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The Sport of Bowling: Strike, Spare, or Swear? 🎳
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items I don't get to do the victory dance a whole lot here, so you can imagine what MY typical reaction is! Who knew that the sport of using a round object to knock down several pins goes back thousands of years (I'm looking at you, Egypt! Of course, back ...
So in case you're interested in taking up this sport, here are some of the attire, balls, gloves, equipment, and accessories that caught my attention – and they're applicable, whether you favor 10-pin, 5-pin, or duckpin bowling.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
So in case you're interested in taking up this sport, here are some of the attire, balls, gloves, equipment, and accessories that caught my attention – and they're applicable, whether you favor 10-pin, 5-pin, or duckpin bowling.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
5
Apparel & Gifts
Equipment (Balls 'n' Bags)
Events & Invitations
Supplies
Tongue-in-Cheek Variants
Apparel & Gifts
Whether you're part of a bowling league or just playing for fun, it's easier to get into the proper mindset with the “proper” attire (your definition may be quite different than mine)!
Smoke the look at your local lanes with these high-impact all-over-print tops!
Bowling Polo Shirts for Adults
I always bowl with my own shoes, not alley shoes. For optimal fit and comfort, you should always get your own (especially if you are a serious bowler).
Bowling Shoes
Sock it to me with these retro Christmas bowling patterned socks. Because getting together for year-end holidays couldn't be more memorable than a trip to the bowling alley!
CT Retro Christmas Bowling Pattern Socks
Cute! This design pays tribute (unintentionally or otherwise) to the Ricky Gervais TV series and the American Doo-Wop group of the same name in one fell swoop.
DBDS Alley Cats Bowling Pins T-Shirt
Add a touch of the '50s with this neon-style retro bowling lanes clock!
GG Customizable Retro Bowler Bowling Lanes Large Clock
You couldn't be more inclusive when it comes to encouraging others to join your bowling league/group than with this shirt!
HLL Funny Bowling Design For Men Women Kids Bowler Bow T-Shirt
If you're somebunny who wants to rock it at the bowling alley (and you're tired of seeing designs with pins being hit by a bowling ball), then this is the shirt for you.
KD Bowling Bunny Rabbit Bowler T-Shirt
Love it! The bowling ball on the edge of that iconic tongue is a nice touch, too (and I'm a self-professed non-fan of this foursome).
MM207 The Bowling Stones Amusing Best Bowling Team T-Shirt
Show up wearing a pair of these colorful socks at the 5-pin or 10-pin bowling alleys, and you'll be shown the door to the great outdoors!
NCWGS Lawn Bowls Color Splash Socks
You knew that this phrase had to turn up in this list, eventually.
RK39 This How We Roll For A Bowler Bowling Fleece Blanket
Priceless! An ab fab way to describe the ladies with a love for alleys.
SA Dolls With Balls Funny Women Girls Bowling Team Name T-Shirt
Yes it does (and not just in bowling, either).
SAL Split Happens Funny Bowling Magnet
Not hard to guess what the recipient of this colorful ornament wants to see under the Christmas tree this year!
SMP Christmas Bowling Enthusiast Custom Name Metal Ornament
Equipment (Balls 'n' Bags)
I always bowl with my own ball (it's a bright yellow Brunswick Tweety Bird which weighs in at 8 lbs, if you're curious, and you will likely not be able to find it online anymore!) Yes, it is “sub-weight”; 10 lbs is the recommended minimum weight for ...
Before you commit to any bowling ball (it's a super long-term relationship!), first analyze yourself. What kind of bowler are you? Do you slowly walk up to the line and two-hand straight down, or do you like to briskly walk up to the line, get down o...
“Eye” see you, with this eye-catching bowling ball! Roll another winner with Brunswick!
Brunswick Lizard Glow Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball (10 lbs)
This fiery, flame-like stunner will turn heads!
Brunswick Rhino Red Black Gold Pearl Bowling Ball (Pre-Drilled)
Well, I hope your game catches fire! A homage to Ghost Rider, perhaps?
Brunswick Flaming Skull Viz-A-Ball (Pre-Drilled)
This bowling ball is the cat's meow – and it being a Brunswick ball is always a big plus!
Brunswick Tiger Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball
I'm not a big fan of black licorice, but the lime green and black swirls work so well here!
Columbia 300 White Dot Bowling Ball Lime Swirl
Purple swirls with a bit of black thrown in for good measure, accompanied by an outline of a scorpion make for one sharp design!
Hammer Scorpion Strike Bowling Ball (Pre-drilled)
Oh little Nemo, don't I *wish* I could go with the flow!!
KR Strikeforce Disney Finding Nemo Just Keep Swimming Bowling Ball
Is your bowling game as super as Brad Bird's The Incredibles family? One can only hope!
KR Strikeforce Disney The Incredibles Characters Bowling Ball
It's a consolation prize (of sorts) to know that even if your game isn't up to snuff, at least your bowling ball is (and why do I suddenly have a hankering for donuts?!)
KR Strikeforce Funny All About The Donuts Ball (14 lb)
Groovy retro font (with a witty meme) plus a cute little Groot look great on a bowling ball. Funny how I suddenly feel like re-watching the GOTG franchise.
KR Strikeforce Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Bowling Ball
Believe me, I'm ALWAYS trying to use the Force to get all of those pins down!!
KR Strikeforce Star Wars Flying Yoda Bowling Ball
Any show that makes it to (and past!) the quarter of a century mark on TV deserves its own (licensed) merch here! I'm surprised that I haven't seen a Simpsons equivalent!
Spongebob Squarepants Undrilled Bowling Ball
That's the same expression on everyone else's face when I'm bowling. I can't blame them!!
OTB Afraid Ghost Plastic Bowling Ball by Valentina Georgieva
Turn heads at the alley with your explosive gameplay – and this Star Wars bowling ball, which features the iconic and partially constructed Death Star.
Star Wars Death Star Bowling Ball
Carry your shoes and balls in style these stylish backpacks! Available in 10 different colors. Also holds bowling shoes plus accessories like a towel and hydration bottle (not included).
Bowling Ball Backpacks
When you bowl with a backup ball, you're going to need a wheeled carryall.
2-Ball Wheeled Bowling Bags
Events & Invitations
So you've got a birthday, graduation, retirement, or another milestone celebration for your bowling-mad chums and colleagues. How do you organize an event that people will be talking about into the next week?
Now you're bookin'! Know how many people and what day your bowling-themed party is? Check out bowlero.com, the easy way to find what's available and when, and snag that spot!
Bowlero
Now if the action graphics don't get you excited for the birthday boy's (or girl's) special day, nothing will!
BDPD Exciting Bowling Alley Action "Let's Strike Up Some Fun" Birthday Invitation
Take a trip down nostalgia lane with this bowling-themed birthday party invitation!
IC Retro Bowling Party Sock Hop Pin Up with Photo Invitation
Stick it to me! The ingenious way to let everyone know that (a) you're an American from the State of California and (b) are a card-carrying member of the 300 club (aka perfect).
I've never bowled a 300 game. Not even close. I did get 299 on Nintendo Wii, if anyone's interested. Does that make me near-perfect? 😉
I've never bowled a 300 game. Not even close. I did get 299 on Nintendo Wii, if anyone's interested. Does that make me near-perfect? 😉
KKP California License Plate, 300 Bowler, Bowling Ball & Pins Vinyl Sticker
Now, I'm not a fan of daytime soaps (including the one that's being spoofed here), but I have to admit, this is a BRILLIANT mashup of bowling with the long-running TBATB series!)
NCWGS Art in Motion: Circular Lawn Bowls "The Bowled and the Beautiful" Bowled Logo Hand Fans
Sign me up right now! Make it a cosmic bowling birthday party with this dazzling neon-style invitation.
PPPL Neon Glow Arcade And Bowling Birthday Party Invitation
Supplies
Regular maintenance of your equipment is required. Call this the less glamorous aspect of bowling.
Need to improve ball performance for a better game? This pack of 8 sanding pads offers grit densities from 500 to 3000 to help you improve accuracy and slide efficiency.
Abralon Bowling Ball Sanding Pads
Keep your hands dry and a great grip on your bowling ball with these grip balls/sacks!
Bowling Grip Balls/Sacks
I've seen athletic tape used in other sports (diving, badminton) – so why not bowling?
Bowling Thumb Tape
Wipe down your ball after every throw with these humorous towels!
Bowling Towels
Give your bowling ball the star treatment by putting it on display. The ball cup also doubles as the perfect place for you to clean or polish it.
Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup
Yes, Virginia, there really is a product out there (right here, as a matter of fact) that makes it easier for your thumb to come out of the bowling ball thumb hole more smoothly!
Brunswick Smooth Slide
Keep your fashionable footwear in tiptop shape!
Genesis Bowling Shoe Brush
The first time I saw ball slings, I thought that they were hammocks for bowling balls!
Master Buff a Ball Bowling Ball Buffer/Polisher/Cleaner
Baby your ball and keep it in prime rolling form with this cleaning kit!
VISE Ball Maintenance Kit Polish & Cleaner Kit
Tongue-in-Cheek Variants
Let the good times roll! Do you want to get the kids started early with this sport or maybe you'd like to put a spin on traditional 10-pin and 5-pin bowling with these tongue-in-cheek variations (and no, I am not talking about bocce or lawn bowling)!
Capture the spirit of neon bowling with this glow-in-the-dark set (unfortunately, this won't also make your shoes and clothes fluoresce!)
Glow Games LED Glow Lawn Bowling Set
Upsize the fun with this giant inflatable bowling set! Great for kids' summer and birthday parties!
Joyfy Giant Inflatable Bowling Set for Kids & Adults
Don't wait until Halloween to experience the monsterrific fun and hilarity that come with this fuzzy set!
Melissa & Doug Fuzzy Monster Bowling Pins and Ball With Mesh Storage Bag - 8 Pieces
Can't get enough of bowling? This tabletop version will keep your reflexes engaged and obsession alive and kicking.
Ready! Set! Play! Link Tabletop Wooden Board Mini Arcade Bowling Game