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And honestly, it can. A comfortable outdoor sectional can turn an empty patio into a proper hangout spot, outdoor toys can keep the kids entertained while you sit down and relax for once, and details like privacy screens and window chimes can make the whole space feel a lot more... thoughtful? Intentional? Well designed? All of those? Yes! So, if your goal is to make your outdoor space feel a little more vacation-coded, these are the kind of tips and tricks that'll get you there.

Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates 

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes). 

Promising review: "Ok, so I absolutely LOVE this! So much so, I have bought two more for gifts, lol. They shine wonderful amounts of light. The whole unit is lightweight. Hangs well and blows nicely in the wind. I could watch it for hours... and have. I see more orders in my future." —Fairy girl

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in nine shapes).

SWOOC is a family-owned and operated small business that's been operating out of New Jersey since 1961. 

Promising review: "I bought this for the kids to play during cookouts. We have corn hole and other games as well, and I find myself playing this as much, if not more, than corn hole. Great quality, and it comes with a carrying bag to put away for easy storage and clean up." —Alan Rich 

Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "They arrive ready to go. I didn't realize they came with side trays, so that was a very happy surprise for me. We spend the evening outside with friends, very comfortably in our new chairs. They're good quality, seem sturdy, and I'm excited to sit outside a little more often because I have a comfy chair to do it in." —Elly

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in 23 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "We love this lounge chair!!! The price was fabulous!! (And just a note... If you take care of your things — i.e. cover up the swing with a tarp and bring the cushions in when not using it — It will stay like new. Sun and rain can age anything! Easy-peasy!!) This lounge swing is so comfortable and made very well!! It only took my hubby and I 25–30 minutes to put together. Take my word for it... you are not going to find a nicer lounge swing at this price!!" —Marash

Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in 16 colors).

Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were woven with wire that look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price, making putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, and they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S.

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in seven sizes and two colors).

Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down nor loosen up its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C. 

Be sure to read the ASPCA's hot weather safety tips for animals!

Promising review: "Comes in a relatively small box, no setup required. Drain at the bottom and folds up easily. So glad I bought this one. It's very sturdy. We bough the medium and our dogs are both around 40-50 pounds." —L. Buckland

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four sizes and colors).

Promising review: "I sprinkled it on my lawn expecting the usual patchy disappointment. Next thing I know, my yard is looking like it belongs on the cover of Better Homes & Gardens. The neighbors suddenly started waving at me, dogs come by just to roll in it, and I’m pretty sure my mailman lingers just to admire the turf. It grew so fast I half expected it to start paying rent. 10/10 would recommend — unless you like being the only person on the block without a golf course in front of your house." —Kayla Mom 

Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in five sizes). 

SWOOC Games is a small biz specializing in game sets, many of which are outdoor-safe.

Promising review: "Our family loves Yahtzee, but Yardzee was so much more fun! It is like a giant life-size game. It was so much fun to play outside as a family. We had ages 7–65 playing and enjoying the game. As a homeschooler, I also love that it sneaks in math and writing." —The Waldock Way

Get them from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in two dice sizes).

Promising review: "I cannot understand how something this size can possibly produce such amazing loud clear sound and bass. It is a truly incredible device that I intend to use daily because it works well outside too. Do not be deceived by the affordable price. It is significantly better than a $400 JBL. The battery life is great, too. If I want it loud, half the volume is all you need. If I want to blast my neighbors, 80%. I haven’t needed to push it further. The bass-up function is awesome. You’re gonna love this thing." —Rob and Piper

Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "These look great and work well. We used the mosquito repellent tiki torch fluid and are able to enjoy our backyard again. We have a table that seats six, so it's pretty standard. We put them evenly around the table and have no issues eating dinner or watching a movie (we have a projector) in our backyard. They also look nice when they're not lit, which my wife cares deeply about. She likes a certain aesthetic in the backyard, and half-burned citronella candles clash too much." —Devin N. Meyer

Promising review: "This patio furniture is great for the price. One of the better-known brands would sell a set like this for about $2,500–$3,000. It took a long time to put together by myself, but it was well worth the effort. My sister is on the market for patio furniture, and I recommended this set to her." —Ant Rico 

Get it from Amazon for $679.99+ (available in two colors and with or without arms on the side chairs).

Promising review: "Absolutely love this! I set it up on my front porch. When I came out after it was dark, when it had absorbed the sun, it was beautiful, and cast the shapes of hummingbirds on the ground. It’s the perfect size, shape, and brightness. I think it would also look really nice mounted on a stand-out in the garden! I recommend setting it out in an area that gets at least six hours of sun for the best brightness and lasting light at nighttime." —Cassidy Low

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in six designs).

Promising review: "As the sun sets and the evening breeze gently rustles through your garden, these lights come to life, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven." —April

Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in packs of two, four, six, eight, 10 and 12).

Promising review: "We've had this swing hanging in our tree out back for two years now. Our kids, and their friends, LOVE it. I love that it's large enough to accommodate a number of kids/people, and that it's held up so well over time. Would totally recommend." —Krystal

Promising review: "Great for my pool area. Pizzas are better fresh than bought. Fast, easy, and very, very hot! Love the style, and it's easy to use. Very Cool for BBQ people. We love it!" —Deanobambeano

Get it from Amazon for $128.60+ (available in two colors).

We've been seeing people's pets enjoying these all over TikTok! It is designed for kids ages 3–8.

Promising review: "Finally, a throne fit for my little royals! This toddler lounge chair has become an instant hit in our household. Its plush cushions provide the perfect cozy spot for my little one to relax, read, or even take a quick nap. The sturdy construction ensures durability, withstanding all the bouncing and playtime antics. Plus, its adorable design adds a touch of charm to any room. A must-have for any pint-sized monarch in training!" —Brittany

Get it from Amazon for $119.97+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I have two strings of this for my rooftop. They work so well and are so lovely. The dimming option is perfect, as these can be really bright." —Cinema4

Get a 100-ft string from Amazon for $56.99.

Promising review: "Hands down best bang for your buck — absolutely worth it! Quality is like one of those $250 ones, and this one is under $200. Go for it! Looks so much better than having a fridge outside on your patio for your cold beer/drinks." —Priscila Lapins

"Ice retention was great all night long, making our beverages cold ’til the next day. And size and color were just as listed. Overall, it’s nice." —Rob Huizar

Get it from Amazon for $152.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This thing is great and perfect to start off the spring/summer. We dumped a giant bag of ice in there and kept our drinks cold all afternoon. The swivel top is convenient and fun. Love that it’s a table and an aesthetically pleasing cooler." —Shana

Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in four colors and two styles).

Promising review: "These are great lights. We use them in our front and backyard. They are long-lasting and create a resort-like appearance." —Michele 

Get it from Amazon for $33.90+ (available in packs of four or eight).

Promising review: "Was looking for something to keep us busy and cool in our backyard. This is incredible, and my son (20 months) absolutely loves it! There's so much to keep us busy, from the ball toss to the misting slide. I even lay on it to sunbathe, and it was comfortable, lol. Really excited to use this for the summer and have people over to enjoy it with us!! If you’re on the fence, let this be your sign to buy! ☀️" —Ashley Edberg

Promising review: "These are so fun! I love taking them to the lake. They are a bit slippery, which can make shuffling hard, but worth it for the waterproof aspect. They are pretty durable!" —Abby Marsing

Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.

Promising review: "My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun, they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk (it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you want to hang them. They would be magical, hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." —J. Matheson

Get a set of four from Amazon for $59.96.

Promising review: "A cute, sturdy little bistro set at a great price. Open the package, and it's ready to go. The peacock blue is a beautiful color and a welcome addition for the garden." —Amazon Customer

"AMAZING!! Arrived well packaged and FULLY ASSEMBLED! So, so easy. And they look great - I am going for a Jardin du Luxembourg look for a Paris party, and they are perfect (the real ones are $1000 per chair!)." —Stephanie

Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in 19 colors).

Promising review: "I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend." —Kathi

Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (also available in 120-inch size).

You can get the hammock stand here and the canopy here!

What's included: One pillow, two chains, and two S-shaped hooks.

Promising review: "There is nothing more comfortable than being cradled and rocked in a hammock that is comfortable with its padded quilted canvas, built-in pillow, and the size built for two. The craftsmanship and anchors give you a secure feeling." —Just.Rob.Stone

Get it from Amazon for $69.89+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "Very fun for garden decor. Have held up nicely through summer rainstorms and continue to shine bright. Worked really well for a garden party." —Melissa 

Promising review: "Perfect for small apartment balconies. I originally had a table with two chairs, but that’s not comfortable. This fits perfectly in my space and doesn’t make it overcrowded. It isn’t heavy when you need to move it. So far so good. If you need something affordable, this is the choice." —Sarah T.

Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in four cushion colors).

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!" —Adazzle

Created by Nature is a small business based in Oregon that sells customized wildflower seed packets inspired by each of the National Parks and designed to give back to nature’s bounty.

Promising review: "Planted a handful of the seeds in our front lawn area. A few months later, we had a spectacular color array. Great flowers!" —Shane

Home Grown is a small business that sells heirloom seeds.

Promising review: "I planted them a few months ago, thinking that I could fit the entire bag in one little flower bed. I definitely fit the whole bag in, and these flowers grew to about three feet tall. Next year, I'm definitely going to space it out a little bit more, but it was amazing to see a dense, lush field of zinnias, and the bumblebees absolutely loved them. I frequently would find them taking a nap on top of the flower heads. Great addition to a pollination bed. Water at least every other day to keep them happy if it's not raining there. You will be amazed by how well they do." —Victoria

Promising review: "Its sturdy construction and classic design make it a standout piece for any patio. The robust cast-iron and steel frame ensure longevity, while the generous size accommodates comfortable seating. Elevate your outdoor space with this timeless and reliable garden bench." —Zhang_Shawn

Get it from Amazon for $134.99+ (available in eight colors and styles).

The corners of the sails have D rings, so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.

Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant and hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. The shade is wonderful, and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel complements our pool area, and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC Media

Get it from Amazon for $23.59+ (available in a variety of sizes and 12 colors/patterns).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

This piece is by Sally Elshorafa, the Home and Garden Editor at BuzzFeed Shopping, who’s written hundreds of stories about furniture, decor, cleaning, gardening, and home upgrades, all with one goal: to sift through the nonsense and surface what’s actually worth your money.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.