How many times have you been out and about when suddenly a kegger appeared before your eyes? Ok, so this isn’t a common scenario, but have you ever really needed a cup and didn’t have one? That’s something I think we can all attest to. Seriously, who’s going to carry around a cup just in case you might need it? Even the smallest of cups is surely too big to fit in your pocket – I’ll bet that ladies wouldn’t have room to carry a cup in their purses either.
Ah, but what if the cup had the ability to transform into a small disc, a la the Port-A-Pint Collapsible Beer Glass (Perpetual Kid, $7.99)? Then you could carry it with you everywhere and never have to miss out on free drinks poured from the heavens. Or, more likely, when you’re at a house party and the host runs out of cups.
Gift givability factor: Medium. Apparently, not everyone needs to carry around a beer glass. While it’s not necessary to use this product exclusively for alcoholic beverages, what are the odds that someone will use it for anything else? Pretty slim.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Magically extending portable cup
-Comes in its own storage case
-For adult use
-Made of plastic
How was your holiday weekend? Mine was pretty good, seeing as I spent basically the whole time lounging around and doing a whole lot of nothing. That, and I decided to take all of last week off to have a staycation (sometimes it’s necessary). Unfortunately, yesterday was pretty rough after taking it easy for a whole week. I think I’m just gonna decompress tonight by hanging out, drinking a few brews, and watching the tube. I might even got a little crazy and order a pizza. You know, just the usual Tuesday night deal.
In order to create the ideal sloth-like environment, I plan to enlist the help of the TV Remote and Bottle Opener (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $23.95). Featuring two products in one, this gadget can make it so you hardly ever have to leave the couch (depending on the size of your bladder, of course). The universal remote has a plethora of button features and is compatible with most TV, DVD, Satellite, VCR, and other electronics systems. And the bottle opener opens, well, a lot of bottles. Seriously, what more do you need to know?
Ok, so now that I’ve got the couch and drink situation covered, what am I gonna do about food? Sure I could order something, but who’s going to let the delivery guy in and pay him? Beginners be warned: this level of laziness is not for the timid.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Universal remote
-Can be used for TV, DVD, Satellite, VCR, and more
-Doubles as bottle opener
-Easy to use
-Opens many types of bottles
I’m not very strong. It doesn’t really bother me all that much because I’m usually around someone who can help me out when I need to lift something heavy or can’t get the lid off a pickle jar. There are times when I’d like to at least pretend I’m an adult and that I have the ability to function on my own. Specifically, when I can’t get the cap off a beer bottle, it almost seems like I shouldn’t even be allowed to drink it.
I could go to the gym and try to build up my muscles, but that sounds like a lot of work. Instead, I’d rather trick people into thinking that I’m stronger by using the EZ Botop Bottle Opener (Drinkstuff, £7.99). Not only does this baby allow you to easily open beer, soda, anything with a bottle cap, but you can do it one-handed! Along with its innovative design, this opener creates a fulcrum that allows you to open a bottle with little to no effort. The top part is also magnetic, so the cap sticks to it after you’ve opened the bottle. I’m a fan of this feature because I am well known for attempting to uncap a beverage, only to have either the cap or bottle go flying because of my underdeveloped biceps.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long week and I need to conduct some further testing on this bottle opener.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 40mm x 170mm x 45mm
-One handed bottle opener
-Remove cap and pour contents in one fluid motion
-Magnet retains bottle top
-Not available for delivery in Canada
Calling all beer pong enthusiasts: are you ready to win that next tournament? Sure, you might think you’ve got what it takes to play in the big leagues, but chances are you’ve still got a lot of training to do. For one thing, I bet the table down at your local watering hole isn’t even regulation sized. How are you going to compete amongst champions when you haven’t even practiced on a full-length table? And I hope you haven’t been bragging too much about your triumphs in six cup pong because there’s a lot more beer on a regulation table. Maybe you should work on your game a little bit.
If you’re looking to be the best pong player out there, then you need to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. With the Portable Beer Pong Table (KegWorks, $89.95) and a bit of practice, you’ll be an unstoppable beer pong force! Official tournament size (8 feet long), you might think you have no room for such a monstrosity, but you’d be oh so wrong. See, this terrifically awesome table folds into the size of a briefcase when not in use so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your living room. Not only does its size make for ease of portability, but when folded up, the case also features ergonomic carrying handles. With an aluminum frame and waterproof surface, this table is built to endure many a beer pong game without showing signs of wear. And in case you’re a bit new to the game (or are prone to technical disagreements), there are outlines on each side of the table indicating proper cup placement.
Now, I like beer pong as much as the next college-nostalgic adult, but this table is not for inexperienced. Take a look at those cups – you’re not seeing things, there are 15 on each side of that table. You’d better be really on your game or you’ll be drunkity drunk drunk drunk.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 96″ x 27.5″ x 24″ unfolded
24″ x 24″ x 5.5″ folded
-Weight: 21 lbs
-Official tournament size
-Folds easily into a briefcase
-Ergonomic carrying handles
-High strength aluminum frame
-Waterproof
-Cups not included
While I like to think of myself as a person with fairly sophisticated tastes, usually it’s the simplest things that make me happy. I’m not saying that I’m gonna go out and trade my PS3 for a pet rock, but every once in awhile, it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy a break from a technologically dependent existence. This is not one of those times.
A lot of everyday items are just better with a little scientific nudge from gadget community, regardless if there’s anything wrong with their current state or if an upgrade is even necessary. Take a look at these Neon Coasters (Drinkstuff, £14.99), for example. Does a coaster really need a light-up base? No, most definitely not. Is it all the more awesome for having one? Uh, yeah! Add in the fact that the base is pressure sensitive and phases through three different colors, and you’ve got one kick ass coaster. Just imagine the look on your friend’s face as he sets his drink down on a seemingly innocuous coaster, only to have it emit a crazy colorful glow.
I’ll be the first to admit that this seems a little excessive, since coasters are basically only necessary to protect the integrity of your table. Seriously though, how could you not want a set for your next party? Sure, you might have to hire a little extra security to make sure that none of your friends walk off with your new toy, but that’s a small price to pay for greatness.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 90mm x 90mm x 5mm
-Weight: 56g
-Set of 4 coasters
-Color phasing coaster
-Pressure sensitive
-Requires 2 CR2032 batteries (included)
-Not available for delivery in Canada
