This year for Red Sox Nation was a tough one. The club was more like a circus than a baseball team with things like Bobby Valentine versus the players, injuries, and issues with the front office. Yet, Red Sox fans can look to next year in hopes of a better season.
With that in mind, to get ready and geared up for next year, here are 10 great Christmas gift ideas you can get for the Red Sox fans that are on your Christmas list:
1. An Authentic Red Sox Jersey: It is a traditional gift, but it is an awesome gift. If you are planning to get a jersey for someone this Christmas, make sure you know what jersey to purchase. Some people prefer not to have a name on the back, just the “Red Sox” name in the front of the jersey. If you see an authentic jersey for really cheap, watch out. That player might not be on the team anymore and the gift may go unworn. These authentic jerseys are not cheap. They start with a list price of $130 and get more expensive on the player you decide to purchase. The ESPN Shop that is online has a good selection of authentic jerseys.
2. Tickets to a Red Sox Game: On December 1 of this year you can start to purchase some April and May single-game tickets. Just like the jersey, this is a traditional gift, but a very welcomed gift. The great part is that if you have a Red Sox fan that does not live in New England, look at the city where he or she lives to see when the Red Sox will be playing that team and buy tickets for that venue. Plus, most other ballparks have cheaper ticket prices than Fenway Park, which means you can get better seats at another ballpark. Go to the ticket section at Red Sox.com for prices and next year’s schedule.
3. A Tour of Fenway Park: Have you ever wanted to walk on the grass in Fenway Park? I know I would jump at the chance. A fun and unique gift would be getting him or her a Fenway Park tour. Some of my friends have been on this tour and love it. I have not had a chance yet, but it is on my bucket list. There are different tour packages to suit your budget. This would be a gift that would be talked about for a long time. There are public tours, batting practice tours, birthday tours, and many other great options. A regular tour starts at $16 for adults and $12 for kids. For more information, check out the Red Sox’s website.
4. Boston Red Sox: Essential Games of Fenway Collector’s Edition DVD: Baseball is a game of history and tradition. This DVD is all about that. This DVD set has 6 memorable games that were played at Fenway Park. The set contains 6 DVDs and highlights the 1967 game against the Minnesota Twins; the 1975 Game 6 of the World Series where the Sox took on the Cincinnati Reds; the 1986 game versus the Seattle Mariners, highlighting Roger Clemens 20 strikeouts; the 1999 All-Star game; the 1999 ALCS game against the Yankees; and a 2007 game versus the Yankees where the Sox belted 4 home runs in a row. You can get this DVD at Fans Edge.com for $59.99.
5. Boston Red Sox Reversible Snow Hat by ’47 Brand: Christmas does happen in winter, so why not purchase a nice warm hat? This hat is reversible so it is getting two hats for the price of one. One side has red, blue, and white stripes with the two red socks, while the other side is all blue with the Red Sox “B” in the center of the hat. The hat is $16.99 can be purchased at MLB Shop.com
6. Carlton Fisk Autographed Bat: This is for the diehard Red Sox fan that has been a fan ever since he or she can remember. The bat sells for $299.99 and on the expensive side, but it would be a great piece to the Red Sox fan that collects memorabilia. Sports Authority is where you can purchase the Fisk bat. The bat is authorized by Major League Baseball and is officially licensed.
7. Red Sox Dart Cabinet: Is there anyone on your list who has a whole room devoted to the Red Sox? If so, the Red Sox dart board would be a great gift. The front of the board has the two red socks on it and then opens up to the dart board. Included with the cabinet are a chalk board, chalk, eraser, dart trays, bristle dart board, team darts, and two scoreboards. If this is a gift you think would be a hit for someone check out Dick’s Sporting Goods.com. The cabinet sells for $139.99.
8. Mrs. Fields Red Sox Cookie Tin: This is a perfect gift for someone who loves sweets. The cookies come in a cookie tin that had the Red Sox’s logo on the outside. Inside are delicious cookies from the cookie company Mrs. Fields. There is an assortment of 18 cookies that you can share while watching the Sox on TV. Plus, once the cookies are finished you can reuse the cookie tin for more cookies next year or you can use them to store things like your Boston Red Sox baseball card collection. The cookie tin sells for $24.99, and you can purchase it at MLB Shop.com.
9. Roller Shade: For the fan that has everything, this roller shade might be the way to go. MLB.com sells a wide range of window shades starting at $84.99 all the way up to $299.99. The Red Sox window shades are perfect for a game room and works like a regular shade. If you have someone on your list who is a fanatic about the Red Sox, this is the gift to get him or her this Christmas.
10. Golf Pro Team Pack: This Red Sox golf pack is a great stocking stuffer for the fan who likes to play golf. Selling at the Sports Authority website for $15.99, this is purchase will not break the bank like other gifts on this list. The pack comes with a golf ball with the team logo on it, team colored golf tees, and a towel with the Red Sox logo. The towel does come with a hook so you can hook it to your golf bag.
Art Eddy grew up in New Hampshire and has been a Red Sox for many years.
