There’s nothing quite like getting together with friends and family for a backyard barbecue. Good weather, good people, good food — I’m even thinking about hot dogs as I type this. But if you’re looking to really impress your people? Make sure to grab a few things from this list of must-have backyard staples.
When I say “must-have,” I mean it — this list is chock-full of gadgets and games you’ll definitely want to stock up on. There are grill-top pizza ovens for delicious Neapolitan pies, fun ladder toss games, and even a little grill that doubles as a meat smoker. Frankly, I’d be surprised if you didn’t add more than a few of these to your cart. Everything in here is that good.
You will love our editor’s curated product picks! FYI: We are an Amazon affiliate partner and may get a share of the sale of your purchase (at no cost to you).
Butcher Paper Is A Smoking Secret
Wrap your smoked meats in this butcher paper. Skip the all-day waiting and accelerate your cook but still have the delicious, smoky flavor in your favorite briskets, pork butts, and ribs. Or use it to store your smoked meats to lock in flavor and temperature until you’re ready to serve.
These Solar Powered Lights Are 5% Off
Add the perfect amount of lighting to your outdoor space with these solar lights. They come with three different lighting timers, so you can customize the lighting you need wherever you need it. They’re weather resistant, so they work in the harshest of weather conditions.
Lights That Feel Like Art
These gorgeous, solar-powered stake lights aren’t just a fun way to keep your outdoor path well-lit, they also add a little bit of fun style to your space. The shadows they cast just feel cool and interesting, and they’re super easy to add to your backyard.
Clean Your Grill
The fun part is done: you’ve cooked up your grilled masterpieces and your grill needs some cleaning attention. The good news is it doesn’t have to be hard. This Scrubbin’ Stone strips food build up, grease and gunk so your grill is ready to use for your next soiree.
Save 13% + 10% Coupon on Better Lighting
Give your outdoor space the lighting it needs and deserves with these easily attachable railing lights. They use solar power to stay charged, meaning no need to worry about replacing batteries every few months. Just easy, helpful lighting, right where you need it.
The Hammock You Can Easily Take With You
Not only does this hammock fold down into a convenient drawstring baggie, but it’s also sturdy enough to hold up to 500 pounds! That means it can fit up to two people — or, you can just enjoy all that extra space by yourself. Set it up in your back yard between some trees, or take it with you on your next camping trip for a comfy place to relax.
An Affordable Grill That Doubles As A Charcoal Smoker
You can’t have a backyard grill session without a grill, can you? Enter: this 17-inch model that can also be used to smoke meats. Two separate doors give you access to the burning charcoal, as well as the meats sitting above. And with thousands of positive reviews, it’s a real shock at how reasonable the price is.
This Flood Light Is Only $20!
Give your driveway or backyard the perfect amount of lighting with this flood light. It’s solar powered, so say goodbye to extra cords and pesky plug ins. It’s an easy and quick installation, so you’ll get its 3 customizable lighting modes in no time.
A Spatula That Keeps the Party Going
This spatula lets you keep the party going well into the night with the handy, removable LED flashlight that sits in the handle. And when the party’s over, you can just toss it into the dishwasher, because it’s dishwasher safe and sturdy!
The Digital Thermometer To Help You Stop Overcooking Meat
Nothing’s more embarrassing than pulling your beef off the grill, only to find it’s completely raw on the inside — so grab this thermometer. It’ll tell you how cooked your proteins are on the inside, and it even has a little reference chart printed on the handle. And since it’s waterproof, there’s no need to fret about washing it off when you’re done.
Clip and Save 30% on Motion Sensored Lighting
These lights provide you with easy, brilliant lighting for your outdoor spaces. They’re simple to install, and the motion sensor means you’ll be alerted to anything prowling around in your backyard. Or lights will come on hands-free when you’re unloading groceries from the car in the dark.
This Bike Seat That’s Shockingly Comfortable
If your bike seat feels like you’re sitting on a rock, it’s probably time to upgrade to this plush version. It’s extra-wide, giving your bum more space to relax while you’re pedaling. Plus, each order even comes with a protective waterproof cover.
The Smoking Secret of Barbecue: Butcher Paper
If you spend any time smoking meats or barbecuing, you need this little trick up your sleeve. Butcher paper is here to lend a smoking hand. Wrap your smoking masterpieces in this paper and accelerate your cooking time while also maintaining that delicious, smoky flavor. It keeps heat and flavor locked in!
A Pizza Rocker Made From Sleek Stainless Steel
Personally? I’ve cut even pizza slices maybe once in my life — until I grabbed this pizza rocker, that is. Now it’s easier than ever to cut perfectly portioned slices, and it’s even made from rust-resistant stainless steel. Choose from two sizes: 14 or 16 inches.
This Wine Opener With An Elegant Wooden Handle
You’ve probably got a wine opener already — but does it look as classy as this one does? I doubt it. The wooden handle gives it an elegant feel, while the stainless steel twist is designed to remove your cork within five twists, without breakage.
These Basting Brushes Made With Silicone Bristles
Since the bristles on these basting brushes are made from silicone, they’re way easier to clean than regular brushes. Marinades and oils slide right off of them, helping you get the most out of your mixture — and each one is even heat-resistant up to 446 degrees.
This Kit That Comes With Everything You Need To Shuck Oysters
If you love eating fresh oysters, you’ll definitely want to check out this shucking kit. Each order comes with a shucking blade, protective sheath, as well as a pair of cut-resistant gloves. “I have been shucking oysters for many years, and have used several different styles of knives to open them,” wrote one reviewer. “This knife seems to combine the best features of the others into one, perfectly designed shape and rigidity that works for all types of oysters.”
A Stone That Helps Your Pizza Cook Evenly
Not only does this pizza stone pre-heat faster than others, but it’s also safe to use on your grill. That’s right — now you can have deliciously grilled flatbread pizzas without having to go out to eat. And since it’s made from black ceramic, it even looks good sitting out on your dining table.
Bring the Fireflies to You
These stunning firefly solar lights are an incredible addition to your backyard landscaping. They shed a little bit of ethereal light around your space, they sway a little in the breeze, and they don’t need to be plugged in to work!
A Cover For Your Outdoor Deck Box
Ever notice how dirty your outdoor storage box can get? Put this cover on top, and it’ll keep it free from dirt, mud, snow, leaves — the list goes on. The elastic bottom makes it compatible with most boxes, and it even comes in three sizes: large, extra-large, or extra-extra-large.
The Travel Towel That Dries Seriously Fast
Whether you’re hitting the beach or going for a jog, this travel towel is a must-have. It folds up into a small little carrying pouch, making it easy to tuck inside a bag or running belt. And since it’s made from absorbent microfiber, it’s perfect for wiping away sweat, drying off after a gym shower, or even wiping up spills in a pinch.
These Cooling Racks That Won’t Warp
Cheap cooling racks can warp when exposed to heat — that’s why these ones are made from solid stainless steel. Not only will they keep their shape under pressure, but the tight grid prevents food from falling through. Use them for cookies, veggies, or even freshly-baked pizzas.
Shed Some Color-Changing Light
Don’t just stick with the normal colored lights when you’re updating your outdoor spaces. Instead, add these amazing color-changing lights to your porch railings. The solar-powered lights add a bit of fun interest and are super easy to install.
A Sauce Pot And Basting Brush For Delicious Meats
Keep your marinades safely inside of this sauce pot, then use the brush that’s built into the lid to baste them all over your meats while they’re grilling. The pot itself is large enough to hold up to 16 ounces, while the silicone brush head is removable for easy cleaning. The best part? It’s all made from stainless steel.
These Fire Starters That Are Perfect For Charcoal Grills
Having trouble getting that charcoal started? Just use one of these fire starters to get your grill going. Each brick is made from 100% eco-friendly wood that’s been blended with refined wax, allowing it to burn longer than the competition. Plus, they’re also weather-resistant — even in the rain.
A Bug Net Made Specifically For Hammocks
Don’t let wayward spiders and critters ruin your afternoon nap — put up this bug net to keep them all outside of your hammock. The mesh is fine enough to keep even the smallest bugs at bay, including no-see-ums. And since it folds up into a small drawstring pouch, you can easily take it with you when camping.
A Pizza Paddle With A Convenient Folding Handle
Most pizza paddles are difficult to store because of how large they are — that’s why this one is made with a convenient folding handle. Not only is it easier to put away, but the stainless steel construction is even resistant to rust. Plus, one reviewer even wrote that it’s “super sturdy… didn’t think it would be, but it’s serious pro-grade.”
The Covers That Keep Your Food Free From Flies
I’ll admit these mesh covers look kinda stupid, but I’ve actually used them before. And honestly? They work surprisingly well. They’ll keep all sorts of creepy crawlies off your food, and you can even fold them down for easy storage when you’re done eating. Besides — you’re getting six covers for less than $15. What’s not to love?
A Magnetic Light To Help You See What You’re Grilling
Don’t let your burgers burn when you’re cooking in the dark — use these magnetic lights to help you see what you’re grilling. They’re made with super-bright LEDs that’ll never need to be changed, and each order even comes with batteries included. Plus, the flexible gooseneck makes it easy to point them in any direction you like.
All Dads Are Required To Own A Good Set Of Headlamps
There must be a law written somewhere that says “Dads are required to own, and wear, headlamps whenever possible.” So if you aren’t into those grill lights, you can use these headlamps to char meat at night instead. They’re also great for just wandering around in the dark and looking at stuff — you know, like dads do — and this pair, in particular, is rechargeable via USB.
A Bocce Ball Set That’s Fun For The Whole Family
The beauty of bocce ball is that it takes almost no skill, which means people of all ages can play — so grab this set. Not only is it available for less than $35, but the high-quality poly-resin balls are suitable for grass, dirt, or even sand. Plus, each order comes with a carrying case.
The Grilling Basket That’s Perfect For Fish
It’s almost too easy for fish to fall apart when you’re flipping it on the grill — unless you’ve got this basket. It holds your fish together so that it stays intact when flipped, and it even works great with vegetables, shrimp, as well as other small ingredients.
This Cast Iron Press For Gorgeous Scorch Marks
At almost three pounds, this cast iron press is great for getting those delicious scorch marks on your meat. You can also use it to squeeze out excess fat, or even heat it up to press paninis. Plus, the handle is even made from real wood.
These Cast Iron Griddles You Can Use Over Campfires
Not only are these cast iron griddles so hearty that you can use them over campfires, but they also work great on the grill if you’re cooking fish or veggies. They arrive pre-seasoned, which means you can use them right out of the box — and they’re large enough to fit over two stovetop burners when you’re cooking indoors.
The Heavy-Duty Gloves You Can Use Over The Grill
These aren’t your mother’s oven mitts — these BBQ gloves are so tough that you can use them right over your grill. They’re heat-resistant up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, with a flexible feel that makes it easy to handle hot meats. But if that isn’t enough? Each pair is also stain-resistant.
This Grill-Friendly Wok That’s Completely Non-Stick
Whether you’re making stir fry or simply grilling up veggies, this wok can help you do it. It’s completely non-stick, making it easy to stir and serve your meal. Or, you can even thread kebab skewers through the holes as a foolproof way to keep them from falling down between the grates.
A BBQ Pan That’s Easy To Carry From Grill To Table
With helpful handles on either side, you can easily use this pan to carry your finished meal straight from your grill to the table. Not only will that impress guests, but the pan itself is made from high-quality stainless steel that helps distribute heat evenly. This means that your meals cook more thoroughly, without any funky overcooked spots — and many reviewers raved about how it “works great.”
The Ring Toss Game That Never Gets Old
This ring toss game is one of those things where it’s so simple, it’s almost stupid — and yet I find myself getting addicted to it whenever I’m able to play. The rules are simple: grab the ring, then take a few steps back (there’s typically a line of tape somewhere on the ground.) Using your best eyeballing skills, release the ring so that it swings onto the hook.
Trust me — it’s so addicting that the whole family will be stuck on it during your next get-together.
This Set Of Grilling Tools Made From Tough Stainless Steel
Using your plastic kitchen utensils on the grill will likely end with them melting and warping in spots. The solution? This sleek set of grilling tools made from stainless steel. They all come packaged in a gorgeous carrying case, and you even get a pair of meat claws, oven mitts, as well as an apron.
An Oversized Towel Made From Soft Microfiber
With enough space for two people, this is the only towel you’ll need to take with you on your next beach day. It’s made from soft microfiber that not only absorbs up to seven times more water than cotton but also dries faster. Plus, the colorful stripes are a design that’ll never go out of style. Choose from three colors: blue, green, or grey.
A Tablecloth That’s Easy To Wipe Off
Even though cotton tablecloths might look pretty, they’re way more annoying to clean if you spill something. This tablecloth, on the other hand, is made from water-resistant vinyl that easily wipes clean with a damp cloth — and it works especially well when used outside. Plus, the navy grid pattern makes it look more expensive than it is.
These Tiki Torches That Are Powered By The Sun
Flaming tiki torches are all fun and games until someone sets their hair on fire. Am I speaking from personal experience? Maybe — just maybe. All I’m going to say is that these solar-powered torches are way safer —and you don’t even need to buy replacement fuel. The solar panel on the top keeps them charged so that they’re ready to go at night, providing up to 10 hours of flickering LED flame.
These Meat Claws That Change Up Boring Salads
Not only are these meat claws great for making pulled pork, but I like to use them when shredding chicken for salads. Something about pulling the meat apart leaves it tasting juicier than when I chop it up with a knife — and this pair is even made from stainless steel, not plastic.
A Dinnerware Set You Can Use Outside
Don’t risk damaging your good ceramic plates when you’re eating outside — use these durable melamine ones instead. The faux wood grain gives them a classy feel, and each order comes with enough service for four. “These plates are thick, beautiful, and most importantly STURDY!!” raved one reviewer.
This Outdoor Table That Doubles As A Beer Cooler
You’re basically guaranteed to shock and delight guests when you pop the top of this table up, revealing a sleek beer cooler inside. And if you don’t care about impressing people? It still just looks plain good, as the outside is made from weather-resistant resin with a classic rattan-style weave.
The Cornhole Set You Can Take With You
Everybody loves a good cornhole set, and this one is available for less than $75. The legs fold down so that you can take it with you to tailgates, while the carrying case makes it easy to transport across the parking lot. Plus, each order comes with eight bean bags included: four red, and four blue.
The Ladder Toss Game That’s Kid-Friendly
With soft rubber bolos that won’t hurt if they hit you, this ladder toss game is perfect for people of all ages — including kids. Assembly takes less than five minutes, and the thick PVC tubes are lightweight so that they’re easy to take with you.
If You Love Pizza, You Need This Grill-Top Pizza Oven
The conventional oven in your kitchen doesn’t get hot enough to deliver a puffy, flaky pizza crust. For that, you’ll need this grill-top pizza oven. It’s able to reach temperatures up to 800 degrees, while the pizza stone on the inside helps ensure that your pizza cooks evenly. Plus, it’ll work with gas, charcoal, or even pellet grills.