Sports gifts are basically gifts which are meant to show the recipient you remember his or her fondness for a particular sport. Thus, your sports gifts could be a football signed by an NFL player, or a basketball that used to personally belong to an NBA player. The more unique, original and creative the sports gift, the higher the probability it will be treasured by the recipient for a long time (maybe forever if you are considered a special friend by the recipient.)

Some sports gifts still have a functional value, like a football, a baseball, or a basketball which are all in good shape and may still be used during games. But it is not recommended you actually use these sports gifts in real sports matches because the value of the sports gift hinges on its current state. That is why some sports gifts may even become traded with other sports gifts collectors for either cash or another more desirable sports gift. The harder the sports gift is to come by, the higher its value. And in the final analysis, value is dependent on how each person perceives the sports gift. What may seem valuable to one person could be considered junk by another – like, if someone gives a baseball bat to a person who is not a baseball fan, that person will just store the sports gift somewhere until he can find someone who values it more than he does. Otherwise, it is just something that will occupy space in his closet.

What is the best type of sports gift? The best sports gifts are those which will be treasured by the recipient, that are in great condition, and which are good conversation starters. Some less expensive sports gifts you might want to check out are sports apparel – like the sweaters of Ivy League universities; or baseball caps for US baseball teams. Though many counterfeiters make a thriving business churning out cheap imitations of such sports gifts, you will probably be remembered by your recipient with more fondness if you can manage to procure the real thing. Nothing says friendship better than an original product, someone should have said a long time ago, because imitations should be reserved for less-valued relationships (or for desperate times when income is lean.)

Sports gifts might be divided into gifts that belong to the amateur type of sports and those that belong to the pro level sports matches. Amateur sports are university and college level sports while examples of pro matches are basketball games in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (or NFL.) If you select sports gifts that are symbols of well known players (like a very highly valued college basketball player, or a pro basketball player like Michael Jordan), the value of such sports gifts would be much higher compared to gifts that symbolize or represent lesser-known players or even just the reserve players. It is like saying a statue of the national hero of your country has a greater value than a photo of a simple security guard of your office building. One’s accomplishments dictate one’s stature.

Football nuts love to wear replica football shirts of their favourite team. If you are a great Chelsea football club fan and have the desire to own something unique and authentic about the team then consider the Chelsea FC gifts. The Chelsea FC gifts are also ideal as gifts for all occasions. The Chelsea Football club gifts are collection of genuine and rare items that relives the proud history of the club. The items are everlasting and can be counted as archives. Each gift with its distinguished features commemorates the events, victories and leagues the team has played. The collection of Chelsea FC gifts includes- Chelsea football books, Chelsea signed memorabilia, Chelsea framed photos and montages and Chelsea framed stadium photos. Chelsea football books are categorised as- Chelsea football newspaper book and Chelsea Season Book. Chelsea football newspaper book captures the significant events from the early period of 20th century to the recent bygone matches. This book is interesting and readers can have a deep insight to the incidents. The reports are written by persons who have witnessed the events and not by persons looking back into the time. This memorabilia book is a unique collection of Chelsea FC gifts. You can personally own this book or personalise it by engraving the recipient’s name on it. Chelsea newspaper book starts with the coverage of Chelsea’s election to the 2nd division in 1905, this book narrates leagues and cup titles the club have won. It is a leatherette book bound beautifully. Chelsea season book is another precious collection of Chelsea FC gifts. If you have missed any of the matches of Chelsea football club then consider the Chelsea season book. This wonderful book gives a vivid detail of the matches played in 2007-08. If you have the passion to collect authentic item of your favourite player then Chelsea signed memorabilia is the category all about. You can find shirts, photos and montages of celebrated players duly signed by them. For example: Chelsea Squad Signed Away Shirt 06-07. Thus, you can pick any of the gifts and amuse Chelsea fans. Summary: Chelsea FC gifts are a collection of genuine shirts, photos duly signed by the players. The memorabilia book captures all the major incidents and events that have brought glory to the club. You can own the authentic items and make your friends envy or show your elevated affection towards a Chelsea fan.

There is hope, unless you’re looking to drive something that belongs in a museum. Over the years, I have bought and sold many collector trucks and cars, and I have friends that have done the same. Over the last few days, I found some amazing deals that any collector would be happy with.

Now keep in mind, these aren’t cars meant for the showroom, but that shouldn’t matter! They are decent cars that we enthusiasts can appreciate for a practical price! For instance, a “eBay” listing here for a 1971 Chevy El Camino. The car looks clean, and has a 350 v8 engine and a Turbo 350 automatic transmission, power disc breaks, power steering, and customized wheels. The person posting on that site was asking for $2,800 OBO. Just for you information, OBO means ‘or best offer.’

Anytime you see ‘OBO’ it’s important you try and make some money, because they are willing to take less. If you have the gift of gab, you might really be able to swing an amazing deal, but it’s limited by your skills. The best way to make a substantial savings is to find someone really desperate to get rid of the product, and this could be for a variety of reasons, but whatever it is, it means a great deal for you. Another “eBay” car, a 1970 Mustang coupe.

It looks clean, no rust, comes with a 302 V8 engine, automatic transmission, power brakes, power steering, and clean chrome wheels. They want $2200 OBO (or best offer). Imagine you could actually get it cheaper than it already is, just be smart about negotiating the deal. In general, there are many more things that may interest you, this is just one example.

Every time when looking online I manage to find all kinds of collector cars and trucks, using a number of sources I’ve collected over time. Since this is something I’m passionate about, I manage to find new sources all the time. Now those cars may not be something you’re interested in, but there are plenty more cars and car-sales where that came from.

Remember, talking about cheap cars that could actually get you into a collector car show! There’s almost always a huge increase in the number of cars you can walk away with for every $500 you add. You can get a collector car for cheap; all kinds of collector cars. What I’ve mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg.

Last month in an article titled, “Rethinking Gift Giving” I published ideas from clients that committed themselves to a debt elimination plan, and one way that they chose to cut expenses so they could add to their accelerator margin© (money used to get out of debt faster) was to rethink their gift giving, not just for Christmas but during their entire year.

This past year I have shared these ideas with hundreds of people attending my workshops. One constant theme was truly giving of oneself and ones time is “priceless.” Many shared that when asked about gift ideas, their children, parents, siblings, friends, etc. wanted more time with their loved ones.

We live in a fast paced world and one that is full of stress. Stress we bring on ourselves trying to keep up with the Jones’ or just to keep ahead of the bill collector. Money magazine this money published an articled that said the cost of stress is well over $7,000 a year and this is not counting the cost for medical treatment when the stress is too much. We need to cut back on the ideas and misconceptions that just bring us stress.

I recall a father who shared that he worked 12 hours a day in his own business and that did not allow a lot of time for his son. Matter of fact he could not remember the last time he was home to eat dinner with his family. He made a commitment to join Cub Scouts with his son, whom he thought was a video game junkie. They started making things, camping and having new adventures together. Three out the five weekdays he comes home for dinner then goes back to his shop. His life, relationship with his son and entire family are stronger and better then he ever thought possible.

I’ve said it many times, money can’t buy happiness, but your debt sure can stop it.

Giving of ourselves, by giving our time is worth more than any “hot new IT item.” A few years ago, my husband, started giving me the gift of one lunch or dinner each month. We have dined at expensive restaurants and sub shops, it’s not the meal, it is the company that I cherish.

Look around you, listen to what your friends and family ask of you and think about the positive impact it will have on them and you if this holiday season, you give of yourself, you give your time and energy.

Happy Holidays!!