11 gifts to get the sports fan in your life… 10 of which we recommend

Still unsure what to get them? Check out our guide to buying the perfect present. Batteries not included.

WITH LESS THAN a week ‘til the big day, we reckon it’s about time you give up putting off the inevitable and throw yourself head first into the mayhem that is the final days of Christmas shopping.

There’s no need to despair however, as TheScore has kindly handpicked some of this year’s top buys for that sports addict in your life to save you the hassle.

You’re welcome.

11 gifts to get the sports fan in your life… 10 of which we recommend

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ESPN 30 for 30 Limited Edition DVD box set
Christmas telly is one of those things that everyone looks forward to - until they realise Joe Pesci being outwitted by an 11-year-old Macaulay Culkin does, in fact, get old. Not to worry, as ESPN’s critically-acclaimed series of 30 documentaries comes in one neatly-packaged box set, and will no doubt see you through to the New Year. Price: €60 from Amazon
Why Always Me? t-shirt
What better way to celebrate the the festive season than to honour the Premier League’s answer to Father Christmas, Mario Balotelli. Manchester City’s brooding striker infamously unveiled the slogan during the Citizens’ 6-1 drubbing of their city rivals back in October and wearing it will surely make you the envy of all your mates. Price: €15 from www.inthestands.spreadshirt.co.uk
Pro Team Toaster
Custom-made toast you say? Brilliant. The good people at Pangea have revolutionised breakfast time forever with their Pro Toast Team Logo Toaster. Choose your favourite team from the NFL NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball - then just wait for the pop. Price: €25 from www.khcsports.com
Engage: The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson by Paul Kimmage
This year's williamhill.com Irish Sports Book of the Year winner tells the gripping story of former England rugby international Matt Hampson who was paralysed from the neck down after an accident while playing the sport back in 2005. Price: €20 from www.matthampson.co.uk or all good bookshops
Subbuteo Special Legends Edition
As computer consoles wipe the floor with traditional board games these days, the art of finger-flicking plastic figurines has largely become redundant. Relive those golden childhood days with this special edition set which includes 30 legendary sides such as Hungary 1954, Juventus 1996 and, of course, Jack’s Army. Price: €12 from eBay
SensoGlove
For the golfer who has everything. With its built-in sensors, ensoGlove is "destined to transform your game" by reading the pressure of your grips. The manufacturer's words, not ours. €60 from www.firebox.com
The Titanic Taxonomy of Wrestler Names poster
This is a must-have for every wrestling fan of the 80s/90s. The retro 18” x 24” print celebrates The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, The Portuguese Man O’ War Aldo Montoya and 380 more of the all-time greats by arranging them taxonomically. Price: €20 from www.popchartlab.com
Tricolour Hiace van
The Green Army are at this moment investigating every viable route to get to Poznan for Ireland’s opener on June 10th. With that in mind, forget extortionately-priced flights and send that loved one on a Joxer-style trip of a lifetime to Euro 2012. Price: €4,000+ from Car Buyers Guide (Green, White and Orange paint not included)Source: David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Irish Phrase-Book
Many rugby fans tuning into TG4’s coverage of the RaboDirect Pro 12 in recent weeks will have struggled on more than one occasion to grasp the commentating in our native language. It is therefore time to brush up and rediscover a cupla focail in order to enhance the overall viewing experience before next May’s final. €6.29 from www.mercierpress.ie
The Fight of the Century: Joe Frazier signed photo
Smokin’ Joe Frazier passed away just last month and what better way to commemorate the man who handed Muhammed Ali his first defeat than by hanging a limited edition signed photo of The Fight of the Century on your wall. Price: €230 from www.cricketcollectables.net
And finally... what not to buy.
What we want to know is just who exactly is this aimed at? X-Factor reject Olly Murs, described as an “avid Manchester United fan”, gives his take on the beautiful game . Frequently bought together with Robbie Savage Football Howlers according to Amazon. Enough said. Price: €15 from Amazon