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Vacation behavior without vacation logistics.

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.

Not renovated, not professionally landscaped, not a money pit. Just comfortable enough, pretty enough, and fun enough that stepping outside starts to feel like a small event. 

These finds bring that vacation-adjacent feeling home without requiring vacation-adjacent spending. Think a pool lounge chair for claiming your preferred sunning position, an outdoor game for giving guests something to do besides politely admiring the flowers, and enough lighting, seating, shade, and charming extras to make your yard feel like it has its own check-in time. 

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 $22.79+ (available in eight lengths).

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 $24.99+ (available in six sizes and 16 patterns and colors).

Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one.

Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The crank works well, and the tilt is easy to do." —Danielle

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).

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. 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 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: "These plant supports each consist of two semi-circles that fit together to encircle the plant. I have two snake plants that are getting taller and need support. These plant stakes are working perfectly. They can easily be inserted into the soil to the desired height, and the green color obscures their appearance. My plants look prettier and stronger now that they are standing tall." —A.Consumer

Promising review: "I purchased the rose colored chimes. I've been outside daily, working on the yard. Yesterday, I noticed a feeling of calm as a small storm moved in. It was the chimes, without noticing, they played in the background and moved me into a relaxed state." —Pegi

Get it from Amazon for $24.79+ (available in seven colors and three sizes).

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 

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 $24.64+ (available in three sizes and a pack of one or a set of two).

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

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 $14.99+ (available in four sizes and 10 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: "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).

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

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: "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 $494.99+ (available in five colors and several configurations and 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 $59.99+ (available in 51 colors).

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 $69.99+ (available in 17 colors).

Raw Rutes is a small business based in Buffalo, NY, that makes metal yard art.

Promising review: "Absolutely gorgeous garden art!! Rustic style and Fern cutouts add tremendous interest. Try to place in garden locations that have lush plantings such as hostas or yucca plants, or even ferns to really add to the dynamics!!" —Kathleen Bannerman

Get it from Raw Rutes on Etsy for $125+ (available in three 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 $79.99+ (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 $26.99+ (available in six designs).

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: "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: "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: "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 $259.99+ (available in eight colors).

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 umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design. It is a higher-end umbrella, but still slightly less expensive than the other big-name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stay standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it. The company's customer service was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" —Taryn

Get it from Amazon for $143.66+ (available in five styles).

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.