Whether you look at this time of year as the end of summer, the start of fall, or the finally-back-to-school period, there’s a season overlapping it all, that most everyone can get behind: tailgating season. You may be a parking-lot pro or just discovering the joys of the pre-game; either way, you’ll find you’re always looking to make improvements to your outdoor entertaining setup. Helpful as ever, we’re here with a dozen ways to make your tailgate party better than it was the last time. What we can’t help with is your team’s win-loss record. Game on!
10′ x 10′ Pop-Up Canopy with Mesh Sidewalls
We speak from experience when we say: Do not tailgate in the sun. Shade is your friend when it comes to spending hours in a parking lot or a field, and you cannot rely on Mother Nature to provide you with giant trees. Make sure you BYO shade in the form of an easy-up (and down) canopy like this one that includes removable mesh walls for $189.99.
Outdoor Collapsible Cooler & Camp Table Set
Make quick work up setting up your tailgate party anywhere with a fold-up table and cooler set that’s super easy to pack and carry. The table has built-in cup holders in the style of your typical camping chair—handy for the clumsier among us—and the cooler offers up a lightweight 18″ x 18″ compartment for food and drink storage. $64.99 (reg. $89)
Portable Folding Table
For something more durable (though decidedly less able to chill your drinks), this aluminum-alloy folding table is a winner. It’s great for pretty much any outdoor activity and comes in three different sizes. Starting at $69.95 (reg. $90).
Portable Folding Canopy Chairs with Cooler
Tackle shade, seating, and drink storage all at once with a folding chair and canopy combo that also boasts a cooler compartment. The Oxford-fabric build makes it sturdy, and the carrying case makes it easy to haul. Get it for $169.99.
EchoSmile Rotomolded Cooler
Got a more serious haul than any collapsible cooler can handle? Opt for this 30-quart cooler that’s got 4.4 stars on Amazon thanks to its ability to keep things cold for up to five days. The cooler’s durability means it doubles as a chair, and its coupon means you can save $10 (enter code SMILE10 at checkout). Comes in a 40-quart size, too!
Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Tumbler
OK, enough about coolers! They are great for keeping beverages cold while they’re inside ’em, but then what? Pour your beer, seltzer, wine, soda, or plain-old water into a double-walled Yeti tumbler, and you’ll be enjoying chilled refreshment all day for just $29.99. Keeps hot drinks hot, too!
Pry.Me Bottle Openers
Mistakenly thought that 12-ounce was a twist-off? No worries—you’ve got this little wonder attached to your keys. The world’s smallest bottle opener is, objectively, adorable, and it’s able to support 164,000 times its own weight. Pop a cold one for $10.99.
Zucchi Garlic, Chili Pepper & Pesto Olive Oil Set
Everyone’s gonna be making burgers, so why not go for something more exciting that you’ve marinated or dressed with flavor-infused extra virgin olive oil? It’s an effortless way to make your guests debate what that thing is they’re tasting but can’t place. $39.95 for three bottles (reg. $59).
Nuvita Premium Stackable Mini Salt & Pepper Mill
No matter how much flavor-infused olive oil you use in your marinade, some people are just gonna dump salt on their food. Make it easy for them by packing this portable spice grinder in your Go-Team-Go Bag. It’s got space for five different seasonings to please even the pickiest fans. $12.99 (reg. $24)
Rubbermaid 6-Piece Food Storage Containers Set with Easy-Find Lids
For your dry-rubbed meats, your sliced onion and tomato, your macaroni salad, and whatever else you’ll be serving, first you need reliable transportation. Beyond your driving skills, that means food storage containers that don’t leak. Trust Rubbermaid for that and get a few of these six-piece sets on sale for $24.99 (reg. $29).
Homping Portable Charcoal Grill
For an epic tailgate party flex, whip out this hassle-free portable charcoal grill. Truly the ultimate portable, personal, pre-game grill, it uses fewer briquettes and produces less smoke but still makes mouthwatering meals. It’s got a safe-touch easy-clean design, too. Get yours on sale for $145.99 (reg. $199). Looking for more options? Check out our grilling guide.
Bean Bag Toss Cornhole Regulation-Size Game Set
Pass the time waiting for kickoff by releasing some of that nervous energy (and burning some of those BBQ calories). Just make sure your crew agrees on the rules first. This cornhole set is portable yet durable and comes with eight bean bags plus a carrying case. Right now it’s on sale for $99.99 (reg. $129).
Prices subject to change.