You love a good party but don't have a fortune to spend on kit? Perfect — because the best drinking gadgets for young adults cost next to nothing and turn any round into an occasion. Whether it's pregame for two, a flat party or getting ready for a festival: with the right gadgets the ice breaks itself and the mood lifts without much effort. Here's the starter kit for young partygoers — the gadgets that actually work, plus the matching drinking games with full rules.
Last updated: 26 July 2024
What is a drinking gadget? A gadget built around drinking together that brings a group closer — from the Shotski to Miniskis to a random-pick roulette. Ideal for young adults, because most of them are cheap, durable and ready to use straight away: buy them once and they'll see you through countless parties.
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the wooden mini skis — add a glass and a binding and you get the wearable original ski. More on that below ↓
The starter kit: drinking gadgets everyone should own
Starting from zero doesn't mean you need an expensive collection — these basics cover almost any party:
- Wearable Miniskis: The cheap way in. Everyone carries their shot on a cord around the neck, and everyone clinks glasses together — the perfect icebreaker for a young crowd.
- The Shotski: The social centrepiece. Several glasses on one ski, and the whole line drinks together — the group ritual that pulls any party together.
- Miniski roulette: The random-pick gadget that decides who goes next — spin the bottle, just cooler.
- Beer pong set: The classic at every student party — a few cups, a ball, and the contest is on.
Shown step by step – @apresallstars
Good to know: the wooden mini skis only really come into their own with a glass and a binding — that's what turns them into the wearable original ski.
Two-player drinking games — for a laid-back night
Not every party is a big event. For a night in for two — pregaming or just on the sofa — there are drinking games for 2 that still work perfectly well:
- Truth or dare (for 2): The classic also works as a duel. Whoever dodges the truth or skips the dare has to drink.
- "Never have I ever" (duel version): Take turns naming something you've done — whoever has done the thing being named has to drink. You'll know each other better in record time.
- Higher or lower: A deck of cards, face down. Each player guesses whether the next card is higher or lower. Guess wrong? Take a sip.
- Category duel: One person names a category, then you take turns naming examples. Whoever runs out first drinks.
Drinking games on the go — no equipment needed
On the way to the party, on the train to the festival, or in the park: these are drinking games without cards, dice or any other kit — you need nothing but the two of you, or the whole group:
- Buzz: Count up in turns, but say "Buzz" instead of any number that's a multiple of 7 or contains a 7. Whoever slips up drinks (or does a dare).
- I packed my bag: The classic memory game as a drinking edition — whoever forgets an item is up.
- Hum that tune: One person hums a song, everyone else guesses. Whoever's wrong or too slow drinks.
For more ideas that need no equipment at all, check out our drinking games without equipment.
Cocktail gear for home — starting on a budget
If you want to offer your friends more than just beer, you don't need professional equipment. A simple shaker and a measuring cup are enough for your first cocktails — and the ingredients for a long drink cost less than a night out at a club. A classic to start with: vodka with ginger ale and lime, plenty of ice, and you've got the simplest party drink there is. If you prefer something fruity, mix a big punch bowl from juice, sparkling wine and fresh fruit — affordable for a crowd and always a hit. That's how your flat's kitchen turns into a little bar, without a big budget.
Drinking gadgets for the festival
Festival season is peak season for young partygoers — and different rules apply on the campsite. Glass is banned on most sites, so shatterproof gadgets made of wood or plastic have a clear edge here. Wearable Miniskis are ideal, because you always have them on you and can toast your neighbours the moment you pitch your tent — there's no faster way to meet new people at a festival. The Shotski also cuts a fine figure at the camping table and quickly becomes the meeting point for the whole row of tents. Important: drinking gadgets don't need a power outlet or any setup, so they're perfect for being on the go. And because they're sturdy, they survive a rainy, muddy weekend too — unlike cheap disposable stuff that falls apart on day one.
Why drinking gadgets are worth it for young adults
If you party often, the right gadgets save you money and hassle in the long run. A wooden Shotski or a set of Miniskis costs little upfront but lasts for years and many parties — unlike cheap plastic novelty items that end up in the bin after one night. On top of that: a good drinking gadget is always at hand when friends drop by spontaneously, and it lifts the mood instantly without any real prep. And because these gadgets look great in their ski design, they photograph well too — and those photos are guaranteed to end up in the group chat. In short: a small investment, a big effect, for a long time.
Tips for young hosts
- Icebreaker first: Hand out Miniskis as guests arrive, and the group connects straight away.
- Split the cost: A shared drinks fund or a bring-your-own principle keeps it affordable for everyone.
- Think alcohol-free too: All the gadgets and games work just as well with a spritzer — so everyone can join in.
- Give the neighbours a heads-up: A quick word saves you trouble once things get louder.
- Get everyone home safely: Sort out beforehand how everyone gets home — nobody drives after drinking.
As the group grows, the Shotski simply grows with it via the extension set — four modules are the base, and every extra pair adds two more spots.
More party inspiration
Find the complete flat-party kit in our party gear for young adults guide, the best game rules in party gadgets & games, and even more gadgets in our best drinking accessories round-up.
FAQ
Which drinking gadgets are worth buying for beginners?
Wearable Miniskis as a cheap icebreaker, a Shotski for the group shot, a Miniski roulette as a random-pick gadget, and a beer pong set. That's enough to kit out any young party.
Which drinking games work for 2 people?
Truth or dare, "Never have I ever", higher or lower, and the category duel all work with just two people — ideal for pregaming or a laid-back night in for 2.
Which drinking games work on the go without any equipment?
Buzz (the number game), "I packed my bag" as a drinking edition, and hum that tune need nothing but the group — perfect for the walk to the party or the train to the festival.
Are drinking gadgets for young adults worth it financially?
Yes. A wooden Shotski or a set of Miniskis costs little upfront and lasts through many parties — far cheaper than constantly buying new disposable novelty items. If you party often, it pays off over time.
How do I mix cheap cocktails for a flat party?
With a simple shaker and a measuring cup. A long drink made from vodka, ginger ale and lime comes together instantly, and a big punch bowl of juice, sparkling wine and fruit is affordable for a crowd.
Do the gadgets still work without alcohol?
Yes, all the drinking gadgets and games work just as well with a spritzer, juice or an alcohol-free punch. So everyone can really join in.
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