So
it’s Christmas. Christmas during and NHL lockout can be a very unhappy time for
an NHL fan. That hat you’ve always wanted, that book you have been dying to
read, and that favorite player’s jersey you are dying to wear could very well
never find its way under your tree come the morning of the 25th.
Why? Because you, and the people who care about you, have decided to boycott
the NHL, including merchandise and tickets. Well if that sounds like you, then
you are not the reason we have written this blog today.
This
blog is for those of you fans who still want to make the Colorado Avalanche
fans in your life happy with some NHL merchandise. So without further ado, we
here at Avaholics Unanimous present to you the top 10 gift ideas for the
Colorado Avalanche fan(s) in your life! (note: price ranges may not be the same in your area, do not include shipping cost or autographed memoribilia, and are subject to change
10.
Avalanche Puck: Either an official game puck, or just a puck with a great
design on it. This is a very inexpensive way to tell the Avs fan in your life
that you remembered his or her favorite team. Price Range: $2-10.
9.
Mini sticks: For the child on your shopping list, or adult who refuses to grow
up. C’mon guys, we’ve all played mini-sticks past 25, don’t lie to yourself.
Mini sticks come blank, or with NHL team logos on them. Most sticks are still
plastic but there are new composite sticks on the market. Look for these at a
local hobby shop, online, or even in drug stores. Price range: $5-30
8.
Hockey Cards: Not specific to the Avalanche but hey, if you get them enough
hockey cards, we’re sure a Colorado player will come up. Hockey cards are a fun
hobby and a great way to represent your love for the game. Price range:
$1.50-50, dependent upon if you get single packs or hobby boxes.
7.
A Colorado Avalanche Christmas Tree Ornament: Looking for something more sentimental?
Something more festive and special? Well Colorado Avalanche Christmas tree
ornaments are fun, reusable, festive, and unique. These can be found in local
sports stores during the holiday season, online, and in your neighbour’s house
if they already have one. Just kidding. Stealing would put you on Santa’s
naughty list, and you might get a Red Wings puck in your stalking. Price range:
$5-25.
6.
Blood Feud: A book by Denver Post sports writer Adrian Dater. This book talks
about the fierce Red Wings/Avs rivalry of the mid to late 90’s and is a must
read for the veteran fan wanting to relive the brawls, or the new fan yearning
for a piece of history. The book can be ordered at many bookstores, it can be
found online, and it is also available in Kindle form. Technology eh? Gotta
love it. Price range: $10-25.
5.
An Avalanche hat: This year’s draft hat or one of the many featured online at
the NHL store, or in hockey stores around the country, wherever you may be. An
avalanche hat is a nice simple way of being able
to constantly support the team, while looking mighty snazzy as you do so. Price
range: $16-40
4.
The picture plaque: Have you ever been walking through the mall and hot the
kiosk where they have absolutely amazing pictures and paintings of NHL players
in a beautiful frame? Pictures like this would light up any guy’s man cave, or
any girl’s recreation room. Popular players featured in these works of art
include Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy, Peter Forsberg, Ray Bourque, Alex Tanguay, and
the list goes on. Price range: $50-800.
3.
Hoody/Shirt/Shirsey: Less expensive than a jersey, and still a great way to
sport the colors of your favorite team. These can also be worn more in public. Price
range: $10-150. (The really nice hoodies are expensive but worth it)
2.
Game tickets: Ok, we realize there are no scheduled games yet, but you can
always make this fun. Instead of physical tickets, write the fan an IOU for
tickets when the NHL comes back to action. Hockey tickets are a staple gift
around the holidays, and if you have a ton of money, an amazing stalking
stuffer. Price range: We’ll let you know
when the games come back.
1.
The jersey: Blank or customized, home or away, blueberry or vintage, a Colorado
Avalanche jersey will put a huge smile of the face of any fan of the team.
Jerseys can be found online at the NHL store, or in Colorado Avalanche team
stores, as well as (if you do not live in Colorado) a wide array of sporting memorabilia
stores throughout the United States and Canada. Price Range: $124-400.
Well
there you have it folks. Our top ten gift ideas for the Colorado Avalanche fan in
your life. Or of you are lonely around the holidays, you can buy this stuff for
yourself. We hope to have given you some ideas or some reassurance as to what
to get your hockey fans. And remember; try not to let a little fuss over the
NHL lockout ruin the Christmas of the hockey fan on your shopping list. If you
think we left anything out feel free to leave more ideas for the readers in the
comment section below. And Happy Holidays.
