EZ Gift Picks: For The Sports Fan

Got any sports fans on your Christmas gift list? Count yourself lucky. Because they’re either watching, discussing or reading about sports, wearing sports-related paraphernalia or actually playing sports – either in real life or through video games – they’re one of the easiest groups to buy presents for. Here are six great gift ideas to get you started.

1) Go Canada Go

Enhance the experience of cheering on Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics by giving an official hockey jersey, with the slick new Nike design (choose from the red or the very cool-looking black version). If you can’t afford the $140 price tag, you can substitute the jersey for the always popular Olympic mittens.

2) Tee it up

Because golfers are forever trying to perfect their skills, why not help them out with a classic indoor putting green. Or, if the golfer on your list is a hopeless fanatic, we suggest the SwingTIP Swing Analyzer. Simply attach the gadget to your club and hit a ball. The device will transmit your golf swing data to an App on your smartphone, and provide instant analysis of why you can’t hit the ball on the damn fairway.

3) Show your true colours

The young sports fans on your list will love receiving a protective case for their smartphone, tablet or e-reader. Skinit offers a variety of custom designs for digital devices, including the logos of their favourite hockey, baseball, football, basketball or soccer teams.

4) Get in the game

A new sports-themed video game, like NHL 14 or Madden 25, always makes a great present for the young gamers on your list. And because they’ll always beat the pants off you, it will teach you important lessons in humility and losing with grace.

5) Old-school gifts

The mature fan, tired of losing video games to the younger generation, will definitely enjoy relaxing with one of 2013’s top sports-themed books, including these three that will conjure nostalgic memories of great teams and players from the past. Here are three to get you started:

• Orr: My Story – Almost 4 decades after retiring, Bobby Orr finally releases his memoirs.
• A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs and the Rise of Professional Hockey – Stephen Harper (yes, that Stephen Harper!) explores the early history of pro hockey
• Mickey and Willie: Mantle and Mays, the Parallel Lives of Baseball’s Golden Age – Allen Barra explores parallels between two of the greatest baseball players ever

6) Enjoy the beautiful game

If the person on your list is a soccer fan, they’ll no doubt be following next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Make it easier for them to track all the action with an official 2014 FIF World Cup Wallchart Poster.