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Outdoor Bliss List
14
items aka: Things that make my porch/patio/garden feel like a tiny sanctuary (even when there are four barefoot kids and a rogue chicken involved).
Go for soft, wipeable cushions and a neutral base with pop-of-color pillows. Sectionals are great for sprawling or gathering, depending on your mood (or how many kids pile on).
Weatherproof Comfy Patio Set
🔥 Makes the backyard feel magical at night and gives that cozy, primal “I made fire” vibe. Great for s’mores, storytelling, and neurodivergent sensory grounding. If you live in the city propane is probably your best bet. Out here in the country we like the wood burning ones.
Fire Pits - The Home Depot
The movement is naturally regulating (hello vestibular input!). Perfect for reading, nursing, decompressing, or zoning out with a lemonade and your favorite playlist. Ours can lay down like a bed (doesn't swing in that position), but its great for lounging out.
Porch Swings - The Home Depot
💡 Gentle ambient lighting without harsh brightness = a sensory win. Solar means no plugs, no fuss, and most turn on automatically when it gets dark. ✨
Solar String Lights
🍫 Practical and fun. Telescoping = safer for littles. Color-coded = fewer arguments about whose marshmallow is whose. Smaller forks are great for marshmallows and the larger ones for hot dogs.
MalloMe Smores Sticks for Fire Pit Long
🦟 For those of us who become mosquito buffets the second we step outside. Look for quiet zappers or natural repellent options that don’t smell like a science lab. Zappers work way better than candles or coils to me.
Bug Zapper Lantern
Adds visual structure to the space (very grounding), makes things feel homey, and is easier on bare feet and crawlers. Pro tip: hose it off when the mess gets wild or take it to the laundromat - they are washable!
Washable Outdoor Rugs for Patios & Porches | Ruggable
Keeps chaos out of sight when your brain needs visual calm and helps cushions last longer. Bonus: it can double as a bench or kid-climbing platform.
Waterproof - Deck Boxes
Easy to move and perfect for following the sun, joining the kids, or stealing five minutes alone in the garden. Look for ones that don’t pinch skin or hair (ask me how I know 😂).
Foldable Patio Lounge Chairs
🥤 Because moms should not have to balance a mason jar of iced coffee on the ground like woodland creatures. Lightweight tables are easy to rearrange when your setup changes.
Stackable - Outdoor Side Tables
Greenery softens the space and gives that "nature therapy" energy. Lavender, mint, and rosemary also help repel bugs AND smell amazing. Fake plants work too—zero judgment.
Tall Outdoor Planters
☂️ Essential if you live where the sun is ruthless. Keeps the space usable longer and helps with sensory regulation if bright light is overwhelming.
Pergolas or Shade Umbrellas
Pop on a playlist for outdoor chores or chill time. Nature sounds, jazz, or acoustic hits can set the mood. Just keep it low for sensory peace.
Bluetooth Outdoor Speakers with Lights
Keep bees, bugs, and other undesirable things out of your drinks with straw covers. So important so you can keep your drinks with you stress free.
Straw Covers