3 Gifts for the Sportsman on Your Gift List

3 Gifts for the Sportsman on Your Gift List

It's that time of year when we start making lists (or checking over ones we've already started), buying presents, hiding them from our family members, getting them wrapped, shipped, etc. Remember to set a budget and look carefully for bargains - Ebay, overstock.com, big box stores, discount club stores and even garage sales are all possibilities for gifts.

Is someone on your gift list this year an avid sportsman? Here are three possible for him (or her).

A pair of binoculars. Perfect for a hunter, a bird watcher, a hiker or anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With the binoculars. they'll be able to enjoy close up views of wildlife, magnificent scenery, or even check out "up close and personal" views at concerts, plays and/or sporting events. First, set a budget - you can find a decent set for under $100 or spend thousands. Be sure the pair you select will fit the person you're giving them to. If someone has sports gear costing hundreds and thousands of dollars and "nothing but the best" is good enough for them, you might have to rethink your gift unless you can afford to buy a very expensive pair of binoculars. If your recipient wears glasses, make sure it's a set that will work with that…be sure to the lenses are coated to reduce glare…check the weight of the binoculars and the case if they will be used a lot for travel. You might want to also give a nicer strap with the gift; many of the straps sold with the binoculars are not that good a quality. Finally, think whether there are a pair of quality binoculars in your family that are no longer used. My grandfather had two very nice pairs of binoculars which were given to other family members after he died. However, he didn't use them for the last five to ten years of his life and they could have been given to someone who would have enjoyed using something from a loved one instead of them remaining in a drawer all those years.

A vest to wear outdoors. This can be ideal for active people because it provides warmth but without the bulkiness of sleeves. It's also available in many fabrics and styles. Think about what the person you're buying will wear it for - does it need to be washable because it will get muddy if it's worn hunting or fishing? Or, can it be a leather vest used at events where it's less apt to get mussed up. Should it be heavyweight or will a lighter fabric work? Finally, be sure it can be returned if the size is not correct.

A pair of gloves to keep hands warm and protected against the elements. Again, think about how the person you're buying them for will be using them. Will he/she be wearing them while hunting or fishing? Or, are they downhill skiers who will need ski gloves? Will they prefer a glove with individual fingers or a mitten style? Are they into horseback riding or mountain biking? Should the gloves be lined? Fur lined? Once you know how they'll be used, you'll want to set a budget before you go looking at the types of gloves available. You should also make sure they can be exchanged or returned if the size is not correct.

On any of these items, if you're unsure about style, type, color or size you have some options. Give a gift card to the store or online retailer that carries a nice selection of gloves, vests or binoculars. So the recipient has a gift to unwrap, use your imagination and wrap up something to signify how the gift card is to be used - take an old pair of gloves and add a note that the gift is for a new pair. Or, cut out a pair of mittens, or a vest out of heavy-duty paper and put with the gift card in a box. Buy a cheap pair of kids gloves to wrap with the gift card. Use rubber stamps and die cuts and accessories to create a gift certificate to go along with the gift card. All of these ideas can also be used with cash or a check if you think a gift card to a specific retailer might not work.

Happy shopping!