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- Portable S’mores Station That Fits on a Table
- Oversized Yahtzee for Lawn Playtime
- Grilling Tools That Take Pressure Off the Host
- High-End Multi‑Cooker for Serious Backyard Chefs
- Inflatable Slide That Steals the Show
- Keep Mosquitoes Away Without Sacrificing Comfort
- Small Add‑Ons That Improve the Guest Experience
Summer is in full swing, and if you want your July gatherings to feel effortless and memorable, a quick trip to Costco can supply surprising upgrades. From playful yard games to smart cooking tools and bite‑sized campfire kits, these finds make hosting in the backyard easier and more fun. Below are standout picks that balance value, convenience, and crowd‑pleasing appeal.
Portable S’mores Station That Fits on a Table
The Solo Stove S’mores Fire Bowl Set turns dessert into an event without smoky eyes or messy ash. Its compact design is built to sit on a patio table and reduce visible smoke while you roast.
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Target wall-mounted find frees up countertop space: timeless style for small kitchens
- What’s included: small fire bowl, bamboo lid, four roasting skewers, bamboo serving tray, s’mores recipe booklet, and a gel fuel packet.
- Why it stands out: tabletop-friendly and curated for communal snacking.
- Price point: around $59, making it a budget-friendly way to add charm.
Oversized Yahtzee for Lawn Playtime
Give classic dice a backyard twist with the Huge Yahtzee set. The large foam dice encourage players to move around and laugh between rolls.
- Includes: five oversized foam dice, a collapsible fabric bucket, and a dry‑erase scoring board with marker.
- Best for: family barbecues, kid‑friendly parties, and casual adult contests.
- Retail: roughly $50 at Costco.
Grilling Tools That Take Pressure Off the Host
Good accessories make outdoor cooking flow. Costco’s Henckels barbecue kit simplifies handling a variety of foods straight from the grill.
- Kit features: stainless steel utensils, two serving trays, six metal skewers with sliding handles, and a grate topper to keep small items from falling through.
- Practical perks: deep basket tray holds corn and keeps it from rolling away.
- Cost: about $39, ideal for everyday summer use.
Small Smoker for Grill Owners
If your grill is dependable but you crave smoked flavors, the Nordic Ware Deluxe Kettle Smoker is an add‑on worth checking. It sits on top of grates, fits small spaces, and expands what you can cook outdoors.
- Features an adjustable vent, drip tray, and space for a selection of wood chips.
- Can double as a stovetop smoker when the season winds down.
- Typical price: about $80.
High-End Multi‑Cooker for Serious Backyard Chefs
The Ninja FlexFlame Outdoor Cooking System appeals to hosts who want one appliance to handle many roles. It blends grilling, smoking, and more into a single unit with precise heat control.
- Capabilities: cooks like a grill, supports pellet fuel, smokes, griddles, and roasts — plus options for crisping pizza.
- Temperature: dial control that reaches high heat for searing.
- Investment: listed near $1,250 on Costco’s site, for cooks ready to upgrade their setup.
Inflatable Slide That Steals the Show
For parties with kids, the Wham‑O Constant Air Slip ‘N Slide is built to deliver thrills. The long, cushioned lane and interactive water features keep energy high.
- Design: 32 feet of air‑filled padding plus an overhead waterfall for continuous wet fun.
- Extras: includes a water cannon and an electric fan for fast inflation.
- Price: around $240 — a seasonal splurge that creates lasting memories.
Keep Mosquitoes Away Without Sacrificing Comfort
Insect control is one of the most underrated hosting skills. Two inexpensive Costco picks can help protect guests and keep dining pleasant.
- Thermacell E95 Mosquito Repellent: a rechargeable unit with a fast‑charge dock. It heats and disperses a repellent to cover an estimated 20‑foot radius. The package usually includes two refills, each lasting about 36 hours.
- Elements Rechargeable Bug Repelling Fans: sold in a two‑pack, these table fans use spinning holographic blades to deter flies and other pests. They hang or sit on tables and cost about $24.
Small Add‑Ons That Improve the Guest Experience
Little conveniences can change the tone of an outdoor party. Think about portable lighting, extra serving trays, or easy cleanup tools to keep things moving.
- Compact fire bowls and marshmallow kits invite group interaction.
- Durable grilling trays and skewers speed service and reduce mess.
- Rechargeable repellents and tabletop fans make evenings more pleasant.
