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
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
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
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
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
Wide-Mouth Glass Bottle
COURTESY OF WandP
"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
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
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