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The holiday season is upon us. That has led me to start thinking about what gifts I am going to give my loved ones. I take pride in the fact that I can get my Christmas shopping done in just one hour at the mall on December 24th.
I will be the first to admit that my family deserves much more than a mundane neck-tie, book or t-shirt. That is why this year I have decided to put together a list of gifts that would be perfect for a loved one this season. This isn’t just any Christmas list, though; this is the top 10 gifts to give the sports fan in your family.
1. Sports Movie
There are so many good sports movies that would make perfect stocking stuffers. I highly recommend “Miracle”, the true story based on the over-achieving United States hockey team that defeated the Soviets en-route to the 1980 Gold Medal. Other classics include “Field of Dreams”, “Rudy”, “Caddyshack”, “Waterboy”, “Varsity Blues” and “Sea Biscuit”. My all-time favorite sports movie is “Hoosiers”, a story about a basketball team from Hickory, Ind., that comes together to win the state title in the 1950s.
2. Sports Tickets
Every Christmas, my Dad would give my brother and I tickets to a men’s basketball game. Order online or stop by the McLeod Center to get tickets to one of the many UNI Panther athletics events. The men’s and women’s basketball conference seasons kick off in early January. The UNI wrestling team also provides quality entertainment in the West Gym.
3. Sports Jersey
A fan can’t be considered a TRUE fan unless they have a jersey of their favorite team. If you are going tailgating, hosting a Super Bowl party or just sitting in your recliner watching a big game, a jersey is a must.
4. Sports Magazines
There are many different types of magazines that provide a wealth of knowledge about sports from across the globe. “Sports Illustrated” has great in-depth feature stories and columns. ESPN produces a magazine that has many full-page action photos.
5. Video Games
Even though I am not the typical young adult who is addicted to video games, I still am blown away with the quality. The graphics are so good that it’s almost as if you are watching a real athletics event on television.
6. Autographed Memorabilia
Getting autographed sports memorabilia may be expensive but very much appreciated. The internet is an excellent shopping venue for rare items.
7. Poker Set
Television shows are featuring high stakes poker. A deck of cards is becoming a popular gift item. A poker set is relatively inexpensive. You could go all out by getting an actual poker table but that might be asking for trouble.
8. Calendars
Any professional team has its own customized calendar filled with exciting action photos. Daily calendars offer sports trivia that help you learn more about the history of your favorite sport.
9. Golf Supplies
Anything related to the sport of golf will work. Buy something as expensive as a new club or golf bag or spend as little as something like a sleeve of golf balls, tees, or club covers. Even a membership or gift certificate to a round of golf would be appreciated once the snow melts.
10. Teddy Bears
A teddy bear is a great decoration to have in the house, especially if they are dressed in your favorite team’s jersey. The game is not always going to go your way and when it doesn’t, it’s nice to have a cuddly bear to squeeze. This is just what I have heard; I have yet to receive my own stuffed Panther.
I hope this list makes your Christmas, or any occasion, shopping a little less stressful. If for some reason your loved one does not appreciate the true value of one of these gifts, please send it my way — I’ll put it to good use.
Eric Braley is host and producer of “Panther Sports Talk,” a weekly UNI Sports TV show airing Sunday nights on KWWL after the 10:00 news and throughout the week on CFU Hometown Channel 15.
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