Gifts for the Football Fanatic
Gifts that go beyond the jersey.
Football season is here, and you know what that means. It’s time to bring out your team gear, devour tons of chips and dips, and obsess over what Taylor Swift will wear to the next Chiefs game.
Football fans likely have the team basics. The jersey? Check. Multiple team t-shirts? Double check. I'll never forget the Christmas my mother-in-law went all in on Buffalo Bills themed gifts for my husband. There was a Bills shirt, Bill mug, and even a Bills desk calendar.
It got me thinking. What do you give the fan who already has every piece of team merchandise?
A grown-up version of the football poster. My husband once got a framed picture of a Red Sox/Yankees brawl. Needless to say, it never made it into the house (it currently resides in the garage). I recently came across Timeless Patents. They sell sophisticated, vintage patent posters featuring original patents for the football, the cleat, the field goal and helmet. My personal favorite is the original football patent.
Game on the go. Going retro is in these days. The Mattel Classic Handheld Football Game is a great way to embrace the retro vibe and have fun. This is what video games were back in the day. Simple noises, basic (and I mean basic) graphics and just a lot of fun. This game is surprisingly addictive. You can find a new one on Amazon or you can hunt for older versions on eBay if you want that authentic feel.
Let them create. Did you know several NFL players, including Caleb Williams, are huge Lego fans? Apparently, building sets is their go-to way to unwind and tap into their creative side. While Lego doesn't make official NFL sets, FOCO has sets where you can build team footballs, jerseys, helmets, and even entire stadiums. This could be a great gift for someone who needs to relax after a crushing loss or a bad season (hint, hint Jets fans).
Game time with a twist. Sure, you can buy them a football (which they likely already have) or a flag football set, but here’s an option that goes a little rogue. Give them a game that lets them test their accuracy by throwing a rubber chicken. Yes, you read that correctly. Flickin' Chicken is a hilarious and fun game that would be perfect for tailgating. Honestly, I'd bet even Tom Brady would struggle with this one.
Create an experience. If season tickets aren't in the budget (and let's be real, they rarely are), why not bring the stadium experience home? An outdoor projector can transform any backyard into your personal football viewing paradise (weather permitting). This outdoor projector is highly recommended by CNET and Wirecutter. Pair it with this screen or even a good white sheet.
Now go Bills! 🏈
From left to right: Timeless Patents poster; University Games Flickin’ Chicken; Mattel Classic Handheld Football; Nebula Mars 3
Top image: FOCO Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium