10 last-minute gift ideas for sports fans
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the sports fan in your life? Feel like you’re running out of time? Let us help!
Here are eight suggestions to get you started. Best of all, there are many cost-conscious options that can fit into your budget.
Centennial Classic gear ($9.99-$219.99)
Know anyone going to the Centennial Classic? Get them outfitted for the big day, whether they’re rooting for the Maple Leafs or the Red Wings. From jerseys to toques to mini sticks, there’s plenty to choose from that will make a memorable afternoon at BMO Field in Toronto even more special.
Where to buy: NHL.com Shop
A Guy Like Me: Fighting to Make the Cut ($21.50)
John Scott became a household name in 2016 as his unexpected journey to the NHL All-Star Game captivated the hockey world. Scott teamed up with veteran hockey scribe Brian Cazeneuve to chronicle his career in his own words in “A Guy Like Me: Fighting to Make the Cut.” It’s an underdog story with a happy ending. Who doesn’t like that?
Where to buy: Amazon.ca
Jr. Jays Club Official Membership Kit ($25.99)
While the Blue Jays prepare for the 2017 season, make sure your little baseball lover is ready for opening day. The Jr. Jays membership packages comes with a hat and batting gloves, as well as a number of perks at the team store and Rogers Centre concessions.
Where to buy: BlueJays.com Shop
Roots Team Canada gear ($7.50-$60)
It’s not too late to catch that Canadian Olympic fever. Roots has all the great gear worn by Penny Oleksiak, Andre De Grasse and the rest of Canada’s star athletes from this summer’s Rio Games. Their medals, however, are not included.
Where to buy: The Bay
Harlem Globetrotters tickets ($13-$113)
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and their basketball hijinks will never go out of style. Their 2017 Western Canadian tour begins Feb. 23 in Victoria, B.C., and ends Mar. 7 in Saskatoon. Then they bring the show out east, starting Apr. 5 in Kingston, Ont., and finishing up May 1 in Fredericton, N.B.
Where to buy: HarlemGlobetrotters.com
NBA Legends socks ($16-$28)
Socks are a Christmas gift staple, but these aren’t just any socks. These are NBA Legends and Future Legends series socks, featuring everyone from Raptors’ super duo Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal, Larry Bird, and Allen Iverson.
Where to buy: Stance.com
Euro 2016 mini soccer ball ($15.99)
This will be especially popular in the Portuguese neighborhoods across the country. The mini ball is good for impromptu indoor kick-abouts as well as fun 3-a-side games outside for the Antoine Griezmann, Cristiano Ronaldo and Eder fans.
Where to buy: Sport Chek
CFL team mason jars ($24.99)
Odds are a good Canadian (over 18 or 19 years old) likes an ice cold adult beverage every once in a while. These mason jars, that are available with the logo of every team in the CFL, will surely be a hit and used frequently throughout the season and offseason.
Where to buy: CFL.ca Shop
Stanley Cup popcorn maker ($79.99)
Yes, you read that right: it’s a popcorn maker that’s in the form a replica Stanley Cup. Must we say any more?
Where to buy: NHL.com Shop
FitBit ($60-$320)
FitBit’s are all the rage right now, so if there’s anyone on your list that needs a kick in the butt to get back in shape, get on it. At the very least, it can serve as a reminder for them to get their steps in by walking from the couch to the fridge and bringing back refreshments for everyone during the big game.
Where to buy: FitBit
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter: @israelfehr