because moms tailgate, too + portable basketball hoop giveaway

1.  Snacks.  I definitely like to plan ahead with this one.  Ideally I like to bring snacks that don’t require too much work and assembly while we are there.  I’m happy to spend the time at home getting things ready if it means I can relax a bit at the actual tailgate.  A few things I do ahead of time:  cut up fruit and veggies, make some simple finger foods and order some sandwiches or pizza if we’re having a meal.  Ideally I go for less mess and easy.
2. Overpack.  Generally I like to keep things simple when I pack.  But for a tailgate, I like to have extra.  Since lots of kids and adults might mill around, I want to have enough snacks and drinks to share.  I also like to overpack when it comes to outerwear.  While it might be sunny and warm while we’re tailgating, the weather often turns cooler during the game–or rain enters the picture.  I always have a bag with sweatshirts and another with raincoats so we can throw on an extra layer before heading to the game.
3. Plan for Entertainment.  Sure, the adults are happy with a drink and some snacks.  But if I want any time to talk to other adults, I need the kids to be entertained.  We recently ordered the VersaHoop (like versatile basketball hoop). Since it can be clamped on just about anywhere, I will be bringing this along as the entertainment for the kids.  Since I have quite an age range of kids, I needed something that would appeal to boys and girls, young and old.  It’s perfect to clamp on to a dock or boat ladder, a fence or playground post or you can use the suction cups to stick it just about anywhere.

The day our VersaHoop arrived, we immediately put it up on our trampoline.  The kids LOVE it!  The weather is finally cool enough that we are spending tons of time in the back yard and the trampoline is now a hot commodity with the VersaHoop.  What I love is that it seems like all of my kids and all of their friends love it! My three-year-old was the first to use it with one of his friends and I could barely pull them away when the big kids got home since they wanted a turn, too.  The backboard is very sturdy and the rim is made to withstand dunks (yes, we’ve tried it).  And for those of you in a harsh winter state like myself, VersaHoop can also be ordered with a door hook for an easy over-the-door basketball hoop.  This option would work great over a deck railing as well!

And, just for SIMPLE readers, VersaHoop is giving away one portable basketball hoop!  Just in time for tailgating!

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