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I’m the Home and Garden Editor at BuzzFeed, where I write articles that connect readers with the products, ideas, and trends that help make a house feel like home.

The best backyard sessions are not about pretending your yard is precious. They're about making the space feel like it's *the* place to be on lazy afternoons and long weekends. 

Promising review: "These disposable wineglasses definitely exceeded my expectations. I purchased them for a Labor Day weekend wine party. Everyone commented on how nice they were. They are very clear and quite sturdy. I ended up washing them to reuse because they held up so well. They even snap together in a stack, which would be nice for travel or just to keep them from blowing around outside. I would highly recommend these for a party or outdoor festival, picnic, tailgate, whatever." —Kimberly A

Champion Sports 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: "Wow. These turned out way better than I expected. Super impressed. So easy. Great investment. Worth every penny. Getchu sum." —Jessica

Promising review: "I have had this pool for about two weeks now, and I LOVE IT!!! Was simple to set up; I got a little electric pump, and it took about 10 minutes to inflate, then about half an hour to fill with water. Pay attention to make sure you set it up on level ground, or it will be lopsided. I live in South Carolina, so it is already hot and humid, and I use it about every afternoon. It is probably good for two adults, maybe one adult and a couple of kids. The built-in seat and headrest are really quite comfy and relaxing. I will definitely buy this same pool again if it springs a leak and can't be fixed. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!" —kathryn j.

Promising review: "These playing cards are a HIT. I take them out with me for social events and when visiting people, even to the beach. We just play and play. So you can get them wet, and they won't soggy up and tear. It just becomes a little hard to shuffle. It is so cool that they look like you can see right straight through them, but you can't." —Tabitha

Get them from Amazon for $5.99 (folks also love this Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza waterproof card game, too!). 

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 $99.99+ (available in three colors).

Tiki Toss is a small business that specializes in family-friendly games for home and outdoor use. 

Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing. So simple and so fun. The product's quality and design are fantastic. Also makes a great gift." —jzek

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

Promising review: "These are beautiful, and I love how easy it is to put in my garden. Solar lights work very well, and I like seeing how the lights sway when there's a gentle wind blowing. Nice garden accents." —Mike Lucero

Get it from Amazon for $11.39+ (available in packs of two, four, six, eight, and 10).

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 laid 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: "I installed it, and owls that had been roosting in the branches of the same tree, moved into this owl box the very next day." —Dwayne

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes).

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: "I have had these outside for almost one year. They stayed up all winter and still work great. Light is a nice, warm color and not blinding, but it still provides enough light to see. Lights came with replacement bulbs, but have not had to replace any yet." —crystal hoke

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in eight lengths).

Promising review: "Really love how simple and easy this puts together. Hold my husband and me together for movie yard time. Love the pillow it came with. Durable. I love falling asleep on this in the rain." —Maribel

Get it from Amazon for $75.89+ (available in 20 colors)

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 $54.99.

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 three colors).

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: "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 me 25–30 minutes to put it 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 12 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 $99.94+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "Adds a lot of visual interest for very little money." —Karen N.

"Absolutely LOVE this outdoor rug. It gives my deck the updated outdoor-living-space vibe I wanted. It's padded enough that I can comfortably walk on it barefoot. It's also great because if my dogs trot across it with muddy paws, all I have to do is get the hose out and spray it off — good as new! I spend many mornings, afternoons, and evenings in this space, and I can say this rug helps make my outdoor living space feel like my zen-zone." —Kela

Get it from Amazon for $24.39+ (available in six sizes and 16 patterns and colors).

Promising review: "The perfect addition to our patio table! Super easy to open, and the LED lights are the perfect touch at night. Easy to tilt and is pretty sturdy in the wind." —Katie Maguire

Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in 51 colors).

Make sure you get a fertilizer spreader to use this!

Promising review: "This product works. Our lawn was yellow and brown. We followed the instructions to the letter. Watered the lawn after application. After the third day, our neighbors noticed how green the lawn was. Happy to have purchased this product, and we bought another bag for the spring project." —dilimanqc

"I have been using this fertilizer for the past four years; has not burned the lawn, has a quick green up within couple of days. Proud of the way it makes my lawn look. I highly recommend." —hellbent

Get it from Amazon for $23.27+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "A major element in my decision to purchase this set was its low maintenance requirements. I've dealt with metal sets that eventually corroded and wood sets that required staining every season. Although it cost more than I had initially hoped for, I reasoned that you usually get what you pay for and that I wanted something that would satisfy me in the long run. 

It functions as intended, and ultimately, I believe it was worth the money. The set arrived in various boxes on different days. All things considered, I believe it's strong, looks well on the patio, and should last a long time with proper maintenance." —Kelli

Get it from Amazon for $569.99+ (available in five colors and several configurations and sizes).

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 loosening 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 I highly recommend it!" —C.C. 

Promising review: "I am extremely impressed with these ferns!!! Very life-like. Do not look fake! They are full and lush. Color is realistic! They are a wow!!" —mkg

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three sizes and a pack of one or a set of two).

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 $726.99+ (available in two colors and with or without arms on the side chairs).

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: "This set was just what I needed to add a pop of color to my porch. It seems sturdy and tolerant of extreme weather conditions. My friends and neighbors love the bright yellow." —Judith J. 

Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in five colors). 

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 $53.79+ (available in packs of four or eight).

Promising review: "I am pleased with this product so far. The cushions are comfy, and it's a good height for sitting. Assembly was easy and didn't take long. I can't wait to enjoy more days on my porch with this set." —Kathrin Kimmons

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

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 compliments our pool area, and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC Media

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns).

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: "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 

HBeeFire is a small business based in Toronto, Canada that makes metal firepits.

Promising review: "It’s exactly as described, beautiful quality, and great communication from the seller. Super happy with this firepit. It works really well and is so unique :)" —Gabrielle ONeill

Get it from HBeeFire on Etsy for $198.10.

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

Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas. 

Check out a TikTok of the umbrella in action. 

Promising review: "This is exactly what we were looking for! An umbrella that's not only sturdy but easy to carry (comes with a backpack carrier), easy to set up, and provides excellent protection from the sun. It’s perfect for casual sunbathing in your backyard or a full day at the beach. Highly recommend!" —Sheila

Get it from Amazon for $143+ (available in six colors). 

Note: It has three different brightness settings and requires AA batteries.

Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings to adjust the amount of brightness you need. The lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. The 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

*  If A Home Garden Has Been On Your Mind A Lot Recently, Here Are 30 Things To Get You Started

*  Ways To Create An Outdoor Oasis Worthy Of Its Own Magazine Spread

* Things Under $50 That’ll Help You Make Your Backyard Your Own Personal Oasis

* Cheap Summer Upgrades That’ll Make Your Home And Yard Way More Fun To Be In

* If You’re A Beginner Gardener, Here Are 27 Products To Help You Care For Your Plants

Plus, finds from Ikea, Lowe's, Walmart, and Wayfair.

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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.