MEGATech Showcase: Geek-Style Entertaining

As we are all well aware, it is summertime. Which means backyard barbecues, picnics, family reunions, trips to the beach…you name it, people are doing it. One of the things all of those activities has in common is the need for beverages, be they of the soft drink or adult style. Anybody can make boring old square or rectangle ice cubes, and anyone can use a red solo cup, but for those of us who live and breathe the geek lifestyle, that’s simply no fun at all. Let’s take a look at a few things that can make your next party memorable for more than just your Uncle Joe burning the burgers or your best friend falling into the pool.

First up is a floating cooler. I’ve actually on more than one occasion put a cooler either on a raft or in an inner tube, because when you’re hanging out in a pool or tubing down the river you want to have your beverages close at hand. It’s not really an ideal solution. This is a 30-quart cooler that floats right along next to you. And unlike a lot of coolers, the top stays on with a zipper, ensuring you won’t lose it when you open the cooler to fetch another soda. The cooler itself is constructed of heavy PVC, with a double-layered padded bottom to prevent punctures. It’s even got four cup holders, so in the case of a tubing party you could attach yourselves around it so you can all reach when you want something. This one runs $46.00 US.

Source: Coolest Gadgets

I love this. Truly love this. In fact, I’ve already ordered one; should be here next week. If you don’t recognize this, you are no longer allowed to read my posts because you’re just too young. I will help you, however: It’s a Space Invaders ice cube tray. Remember Space Invaders? That was the last video game I was ever able to master (I know, I know…I’m just not a gamer). It gets better, as if I thought that was possible. Since the tray is made out of food-safe silicone, it can be used in the freezer and the oven. You know what that says to me? Space Invaders cupcakes, served with drinks cooled with Space Invaders ice cubes. My inner child thinks that’s the best thing ever. At just $10.00 US, how can you resist buying at least one?

Source: 7 Gadgets

I believe I may have mentioned my Wizard of Oz obsession. Never mind the fact that I have numerous obsessions, that’s not relevant right now. I watch the movie at least once a year (and yes, I own it on VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray), and what better way to cool my drinks than ice cubes shaped like the characters from the movie? It makes eight cubes at a time (two each of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion), and is an officially licensed product. The tray itself looks like the yellow brick road. This one runs between $12.00 and $15.00 US, depending on where you shop.

Source: Geek Alerts

So maybe the Wizard of Oz isn’t your thing. I don’t get that, but whatever. You can’t tell me you aren’t into Star Wars. How about some Boba Fett ice cubes for your next party? This one only makes six cubes at a time, three each of his helmet and Mandalorian symbol. This one is also made of food-safe silicone (yep, I’m thinking cupcakes again), and is dishwasher safe. You can make one yours for just $10.00 US.

Source: Gadget Review

In case you were wondering, yes I have already ordered this as well. I mean…how do you not? Each tray makes six cubes, three each of Tardis and Dalek. Again, this is made of food-safe silicone (my goodness but the cupcakes coming out of my kitchen are going to be amazing!), and is dishwasher safe. You know what would be cool? Freezing a tiny Doctor figurine (perhaps a LEGO minifig?) inside the Tardis. I’m gonna have to experiment. This one costs $12.99 US.

Source: Foolish Gadgets

So you’ve got all these really cool ice cubes, now you need somewhere to put them so you can make more. The Tardis ice bucket seems to fill that requirement handily, doesn’t it? Although I am a bit concerned about keeping a Tardis in a Tardis. Or a Dalek in a Tardis. Hm. Might have to rethink. But the rest of them should be OK! This one measures 10.5 inches tall, and costs about $30.00 US.

Source: Craziest Gadgets

One thing I haven’t covered is what you’re going to put your beverage in. As I mentioned earlier, anyone can use a Solo cup…that’s no fun at all. Besides, assuming your parties go like mine often do, having a glass dumped over is a common occurrence. Enter the Vino2Go wine sippy cup. Your kids have them, and I actually know more than one person who uses their kid’s sippy cup at parties to prevent spillage. These are clear, and the inner part that holds your drink is shaped like a wine glass. You know, in case you were trying to fool your friends. Each cup costs $15.99 US, and you get to choose lid colour from black, white, merlot, pink or green.

Source: Foolish Gadgets

By the way…all of the trays made of silicone can be used in the freezer or the oven. You can also use them as chocolate molds. Or Jello molds. I am so darn excited about my new purchases I’m already planning a party just so I can use them.