If you have a college sports fan or dedicated university alumni in your life, then gift giving for just about any holiday couldn’t be easier. Whether your college sports fan is a man, woman, or child - there are a wide variety of sports related clothes, jewelry, home goods, and accessories to be found. Honestly, if there is an item that has been made, one of the major universities has found a way to put their logo on it!
Sports gifts for guys are always a safe bet. When buying for the collegiate minded men-folk in your life, you have a tremendous selection of items from which to choose. The only thing you need to make sure of is that what you get fits the décor of your home or is something you want to see them wearing for every game during football or basketball season! Fortunately there are many different prints, patterns, and styles of apparel. It’s hard to go wrong with a sweatshirt or t-shirt in their favorite schools’ colors. You can also move a little more upscale with a stylish polo, golf shirt, or even dress shirt. Many schools also have ties available. Has your gift recipient’s school won a recent championship? If so, you might want to consider a t-shirt or sweatshirt recounting that thrilling event.
If the woman in your life is a sports fan, there are many fun and elegant gifts that you can give her. From flip-flops to purses to jewelry, there is something for every lady or girl in your life. No matter what the schools colors, many schools have shirts, sweats, hats, and other fun items in the ever popular pink. There are great gifts for college mom’s such as license plates to show how proud they are of where their children are going to school (especially if it is their own alma mater!)
Here’s something to think about when choosing a college t-shirt or sweatshirt for men or women. Make sure you consider the weather where the recipient lives. A sweatshirt for an ACC, Big 10, or Big East school is great unless they are one of the southernmost schools – then you might want to buy a collegiate t-shirt, tank top, camisole, or sun visor.
If the college sports fan you are buying for is athletically minded, there is a wide range of performance clothing and accessories that will be well received. There are moisture wicking shirts, workout clothes, golf shirts, and even sweatbands. Also, with the popularity of ipods and mp3 players, a jogging armband in the school colors will be a hit. Many folks enjoy walking their dogs while they themselves enjoy a run. Let Fido join in on the school spirit with a leash or collar. Golfers will enjoy the fact that there are so many fun and unique college themed accessories to choose from, such as club covers or divot tools.
College baseball hats are also a great gift for any fan! Not only do they show your team support, but the right baseball cap can protect your face from sun and help hold heat in during games played on brisk fall days. Hats are generally available in fitted and adjustable styles. If you are going for the fitted hat, make sure you know the size you will need.
Is the person you are purchasing for a season ticket holder to one of their schools sports? If so you may want to consider an item to make the game-day experience more enjoyable, comfortable and fun. For arriving in style and letting everyone know their true colors, car flags and magnets are immensely popular. Or how about something they can use for a tailgate party such as grill cover, ice bucket, shot glasses, cooler, table cloth, portable awning, or even plates? If the game they love is football, a comfy stadium seat or blanket may be a thoughtful gift. And for the true fanatic, how about springing for some face paint or temporary tattoos! Would the fan you are buying for love to sport a team jersey to that rivalry game?
There are also plenty of choices for the little future alumni! Of course there are the ever popular t-shirts and sweatshirts, but there also little girls cheerleading outfits, stuffed animals, miniature footballs and basketballs, even children’s plate sets. For infants and toddlers, consider bibs, hats, or even a mobile that plays the schools fight song.
Technology is everywhere we look today. From cell phones, mp3 players, to laptops, there are plenty of gifting opportunities to choose from. Did you know that at most universities today, laptops are required? How about helping out your favorite student with a collegiate themed flash drive, laptop case or cover, or even a mouse pad? For the student, alumnus, or casual fan, you could consider of an i-pod or i-phone cover or even a jogging armband.
Showing pride in one’s alma mater at home or the office can be both functional and decorative. There are a lot of beautiful campuses across the country. Many schools offer prints of important or scenic campus buildings. A classy gift for that newly hired graduate or that proud alumnus may be a framed painting depicting their school. What better way to decorate than to showcase a picture with special meaning to the recipient as opposed to some generic artwork? Many colleges and universities have history and coffee table books available. If the gift recipient’s school has recently won some sort of championship, there is probably a book, DVD, or special edition magazine about it. If your gift happens to coincide with the Christmas holiday, a college themed ornament would make a thoughtful and annually remembered gift.
Finally, what would college sports be without the rivalries and the pageantry? Are you buying for rivals that live in the same house? Is there a Blue Devil living with a Tarheel? How about a Spartan coexisting with a Wolverine? What better gift that a “House Divided” flag or license plate?