20 Products To Transform Your Backyard This Summer

Buzz Feed

4 days ago

A privacy screen for chain-link fencing, because nobody wants to feel like they're starring in The Truman Show when they're lounging around in their own backyard. These wind-resistant screens will allow you the freedom to dine outside, do your yard work, or just relax without Karen from next door *loudly* proclaiming her distaste for your landscaping style. Oh, and it might keep your dog from barking at her, too. Out of sight, out of mind. ✌️
Or a screen disguised as climbing ivy if you'd like a heaping side of ~beautification~ with your privacy. Not only will these expandable sheets block your outdoor space from nosy neighbors and busy streets, but they'll also cover unsightly chainlink with a far more aesthetically pleasing faux-ivy look.
A colorful hammock with a steel stand, so even if you don't have two trees to hang it between, you can still move your Facebook browsing from the living room couch...to the great outdoors. The stand can support up to 450 pounds, and the actual hammock is made of 100 percent cotton for equal parts durability and comfort.
Some shatterproof, waterproof Edison bulb string lights that'll turn your patio into your very own outdoor bistro — in any weather. And I do mean any weather. These strong, plastic bulbs survived not one, but two tornadoes at my parents' house. And they still continue to emit a beautiful, warm glow that makes me want to brave that unpredictable midwestern climate and actually spend some time outside.
Some interlocking teak tiles to cover up that hideous concrete "patio" that your landlord insists is an amenity worth charging for. And even though they cost way less than what a contractor would charge for a permanent reno, they still look expeennnnsive. 🤑 These weather-proof tiles are perfect for renters, too — they're easy to install *and* remove, so you can disassemble your handiwork and take it on to the next place.
A bug-zapping lamp with a super bright light that'll attract all those pesky mosquitoes — and then give 'em a deadly shock as soon as they touch it. This thing starts working as soon as it's plugged in, and you'll get up to half an acre of bug-protection from a single lamp. Reviewers are loving this product so much that one person even wrote it a poem.
Or some mosquito repellent incense that's got citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary if you prefer a more natural, less lethal approach to your bug problem. Just light some of these bad boys up, blow out the flame after about 15 seconds of burn time, and enjoy a mosquito-free afternoon on the porch.
A set of magical, mini decorations that'll take your regular old garden from a boring plot of dirt to a fairy-filled paradise. (Fairidise?) This set comes with 109 pieces, like mushrooms and animals, so you and your kiddos can enchant your yard to your heart's content.
An HD projector to turn your backyard into a private movie theater and take your laptop or phone viewing to the big screen. This projector has built-in speakers, but if that's still not enough for you, it's Bluetooth compatible, too — so you can hook it up to whatever speakers you'd like to. Yep, including headphones. Not trying to get an 'excessive noise' HOA violation over my Love Island marathon, thanks!
A rust-resistant bistro table and chair set that'll add a pop of color to even the blandest outdoor space. Even if you only have a teeny, tiny balcony to call a "backyard," this cute set will make you want to actually spend time in it. This set comes with two chairs, a table (all foldable for easy storing!), and the best part? There's no assembly required.
Some magical, fire-coloring packets that you can just toss into the firepit to convince your children that you're an all-powerful wizard who can control flames. 🧙‍♂️ Or you could explain the science of chemical reactions to them. But there's really no fun in that.
An itty-bitty beach chair with a built-in sisal scratchpad for your furry friend so that they can join in on your relaxing staycation. Plus, it'll fit right in with the rest of your patio furniture (unlike other outdoor pet beds).
Some Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, a fast-acting fertilizer for evening out your "camo grass," aka those unsightly pale splotches that can come from excessive foot traffic, drought, or even dog pee. No matter what caused these blotchy blemishes — after applying Lawn Food (and ensuring your yard gets the hydration it deserves), the grass *can* actually be greener on your side.
A battery-powered, under-the-umbrella light that'll illuminate all the activities taking place on your outdoor table. How is your family's chaotic game of Uno supposed to go on if Dad can't tell the difference between a blue card and a red card once the sun goes down? That's right, it can't. Luckily, with this genius little light, you can win the game fair and square — even if it takes all night.
Some ceramic plant labels to make sure the herb garden you worked so hard to cultivate gets the attention it deserves. Reviewers can't stop repurchasing these, and it's for good reason, too. These oversized garden markers are made from hand-rolled and cut clay, making each one completely (and gorgeously) unique.
A cedar birdhouse with a predator guard above the entrance, because birdwatching with the kids is so much fun...until a raccoon treats itself to an egg sandwich, and you suddenly have to explain the circle of life to a devastated little Suzy. Plus, these bird houses are so enticing to feathery friends that reviewers who have never seen bluebirds in their yard before report nests being built within a week of putting a house up.
Or a 12-pack of paint-and-decorate birdhouse kits for a more DIY approach. Each individually packaged kit comes with everything you need for a fun and crafty activity with your kiddos (or a paint and sip with the besties): two birdhouses, paint, a brush, and a sheet of stickers. And after the activity is done, you'll have your very own backyard gallery of one-of-a-kind birdhouses.
Orrrr a bat house to prove that you're way cooler than your birdhouse-having neighbors, and so you support some of the most misunderstood, endangered creatures on earth. Bats, despite their spooky reputation, actually play a huge role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem as pollinators and pest controllers. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, one bat can actually eat up to 3,000 insects per night — so if you find your vegetable garden in particularly good health this year, you might owe your local bat colony a huuuuge "THANK YOU!" And what better way to express your gratitude than to literally buy them a house? You get a flourishing yard and some cool new neighbors you can show off to your friends, and the bats get a safe place to rest and an all-you-can-eat buffet of bugs that would otherwise wreak havoc on your plants. It's a win-win!
A misting fan attachment that'll finally let you live your dream of being a piece of broccoli in the grocery store's fresh produce section. Plus, if the only reason you're staying inside is because you get hot AF the second you step outside, this thing will keep you cool with a consistent spray of refreshing mist so you can enjoy the great outdoors...for longer than a few minutes.
And lastly, a picnic basket with a blanket, an insulated cooler, two sets of stainless steel cutlery, two plastic wineglasses, a bottle opener, AND salt and pepper shakers. If you're anything like me, the idea of a picnic sounds *amazing* but actually eating on the ground where the bugs are sounds...a little less amazing. And this basket actually has a pretty darn good solution to that problem: the lid of the basket turns into an elevated table, so you can keep the creepy crawlies away from your precious tiramisu and actually enjoy the experience of outside dining.