Published on November 30, 2015 2:40 PM by dbo.
Perhaps you’re an early shopper who after this weekend has most of their Christmas shopping complete. What usually remains are those hard to buy for people. You may want to consider sharing the CFL with them, whether they are young or old, CFL fans or not. And to top it off, you can probably complete your shopping from the comfort of your home.
Update: They did a better job over at The Snap. They use “Ultimate” in the title and detail 12 specific gifts. You are probably looking for that, not this.
Gift Ideas
New CFL Merchandise
- The CFL has a new online shop up for the Limited Edition WWMO (What We’re Made Of) league merchandise. Tees, caps, hoodies and other accessories are available.
- Who for: Anyone
- Available: Online
Upper Deck Player card sets and bonus packs
- The CFLPA store is selling 2015 (and 2014) Upper Deck CFL player card hobby boxes and bonus packs. Makes great gift for young fans to introduce them to the league. May also be available at local team stores.
- You can also get autographed 8x10 player photos from the CFLPA store. Receiving an autographed photo of a favourite player is a special gift for anyone, anytime.
- Who for: Anyone
- Available: Online, in-store
Our League Our Country A photography project by Johany Jutras Coffee Table Book
- As seen on the Grey Cup Sunday pre-game show, great photography and stories of the CFL and 2015 season.
- Who for: Anyone
- Available: N/A
Edmonton Eskimo Grey Cup Champion Merchandise
- Grey Cup champion merchandise should show up in Edmonton and online this week, a must for any Edmonton fan.
- Who for: Edmonton Eskimo fans
- Available: Soon in-store, online
Team Merchandise
- Besides jerseys, hoodies, tees and caps, CFL team stores have lots of other merchandise. Items big or small, for the experienced fan, or something to turn on the new fan to Canadian football and their local team. Watch for team locker room sales where you can acquire those unique and game worn items for the serious fan. Check team websites for location and online options.
- Who for: Anyone
- Available: Online, in-store
Books
- There have been a few new CFL books released in the last year, including the Jim Hopson and Moe Racine books. They make great gifts for any voracious readers. Check out the books page for a list of books, or visit amazon.ca, lulu.com or your local bookstore and search for CFL/football.
- Who for: Anyone
- Available: Online, in-store
Tickets
- Don’t get to a game regularly but have a big fan in the family? Tickets, or a promise to attend a game in 2016 are a great gift for any age. An experience is something that will last in memory longer than many physical gifts and it is something you can do together.
- Want to go big and in the Toronto area? Tickets to the 2016 Grey Cup in Toronto can (at this time) only be secured with Toronto Argonaut season tickets at BMO Field. Imagine the excitement to find a set of those under the tree.
- Who for: Toronto area residents
- Available: Online for new season tickets, existing season ticket holders may contact their account rep to renew
Charitable Donation
- For those that really have everything, a donation in their name to a charity may be the perfect gift for your recipient and those that are helped. There are many CFL-related charities to consider, such as the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation or Purolator Tackle Hunger by donating to your local food bank. With a little investigation you can find others that may match your needs even better, such as women’s or men’s cancers, ALS or sports for youth.
- Who for: Those that have everything
- Available: Online from various charities
Conclusion
These are only a few ideas. If you come up with an idea for a special gift for someone, with a little searching and ingenuity, you can create it from what’s available. Use your imagination and be creative. You will be surprised how easy it is to create new fans with the right gift at the right age.
If you do make the CFL a gift for someone, let me know. There may be something in it for you.