Tailgate Party Gifts: Score Big with These Winning Ideas

Outfitting a fresh tailgate grill? The Cuisinart Deluxe CGS‑5020 packs 20 stainless-steel essentials that felt solid in our hands, and the hard aluminum case keeps everything organized for easy transport. During our review, we did wish the included grill brush were larger—it’s on the small side compared with standalone options. Note that some sets arrive with warped or damaged cases, and the elastic holders don’t secure every tool perfectly, so plan a quick tune-up before kickoff.

Skip lighter fluid and get coals roaring with the Weber Rapidfire Chimney—its large capacity handled most grills easily in our testing. The handle and heat shield kept our grip comfortable, and the aluminized steel body shrugs off routine use. It’s not as consistent with lump charcoal and the small bottom vents can make direct lighter starts finicky; newspaper or starter cubes help. Store it dry between games, since long exposure can lead to surface rust.

From smash burgers to pancakes, the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle doubles your options with a flat side and a ribbed grill in one pre-seasoned slab. In our testing, the two-burner span handled big batches nicely, though the grill grooves are tougher to clean and maintaining seasoning takes diligence. The small handles get awkward when hot, so use sturdy mitts, and always dry and oil after washing to prevent rust. For tailgaters who value heat retention and versatility, it's a workhorse.

If you want fast, clean grill starts, the Looft Electric Firestarter uses superheated air to light charcoal or wood without lighter fluid—no chemical aftertaste. In our testing, the long power cord made positioning easy, and the built-in bottle opener is a fun bonus while you wait for coals. Downsides: you must hold the button the whole time, and some users report early failures. It’s pricier than chimney or basic electric starters, but the speed and flavor payoff are real.

Long, sunny lots call for serious hydration, and Hydro Flask's 40 oz All Around Travel Tumbler keeps drinks cold for hours with robust double-wall insulation. We found the handle comfortable and the base surprisingly cup-holder friendly for its size, but it isn't fully spill-proof and the straw components can warp in the dishwasher. Hand-wash the lid and keep it upright when packed to avoid leaks. In extreme heat, expect slightly shorter chill times, but still plenty to cruise through kickoff.

For marathon tailgates, the 40 oz Stanley Quencher keeps hydration on lock—our experience shows its double-wall vacuum insulation holds ice well into overtime. The integrated handle makes it easy to carry between grills and games, and the massive capacity cuts down on refills. That said, some buyers report scratched finishes or missing straws on arrival, so check the package. It’s pricier than basic tumblers, but the convenience and cold retention can be worth it for all-day fan duty.

For big crews, the Coleman 316 Series 100-Quart Wheeled Cooler swallows cans, ice, and bulky platters, and the extendable handle makes fully loaded hauls manageable. During our review, ice retention was strong with quality ice packs, though we saw inconsistency across units and some reports of melt within two days. Be mindful of potential lid warping and wobbly wheels; storing the lid ajar and avoiding curb drops helps. If you need serious capacity on a budget, it's a practical, roll-friendly pick.

The Brumate Hopsulator Trio is a tailgate MVP for keeping drinks frosty—our testing showed hours of cold retention, especially with the freezer Arctic Adapter. Its clever 3‑in‑1 design fits standard 12 oz and 16 oz cans or converts to a pint, so you cover multiple beverages with one piece of gear. It doesn’t work with slim cans or bottles, and it’s bulkier than a basic koozie. We’ve seen occasional quality-control hiccups reported, so inspect yours on arrival.

Planning back-to-back game days? In our testing, the RTIC 30 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler kept drinks cold for roughly two days with proper ice, and the tear-resistant coated vinyl shell shrugged off parking-lot abuse while still floating if it takes a dunk. The adjustable shoulder strap and exterior zip pocket make hauling and stashing accessories simple. Be aware the zipper is notoriously stiff and a common failure point, and we've seen reports of seam or zipper-area delamination after moderate use, so regular lubrication and gentle packing help.

For grillers who hate cords, the Meater Plus is a truly wireless probe that lets you monitor cooks from your phone while you mingle at the tailgate. In our testing, the dual sensors tracking internal and ambient temps produced accurate predictions, and the charging case keeps the probe protected between sessions. Connectivity can drop for some setups, so keep the base near the grill to maximize range, and note you only get one thicker probe. Ideal for roasts, chops, and single-protein cooks.

If you like to settle in and stay awhile, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker delivers a smooth, stable rock on grass, gravel, and pavement. We found the powder-coated steel frame reassuringly sturdy and loved the cup holder and side tray for game-day essentials, though at roughly 12 pounds it's bulkier to haul. Some owners report squeaks and fabric wear over time, so store it dry and lube pivot points occasionally. A comfy, durable throne for fans who prize relaxation over ultralight carry.

If you want a throne at the tailgate, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong delivers with a heavy-duty steel frame and a sky‑high weight capacity. During our review, the roomy seat and multiple storage pockets made long hangs comfortable, and dual cup holders kept drinks handy. The trade-offs are real: it’s heavy and bulky, the carry bag’s narrow opening is finicky, and the cup holders don’t love wide bottles or big tumblers. Best for drive-up comfort, not long walks.

The Kijaro Dual Lock Chair feels more supportive than typical camp seats thanks to its taut, cushioned head and seat panels. During our review, the Dual Lock kept the chair open without that saggy hammock feel, and the organizer plus dual cup holders proved genuinely useful at the tailgate. The trade-offs: the lock can be awkward or jam, narrow feet sink into soft turf, and the carry bag strap shows wear with heavy use. Solid comfort if you don't mind a fussier setup.

For fans who bounce between cornhole and the grill, the REI Co‑op Flexlite packs down tiny and is a breeze to carry. During our review, the 300‑denier ripstop polyester with a DWR finish held up well, and the scoop-style seat stayed comfortable through quarters and halftime. Just note the low seat height and plastic feet, which can sink into soft turf—bringing a small mat helps. With a 250‑pound capacity, it’s best for average-sized users rather than those who need extra support.

Want regulation-size fun without a custom price tag? In our testing, the GoSports Cornhole Set offered authentic dimensions, eight included bean bags, and a carrying case that makes shuttling to the lot simple. Be mindful that the case can wear quickly and raw board edges may snag or tear the bag, so gentle handling pays off. Our experience shows the boards can warp if left in direct sun or damp storage—keep them shaded and dry for the long season.

Kan Jam is a tailgate crowd-pleaser that sets up in minutes and packs light, so it's easy to toss in the trunk with the coolers. In our testing, the made-in-USA goals played great for casual games, though they can topple if hit hard and the plastic feels flimsy for rough competition. We recommend bringing an extra disc to keep the pace up if one goes wandering. For laid-back pregame fun that travels well, it's a simple, affordable addition.

Turn the parking lot into a tournament with the Spikeball Pro Kit, built with stronger rims and legs that held steady in our testing. The textured Pro balls add grip for spinny serves and better control, and the included pump with gauge plus a padded backpack make setup and transport simple. It costs more than the standard kit, and a few users note pump hiccups or net tension drifting over time. Treat the plastic parts kindly to avoid damage.

Sweet Baby Ray's is a proven tailgate staple with a thick, glossy texture that clings to ribs, burgers, and chicken and caramelizes nicely over the coals. In our testing, the sweet-and-tangy profile played well as a dip and glaze, but it can read overly sweet; cut it with vinegar or hot sauce if you prefer more bite. It's widely available and budget-friendly in big bottles, though note the higher sugar content and occasional shipping dings. Reliable, crowd-pleasing flavor for big batches.

Drizzle Mike's Hot Honey over wings or pizza at the lot and it instantly adds that sweet-heat pop we love. In our testing, the squeeze bottle made quick work of glazing and dipping, and the mild spice boosted flavor without overpowering. That said, heat can be inconsistent and some batches skew more sweet than hot, so chili-heads may want to supplement. It's pricier than standard honey, but as a finishing drizzle for tailgates, a little goes a long way.

During our review, Kinder's The Blend became the no-brainer shaker we kept by the grill for burgers, wings, and roasted veggies. The simple trio of salt, pepper, and garlic makes quick work of seasoning, and the larger bottle offers solid value for frequent tailgates. We found it can run saltier than expected, and the bigger garlic bits may char over roaring-hot sears. If you crave complex rubs, some say you could DIY this flavor, but convenience wins on busy game days.

Post-game cleanup gets quicker with Dawn Platinum Plus Powerwash; in our testing, the spray-activated suds cut through greasy grill grates and saucy trays fast. The set includes one sprayer and two big refills, so you'll have plenty for dishes, countertops, and even pre-treating stains, though the fresh scent can come on strong. Some users struggle with the trigger when hands are wet, and residue may require a thorough rinse. Keep a towel handy for grip and plan an extra rinse for spotless results.

Add a layer of safety to your tailgate setup with this UL-rated ABC First Alert extinguisher that tackles common A, B, and C fires. In our testing, the compact 2.5 lb canister was easy to stash near the grill, though it’s not ideal for larger or fast-spreading flare-ups. We like that it’s rechargeable for reuse, but it does require professional servicing and some users report pressure loss over time—so check the gauge before game day. Affordable peace of mind.

For buggy evening tailgates, we found the Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller far more pleasant than sprays, and its scent-free zone keeps bites down without coating your skin. One-button activation is simple, and the compact unit tucks into a chair cup holder; rechargeable models gave us hours of coverage per charge. Our experience shows performance drops in breezy conditions, and you'll need ongoing refills or cartridges. Give it 10-15 minutes to ramp up for full protection before the grill really gets going.

Headed to the lot? The Adventure Medical Sportsman 200 Kit is the one we toss in the truck for game-day scrapes and headaches. In our testing, the well-organized compartments and external kit map made it fast to grab bandages and basics, and the included ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin handled common aches. The compact, durable nylon case travels easily, though it isn't fully waterproof. Our experience shows it can run light for big groups or multi-day trips, and the price sits above bare-bones kits.