Best Backyard Party Essentials for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

Published: August 2nd, 2024

🎉Throwing a backyard party is one of the best ways to enjoy those warm days and evenings with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a laid-back barbecue, a lively birthday bash, or just a casual get-together, having the right gear can make a huge difference. We've put together a list of must-have items based on lots of research to help you throw the perfect outdoor party.

From keeping your drinks frosty to setting just the right mood, these picks are sure to make your backyard gathering a hit.

🥇
Overall Best: Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler

The Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler is our top pick for backyard party essentials. This beast of a cooler boasts extra-thick walls with two inches of commercial-grade polyurethane foam, guaranteeing unmatched ice retention. Whether you’re keeping beverages chilled or storing fresh food, the Yeti ensures everything stays cool throughout your event. Its rugged design and large capacity make it ideal for gatherings of any size. According to our research, users love its durability and efficiency, noting it’s worth the investment for anyone who frequently hosts outdoor parties.

View TLDR Review: YETI Tundra 75 Cooler

The YETI Tundra 75 Cooler achieves its strong score through outstanding ice retention and durability, with many users praising its ability to keep contents cold for days. However, it is notable for its heft, making portability an issue for some, as well as mixed feedback regarding its price relative to performance. Overall, it represents a solid investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking high performance.

8.76

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$450.00 at Amazon

🥈
Runner-up: Outdoor String Lights

Beams S14 Bulb Solar LED Weatherproof Outdoor String Lights, 27 feet, Black 27 ft

Outdoor string lights are a must-have for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They can effortlessly transform your backyard into a picturesque setting for evening gatherings. Opt for weather-resistant options to ensure they withstand the elements throughout the party season. These lights not only provide ambient lighting but also significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Our runner-up pick is celebrated for its durability and enchanting effect it brings to any occasion, offering both functionality and beauty.

View TLDR Review: Beams S14 Solar String Lights

The Mr. Beams outdoor solar lights receive a moderate score due to their attractive design and good customer service, which many users appreciated. However, significant concerns exist regarding the inconsistent performance of the lights, with reports of short illumination times and bulbs failing shortly after purchase. Despite some customers enjoying the ambiance they provide, the reliability issues may be a drawback for potential buyers.

7.3

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.99 at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 12W Stereo Sound, Bluetooth 5, Bassup, IPX7 Waterproof, 24-Hour Playtime, Wireless Stereo Pairing, Speaker for Home, Outdoors, Travel Black

Music is the heartbeat of any party, and a portable Bluetooth speaker is a budget-friendly way to ensure everyone is entertained. Choose a lightweight and easy-to-carry model, so you can place it wherever the action is. Our budget pick delivers impressive sound quality and long battery life without straining your wallet. Many users praise its portability and sound clarity, making it a perfect choice for creating the ideal party atmosphere.

View TLDR Review: Anker Soundcore 2 Speaker

The Anker Soundcore 2 receives a favorable score due to its impressive 24-hour battery life, rugged design, and overall sound quality that outperforms most smartphone speakers, making it a solid choice for casual listeners. However, it is limited by average bass response and volume capabilities, particularly in noisy environments, which may disappoint more discerning audiophiles. Balancing affordability and performance, this speaker remains a strong contender in its category.

7.81

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$27.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Anker Soundcore 2 Speaker? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🔊

Can you pair two Anker Soundcore 2 speakers together?

Yep, you can pair two Anker Soundcore 2 speakers. According to the manufacturer's description, they support True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, letting you hook up two speakers for a bigger, stereo sound experience. Here's how you can set them up: 1. **Turn on both Anker Soundcore 2 speakers.** Make sure they aren't connected to any other devices. 2. **Enter Bluetooth pairing mode on both speakers.** Just press and hold the Bluetooth button until the light starts flashing. 3. **Initiate TWS pairing.** On one speaker, press the Bluetooth button twice. It'll look for the other speaker and pair up. Once they're linked, the primary speaker's light will stay steady, and the secondary one will flash slowly. 4. **Connect your device.** Now, use your phone or whatever device you have and connect to the primary speaker. You should only see one speaker in your Bluetooth list. After you're connected, you'll get stereo sound through both speakers. Our research indicated that people really like the improved sound and extra volume when using two together. Just a heads-up: TWS only works if both speakers are the same model. So, if you're trying to pair a Soundcore 2 with a different model, it won't work. The pairing steps are pretty straightforward, but if you hit a snag, the user manual or Anker's customer support can help you out. So if you're looking to level up your sound for parties or just home listening, pairing two Soundcore 2 speakers is a solid choice.

🔊

How does the sound quality of the Anker Soundcore 2 compare to other speakers?

The Anker Soundcore 2 has pretty solid sound quality, especially for its price. But when it comes to navigating through tracks, it does have a bit of a letdown. According to our research, a lot of Bluetooth speakers allow you to skip forward or backward directly using the hardware controls—something you often even get with basic wired headphones. The Soundcore 2 doesn't quite hit the mark here. You can skip forward by double-pressing the play button, but there's no way to skip backward using the speaker itself, which is a bit of a bummer. This isn't mentioned in the user manual, which can be frustrating too. Some folks we've found are particularly annoyed by this, although others don't see it as a big deal and still think the speaker's other features make up for it. If being able to navigate tracks directly from the speaker is a must for you, you might end up needing to use your phone or look into a different speaker. In terms of sound, though, the Soundcore 2 does a great job, just keep the navigation thing in mind.

💧

Is the Anker Soundcore 2 waterproof?

Yep, the Anker Soundcore 2 is waterproof. The manufacturer says it has an IPX7 rating, so it can handle being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Perfect for pool parties or beach trips where there's a chance of it getting splashed or even briefly dunked. It's built tough to survive different environments without losing its performance. Beyond being waterproof, the Soundcore 2 delivers surprisingly good sound for its size, with solid bass and clear audio, thanks to Anker's BassUp technology. And from what we've found, the battery life is great too—up to 24 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for long trips or all-day events. Just a heads-up though: some folks have pointed out that it doesn’t have a previous track button on the speaker itself. You can skip tracks and play/pause, but if you need to go back to the previous track, you’ll have to do it from your phone or another device. If that's a dealbreaker, it might be worth looking at other speakers with more track control options. All in all, the Anker Soundcore 2 is a solid pick if you're looking for a waterproof speaker with good sound quality and long battery life. Its rugged design and IPX7 rating make it a great buddy for your outdoor adventures.

View All Answers for

Specific Pick: Outdoor Canopy Tent

Nazhura 10' x 10' Pop Up Canopy Tent with Sand Weight Bag, Freestanding Sun Shelter for Picnic and Camping, One Person Setup and Height Adjustable (White)

An outdoor canopy tent is essential for keeping your guests comfortable, regardless of the weather. Whether providing shade from the sun or shelter from a light drizzle, a good quality canopy tent can significantly enhance your backyard gatherings. This specific pick is praised for its sturdiness and ease of setup, ensuring your guests stay cozy and protected. It’s a valuable addition that can elevate the comfort and enjoyment of your outdoor events.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$129.95 at Amazon

Best for Games: Cornhole Set

A cornhole set is a fantastic way to entertain guests of all ages. Simple to learn yet engaging enough to foster friendly competition, this game is a staple at many outdoor parties. Our pick stands out for its sturdy construction and attractive design, adding both fun and a decorative touch to your backyard. According to user feedback, it’s a crowd-pleaser that keeps the energy high and guests entertained.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best for Kids: Inflatable Pool

If children are part of your backyard party, an inflatable pool will be a hit. It provides endless fun and a refreshing escape from the heat. This pick is noted for its safety features and high-quality materials, ensuring durability and peace of mind. Easy setup means you spend less time fussing and more time enjoying the festivities. Parents and kids alike appreciate its practicality and entertainment value, making it a must-have for family-friendly gatherings.

View TLDR Review: Blue Inflatable Swimming Pool

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.99 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers