The Dollar Tree Broom Hack That Will Light Up Your Backyard For Summer

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Ah, Dollar Tree — where costs are low, but DIY possibilities are sky-high. The retailer's brooms are probably the last thing you'd consider craft-worthy, but today's décor hack might convince you otherwise. As a matter of fact, these cleaning tools make a surprisingly handy outdoor light stand. The trick is to pair them with solar lights. It's as easy as stacking LEGO pieces. Plus, you only need two items to pull off this budget-friendly patio lighting idea that works no matter what your style is.

The first must-have is Dollar Tree's Essentials Black Plastic Broom Handles. Pick up as many as you need, keeping in mind that one broomstick equals one light. Then, make a beeline to the lighting section and grab your favorite solar stake lights. Dollar Tree has plenty, though these black Solar Lantern Stakes seem to be a perfect fit for this DIY. Note that the stake should be able to slide easily inside the broom's open end. It's worth double-checking the sizes while you're there.

These solar lights are made to handle the rain, sun, and everything in between. Hence, you can put them anywhere that needs a little glow, whether in an open patio, along a walkway, or tucked inside garden beds. Just remember to replace the batteries every now and then to make your Dollar Tree solar lights last longer. Oh, and the broom won't rust or warp either since it's made of plastic.

Step one, remove the broom's handle cap. Step two, insert the solar lamp into the top hole. And three, plant the finished product into the ground. You can also do this before popping the lights on and use a hammer to tap the broom in place. This will make it less wobbly and more wind-ready.

Okay, so the broomstick is officially a light pole and looks great as-is. That's not to say it couldn't use a little something extra, though. Because black may be too basic for some, why not paint the piece in vibrant hues like turquoise, yellow, or pink? It'll instantly brighten up a dull patio with color, plus bring a cheerful, summery feel. We also love the idea of dressing up each light with a bow tie or wrapping ribbon all the way down the pole. Maybe tie a balloon to it if you're throwing a party? Bonus points if you swap the lighting for something playful like the WdtPro 4-Pack Daisy Solar Lights and paint the broom green to mimic a flower stem.