We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Editors’ Favorite Finds BHG Editors' Favorite Finds: Tailgating Must-Haves for Fall We're sharing our go-to products for game days. By Emily VanSchmus Emily VanSchmus Emily VanSchmus is the assistant digital home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she covers home decor, entertaining ideas, and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 22, 2023 12:27PM EDT If you're a football fan, there's nothing like a crisp fall day spent tailgating. Whether you're cheering on your alma mater or rooting for a professional team, no game day is complete without a tasty spread of snacks and appetizers. Our favorite tailgating items include tasty food inspiration, like easy one-container snack ideas and make-ahead appetizers. Plus, we're sharing our favorite on-the-go essentials, including travel mugs, coolers, and easy-to-transport food containers. Whether you're tailgating outdoors or hosting a watch party for a few friends, these are a few of our favorite football season essentials. 13 Winning Tailgate Recipes for the Ultimate Game Day Spread 01 of 08 Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa Courtesy of Trader Joe's "Chips and salsa are a game-day snack essential. They're easy to put out for guests while the cocktail sausages finish up in the slow cooker or your pizza and wings are still out for delivery. Every year, I get so excited to stock up on Trader Joe's pepita salsa (I grab at least three or four jars with every grocery trip—it's that good). The added nutty flavor makes for a hearty dip that embodies fall foods and the chunky texture is just more fun to scoop." -Emily Manchester, VP and General Manager, BHG Buy on Traderjoes.com $3 7 Epic Game Day Nacho Recipes to Upgrade Your Snack Presentation 02 of 08 Large Car Tote Bag Courtesy of Vera Bradley "I love these Vera Bradley car totes for all kinds of errands and traveling, but they’re especially helpful for game days. Whether we’re going to play a casual game of pickleball or tailgating an NFL game, I can throw everything we might need into one bag. It’s the perfect size for snacks, drinks, an extra jacket, and anything else we want to toss in the back of the car on our way out the door. Plus, the new NFL line is perfect for football season!" -Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor Buy on Verabradley.com $90 03 of 08 Yeti Rambler Can Cooler Courtesy of Yeti "It's a bit of an investment but the Yeti Rambler feels like it will last a lifetime, and has been great for taking on the road. We also use them at home but they are superb for outdoor hangs when the weather is extreme. You can rest easy knowing your drink will stay refreshingly cold. I also love all the fun color choices." -Casey Oto, Visuals Editor Buy on Yeti.com $25 04 of 08 Kanga Kase Mate Courtesy of Kanga Coolers "The Kase Mate is the ideal and compact way to transport an entire 12-pack of drinks. There's ice packs that slide right in the sides of the cooler so no space is wasted. It's a quick and easy way to pack your drinks for a tailgate without lugging around a huge cooler and filling it with ice (that will be eventually need to be cleaned out)." -Halee Miller, Editorial Assistant Buy on Kangacoolers.com $45 The 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners To Help You Keep Your Cool 05 of 08 XL Outdoorsy Blanket Courtesy of Big Blanket Co. "This comfy outdoor blanket is enormous, so everybody can fit, whether you're tailgating, having a picnic, seeing an outdoor concert, or camping. Even better? It's machine washable, so you don't have to take a trip to the laundromat." -Caitlin Sole, Senior Home Editor Buy on Bigblanket.com $159 The 12 Best Throw Blankets of 2024, According to 47 Homeowners 06 of 08 Wide-Mouth Glass Bottle Courtesy of W&P "This wide mouth glass bottle is my go-to for iced coffee. I always bring my own coffee to early tailgates and this bottle is perfect. It's durable and stays tightly sealed not to mention it's so pretty." -Sarah Martens Senior Food Editor Buy on Wandp.com $30 The 13 Best Coffee Mugs of 2024 07 of 08 Hand-Held Fan Courtesy of Amazon "If I know anything about fall game days, it's that the weather can still feel like the dead of summer. This pocket-sized fan will be your best friend on long, 100 degree afternoons." -Claire Hoppe, Editoral Apprentice Buy on Amazon $15 We Tested 31 of the Best Fans, and These 9 Are Actually Worth Purchasing 08 of 08 Stonewall Kitchen Bacon Jam Courtesy of Stonewall Kitchen "Stonewall Kitchen jams are my go-to for a quick appetizer, and this savory chili bacon jam is perfect for football season. I mix a few spoonfuls of it with whipped cream cheese for an easy game day snack. I like to serve it with pretzel chips or crackers." -Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor Buy on Stonewallkitchen.com $9 27 Game-Day Snack Ideas That Will Win You the Hosting Trophy Was this page helpful? 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