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Future You is going to be glad you bought the 15-foot umbrella with built-in lights.

It's spring now (even though you've still gotta keep some jackets in rotation), so that means it's sitting-outside season. Even if you have an outdoor setup you feel alright about, there are probably some pain points you'd like to improve. An umbrella that never seems to provide enough shade? Yep, we've got something for that. A deck that isn't quite big enough for a table, but you'd love some tabletop space? Dealt with! Read on for even more solutions you'll be glad you invested in early in the season so you can enjoy them for months and months!

Promising review: "This patio umbrella is very beautiful. It has many very nice colors for you to choose from. It's made from 100% polyester material that is very durable. The solar lights make it very unique, it is perfect for my backyard. The size is pretty big (15 feet) and can cover a large area to provide enough shade, it's great for you to enjoy the sunny days without worrying about sunburn. It is very easy to set it up. It is not very heavy and very stable with a sturdy base. I am very happy with this purchase." —Amy

It has three different brightness options so you can set *~the mood~* perfectly. It also requires AA batteries, so be sure to pick those up as well.

Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings, to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. We decided to try and play outside. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan

Promising review: "I love it! It’s perfect for my small apartment patio. A serious game changer. I leave it open all day, and my plants are doing well because of it! They don’t get scorched anymore. It also provides the perfect coverage to allow me to relax outside in the shade." —Natalie

Get it from Amazon for $33.09+ (available in two colors).

Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs.

Promising review: "These lights were perfect for my patio, I've recieved plenty of compliments so far. The Edison light bulbs and beautiful and offer the perfect amount of lighting for any occasion...the clips were ideal for my eaves, the overhang of the roof, which made for simple installation...now just need to find a dimmer capable of handling the required wattage and the package will be complete." —Brody Vins

Get a strand from Amazon for $15.78+ (available in six styles and lengths).

Consider stocking up on a two-pack of refills for $19.99.

Promising review: "I recently added this plug to my outdoor string lights, and it’s such a simple but great upgrade. It was super easy to install, just plugged right into the lights. We love to host in the summer and frequently grill out and have fires, so having something attached right to the lights to help keep mosquitoes away without having to think about it has been great. Also, love the remote! I like that I can just turn it on when we actually need it and not have it running all the time or feel like it's being wasted when were not out there. Overall, it just makes hanging outside a lot more enjoyable without adding any extra effort." —Piper

Promising review: "I bought this so my puppies could traverse to/from their backyard pen area...and keep flying insects out. It is AWESOME! The puppies figured out quickly that they could go through the screen — the screen snapped back into a closed state immediately after they got through the opening. If only all things in life could be solved this easily!" —Lynette S Quigley

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

This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against wetness.

Promising review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air in hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night around the fire pit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected of a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it’s not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —Bigdad

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

Psst, this operates with Thermacell-branded cartridges. 

Promising review: "I live near water and have animals = I get bugs. With one of these placed at each of my doors or windows outside = I get no flying bugs inside. Finally. During winter, truly no flies inside. During summer, an occasional fly/mosquito slips through the circumference. Overall, it saved me one summer when we were getting 10 mosquito bites a day. After I started using this, no mosquito bites! (Dogs do not even notice its existence.)" —Christine D.

Promising review: "This product works well on outside tables to keep flies off of your food. We used it just last night, and it's lightweight and a great size. No assembling required; just add batteries." —SmileyReviews

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four colors).

This fits umbrellas as large as 10 feet. Also, check out a net option for umbrellas up to 15 feet wide.

Promising review: "Overall, very sturdy once you put the water on the bottom, you can fit it to your base size. It protects the whole seating area wonderfully, definitely worth the money. The size is perfect, easy installation." —Christian Delvento

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (also available with built-in lights).

The net isn't removable but if you choose not to use it, you can flip it to the underside while in use.

Promising review: "We recently took two of these camping and they worked well. Hammock sleeping takes some getting used to. They are initially comfy but, depending on how you set it up, your legs can end up high which caused me to wake up a few times to adjust my sleeping position. The mosquito netting is a great add. Be careful getting into the hammock as one of the lines we used to hold up the netting was caught in our hand and snapped when the full weight of your body was applied. It's not really a product flaw, you just have to make sure you are only putting your weight on the sleeping surface and not the netting when getting in. Common sense really, just something to watch for." —Tony

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in 10 color combos).

Promising review: "It zapped all kinds of bugs, which made it so much easier to play around the pool and the yard in the evenings, especially when friends and family were over. I highly recommend it." —Donna 

Promising review: "These lights were just the thing to finish off our new yard and show pathway edges during the night. Worked right out of the box but I charged for a day in the sun before placing them. Work great and very happy with them." —Joseph H.

Get eight from Amazon for $39.98+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "Where I live, it’s so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don’t fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —Brooke

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in warm or cool white light and six pack sizes).

Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in 6 sizes and 13 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

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 a roll from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three roll sizes).

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 weaved with wire that look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make 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, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S.

Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in seven sizes and two colors).

Promising review: "This faux mulch border was just what I was looking for. I wanted something simple (not elaborate) to keep my bark in place. It looks good and now I need to order more : )" —Eva

Get a 1'' H X 120'' W X 4.5'' D roll from Wayfair for $34.95 (also available in a tree ring or pathway).

Promising review: "Planted succulents in each one and hung off my white fence in backyard. Looks great." —Truggi

The planters are sold separately, and I recommend either this pack of white ones or this pack of multicolored ones.

Promising review: "I have a small balcony with two entrances, so not a lot of available floor space. By making a vertical garden, I can have my fresh herbs without taking up valuable real estate. It goes on a wall by the door that wouldn't have been used otherwise. Plus, it looks so pretty! It was very easy to install. With the addition of the hanging planters (sold separately), I love that I can easily take my herbs down to water them or bring them into my kitchen to cook with." —Luna

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in 13 sizes).

Promising review: "Leaving mine out, so I did use landscape fabric and pea gravel under it. It keeps dogs from tracking in mud when it rains and from trampling my plants. Sturdy and convenient! I bought a second one. I love it so much." —Kindle Customer

Get an 8-foot path from Amazon for $79.89.

Promising review: "Good quality. Easy to assemble. Parts are individually bagged and labeled. Holds two 32-gallon round barrels — which is what I wanted it for. Very compact, which was a factor for where i had to put it." —Joe in Brooklyn

Get it from Amazon for $228.78+ (available in nine colors). Also check out a similar shed in several sizes to find the right one to fit your space and needs.

Promising review: "Great product! I bought it for my backyard picnic table. I think the table and bench covers are well made for the price I paid." —Maria

Get it from Amazon for $19.94+ (available in two sizes eight patterns).

FYI, this includes a spreader bar for easy setup and can hold up to 450 pounds.

Promising review: "This hammock is much more comfortable than any of those that we’ve had in the past. It looks great in the yard and is very comfortable and soft." —D

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

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, and eight).

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

Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in three colors).

Pick up a sturdy rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it! 

Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara Bushendorf

Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 16 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: "I wanted to wait until the grass had a chance to grow before leaving my review, and I’m very pleased! The germination rate was quick, the grass came in thick and healthy, and it’s already looking great in my yard. Easy to plant, grows strong, and definitely worth it. Highly recommend if you want reliable results!" —Richard lademan

Get it from Amazon for $23.67 (also available in two other bag sizes).

Promising review: "Perfect for our patio. Easy to clean and feels great on feet!!" —JS

Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in three sizes and three colors).

Promising review: "Cute and useful. It really does give a little privacy, it looks great with some plastic vines hanging on it." —Megan

Promising review: "I ordered speakers that were waterproof and could sit outside and I’m so glad I found these. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy, and as for battery life not sure cause I just received and haven’t had them a month. So far so good, and I’m satisfied with purchase." —applefir

Get a set of two from Amazon for $79.99. 

Tiki Toss is a small business that took a classic hook and ring game to the next level by creating several unique ways to play it. 

Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing Tiki Toss. So simple and so fun. Quality and design of product is fantastic. Also makes a great gift." —jzek

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and three styles).

Promising review: "This product is sturdy, easy to assemble, and very nice decor. It has many uses as a table or cooler. Well made, looks nice. Highly recommend for outdoor cooler and table combination." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $66.82+ (available in graphite or brown).

Promising review: "Used it for a party that a neighbor has catered so no food needed, but I never go to someone's house without bringing something. This was a hit, and a few people at the party were adding it to their Amazon cart at the party," —signs

Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in nine colors and in 3- or 6-gallon sizes). 

SWOOC is a small business based in Florida that makes outdoor games. 

Promising review: "This Giant Tower Game is great for family game night, outdoor activities, and picnics/parties! The blocks of wood are beautifully cut and stained, and store neatly in the equally beautiful crate that also serves as the game base. The game is fun to play, and can easily reach the three-foot height as the game nears an end. My only word of caution is to wear shoes and watch out for tiny feet when the blocks fall, since they are sturdy and durable. If you have kids, the game doubles as a really cool building blocks set, too! This game would make a great gift for anyone who loves games or loves to host parties!" —LexieLooDylan2

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).

Pure Wood Design is a small business based in Turkey that makes wooden bar top tables.

Promising review: "This table got to me so fast! I needed something small for my tiny patio just to set my coffee on while I sit on my swing chair in the morning. The quality is incredible. The wood finish is so smooth and beautiful, and assembly was so easy!" —Logan

Get it from Pure Wood Design for $75.46+ (available in 10 colors and over 20 sizes).

Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets.

Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes).

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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.

Elizabeth Lilly is a deputy editorial director with more than a decade of lifestyle journalism spanning a range of subjects under her (tool) belt that includes four and a half years at a home improvement magazine. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.