Shopping for sports fans can be more difficult than you think. Perhaps the fan in your life already has a variety of hats and jerseys, and who knows what else represents their favorite team or player. However, there are many sports-related items out there that even those on the list may not know about. To find the perfect gift, we asked for help from all over the world. The AthleticNewsroom compiles a list of ideas and recommendations for you to consider. Have a great vacation!
—Brooks Peck and David Betancourt, The AthleticMemorabilia and Collectibles Editor
(Updated on 11/28, items added.)
start small
Riddell Mini Football Helmet
Riddell has a large selection of mini helmets for NFL and NCAA teams (the University of Colorado section alone is quite extensive). There are current styles, alternative styles (like the Washington Commanders' Hail Mary black helmet), and old-school styles (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' creamsicle helmet is always a great look).
Other minis: Rawlings MLB Mini Batting Helmet, Franklin NHL Mini Goalie Helmet, PWHL Mini Stick, NBA Mini Retro Basketball
sports art
Landing Pond by Jacob Trouba
Jacob Trouba's Hockey Art
There is beauty in the physicality of hockey. New York Rangers defenseman and captain Jacob Trouba knows that better than anyone. Trouba, known for his hard hits, is also an artist. But he doesn't use a paintbrush. Instead, he smears paint all over his hockey equipment and charges towards the canvas. The collision creates paintings that express strength and dynamic movement. Small prints of some of Trouba's work can be purchased directly from his website for $150. Larger signed prints cost $1,000 each. —Alex Yniguez, NHL Senior Editor
even deeper
How Jacob Trouba, one of the NHL's most ferocious open-ice hitters, found his artistic side
Other sports art: John Batalgazi's Circular Athlete, The Golden Hexagon: Where Basketball Meets Geography, Literary Bowling: Very Flamboyant Basketball, Retro Prints by Shelton Art Company, Triple Play Design Company, and more
sports books
basketball 100
A comprehensive look at the greatest players in NBA history, past and present. From surprising picks at No. 100 to LeBron James and Michael Jordan's sprint to finish at the top of the list, 'The Basketball 100' features full-length profiles of 100 of the game's greats. has been. Written by David Aldridge and John Hollinger The Athletic“The Basketball 100'' foreword by NBA staff and Charles Barkley is “guaaar-uuunnn-teeeed!'' To satisfy basketball fans this holiday season. —Rob Peterson, NBA Deputy Editor
Stories of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 fascinating profiles, top basketball writers justify their choices and uncover NBA history in the process.
The story of the greatest play in NBA history.
buy
Other sports related books The Athletic and its writers: The Football 100 by Mike Sand, Dan Pompey, and NFL staff. Undeniable: The Kansas City Chiefs' remarkable 2023 championship season. Garden Party: Inside the Boston Celtics' Preparation for the 2023-24 NBA Championship. Caitlin Clark: Raise your game. Overtime beckons, penalties loom by Adam Hurley; Who owns football? By Nick Miller. Franchising: The Business of Building Winning Teams by Craig Custance
I did this in BtB and it was really fun, especially when everyone told me exactly what to write. If you would like to gift a signed, personalized copy of The Franchise this holiday season, please contact Craig via DM or email. [at] Theathletic.com makes it possible. pic.twitter.com/MC3z99vOEv
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) November 27, 2024
Looking back
Homage x starter jacket
Satin bombers represented '80s sideline sophistication, and pullovers were the coolest thing on the '90s playground. Nostalgia never goes out of style, right?
Other throwbacks: Ebbets Field Flannel, Mitchell & Ness, Classic Football Shirt
Lionel Messi Inter Miami Archive Jersey
Every day in every elementary school, it seems like there are dozens of kids wearing Inter Miami's pink and black outfit with Messi's name and number 10 on their shirts. There's no doubt that Messi's move to MLS has had a huge impact on youth fashion, but the next-level look is the mint retro third kit that debuted midway through this season. (Maybe the only thing that's more prevalent among kids these days is the Stanley Cup. The new Messi “Goat” collection launches on December 3rd, and it also comes with a Mate mug.)
even deeper
5 MLS clubs to get retro third kits for remainder of 2024
san diego wave home jersey
The most popular NWSL jersey in America this year, it's a design that will be talked about for years to come.
Other gifts for kids: Shohei Ohtani T-Shirt, Little People NFL Set, LEGO Formula 1 Set, Future Fun — Teach kids about sports in creative new ways
gifts for WNBA fans
Wilson x Caitlin Clark Basketball
The WNBA's popularity has skyrocketed this year, bringing in a lot of new fans who are likely still finding their footing in the gear department. Wilson has a hard time keeping Caitlin Clark's signature basketball collection in stock, but if you can get your hands on it, it's a good gift for anyone looking to emulate the WNBA Rookie of the Year. It will be.
Other gifts for WNBA fans: Reebok Angel Wreath Collection, Kate Martin Socks, Playa Society x WNBA
Sports…scent?
Whether you're a tennis fanatic or have a friend who can't stop talking about the Challengers, this is a luxury candle that even the pickiest person will fall in love with. love and. vacation ball boy candle It combines the sweet smell of canned tennis balls with sunscreen and cotton sweatbands. and foreign match point The candle transports you to Wimbledon with the scent of cut grass and cucumber. —Jordan Cohen, Executive Director of External Communications
cool baseball equipment
victus pencil bat
The pencil bat became a sensation last year when Bryson Stott of the Philadelphia Phillies used it in an MLB game, and it remains a perennially popular twist on the standard baseball bat (there are a variety of (Available in various sizes to suit different levels of play). But if that's not colorful enough, Victus also has a collection of crayon bats.
ARiA sliding mitt
At this point, sliding mitts have become a staple part of baseball equipment, and “Absolutely Ridiculous” has turned something that was frankly pretty ridiculous into a cutting-edge item of baseball creativity. Their imaginative designs are enough to make you want to lean in to get on base and hit a fastball.
For sports/movie fans
Grays Sports Almanac Prop Replica
Now, Back to the Future Part II isn't exactly a sports movie, but the Grey's Sports Almanac is an iconic movie sports item. This prop replica is filled with real scores and statistics from 1950 to 2000 (sadly, that's now a distant past), and is exactly the same as the one Marty McFly retrieved after purchase. Comes with a receipt and shopping bag. 2015. Also includes a dust jacket!
Other sports movie gifts: Penfold Golf: James Bond's Ball of Choice in Goldfinger, Sandlot Babe Ruth Replica Autograph Baseball (After Hercules Gets the Ball)
home decoration
25-tier StadiumView illuminated end table
These end tables are available in a variety of collegiate and marching stadiums and arenas, offering a unique way to bring your favorite team home. The table costs a few hundred dollars, but the same company (YouTheFan) also has 5-tier wall art and 3D coasters available for less.
Other home decor gifts: Golf pencil display case, NASCAR car hood wall sign
Picked up by Gameflo
If you like Marvel Snap, you'll love this. Basketball strategies and opportunities that aim to overcome your opponent's weaknesses and win the matchup.
filters
We used the non-alcoholic liquor for cooking, but I think others can find plenty of uses for it, even if it's just for enjoying a non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Zora's vest
Slow-roasted and freeze-dried dog treats. Berkeley is crazy about them, and they are very nutritious and healthy.
Just like Kelce's Christmas
A special Christmas in Philadelphia
Hugely popular among fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Taylor Swift, New Heights podcasts, TV commercials, breakfast cereal, and much more, the Kelce brothers are everywhere. Perhaps their most endearing endeavor is Jason's series of holiday albums that benefit various Philadelphia charities, featuring former Eagles teammates Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, as well as notable musicians. Contains amazing combinations. This year's edition is the third and likely final version they will produce, and includes a duet between Jason Kelce and Stevie Nicks.
Other Kelce related gifts: McFarlane Toys Super Bowl LVII Kelsey Brothers Figure, Garage Beer Employee of the Month Shirtless Jason Kelsey Chugging T-Shirt
eBay Insights
Here are four of the 10 most-searched athletes each month on eBay so far this year:
So any gift related to these four should be a decent bet.
Other athletes who saw a significant increase in searches this year:
- Searches for “Anthony Edwards cards” increased 1,850 percent in May compared to the start of the NBA season as he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.
- Searches for Paul Skeens increased 620% in July when he was named the starter for the MLB All-Star Game compared to when he was called up in April. He remains a hot commodity after being named National League Rookie of the Year, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are offering their own incentive for his Topps debut patch card.
- Searches for Freddie Freeman increased by nearly 1,500 percent the day after the Los Angeles Dodgers hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series and won the series MVP.
Additionally, searches for “PSA 10” increased by 30% in October compared to the same period last year. This likely indicates that trading card collectors are increasingly looking to cards that have been deemed to be in gem-like, pristine condition by the industry's largest grading companies.
Quirky sports gifts:
A patron holds a Masters gnome during the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament. (Photo: Andrew Reddington/Getty Images)
interest in Masters' regular garden gnome It is the only item in the Masters Official Gift Shop with purchase restrictions and continues to grow. The retail price of $50 is only available at tournament venues each year, but the full-sized 2024 edition is available on eBay for around $250-$300.
search for vintage nfl gear Sales spiked in early November after Taylor Swift wore an old Chiefs jacket she bought on eBay to a game.
dodgers Shohei Otani and Decoy bobblehead The gift was probably one of the most coveted (and cutest) sports-related items of the year. The day after the giveaway, eBay users searched for “Shohei Ohtani bobblehead” at a rate of over 1,750 times per hour. There is also a rare gold variation.
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For more gift ideas, check out our article on sports memorabilia and collectibles (even if it's for yourself).
(Top photo: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images)
