basketball

Spalding 63249 Official Size NBA Street Basketball
$14.69
My son gave me this for my birthday and it's been used a couple times a week on asphalt, sun, rain, and snow and still looks new. The grip is excellent and it feels close enough to a leather ball that you won't be freaked out by the difference.

Let's be honest, you need a decent quality basketball for when friends come over or when you step outside and address the 4 for 56 three point shooting streak you are on. You could use the Spongebob Squarepants basketball your kid bought at Wal-Mart or you can ask for a decent looking Spalding basketball. I would go for the Spalding. Even if you can't knock down the outside shot or defend anyone, at least you look good coming and going from the game.

Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set
$35.99
It was very easy to assemble. The net (where the goal is) seems almost too tight, though. In fact my husband had to use plastic straps (not included) to tie all the loops to the rim. The height adjust easily. Both our 2y.o. and 3 y.o. play with it.

Spalding NBA Zi/O Official Size Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
$34.99
I like the ball overall, but it is slightly out-of-round which is not too bad a thing, but it is a little bit of a bother. I enjoy a purely round ball. It's okay though.

Spalding 12" Ball Championship Power Pump
$16.04
This pump is just *barely* effective at inflating my basketball. When you put the needle in the ball, air starts leaking from the top of the pump immediately. I have to pump as fast as I can to outpace the constant leak.

The pump is cheap, and it's technically working, but it sucks. Buy something else.