If that special someone in your life is obsessed with sport then there should be no problems finding an anniversary gift for them, right? But, you will also know that no matter what their favourite sport is, they are probably awash in unloved and unwanted sports gifts from friends and family, accumulated over the years.
It can be tricky to get a special anniversary gift with a sporting flavour that doesn’t come across as a ‘naff’ novelty item. However, you can still make your partner’s sporting dreams a reality with these special anniversary gifts and experience ideas.
1. Sports tourism
What says I love you better than booking a trip away with your significant other? Well if they are a lover of sports then throwing in a visit to a famous stadium or arena for a tour might just be the cherry on top. Sports tourism is a growing industry and it entails more than just attending sporting events while travelling.
For example, active sports tourism involves doing activities while you travel, this could be a golfing holiday, enjoying watersports or skiing, or simply cycling your way around somewhere new. So if you and your partner would rather participate in sport than watch it passively, then an active vacation is the ideal anniversary gift.
2. Tickets to an event or match
To give them something they will remember forever, consider a ticket to watch their favourite athlete, team or sport in action. Not only is this a great way to show that special someone how much you care but it’s also a great way to spend some quality time together and create new memories.
Tickets to live sporting events can be difficult to come by, especially for the biggest teams and athletes in major sports like football or boxing. But thanks to services like hospitality tickets, you can find a way to the biggest events on the sporting calendar – just be prepared to pay more as these tickets commonly include a night’s stay in a hotel and often some pre-match food.
3. Signed memorabilia
Sport fans are often quick to latch onto a hero who plays for their team, or to idolise an individual who they can identify with, perhaps because they are a local star, align with their social views or they are just really good and it’s impossible not to appreciate them. Whatever the reason, even the most stoic of people can lose their minds if they get the chance to meet their sporting heroes.
While you might not be able to bring that meeting to life, you can do the next best thing – signed or historic memorabilia! Whether it’s a signed piece of sporting equipment or a framed memento from a special sporting moment, you can expect a delighted reaction when presenting this anniversary present.
4. Retro team jersey
If your partner is an avid follower of a sports team, be that in football, rugby, cricket or sports from across the Atlantic like basketball or American football, then you can find a special gift with a retro jersey. With most teams releasing new jerseys and kits each year, add a sentimental touch to your retro gift by pairing up the release year with the year of your wedding.
So if you got married in 1985, for example, and your partner is a Liverpool FC fan, a jersey from the 1985-86 double-winning season would be the perfect fit! Of course, getting your hands on one of these shirts may not be easy or cheap, but for an extra special anniversary gift, it can be worth the effort.
5. Simulation technology
Perhaps your partner always dreamed of being a sporting superstar but they never quite managed to make it, be that through a lack of opportunity, funding or perhaps no real talent (best not to mention that one to their face!). Fortunately, there are ways to help them indulge their desires to be a professional athlete thanks to simulation technology.
From golf simulators that replicate the world’s best courses to racing driver rigs that emulate the feeling of being in the cockpit of an F1 car – we can become virtual sports stars even if we can’t compete with the world’s best in real life. These experiences are often available for hire, or if you really want to splash out, you can invest to install them in your home.
6. Experience days
If nothing will do but the real thing then consider an experience day that can put that special someone at the heart of the action. From track days that let you feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins to special golf days at famous courses commonly shut to the public, an experience day is perfect for enriching a sport lover’s enjoyment of their favourite activity.
These experience days can also include museum tours for some of the biggest sporting institutions, lessons from professionals, dance classes or even fishing tutorials. If your partner loves one or more sports, there is sure to be an experience day that will make them happy.
7. Personalised equipment
While some sporting equipment can come across as tacky and novelty, there are ways to buy sports-related gifts that are classy and luxurious. Personalised equipment, such as golf gloves, football boots and gym towels are simple accessories that can enrich your partner’s enjoyment of their favourite sport. Rather than a cheap-looking but overpriced team mug, you can add a touch of class with personalised, luxury gifts.
8. Illustrated prints
Illustrated prints create an interesting and visually impressive addition to the walls of any man cave or home office. Whether it’s an iconic athlete pose immortalised in print or a series of jerseys from a famous team, sport prints come in different forms and suit many tastes.
From city maps leading to a famous sporting arena to stylised magazine and back page covers, illustrated sport prints are a playful addition to any sport fan’s collection. Plus, as you will be choosing the print, it can be something that you both like, especially as it will be going up on the walls of your home.
About The Author
This page has been written by Justin Aldridge. Justin is passionate about helping couples to make their anniversary as special as possible. Justin enjoys being creative and coming up with different and inspiring ideas for couples to celebrate their anniversary in style each year.
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