The 10 Best Bowling Pins

Whether you own an alley or want authenticity at home, the Brunswick Max Colored (appx. $236) sport a bright pop of magenta that will catch everyone's eye. And while they're certainly fun, they're made by one of the most reputable names in bowling products and are designed to last.

You can use the Champion Sports Multicolor Foam (about $44) in the classroom, day care center, or even the office to help everyone burn off some stress. Although they're foam, they stand up well, thanks to a weighted design that's made for usability.

The Party Direct Full-Sized (around $179) can certainly be used to play a game or two, but because every order comes with a full set of 10, they might also make interesting party favors or keepsakes for a themed gathering. They're constructed from wood, so they can take some abuse.

For a truly genuine feel, you might try the Numrich Regulation (around $19), which will arrive in used condition and may be scratched, marked, and even written on. This makes it excellent for a variety of sports-themed crafts projects, perhaps as a bookend or a trophy.

You can jump start your little one's love of the game or improve hand-eye coordination with the Melissa & Doug Friends Playset (appx. $18). It has six pins in the shape of cheery animals as well as a 4-inch ball, so it's ready to be enjoyed right out of the box.

You may want to paint or otherwise finish the Factory Direct Craft Toy Set (about $32), because in its natural hardwood state, it's on the bland side. But it shouldn't take too long, as the pieces aren't overly large, with pins that are only 5 inches tall.

If your kids are too young for a trip to the lanes, bring the excitement to them with the iPlay, iLearn Foam (around $20), which is recommended for children ages 2 and up. Soft, lightweight and colorful, the pieces even feature numbers, so they encourage learning along with recreation.

For Shuffle Alley games, there's the Williams Bally Puck (appx. $94) set of 10, which is made specifically for United and Williams puck bowlers. Of course, you could use them in other ways, too, perhaps to create your own table activity or finish an art project.

Bring some elegance to your desk or coffee table with the ShalinIndia Wood (about $15), a diminutive, but functional, option. The pieces are all handmade by artists in North India to high quality standards, so you can expect to enjoy this set for a long time to come.

You can get everyone moving at your next get-together with the Perfect Life Ideas Giant (about $23), an inflatable choice that encourages physical activity, coordination, and balance. The plastic is flimsy, though, so you might not want to set it out on terrain that's too rough.