10 Semi-Ridiculous Tailgating Products

Anyone who's ever grilled a brat on a beat-up old hibachi in the parking lot of their favorite NFL team knows the humiliation of having a guy in a team-color-painted truck roll up and set out a full grilling station complete with keg, table, the whole deal. This season, it can be different. You can stock up on gear that showcases your loyalty, and while you're at it, make your own ketchup or mayo to show your tailgating neighbors who's the condiment boss!

Seriously though, break out a Jets wine bag, flip burgers in Packers chef's whites or use any of these 10 Semi-Ridiculous Tailgating Products and you are guaranteed to get some grunts of approval from fellow fans. Or you'll get beat up. In which case, Food Republic is not responsible for what happens if you store your chips and dip in an Eagles helmet. We do think it's awesome though. 

Oh yeah, and if you don't see your team's gear featured here, don't worry: Most of these items are available with your favorite team's logo on it.

10 Semi-Ridiculous Tailgating Products

01. Party Bucket and Pint Set

Arguably the most standard tailgating item on our list, we maintain that the party bucket/pint set combo should not be overlooked. And for the fastidious tailgaters out there (we know you exist), this set comes with coasters. Yes, coasters.

Available online for any team for $55.

02. Tailgate Table with net (a.k.a beer pong table)

One thing experienced tailgaters will tell you is that it’s good to have some pre-game competition to keep your spirits up, lest you fall into a beer- and meat-induced food coma. Tossing the pigskin around is fine and all, but you could be more creative. This Beer pong table is the natural choice, since the beer is plentiful and a table is downright useful even when you’re not playing.

Available online for any team for $110.

03. Keg—A—Que Gas Grill

A grill shaped like a keg? As Marge Simpson would say, Now I've seen everything! You get serious style points for rocking this type of grill at your tailgate; double up if you can find a keg that's shaped like a hibachi!

Available online for any team for $120.

04. 8-Piece BBQ Set

Sometimes you get invited to a tailgate party and the host is like, "Dude, I've got the grill, the keg, everything — just bring yourself." But it's lame to show up empty-handed. Less lame? Show up with an 8-piece BBQ set emblazoned in your team's logo and offer to help man the grill. Good lookin' out.

Available online for any team for $72.

05. Chef Coat

Any dude can rock a team jersey and work the grill, but it takes a man of special talents to don the white chef's jacket — adorned, of course, with your team's logo — to show the parking lot who is Top Chef: Tailgating Master. 

Available online for any team for $55.

06. Snack Helmet

Despite what the brand-supplied photo shows, we think this is the perfect conduit for chips and dips. Just sub out those M&M's and nuts for a nice sour cream and onion deal and rock out. This is probably more couch-surfing than tailgating, but either way, you can't find fault with a snack helmet.

Available online for any team for $45.

07. Tailgating Mini Fridge

Okay, now we're talking about functionality over form. Sure, it's just a fridge with a Steelers logo on it. But plug this in to your tailgating generator and offer passerby the chance to pop in a for a can of, say, Iron City, and you're a hero. Warning though, using this in a dorm room or small apartment as your main fridge will result in 100 percent less sleepovers involving the opposite sex.

Available online for any team starting at $200.

08. Tube Cooler

Wait, what?! Yup, this is a tube cooler, an insulated portable tube that will keep your brewskies cold even if you decide to go for a long walk around the parking lot. Of course, the over-the-shoulder strap makes for smooth traveling, as well as a chance to be the Robin Hood of tailgating: snag beers from overstocked parties, keep 'em chilled in your tube cooler, then dispense pilfered brews to those in need. Just don't wear tights.

Available online for any team for $23.

09. Wine and Cheese Tote

Yes, foodies are even invading the parking lot this tailgating season. But remember, as lame as that sounds, tailgating is a party, and everyone's invited. Still, if you're the type that feels the need to quaff '07 organic Zins from Sonoma while spreading Humboldt Fog chèvre on your artisanal cracker, at least do so while displaying a manly team loyalty. Remember, it's Da Bears, not Da Brie!

Availble online for $40.

10. Velvet Wine Bag

Umm. Food Republic is at least partially Jets territory, and even those who bleed green might not be comfortable with a velvet wine bag. But then again, after all the strike talk and with the excitement of a new season beginning this week, we might just stock up on these. Maybe even send Coach Ryan a nice '05 Krug to keep wrapped in velvet until it's time to pop the cork as Super Bowl Champs!

Available online for any team for $17.

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