21 Outdoor Hacks From the Dollar Store

From rural towns to the suburbs to the city, you are never that far from a dollar store, and the dollar store is where we found plenty of ways to elevate your outdoor spaces without breaking the bank. Need more dollar store ideas? Don't miss HGTV's full list of dollar store hacks as well as how to get organized on a dollar store budget and ways to plan an affordable special event.

For a one-of-a-kind doormat, grab a plain doormat and a few art supplies you can get at any dollar store: a stencil, a permanent marker, black paint and a paint brush.

The base for this DIY planter box is a dollar store trash can painted dark brown to match the wood scraps to create the shiplap look. The wood is attached to the can using glue, making it a no-hammer kind of project.

You've probably already got tin cans. Carefully use a hammer and finishing nail to poke designs into the cans, paint them, and place a tea light inside for mood lighting on the deck.

Use dollar store paint and stencils to apply a pop of color and fun design to your outdoor spaces. Unused plywood in the garage or even an inexpensive dollar store canvas are the perfect items to bring a pop of color outside.

With five wire baskets from the dollar store and a few pieces of hardware, you can create a custom cascading planter perfect for vining plants.

If the cascading planter looks too time intensive, try this DIY hanging basket made from a dollar store collander and jute cord. You can spray paint the colanders to match your decor theme.

Hosting a party or playdate? Keep drinks cold by filling a dollar store baby pool with ice and drinks. When the day is done, deflate the pool and fold it up for easy storage.

Stop by the dollar store for buckets to use for serving snacks at a pool party or other warm-weather gathering. If the party is for kids, the buckets also make a great party favor.

This dollar store hack solves so many problems for outdoor BBQs. Using a garden flag hanger as a paper towel holder keeps napkins from blowing away in the wind, it's easy to use multiple hangers around your yard if it's a large party, and if you slide a trash bag loop onto the hanger before the paper towel roll, then you also have a place to throw away the garbage. Win, win, win.

Grab an inexpensive muffin tin to ferry drinks between the kitchen and your guests without worrying about spills.

Drop by the dollar store for some pool noodles and then use them to create a custom outdoor obstacle course to keep the kids entertained.

Cool down at your next backyard bash for kids by making a water balloon piñata. Use twine to secure the balloons together and let the fun begin.

Snag a dollar store laundry basket and some jute cord to make a nautical-themed front porch planter. High-temperature hot glue holds the cord to the basket and to itself.

Rain chains are a great way to divert rainwater towards your landscaping, and the dollar store should have every item on the list except for miniature s-hooks and a chain.

A stainless steel mixing bowl and pie tin are the starter pieces for this DIY dollar store bird feeder. As for the connector piece and requisite washers, you can find those at your local hardware store.

Add a pop of color to your front porch with this easy DIY terra-cotta tower planer. You can also add your house number to create a one-of-a-kind display.

Grab some mason jars to serve as planters for a dollar store herb garden that will thrive both in and outdoors.

Use dollar store mirrors outdoors to add visual interest and give the illusion of having a larger space if your outdoor space is on the small side.

Drop by the dollar store for vinegar, salt, a sprayer bottle and dish soap and see how fast the weeds around your sidewalk disappear.

A terra cotta flower pot and a candle make a surprisingly efficient heat source for the backyard, a tailgate, or picnic on a cool day. Be sure to place your warmer on top of bricks or pavers as shown, or directly on concrete to avoid scorching your grass or burning your table.