BBs. Classic BBs or peppercorns come in handy for everything from rainfall to shotgun pellets.

Baking sheets: Great for banging sounds like the metal sides of a vehicle or for creating metallic thunder effects. Aluminum foil and sheet metal can also be used for variations.

Cat litter: Many of the dry, rounded types can simulate rocks sliding or scraping. Walking on it produces a sandlike effect.

Lettuce: Most vegetables are great for classic crunching and flesh-ripping sounds. Try snapping a piece of dampened celery for a nice bone break.

Cardboard tubes: Excellent for swishing sounds. Purchased with an end cap, they can simulate mortar shots or cannon fire.

Compressed air: Air canisters (even balloons) of all types can create explosions, pipes snapping, or rocket exhaust. Releasing compressed air in a water-filled trashcan produces some interesting effects.

Fabric: Expanses of various kinds of fabric can make anything from flags flapping to parachutes opening. Try combining stiffing elements to create dragon wings.

Glass: Scraping glass on glass yields all kinds of interesting effects, from creepy horror sounds to mechanical grinds.

Kitchen devices: Small electric appliances (can openers, blenders) coupled with dampening materials can make terrific engine, platform, or sci-fi sounds. Electric razors can also work wonders.

Military gear: A visit to the local surplus store can turn up all kinds of interesting hand props and game-ready devices, from ammunition cases to wearable harnesses with clips and pouches galore.

Paper towels: Wet paper towels are great for stepping on or slinging mud.

Phone books: Almost any kind of dense book is perfect for hard falls or solid punching impacts.