The weirdest, most clever things for your backyard under $35

Up the ambiance, the fun, and the comfort.

Amazon/Mic
Shopping
By Jenny White
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Looking for a way to spruce up your backyard without spending a lot? You’ve landed in the right spot. From items that’ll up the fun factor — like reusable water balls or an LED-lit beer pong set — to picks that’ll add ambiance (including a solar-powered mosaic lamp), these will make your yard your new favorite hangout. Plus, everything falls under $35.

01A set of whimsical mushroom lights that are solar powered

Not only do these mushroom lights deliver a whimsical feel to your flowerbeds, walkways, or garden, but they also help to illuminate these areas. The solar-powered pick charges during the day and then turns on automatically at dusk — they’ll stay lit for up to 12 continuous hours. These mushrooms are waterproof to last through the elements.

02These glow-in-the-dark rocks to line your potted plants & baths

Fill potted plants with these glow-in-the-dark rocks for an added cool factor. They’re colorful during the day and vividly glow at night. The set includes 450 rocks, each of which is about 1 inch in diameter. Other sets with single-colored rocks can be found in the listing.

03The coolest miniature tiki lights with flickering faux flames

These outdoor lights are extra cool because they boast a faux flickering flame that casts a dancing warm glow. Powered by solar, the lights charge via the sun during the day, then flip on automatically at night for up to eight hours. The six lights in the set are waterproof to last through any weather. Each one measures just over 20 inches tall.

04A 50-foot strand of twinkling fairy lights that charge via the sun

When nighttime falls, these fairy lights will automatically turn on and twinkle until dawn. The 50-foot strand features 120 multi-colored LED lights that are solar powered. They take six to eight hours to charge via the sun during the day. Other lighting modes — like slow fade or steady on — can also be selected.

05This $30 sun sail to create shade without blocking the breeze

Create a sizable shaded area in your backyard for less than $30 using this sun sail. The fabric is designed to block up to 95% of harmful UV rays from the sun while being breathable at the same time. This pick is 10 by 13 feet, though various sizes and colors can be purchased via the listing.

06A 48-pack of mosquito repellent bracelets made without DEET

Slip on one of these mosquito-repellent bracelets and these pesky pests will be deterred for up to 350 hours. The DEET-free pick is made with a blend of essential oils — specifically geraniol, lemongrass, and citronella — for a plant-based repellent option. The set comes with 48 colorful stretchy bands.

07This easy-to-install game that merges darts with ring toss

When darts and ring toss combine, the end result is this fun game that can be played five different ways. The wooden board is simple to hang on most surfaces indoors or out, and all components are included. This is 12-inch board, but both a smaller and larger option can also be selected in the listing.

08This bird feeder that’s designed to keep out squirrels

Sick of squirrels stealing all of your bird feed? This metal feeder prevents it from happening. When a squirrel climbs on it, the weight-activated cage is pulled down, blocking access to the ports. The feeder holds up to two pounds of seeds, so it won’t need to be refilled often.

09This palm tree cooler with room for 100 cans & ice

Why have just any cooler for your next party when you could use this fun palm tree one instead? The cooler inflates to about 5 feet tall and the bottom section can hold up to 100 cans (plus ice). It’s made from thick PVC that won’t easily bust, though a repair patch is included.

10A small but powerful Bluetooth speaker that works for 6 hours per charge

Thanks to its built-in battery, you can enjoy your favorite tunes for up to six hours straight per charge with this retro speaker. It’s miniature in size and lightweight, yet puts out crystal-clear sound — it connects to any Bluetooth-enabled device. The volume can be adjusted using the rotary knob on the front. Choose from several colors in the listing.

11A pair of butterfly lights that look nice around the clock

This pair of butterfly lights is beautiful both day and night. During the day, you can take in the colorful, intricate designs of each butterfly — and they sway in the wind to mimic flying. When the sun sets, the solar-powered lights will flip on to illuminate the area. “During the day the butterflies look great and at night the lights are bright,” wrote one shopper.

12This set of rainbow grilling accessories that comes with a travel case

Make grill nights extra special with these rainbow accessories. Included are a burger press, a pair of long spatulas (one of which is slotted), a chopper, tongs, a scraper, 100 sheets of parchment paper, and a spice shaker, as well as a storage bag to keep everything organized. All of the components are made from durable stainless steel with a colorful titanium coating that’s nonstick.

13A set of 12 flexible strands of fairy lights that are waterproof

Whether you place these fairy lights in mason jars for a centerpiece, on your outdoor table, or shape them around plants (or even your deck), they’ll be sure to dazzle. The set includes 12 battery-operated strands (each of which is about 7 inches long) that put out a warm white glow thanks to the 20 LED bulbs. They’re waterproof by design.

14The happiest planter that you can hang from a branch

It’s hard not to smile when looking at this resin planter. It rests on a miniature rocking swing and it’s sized for smaller plants like succulents or a snake plant. Hang it from a branch, hook, or anywhere else that needs livening up.

15A clamp-on umbrella light with 3 brightness options

Clamp this round light to your umbrella’s pole to brighten up the area. It features a total of 28 LED bulbs — they can be set to dim, bright, or super bright — and it’s powered by four AA batteries.

16These sticky wasp traps that reviewers confirm work great

This colorful trap will lure wasps, carpenter bees, and other stinging pests — and the sticky glue surface will keep them trapped inside. The trap doesn’t utilize any pesticides or sprays to work, nor does it put out any less-than-desirable smells. “We had a wasp problem this year and these really did the trick. The bugs fly in and don't fly out,” wrote one reviewer.

17This electric racket to take out mosquitoes & other pests

“Living in a mosquito-heavy area, this handheld bug zapper has been a total game-changer! The battery life is impressive, making it reliable for extended use,” wrote one fan about this electric racket. It can eliminate mosquitos, flies, and other pests in a single swing. The racket is lightweight, rechargeable, and easy to use.

18A supersized reversible lawn mat with 3 different games

Play gigantic checkers, tic-tac-toe, and a super version of tic-tac-toe all using this lawn game. The reversible rug-like mat is over 2 feet in width and length, and the set includes 24 round chips (in black and red colors) to play all of the games. For under $20, it’ll provide hours of fun.

19These LED lights to illuminate cornhole boards at nighttime

Enjoy a game of cornhole at night with the help of these board lights. They’ll fit on any regulation-sized (or smaller) board and the LED lights will shine brightly to outline the edge of the boards and around the holes for visibility. The lights take minutes to install, so you’ll be racking up to 21 in no time.

20This durable outdoor rug that comes in lots of colors & sizes

Add a cozy element to your patio or deck with this accent rug. Made from braided polypropylene, the rug is designed to last through inclement weather, heavy foot traffic, and temperature fluctuations. It’s 0.3 inches thick to not impede doorways. Pick from a range of sizes, shapes, and colors via the listing.

21This wrinkle-free projection screen you can set up almost anywhere

Watch movies, sporting events, and shows on this portable projection screen. It takes as few as two minutes to set up — so you can position it wherever you want — and the polyester material that it’s made from won’t wrinkle or crease. The screen is 150 inches in diameter.

22A set of gardening tools with a 4.6-star overall rating

Gardening tools are one thing that you don’t want to skimp on. And these three highly-rated tools fit the bill; they’re made from heavy-duty, rust-resistant stainless steel that won’t bend or break — even if the soil is hard. The thick, grooved handles are comfortable to hold onto. Included in this set are a trowel, cultivator, and transplanter, though other tools can be found in the listing.

23A soft cotton hammock that won’t flip over mid-use

This cotton hammock conforms to your body for maximum comfort and relaxation. Plus, it has a unique anti-rollover design so you can sit or lie without fear of it flipping. The hammock comes with high-density nylon straps and a pair of carabiners to hang it from trees. “Product stays outside all year long through rain, snow, and ice. Still holding strong today. Great quality,” wrote one reviewer.

24This light-up beer pong set so the party can keep going

Any outdoor party, bonfire, or get-together needs this glow-in-the-dark beer pong set. Included are 22 sturdy plastic cups (11 red and 11 blue) that are illuminated for visibility, plus six glow-in-the-dark ping pong balls that won’t get lost. The lights will glow for up to 24 hours to keep the party going.

25This 30-gallon storage box that doubles as seating

Place this resin box on your deck or patio and use it to store odds and ends like gardening tools, furniture cushions, and more. The box has a 30-gallon capacity and it’s waterproof and UV-resistant to protect the items inside. It doubles as an extra spot to sit with a max capacity of 220 pounds. Larger sizes and various colors can be selected in the listing.

26A waterproof power strip for up to 7 devices

Short on outlets outside? Grab this power strip with four outlets and three USB ports to charge up to seven electronics simultaneously. It’s waterproof by design and there’s surge protection for added peace of mind. This is the 6-foot cord option but a 10-foot pick is also up for purchase in the listing.

27This silicone protective mat for griddles

If you own a griddle, this silicone mat is a must-have. It’s held in place by six sturdy magnets and it provides a layer of protection against dirt, rodents, leaves, and debris. This way, you always know it’s clean and can get right to cooking when the time comes (just pull off the mat before doing so). Choose from four sizes in the listing.

28This epic water slide with a built-in soaker

This water slide is 16 feet long and it connects to any standard garden hose to shoot out water all along the slippery slide. Plus, there’s an included blaster to ensure the rider gets soaked. For less than $30, you’ll get plenty of enjoyment from it.

29This 24-foot rope light that has so many uses

This 24-foot flexible rope light is safe to use outdoors and can be wrapped around stairs, decks, up trees, and more to add some ambiance and much-needed light to your backyard. It comes in the warm white shown and a bunch of fun colors in the listing, and you can even connect up to 22 strands together if you have a large area to cover.

30An easy-to-read thermometer so you’re always in the know

This extra large thermometer allows you to check the temperature from a distance. “Nice, big and bold numbers make it easy to read and to see,” wrote one commenter. It provides a precise reading (with a range of -60 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and the shatterproof design can endure harsh weather. There’s a built-in hanger on the back for secure mounting.

31This solar-powered light with motion-activated sensors

Hang up this LED light wherever you could use some extra illumination, whether that be your patio, the side of the house, or somewhere else. There are three lighting modes it can be set to — including a full motion-detection option — and it’s powered by solar to keep your electric bill down. The light is water resistant and rustproof.

32This stainless steel grill scraper that’s safer to use than a brush

This scraper tool may be small but it sure is effective. Made from durable stainless steel, the scraper has various notches to clean different shapes of grates to remove stuck-on grease, food, and debris with ease. There’s also a built-in bottle opener. The tool doesn’t have any bristles, so it’s safer to use than traditional grill brushes that notoriously leave behind pieces in your food.

33An elegant 3-wick citronella candle that helps repel mosquitoes

Not only does this large candle look nice when lit, but the citronella oil it contains also helps to keep bugs at bay. “I wanted something ‘pretty’ for my deck that also repelled mosquitos. These do the job,” wrote one shopper. The three-wick candle will burn cleanly for up to 75 hours.

34These refillable sunscreen applicators that keep your hands clean

Sunscreen application is faster, less messy, and just plain easier with this pair of roll-on applicators. Fill them with any sunscreen that you like, give them a shake, and then roll the product directly onto your body. The applicators hold 3.4 ounces of sunscreen each and they can be refilled and reused as often as needed.

35A pair of heavy-duty storage straps to wrangle cords, cables & more

Wrangle and wrap cords and cables throughout your backyard with this pair of storage straps — they’re perfect for hoses, extension cords, pool hoses, and more. Made from weather-resistant polypropylene with a heavy-duty nylon hook-and-loop closure, each of the straps can support up to 100 pounds. Use the carrying handle on top for easier relocating or hanging.

36A deck of waterproof playing cards to enjoy by the pool

Made from flexible plastic, this deck of playing cards is entirely waterproof so you can enjoy a round of poker by the pool or any outdoor spot that’ll get wet. The set includes all 54 cards from a traditional deck, plus two jokers. “Feels durable and they look pretty sharp design-wise also,” wrote one commenter.

37A 12-pack of extendable roasting sticks for s’mores

No fire pit or campfire is complete without s’mores, so grab this 12-pack of roasting sticks. They’re 32 inches in length (when extended) with finished wooden handles to keep your hands safe from the heat. Each one has dual prongs to secure marshmallows on them — they also work well for hot dogs, veggies, and other food. They come with a zippered pouch for storage.

38This solar-powered lamp that’s waterproof

Covered with handmade mosaic glass, this round lamp will beautify any area. Plus, it’s solar powered so it’ll charge during the day and then light up on its own at night (and stay lit for up to 10 hours), creating a colorful display. The lamp is waterproof so it can stay outside year-round.

39An inflatable gaming table for the pool that doubles as a regular float

Enjoy a round of beer pong while in a pool? To make it happen, you’ll need this inflatable table. It has 10 cup holders on each side arranged in a triangle for the game. Utilize the cooler in the middle to stash extra drinks or water. When not playing, you can also use this pick as a regular pool float.

40A 60-pack of reusable water balls to replace water balloons

Water balloons are cool, but it often takes more time to get them filled than it does to play with them. Not so with these reusable water balls. The 60 balls are made from soft cotton to absorb water instantly — throw them at each other for a fun soak session, then stick them back into the water to get them refilled. They’re reusable all summer long.

41A lightweight resin wind chime that looks like real metal

“This is shockingly well made for the low price,” wrote one fan about this wind chime. The display features a bird’s nest with a mother bird and her two babies waiting for a feeding. It’s made from bronze-colored resin with 12 copper bells that’ll sound when the wind blows. Hang it anywhere with the hook on top.

42These clever clips that are a must for hanging lights on your deck

Want to hang lights on your deck or the eaves of your home? These 50 odd-looking plastic clips will provide a secure hold without causing any damage to the surface you use them on. “These clips are easy to use and very sturdy,” wrote one commenter.

43This pop-up soccer goal for some at-home practice

Sneak in some soccer practice in your own backyard with this pop-up goal. It’s built with a fiberglass frame and all-weather netting to last from season to season. And the ground stakes ensure the net doesn’t topple over from hard shots or wind gusts. When not in use, store the net in the included carrying bag. This pick is 4 by 3 feet in size, but larger options can be found in the listing.

44A trampoline sprinkler to bounce on hot days

Take your trampoline to the next level with the addition of this water sprinkler. Install it on any size of trampoline (it attaches to the net) and connect it to a garden hose to let the fun begin. Another perk? The sprinkler can help to cool down the temperature of the trampoline by up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

45This light strip to illuminate your trampoline

Put this 12-foot LED light strip on the rim of your trampoline to keep bouncing all night long. The flexible strip can be bent into the perfect shape to fit and the lights can be set to 16 different colors and four modes, using the included remote control. The lights are shielded by protective tubing to not break. You can also select an 8- and 10-foot version in the listing for smaller trampolines.