We asked the sports lovers in our lives and the pros at Fanatics, THE leaders in officially-licensed athletic gear, for their top picks on seasonal and holiday gifts for teens and their families.
Fanatics is an official partner with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and PGA and has more than 500 colleges represented in their merchandise line-up. They manage the online bookstores for many major universities and you will find THE most extensive selection on their site versus the bricks and mortar selection at your student’s college.
Plus, they have all the top brands that your teens and college students love. Fanatics is absolutely a one-stop shop for all things sports fans would love to receive for a birthday or holiday gift.
Here is our starting lineup along with links to make your shopping experience an all-around WIN.
Sports gear makes great gifts
Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post.
NBA CHAMPIONS: LA LAKERS
Congratulations to the LA Lakers for their historic 2020 victory! Fanatics is our go-to place for all things Lakers, and the selection of hats, jerseys, hoodies, and more is extensive.
CLASSIC HOODIE
With over 500+ colleges and numerous pro teams to choose from, a classic hoodie is always one of the most popular gift items for teens and college students.
SNEAKERS
Whether your guy is 12 or 25, the way to his heart, besides food, is SNEAKERS. Having a pair (or two, or three) that he loves goes a long way. These days, there are endless styles and teams to choose from, including many from Nike, Adidas, and Jordan. Look at these Nike sneakers branded with favorite NFL and NCAA teams.
Also, for girls, young women, and yes, even moms(!), you can’t go wrong with a pair of adorable low-top sneaks with NCAA, NLF, and MLB team designs.
PARENT SPORTS GEAR
Cheer on your team and teen by showing your pride with college hats, tees and sweatshirts and that let the world know you’re a #1 MOM or DAD.
LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
These lightweight jackets are the perfect layer to throw over a game-day tee. Plus, with almost 50+ college teams and 30+ pro teams to choose from, there are plenty of gifting options.
WEAR by ERIN ANDREWS
Sportscaster Erin Andrews has a whole line of gear for women that includes tops, bottoms, outer-wear and dresses, all with logos from your daughter’s favorite collegiate, NFL, and NBA teams. Golden retriever not included.
“Homegating” Gifts
Tailgating is more likely to take place in smaller gatherings at home rather than at stadium parking lots this year. Here are unique sports fan gifts to help make your “homegating” fun for everyone.
FIRE PITS
With over 70 college and university options to choose from, fire pits are a great way to stoke your fan spirits and to keep your team outdoors.
MUGS
Team glasses and mugs are also a way to show your team spirit with a hearty toast and “CHEERS!” Whether you are rooting for a college, university, or pro team, there are hundreds of styles to choose from, including the option to personalize. We think these bistro mugs would be perfect for coffee or hot chocolate.
WINE TUMBLERS
These stainless steel tumblers are perfect for hot or cold beverages and come with a snap-on plastic lid. The big benefit, of course, is that they are non-breakable, a big plus for outdoor gatherings.
FLAGS
Flags are an easy, colorful way to let your team spirit fly.
RING TOSS
This simple throwback game requires no set-up, no batteries and no screens. This is perfect for a socially-dinstanced “homegating” this year.
CORN HOLE
If you’re looking to up your backyard game this season, look no further than the timeless pastime of corn hole. It’s entertaining for teens, young adults, and frankly fun for your whole team.
Accessories and other gifts for sports fans
GLOVES and SCARVES
There is no reason that your crew can’t look sporty and feel cozy at the same time, thanks to these winning glove and scarfs. There are great options for guys and gals including gloves that allow you to text, traditional scarfs and this pretty wrap scarf that could double as Zoom shirt, too.
THROW BLANKETS
This plush throw is a practical gift for college students to use in the dorm or, if they’re taking classes virtually, at home.
TOTES
A handsome tote bag is a universal holiday gift winner. If you’re looking to splurge, there are sporty and fashionable options from designers like Dooney & Bourke, Vineyard Vines, and Vera Bradley, as well as classic canvas, clear, and mesh bags.
HATS
Whether it’s for a care package, game day, birthday gift or a stocking stuffer, a cute pom or knit cap is a crowd-pleaser for any teen or college student.
HEAD BAND and MITTEN SET
A matching headband and mitten set featuring your fan’s favorite college or MLS team will have them cheering for more.
PERSONALIZED WATER BOTTLES
A personalized water bottle is a thoughtful way to make a practical gift a very personal one.
And finally, as a way to support those in the military and veterans:
OPERATION HAT TRICK
You’ll find hoodies, t-shirts, quarter zips and more collegiate branded gear from Fanatics through their “Operation Hat Trick” partnership. Operation Hat Trick is a non-profit founded in 2007 to help service men and women and veterans.
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