Nothing says summertime like firing up the grill and cooking some delicious food for my family in our backyard. Today, I’m sharing all the grilling accessories I use to make our summer nights a success.
In our old house, we had a full outdoor kitchen for me to work with, it was epic and I loved it. But since we downsized our backyard now contains the pool my kids had been begging for, and a much smaller area for backyard grilling.
But that’s okay! The grilling tools and essentials I’m sharing with you today will work for any backyard and make you look like the grilling pro you’ve always wanted to be.
Let’s do this.

Whether it’s for entertaining or just a simple family meal, grilling is one of our favorite ways to enjoy some of our favorite foods, while kicking back and enjoying outdoor time together.
I mean, who doesn’t love some good barbecue chicken and kabobs sizzling away at the grill?
Grilling Accessories Under $25 for Dad
Since I like to grill a variety of meat AND veggies, I’ve provided all the grilling accessories you’ll need for both.














Best Grilling Gifts and Tools for Dad
Looking for more personalized grilling gifts for dad? The items below are both practical and will show everyone who really is the grill master around the house.











Grill Accessories for Kabob
If you are wondering, I’ll show you how to grill kabobs perfectly right here. In that post, I cover the best ways to do meat and every veggie I can think of and give you the recipe for my favorite BBQ rub too! But first, here’s what you need for grilled kabobs.
- Metal skewers or wooden skewers
- Marinating tray
- Basting brush & cup set
- Baking Pan for transport
- Extra-long grilling tongs

I love grilling over the weekend because I can plan my weekly meal plan for the week around grilled chicken, steaks, and burgers, vegetables, and more. Burgers are always a winner with the kids, no matter the meal –I swear, they’d eat burgers for breakfast if I let them.
Grilled chicken or steak can be used in salads, tacos, or paired with an easy side like Corn & Tomato Salad or Spiralized Zucchini Tomatoes for a healthy meal. This means I knocked out dinners for the rest of the week all at once while having a good time with my family, I call that a win-win!
Grilling not only makes cleanup a breeze, but it doesn’t heat up my kitchen like the oven does –and I live in the south where our AC unit works constantly eight months out of the year.

Marinades & Rubs for the Grill
Okay, got all your grilling gear? Perfect, now grab. oneof these grill marinades or rubs to make sure your grilled meats and vegetables turn out absolutely amazing.
- Grilled Vegetable Marinade
- Spicy Chicken Marinade
- Quick Lime Marinade
- Taco Seasoning
- Pork Dry Rub
- Balsamic Marinade
For nights when you aren’t firing up the grill, (or while you’re waiting for your new grill accessories to arrive) be sure to try one of these easy summer dinner ideas.
Melissa
Our BBQ today for father’s day was GREAT thanks to you, Laura! I bought that marinading box and I can already see myself using it for so many things! I used it not for skewers but for chicken breasts and they were perfect and it saves plastic bags. Thanks!
Mary
I’m pretty sure my husband belongs to the Academy secret club. He is there a few times a week. Between hunting supplies, our kids baseball things, bbq supplies… we are there all.the.time. They basically know him by name. I got him a gift card for Father’s day because… what else should I get him? I”m pretty sure that if they served coffee he would never leave.
Lori
We bbq all the time. I Just bought a bunch of these at Academy yesterday for Father’s day. Thanks!
Jennifer
I just ordered that marinade box for Father’s day. Terrific idea!
Sue
I love skewers. We make them with every protein imaginable and even veggies. And fruit! We grill everything. I jjust bought the marinade box. what a great idea!
Matt
We grill everything over the summer. My wife gives me a $100 gift card to Academy every year for father’s day. BEST GIFT EVER!!
Julia
You’re the cutest grilling. I just bought one of those grill pans for the pizzas online!! what a great idea.
Sandra
My husband is at Academy very week. I’m pretty sure our whole house is outfitted there.