Latest news with #TheBestofMe
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rom-Com Hunk, 51, Turns Heads in Rare Public Appearance With 26-Year-Old Girlfriend
Rom-Com Hunk, 51, Turns Heads in Rare Public Appearance With 26-Year-Old Girlfriend originally appeared on Parade. James Marsden, 51, and his girlfriend, Dutch model Frederique Brons, 26, who are not often seen together in public, were recently spotted enjoying each other's company. The couple, who began spending time together in 2023, were photographed together at the 2025 French Open, held on June 1, as reported by Town & Country. For the event, Marsden, who has been in rom-coms, like 27 Dresses and The Best of Me, wore a white shirt underneath a casual blue suit. He accessorized his look with white sneakers and sunglasses. Brons opted for a striped polo shirt, white pants, a white baseball hat, and a pair of sunglasses. Town & Country reported that Marsden and his ex-wife, Lisa Linde, were married for 11 years until 2011. The former couple are parents to two adult children, Jack, 23, and Mary, 20. The actor and his ex-girlfriend, Rose Costa, also share an 11-year-old son, William. During a February 2025 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, hosted by Kelly Clarkson, Marsden spoke about his dynamic with his children. He said that his sons and daughter are not overly impressed with his acting career. "They are very proud of me. They like what I do, but they also love for me to be dad. They are enjoying the ride but for the longest time, they were sort of wonderfully underwhelmed by what I do. They're like, 'You're not that great,'" said Marsden during the interview. He then clarified that Mary has been helping him prepare for certain roles. He said, however, that she isn't afraid to give him her honest opinion when they are practicing his lines. "My daughter has now gotten into it. She reads lines with me. But she's also just brutally honest. Like, 'Don't do that thing with your eyebrow. That was fake. Do it again. Do it again!'" said Marsden while speaking to Clarkson. Clarkson then interjected that Marsden's daughter was acting like a director. The actor agreed with the talk show host's assessment. Rom-Com Hunk, 51, Turns Heads in Rare Public Appearance With 26-Year-Old Girlfriend first appeared on Parade on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Buzz Feed
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
41 Outdoor Products That'll Get You Excited About Spending Time In Your Yard Again
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Winter is finally over. Now, let's enjoy every warm day outside to the fullest. 1. A portable high-top bar table complete with a hidden storage shelf to stash water, beer, soda, and other supplies to keep the party flowing smoothly. The water-resistant tabletop makes it a breeze to clean up any spills made while practicing that new move you learned from TikTok University. It's easy to assemble and lightweight so you can move it around effortlessly, and when the fun's over, it folds up neatly for easy storage! Amazon, Amazon / Via Promising review:"Definitely a good buy! I love the portability and the storage shelf! The easy on/off covering provides an air of privacy. It sets up easy and holds its own! A very versatile year round serving & entertaining tool! I love the carry case that comes with it!" — PJ Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in a plain black style; a three-pack with the black style, a tiki style, and a football style; and a LED version). 2. A wireless, Bluetooth-enabled karaoke mic so you and your cousins can give a live performance of the entire Beyoncé Renaissance concert at the family cookout. Promising reviews:""This is a really fun addition to any party or backyard barbecue or just when you're hanging out late at night by yourself drinking a glass of wine and listening to your favorite tunes and feel the need to sing along! Do it!" — KM "I'm planning a karaoke night with friends. Let me tell ya, this microphone exceeded my expectations. Is it stadium loud? No. Do you have to turn the volume and music button almost to the max to hear well? Yes. But does it work good yes. Volume is good, speaker is great for the size! My mom and I were dancing in the kitchen to a Anthony Hamilton song ('The Best of Me') that it played through Spotify. It works with my music app Star Maker amazingly, YouTube and more. Again do not expect a 'star quality' concert microphone. This is great tool to have fun singing or listening to music by yourself or with friends. So if you are on the fence do not hesitate." — Chara Smith Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 15 colors). 3. An inflatable sofa sure to become the #1 chill spot for kids and adults. It's so comfy, you'll swear it's a real couch when you sink into its plush surface. And thanks to its compact size, you don't have to miss out on this slice of relaxation heaven even if your yard isn't the biggest. It doesn't require a pump either — all you have to do is whisk it through the air to blow it up. It's suggested that you close the sleeve opening before ending each movement and keep the mouth closed until you begin the next one. Once there's enough air inside, you'll be good to go! Promising review:"I'm in love with this product! I've been using it everyday to chill outside and it's great! It's easy to set up, set down, and it's super comfy." — Alexus Get it from Amazon for $37.98+ (available in 20 styles). 4. A giant 4-Connect game ready to become the star of your outdoor gatherings. Everyone, from little ones to grown-ups, will line up to test their wits in this larger-than-life version of the classic game. It's sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic play but light enough to move around your yard with ease — it even comes with its own carrying bag! Promising review:"Love it! This is a HIT for the family! We used it for the first time on the 4th of July and everyone's still talking about much fun and easy to operate. Very well made and very sturdy. Set up and break down is quick & easy. And the tote bag is great storage to keep your wooden set looking nice for years to come. Hope you try it and love it as much as we do." — Being Bee Battle Get it from Amazon for $149. 5. An outdoor misting system to attach under your awning, patio table umbrella, or pergola so that cool mist gently envelops you on a warm day. Just screw one end onto your garden hose and clip the rest around your preferred outdoor lounging area. No sweat (literally). Promising review:"I love spending time outside, and we entertain on our patio, too. But when it's over 100 degrees outside, nobody feels like visiting. Until now!! I bought one and liked it so much I ordered another to cover both patios. They lower the temps to a more moderate level in just moments and don't use a 100 gallons of water doing it! I put mine along the top of our privacy fence and then put a fan in behind it and made it almost like having an AC unit outside. They're easy to put up and take down and come with convenient hanging hooks! I read the reviews people wrote about the heads getting stopped up, and they WILL, but as a plumber I'll tell you a trick to keeping them working like new: vinegar. Just remove the heads and soak then in a little straight vinegar then use a small bristle brush like a toothbrush or nail brush rinse them off and replace them in the mister tubing, and they should be like brand new." — Sonya Combs Get it from Amazon for $19.72+ (available in several pack sizes). 6. Or an adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease. Promising review: "We moved from New Hampshire to Florida a year and a half ago. I knew Florida was hot but…I bought this so I could sit out on the lanai on the hottest of days (95+) and it did the trick! It provides a nice light mist that you can move in any direction. It's a nice weight so it doesn't move. It obviously cannot replace a swimming pool but it will keep you cool. My dog likes the light mist and has even fallen asleep while being sprayed! An easy alternative until we get a pool! Buy it, you won't regret it!" — Patricia Harty Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 7. An adjustable Ninja Warrior obstacle course, aka a fantastic (and cheaper) alternative to a standard swing set. Think: a day filled of climbing, swinging, flipping, and balancing. You may not know exactly what the kiddos are training for, but at least we can confidently say they will be prepared. It's designed for ages 3+. For setup, you'll need two mature trees or pillars that are spaced 39 to 42 feet apart. Promising review:"I really can't say enough good things about this obstacle course I purchased for my five children. It was so much easier to install than I had originally thought it would be. It came with detailed instructions and pictures that made me feel confident in getting it set up. It's a double-line design course, and it has two 50-foot slacklines and comes with 10 different attachments. So there are really endless possibilities when it comes to all the different variations and ways it can be set up and played with, including taking off all the attachments leaving just the slackline to walk, and practicing your balance from one side all the way across to the other side which is one of the activities my kids really enjoy doing. It's actually very good for strengthening your core, so your kids are getting some exercise without even knowing it. Not to mention it's done wonders for getting their heads out of their video games and getting them up and outside using their imaginations and having fun!" — •••BaRBiE••• Get it from Amazon for $149.98+ (available in two sizes). 8. A hands-free bladeless personal fan you can wear around your neck to have not one but *two* fans pointing directly at your face, keeping you cool and comfortable. Use it and enjoy a gentle, refreshing breeze while working in your garden or simply lounging on the patio. The rechargeable fan lasts for up to 16 hours, and it has six different speed settings. Reviewers say it's especially great for people who work outside all day and still need their hands free to do tasks. Promising review: "Best thing I've bought in a very long time!! Living in Texas means HOT summers and I hate always being so sweaty! This fan is a lifesaver and everyone who has seen me with it has asked to try it and loved it. Buying a second one today 👌🏼" — Laura W. Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in three colors). 9. A wood-burning fire pit — perfect for starry nights filled with fireside chats, s'mores sessions, or cooking up some juicy burgers and corn on the cob. It comes with a kiln-dried fire bowl, a spark screen, a cooking grill, and a fire poker. Promising reviews: "It's a great fire pit. I live in the PNW and it's great to be able to get a fire going on the patio at night when the weather is clear and have my drink while watching the stars. Comes with a decent cover to keep it protected from the elements when it's not being used. Assembly was easy and took me about an hour. Has a grill that I can use for burgers or dogs if I want. All in all it was a great purchase for the price and very functional and aesthetically pleasing." — mTatum69 " This is the cutest fire pit I have ever seen! I was surprised that it came with a grill top so you could have grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, etc. It's perfect for when my grandbaby visits — so much fun. I recommend!!" — Michelle Get it from Amazon for $89.98 (available in three styles). 10. And some flame colorant ready to turn your ordinary bonfire into a spectacular light show. It's like having a bit of witchcraft up your sleeve, and it's sure to leave your friends and family spellbound. FYI, if you're making s'mores, don't throw these on until *after* you're done cooking with the fire. To get the show started, just add 1–3 of these packets to your fire, and you'll get up to a full hour of colorful flames before the vibrancy fades. You can add additional packets as needed! Promising review:"These fire color-changing packets are the backyard secret weapon you never knew you needed! These super colorful wonders turn an ordinary fire into a mesmerizing spectacle that lasts about 45 minutes. Throw in two or three at a time, and you've got a backyard rave that even Mother Nature would RSVP to. A simple yet enchanting way to add a pop of color to your outdoor gatherings!" — Matt Peterson Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $23.99. 11. A long-handled standing weeder that'll make pulling out intrusive weeds a breeze (and maybe even fun??), giving your beloved plants all the space and nutrients they need to thrive without breaking a a knee. Amazon Grampa's Weeder is a family-owned small business that's home to a standing weeder design that's been around since 1913. Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to made weeding easy. Promising review:"Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weeds was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." — JG Get it from Amazon for $36.97. 12. An adjustable gardening bench designed to make your time among the blooms and greens even more enjoyable. You can sit on it comfortably like a regular seat, then flip it over to kneel on its cushy pad, all without the usual knee pain that comes from sowing seeds and battling relentless weeds. It also folds down completely for storage! Promising review:"This is great for the garden. Keeps my knees out of the stickers, and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down — easy to maneuver around the garden and in between the rows. Haven't tried sitting on it, but i'm heavy, and this feels very sturdy under me. Pockets deep enough for tools and seed packets, easy to remove and wash if necessary." — Cpt Dragon Get it from Amazon for $23.99. 13. Or a super raised garden bed if you want to give your garden a bit of a boost, making it the perfect height to save yourself from constantly bending over to tend to your plants. It'll also help keep dogs and pests out, as a major plus! Promising review:"Love this product for so many reasons. The raised design keeps our dogs and nature friends out of the garden. It's great for elderly and people with back or knee problems. You can still garden. Easy to put together. We got a 4-foot garden. Possibly overloaded it, but we have four tomato plants, three eggplants, three green peppers, three red peppers, and three strawberries. Highly recommend." — Cybil Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three sizes and three finishes). 14. A laser tag set that'll bring the arcade thrills right into your backyard and have everyone gearing up for epic battles, strategizing like mini generals. With easy-to-use blasters, vibrant lights, and heart-pounding sound effects, this set is perfect for a little friendly competition that'll get people up and moving. This set includes four battery-operated laser blasters and vests. You can play with three different modes and a shooting range of up to 150 feet. The little LCD screens on the vest keep count of how many lives you have, and the vest vibrates when you get shot/tagged. You can play with up to four teams and have to eliminate all your "enemies" to win the game! Promising review: " I bought it for a gift, and the kids were having so much fun that we all joined in! Great gift, keeps you active inside or outside, plus so much fun for the whole family!!" — amy Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (also available in a rechargeable version and other sets). 15. A set of two Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers, kinda like the Sock'em Boppers your mom wouldn't let you have in the '90s. They're perfect for backyard battles, birthday parties, or just a wild afternoon of giggles and good vibes. Channel your inner cool parent (or just the coolest friend). BTW, make sure helmets are worn during bump-offs for safety! Promising reviews:"Loved watching the grandkids bounce around in these things, my 3-year-old grandson thought these were the greatest! Even a few of the older kids squeezed themselves into them. I thought for sure they'd pop under the adult usage, but they didn't!! And these older ones didn't hold back at all!!! Great little game for outside play!" — Bruce & Jennifer "My adult kids had as much fun as my grandkids!!!! Fun to watch too" — 1966bitburgmom Get it from Amazon for $19.79. 16. A sunshade triangle to create a shaded area for when you need to escape the blazing hot sun. Hang it over a section of your pool or strategically place several to transform your patio into a cozy retreat. Promising review:"I've been meaning to get something like this for years. Our patio has no cover at all, especially in early spring when the leaves aren't back. The sun is unbearable at times. We bought the install kit and used it to attach the two sides to the house and used a ratchet strap to attach the other end to a tree on the other side of the patio. So far it's holding up well. We added lights which makes it super cozy at night and completely changes the feel of our patio." — Kaitlyn Tugend Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in 14 colors, nine standard sizes, and a variety of custom sizes). 17. A set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets if your plans are packed with hiking, camping, and all things outdoorsy, but you can't stand sticky, smelly bug sprays. With these bracelets, you can forget about constantly reapplying spray and enjoy the great outdoors bug-free. Plus, they're super cute, easy to wear, and — most importantly — keep mosquitoes at bay without the need for harsh chemicals. 18. A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality. Promising review: "This is an amazing hammock! The bright colors, the sturdiness and the very easy setup. It took myself and my sister in law about five minutes to setup. I put this hammock in my backyard, had some visitors for a couple of weeks and they used it very very regularly, to read, sleep, and just lounge. The only thing that may bother some people is that when lying in it the sides come over and wrap you like a cocoon. But I love it!!" — Juliet, Florida Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in 16 colors/patterns). 19. A rainbow collection of flower pots to transform your fences and railings into a vibrant oasis. Equipped with handy draining holes and hooks so they can be hung just about anywhere, these pots aren't just eye candy — they're the perfect blend of aesthetic and function. You could even color-coordinate the flowers you put inside 🌈. Do note the size of these as they're pretty small! They're just under 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I'm getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot a cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." — Maegan Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $18.59 (also available in all-black and all-white sets). 20. A giant bubble kit complete with a two-handle wand, perfect for fun-filled bubble-blowing competitions to see who can create the biggest bubble! Just a friendly reminder: Let's keep the furry friends safe and avoid turning them into soap bubble captives! The kit comes with the giant bubble wand, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a booklet to help you become a skilled bubble artiste. Promising review:"Love this!! Easy for kids to use — my six-year-old son figured it out pretty quick — and fun for adults as well (my husband and I might have played with it as much as our son did...) Makes amazing bubbles. The bubble mix it comes with is fantastic." — Thomas Durant Get it from Amazon for $15.95 (available in six styles). 21. A pack of solar-powered stake lights to put an end to your nights of tiptoeing down a dark walkway, fearing a misstep might send you tumbling. These lights are both practical and a magical upgrade for your walkway, offering two fantastic lighting options: classic white for a sophisticated glow, or vibrant multicolored lights sure to make every night feel like a celebration. Promising review:"These are incredible!! I like using the color feature in winter when it's drab outside, but once my gardens bloom, I stick to white. I have purchased these five times, and it's going to be six. I bought the first set two years ago and just purchased my newest set. I put the old ones right next to the sets I just purchased and had never changed the batteries on the original were still bright so I never needed to. They are beautiful!!" — mosey Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $34. 22. A sprinkle of fast-acting lawn repair formula ready to turn your patchy yard into a lush paradise. This grass seed repair minimizes the effects of unsightly pet urine spots, digging disasters, and worn-down high-traffic areas. Watch as your lawn transforms into a picturesque Windows home screen, complete with grass swaying in the wind. Promising review: "This stuff is a miracle! I know it says patch repair but we had an entire bare backyard that needed tending to. I mixed two bags of this stuff with a 2-pound bag of grass seed and of course raked the yard and tilled to over turn the dirt, spread this stuff and watered 2–3 times a day lightly. I even forgot about it one day and still to my surprise I had nice grass growing all throughout the backyard. Our backyard is very shady so I didn't expect these great of results. We also have a dog that runs around the yard constantly barking at airplanes and people who walk by. Still, this stuff is going strong, very impressed." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $16.44. 23. Plus, a massive pack of wildflower seeds to add a vibrant tapestry of colors to your lawn, with 24 different flower varieties like California poppy, baby's breath, and African daisy. Your garden will get a rainbow makeover that'll make every glance out the window or stroll in the yard a delightful experience. Promising review:"It is early July, and I could not be more pleased with this seed mixture. Almost every day since April, I have had new surprises in my garden. I have enjoyed alyssum, Chinese forget-me-not, zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds. I am beginning to see more forget-me-nots, poppies, pineapple sage, and Armeria. I am a beekeeper and, hence, was trying to plant some flowers the bees would like. I have an unbelievable number of pollinators busy among the flowers all day long. Today, I saw a hummingbird!! I am hoping to have these flowers self-seed and to have even more lovelies next year!" — Bio Teacher Get it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in three sizes and as annuals or perennials). 24. A three-piece furniture set your tush will appreciate after a hectic day at work. Just imagine kicking back on the patio with a glass of wine, soaking in the evening breeze and feeling all your stress melt away. you want some cute waterproof pillows to pair them with, check these out. Promising review:" Great set for the price! I needed a smaller chair and table set for my front porch as it is not very wide and this was perfect. Sturdy build and comfortable. Not hard to put together: all pieces were included and the instructions were easy. Can't wait to sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the cars drive by." — Debbie Jackson Get it from Amazon for $89.98+ (available in five colors). 25. A high-voltage bug zapper ridding your yard of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies (oh my!) in an impressive half-acre range, making your outdoor gatherings more enjoyable and hassle-free. Promising review:"I live in the woods. Gnats have been awful this spring. I sprayed my entire property with commercial-grade insecticide, but it doesn't work well for gnats. So I got these zappers out of desperation. I had read that they mostly kill non-biting insects. I have found that to be false. Every morning, when I empty my zappers, I find what appears to be thousands(!) of dead gnats, along with a few moths and beetles. After three nights, there are very few gnats flying around." — Buck Austin Get it from Amazon for $33.99. 26. And a garbage guard for when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your all of a sudden, you hear this agitating, grating noise of flies buzzing around the garbage can. This little gizmo sticks inside your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that keeps bugs at bay for a whopping four months. Promising review:"Got an outdoor can, the kind the mechanical arm on the garbage truck picks up and tips over, with the lid opening by gravity. Placed this on the inside of the lid, near the hinge to lessen the chances of it being scraped off during emptying and no flies/maggots! No apparent odor, just seems to put a big hurt on the fly party that used to be my trash can (litter box contents, remnants of meat, etc)." — Michael E. Bradley Get it from Amazon for $9.84. 27. A portable 120-inch screen that'll make outdoor movie nights feel like a cinematic experience. Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, your phone, and more) and enjoy entertainment under the stars with family and friends, creating unforgettable memories in the comfort of your own backyard. Promising review:"I bought this screen to watch movies outside on my deck. It was easy to assemble, so easy I didn't even need to look at the directions. I assembled by myself. It came with bags to fill with sand to place on the base of each leg, but I ended up using large bags of rice I had instead and it worked fine. It also came with strings to secure each end in case of wind which I did and it was a breezy day and it held up great." — Sfat Get it from Amazon for $79.99. 28. A patio table mosquito net enclosure acting as a personal bouncer, making sure those winged party crashers aren't buzzing around ruining the mood. And! When those uninvited guests aren't around, you can simply tie back the netting to open up the space. Promising review: 'We bought this for a rather large umbrella over our table in the back yard, and used it for the first time last night. We were less concerned about mosquitoes because we have a service to eliminate them — it's the bees that were disturbing our outdoor meals and events. My wife hosted a few friends last night, and they all fell in love with this. They've all been fighting with bees lately, and they were not bothered once by any bugs. Every friend bought the netting on the spot. Also, when you're inside the netting sitting on chairs, it's almost as if the netting is invisible; most of the time you can't tell whether it's even there, especially at night.' — Sara Olshanky Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 29. Or a pack of mosquito dunks formulated to decrease the presence of mosquitoes over time, allowing you to reclaim your outdoor sanctuary. These dunks are infused with BTI, a bacteria that's toxic to mosquitoes and their larvae, but safe for wildlife. Just drop the dunks into any standing water, and within hours, it will eliminate both mosquitoes and larvae for up to 30 days. You can learn more about BTI, the bacteria in mosquito dunks, at the CDC. Promising review: "Mosquitoes where I live are fierce! For the first time in years I have been able to enjoy hanging out in my beautiful backyard, which is full of trees and flowers. Why? Because I put out six containers of water with one mosquito dunk disk each. There are no more mosquitoes! This product is a miracle. The dunks are extremely simple to use and cost hardly anything. They last a month. Completely efficient. I will use this for the rest of my life. Thank you to whoever figured this out!" — Alberta Get a six-pack from Amazon for $7.75. 30. A tree swing that beckons both kids and adults alike with playful swinging under the treetops and moments of serene, gentle swaying that can calm even the busiest of minds. It can hold to 900 pounds and withstand the elements, and reviewers say it's pretty easy to put together. Promising reviews: " This swing is so worth it! I recently bought my first house and bought this for my nieces/nephews. Not only do the kiddos love it but so do us adults!!! I'm about 130 pounds and have sat on it with my nieces and swung with no problem. My fiance and dad have both sat on it as well. It's very sturdy. Easy to put together. It will keep your household entertained anytime you go outside." — Angelina " Fun for grownups, too! We purchased this for our little grandchildren to enjoy and then discovered that with the high load capacity, we could swing with them, too! The product is sturdy, was easy to assemble, hang, and adjust the lengths of the ropes. It's a great addition to our front yard and immediately became a neighborhood kid magnet, too! It's only been up for a couple of weeks but has enjoyed hours of playtime." — Richard S Get it from Amazon for $35.79 (also available in four other styles). 31. An umbrella light offering a lovely blend of style and functionality. Now you'll have overhead lighting while enjoying a meal under the stars or playing a board game with the fam. Promising review:"When I bought this, it was totally on a whim. I was convinced that because it was so inexpensive, it would be a cheap piece of junk! Was I wrong! It does a great job of lighting up the table with the three different settings. AND, if you turn it upside-down, you can further vary the brightness. (Sometimes you just want a hint of a glow, rather than a spotlight in your face.) I'm very happy with this, especially since I left it out all summer long with no issues. It was hidden under a closed umbrella, but I'm sure it got a little damp with rainwater and it survived! For just $10, it is such an easy solution for my patio that has no electricity, and therefore, needs something battery powered." — LouiseN Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 32. A stainless-steel grill insert because the weather is finally nice out, so we're going to seize every chance to savor the outdoors. With this, you can transform your kettle grill into a fancy pizza oven for a delightful family dinner al fresco. Promising review:"I really researched and shopped around before I purchased this from Amazon. I cooked my first pizza on it and it came out like a pro!! We will be using this especially during the summer as it pretty much stay in the triple digits here (the Mojave Desert). I cannot believe it took less than 10 minutes to bake an entire pizza. I recommend that you go to the KettlePizza website to get pointers from some of the celebrity chefs that they have videos of. These pointers really did help me to cook a perfect pizza!" — Kim Suzanne Get it from Amazon for $144.95. 33. A discreet outdoor Wi-Fi extender if you've ever found yourself wishing you could take your work outside without losing your internet connection the moment you step too far into your backyard. This nifty device attaches to a wall or pole to instantly expand your network's reach. Now you can enjoy the best of both worlds: soaking up the sun while staying connected for those all-important video calls. Promising review:"I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" — Texas Get it from Amazon for $34.99. 34. A T-ball set so the kiddos can spend their extra hour of sunlight doing something that doesn't involve a screen. This set offers not one, not two, but three exciting ways to play: hitting it off a traditional fixed standing tee, swinging at a fun hanging tee, and even batting at an automatic launcher for when they're ready to feel like mini-pros. Plus, it's adjustable, so it can grow right along with your little all-star. Amazon This set includes a retractable bat, an automatic launcher, six balls, a storage bag and all necessary assembly accessories. Promising review: "This toy is simple enough that my 2.5 year old son is able to stick the ball to the hanging arm, swing, and hit it. I am not a professional but I assume it is helping develop his hand-eye coordination. He also got the hang of the launch pad. While he is not quick enough to set the ball up, launch it, and hit it all in one go, he does love watching it fly into the air."— Travis Rutherford Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in blue or purple, and a larger set with two bats and two gloves). 35. A slatted 6-foot-tall privacy screen equipped with built-in planters, giving you your own secluded nook while blocking out the less-than-pleasant views of your neighbor's tool shed, garbage cans, and AC units. Promising reviews:"We have a neighbor who keeps her Christmas light on year-round. This gives us privacy on our patio but it doesn't completely block, which is fine with us. I love the idea that I can plant my garden." — Sandy912 "I normally hate assembling things but the instructions were so clear and the pieces fit so perfectly, it really was a breeze. The screen is well-made and sturdy. I hung flower pots on it as well as putting pots in the bottom. It's holding up extremely well to the four or five times a week the flowers get watered. Hasn't tipped or moved despite some recent high winds. Very happy with the look and quality!" — Lynn L. Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors, including vinyl or real wood options). 36. Or a roll of faux ivy to give your fence a makeover, creating a lush green barrier to keep nosy neighbors out of your business. Or! You can drape these vibrant vines over your pergola — as the sun plays peek-a-boo through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Promising review:"This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 37. A side table cooler designed to keep your drinks ice cold and at your fingertips while lounging outside. As a bonus, just raise the lid up and the cooler becomes a sleek cocktail table. Promising review: "This product is the bomb, so much so we purchased a second one... Had outdoor game day with our children and this kept everyone outdoors. Easy access to beverages for all ages. Would definitely recommend to any outdoor party goers." — Leslie A. McClendon Get it from Amazon for $84.49+ (available in brown and grey). 38. A family-friendly backyard sprinkler that's your one-way ticket to staying cool without the hassle of filling and dumping a massive kiddie pool. Just set it up and let everyone splash around and enjoy — when you're done, there won't be a giant pool of water to deal with. It's easy, refreshing, and sure to be a hit with the whole crew! Promising review:"My 2-year-old and 10-year-old kids and 32-year-old husband love it. Super easy to put together. Great for easy cool down in the back for those without a pool. Florida living here, so water is a must in summer. Has held up very well in terms of durability. Left it out for a few days, and it still worked great." — Deja T. Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four designs). 39. A water-resistant Bluetooth speaker, aka the missing piece for those warm sunny days spent chilling on your patio or by the pool. Its clever angled design isn't just for looks; it throws sound upward, filling the space with rich, crystal-clear tunes, all without a hint of distortion. Plus, it's portable, so if your party moves around, this speaker's ready to go. Promising review: "Wow. When I opened the box and pulled it out, I thought it was bit small and surely wouldn't be that loud... BOY, WAS I WRONG!! This FREAKING ROCKS!!! Seriously don't hesitate — BUY ONE! The reviews were spot on! Perfect poolside! Best money I've ever spent on a Bluetooth speaker. The wife was skeptical, and then, I turned it on, and she was like, wow, excellent purchase, way to go!" — RIC78 Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in six colors and a small clip-on version). 40. An inflatable hot tub because what's better than a cozy evening under the stars, surrounded by bubbles and soothing warm water? I'll wait. This fabulous addition will transform your space into a luxurious spa retreat without the eye-watering price tag. It's easy to set up and take down, making it ideal for renters or anyone who doesn't want the year-round commitment of a permanent hot tub. It sports 120 air jets and heats up quickly to a soothing 104 degrees — just imagine this on a clear night with a glass of your favorite chilled drink. Reviewers say about two to three people is the max for the most comfortable fit. Promising review: "I use this every day…sometimes twice. Have it in my screened-in back patio so I can look out at my garden. So easy to put up and keep clean." — Robbi Uptegrove Get it from Amazon for $451.99+ (available in four styles). 41. A waterproof Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card deck to play while taking a break from perfecting your underwater handstands or after a round of mermaid races. This fast-paced game promises giggles and friendly competition. Plus, it comes with a handy travel clip, so you can make sure no card gets left behind when it's time to go inside. It's recommended for ages 7 and up, and 2–8 people can play at once! Here's how to play: Each person takes a turn flipping a card face-up on a pile in the middle while saying the words 'taco,' 'cat,' 'goat,' 'cheese,' 'pizza' — in that order. If the card in the middle matches the word being spoken, the players race to slap their hands down on top of all the cards. Promising reviews:"These are so much fun to have when playing poolside. Don't have to worry about them getting ruined." — Richard Crumb "I bought these cards because I have young children at home and I prefer durable products. They're also great for adults, especially since game nights often involve food and drinks, and accidents can happen. These cards are perfect! They don't stain or get dirty, and you can take them anywhere." — MBM Get it from Amazon for $14.99. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
