20 Outdoor Summer Essentials to Turn Your Backyard Into a Staycation-Worthy Paradise

Nothing beats having a pool in your backyard, but the next best thing is an inflatable kiddie pool. While ages 6 and up can safely splash around in here, it can also cozily fit two adults.

Even on the smallest of backyards or rooftops, this outdoor summer essential's tricolor design is synonymous with the season, while offering a refreshing oasis from the hot, hot heat.

More: These Are the Best Toys for Outdoor Playtime This Summer

A wide, easy-to-clean, and fun-to-carry serving tray is the MVP of any summer party. A variety of bites and drinks easily transport from indoors and out on this pick's 20-inch-wide surface, so you can make fewer trips. This outdoor summer essential from Kate Spade New York also wins major points for the melamine build. 

That freebie, foam koozie that you've been using for years now isn't doing you (or your ice-cold beverage) any favors. S'well's new Drink Chillers, on the other hand, provide a vacuum-insulated, stainless steel layer that also keep your surfaces condensation-free. They are available in three designs and two sizes to fit different-sized cans and bottles.

This set of four glasses are ready to party. Holding an ample 16 ounces, they’re perfect for serving margaritas, sangria, smoothies, or frozen slushies.

If you don’t have the right type of terrain in your outdoor area to stake in an outdoor torch, don’t fret — all you need is a stable surface for safely placing these table torches. 

These glass herringbone-textured torches (also available in navy) transcend any type of seasonal categorization, so you can use them outdoors for up to 5 hours whenever the mood strikes.

Lounge outside all summer long in this comfortable chair and ottoman set. The chair adjusts between four different reclining positions, so you can easily take a nap or catch up on some reading. We love the gray and white color combo — très chic.

This Bluetooth speaker from Anker is one of our favorite editor-tested waterproof speakers because it packs strong, clear sound quality and user-friendly functionality into a wireless and portable package.

Playing poolside DJ with this outdoor summer essential couldn't be easier. Just simply connect to it from your smartphone wirelessly with Bluetooth — you can even control its LED lights with the speaker's own mobile app.

Since you'll be doing plenty of grilling this summer, one of the most important tools you'll need is an efficient meat thermometer.

This one has a large, clear display and reads the temperature in just 3 seconds. We like that they even include temperature references on the device itself so that you never have to second-guess yourself. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can thoroughly clean it when you're done.

Made from ceramic, this reviewer-favorite pizza stone can be used in the oven, but for summer parties, it can go right on a gas or charcoal grill.

If you love adding fresh seasonal toppings to your pizza — like sweet corn or baby cherry tomatoes — this is a summer party essential for serious pizza lovers. Plus, it even comes with its own pizza cutter.

What's an outdoor summer party without proper mood lighting? This 24-foot strand LED string light is perfect for stringing up above your patio or deck.

Outdoor-safe and energy-efficient, this 12-bulb strand can even be plugged into an LED-compatible dimmer to adjust the brightness level. 

If low-maintenance outdoor summer essentials are your jam, these weather-safe flickering pathway lights let you enjoy outdoor torch ambiance, without having to keep an eye on the flame.

Available in a set of two, four, or eight, these genius solar-powered lights charge up during the day without any battery power required. Stake them into the ground by your pool or around your party perimeter and enjoy the light show once the sun goes down.

Dress up your outdoor dining table with this dinnerware set that's primed for picnic season. Though these buzzy plates are designed to look like paper, they're actually made of durable, dishwasher-safe melamine.

Instead of hunting for the perfect s'mores sticks, get strategic with this set of eight telescoping skewers!

These handy, color-coded outdoor summer essentials extend to 32 inches long, so everyone can sit at a safer distance while toasting their marshmallow treats.

Mood lighting, a scented candle, or beachy table linens might remind you of warmer temperatures, but this watermelon pool float practically screams summer. If you're hosting a pool party, a colorful pool float like this is an absolute summer party essential.

This durable waxed canvas work apron from Hudson is an absolute summer party essential for any family that loves to grill. No need for a second set of hands with this many kangaroo-style storage pockets. 

Plus, it's unisex and can expand to accommodate different sizes, making this apron super versatile.

Show the fam that you mean business with this handy set of four stainless steel utensils with heat-resistant wooden handles. Included in this tool set is a tong, spatula, cleaning brush, and fork.

The Chair Hammock from Yellow Leaf Hammocks is an outdoor summer essential that's as versatile as it is comfy. Comprising 150,000 loops of soft yet strong yarn woven in a vibrantly variegated design, users can sit in it just like a chair, or stretch out the seat for a literally laid-back position.

You want to keep your barbecue buzzing, but not for the wrong reasons! Aunt Fannie's Mosquito Wipes are saturated with a DEET-free formula that's comprised of biodegradable ingredients, including a number of insect-repelling essential oils. 

Reapply it every 4 hours for maximum efficacy, especially after the sun goes down.

Dress up your outdoor patio table while protecting it from spills and scratches! These banana-leaf placemats are made from easy-to-clean, pliable vinyl, and they perfectly set the tropical vibe, especially on the first scorching-hot day of the year. 

Plastic straws are a thing of the past! Invest in a set of stainless steel reusable metal straws like these instead, and you'll be immediately hooked. 

Fresh, summery cocktails and lemonade just taste way better when they're sipped from a nice chilled metal straw (plus, they're more sustainable).