Does the impending arrival of summer have you writing a list of things to buy at your local home and garden store? In many areas, travel is still unadvisable, so we are writing our lists and gearing up for another summer in our backyards or on our balconies!
Whether you have a little or a lot of outdoor space, we have 5 suggestions for different things to buy at your home and garden store to make this summer one to remember, even if you spend it at home! Best of all, our suggestions are affordable and (we hope) relatively easy to find- no need to worry about the supply (or price) of lumber! If you don’t have any outdoor space, check out our blog about 5 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants for some suggestions to brighten your home!
And don’t forget, this month, LEO is running a Facebook Contest: the grand prize is a $1,000 Canadian Tire gift card, which you could use to buy all the items on our list, and more! Click here to learn how to participate.
Suggestion 1: Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is a great way to make your outdoor space comfortable. At the minimum, we think spending lots of time outside calls for comfortable chairs! You could purchase a couple of comfortable camping chairs or go all out and get a brand new patio set. We think either option will make your space more enjoyable!
Suggestion 2: A Picnic Blanket and Picnic Set
Depending on the pandemic restrictions in place in your region, a picnic at the park is a great way to kick off a staycation! Prepare your favourite treats and head to a park you already love or a new one you haven’t visited yet. If you don’t feel comfortable being around other people, a backyard picnic can be just as fun!
Suggestion 3: A Small Inflatable Pool (or Sprinklers!)
Although most of us don’t have the funds to spring for an in-ground backyard pool, if you (or your kids) love the water, a small inflatable pool or sprinklers are a great idea for staying cool when the temperatures climb. Pair this suggestion with the backyard picnic above, and you have the potential for an awesome afternoon!
Suggestion 4: Insect Repellent/An Insect Repellent Lantern
We love the summer heat, but not necessarily the bugs that come with it! We can think of few things that are more frustrating than trying to spend an evening outside, only to be bothered by a cloud of mosquitoes. Insect repellent and insect repellent lanterns are available at most home and garden stores and are great for stopping the bugs from bugging you!
Suggestion 5: A Set of Outdoor Lights
Saying that this pandemic has been anxiety-provoking is an understatement. Last summer, a few of us discovered a great way to stay calm: being outdoors in the evening with a pretty set of twinkle lights (keeping curfews in mind, of course!). These lights are also available at many home and garden stores and can add a friendly, soft touch to your deck, backyard, or balcony. Some of them even come in fun shapes, like hot peppers!
IF YOU HAD THE MONEY TO BUY WHATEVER YOU WANTED AT YOUR LOCAL HOME AND GARDEN STORE THIS MONTH, WHAT WOULD YOU GET?
TELL US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
This post is also available in: Français