Parties seem to always be the same -- red beer cups, less-than-exciting dishware and typical music. If you're tired of the same-old bash like I am, look to this list of peculiar party essentials. You'll find a mishmash of bizarre and offbeat items that will make your party the talk of the town (finally).
Try a blow-up version of Twister, slip on an LED cocktail dress and get advice on your party music mix from strangers online. (Strangers can surprise you by how much they care, especially when it comes to party music.) Today's party-goers want more than a yawn-inducing board game and a plastic cup.
To go down in party history, flip through this top list of peculiar party essentials before you start planning your next shindig.
56 Peculiar Party Essentials
56
LED Cocktail Frocks
Selfridges Sells the 'K Dress' by CuteCircuit to Make You Shine
55
Disguised Dinnerware
The Eleve Dishes by Tresypico Makes Spaces Functionally Funky
54
Blow-Up Party Pastimes
The Inflatable Outdoor Color Dot Game Brings Twister to Turf
53
Dessert-Icing Devices
The Mischer'Traxler Automatic Cake Decorator Makes for Labor-Saving Baking
52
Turntable Docks
The iPad iDJ Music Mixing Station Lets You Spin Like a Pro
51
Fruit Bowl Branches
Pick Your Food Straight from the Tree with the 'Mangier' by Smarin
50
Cap-Catching Bottle Openers
Stefano Di Lollo Keeps Parties Clean and Cap Free
49
Vampiric Drink Chillers
The Vampire Fang Ice Cube Tray Makes for an Eerie Evening
48
Joint-Rolling Apps
Roll Your Own App Teaches You How to Make Your Own Spliffs
47
Celebratory Music Makers
The Denon 100th Anniversary Turntable is Ready to Party
46
Guest-Conscious Seating
The Shair Multi Purpose Chair Will Leave No One Left Standing
45
Willy Wonka Party Invites
Playboy Golden Tickets are Every Man's Dream Come True
44
Alcoholic Throwback Carriers
The Galvanized Metal 6-Pack Caddy Modernizes the 50s Milkman
43
Diamond Dice Sets
The Blackout Collection Creates Stunning Accent Pieces
42
Non-Slip Serving Dishes
Lappers Dining Trays are Perfect for Clumsy People
41
Tiny Dessert Devices
The Mini Cupcake Maker Bakes Cute Sweets
40
Multi-purpose Glasses
Interchangeable Glassware by Utopik Design Lab
39
Deluxe Grilling Devices
The Grill N Chill Tailgater is the Ultimate BBQ Party on Wheels
38
Glow-in-the-Dark Hats
Neon Hat Concept by the Mateusz Sypien Will Make You Stand Out
37
Psychedelic Mug Rugs
Kaleidoscope Coasters Keep Your Drinks Groovy and Your Table Clean
36
Super Quick Beer Coolers
90 Second Beer Chiller Was Made for Absent Minded Beer Buyers
35
See-Through Tabletops
Nendo's Transparent Table is a Whimsical Piece of Furniture
34
Gamer Drink-Chillers
The Pal Pac-Man Ice Cube Tray Brings the Arcade to Cooling Beverages
33
Sleek White Turntables
The Modek Finish CLUB Deluxe Turntable is Aesthetically Pleasing
32
Classy Cooler Platters
Champagne Dish by EUN Design Serves Up the Perfect Plate of Apps & Booze
31
Boozey Illuminators
Budweiser Bottle Party Lights Keep the Party Going All Night Long
30
Pocket Party Accessories
Bottle Bongs Make it Easy for you to Drink Fast
29
Upchucking Condiment Canisters
The Queasy Mr. Creosote Vomiting Sauce Dispenser
28
Mega-Sound iPod Docks
The Block Rocker is the Ultimate Sound System for Party Music
27
Glowing Drink Platters
The LED Multi-Colored Serving Tray Turns Any Party into a Hip Hotspot
26
Edible Pinatas
Waste-Free Party Favors
25
Built-In Bucket Furniture
The Garden Party Table by Alain Gilles
24
Chilly Beverage Sippers
These Ice Straws Keep Your Drink Cool
23
Collapsible Barbecues
Paul Jr. Designs' Coleman RoadTrip Grill is Perfect for Summer Adventures
22
Nighttime Sports Games
This Illuminated Bocce Ball Set Allows You to Play in the Dark
21
Flushable Party Tumblers
Toilet Shot Glasses Will Keep You in the Bathroom All Night Long
20
Cherry-Topped Glasses
The Party Glass Keeps Your Drink from Sadly Spilling
19
Cocktail Concoction Apps
The Top Shelf App Makes Mixes With Whatever You Have On-Hand
18
Collapsible Cups
The Stylish and Packable Travel Wine Glass Will Change the Way You Drink
17
Futuristic LP Players
The Portable LP Player Concept by Charlie Pyott
16
Boozey Bar Lighting
London's Coquine Bar Features Originally Crafted Decanterlights
15
Potato Chip Trees
The Kazuhito Ishida 'Poteki' Puts Your Snacks in a Fun Display
14
Harmonious Shot Glasses
Yin-Yang Shot Glasses Bring Peace to Bomb Shots
13
Explosive Party Starters
Bombs Away Shot Glasses Will Get You Bombed
12
Bathing Celeb Tea Bags
The Sex, Tea and Rock ‘N' Roll Set Brings On the Party Mood
11
Party-Promoting Papercrafts
'Folia De Papel' is a Paper-Friendly Way to Party
10
Lush Lotteries
The Wanted Drinking Bingo Game Won't Bore Your Party Guests
9
Individual Dinner Party Sets
The Mini-Woks are an Entertaining Fiasco Waiting to Happen
8
Portable Picnic Tables
The Tailgate Wooden Picnic Table Can be Folded into a Suitcase
7
Champagne-Carrying Plates
The Happy Dish by Elena Pogliani Stores Your Glass of Bubbly
6
Ice-Breaker Beakers
The Friendly ‘Hello My Name Is… Pint Glass'
5
Scenester Party Games
Sophomore NYC SS 2011 Collection is Unveiled with a Game of Truth or Dare
4
Crowdsourced Party Playlists
SongVote Lets Members Collaborate on a Party Song Sequence
3
Party Picture Takers
Sony's Party Shot Relieves Us of Designated Photog Duties
2
Health Guide Cups
The Beer Nutrition Pint Glass has the Info of Your Favourite Drink
1
Charity Party Art
The Confetti System Knot Ornament Raises Donations for Japan Tragedy Relief
Related Ideas
Sour Candy Challenges
1UP Candy's Kit Challenges Sour Candy Fans to Keep a Straight Face
Rave-Inspired At-Home Manicures
Rave Nailz Boasts a Variety of Eye-Catching Nail Designs
Beer-Pouring Party Billboards
JUBEL Made a Billboard That Pours Pints Invites People in to Party
Luxurious Dining Party Sets
Maure's Dinner Party Box Features Highly Unique Products
Vasectomy-Inspired Boxers
Twisted Tea Introduces the First-Ever Twisted Tea VasectomUndies.
Popsicle-Flavored Hard Teas
Twisted Tea Rocket Pop Channels the Flavors of a Summertime Treat
Movie-Themed Cocktail Recipes
These Bombay Sapphire Gin Cocktails Celebrate the Golden Globes
Conversational Beer Bottles
Stella Artois' We're Not Really Strangers Promotion Fosters Connection
Low-Calorie Non-Alcoholic Brews
Partake Brewing's Alternative Brews Challenge Industry Norkms
Locals-Only Super Bowl Parties
The Pepsi Big Game Bash is the Brand's First Locals-Only Party
Romantic Drinking Accessories
Hendrick’s & Wiederhoeft Crafted a Line of Unusual "Gintimates"
Limited-Edition Sci-Fi Bath Bombs
Lush Boasts Two Stranger Things-Inspired Bath Bombs
Playful Modular Mops
Staff and Clorox Created a Colorful Wet Mop with Rubber Hat Topper
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Bookshelf Board Games
These Classic Board Games are Disguised as Vintage Books
Seasonal Straw-Made Beer Coolers
Coors Light Presents its New Beer Bale Cooler Made from Straw
Curated Game Night Boxes
Maure Boasts One of the Most Luxurious Game Night Kits in the Industry
Ready-to-Pour Tinned Spirits
Departed Spirits Disrupts the Category with Flask-Like Packaging
Party-Ready Bubble Tea Kits
This Instant Marbling Boba Party Kit is for Hosting Boba Tea Parties
Playable Beer Coasters
This Budweiser Campaign Uses Vinyl Coasters to Support Underground Artists
Beer-Paired Noodle Cups
Nissin Created a Guide to Pairing Cup Noodles and Beer for Oktoberfest
New York-Inspired Picnic Series
Nik Bentel's New York Picnic Series is Whimsical & Eye-Catching
Themed Bachelorette Party Boxes
The BachBox is Perfect for Brides to Be
Demure Halloween-Inspired Drinkware
Starbucks Unveils Halloween-Inspired Drinkware Collection
Insulated Cocktail Shakers
Yeti's Premium Cocktail Shaker Keeps Drinks Chilled to Perfection
Timeless Sports Drinks
Ancient Drinks Offers Time-Honored Recipes for Enhanced Energy
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
Playful Gummy Bear Kits
LorAnn's Gummy Bear Kit is Cocktail-Inspired & Will Be Fun During Parties
Menu-Inspired Merch Collections
Mellow Mushroom's Merch Conveys the Menu's Retro-Futuristic Style
Kitchenware Christmas Crackers
Fortnum's 1707 Crackers are Filled with Miniature Kitchen Utensils
Playful Cafe Merch Collections
This Dunkin' Merch Celebrates the Summer Season
Wine-Paired Nail Polish Kits
Cupcake Vineyards & butter LONDON Created Pop & Polish Kits
Indulgent Vodka Seltzers
PLAY HARD Seltzers Speak to a New Generation of Style & Flavor Seekers
Cocktail-Making Holiday Crackers
Fever-Tree Christmas Crackers Pair a Mini Gin Bottle and a Mixer
Edgy Vitality Beverages
Drink Weird and Grateful Dead Teamed Up to Create a Pair of Drinks
Audio-Focused Party Games
Wilder and Doing Things Team Up to Launch The Audio Game
Influencer-Crafted Gin Cocktails
These Tanqueray Gin Holiday Drinks Celebrate Canadian Traditions
Craft Soda Advent Calendars
The Jones Advent Calendar Shares 25 Days of Bubbly Beverages
Floating Foam Drink Coolers
The FOAM Portable Cooler is Durable, Lightweight and Insulated
Festive Trivia Games
'Yule Never Guess' is a Fun, Challenging Christmas Trivia Game
Festive Bridal Accessory Lines
Funky Junque Embraces the Most Exciting Parts of Wedding Planning
Artful Table Tennis Furniture
These NEDJ Ping Pong Tables Maintain a Quirky Form
Moonshine Party Packs
Midnight Moon Party in a Box Helps Adults "Get Their Shine On"
Cup-Integrated Plates
Pairingware Solves the Struggle of Eating and Drinking with One Hand
Cordless Cocktail Makers
bev by BLACK+DECKER Creates a Party Atmosphere with Multicolored LEDs
Festive Wine Boxes
Usual Wines' Chrismukkah Wine Collection is Versatile & Aesthetically Pleasing
Turntable-Inspired Palettes
SHEGLAM's Vinyl Pop Color Palette is Made for Mixing and Matching
Contemporary Home Party Trolley
Jagyeong Bark Designs the Diner Trolley with an Elegant Look
1.75L Canned Cocktails
Party Can Boast 1.75L of Alcohol in Three Delicious Flavors
Multi-Passionate Party Consulting Companies
Pearls and Honey Offers Catering & Event Planning
Celebrity-Inspired Cocktail Menus
The Quote Book by Velvet Bar Shares Drinks Based on Icons
Roulette-Style Jellybean Treats
Jelly Belly BeanBoozled 7th Edition Has Weird and Wild Flavors
Candle-Shaped One-Hitter Glass Pipes
Edie Parker Has Debuted a Whimsical Candle-Shaped One-Hitter
Friendship-Focused Party Games
Catch the Vibe is a Battle to Prove Who Knows Their Friends Best
Culturally Inspired Canned Cocktails
Phreshly Targets Consumers Who are Tired of Hard Seltzers
App-Enabled Party Games
Twister Air Takes a Digitized Approach to the Classic Pastime
Party-Ready Mini Cocktails
The Drinks Bureau Makes Fun, Playful 10% ABV Cocktails in 150ml Cans
Rebranded Offbeat Sodas
Dr Pepper's New Cans and New Campaign Embrace Weirdness
Stackable Bottled Cocktails
BLOC's Experimental Cocktails are Packaged in a Convenient Size
Festive Shot-Glass Trousers
Southern Comfort Whiskey Designs the Playful Drinking Pants
Playlist-Paired Candle Launches
Nose Best Offers Candles with Their Own Playlits and Cocktails
Psychedelic Canned Wines
WAVES Shares Quality Varietals Without the Seriousness
Peanut Butter Whiskey Kits
Skrewball Whiskey's Holiday Kit with Hannah Berner: Unique Festive Gift
Light Show Party Speakers
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate Has Dolby Atmos and More
All-Natural Color-Changing Spirts
Unicorn Distillery Makes Transformative Vodka & Tequila
Botanically Brewed Canned Cocktails
Wild Folk's Zero-Proof Cocktails Take Cues from Foraging
Boozy Backyard Games
Beer Darts is an Engaging Spin on Traditional Backyard Games
Quick-Burst Water Toys
NERF Better Than Balloons are Quick to Fill and Self-Sealing
Refreshing RTD Cocktails
STILLY Beverages are Not Seltzers & Not Ordinary Cocktails in a Can
Splashy Canned Water
Drink Weird Sets Itself Apart with Bold Branding & Convenient Cans
Wonky Fruit Cocktails
Served's Bar-Quality Canned Cocktails Feature Sustainably Sourced Fruits
Bourbon-Specific Snacks
The Sweetery's Bourbon Buddies Enhance the Drinking Experience
Home Beverage Carbonators
Drinkmate Helps Consumers Sparkle Up the Holidays with the 'OmniFizz'
Branded Epic Holiday Party Giveaways
Win an 'Unboring' Holiday Bash with Jameson Irish Whiskey
AI Party Planning Assistants
PartyKit Ensures The Little Details are Taken Care of
Singer-Designed Beer Pong Sets
Post Malone Releases New 'World Pong League' Game Set
Garment-Inspired Drink Holders
Puffin Drinkware 'The Aloha' Comes in Two Hawaiian-Themed Styles
Wine-Filled Holiday Crackers
Vinca's Wine Tasting Crackers Share Ready-to-Sip Canned Wines
Cheddar-Topped Cocktails
Skyy Vodka Shared a Cheddar Espresso Martini Recipe for April Fool's Day
Functional Alcohol-Free Refreshments
Bonbuz Functional Fizz Helps to Elevate Mood, Energy and More
Pink-Hued Macaroni Bowls
Malibu Mac and Cheese Blends Champagne with Three Cheeses
Inflatable Colorful Lamps
Eva Ausmann Designs the Vibrant SQUEEZE Inflatable Lamp
Elegant Snack Platter Sets
DBO Home's Hors D'oeuvres Set Includes Serving Trays, Knives and More
Stylish Bar Accessories
These Creative Bar Accessories Will Transform your Drinking Experience
Wacky Ice Cream Games
Kitten Games is a New Line of Tabletop Games for Kids
Festive Cocktail Crackers
Moth's Cocktail Crackers Share Ready-to-Serve Cocktails in a Fun Way
Natural Scavenger Hunt Toys
Craft-tastic Nature: Scavenger Hunt Potions Inspire Play in Nature
Luxurious 10-Piece Mixology Sets
The Mixology Bartender Kit Helps You to Make Impressive Cocktails
Sequin Party Series
Jayda Cheaves and PrettyLittleThing's Party Collection is Dynamic
Cheeky Golf Pants
Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea Introduced the Twisted Tea Cheater Pants
All-in-One Artisan Cocktail Kits
The Acid League Ultimate Cocktail Kit Has Premium Ingredients
Fast-Paced Challenge Games
Pop Off!'s Coasters, Cups and Balls Offer Over 50 Ways to Play
Ice Cream Pint Coolers
Swell's Ice Cream Coolers Feature Triple-Layer Insulation Tech
Over-the-Top Easter Desserts
Serendipity3 & PEEPS Teamed Up to Create an Easter Beverage
On-the-Go Wine Accessories
Out of the Woods Presents the Ultimate Wine Bundle
Halloween-Inspired Cupcake Kits
Supernatural Kitchen’s No Spookies Halloween Kit is Whimsical
Multi-Flavor Mini Pretzels
The Astounding Multi-Flavor Mini Pretzels are a Perfect Party Snack
Seasonal Popcorn Bottle Kits
These New Popcorn Kitchen Popcorn Kits are Ready for the Holidays
Avant-Garde Radish Accessories
The Ravishing Radish Hat from House & Parties is Handcrafted
Globally Inspired Cocktail Menus
The Pine Bar's Wanderlust Menu Offers a Journey for the Senses
Colorful Portable Music Players
Polaroid Delivers its Inaugural Set of Wearable Music Players
Pickle-Flavored Candy Floss
There's Pickle Cotton Candy at the CNE 2023
Absurd Answer Card Games
'That Escalated Quickly' Has Players Put Responses in the Right Order
Elevated Aperitivo Sets
Material Introduces New Aperitivo Set to Elevate Your Dinner Party
Curated Wedding Gift Boxes
Confetë Party Box's Wedding Collection Simplifies Wedding Season
Sophisticated Jello Shots
Solid Wiggles Shares Mixologist-Crafted Alcoholic Slices and Squares
Pizza Bagel Cocktails
Saved by the Bellini by John deBary Shares a Bloody Mary with a Twist
Wine-Catered Vibrant Artful Tables
Gustaf Westman Designs the Wine Table in a Bright Tone
Snack-Serving Lederhosen
Snyderfest Pretzelhosen Features a Tap and Keg to Dispense Pretzel Pieces
Word-Shouting Party Games
Really Loud Librarians Entertains Pairs and Parties Alike
Flip-and-Stick Party Games
Chicken vs Hotdog is Easy to Learn and Quick to Play
Party-Ready Portable Speakers
The Tronsmart Bang SE Supports Listening Indoors or Out
Anti-Party Rental Initiatives
Airbnb is Testing Anti-Party Technology in the US and Canada
Convenient Cheesy Dips
The House Party Cheesy Dip Offers a Tempting Addition to Snack Time
Customizable Party-Size Snack Boxes
Sugarwish Intoduces a Party Size Option of Its Service
Bar Cart Mascots
Tito's New Ad Series Features an Anthropomorphic Bar Cart with Mixology Skills
Record-Breaking Pickle Parties
Pickle Juice is Sponsoring the World's Largest Pickle Party
Cheese-Themed Entertaining Guides
'That Cheese Plate Wants to Party' Inspires Tasty Creations
Alcohol-Inspired Food Flavorings
These Alcohol-Inspired Flavors Have a Delicious Profile
Nostalgic School Supplies
The Staples Pep Rally Collection Features 90s-Inspired Accessories
Celebratory Odd Designs
Ridiculous Design Celebrates Weird and Wonderful Ideas Within Design
Celebratory Dinner Party Kits
P.F. Chang’s Just Added the New Celebration Kit for Four
Premium Smash Cocktails
Central Standard Distillery Launches the New Smash Cocktails Line
Drink Gift Registries
The Drizly Gift Registry Shares the Gift of Great Drinking Experiences
Fermented Drink Mix Cocktails
South Austin’s Elementary Serves a Kool-Aid Cosmo
Neon-Colored Portable Bottles
Stanley is Previewing its Upcoming 'Neon Collection' for Spring
Wedding Day Emergency Kits
The Stylish Bride Aims to Alleviate Wedding Day Anxieties with This Kit
Humorous Wine-Themed Costumes
Franzia Wines Unveils a Set of New Wine-Inspired Halloween Costumes
Pilsner-Packed Party Kegs
Steam Whistle's 5-Liter Keg is Designed For Easy Draught Beer Enjoyment
Corporate Team Building Parties
It's Game Night Revolutionizes Corporate Team Building in Toronto
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Party-Ready Restaurant Publications
The Chuck E. Cheese and Friends Party Cookbook is Delightful
Personalized Game Show Generators
Quizado Lets You Host Your Own Family Feud-Style Game Nights
Poison-Inspired Cocktails
The Alchemist Serves Drinks from an "Assassin's Teapot"
Sessionable Beer Variety Packs
This Summertime Pack Offers Four Distinctly Delicious Types Of Beer
Magical Mischief Games
Fairy Prank is a Family-Friendly Guessing Game
Liquid Cocktail Garnishes
Crafter’s Sensory Potions Elevate the Cocktail Drinking Experience
Celebratory Mardi Gras Cupcakes
The Gigi's Cupcakes Mardi Pardi Box is Available for Two Weeks
Inviting Family-Friendly Games
Q Mixers Releases the New Secret Holiday Bingo Cards and Cocktails
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space