just have a few weeds to pull, these gardening gloves are a worthy choice — they’re also great for general handiwork and home repair, too. They come in five adult sizes and promise to be both durable and comfortable.
20A pair of grill mats for easy, delicious barbecue
These grill mats provide a clean and versatile surface for cooking on a variety of grills, including gas, propane, electric, and smokers. They’re thin enough that your food still gets grill marks, but thick enough to keep everything in place and protect from flare-ups, too. Toss them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning when you’re done.
21These trays that help you stay organized while you grill
This popular set of prep and serve trays is designed to keep your raw foods separate from your cooked food, preventing cross contamination and streamlining your prep. With 17-by-10.5 inches of space to work with, you’ll have plenty of room for meat and vegetables. Other tray styles are available too, including a defrosting tray and a bamboo prep tray.
22A spray nozzle for your hose that can handle work & play
You might never need another hose again with the eight spray options offered by this heavy-duty spray nozzle. With a mist setting to a soak setting and everything in between, it’s super versatile and durable thanks to the metal material construction. It comes in green, red, or blue.
23This outdoor fire pit that won’t break the bank
Whereas some outdoor fire pits can cost hundreds of dollars, this one is available for just $50. It’s made from heavy-duty cast iron that’s resistant to rust, helping keep it looking great from season to season. The best part? At less than 8 pounds, you can easily take it with you when camping.
24This smart plug that’s suitable for outdoor use
Plug your patio lights into this smart plug, and you’ll be able to control them using convenient voice commands once you’ve paired the plug with Alexa. You can also control it remotely using your smartphone — and since both outlets are weather-resistant, there’s no need to worry about them getting wet in the rain.
25These outdoor drink holders that are made from tough steel
There’s no need to worry about these outdoor drink holders tipping over, as each one is made from tough steel, with a long stake at the bottom that keeps them held firmly upright once inserted into the ground. They work just as well in back yards as they do as the beach — and the cupholder top is designed to fit nearly any cup, wine glass, or bottle.
26The outdoor throw pillows that shouldn’t get ruined in the rain
Go ahead and leave these throw pillows sitting out on your patio when it rains — their waterproof exterior shouldn’t get ruined, nor will it let moisture leak into the filling (which is not included). Choose from four colors: blue, light green, navy blue, orange, or yellow.
27These unbreakable wine glasses you can use outside or inside
Use these temperature-controlling stainless steel tumblers indoors and outdoors and enjoy not only the peace of mind that comes with unbreakable wine glasses, but their 27 cheerful colors and patterns, easy-to-hold shape, and versatile size, too. With four to a set, you’ll also have enough to share when guests come over.
28A pack of waterproof pillow covers for your outdoor seating
It’s hard to enjoy an outdoor space if you don’t have a relaxing place to sit. These waterproof pillow covers are an instant way to spruce up a bench or lounge chair, adding both color and comfort. A subtle zipper keeps them in place, and makes them easy to remove for washing, too. Choose from six sizes and 21 colors.
29These iron wall hooks you can use to hang lights, lanterns & more
Need a perfect spot to hang your new outside decor? Look no further than these iron wall hooks. With four, six, or 10 to a pack, plus two available sizes, you can string twinkle lights, attach a bird feeder, make a coat rack, and more. Plus, they’re easy to install, according to buyers.
30This pair of elegant glass pitchers with matching lids
Enjoy these glass carafe pitchers outside, and use the included lids to keep your drinks safe from bugs or dust in between refills. The narrow neck and wide mouth makes them easy to hold, pour, and fill, too. Each container holds a liter of your favorite drink.
31This cast iron press for delicious and juicy burgers on your own grill
Make restaurant-worthy burgers at home with this cast iron grill press. With almost 3 pounds of weight and a comfortable handle grip, you can use it on burgers, sandwiches, paninis, and more — it’ll even leave grill marks behind. Choose between different shapes and sizes, and even a full kit with a spatula.
32A ring toss game that’s fun for the whole family
Whether you’re five or 55, this ring toss game is a solid pick if you’re looking for fun outdoor games. Hang it up using the included hook, then do your best to toss your team’s colored rings onto the numbered pegs — it’s that simple. And with thousands of positive reviews, it’s clear that Amazon shoppers are big fans. “Stayed at an Airbnb that had this game and it was a GREAT game for the family!” wrote Renee L. Bachman. “Competition was deep and a fabulous time had by all!”
33A collapsible trashcan with helpful carrying straps on either side
From barbecues to birthday parties, this collapsible trashcan is a must-have for nearly any outdoor event. Not only does it help eliminate litter by giving everybody somewhere to toss their trash, but it also folds down into a small pouch for convenient transport and storage. Plus, the handles on either side make it easy to carry.
34This trio of faux hanging plants for a pop of greenery anywhere you’d like
Display these artificial hanging plants wherever you want to enjoy the look of plants but without the effort. Each plant hangs just over 3.5 feet, and the fabric leaves easily pass for the real thing. Plus, the wire and plastic stem makes it easy to bend to your desired shape, too.
35A waterproof blanket for picnics in the yard
Whether you’re watching a movie on the projector or having a picnic in the grass, this blanket can help keep you comfortable. Its three-layer build makes it padded and waterproof — and since it has a handle, it’s easy to transport back inside when needed. Plus, the blanket’s available in tons of striped colors and sizes.
36This gorgeous outdoor lantern that’s powered by the sun
There’s no need for any complicated wiring when setting up this outdoor lantern, as it features a built-in solar panel that can hold enough charge to keep it lit for up to 10 hours at night. The cascading string of lights is a unique touch that makes it stand out from other lanterns — all while the waterproof design keeps it working from season to season.
37This LED flame lantern that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker
If you don’t have space for a fire pit, this flame lantern is a smaller alternative that’s still just as effective at setting a cozy ambiance. The LED bulb on the inside flickers just like real fire, while a Bluetooth speaker built into the base lets you play your favorite tunes when relaxing outside. Plus, its rechargeable battery lasts for up to four hours.
38These magnetic lights that help you grill in the dark
Too dark to see whether those steaks are ready to come off the grill? These LED lights have a magnetic base that lets you attach them to your grill, making it easier to cook in the dark. Their flexible goosenecks can also be pointed in nearly any position — and each order even comes with batteries included, as well as a protective case.
39A complete bonsai tree kit for beginners and experts alike
This thorough bonsai tree kit comes with four varieties of seeds, plus the accessories you need to grow them successfully; biodegradable pots, soil discs, and soil markers. If you’re not in the mood for bonsai trees (or don’t have the patience, because same), herb and sunflower kits are available, too.
40This waterproof grill cover to protect your outdoor cooking station
Keep your grill in pristine condition with this waterproof grill cover. Made of laminated polyester, it protects against sun, rain, wind, and more. It’s designed with an air flap and easy-to-use handles and comes in three sizes and five colors so you can even match it to your home’s exterior.