Hello, everyone! I’m Christina Daves, and I am so excited to share with you some of my absolute favorite tailgating essentials. Tailgating is a tradition I have been part of for almost 20 years, and every year it gets bigger and better. For those of you who know me well, you know I love gadgets and anything that makes life easier. When it comes to tailgating, I have found some game-changing products that will not only make your experience more fun but also much more convenient. Whether you’re a seasoned tailgater or someone who’s just getting started, these products are must-haves.
On my recent segment with FOX 5, we discussed several tailgating must-haves that I use every year, and today, I want to dive deeper into each one and explain why they’re essential for your next tailgate. So, let’s get into it!
The Ultimate Tailgating Cooler: No Ice Packs Needed – Hot or Cold!
One of my favorite tailgating products is this amazing cooler, which totally eliminates the need for ice packs. Yes, you heard that right—no more dealing with melting ice or soggy food! This cooler is a game-changer because it can either be hot or cold, depending on your needs.
What makes this cooler extra special is its versatility. You can plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter or even hook it up to a generator if you’ve got one handy. It keeps your drinks and food at the perfect temperature for hours, whether you want to keep something cold or warm something up. This is especially great when you’re tailgating for hours and don’t want to constantly replace ice.
No more soggy sandwiches or warm drinks—it’s a tailgating dream come true!
All-in-One Prep Station: A Tailgating Chef’s Best Friend
Next on the list is an all-in-one prep station that has become a lifesaver for me. If you’re grilling or doing any type of cooking at your tailgate, this is an absolute must. This little station comes with everything you need—a built-in cutting board, a knife that snaps into place underneath the cutting board, and it turns into a deep container for marinating or tossing food. Everything folds flat for easy storage, which, for me, is key when I’m packing up all my gear for the tailgate.
I can’t tell you how much time this prep station has saved me over the years. Instead of lugging around multiple cutting boards, knives, and containers, I just grab this compact, all-in-one station, and I’m ready to go. It’s a small product, but it makes a big difference, especially when you’re trying to streamline your tailgating setup.
Keeping Condiments Cold and Covered: A Simple but Brilliant Solution
At every tailgate, one of the challenges is keeping condiments cold and free from bugs. I’ve found the perfect solution with this condiment keeper, which has separate lids for each compartment and a space for ice underneath. It’s genius!
At our tailgates, we often have bees, flies, and all sorts of little critters trying to get into the food, and this keeps everything protected. Plus, it keeps the condiments cold on those hot days, which is super important when you’re tailgating for hours.
Trust me, once you use this, you’ll wonder how you ever tailgated without it!
Foldable Trash Can: Keeping It Clean and Compact
One of the things I’m always focused on at our tailgate is keeping everything neat and organized. Enter the foldable trash can. Yes, it’s a trash can, but it’s so much more than that! It folds flat for easy storage, and then when you need it, you simply pop it open, and you’re ready to go. It even has a spot for a trash bag, so swapping out bags is a breeze.
When you’re at a tailgate, space is often limited, and you don’t want bulky items taking up room. This trash can solves that problem beautifully. I love that it folds flat when we’re done, making it easy to store with the rest of our gear. It’s one of those little things that makes a big impact.
Charcoal Grill Gun: For the Grill Masters
Now, for all the grill masters out there, this next product is going to blow your mind. It’s a charcoal grill starter that uses propane to light your charcoal in seconds. No more fiddling with lighter fluid, newspaper, or matches—just point the flame at the charcoal, and it’s ready to go in no time.
I love this because it saves so much time, and you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing out your matches or struggling to get the grill started. Plus, it’s just fun to use. Be careful, though—this thing packs a punch, so make sure you point it away from your friends and family while using it!
Grill Caddy: Keep Everything You Need Within Reach
One of my favorite things to bring to any tailgate is this grill caddy. It’s like a tool belt for grilling! It holds everything—your paper towels, grilling tools, spices, and even your food. You wear it around your waist, and everything is right there within arm’s reach.
Not only does this make grilling easier, but it also keeps you from running back and forth to grab things. Everything you need is right there with you. If you’re the designated grill master at your tailgate, you need this in your life.
Tailgate Hook: Reach Everything with Ease
For all the pick-up truck owners out there, this next product is a total game changer. It’s a tailgate hook that allows you to easily pull items out of the back of your truck without having to climb in. We have an F-150, and let me tell you, trying to climb in and out of the truck in a skirt is not cute! This handle makes it so easy to grab bags, boxes, or anything else you’ve got in the back of the truck.
It’s one of those products that you don’t realize you need until you have it, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Heated Jacket and Gloves: Stay Warm in the Late Season
As much as I love tailgating, let’s face it—it can get pretty cold later in the season, especially in November. That’s where my heated jacket comes in. This Gobi jacket has a built-in heater that you charge up beforehand, and it keeps you warm for hours. It’s perfect for those chilly game days when you want to stay comfortable but don’t want to wear a million layers.
I also have these heated gloves that are rechargeable, so you don’t have to keep buying disposable hand warmers. They’re eco-friendly, and they keep your hands toasty warm. I love these for late-season games when the temperatures drop but the tailgating fun is still going strong.
Heated Seat Cushions: For a Warm and Cozy Game Day Experience
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about heated seat cushions. If you’re like me and love to be comfortable, these are a must. They have three different heat settings, so you can adjust them to your liking, and they attach easily to any chair.
There’s nothing better than having a warm seat when you’re sitting outside in the cold for hours. Plus, they’re easy to charge and use. Trust me, once you use heated seat cushions, you’ll never want to tailgate without them again!
Make Tailgating the Best Part of Game Day
Tailgating is all about spending time with friends, family, and fellow fans, enjoying great food, drinks, and, of course, the game-day atmosphere. These products have helped me take my tailgating to the next level, making it easier, more fun, and much more comfortable.
Whether it’s the cooler that keeps everything cold without ice, the foldable trash can that keeps things clean and organized, or the heated gear that keeps you warm during those cold November games, each of these items adds something special to the experience. I hope that by sharing these with you, you’ll find something that can improve your own tailgating setup.
Remember, tailgating is about having fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment with new gadgets or find your own unique ways to make the day more enjoyable. The best part of the day might just be before the game even starts!
Here’s to an amazing tailgating season—let’s make it the best one yet!
See the full segment here (caution – “flammable” content 😂)