Fun and games

Dyann Espinosa
Special to FineLife Home
Photos submitted

Gatherings of family and friends can sometimes turn into sedentary occasions, or ones where the activities get divided along gender lines. But throw in a game and everyone wants to participate.

In addition to stand-bys like Scrabble and card games, there are new ones based more on lifestyle and culture. You can test your knowledge about wine and food, childrearing and chocolate, tell your fortune or put your encyclopedic store of otherwise superfluous information to use. Play these games at home, take them to parties or stick them in your carry on bags and while away the hours on your next flight.

Big Fat Lies
An amusing assortment of “facts” that are either true or a “Big Fat Lie.” Includes a wide range of categories from science and history to popular culture. Put your thinking cap on and give it a try. Which statement is the lie?
A) The first name of actor Will Smith is short for “Willard.”
B) Rapper Dr. Dre was briefly enrolled in medical school before turning to a career in hip-hop. (Answer at bottom of page)
Price: $14.95
The Corner Store
498 First St. E.
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(Answer: B is a “Big Fat Lie”)

Get Smart
From the folks who brought you WineSmarts, a whole raft of spinoffs of the “Smart” line.

ChocolateSmarts
Sixty Q&A cards and a tips guide all about our favorite guilty indulgence.

DogSmarts
Take it with you to the dog park and bone up while Fido frolics.

BabySmarts
All about babies, from diapers to drool.

SexSmarts
Everything you ever wanted to know about the culture, practice, and history of sex.
Price: $16.95 - $24
www.quirkbooks.com
(Some versions available at the fig pantry)

Celadon Shakers
Shake your “Chien Tung” to find out your fortune, your love interest, or get an inspirational thought to guide your travels –– there’s even a Little Shaker for children. These beautifully crafted round wooden holders contain the fortune sticks and scrolls and are small enough to carry with you and stylish enough to be a decorative accent in your home.
Love Shaker, Fortune Shaker, Travel Shaker.
Price: $29.95
The fig pantry
1190 E. Napa St.

Bay Area Backroads Deck
Bay Area Backroads, a weekly Bay Area television program that finds unusual local adventures, has put out a portable deck of 50 fun outings based on the series. Pick a card, jump in the car and discover the road less traveled.
Price: $14.95
Sonoma Bookends Bookstore
201 W. Napa St. (Sonoma Market Place)