Christmas time is here again. That means shopping for that special Christmas gift for that special someone. Or maybe it’s your dad or brother or friend. Regardless, if they are a sports fan then here are 5 truly unique Christmas gift ideas for the sports fan in you life. These gifts will be (generally) under $100.
1) Framed Photo. This will be more special if the photo is one that you took but if not then you can order photos of every size online. If the sports fan has plenty of wall space you should get a 16×20, if not then opt for an 8×10. The photo (assuming it’s not one you took) should be from a significant time or game of the sports fan’s favorite team. For example – get a great photo of a recent World Championship or an iconic play/catch/image. For added coolness go for black and white photos. When you have them framed you can have them done professionally or do it yourself. For the DIY approach you can add words/captions or other mementos like ticket stubs or team memorabilia (cards, mini pennants…). Make it look great and they will love it.
2) Grass/Dirt from Stadium. On the websites of most professional teams you can buy dirt or grass from the stadium. It will be authentic and will cost under $100. It will be the most expensive dirt you ever buy. You will think it is a waste of money but the sports fan will love it. Get a nice acrylic case and you have an amazing display that will be treasured.
3) Anything Game-Used. Authentic game-used memorabilia can be expensive but if you know how to shop for it you can find some for under $100. Try the team’s website first. Most likely everything will be too expensive, though. You can check place like eBay but be very careful as there are plenty of fakes on the Net. Go directly to the stadium itself and most have booths or kiosks with game-used memorabilia. For under $100 you should be able to get a game-used bat or ball (if your fan is a baseball fan) from a lesser-known player. Bats make wonderful display pieces. Game-used bats are usually cracked or broken and look well used. This is a good thing. Your sports fan will love this!
4) Bobbleheads. Let me make this perfectly clear. All guys love bobbleheads. They are the best sports related knick-knack that you can buy. For $100 you should be able to buy about eight bobbleheads. If you know your sports fan’s favorite player(s), buy theirs. Buying the team mascot is a must. As an added bonus this is eight gifts in one. Wrap each one individually. You will be treasured as much as the bobbleheads.
5) Tickets and/or Stubs. Naturally you could get tickets to an upcoming game but you could also make it interesting. Buy ticket stubs to significant games from the team’s history. These can be found online (eBay…) and can be surprisingly inexpensive. For $100 you can get ticket stubs to games where your sports fan’s favorite team/player achieved something significant (no-hitter, set passing or rushing record, first game of their favorite player. Next, buy a photo that is related to the ticket-stub-game, then frame everything together. This will be an instant conversation starter that will be cherished forever.