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Have you noticed that summer is almost over? If you don’t already own a picnic blanket, consider this one from fruitsuper design. It’s made from a double-sided, water-repellent fabric and has a shoulder strap with snaps to make rolling it up and carrying it around a breeze. There’s also the added bonus of wind-resistant corners (a small but nice detail). Might be a great choice for a backyard get together, park picnic, play dates, beach outing, etc.

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Summer sales are happening now, and this little grill is currently priced at $79.95 (reg $124) at the MoMA Store. It’s a grill AND a planter, which is nothing short of fantastic for small porches and patios. Just how smart is it to hide a grill (when not in use) under the guise of a real planter? Pretty smart, I’d say, and especially handy should you choose to plant herbs and such in said planter.
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Everyone can afford to provide shelter for the birds at this price. This birdhouse ships flat, and after a few simple steps you’ll have a pop up (weather-resistant) cardboard birdhouse fit for your feathered friends. Could be fun to decorate as well, if you prefer. Measures 10″ tall; wood dowel for perch included.
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Do you know just how many croquet sets are available online? Hundreds, to say the least. I’ve no idea which set is the best to steer you towards, but I do like the look of the ones from The North Meadow. The Rockport 4 Player Set is $124, while the Scottsdale 6 Player Croquet Set is $185. Not inexpensive, but if you’re looking something that will last, they’ll most likely be better than the cheaper options.

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Snazzy, isn’t it? While the price is significantly higher than a charcoal grill you’ll find at your local store (say, a Weber Kettle Grill for $99), it does look significantly nicer… though, I suppose it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth 460 bucks more. Yes? No?
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This little ceramic birdhouse is on sale- $96.00 down from $120.00. And, if you are concerned about its credentials, don’t worry: it’s made from clay fired in a kiln that’s powered by renewable energy, glazed with an earth-friendly lead-free glaze, has a reclaimed cedar wood roof, and hangs from a suede cord. Satisfied? Also, wouldn’t this be a nice Mother’s Day gift?
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If you have a tree where a swing would work and 150 bucks lying around*, what are you waiting for? The weather is nice and ripe for appreciation, and a tree swing is just the thing to entice you and your friends/family oudoors. This handcrafted swing by Dzierlenga F+U is made from local cedar in upstate NY and can be personalized with a message, name, or initals. Talk about a great housewarming gift, eh? There’s also the Carved Oak Rope Swing ($188) which has a nice curve to it.
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On this first day of spring, perhaps you will consider an outdoor thermometer. Sure, some/most of us rely on our smart phones to tell us the weather, but there’s something exceptionally nice about just looking out the window and knowing what to expect when we step outside. Available in a wall-mounted window thermometer ($43.79) as well as standing thermometer with stake ($81.39).

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The world of above ground rainwater storage needs help. No matter how practical they are, most designs are eyesores and run the risk of upsetting your neighbors. However important that may or may not be, it’s worth noting that there’s definitely room for improvement. This tank is perhaps not the prettiest (nor the least expensive), but it is a heck of a lot better to look at than most, and it has a weird faux-topiary shape that might just camouflage itself in the right surroundings. Also not horribly offensive to the eyes are the Rainwater HOG ($325), Exaco ECO 67 Wooden Rain Barrel ($239), Algreen 50 gal. Castilla Rain Barrel ($129), and the Graf Sunda Rattan Wall Tank ($350).

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Now that it’s most certainly autumn, it’s time to think about ways to still enjoy your outside space despite the chill in the air. This fire ring will hopefully facilitate many s’mores and stories, and as it’s made from 3/16 thick steel with a solid raised internal floor to contain the ashes, it’ll do the job of keeping your fire right where you want it. The recycled poly top keeps out the elements while also doubling as an off duty cocktail table. At three feet wide, it’s just large enough for a small gathering… grab your graham crackers and marshmallows.
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Have you heard of the Kammok? It’s a light weight camping hammock made from a nylon fabric called LunarWave™. It’s soft, strong, breathable and can easily pack away into a small bag for easy transport. Currently a Kickstarter project, you can donate whatever sum you desire, but if you’re hoping to receive an actual Kammock, expect to donate $85 or more. Check it out at Kickstarter.
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Perhaps some of our derrières might not quite fit on this tree swing, yet it’s worth reminding that it doesn’t take much to make something similar. Should you not wish to toil away making a wooden disk, this reclaimed elm seat is kiln-dried and finished with mineral oil.

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No need to go out and buy a huge plastic cooler for your next outdoor fete, just snap up a couple of these recycled cardboard coolers. It has the same thermal performance as a plastic cooler and can be recycled at the end of its use. No worries about the weather either, as it’s lined with a waterproof coating that makes it reusable and weatherproof. Smart.
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How quickly time flies. I posted this back in 2007, and, as is usually the case, the price has changed since then. While the Shadylace certainly isn’t new to the scene, I still think it’s a lovely choice for an outdoor umbrella. Light filters through the waterproof leaf motif, making you feel as though you’re sitting underneath a tree. Such a great alternative to all those semi-boring umbrellas out there.

Available in white or green.
Wood, steel, polyester (PE).

Dia. 7′ x H 7’5″
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Here’s my tweet: Bring more fauna into your life with this sheet metal bird feeder with white epoxy coating.