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60 Clever, Cheap Things That Make Hanging Out In Your Home & Backyard Way Better

From inside to out, these cheap finds give a total glow-up.

by Rebecca Martinson
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

You don’t need to spend tons of cash to make your home look good. Sometimes surprisingly cheap things — like adding solar lights to your garden — are all it takes to upgrade your space. So if you’re looking for affordable glow-ups you’ve come to the right place, as I’ve scoured Amazon for all sorts of clever things that make hanging out in your home and backyard way better, all without breaking the bank.

01Railing Flower Pots That Come In 3 Finishes

Decorate your outdoor railings by hanging these flower pots on them. Two hooks in the back make installation a total cakewalk — and since they’re made from sturdy iron, there’s no need to worry about how they’ll hold up from season to season. Choose from three finishes: black, green, or white.

02Decorative River Rocks That Elevate Your Landscape

Whether you’re doing some outdoor landscaping or looking for fun ways to decorate your potted plants, these river rocks are a must-have. Their shiny, polished surface makes them stand out from the other stones in your garden, giving them an oh-so appealing look. One reviewer wrote, “They work fabulous and make our backyard landscaping look professional.”

03A Unique Planter For Indoor & Outdoor Use

Adding pops of green throughout your home is an easy way to make it feel inviting, so why not grab this planter? The human-like design makes it stand out from the other planters you can find in stores — and since it’s made from durable resin, you can just as easily use it outside as you can indoors. Choose from two colors: orange or white.

04The Stylish Sun Shade That Comes In 13 Colors

Unlike some sun shades, this one is made from permeable material that allows water to pass through, eliminating the need to empty it out after a rainy day. The fabric is also UV- as well as wind-resistant — and stainless steel D-rings at every corner make it easy to hang up. Choose from 13 colors: blue, dark green, scarlet, and more.

05A Bright Patio Umbrella Light That’s Completely Cordless

You don’t have to stop using your picnic table just because the sun has gone down. Enter: this umbrella light. The LED bulbs are ultra-bright, though you can also dim them up to three levels if needed. It only needs four AA batteries (which are not included) to deliver hours’ worth of light — and the sturdy clamp built into the center makes installation a total breeze.

06A Lamp That Lets You Enjoy Scented Candles Without Flame

Place a scented candle underneath this warming lamp, and the ultra-strong halogen bulb will gradually melt the wax, allowing you to enjoy its scent without the risk of having an open flame inside your home. The best part? You can adjust its height to fit smaller or larger candles as needed.

07The Outdoor Power Strip Timer With A Handy Timer Feature

Plug your patio string lights into this outdoor power strip, and you’ll be able to put them on a timer so that they automatically turn themselves on and off. The waterproof design helps keep it in good working order from season to season, the 6-foot power cable makes it easy to use with distant outlets, and it’s backed by more than 3,500 perfect ratings.

08Colorful Bracelets That Help Keep Mosquitos At Bay

Don’t spritz yourself down with all that bug spray. Instead, wear one of these bracelets to help keep mosquitos at bay. They’re completely DEET-free, instead relying on a blend of geraniol, lemongrass, and citronella oil to repel mosquitos. Plus, each bracelet is wrapped individually to help preserve its freshness.

09This Divided Serving Tray With A Handy Carry Lid

Fruits, dips, chips — this serving tray is great for all sorts of snacks. All six compartments are removable, making it easy to clean as well as fill up with whatever snacks you like. Plus, the lid even features flip-up handles so that it’s easy to carry around.

10Solar-Powered Fence Lights That Light Up In 7 Colors

Brighten up your deck or balcony with help from these fence lights. A solar panel built into the top of each one keeps them lit for up to 10 hours at night — and you can even switch them between seven different colors, including blue, purple, red, and more. “Easy to install and bright, they made our railing on our deck easy to see at night,” wrote one reviewer.

11A Ring Toss Yard Game That’s Fun For All Ages

Whether you’re five or 55, you’re sure to have fun playing this ring toss game. The rules are simple: whoever manages to toss the highest number of their colored rings onto the poles, wins. And since a travel case comes included, taking it with you to beach days, backyard BBQs, or nearly anywhere else should be no problem.

12A Couch Cup Holder Tray With Multiple Compartments

Snacks, television remotes, drinks — this cup holder tray has room for all of them and more. The wide base helps keep it from tipping over, making it great for placing on your bed or couch when trying to relax. Plus, the frame is even made from real acacia wood rather than plastic.

13This Handy Extender That Adds 5 Outlets & 4 USB Ports

Need some extra space to plug in gadgets? Enter: this outlet extender. It adds three plugs, three USB ports, as well as one type-C port to any standard wall outlet — all while built-in surge protection works to protect your electronics from sudden power spikes. Choose from three colors: white, black, or gray.

14Wine Glasses Made From Unbreakable Stainless Steel

Not only are these wine glasses made from shatterproof stainless steel, but their insulated walls also help keep your reds and whites at their ideal temperature. The best part? Each one comes with a matching slider lid to help prevent spills. Choose from two colors: blue or white/black.

15The Mini Dustpan Set That Helps You Quickly Tidy

Every home needs at least one dustpan set, so why not grab this one? Its compact size takes up hardly any space, making it easy to stash inside closets, cabinets, and more. Plus, the brush handle is even made from sleek bamboo — not plastic.

16A Plush Bathroom Rug That Won’t Slide Around

Step off of that cold bathroom floor and onto this plush rug. The chenille fibers feel oh-so soft underfoot — and sine they dry quickly when wet, they’re also less likely to develop mildew over time. Plus, the nonslip underside helps keep it from shifting around on smooth floors.

17The LED Candle That Helps Repel Mosquitos

It only takes a few mosquito bites to ruin your time spent outdoors. Enter: this LED candle. Not only does it feature a citronella scent to help repel mosquitos, but the handle on the top means you can also use it as a lantern in a pinch. The best part? With a burn time of up to 25 hours, you won’t have to buy a new one anytime soon.

18The Flameless Campfire That Lets You Cook S’mores Wherever You Want

You don’t need a roaring campfire if you’re in the mood to make s’mores. Enter: this flameless version. It produces ultra-hot air that can get your marshmallows a deliciously golden shade, while compartments around the base give you somewhere to store graham crackers, chocolate, and more. Each order also includes two roasting forks to get you started.

19The Unique Metal & Glass Vase In An Artful Cat Shape

Don’t be surprised if friends ask where you found this vase. It’s designed to look like the metal cat is holding the flowers inside the glass vase — and the wide base even helps keep it from tipping over. Or, if you don’t purchase fresh flowers very often, you can also use it to propagate trimmings from pothos, basil, and other plants.

20This Outdoor Smart Outlet That Doesn’t Require An Additional Hub

Unlike some outdoor smart outlets, this one doesn’t require you to purchase an additional hub in order to get it up and running. The downloadable smartphone app also lets you turn all three outlets on/off, as well as put them on a schedule using your phone — no need to get up from the couch. “I also love how durable this smart plug is,” wrote one reviewer. “With IP44 weatherproofing, it has held up through some rainy and windy weather without any issues.”

21The Cordless Lamp That Doubles As A Flower Vase

Add a chic touch to any flower bouquet by placing it inside this lamp. Not only does it light up the flowers, but the faux gold base also makes it look more expensive than it is. The best part? The battery lasts for up to three hours before it needs to be recharged.

22This Waterproof Beach Blanket That Won’t Latch Onto Sand

Don’t forget to pack this blanket for your next beach day. You can anchor it down by filling the small pockets at every corner with sand, though each order also includes anchor stakes if you prefer. The nylon material is also sandproof as well as waterproof — so there’s no need to worry about it tracking mess from the beach into your car.

23A Glowing Garden Turtle With Over 10,000 5-Star Reviews

Looking for cute ways to decorate your garden? Search no further than this little turtle. A built-in solar panel absorbs light during the day so that the faux succulents on its back light up at night — and they’ll even stay lit for up to a full 10 hours. “It adds the perfect touch of charm to my garden,” raved one reviewer. “The design is incredibly detailed, and the succulents on its back look so realistic.”

24Easy-To-Install Outdoor Stair Lights That Add A Chic Touch

Don’t risk tripping on those outdoor steps once the sun has gone down. Instead, grab these stairway lights. There’s no hardwiring required during installation, as each one is powered by a built-in solar panel that keeps it lit for up to eight hours at night. Plus, the waterproof design means there’s no need to worry about how they’ll fare come rain or shine.

25This Countertop Wine Rack That Holds Up To 9 Bottles

Storing wine bottles upright on your counter looks alright — though this rack is sure to look way better. Not only is there enough space for it to hold up to nine bottles, but the stainless steel frame is also resistant to rust. Choose from two finishes: gold or black.

26The Wireless Shade That Transforms Bottles Into Lamps

Got a bunch of empty wine or liquor bottles in your recycling bin? Consider transforming them into a cute lamp by popping this shade on top. A rechargeable battery built into the shade means there’s no need to use it near an outlet. Plus, you can even adjust the brightness up to three levels simply by pressing a button on the top of the shade.

27The Spray That Helps Keep Outdoor Furniture Looking Its Best

Regularly spritz your outdoor furniture with this spray, and its water- and UV-resistant formula can help keep the upholstery looking good over time. It works just as well on leather as it does on polyester or suede. And unlike some sprays, this one dries without leaving behind any unwanted odors.

28A Draft Stopper That Helps Regulate Indoor Temperature

A drafty door can lead to high energy bills, making this stopper a smart investment. Installation is as easy as peeling off the adhesive backing, then pressing it right into place on your door — no tools required. And with four shades to choose from (white, black, gray, or brown), you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that matches your door.

29This Outdoor Rug That Comes In 8 Stylish Colors

Can’t quite figure out what your patio is missing? The answer could be as simple as putting down this rug. It’s made from durable polypropylene that’s built to withstand outdoor use — and a protective UV coating works to keep it looking good from season to season. Choose from eight colors: beige, black, turquoise, and more.

30LED Candles With Bulbs That Flicker Like Flames

The cost of always having to buy new candles quickly adds up. Instead, upgrade to these LED ones. The bulbs flicker just like real flames, giving them an oh-so realistic look — even when up close. Plus, each one only needs two AA batteries (which are not included) in order to deliver hours’ worth of light.

31Handy Table Fans That Help Keep Flies Off Food

Place these fans on your outdoor dining table, and their rotating blades can help keep flies from landing on your food when dining outside. Each fan only needs two AA batteries (which are not included) in order to get up and running. And if you happen to touch a fan blade as it’s spinning? Not a problem, as they’re made from soft material that won’t hurt your hand.

32A Silicone Craft Mat That Helps Keep Mess To A Minimum

Crafting is a great way to blow off steam, so why not take a look at this mat? It features space to hold paints, water, safety pins, or nearly any other crafting material you like. Raised edges around the sides help keep your items from falling off — and the silicone frame easily rinses clean under running water.

33Adhesive LED Lights That Transform Mirrors Into Hollywood Vanities

Doing your makeup in poor lighting can easily lead to unwanted results. Luckily, these LED lights are an easy fix. Their adhesive backing lets you press them right into place on your mirror, transforming it into a Hollywood-style vanity within just a few short minutes. The best part? A switch built into the power cable lets you dim their brightness by up to 10 levels.

34Waterproof Throw Pillow Covers In Dozens Of Colors

No patio lounger is complete without at least a few throw pillows, so why not take a look at these covers? They’re made from waterproof polyester that’s built to hold up from season to season. And with dozens of colors to choose from, don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to grab more than a few pairs.

35Outdoor Curtains That Help Keep Your Patio Cooler

Hang up these curtains around your patio, and they’ll help block the sun’s harsh UV rays in order to keep the space feeling comfortably cool. They’re made from tough, waterproof polyester — so there’s no need to take them down when it starts to rain. But if that isn’t enough? They also come in 13 colors, including yellow, teal, red, and more.

36Solar-Powered Lanterns With A Farmhouse Vibe

Light up your balcony or patio by hanging up these lanterns. A solar panel built into the top of each one keeps them lit for up to 12 hours at night. And since they’re weather- and corrosion-resistant, there’s no need to worry about how they’ll fare come rain or shine.

37Extra-Long Campfire Tongs Made From Tough Steel

Give your campfire a good poking with help from these tongs. At 26 inches in length, they’re just long enough to keep you at a safe distance from your campfire — and the tough steel frame is built to hold up over time. “We have a high sided fire pit so this works really well,” explained one reviewer. “Keeps my husband from burning himself. Very easy to use and great quality.”

38Mesh Tents That Help Shield Food From Bugs

While eating outdoors can be fun, it also means you may have to deal with bugs crawling near your food. Enter: these tents. The ultra-fine mesh works to protect your meals from all sorts of creepy crawlies, while the collapsible design helps you save storage space once you’ve finished using them. “The size is just right and the design is simple and elegant,” wrote one reviewer.

39An Electric Bug Zapper That Covers Up To 1,600 Square Feet

Flies, mosquitos, wasps — this electric bug zapper is designed to get rid of all sorts of flying pests. The ultra-bright UV light on the inside is powerful enough to cover up to 1,600 square feet of space, making it great for patios, yards, and more. But if that isn’t enough? The waterproof design means there’s no need to bring it indoors if it starts to rain.

40This Memory Foam Knee Pillow That Promotes Spinal Alignment

Pop this pillow between your knees, and it can help keep your spine properly aligned while sleeping. The result? You may wake up with less back pain than usual. And since it’s filled with high-density memory foam, you can rest assured it’ll stay comfortably soft all night long.

41The Easy-To-Learn Card Game That Helps Get Any Party Started

You’re sure to get any party started once you whip out this card game. The rules are simple: players take turns drawing category cards. They then have five seconds to name three items that fall into the category listed on the card. If three items are listed successfully, the player scores a point. And while the rules may be simple, don’t be fooled — the categories can get pretty raunchy, leading to hilarious slip-ups that’ll have you wanting to pull out this game during any gathering with friends.

42This Watermelon Ball That You Can Dribble Underwater

Consider this watermelon ball a must-have for your next pool day. It weighs about 14 pounds when filled, allowing you to splash and bounce it across water, as well as dribble it on the bottom of the pool. Each order also includes a hose adapter so that you can fill it up without making a mess.

43Solar-Powered String Lights Shaped Like Little Flowers

There’s no need to hang these string lights near an outdoor outlet, as an attached solar panel keeps them lit for hours once the sun has gone down. They look just as cute layered onto bushes and plants as they do draped across railings. The best part? You even have the choice of four colors: white, purple, pink, or multicolor.

44A Fun Lawn Game That’s Great For Kids & Adults

You’re sure to be a hit at the next backyard BBQ if you bring this Slammo lawn game with you. The rules are simple: players form two teams of two and try to bounce the ball back and forth to each other across the net. You score a point whenever a team manages to have three consecutive hits without missing. And since each set includes a travel pouch, keeping all the pieces together should be no sweat.

45Outdoor Throw Pillow Inserts That Won’t Deteriorate In The Rain

No outdoor lounger or couch is complete without at least a few throw pillows, so why not take a look at these inserts? They’re made from water-resistant polyester that’s designed to hold up on rainy days. The plush filling also makes them great for relaxing — and with five sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your furniture.

46Faux Ivy Plants That Won’t Fade Over Time

Decorating with these faux ivy plants is a clever alternative for anyone whose thumb is more black than green. They’re mildewproof as well as waterproof — just in case they get wet — and the high-quality leaves are unlikely to fade over time. Plus, the metal stems can be bent and twisted into any position you like.

47Faux Mushroom Night-Lights That Bring The Outdoors In

Consider these mushroom night lights a cute upgrade from the clunky plastic one you’ve likely been using. Each one features a dusk-to-dawn sensor that prevents them from turning on during the day — so there’s no need to worry about them wasting electricity. But if that isn’t enough? You can even add or remove the faux leaves to style them however you like.

48Hanging Solar Lights With More Than 5,500 5-Star Reviews

If those previous lanterns didn’t suit your style, consider taking a look at these ones instead. A solar panel built into their tops keeps them lit for up to eight hours at night — though you can just as easily power them using a single AA battery (which does not come included). Choose from three finishes: brown, beige, or copper.

49This Stylish Outdoor Rug Made From 100% Cotton

Add a rustic touch to your entryway by putting down this rug. It’s made from 100% cotton, with a timeless buffalo plaid pattern that won’t go out of style anytime soon. But if that isn’t enough? With 15 sizes as well as eight colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a combination that suits your home.

50This Inflatable Serving Bar You Can Use In Or Out Of The Pool

Beer, fruit salad, sushi — this inflatable bar is great for serving all sorts of food and drink. It’s made from sturdy vinyl, with a drainage hole in the bottom so that it’s easy to empty out once your party has ended. Plus, each order includes a hand pump so that you don’t have to inflate it by mouth.

51A Tabletop Fire Pit That’s Suitable For Indoor Use

Not only is this tabletop fire pit suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use, but the concrete frame is also so thick that there’s no need to worry about it leaving scorch marks on your tables. It uses isopropyl alcohol as fuel, which can easily be found in nearly any drugstore — and the small size takes up hardly any space when not in use.

52A Flower-Shaped Table Lamp With 4 Brightness Levels

Add a romantic touch to any dining table with help from this lamp. A button on the side lets you dim its brightness by up to four levels — and you can even adjust its light temperature between white, natural, or warm light. Choose from three faux flower styles: roses, sunflowers, or tulips.

53A Woven Storage Basket To Hide Clutter In Plain Sight

Office supplies, toiletries, crafting materials — this basket is great for hiding all sorts of clutter in plain sight. It’s made from strong cotton rope, with a tassel fringe around the center that makes it look more expensive than it is. Plus, handles on either side make it easy to carry from room to room.

54Super-Concentrated Weed Killer That’s Rainfast 15 Minutes After Application

Unlike some weed killer concentrates, this one features a rainfast formula that prevents it from being washed away just 15 minutes after application. It’s effective on more than 150 different types of weeds and grasses — and it even starts working right on contact, eliminating your unwanted vegetation after only one or two weeks.

55Magical Packets That Add Vivid Colors To Campfires

No camping trip is complete without a few of these magical packets. Simply toss them into your campfire, and they’ll cause it to light up with vivid shades of green, blue, purple, and more. The best part? The effects can last for up to a full hour depending on how many packets you use.

56LED Strip Lights That Give Your TV A Theatrical Effect

Give your home theater a professional touch by installing these strip lights. Their adhesive backing means you can press them right into place on the back of your television — no tools required. The best part? The downloadable app lets you adjust their colors, brightness, and more, as well as synchronize them with music so that they’ll change colors along with whatever song is playing.

57Magnetic Lights That Help You Grill Outside At Night

Consider these lights a must-have if you enjoy grilling outside at night. A strong magnet inside the base lets you mount them to your grill, while the flexible goosenecks make it easy to direct the light wherever you need it. Plus, each light only needs three AAA batteries (which are not included) in order to deliver hours’ worth of light.

58The Glow-In-The-Dark Blanket Covered In Swirly Mushrooms

Made from ultra-soft flannel fabric, this blanket is sure to be a fun addition to any living room or kid’s room. The swirly mushroom print glows in the dark after just 20 minutes of exposure to light. And with seven colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style.

59Quirky Hooks That Look Like Little Figures Climbing

Towels, coats, purses — these hooks are great for hanging up all of them and more. They’re designed so that it looks like little figurines are climbing up your wall, and you even have the choice of three mounting styles: over the door, over the cabinet, or wall. “These are such a fun and super cute addition to any space,” wrote one reviewer. “They’re great for holding jackets or totes/backpacks and everyone compliments them!”

60Adorable Faux Succulents With Their Own LED Planters

Not only are these faux succulents a low-maintenance way to decorate your home, but they also come potted in their own wooden planters. Each planter also features an LED light on the inside for an extra touch of chic — and since batteries come included, you can even start using them right out of the box.