Back in the old days, people were happy with push mowers, Tupperware, and sprinkler toys when it came to preparing their yards and patios for a summer gathering. But times have changed, and today’s homeowners are more sophisticated and technologically-advanced. They want gadgets and accessories that will reduce the time it takes to get their outdoor spaces ready for guests, as well as those which will enhance the summertime party experience.
Thankfully, there are plenty of products which will accomplish those goals in 2012. Here are a dozen ideas for your next backyard soiree:
- Gutter Getter gutter cleaning tool. It’s a special “rake” attachment that fastens to the end of a long pole, allowing you to scrape out gutter debris while walking along the ground. But are you sure it will get all the debris with this? Or will you have to bust out the heavy ladder in order to check?
- Solar Hybrid robot-powered lawn mower. That’s right: not only does this gadget mow your lawn by itself, but it also uses the power of the sun to do so.
- Grill Daddy Grill Cleaner. Unlike other grill brushes, this one allows you to fill it with water so you can steam-clean your grill while you brush it.
- Stake interchangeable grill tool. Think of it as a three-in-one grill fork, spatula, and tongs set which can change functions just by sliding the handle.
- Magic Mesh Bug Screen. This screen for your French doors is an effective, low-cost way to keep mosquitoes from invading your home.
- Hamilton Beach Thermal Cooler Plus Blender. It’s a battery-powered, portable blender with a removable, thermally-insulated container that can keep beverages frosty and delicious for hours.
- Metrokane Rabbit Wine Chilling Carafe. This decanter/chiller has a cylindrical chamber inside the carafe which you can fill with ice to keep white wine or other drinks cold.
- Soulra XL solar-powered audio system. With eight durable speakers, this jambox can turn your iPhone or iPod into a full-fledged outdoor stereo.
- Hi-Sun Towel with built-in speakers. It’s a beach towel with a nifty head cushion that’s equipped with speakers so you can enjoy your portable music player while you tan.
- Sunbrite TV. This uniquely-designed outdoor high-definition television screen purports to be resistant to humidity, rain, insects, dust, salty air, and temperatures below 122 degrees.
- Finis SwiMP3 underwater headphones. Finally, you can jam while you swim with these waterproof headphones which can store and play hundreds of songs for hours.
- Banzai Sidewinder Blast inflatable water park. With a splash pool, water slide, 10-foot climbing wall, and two water cannons, this toy puts the old wading pool to shame.
