27 spring must-have products under $50 for gardening, grilling and more
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After a dreary, gray winter, spring ushers in a season of sunny days, fresh produce and picnics in the park. The warmth in the air and promise of new beginnings have us feeling excited about all the activities ahead, so it’s pertinent that we stock up on some spring essentials.
Whether you’re the resident grill master in your home, an avid lover of the outdoors or a legendary dinner party host, you’re probably looking forward to spring too. And while spring cleaning may sound clichéd, there really is no better time to store your winter clothes, organize your closet and tend to your garden.
Before we get into the season’s full swing, grab all the gear you need, including a meat thermometer that will make grilling your favorite proteins hassle-free, a portable speaker, a heavy-duty water bottle and a stylish shoe rack — all for under $50.
Grill tools under $50
Kona BBQ Grill Brush
20% off with code CNNDEALS2024 through May 1
This is our pick for the best grill brush, thanks to the stainless steel brush head that “melts away” burned and crusted-on food debris. The large surface area of the brush efficiently and quickly cleans your grill so you can spend more time eating and less time cleaning. Use code CNNDEALS2024 for 20% off.
Lodge Grill Basket
If you saw the sun peaking through the clouds and rushed to the garage to pull out the grill, be sure to add this Lodge grill basket to your cookware collection. Made from nearly indestructible cast iron, it’s specifically designed to grill vegetables to perfection. The Lodge grill basket can be placed directly on top of the grill grates, while the surface features pear-shaped holes that allow just enough heat to reach your shishito peppers or eggplant to achieve a charred flavor — without scorching any pieces or losing them through the grates.
Oxo Silicone Pastry Brush
Handy for applying marinades and sauces to grilled meats (or an egg wash to pastry), this pastry brush has silicone bristles that hold on to liquids well. That means there will be fewer drips and splatters on your counters. Plus, it’s heat resistant, so you can use it while your grill is hot.
Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer
This digital thermometer gives a reliably accurate reading in seconds, according to our tests, going a long way to guaranteeing your steaks and burgers aren’t overcooked. A handy chart on the thermometer’s face makes it extra intuitive to use too.
Cuisinart Burger Press
To achieve juicy smashburgers with crispy edges, grab this Cuisinart burger press. It’s made from heavy-duty cast iron, which can both withstand the heat of the grill and flatten your burger into the ideal smashburger shape.
Outdoor essentials under $50
Owala FreeSip 24-Ounce Water Bottle
According to our tests, the Owala FreeSip water bottle keeps water cold for 24 hours, thanks to its vacuum-insulated body. There are two options for how to drink: either directly from the mouthpiece or through the built-in straw. We also love that the lid is leakproof and the stainless steel exterior is hard to damage, whether you’re trekking through a national park or taking a leisurely stroll through the local park.
Hydro Flask 12-Liter Carry Out Soft Cooler
This Hydro Flask Carry Out Cooler keeps the contents cold for up to 24 hours, according to the brand, and it’s extra portable, thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap. The sturdy molded base ensures that it sits upright no matter where you set it down, and it fits 20 cans (without ice).
Lightspeed Outdoors Blanket With Shoulder Strap
This waterproof blanket is going to be your go-to, not just on trips to the park this spring but also on camping and beach trips. Simple to fold up into a neat, rectangular pouch and sling over your shoulder, thanks to the built-in shoulder strap, it provides a clean, comfortable place to sit anywhere outdoors.
Sharper Image Outdoor Tabletop Fireplace
A warm evening outdoors won’t feel complete without this tabletop fireplace. Just add rubbing alcohol to ignite a flame in a matter of seconds. The flame level is adjustable, and it burns for up to 30 minutes without any smoke.
ApudArmis Six Player Croquet Set
Encourage all your friends to come over for cocktails and appetizers with this croquet set. After all, a warm spring afternoon sounds all the more appealing if you’re playing lawn games with a martini in your hand. It comes with enough mallets for six players, as well as a carrying case so you can take it to the park.
Sony XB100 Portable Speaker
Take this speaker anywhere, thanks to its miniature size and lightweight build. It’s shorter than a soda can, so you can even attach it to a backpack or a bike. It’s waterproof, and in our tests, we found that it delivers “impressively loud sound.”
Igloo Retro Picnic Basket Cooler
The deep teal and magenta of this cooler will inspire nostalgia for the ’90s. It features picnic basket-style handles and a sturdy exterior that can handle barbecues and boating trips. The 25-quart capacity can accommodate 36 cans at once, plus the lid doubles as a seat if you’re running low on chairs at the barbecue.
Picnic Time Canvas Basket Tote
A cross between a stylish canvas tote and a woven picnic basket, this bag has a solid willow base so that it stands upright on most surfaces. The cinched top keeps out all kinds of debris, such as sand and dirt, so you can take it to the beach or the park without worrying about contaminating your food.
Closet organizers under $50
The Container Store Our Deep Sweater Box
It’s time for your cozy sweaters to make room for your lightweight T-shirts, which is why this sweater container is a must-have. It fits up to four sweaters at a time (depending on their fluffiness) and keeps them safe from moths and dust until you need to break them out in the fall. Plus, the containers are transparent, so you can see exactly what’s inside each one.
Utopia Home Acrylic Shelf Dividers, 6-Pack
If you have shelves in your closet, keep different styles and types of clothing from getting jumbled and difficult to sort through with these dividers. Separate jeans from dress pants, for instance, and your closet will be not only easier to sort through but look neater.
Oxo Dresser Drawer Divider Set
Another way to get your space spring-ready is with this pair of drawer dividers. Each one expands from 11 inches to 17 inches to fit most standard drawers. Use them to organize your underwear so that you never have to sort through a pile of clothes to find what you’re looking for.
Yamazaki Home Adjustable Shoe Rack
Make sure all your favorite and frequently worn shoes are easy to find with this shoe rack. It can be expanded to fit seven pairs of shoes — or, if you have a smaller space, shorten it to fit three pairs.
Gardening tools under $50
Duluth Trading Co. Patterned Gardening Gloves
Don’t let the cheerful floral pattern on these gardening gloves fool you: The polyurethane coating makes them tough enough to protect your hands up to the wrists while you’re pruning thorny plants. Breathable fabric also prevents your hands from sweating uncomfortably as you work.
Threshold 2-Gallon Watering Can
This classic watering can features a long spout — important for watering plants because it gives you more control over the flow of water — and a wide nozzle. It holds up to 9 liters of water at a time, and its rich green hue will match your plants.
GardenCube Indoor Herb Garden
You can still garden even if you don’t have a large outdoor space, thanks to this indoor herb garden. It has eight pods in which you can grow cilantro, basil and other leafy herbs. The LED light system mimics the effects of sunlight to help stimulate the growth of your plants. Meanwhile, the built-in water tank circulates water to the soil every 30 minutes.
Home essentials under $50
Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier
Spring is when seasonal allergies kick into high gear, which is where this compact air purifier comes in handy. It measures 6.5 by 6.5 by 10.4 inches, and it fits on side tables and nightstands. The quiet fan won’t disrupt your sleep, while the filtration system helps clear not just allergens but congestion and pet dander too.
Turkuaz Kitchen Posy Pitcher
In the spring you may find yourself spending more time on the porch or the backyard, relaxing or chatting with friends — and when these gatherings happen, you’re going to want drinks. Whether you're making lemonade or a batch of cocktails, this whimsical floral pitcher will add some personality to your get-together.
Apothecary 18 Fresh Lavender Balsam Candle
The air in spring is full of chirping birds and the smell of fresh flowers. Make your home as fragrant as the outdoors with this lavender candle. Held in an attractive pink ceramic jar that you’ll be happy to display in your home, this 14-ounce candle will burn for a total of 65 hours.
Brooklinen Fabric Refresher Spray
Lets face it: You probably spent most of the cold winter wrapped up in your blankets, waiting for the sun to come out. Your linens could use a refresh, which is where this clean, calming, sprayable scent will come in handy. It’s safe to spray on all of your fabrics, and it won’t irritate your allergies.
Cuisinart Citrus Juicer
Skip the strain that manually juicing citrus puts on your hands and wrists with this electric juicer. It has three settings that allow you to control the amount of pulp, and the juicing cone can accommodate any size fruit. Grapefruits, lemons, navel oranges and tangerines are all in season in spring, so not only can you enjoy fresh juice throughout the day but it’s also handy for baking projects.
Crate & Barrel Hayes Black Marble Serving Board
If you plan to host any cocktail or dinner parties this spring, a charcuterie and cheese platter is a must. Black marble sets this serving board apart from the typical wooden options. With its 13.5-inch diameter, it fits all your favorite snacks, including cheeses, olives, nuts and dried fruit.
Lekue Ice Pop Molds, Set of 4
Now that so much fresh fruit, including mangoes and strawberries, is in season in the spring, one fun family activity may be making your own ice pops. These colorful silicone molds make it easy to release the pop when it’s done freezing, and they’re stackable, so they take up less space in the freezer. Each mold comes with a plastic lid, which prevents your ice pops from absorbing smells and flavors from other food stored in the freezer.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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