Christmas 2011 is fast approaching and it is time to consider what to buy that special sports fan in your life. If you are looking for a unique gift, and don’t mind spending the money, then look no further. Here are 5 truly unique, and expensive, gift ideas.
1) Stadium Seats. I’m not talking about tickets to a game, I mean actual seats that were used at your sports fan’s favorite team’s stadium. Most stadiums will replace seats every decade or so and when they do they place the used seats up for sale. You can just google ‘stadium seats (and include the name of the stadium)’ and you should find links. They will be pricey, but well worth it.
2) Indoor Golf Driving Range. If you can afford a virtual indoor driving range with a curved wall then kudos. These can cost you tens of thousands. If not, you can opt to put in a real indoor driving range. All you need is a lot of space (preferably 50×10 feet), a large net to surround it, and golf equipment. If you arrange this for your special golf fan when he or she wakes up Christmas morning, you will be a hero.
3) Season Tickets to Spring Training. For the baseball fan in your life nothing makes a better sports-related gift than Spring Training tickets; especially if you live in a cold climate since Spring Training is exclusively in Florida and Arizona. Go to the website of their favorite baseball team and you will find links that allow you to purchase tickets. Spring Training lasts roughly a month, from late February through the end of March. If you can make hotel/vacation house rental reservations as well, you will be a god to your fan.
4) Anything One-Of-A-Kind. The more iconic and authentic the item the better. If you can buy a football used in your fan’s team’s Super Bowl victory, one actually thrown by a quarterback in the game, amazing. Obtaining a jersey worn by their favorite player in a ‘big game’ would be another example. The steering wheel from a car driven by their favorite race car driver in a real race, wow. Search online auctions that specialize in authentic game-used memorabilia. Team websites might help, too. These items will be expensive.
5) Meet and Greet. This can be the ultimate gift for the sports fan. It is also something that, if you know the right person, can be free. Or it could cost several thousands of dollars. All depends on who you know. If you are able to arrange a meeting with your fan’s favorite athlete you will go down in history. Check with the team to see if there are any autograph signings coming up. Most have several per year. Or you can be on the look out for charitable functions where athletes may show up or hold. These are great opportunities to meet the person and to give back to a good cause. Good luck and Merry Christmas.