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I have been out there
in the lots – NFL, NCAA, NASCAR, and MLB, and I’ve got the inside scoop on
the toys and tools tailgaters must have. Forget the engraved pens and
photo frames; these are the gifts guys really want!
It’s that time of year.
Yes, all across America families are wrestling with that seasonal dilemma
– what to buy the men in their lives for Graduation and for Father’s Day.
Traditionally, these gifts fall into one of two categories: the overly
formal, or the overly silly. Both are generally destined for the Goodwill
donation bin before too long. But this year, I’ve come up with my list of
the top five Toys for Tailgaters to help you find the perfect present
they’ll use and hang onto.
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The Sport Grill MVP
is a powerful portable grill whose 375” of cooking surface put the
competition to shame. Powered by standard disposable one pound propane
canisters, the two burners put out a respectable 25,000 BTU’s. Best of
all, the whole set-up folds down and packs into a neat, lightweight
bundle the size of a large suitcase. Toss it in your trunk and take it
anywhere, and you’re always ready for a tailgate! Available in sporting
goods stores and at SportGrill.com ($354.99).
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There’s no end to the
uses guys can find for a good, sturdy, folding table. And Lifetime
Products’ four foot fold-in-half adjustable height tables will soon
become their favorite. Is it a bar? A poker table? Or a television
stand? Well, that just depends on what day it is! These light,
portable, stain-resistant tables even have a built-in handle so it’s
super easy to toss them in and pull them out of the truck, car or
closet. Available at major retailers or at BuyLifetime.com ($54.99).
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Men are just
competitive by nature, and this new combo brings together two favorite
outdoor party games. Ladder Bag is today’s hipper, safer, and
more portable answer to traditional “Dad” games like horseshoes and lawn
darts. Equally at home in the tailgate lot or at the beach, Ladder Golf
is played by tossing golf ball “bolos” around the rungs of a “ladder.”
Or, tip the ladder on its side and it becomes the base for an innovative
new Bag Toss game. The strap-on nylon “deck” spans the frame and has
three pockets to catch your tossed bean bags. Parts and instructions
for both games are included, for 2-4 players. Order online at
LadderGolf.com ($89.95).
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Somehow to guys, it’s
all about the tools. And if your guy’s a BBQ chef, on the blacktop or
on the backyard deck, he’s got to have the ultimate in manly grill
accessories. The Original Grillslinger is an ingenious and
well-made tool belt that comes well-stocked with professional quality
grilling tools. The stainless steel knife, tongs and spatula all nest
into the patented “Lock and Load” inserts that keep the pockets of the
belt clean and protect you from sharp edges. Extra pockets hold spices,
spray bottles, or even a beer and believe it or not, it looks cool,
too! Available online at Grillslinger.com ($99.00).
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Take your favorite Dad
or Grad on a culinary tour of the NFL. I Got Your Tailgate Party
Right Here! is part cookbook, part travel guide featuring the people
and places that make tailgating at professional stadiums a unique and
profoundly American experience. With recipes that include Cedar Plank
Salmon and Beef Wellington, Bacon-wrapped Venison and BBQ Raccoon, this
book will help your guy take his tailgate party to the pros! Order
online at YourTailgateParty.com ($19.95).
I’m always out there in
the lots, looking for the newest gadgets to make tailgating even more
fun. When I come across something I’ve never seen before, I can’t wait to
share it with all my tailgate friends. You can get a cool glimpse of these
toys with a little more info at
www.yourtailgateparty.com/toys.html. Be sure to see all my
adventures, stories, and photos on my website YourTailgateParty.com and
weekly talk radio show which can be heard nationwide on the TalkZone
network.
# # # #
Jay DiEugenio is
"The Tailgate Guy," a lifestyle expert on one of the hottest
trends in sports and recreation. Having tailgated at every stadium in the
NFL, as well as numerous colleges, racetracks, Jay has friends and fans in
parking lots across the country. Check out more about his travels at
www.YourTailgateParty.com.
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