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30 Inexpensive Things To Make Your Backyard Even Better

30 Inexpensive Things To Make Your Backyard Even Better

Buzz Feed19-07-2025
A portable stainless-steel tabletop firepit so you can make s'mores anytime you want! No need to spend a scrillion dollars on a name brand version...
A cozy cotton hammock chair you'll sink into and never wanna leave. And why should you? It's even got a built-in side pocket to hold your phone while you're busy finding animals in the clouds.
Sunflower seed mix — watch nine types of sunflowers blossom in your garden this summer! If you've been missing that much-needed curb appeal, these low-maintenance flowers are just the ticket.
An inflatable floating flamingo pool light that'll make swimming at night an even more fun affair! This solar-powered light can shine bright for up to eight hours.
A darling clementine-shaped hanging bird feeder so you can offer any orioles in your neighborhood fruits and jams!
An inflatable sunbathing lounger, because the beach isn't the only place on the planet where you can get a tan. And since it has two drink holders, you can stay hydrated with your Owala and have a little fun with a tumbler full of margarita. So grab your sunscreen, adjust the removable pillow, and get that oh-so-sacred vitamin D. Plus, it can also be used as a floatie if you've got a pool!
Or an inflatable sofa — set this unique lounger up outside and get so cozy that you forget where you begin and it ends. It has a pillow-shaped headrest for a little neck support while you lay back, finding shapes in the clouds above.
A charming miniature frog statue featuring a demure froggy sitting in a rocking chair and holding a solar-powered, light-up mug.
A patio table mosquito net enclosure if those pesky pests are the only reason you haven't been able to enjoy your coveted outdoor space.
A seat cushion set for patio furniture because the ones you've been sitting on for years upon years are lumpy, sun-faded, and ugly. So, go ahead and replace them with these comfy cushions, which are covered in a fade-resistant and waterproof fabric.
A sweet butterfly house and feeder — call some beautiful monarchs over for dinner! Just fold down the little nectar-feeding tray, and it's ready to go.
And a darling lil' bamboo bee house since it'll attract these pretty pollinators to your garden. Now they'll have a lovely place to go when they're not fertilizing your plants!
A stainless-steel crack-weeding tool if weeds think they're being clever by growing in the cracks of your patio or sidewalk. This sharp, L-shaped tool can remove the entire root without you needing to literally dig around for it. It's also got a soft grip handle because taking care of your home's outward appearance shouldn't be physically taxing.
And a weed puller with a long handle so you don't have to bend down to fight a weed's tough roots with your bare hands. Get your garden in tip-top shape!
A lovely sail canopy for creating a shaded area in your backyard or on your patio. Just because the sun is out doesn't mean you have to suffer!
A bottle of low-smoke and low-soot mosquito repellent torch fuel that'll help you enjoy your tiki torch–filled backyard by shooing all those nasty bloodsuckers away. This plant-based formula comes in an easy-pour bottle, so you're not getting citronella fuel all over yourself...
Handmade bamboo wind chimes whose deep and gentle tones will help turn your backyard into a private sanctuary. Hum along to its wind song on a beautifully sunny day.
An easy-to-install bamboo water fountain kit if you're looking to create a serene and meditative outdoor sanctum.
A raised garden bed because it'll keep your plants nice and tidy! Plus, it's got a double layer of anti-corrosion galvanized metal sheet for added stability. Double plus? Its open-base design can help prevent water accumulation and decay so your plants' roots stay nice and strong.
Or a pair of raised tomato cage planters that'll help turn your backyard into a lush and bountiful garden! These planters feature a self-watering system; there's a reservoir at the bottom to help keep the soil moist, even on summer's hottest days.
Outdoor string lights for creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. Plus, they were built to withstand all kinds of weather, so no need to worry about them being damaged by Mother Nature.
An antiqued bird bath to keep your winged friends hydrated and clean all summer long!
A portable electric mosquito repellent — this DEET-free and scent-free shield keeps mosquitoes up to 15 feet away. Each repellent mat lasts up to four hours, and changes color to let you know it's time to replace it. So bring this out to your backyard and have some worry-free fun!
An outdoor misting system that can be attached to an awning, patio table umbrella, pergola, and whatever else you've got in your backyard! Just screw one end onto your hose and clip the rest of the cord around your outdoor lounge area.
Or a flexible adjustable mister so you can bend it in the perfect direction and shape to make sure you and your guests get some targeted lovin'.
A set of metal hanging flower pots for an added splash of color! Give your seedlings a fun home to blossom in.
A hot tub cleaner scientifically engineered to remove all the gunk hiding in the plumbing. So all the dirt, grime, oil, and sweat will go bye-bye in exchange for improved water clarity and filtration.
An ornamental 8-foot windmill — now you can peer out your window and see if there's a mighty breeze blowing before grabbing your jacket and stepping outside.
An adorable kids' picnic table with two folding chairs and an adjustable umbrella so your little one can enjoy their snacks outside and still be protected from the sun's rays.
A whimsical and decorative garden bridge for the little critters and fairies and gnomes that like to visit your marigolds and petunias.
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Summer's Not Over: 26 Things To Help You Beat The Heat
Summer's Not Over: 26 Things To Help You Beat The Heat

Buzz Feed

time3 days ago

  • Buzz Feed

Summer's Not Over: 26 Things To Help You Beat The Heat

A sleek 3-in-1 handheld fan because it's also a portable charger and flashlight, so if you're caught in the dark, and it's hot, and your phone is on 1%, you'll be glad to have this gadget in your back pocket. Or a rechargeable and flexible hands-free personal fan with three speeds that'll keep you cool while you brave the sun's rays. A pair of water-friendly Reef platform sandals so you don't have to trap your feet in heat dungeons (read: shoes that don't allow your toes to breathe). Instead, stay cool in these espadrille-esque sandals with adjustable straps. If you're looking for support that won't disappoint, these "comfy and bouncy" shoes are IT. A pair of reusable nipple pasties for those 'fits you just don't wanna wear an uncomfortable bra with (an extra layer is just extra heat). These have thin edges that don't appear under clothing and use a medical-grade adhesive that's gentle on skin. A stick-on shade since the sun plans to tag along on your travel adventures, so some protection from its rays might be nice. This is great, especially if you have kids in the backseat. A stainless-steel Owala water bottle with a built-in straw and spout to help ensure you stay hydrated as it continues to get hotter and hotter outside. This can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and it's cup holder-friendly so go ahead and take it with you everywhere! And a set of stackable stick-shaped ice molds so you can easily toss a few pieces of ice into your bottle without having to literally force a square into a circle. Staying cool and hydrated just got a little easier. A chichi sleeveless blazer and shorts set for that hot-but-cool professor, "Jurassic World small glasses Jonathan Bailey" look. Yes, the blazer has shoulder pads! Of course, the shorts are cuffed! This set is everything you've ever dreamed of. This loose-fitting set won't make you feel like you're being suffocated by your clothes. A reusable XL gel ice pack that you can lie on top of or place on your back for a full body chill. It can stay cold for up to 28 minutes and contours to your body. A pair of sockless shoe liners so your feet don't overheat in actual socks. A summer without sweaty, smelly socks? Sounds like a win to me. These no-slip and no-show liners are also washable! A set of four super cute dinosaur ice pop molds you can use to make your own super cooling ice pops out of fruit purée, yogurt, or juice! Because they're made from silicone, they're easy to use and clean. A cooling Naturium gel body wash if after a long day out in the sun, your body is begging for a system reset. Formulated with mandelic acid, fermented sugar cane, and menthyl lactate, this refreshing soap works to fight and prevent odors while providing a gentle, cooling feeling post-shower. A pack of electrolyte-rich Liquid I.V. hydration packets because sometimes you get so caught up in having fun on a scorching hot summer day that you forget to drink water and start to feel a good. These can help hydrate you lickety-split! An ice roller so you can cool your skin after sun exposure. Just pop it in the freezer then roll it over your eyelids, neck, and back for some heat (or body ache) relief. An oscillating tower fan to shoo the heat right out of your room. Not only does this bladeless fan operate super quietly, but it also comes with a remote, so you don't have to leave your comfy spot to get even comfier. And with six speeds, you'll be able to find the perfect level of cool for you. A Mario Badescu cooling facial spray made with aloe, cucumber, and green tea that'll help you cool down and hydrate your skin simultaneously. We love a multitasking queen! A slim stainless steel can cooler for keeping your White Claw or Celsius cold while you try to enjoy a beach day that your friends planned, even though you're convinced you're allergic to the sun. Well, at least you won't have to worry about taking a dreaded sip of a now-warm beverage; this triple-insulated cooler can keep cans cool for up to 12 hours! A hypoallergenic sweat-absorbing body powder if your least favorite parts of summer are chafing and sweating. This talc-free anti-friction powder will help provide "cooling and soothing" relief to your inner thighs, but it can also be used on your bikini and bra lines, underarms, and butt to keep them dry. A fully rotatable electric car fan so your backseat passengers can breathe a little easier, especially if your car's air conditioner is weak or, worse, non-existent. Or a two-pack of cooling car seat cushions that can easily plug into your car's cigarette lighter adapter, allowing the cushion's fans to circulate air throughout. Adjust the temperature using the attached dial. A portable misting outdoor fan because it offers the dual comfort of a cooling mist and a cooling breeze! Take this rechargeable fan when you go out camping to combat the summer heat. It even comes with a 9-liter water bucket for up to nine hours of misting before needing a refill! Or a flexible adjustable mister so you can bend it in the perfect direction and shape to make sure you and your guests get some targeted lovin' when hanging outside on a hot day. Seamless bra liners made from a cotton and bamboo blend to help not only with boob sweat, but also help alleviate any discomfort from underwires. These moisture-wicking liners are gentle and breathable. A quiet Frigidaire air conditioner because the summer heat has finally turned your home into an unforgiving sauna. Worried about high electricity bills? Well, this AC is energy-efficient, with eco mode (reduces energy consumption) and sleep mode (gradually increases the temperature overnight). A pack of four big acrylic hair claws with a trendy matte finish that'll let you get your hair out of your face and away from your neck when the sun decides to beam down a little too intensely. An easy-to-set-up pop-up beach tent with UPF 50+ protection, so you can enjoy the ambience of the beach without suffering the sun's self-righteous the sun and I have beef. Anyway! This comes with stability poles and anchors to ensure it stays put, even in sand.

31 Summer Products That Millennials Will Love
31 Summer Products That Millennials Will Love

Buzz Feed

time3 days ago

  • Buzz Feed

31 Summer Products That Millennials Will Love

A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser so you can swipe away any of those pesky grains of sand that end up ~everywhere~. This will simply brush off the sand with zero mess and zero fuss. The cast of Baywatch would be so proud. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets you will be incredibly grateful you have on hand when those bugs are out this summer. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel the pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your daily adventures; these bracelets can help keep any creepy-crawlies far, far away! And the Bug Bite Thing for those of you trying to enjoy a nice day out, because nothing ruins a good outing like a painful or itchy bug bite. This handy tool sucks up all of the saliva and venom that creepy crawlies leave behind in their wake — reducing any swelling, itchiness, or redness. No smelly creams or chemicals required! A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother, perfect for bringing some relief to any sunburns that may occur while you're skipping under the sun. Using a combination of aloe and coconut oil, this skin lotion can soothe and bring hydrating relief to your sun-kissed skin — working much quicker and more effectively than simple aloe alone. A truly multi-talented set of colorful cooling towels, because that summer sun can be brutal. Just soak it in some cold water at any sink/water fountain, wring it, and place it on your neck for some much-needed relief! These towels will stay chilly for several hours, saving you from having to refresh every five minutes or so. Bonus: each towel comes with a carrying pouch and a carabiner clip, so you can just clip it onto your bag/stroller for easy access! A cute lil' insect catcher perfect for capturing those unwanted fluttering guests without using any smelly chemicals. These traps are odorless and can work both indoors and outdoors to protect your plant babies from fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more. A blister-preventing foot balm to ease the pain of walking over 10 miles in a single day while you're on vacation. This will add a layer of protection between you and your shoes so you can skip through the alleys of Europe with ZERO pain! Vanish the potential of blisters with this balm. Owala's "SmoothSip" travel tumbler with a sliding mechanism that fully closes the bottle, so you can just toss it into your bag and not have to worry about it spilling and getting your AirPods and pack of Kleenex completely soaked. It has a super comfy lid design with a built-in spout, and comes in such cute colors you'll be snatching up multiple. You're def gonna hit your hydration goal this summer. A wire-free bra so freakin' comfortable and lightweight, you might even forget you're wearing one in the first place 😱 — at least according to the whopping 32,000+ rave ratings from reviewers. I mean, who wants a wire digging into them when they're hot and sweaty? Plus, the straps don't flip, so you won't feel the contorted strap digging into your shoulder in the middle of your work day. And a comfy sports bra so you can say buh-bye to fantasizing about taking off your bra at the end of the day. This has a breathable four-way stretch design, removable padding, and easily adjustable straps — everything you need for great support while feeling like you're not wearing a bra at all. A heat-activated ColorWow anti-frizz treatment to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to help stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow-dry it for the finishing touch. Thanks to this spray, your blowout will stay put all day long. A hidden fly trap that can zap all the creepy crawlies lurking in your home without ruining your perfectly curated home aesthetics. You can plug this into an outlet, and the tiny light will lure in those pesky pests by the dozen. A set of breathable, seamless thongs if you're the type of person who "never wears thongs" or "hates thongs." These are incredibly comfortable to wear all day (especially when those sweaty temps start to soar), and they've even been compared to $$$ brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. Finally, a thong you won't feel the need to dig out or readjust every five seconds or so. A mason jar cold brew maker that will save you some money in the long haul when you start cutting down on those early morning Dunkin' runs. Say goodbye to the days of being late to work while stuck in a ridiculously long drive-thru line; your perfect cup can be made right at home — no heavy machinery or electricity required. A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan so you can cool down your backseat quicker than it takes for the AC to circulate through the car. This is especially perfect for any little ones in rear car seats because, as anyone who lives in a hot climate knows, the car can get super hot, super fast. A waterproof pouch because you've always wanted to have a cool underwater photoshoot, and this pouch is bound to make your dreams come true. It'll keep your phone safe as you wade into the ocean, and you can still use your touchscreen! Time to take pics of all the cool fishies! 🐠🐟🐡 A 360-degree portable neck fan for those of you who wanna stay cool even as the humidity climbs rapidly throughout the day. Just charge it with a USB and plop it around your neck for a portable AC unit that'll keep you cool as you brave the summer heat. A set of cult-favorite extra soft bedsheets to make you feel like you're snuggling under a pile of soft, luxurious marshmallows. Plus, these have a cooling effect so that those of you who live in hot climates or experience night sweats or hot flashes (and seriously, where were these when I was pregnant?!) are able to slumber on in peace. And if you don't believe me, then maybe you'll believe the 245,000 5-star reviews. *sips tea* And a pair of game-changing cooling pillowcases so you don't overheat in the middle of the night and wake up covered in buckets of sweat. You'll feel like you're living in a 5-star hotel. A pack of unscented antiperspirant wipes for those of you who sweat the absolute second you leave your home — no matter what the weather may be. Now you can finally wear a light-colored top without fear that a huge sweat stain will take away from the aesthetics of your perfect 'fit. Yeah, you're gonna look so fetch. A Windex outdoor glass cleaner for anyone who's ever thought, "How the heck do I clean that high-up window??" Climbing a huge ladder and wobbling while trying to clean sounds... shall we say, not fun? But this'll change the game. Just attach the Windex bottle to your hose and spray the solution all over the place! ✨Sparkling windows✨ everywhere. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo because sometimes that alarm just does not go off (or ya hit snooze like 50 times... same thing), and you really don't have time for an actual shower, but you still need to revive those greasy locks (thanks humidity 🙄). This will bring some volume to your hair without leaving behind any residue or powder (like some other dry shampoos might). Plus, it has a gorgeous gardenia scent that is sure to turn some heads as you walk through your office halls. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads to make your skin feel as smooth as that silk scarf you keep eyeing at that fancy department store. This is a beloved Korean skincare secret that many people swear by, thanks to the magical mix of lactic and salicylic acid that'll help both exfoliate and refine your pores. A smooth edge can opener so you can pop off the top of any regular can to take your plain ol' Coke to a whole new ~level~ by adding some ice, mixers, ice cream, or rum! No need to pack some disposable cups for your upcoming beach trip, just some cans and this lil' tool. An oscillating tower fan, because you need a way to stay cool this summer that won't cost you an arm and a leg in electricity bills (thanks, AC unit). This has six speeds, three modes, *and* it's surprisingly quiet despite how powerful it is. A portable air compressor you can whip out anytime that dreaded little "low tire pressure" message pops up on your dashboard — without needing to stop at the gas station. It has a real-time pressure monitor to inflate flat car and bike tires on the go *and* a built-in LED light so you can use it at night. Plus, it boasts an impressive one-minute inflation, so you won't be stuck waiting on the side of the road for hours upon hours halfway through your summer road trip! A scrunchie/towel hybrid for anyone who's ever taken a bit too long in the morning shower and is now running late to work. This ~genius~ scrunchy will help dry your hair without you needing to fiddle with any heat tools during the hot months of summer, which is perfect because frankly, you're chronically running behind schedule anyway. A Java Sock that not only will dress up that delicious iced latte you order every day before work, but will also keep your yummy drink cold for *hours*. Anddd it'll stop your drink from sweating all over your desk and laptop. It's about to be your favorite accessory. A refillable roll-on sponge sunscreen applicator with a rollerball inside because you're tired of rubbing sunscreen into your figgity toddler's skin with your slippery fingers as they try their very best to evade your grasp. Oh yeah, your beach days are about to get a whole lot better. A ChomChom pet hair remover roller to save you from painstakingly (and ineffectively) lint-rolling your furniture from the unspeakable amount of shedding your furry bestie leaves behind in their wake. All you have to do is empty the roller when it's full, and it's good to go — no wasteful and annoying sticky sheets required! A pack of Elephant Trax labels so you can keep all of your boxes neatly organized, and never again forget whether or not you truly bought that one coat, or if you just dreamed it. You can attach the sticker to the box, take pics of everything you've packed, and you'll be able to just scan the QR code and know what's inside! We're halfway through summer, but at least now you can finally stash those winter coats away without fear of never being able to find them again.

I grew my career at TikTok from intern to global product marketing manager before quitting. Here's what working there was like.
I grew my career at TikTok from intern to global product marketing manager before quitting. Here's what working there was like.

Business Insider

time5 days ago

  • Business Insider

I grew my career at TikTok from intern to global product marketing manager before quitting. Here's what working there was like.

This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Sarah Teng, a former global product marketing manager for TikTok. It has been edited for length and clarity When I first started working for TikTok in December 2020, it was so new in the US that it was pretty rare to meet another person who worked there. I joined while doing an MSc in Information Technology & Management at the University of Texas at Austin. I'd completed two summer internships at Accenture. I enjoyed it, but it was very corporate, and I felt my personality was more suited to something more casual in the tech space. TikTok was a much better fit for me. My professor connected me to someone who worked at TikTok I was then connected to a recruiter on TikTok's HR team. She explained to me she was hiring for an intern position that would start immediately. Since my master's classes were online and this role was part-time and remote, I was able to juggle them both. I was interviewed by a hiring manager and someone I could be working with. I passed the interview and agreed to work 20 to 30 hours a week for an hourly fee. When I joined, Trump had just brought the idea of banning TikTok to life. TikTok was on a hiring freeze, but they could hire interns. I was excited about getting the job, as it's a very cool, trendy company to work at. TikTok sent me a huge welcome package I received a pair of TikTok embroidered Allbirds wool running shoes, a Parkland backpack, sweatshirts, a branded beach towel, a Bluetooth speaker, and an Owala water bottle. The office in Austin had around 600 employees. Everyone worked remotely. It was weird joining the company and not meeting anyone face-to-face. For my online orientation, I watched videos, read many internal documents, and was given a timeline of what would be achievable during my internship. As time went on, I evolved in my role I started as a technical product specialist for the ads department. I troubleshooted issues for small businesses buying ads on TikTok. If there was a product bug, I escalated it to the product manager to get it solved. I was on a team of five, but everyone else was a product marketing manager. I started to become interested in their role, and so my coworkers took me under their wing and taught me how to do their jobs. By the end of my internship, I was probably doing 50% of my hired role and 50% product marketing work. I asked my manager if I could interview for a full-time position as a product marketing manager The company was growing and needed more product marketing managers. I also asked if I could work from the New York office. I didn't need to live in New York, as I'd still be working remotely, and the New York office was under construction, but I wanted the experience. I interviewed and was offered the job. I moved to New York in August 2021 and rented an apartment with one of my college friends. I became a product marketing manager for ads I worked with the product manager to ensure that all of our products were ready to go to market. I learned a lot, and I learned quickly. If it were a launch, we'd recruit our target customers and do research with them to ensure that the product was on the right track. If the products were already live, I'd work with customers to understand their pain points and find out how we could improve the existing product. One product I helped launch was Video Insights, which shared how much engagement you had at each point in your video. I visited the office for the first time in October 2022 The view of the New York skyline from the office was amazing. During the winter months, when the sun would set early, it was the ultimate place to watch sunsets. The walls were decorated with cool murals and neon artwork by local artists. The kitchen was filled with free snacks like Kit-Kats, Cup Noodles, and coffee. Over two years, the office changed dramatically They built a giant amphitheatre, the famed pink corridor, the gender neutral bathroom with its fit check mosaic, and an entertainment room with games for when creators visited. There were yoga lessons for staff, and speakers visited often. I listened to comedian Zarna Garg and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. I also joined many wine and pizza nights. We went through at least one, if not multiple, reorganizations each year One of these reorganizations involved dissolving my team, and we were moved to other teams in January 2022. I moved onto a global team. I traveled to Europe for a three-week business trip, visiting offices in London, Paris, and Berlin. I also visited the ByteDance campus in Shanghai. My job was similar, but the product managers I was now working with were based in China. Due to the time zones, it was tough to maintain consistency. Late-night meetings would pop up, and if I wasn't online when everyone else woke at night, it would make me stressed. By October 2023, we were asked to work in the office three days a week I'd now reached a point where I was sharing tips and tricks with new staff, and I met with summer interns who reached out for coffee chats. In March 2024, there were congressional hearings to see where Congress stood on TikTok. That was when a lot of people internally felt like maybe we should look around, so that's when I started to think about trying to find another job. The shutdown was in January 2025 TikTok was only banned for 12 hours, but I had left in June 2024. The previous summer, I met someone in an airport lounge who worked in tech. He ended up being the cofounder of Californian software company Emerge Tools. I now work for them remotely. I miss the people I worked with at TikTok a lot. I'd grown with them as an organization from such an early time, and I felt like I had a lot of ownership and impact on the work that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with TikTok and am grateful for the opportunities I had there.

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