Get Ready for Game Day With These 20 Tailgating Essentials

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Whether you're a true football fan or if you're just down for a fun social outing, add tailgate season to your calendar. It's the best time of the year. Play some tailgate games, enjoy your favorite beverages and snacks, and get pumped up for the game ahead. Whether you're hosting a tailgate or just attending one, it's important to be prepared, by that, I mean it's important to shop.

If you feel like you're forgetting something, cut yourself some slack because it happens to the best of us. Check out this roundup of game day must-haves, so you can make the most of your next tailgate.

A Table

Obviously, a table is essential for a tailgate. I'm not reinventing the wheel with that general suggestion. If you do not have tables already, I'm going to suggest getting this one because it's different than the norm. It's a dry erase table, which means you can use markers for games or to decorate for a specific occasion. Plus, it is really easy to transport because it folds up and it has a handle. It comes with four markers.

This table has 2,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

If you only have a small lot for your tailgate, here's another fun option. This two-part portable beer pong table really comes in clutch, plus it comes with a backpack, so it's easy to transport. You can bring the party anywhere you go. This will really come in handy if you're going from one tailgate to the other.

This table is great for the griller in your group. It's lightweight and comes with a carrying case. It has hooks, a paper towel holder, and plenty of space for grilling essentials.

This table has 1,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

A Grill

A reliable grill is a tailgating essential. This one is compact and easy to set up. The leges fold up in seconds and it's easy to transport. It even has a briefcase-style handle. This tabletop grill will take your tailgate to the next level.

A QVC shopper raved, "No complaints about this little grill. It has stood up to heavy tailgating use. It cleans up well also. Excellent for burgers."

A Cooler

Never worry about ice melting gain when you have the YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler. It has unbelievable insulation and it's on wheels, making it easy to transport. 
has 5-day ice retention and the ultimate insulation. It has soft-ride wheels for easy transport too.

There are 9 colors to choose from. This cooler has 3,200+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Here's another great cooler. It's leak-proof with a 100+ can capacity and the best part? It keeps ice cold for up to 5 days. It comes in 3 colors and has 3,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

No one likes warm beer. Keep your drink chilled with the The BrüMate Hopsulator Slim. It is compatible with slim 12 oz. cans, which includes White Claw, Red Bull, Michelob Ultra, Truly, and Bud Light Seltzer. There are 33 colors to choose from and this insulated can cooler has 63,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

An Amazon shopper raved, "Hands down the best can cooler...Yeti can't even touch these!! I was drinking until 3:00 am one night and I left a beer in one of these on my counter and when I woke up at 10:00 am the next morning...whaaaaat...it tasted like I just got it out of the refrigerator. 

Grilling Tools

This compact, 20-piece set has all your grilling essentials: spatula, tongs, digital temperature fork, basting brush, corn holders, skewers, & grill brush.

This set has 5,600+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Food Covers

Tailgate snacks are for the fans, not the bugs. Keep your food pest-free with these mesh tent covers, which have 2,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

A Cooler Backpack

If you're on the move from tailgate to tailgate or if you just want to make sure you have a beverage you like on game day, get a cooler backpack. You can fill this with ice and it won't leak or have condensation.

This one comes in 4 colors and it's just what you need for game day.

If you want a cooler backpack at another price point, this is a top-rated find with 4,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews. It's leak-proof, sand-proof, water-resistant, and lightweight. It even has wine bottle pockets on the sides.

A Beer Funnel 

Is it even a tailgate without one of these? I don't think so.

Hand Warmers

It's easy to be a fan in September and October when the sun is shining and you don't need a jacket. It's those chilly months when tailgating gets tough. You will be the hit of the tailgate if you bring this box of hand warmers and toe warmers. Everyone will thank you. Trust me on that.

These are also great for anyone who has to walk for their commute. They really come through. This set has 7,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Cornhole 

Cornhole is a classic tailgate game, but who wants to lug a heavy, wooden set? This one is portable and perfect for the tailgaters on the go. This set has 4,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Disposable Ponchos

I'm not telling you to distrust your weather app, but I do think you should always prepared for rain. If you start tailgating early in the morning all season long, you're bound to encounter some surprise rain at some point. Get a pack of disposable ponchos or two and make sure you always have these on hand for your friends.

This set has 8,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Giant Jenga

Take Jenga to the next level with this giant set, which comes with a scorecard. You can even decorate the blocks with your own rules, questions, and dares. 

This set has 9,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Ladder Toss

Ladder toss is another tailgating favorite. This set is easy to set up and it's light to carry in its included carrying case. It has 2,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

A Bluetooth Speaker

The music can really change the whole vibe of your tailgate. This affordable speaker has great, crisp sound. It comes in a bunch of colors and it has 17,100+ 5-star reviews.

A Hands-Free Bag

The Free People Sling Bag is just what you need at a tailgate. It's compact, you don't have to hold it, and it has just enough room for your essentials. It comes in bunch of colors too. 

Chairs

A good host always has seating for their guests. Yes, even at a tailgate. It's always good to have a few chairs with you. This fold-up chair comes in four colors and it has 46,200+ 5-star Amazon reviews. 

Blankets

It's always smart to have a blanket for your tailgate, an oversized outdoor blanket is even better. It's packable, quick-drying, water-resistant, machine-washable and it's huge. There are 7 colors to choose from.

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—Originally published September 2, 2022 at 5:13 PM PT.