A die-hard sports fan might seem like an easy person to purchase gifts for. All he or she ever seems to want is sports-related items. However, it’s not as easy as one might think. In the world of sports gifts, there is an endless amount of options to choose from. Just buying any old item with a fan’s favorite team logo slapped on it is not the cure-all for holiday shopping.
With the holiday season right around the corner, here are some surefire ideas to please any sports fanatic.
Licensed Merchandise
Licensed sports merchandise is a very broad topic in its own right. This is any item that is endorsed by a professional sports team or league. Make sure that the items are officially endorsed by that sports franchise or league by checking for the proper tags and holograms placed on the item by the entity issuing the license. Otherwise, it is likely to be just a cheap knock off usually of inferior quality.
Merchandise can come in many forms, the most popular of which is clothing. When it comes to sports, true fans are outspoken in their allegiance to their team and will never blink at the opportunity to represent that squad to the rest of the world.
The bottomless stock of sports merchandise can consist of other items such as:
- Flags and pennants
- Pins
- Car stickers and flags
- Mugs
- Posters
- Photographs
- Keychains
- Glassware
- Plaques
Any piece of “official” team merchandise is sure to please most sports fans.
Memorabilia
While sports merchandise is a crowd-pleaser for sports fans, gifting sports memorabilia adds a personal touch and the items can carry far greater value. Sports memorabilia are collectibles that have a historic value. Ordinary merchandise does not have this, because it is mass produced.
Autographs are by far the most popular form of sports memorabilia, and sports buffs around the globe fiercely collect them. Having the authentic signature of a current or past sports star makes for an eye-popping gift that fans will no doubt prominently display.
These signatures can come on a variety of items from jerseys to tools of the trade, such as balls, bats, helmets, hockey sticks, boxing gloves and so on.
Other items considered memorabilia because of their historical value include:
- Commemorative plaques or coins
- Game-worn jerseys
- Historic photographs
Tickets
Sports fans might enjoy settling back in the recliner and taking in the game on TV, but attending the event can be even more special. With a steep jump in the number of peer-to-peer online ticket brokers, tickets to the hottest sports events have never been more accessible. Sending off a sports fan to the biggest game of the season is a gift he or she will not soon forget.
The person presenting the give must first make sure they are dealing with reputable ticket brokers before they purchase these often expensive tickets. Online research of the seller and their policies can usually help offer this information.
Magazine Subscriptions And Literature
Sports magazines are a perfect way for fans to stay up to date on their favorite players and teams. In a time where niche publications are flourishing, there is certainly no shortage of options. Current magazines dedicate their contents to everything from the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL to cycling and weight lifting.
There is also an endless selection of books and other literature that focuses in on a historic stadium, single player or team. These make great gifts for sports fans that are always thirsting for new knowledge.
Sports Gear
A sports fan’s playing days might not yet be over. Many fans not only watch sports, but also participate in them at a recreational level. Purchasing gear needed to train for, or play, these sports is something an athlete will find great use for. It doesn’t need to be the full setup as an accessory can go a long way to completing what is needed.
Visit ItsAlreadySigned4U.com for autographed sports memorabilia and other gift ideas for the sports fanatic in your life.