Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and relax in your backyard. With these 33 must-have items, you can transform your outdoor space into a cozy and inviting oasis. From stylish furniture to fun accessories, this curated list has everything you need to create the ultimate backyard retreat. Get ready to enjoy the sunshine and make the most of your summer!
1. A tabletop fireplace with removable glass so you can enjoy making s'mores in the backyard with all your BFFs.
1 Man 1 Garage is a small business based in Nashville, Tennessee creating unique artisan designs.
You can order this with or without the sand and rocks. The only thing that you will need to purchase separately is the 2.6-oz. gel fuel cans, which you can get from Amazon. The mini fireplace version (which doesn't come with rocks) uses a tea light candle only.
Promising review: "Soooo cute and easy to put together. We bought a clear spray to put on to protect it and because we actually really liked the look of the burned side. Boyfriend and I bought it to make s'mores for Valentine's. It was a perfect night in." —Bethany Schneider
Get it from 1 Man 1 Garage on Amazon for $20+ (available in three styles).
2. Or a stainless-steel fire pit that'll have a little extra heat radiating while you roast your marshmallows over the open flames.
Promising review: "This fire pit offers all the ambience you need. It is super easy to start the fire, and the wood packs make it easier, if that’s what you’re looking for. The fire gets going fast and develops a nice hot ember bed (all from one pack). I was very impressed and wasn’t expecting that. This could be used without the wood packs if you have your own wood. Either works perfect. The pit sits off the ground and flames are contained well within the pit. The design was done very well. Lastly, the heat this throws off is amazing. I was sitting a couple of feet away and felt a lot of warmth. This isn’t one of those pits you have to hover over for heat." —Michele R
Get it from Amazon for $249.60+ (available in three styles).
3. And a flame colorant to add a little ~magic~ like no one has ever experienced before.
To use it, you just have to drop one packet inside the fire, so there is no opening it up and messing with any powder or anything. Couldn't be easier!
Note: you should not use the flame colorant if you plan on roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, or anything else over the fire.
Promising review: "This was a great addition to our camping trip! Just throw the packet in the fire and get a colorful show. It's mesmerizing! And the colors last a long time, longer than expected. I'll buy again." —Amazon Customer
Get six packets from Amazon for $6.94.
4. A spacious inflatable pool so you can enjoy a refreshing dip to cool off even if you don't have an in-ground pool. But honestly, who needs to deal with the upkeep of that if you can just whip this bad boy out whenever you please?!
This pool is 120"x72"x22".
Promising review: "Great little pool. Big enough for my wife, son, and me to sit and splash around. Honestly more convenient than going to the public pool and dealing with crowds, other kids, and loud noises. Fills up in about 30 minutes and blows up in about five minutes. Drains a little slow but folds nice and stores when we are done." —Tim R.
Get it from Amazon for $79.98.
5. A hanging hammock chair that's so comfy you may find yourself taking more than a couple afternoon naps outside. Go ahead and just get one for each member of your family cause you aren't going to want to share.
Promising review: "The hammock chair is really comfortable. The quality seems good and it came with everything you need for installation. They provided the mounting bracket, chain, and all hardware needed. I would recommend this chair." —Chris H.
Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in three colors).
6. A mini golf course so you can practice your putting whenever you want. Soon enough, you'll hold the record at your fave putt putt place.
Promising review: "Only moments to set up after receiving it on the day it was promised. Very fast delivery. Added some blocking around for my bad putts and have enjoyed it very much. This is the 5'x10' version, and so happy with it. Worth the money." —Kimberly Rueby
Get it from Amazon for $229.99+ (available in six sizes).
7. And a pack of LED golf balls you can keep track of no matter how far into the bushes they go. Plus, they just look a whole lot cooler than regular balls.
Promising review: "It's hard to reserve golf rounding times these days, and most of the times, we end the game after sunset. These balls are very pretty and go a great distance, too. I love these balls flying so far at night." —Amazon Customer
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $19.54 (available in two quantities and five versions).
8. Easy-to-install interlocking Teak tiles that'll instantly elevate your space to something worthy of being at a fancy resort.
Promising review: "Living in Hawaii you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt-proof, etc... In total, I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adelia
Get 10 square feet of tiles from Amazon for $81.99 (also available in end and corner pieces).
10. Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights that'll create the perfect, twinkly ambiance to keep your summer parties going long after the sun has set.
Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.
Promising review: "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain, and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. —D Kelly
Get them on Amazon for $39.99+ (available in warm or soft light).
11. A four-piece furniture set to furnish your outdoor space just as well as your indoor living room. I mean come on, grab yourself a refreshing beverage, kick your feet up, and you'll never wanna go inside again.
The set comes with two single chairs, a double chair, and a table.
Promising review: "Wow! Such a great set! It comes in a surprisingly small box — these people must be great at Tetris! It was easy to put together and they even made all the screws the same size! Super comfy and looks great on my new deck!" —Jennifer Cupkey
Get it from Amazon for $119.98+ (available in three cushion colors).
12. Or a three-piece wicker rocking chair and table set with super comfy cushions that might just convince you to move your WFH space outside.
This charming set includes two rocking chairs with bottom and back cushions and a matching side table with a glass top.
Promising review: "Put this whole set together myself in about two hours — clear instructions and well-organized packaging of the different tools/pieces. I've bought a similar-looking (but cheaper) porch set in the past and was disappointed with the quality of the cushions — I was worried that this set would have the same problem, but I was wrong! The cushions are VERY comfy, and the chair is wide enough for me to comfortably sit crisscross! Absolutely worth the investment!!!" —Katie Swimmer
Get it from Amazon for $85.98+ (available in five colors).
13. Outdoor sconces so you can continue enjoying your beautiful oasis all night long. These are weatherproof and rust-resistant so they're ready for a longggg outdoor season.
Promising review: "All we can say is WOW! These lights surpassed our expectations! You could buy other similar lights for a lower price, but these are high quality and worth what we paid. The material is heavy duty, great casing to handle weathering, and a breeze to install. We had three lights done within an hour with no issues. The look is modern and clean. Would highly recommend!" —RuthB
Get one from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in several styles and in packs of two).
14. A portable Cuisinart vertical smoker that'll slow cook brisket, turkey, chicken, or whatever else your heart desires. This is going to revolutionize your backyard BBQs. Be warned, none of your neighbors will ever want to host again once they know what you're cookin' in your yard.
Promising review: "So far I've smoked a pork tenderloin, chickens, Cornish game hens, a prime rib, and an 18-pound turkey. I couldn't be happier with the way everything has turned out. This product is incredibly easy to use: you just set the temperature, put the meat inside the smoker, and walk away. It doesn't use an open flame so it's great for apartment balconies where you might not be allowed to grill. Cooking and cleaning are both easy, and I'd recommend this product for beginners and experts alike." —William H.
Get it from Amazon for $298.75.
15. Or a reliable Weber charcoal grill to cook up a ton of food without taking up a ton of space, so even those of us with small backyards can still enjoy that freshly grilled goodness.
Reviewers love this grill and say it maintains its temperature, has a large cooking area, cooks food evenly, and is easy to clean.
Promising review: "I love this grill! I'd been wanting to buy it for almost a year and am so excited to finally have it. I had my first barbecue outside and the Webber was fantastic. I was able to fit burgers, hot dogs, potatoes, and pineapple on the surface at the same time. There's lots of space to cook various foods at once. I love the easy ash cleanup thanks to the bottom bucket. This product is very sturdy and stable, and I put it together in 10 minutes." —Dani L.
Get it from Amazon for $219+ (available in three colors).
16. A weatherproof water garden fountain with a planter that'll add a little zen to the backyard. Nothing is better than sitting under the sun, reading a book, and listening to the water babble.
AquaSprouts is a small biz making aquaponics and hydroponics accessible.
Promising review: "I LOVE it. The service was incredible, and it is the perfect addition to our balcony. We live in a downtown area, and it’s so lovely to hear the noise. We leave our screen door open to listen to it all day. Thank you!" —strberygum17
Get it from AquaSprouts on Amazon for $63.21 (originally ).
17. A set of two ~zero gravity~ reclining porch chairs so you can toss those uncomfortable traditional folding chairs. These are so comfy you'll feel like you're floating, and they come with a pillow — perfect for naps — and a side table — perfect for snacks!
These chairs also fold up for easy transportation or storage.
Promising review: "Bought two of these chairs. They are perfect for spring/summer, easy to relax in, and the tray attachment lets me keep my drink and my book at my side. It’s easy to recline and the locking mechanism keeps you from moving when you don’t want to. I’ll be spending a lot of time in my chair this summer!" —John Wetmore
Get a set of two from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in 24 colors/patterns).
18. A roll of faux ivy you can attach to wire fencing, a railing, or really any other spot to add a little ~mystery~ and extra greenery to your yard (and you don't even have to worry about keeping it alive!).
Promising review: "This is the second privacy screen I've purchased from Amazon. I have an area in my garden visible from the street. The screen hides all my gardening stuff (i.e. wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.). It truly looks like the real deal!!!" —soooz
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in three sizes).
19. An outdoor heater to provide a little extra warmth on those chilly nights, and to make sure your backyard oasis doesn't have an expiration date and instead can be enjoyed all year long.
The heater stands 91 inches tall.
Promising review: "Had a Hampton Bay patio heater from HD that got blown over from the winds and decided to take a chance on an Amazon Basics heater. Surprised at the quality of the heater, sheet metal body seems thicker, and the water-filled base actually helped keep it standing against moderate winds. Wheels helped with moving it around. But the best pro here is that it's around $100 vs. $250 at the stores while being as good or better in quality." —Han
Get it from Amazon for $130.94.
20. An inflatable projector screen so you can host the most epic outdoor movie nights your cul-de-sac has ever seen! No more projecting movies onto the side of your house and wondering if you're looking at an important detail of the movie or just an impurity on your wall.
This comes with tethers, yard stakes, a professional built-in air blower, and a handy carrying bag.
Promising review: "I never write reviews but I had to with this product and I'm going to be very honest. I did so much homework on this product and I'm so glad I did because it was everything I wanted. The fan isn't loud at all, I forgot there was even a fan that's how good it was. It was very quiet. I will say invest in a speaker and use it for your sound, it's much better. Also, the clarity of the picture was great!!! Very crisp and clear. The setup was easy, I live in a windy area but if you use the stakes properly it won't blow at all." —Dre
Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in seven sizes).
21. And a mini projector to complete the ultimate set up. Picture this: you're sitting on a blanket under the stars, your favorite movie is being projected, and you have a bowl of popcorn on your lap…doesn't get much better than that.
This projector is Wi-Fi compatible, so you can connect this with your phone, tablet, or computer. And even if you're somewhere without a Wi-Fi connection, you can connect your phone to the projector with the included cable.
Promising review: "I bought this projector to use outside on my deck and it works perfectly for that… The picture is very clear, even better than I thought it would be. The projector is light and small which makes it perfect for travel use or even camping… I would recommend this projector to just about anyone." —rachel forman
Get it from Amazon for $109.99.
22. A side table with a little secret…it's also a cooler! Get one for your next BBQ and watch all your guests' eyes grow wider when they finally figure out where you're hiding all the cold drinks!
Promising review: "I was looking for a table to sit between two rockers on my patio and came across this table/cooler combo! It was very easy to assemble and the color matches my patio furniture. It holds a decent amount of beverages too. I recommend adding them in before you add the ice for a better fit. The drain plug was easy to use and in a good place to drain in the grass area next to my patio. It was a great and fun addition that everyone enjoyed using." —Kat C.
Get it from Amazon for $79.15+ (available in two colors).
23. A canopy to protect your backyard oasis from the sun's rays that are sometimes just a bit too much… but not enough that you want to actually go inside.
You can purchase the hardware set to attach this canopy to your home for $15.99.
Promising review: "Have had it up for over a month and it is holding up very well to sun, wind, rain, and storms. I take it down when I get enough forewarning of strong storms, but sometimes we've been out of town and it has held up quite well. We roll it up and to the side using the installation kit anchors when we get warning for strong winds. But, like I've said, we've come home after storms to small branches down in the yard, but the sail was good. It does a great job of blocking the sun and cools the house and patio quite nicely from the summer sun." —Ms. Shannon
Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in a variety of sizes, three shapes, and 13 colors).
24. A set of color-changing, solar-powered inflatable pool lights so you don't have to put in any effort to reap the benefits of their very serene vibes. Your pool parties are about to get ~lit.~
These appear white during the day but automatically switch colors at night and can last up to eight hours after being charged in direct sunlight. They also have a loop on the top if you would rather hang them somewhere!
Promising review: "Liked these so much we ordered another set. We’ve had them in our pool 24/7 for almost a year and a half. They’ve lasted through storms, wind, etc. We have only had to add air to them one time and they haven’t gotten dirty or moldy (which was a concern being white). I love that they are solar so no changing batteries or remotes needed. Great fun colors! Highly recommend." —THE HOMME LIFE
Get a set of two from Amazon for $37.99.
25. Orrr flamingo floating lights, which are solar-powered, so they will be ready to light up your night after a day of fun in the sun. These little cuties are just the guests you'd want at your pool party.
Promising review: "My husband asked for 'solar pool critters' for his birthday. One of his gifts was this flamingo and it's worked great all summer long in the Vegas sun. It's stayed fully inflated and hasn't faded a bit in the strong sun. It lights up every night and lasts well past our bedtime. It's fun to watch it float across the water on windy days. We'd definitely recommend this flamingo." —zoso babe
Get one from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in a two-pack).
26. A crack weeder tool designed to get the whole root of the weed so you don't spend all your time trying to rip 'em out by hand just to break it off and make getting the entire thing nearly impossible. Say gooooodbye to those pesky plants growing up between the cracks in your concrete.
Promising review: "I've been searching for something to remove the weeds for a while and came across this amazing tool. Since I refuse to use chemicals in my yard, I've been left with scraped knuckles every time I attempt to remove weeds. The weeds have grown so tightly in the concrete cracks that I pretty much gave up; even weed-whacking it didn't help much. Yes, you do have to use a little bit of effort but the end result was so worth it!" —Shelley Arakaki
Get it from Amazon for $22.95.
27. A mini sprinkler pool for your kiddos (or you) to splash around in and cool off without having to dump what seems like two TONS of water out of a kiddie pool when the fun is over.
Several reviewers shared that this little pool kept their kids engaged for hours.
Promising review: "My kids love this. It is soo easy to plug the hose into and turn the water on and the kids can have hours of fun. Once the kids are done playing, I disconnect the hose, let the water drain, and hang it over the porch." —Austin
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three themes).
28. A scent-free mosquito repellent to help keep those ~bug~gers away without adding any smells or sounds to your relaxing vibes. Sometimes, you just wanna eat your freshly grilled burgers without worrying about getting eaten alive or having your whole meal flavored with citronella.
This device uses scent-free repellent mats and heat to diffuse the repellent and keep bugs away. You will get max protection in 15 minutes and a 15-foot radius will be included in that zone. The mats last up to four hours and will change color when they need to be changed. The fuel can last up to 12 hours. Grab some replacements here.
Promising review: "My husband bought this Thermacell Repeller so I would stop complaining. I still haven't stopped complaining (sorry, honey), but I have stopped flapping my gums about mosquitos. As long as we were outside around our home, I just wasn't getting a bite. It was miraculous and beautiful. Then, we went to a friend's house. Ouch. They were all over me again. It took me a while to realize (yeah, I'm a little slow) that the reason I wasn't getting bit at home was because my husband had lit the Thermacell each time we were outside. I honestly didn't even realize it was on and running. It doesn't make noise, doesn't product a smell, and doesn't really take up any room at all. Pretty dang amazing. Most everyone who visited this summer has purchased one. I advise you do the same if you're a mosquito magnet like me. It really is a game changer." —Becky C.
Get it from Amazon for $20.97+ (available in nine colors and two-packs).
29. A pretty seating set that'll transform a plain balcony or patio into a colorful oasis where you'll love spending time. It comes with two folding chairs and a table so you can sip coffee with your partner in the morning or cocktails with a friend in the evening.
Promising review: "So I have this tiny balcony for a studio apartment and I wanted something cute to fill up the space. This set is the most affordable and there were so many choices of colors. When I went for a walk around my apartment complex, I noticed some of the neighbors have the exact same set. Since my balcony is so small and I rarely have visitors, I only set up one of the chairs. I plan to get a small succulent next to decorate it." —Bunny
Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in six colors).
30. A floral-print hammock you're bound to use at least once a day. There's nothing better than laying on a hammock under the summer sun reading, napping, lounging, or just taking in the view. This is officially deemed as a backyard essential, so be sure to tell all your friends about it, too.
It also comes with a small pillow and carrying bag, in case you want to take it to the park or your next camping trip!
Promising review: "The hammock arrived quickly and in good shape. I was a little worried that it would be too big for my 9' hammock stand, but I was able to adjust the hooks on the stand to make it fit perfectly. There were no loose threads or rips, or stains that I could see. I love the pattern on the fabric, and the matching pillow. My boyfriend and I are able to spread out with plenty of room for both of us, and we were quickly able to master one of us getting in and out without dumping the person on the ground. It's been too cold and rainy here so I can't speak yet as to the durability, but it seems sturdy and I am looking forward to taking lots of naps in it this summer." —Jodzilla
Get it from Amazon for $98.89 (available in four other designs).
31. A lighted umbrella that will allow you to take control and stop letting the sunset dictate your plans. Keep enjoying that crisp summer air while you enjoy your dinner and great company (all while still actually being able to see).
Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!
Promising review: "I normally don’t like buying products like this sight unseen, but I’m very pleased with the look and especially with the solar lighting. We enjoyed a pleasant evening on the deck with just the right amount of ambient light tonight, and we are hopeful that it will prove to be durable." —Dee
Get it from Amazon for $72.99+ (available in 11 colors/patterns).
32. An adjustable mister you can attach to your hose to keep you cool while you lounge in your backyard. You may not have a private pool, but this will make you feel like you're living the most luxurious life.
The mister will cool the surrounding area by up to 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsical detail.
Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool most on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek
Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (also available in multi-packs).
33. A magnetic screen door so your pets and kiddos can come and go as they please without you having to get up every five minutes when they change their minds…again. This is also a great way to get a nice cool breeze inside without having to swat away a million mosquitoes.
This comes with Velcro so you can easily attach it to your door frame. There are also push pins if you want to make sure it's extra secure.
Promising review: "We got this screen so our dog can go in and out freely without letting the bugs in. At first, he wasn't quite sure about going through it; in fact, he scratched at it, signaling us to open it for him. But after a few training treats, he figured it out. Installation was so easy! The Velcro, fabric, and mesh all seem very good quality. I'm also happy that we can take down the screen in the winter and store it away easily, then just reattach it in the spring. Very happy with my purchase!" —Crystal K
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in four sizes).