Novelty lights are where outdoor lighting gets playful. They are the glowing mushroom by the birdbath, the resin owl on the fence post, the moon pattern thrown across the patio wall. We gathered the most charming ones in one place: resin animal and bird figures, glowing mushroom caps, cat silhouettes, frosted reed sticks and starburst sprays for borders, pebble and boulder lights, wind chime lanterns, a kettle that pours a cascade of light from a shepherd hook, and a floating RGB orb for ponds and pools. They make wonderful gifts for gardeners.

Picking Pieces You Will Love

• Mostly solar: The majority charge by day and switch on automatically at dusk, so you can place them anywhere with sun. A few larger styles also come in a 12 volt hardwired version.
• Scale: Small figures read best close to a path or seating area. Large orbs, boulders and reed clusters can hold their own in the middle of a bed.
• Materials: Resin and iron pieces look good by day too, so choose designs you enjoy as garden ornaments, not just as lights.
• Light color: Warm white feels cozy and natural; color changing modes suit kids' gardens, pool parties and holidays.

Placement tip: Group three pieces of different heights together, such as a tall reed cluster, a mid height mushroom and a low pebble light. A small grouping looks intentional where a single piece can look lost.

Build out the rest of the yard with landscape lighting, and check our solar lights buying guide to get the best run time from every piece.