The Top Ten Gift Ideas for Sports Fans

Need to buy a gift for that special sports fanatic in your life? Chances are, he or she already has a house full of sports collectibles and merchandise of favorite players and teams. Show how much you care by getting creative with your gift giving and still satisfying their love for all things sports.

10. Sports trivia games. Most sports fans are usually competitive themselves, and love any opportunity to show off their knowledge about sports history, players, statistics, stadiums and all else relative to the world of sports. A good general sports game or one broken down into a specific sport is an inexpensive way to bring a little competition into the life of a sports fan.

9. Portable coolers. For that special sports fan that likes to entertain on game days, throw parties for fellow sports fans or celebrate with a tailgating party, a portable cooler is a useful gift that will come in handy for months and years to come. Not only will a cooler keep drinks, beer and other game day beverages cold for hours, they also can be found featuring team colors and logos.

8. Coffee mugs and beer steins. Coffee mugs, beer steins and other unique beverage holders will never disappoint an avid sports fan. New sports-related and team designs are continually being offered in a team's colors, logos and slogans. Not only will these add to the large team collection of any sports fan, but they are useful gifts that will be used time and time again.

7. Binoculars. A set of binoculars will be appreciated by even the pickiest of sports fans. Fans who attend sporting events in person and generally sit far away from the action, such as NASCAR, baseball and football, usually don't have the opportunity to focus in on the action in front of them. A good set of binoculars will ensure that your special sports fan will never miss that great play from across the stadium.

6. Portable grill. Most sports fans can't watch their favorite team or sport without feasting on a menagerie of their favorite game day foods. Ribs, steaks, buffalo wings and other game day snacks have become an integral part of the all-day routine of watching the big game, either traveling to the stadium hours before for a tailgate extravaganza or feasting at home with a group of friends in front of the television. A portable grill will become your special sports fan's prize possession that he or she can take along to the tailgating party, use to host a game day party with friends, or simply use at home to prepare his or her favorite foods for the big game.

5. Theme baskets. Quite a few specialty shops are now offering sports-themed baskets for custom ordering. Most of these shops even offer team-themed baskets which can include team merchandise, snacks and other team apparel in a matching basket that features a specific team or sport. Customizing a gift basket filled with unique team or sport apparel and merchandise is a unique way of including what you want for your special sports fan. Plus, these baskets are generally easy to order online and can even be wrapped and delivered directly to the door of the recipient.

4. Inflatable chair. The latest in sports/team merchandise is the portable chair that comes in your team's colors and logos. This is a perfect gift idea for sports fans who have their own sports room or area to watch the big game. Not only is this a perfect addition to any sports team merchandise collection, but will also prove to be a comfortable and fun way to watch games and hang out on game days. Most inflatable team chairs also feature one or two cup holders and other features that will turn this gift idea into an instant fan favorite.

3. Hat rack. Most sports fans love hats. If you've ever known an avid fan of any college or professional team, you'll notice that he or she has tons of hats around the house with team colors and logos. A hat rack will keep these hats organized in one place, and avoid getting any hats dirty, worn out or misplaced.

2. Team jacket. If your special sports fan doesn't already have a jacket featuring his or her favorite team, now may be the time. Almost every team has jackets in the market today. Some types of team jackets, such as those made of leather, can be quite expensive, so if you're looking for a higher-quality gift idea, this may be for you. If you are looking for something a little less expensive, there are lots of team jackets available that are not as expensive and high-end as leather. Whatever the price range, your sports fan will love to show off his or her team and show support by wearing a team jacket.

1. Tickets. For the sports fan who has everything, what better way to show you care by getting them tickets to the big game? For the most loyal of sports fans, it doesn't get any better than having tickets in hand to a game or event featuring your favorite team. If you know of a sporting event or big game that your special sports fan would love to see, surprise him or her with tickets. Better yet, purchase two tickets for the big day and go along with him or her! Not only do you surprise them with a great gift, but you also share in something much more important by spending the special day with your loved one.

Think your special sports fan already has everything they need to complete their sports collection? Then be creative with gift giving. These unique gift ideas will satisfy even the pickiest of sports fans, most without breaking your budget.