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These picks will clock in while you clock out.

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.

Luckily, there are plenty of clever products that can help your space pull its own weight. 

From a mosquito repeller to a cooler that keeps drinks within arm's reach to ambient lighting, a misting system, and an outdoor speaker, these picks are here to make your yard feel more useful, more fun, and a whole lot less like another chore on your list. Basically, they'll help you stay cool, keep the bugs away, and enjoy your backyard without having to hover over it like a very sweaty project manager.  

Promising review: "These lights are incredibly stylish, and absolutely worth every penny. The lights really stand out, and I’ve gotten so many compliments already! They offer exceptional quality and ease of use, a rare combination. I'm so impressed. Highly recommend!" —Joanne Alladin

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six 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: "These cushion covers are very nice. They transformed our furniture into a totally new look. They fit tight and look really good." —Amazon Customer

"We live in Florida...our patio set was looking worn. Gave the frame a fresh coat of paint and added these covers, and it looks brand new. The covers are like giant shower caps, and they stretched to fit all the cushions (4 different shapes). So soft. I'm very pleased. Hope the hold up well." —Kathy Weaver

Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in 49 patterns and three set sizes).

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).

Woodland Steel Works is a family-owned small business based in Woodstock, Georgia, that makes wooden decor for the home and garden.

Promising review: "Fits some of my bigger cups and glasses and gives me a place to put a little Bluetooth speaker. All I needed. Can't ask for more than that!" —Paul Boyé

Get it from Woodland Steel Works on Etsy for $63 (available with or without engraving). 

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+ (also available in a 120-inch size).

Backyard Expressions is a family-owned small business in Huntington Beach, California that sells outdoor furniture and decor. 

Promising review: "This was easy to use. The wood is rustic and what I would call a carpenter's cut (rough cut). Easy to assemble. Great conversation starter." —Paul H.

Get it from Amazon for $68.63+ (available in two styles).

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).

Promising review: "AWESOME CLOCK!!! Installed on our deck, and the illumination is wonderful, and the size is just perfect. Keep in mind that it weighs 6lbs. so use the appropriate hanger for this one. We have acreage and can see it from one of our fences. We love that it illuminates on its own (on the 4-hour setting) when it starts to get dark, but turns off after 4 hours to conserve battery life. We highly recommend this clock. —Debra Smith

Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three styles).

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: "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 $89.99 (available in three colors).

The mister will cool the surrounding area by 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 mist 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

Promising review: "I love spending time outside, and we entertain on our patio, too. But when it's over 100 degrees outside, nobody feels like visiting. Until now!! I bought one and liked it so much I ordered another to cover both patios. They lower the temps to a more moderate level in just moments and don't use 100 gallons of water doing it! They're easy to put up and take down, and come with convenient hanging hooks! I read the reviews people wrote about the heads getting stopped up, and they WILL, but as a plumber, I'll tell you a trick to keeping them working like new: vinegar. Just remove the heads and soak them in a little straight vinegar, then use a small bristle brush like a toothbrush or nail brush, rinse them off, and replace them in the mister tubing, and they should be like brand new." —Sonya Combs

Get it from Amazon for $16.96+ (available in several pack 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 $20.39+ (available in six sizes and 16 patterns and colors).

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 on hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —Bigdad

Get it from Amazon for $119+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "This is by far one of the best Amazon purchases I have made, probably in my entire life. I am in love with my chair. It’s like sitting in a very luxurious cocoon. This thing is sturdy. I am not a small person, but even I can sit comfortably every which way in this beast of a chair. It is huge, plush, comfy, and, not to mention, absolutely gorgeous. It is truly great quality and well-made. I don’t have a single complaint, and I’m so glad I decided to get it." —Kali Lancaster

Get it from Amazon for $299.99+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "These outdoor inserts were perfect for my outdoor pillow covers. They have stayed in great shape through the summer heat and rain!! Great product!" —AMH

"These are excellent! Even though these had been vacuum-sealed, I could tell they had more fill in them. They included instructions on how to fluff up. I do not have dryer balls, so I put my dryer on steam and medium heat, and WOW, they doubled in size and are extremely full! I had to really lean on them to get them into my pillowcase! Highly recommend." —the bee lady

Get it from Amazon for $13.67+ (available in 16 sizes). 

Promising review: "These covers are so so pretty!! The quality of material is excellent, and the pattern and color are the perfect 'pop' of color on my deck. Paired with my aqua Adirondack chairs and pink geraniums, they’ve got my deck on point! The zipper is great quality, and they fit a 20x20 pillow perfectly — just the right amount of poof!

I have bought other covers in this brand and have been very happy with the quality. These covers will NOT disappoint. A great buy!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four sizes and 10 colors).

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: "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.

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in six styles).

Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are of very high quality and let in a lot of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog Tailor

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).

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: "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 $28.97+ (available in six designs).

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 $539.99+ (available in five colors and several configurations and sizes).

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: "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 $74.99+ (available in 20 colors)

Promising review: "These chairs are very sturdy and comfortable. They are not too wide, and the back tilt is just right. You can lean back into it but you are not struggling to get out of it. They are easy to clean. They were easy to assemble and they look good." —A L

Get it from Amazon for $85.99+ (available in 16 colors and quantities of one, two, and four). There's a matching footstool and side table. 

Promising review: "This solar moon outdoor stake is so pretty and super easy to put together! I love the crackle design on the globe — it adds so many cool shadows to my yard. The light is nice and bright, lasts all night (around 8–10 hours), and still works great even after it rains. I’m really happy with it — definitely worth it if you want something cute to show off in your yard." —Tory

Promising review: "This is my favorite thing I purchased in 2022. I researched for a long time before getting this. The quality didn’t disappoint. It’s sturdy, and the amount of comfort is ridiculous. I can sit, lounge, bounce, and swing all in multiple directions. Seriously, my happy place. I even eat lunch from my swing. It was accidentally left uncovered in a downpour. I thought my cushion might get spotted stains, but it dried beautifully. I highly recommend this. The base is sturdier than the others. I’m not lightweight, and the minimum bearing weight was questionable on many other chairs. I haven’t worried about the quality even when swinging." —Jennifer Lopez

Get it from Amazon for $199.98+ (available in 14 colors).

Kozyard is a small business in California and New Jersey that sells outdoor furniture for the home.

Promising review: "I must admit that I read so many reviews on a million different sites for the perfect pool chairs. I did not want to spend $600 a chair, and I wanted to get some that would last, as most chair reviewers said they had to replace their wicker/rattan chairs every one to two years. After finally deciding on these for the resort-style look, I bit the bullet and bought six of them. We are very impressed. The real test was using them for days at a time — they did not disappoint! Very comfortable on your back or stomach and easy to adjust at multiple levels. I believe I am going to order two more! Order these....you won't be disappointed." —Renee Byars

Get it from Amazon for $157.06+ (available in 10 colors, with or without a side table, and sets of two).

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 $47.98+ (available in three light colors and packs of four, six, or eight).

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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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.