Forget the roses and chocolates! Don’t bother with mushy cards and poems! A real, passionate sports fan does not want to go see a romantic comedy or take in a musical. We (both men AND women) want something to fuel our passions! Whether your sports fan loves the NFL, MLB, or games of the more extreme type, get them a gift that is tailored to them, not to a holiday stereotype.

1. For the readers: Many of us like to read Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, or even Baseball Weekly. Find out when your fan’s current subscription is up and renew. Or, start a new one!

2. For the fan that likes to watch: If you have an NBA fan, there are games in Chicago and Phoenix this year. Check your local college hoops team schedules as well. There are also eight NHL games around the league.

3. For the fan who specializes in participation: Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday so why not take a long weekend to Tahoe and go snowboarding? How about a quick getaway to the Bahamas for some scuba diving?

4. For the fan that appreciates history: Why not take that 4-day weekend to Canton or Cooperstown? Not sure what the significance is in those cities? Google them (or just click on my links that are the names)!

5. For the collector: For example, I went on Ebay and got an avid Los Angeles Rams fan a Merlin Olsen trading card. Get a piece of their favorite team’s history. Say they’re an avid Miami Dolphins fan, look for a Dan Marino rookie card. Be creative!