What’s better than a traditional bocce ball set? The Lighted Bocce Ball Set (Hammacher Schlemmer, $99.95), naturally! There’s nothing worse than starting a game of bocce ball, having it run late, and then be forced to call it off because you lack the sufficient outdoor lighting power to continue. I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me. Fortunately, this set makes it easy to play in the dark because each ball includes an LED that allows it to be seen from up to 100 feet away. Not only that, each of these eight bocce balls can be switched from lighted to flashing LEDs, or used interchangeably. The on/off switch is located inside each ball so it’s not like rough play will cause the light to extinguish unexpectedly. This balls in this bocce set are the official size for International Bocce Federation play and weigh only two-thirds of a competition ball, making the game accessible for just about anyone.

I would love to cut out of the office early and start a pick-up bocce ball game. Then again, it is about 90 degrees outside right now. Hmm, perhaps I’ll stay here and get some work done instead. Bummer.

4 out of 5 stars.

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Depending on your level of skill, the Shot Pong Game Set (KegWorks, $15.95) will be a fast or slow ticket to Drunktown. On the plus side, since you’re using two ounce shot glasses instead of regular sized cups, you’ll be able to practice your throwing skills all night long. And while one of those most common problems with setting up a game of beer pong is the space needed, it’s not an issue with this set because you’ll only need about half as much space as a regular game. The included triangle racks also help minimize the mess because they’ll keep your shot glasses in perfect alignment on the table (no more hardcore throws knocking full cups onto the floor). Both myself and the manufacturer do not recommend or condone the use of liquor with this set (and if you have to ask why, then you’re just stupid).

This would actually be a great way to determine the ultimate beer pong champion. Sure, anyone can make a couple of lucky shots into a big plastic red cup, but what about tiny shot glasses? This is where we separate the men from the boys!

4 out of 5 stars.

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For those of us who enjoy summer lounging and the like but are still completely immature, the Spit Wad Launcher (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $14.95) is perfect. Yes, the idea of shooting another person with a spitball is completely juvenile, but it’s also completely awesome. What’s the real problem with spitball shooting, besides the obvious unsanitary aspect of it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. This shooter uses reusable spitballs that are soaked in water instead of spit, so it’s not so much a spitball but a waterball (although, spitball sounds so much cooler, so I’m just gonna go with it). The launcher comes with 12 reusable spitballs that fit into the launcher’s two holding chambers. You can hit a friend from up to 60 feet away, getting twice the splat without the spit. I don’t know about you, but it seems like someone improved on perfection.

By purchasing this spitball launcher, not only are you creating hours of enjoyment for yourself and/or a friend, but you’ll also be saving the environment. Don’t believe me? Just ask all those trees that aren’t being ripped up, chewed on, and spit out. You didn’t know you were such a humanitarian, did you?

4 out of 5 stars.

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First of all, it’s R2-D2. You’re clearly not a fan if you even need more than that for an explanation of awesomeness, but we’ll delve a little further to humor you. R2-D2 responds to over 40 voice commands as well as answer yes or no questions. He’s also adept at navigating rooms and hallways, through the use of an infrared sensor. This same sensor allows him to search for people in a room, follow behind you, or detect motion. He can replay sounds and dialog from the Star Wars movies and even dance while playing cantina music. My favorite part about R2-D2? He can play games, like tag. You heard me right, I said you can play tag with R2-D2! And I’m not talking about when you pretend to play tag with your other inanimate objects (you invariably always win) because R2-D2 will actually interact with you. There’s no way you can pretend like that isn’t the coolest thing you’ve ever heard. Go ahead, just try to deny it.

Sure, you’re gonna have to drop some serious coinage on this little guy, but it’s totally worth it. Well, at least it would be to a real Star Wars fan. All you other losers out there shouldn’t even bother. I bet R2-D2 wouldn’t even want to be your friend. That’s right, I went there.

5 out of 5 droid stars.

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When it comes to ping pong, the Brodmann Blades Ping Pong Set (Generate Design, $99.00) knows what’s up. I know, you’re looking at the price of this set and you’re a little skeptical, but just hear me out. Sure, this set has a price point above other ping pong sets that may seem in the same league, but that’s where you’re wrong. See, this set contains two hobby grade paddles that are majorly innovative when it comes to the game of ping pong. Instead of holding the paddle with your hand, the paddle fits over your hand. That’s right, it’s like a glove except it’s a ping pong paddle. I’m blowing your mind right now, aren’t I? As a result, you will experience increased comfort, which will help you relax and focus on the game, as well as greater ball control for a faster and more intuitive game. With sensor impact to reduce vibration, you’ll have a faster response and the “sweet spot” on the paddle will be enhanced. You’ll pretty much be able to feel exactly where the ball makes contact with the paddle – how awesome is that?!

You guys better watch out because I’ve been working on my game. That’s right, I might even score this time around. Maybe. There’s only so much a new set of paddles can do.

4 out of 5 stars.

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