Top Ten Gift Ideas for the NFL Fan

Stumped on what to get the NFL football fanatic this holiday season? Take a look at some of these top-selling football-related gifts for 2006.

(1) NFL throw
Whether watching the game in your home or live in the cold stadium seats, stay warm up in a NFL throw blanket advertised on the Home Shopping Network. One will love the luxurious softness of the "Northwest Royal Plush Raschel Throw." When it's not wrapped around you, the team colors and logo will be a nice addition for the bed or sofa. The NFL throw measures 50" long by 60" wide. The Home Shopping Network charges $26.95 for each machine washable throw and guarantees that every NFL team will be in stock.

(2) Football Grill
What's the one item a fanatic needs for tailgating? A grill! For around $50, you can buy the fan a football-shaped charcoal grill for those game day BBQs. A wire locking device allows the grill to be carried easily by the rather sturdy black plastic handle on top, even when full of charcoal! There are metal legs with rubber tips which keep the grill about three inches above the ground. With the lid on, the football grill measures 17" by 12" and stands 16" tall. The grilling rack is large enough for about a dozen hot dogs or half a dozen big hamburgers. There's also a rotating vent.

(3) Madden NFL 07
Let the football fan enjoy making his own calls with Madden 07 for the Playstation, XBOX, or other game system. EA Games states that "for the first time ever, a player can step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers as you fight for every yard. There's even a Franchise Mode where the player can scout collegiate prospects with the NFL Draft Scouting System. You can buy Madden 07 at any retail and game store for around $45.

(4) Fathead Wall Graphics
Bring your wall or game room to life! For $99 each, you can place life-sized helmets and players on your wall. These graphics are cut to look real and three dimensional. Every team is represented, and many teams have several poses to pick from. The fathead graphics can be moved around several times without tearing and messing up walls.

(5) NFL Jersey
Browse the NFL Shop for an official jersey or make your fan his very own jersey! Every NFC and AFC team is available. If prices there are too steep there (around $300 each), visit other sporting goods stores for Reebok replica jerseys priced around $50 to $75.

(6) Snack Helmet
A NFL-licensed snack helmet is a great gift item! When watching the big game with friends, you can fill your favorite team's helmet up with chips, tortillas, peanuts, whatever munchies you want! The snack helmets have a large container in the helmet and a smaller tray with two compartments in the facemask. Each helmet is 10" high x 9.25" wide x 12" deep, so you have plenty room. The container and tray are microwavable and dishwasher safe.

(7) 5-Piece Gift Box for Newborns
Bring your little one up loving football as well! The set includes a bib, beanie hat, pants, a bodysuit, and toy keys. Each team is available for purchase and proudly displays its team colors and mascots on each piece in the set. I've seen the set for $25 at WalMart.

(8) NFL Recliner
If you get the football fanatic one of these NFL recliners, he/she may never get up! The 3-way recliners come in either leather or fabric. The oversized fabric chairs are very colorful and have the team logo on the head area and team name on the ottoman section. The leather recliners don't appear as comfortable as the fabric ones, but don't let looks fool you. The fan can recline by pushing a button hidden between the seat and arm Team logos are in the upper part of the back. The leather is easy to clean, but places the total cost of the chair at $1200, 3 times the cost of the fabric recliner.

(9) BBQ Set
A stainless steel BBQ set is a perfect way of showing team spirit on game day. It includes fork, tongs, spatula, and a brush. Each utensil displays your favorite NFL team's colors and such. The set costs $30 and can be found at many retail stores. This would be a great gift along with the football grill.

(10) Tickets
The #1 gift that any football fanatic would go crazy for are tickets to see his/her team in person. Search Ticketmaster or the team's official website for ticket information and prices.