Summer DIYs for when you don’t have a lot of money to spend.

Summer is a busy time of year and All The Summer Things (furniture, outdoor games, porch and deck accessories and the like) can end up costing a small fortune. How about if we DON’T do that this year? How about if, instead, we put on our thinking caps and figure out a way to get all the same things that we love for summer fun outdoors…but THIS time, we save our money by DIYing a few things ourselves? I say a hearty, “YES!”

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Full Disclosure here.*

Summer DIYs that won’t break the bank

Let’s start with side tables, shall we?

We all love cozy, durable, outdoor furniture, but have you seen the price tags on some of those sets? (insert horrified face here)

Check out these options, instead:

Kimm from Reinvented has us covered with these side tables – whether your taste is galvanized,

a scrap wood build,

or a whimsical polka dot table.

Any of these would give you that much-needed  spot for your iced coffee and a good read. 😉 And don’t forget about my 1o minute birch stump side table with casters. Quick and easy. 😉

If you’d rather buy your outdoor side tables, find a great assortment here.

How about some furniture?

I see you reaching rolling your eyes as you reach for your wallet but *hold on*. Back away from the credit card. You won’t need it for these furniture pieces. 🙂

Check out this sweet garden bench that just needed a quick update: (keep your eyes peeled at those garage sales!)

or how about this DIY sofa and loveseat set???

NO NEED to spend over $1,200 for a set like this ↑↑↑ (and that’s the price on SALE! Bwaahaaahaaahaaa!!!!) Ahem. Sorry…. 😉 How about we DIY our own furniture that will last many, many years for a fraction of that cost!

I know not all of you have the time or desire to DIY. If that’s you, I’ve found some great outdoor pieces for you here.

Let’s PLAY!

They were just-a-swingin’… 😀

Ha ha!!! But seriously…summer just isn’t summer without swings. And all the kids said “amen”.

Do you need to go out and buy an expensive play set to get a few swings? No way! This simple DIY swing will NOT damage your trees (love those straps!) and is made of scrap wood. Frugal mommas for the win!!

It’s all fun and games…

I never got around to making these last year, but I *really* want to make them this year! These jumbo lawn dice look like so. much. fun!!!

Or maybe you’ve got older kids (or your favorite guy) who love darts? Check out this DIY dartboard made from recycled pallets!

Have you heard of the game Skittles? My sweet Aussie friend, Sam, shares this fun outdoor game here!

Summer DIYs to save for later

Be sure to Pin so you’ll easily be able to refer back to this when you need it! 😉

Whether you find yourself wishing you had new outdoor furniture or some fun new games *that would last longer than one hot minute* – I hope these ideas have sparked your own imagination for ways you can DIY your way to a fun and memorable summer with those you love the most.

Raising my iced coffee to you. 

You’ve got this.