o the turkey and stuffing has been consumed, the tree and ornaments at least thought about, and the Lions game yelled at. Now begins the three-week scramble to figure out what the heck to buy for the sports-loving fans in your life. Well, we're here to help.
Our team of crack sports enthusiasts has wrangled up the items they would most recommend and we've divided them into three vital categories: The Tailgater, for those who live for going out to brisk stadiums on the weekends to rub elbows with their fellow fans; The Barcalounger, for those who prefer to enjoy sports from the comfort of their own home (or for the professional blogger you may happen to know); and the Participant, for the athletes who are out there making it happen.
So kick back, scroll through and enjoy our handy gift guide, designed to help make your life just a little bit simpler this holiday season. (And hey, if you want to grab a few things for yourself along the way, that's just fine. We won't tell anyone.)
Tailgating is an activity for the dedicated: Early morning treks to the stadium, followed by setup time and, later, takedown and cleanup. From careful selection of tailgating activities and accessories, the tailgater is ready for all elements, and prepared for a good time. Whether you're organizing a tailgate or just showing up to have a good time, these are the essentials for a successful pre-game experience.
The barcalounger is all about the living room experience, right down to the small touches that make a gameday area feel like home. A nice TV, comfortable couch, and plenty of food and drinks are all essentials for the at-home fan. Because sometimes it's better to watch from the comfort of your living room than braving the elements and venturing to the big game.
Being a spectator is fun and all, but the participant would rather take things into their own hands. Whether a casual or competitive runner, or a weekend warrior in a rec league, the participant spends less time on the couch and more time enjoying the outdoors. They appreciate the finer things, like cold-weather gear and long runs along scenic routes.