The Sporting Life: Gifts for Active Guys

Is your favorite guy a weekend warrior or a gym rat? These gifts will make active guys smile. And if your guy is more interested in watching sports than actually playing them, there are gifts that are perfect for him too. No matter what your budget, there is a gift that is perfect for every sports fan in your life and for your pocketbook.

For Gym Rats

Every year, many of us make resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. If your guy has resolved to make 2013 the year that he gets back into fighting trim, help him get there with a membership to that hot new gym. Or if hes more into exercising at home, buy him a set of weights or a skip rope. If youre working with an unlimited budget, consider a treadmill or stationery bike. The newest models allow you to follow famous landscapes like the route of the Tour de France.

Golfers

Golf Green Island (Photo credit: jurvetson)

Dont buy clubs unless you know your favorite duffer REALLY well and youre absolutely certain of what he likes and whats missing from his golf set. But what about a set of golf covers? Daphnes makes a really cute set of animal head covers, ranging from lions to penguins, all at reasonable prices. As a bonus, several of the covers are linked to charities, so you can make a gift in your guys name to his favorite cause. If your budget is more liberal, treat him to lessons with a local golf pro.

Weekend Warriors

Is your guy a member of the local softball club, soccer team, AND touch football league. Chances are all those memberships cost money. Even if there are not membership fees, he has to buy gear. And dont forget tailgating and the after-game cool down at the teams sponsoring watering hole. All that stuff costs money. Why not start an account at your local bank in his name, stash it with funds and present him with his own dedicated debit card so that he can spend the money as he likes guilt free?

Sports Magazines and Books

If your guy loves reading about sports as much (or more) than he loves playing sports, why not pick up a subscription or several to magazines devoted to his favorite sport? Many gift subscriptions include extras such as commemorative issues and swag that make the gift even more special. If a particular athlete is his personal hero, a copy of the athletes bio is an excellent gift, with more props if you can get the athlete to autograph the copy for your guy.

Cable Sports Packages

The only thing many guys love more than playing sports is watching sports. Sure, there are contests shown on network TV, and thats great. But your guy will be the envy of all his buddies if you spring for a subscription to a dedicated sports package from your local cable company. If you have unlimited funds, throw in a big screen TV so that he can invite his crew over to watch the game in style.