16 Best Budget Buys for a Backyard Staycation Garden
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Right then mi darlin, let’s talk about turning that garden into your own little backyard staycation without spending a fortune doing it. You don’t need a villa in Portugal to feel like you’re on one. You just need a few clever buys and a bit of sunshine.
I’ve spent years in the hotel trade and I know exactly what makes an outdoor space feel like a treat rather than an afterthought. It’s never the big stuff. It’s the little details.
The 16 Best Budget Buys for a Backyard Staycation Garden
Comfort & Seating Buys for your Backyard Staycation Garden
A beautiful hanging hammock is where I’d start. String it between two trees and it instantly becomes the spot everyone fights over. If you haven’t got trees to work with a Free standing hammock chair takes care of that, it comes with its own frame so you’re not relying on anything else in the garden to take the weight. Or if you’d rather keep it simple, a sturdy hammock frame does the job for the hanging version instead. It’s one of the best ways to make a garden feel like a proper retreat.
A Garden floor cushion gives you a second seating option that’s low to the ground and proper relaxed. It’s ideal for the kids or for anyone who fancies flopping down without committing to a full lounger.
Lighting to Set the Mood
Solar lights are next on my list and they’re proper good value. Dot them around your garden or push them in to plant pots, they look magical the second it gets dark.
Backyard Staycation Garden Budget Buys
An Outdoor rug changes everything underfoot. From my time in flooring sales I can tell you a decent rug does more for how a space feels than almost anything else you’ll buy. Mind you, mine got caught by the wind one afternoon and flew clean over the garden fence, and face planted the neighbour who was stood there minding his own business. Mortifying doesn’t cover it. So make sure you’ve got a few chairs sat on it to hold it down if the wind gets up, especially if your garden catches a bit of a breeze.
Entertainment
A Portable Bluetooth speaker gives your backyard staycation garden that holiday soundtrack. Stick your favourite playlist on and honestly it does half the work for you.
This Thermal drinks dispenser keeps everything cold for hours which matters more than you’d think on a proper hot day. No more warm squash by 2pm.
Keeping the Bugs Away from your Backyard Staycation Garden
Citronella candles keep the midges away without you having to think about it. I absolutely love this large 3 wick citronella candle which sits in a cute metal basket, it’s portable and easy to carry, making it perfect for outdoor use during the summer.
If you fancy giving a bit back to the bees and butterflies while you’re keeping the midges off yourself, the RSPB’s guide to a wildlife-friendly garden is worth a look.
A Foldable side table gives you somewhere for your drink and your book that isn’t the grass, it’s a small buy but it’s spot on for making things feel a bit more put together.
Outdoor cushions covers are the cheapest way to upgrade tired garden chairs. New covers and suddenly the whole seating area looks pulled together.
A Soft outdoor throw is the bit people forget. Drape one over the hammock or a chair and it makes evenings outside last a lot longer once the air cools off.
Beating the Heat
A Sun parasol is another one worth having in the mix. It gives you a proper shaded spot to escape to when the heat gets a bit much, without having to go inside and miss out on the garden altogether.
A Portable misting fan is worth every penny on a proper warm day. It cools the whole seating area down within minutes and stops anyone moaning about the heat.
Evening Extras for your Backyard Staycation Garden
A Small fire pit is the one item I’d genuinely encourage. Once the sun goes down it keeps everyone outside for another hour or two and it’s what makes an evening feel like an actual event rather than just tea in the garden.
I’ll be honest with you though, mine nearly ended in disaster. I’d had a few too many wines one summer evening and thought it’d be a great idea to have a little dance round the fire pit. Nearly went straight in, luv. The husband dived in like Superman and hauled me back before I ended up with a very sorry looking backside.
So here’s my one bit of proper advice, keep the fire pit well away from where anyone’s likely to be wandering about after a couple of drinks, and always keep a close eye on little ones and pets around it too.
Festoon string lights strung across a pergola or between two fence posts finish a garden off beautifully once it gets dark. They do a similar job to the lanterns but at a different height, so you get light from above as well as along the ground.
If you want more ideas along these lines I’ve also put together a full guide on transforming your garden into a holiday retreat.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to create a backyard staycation garden?
Start with the hammock and lighting. Both are budget friendly and they change the whole feel of the space instantly.
Do I need a big garden for this to work?
No. A backyard staycation garden works in a small space too. It’s about the details, not the size.
How much does it cost to set up a budget backyard staycation garden?
It’s a fraction of what a week away would cost you, and you can build it up bit by bit rather than all at once.
Well go on then mi darlin, get that garden sorted before the summer slips away from you.
