He’s making a list/checking his parlays twice/gonna find out who covers is nice…
Looking for gift ideas for that special sports bettor on your list?
We got you covered.
Of course, there are the sure-fire winners: TVs, charging stations, a leather recliner and cash in a card.
Since we are PlayPennsylvania, we would be a total Scrooge if we didn’t share some of the great small businesses that have gifts for Philadelphia fans, Pittsburgh fans and sports bettors, too.
Gift cards for sports bettors
The giant wall of gift cards can be intimidating. The Game On Pennsylvania Sports Betting Card is good for funding accounts at PA online sportsbooks including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers and Parx.
You can also order a DraftKings gift card online.
Barstool swag
Barstool online sportsbook made its much-anticipated arrival in Pennsylvania in September.
For that special “Stoolie” on your list, Barstool has a full line of apparel.
Some on-brand Barstool clothing feature hoodies that say, “Life’s too short to bet the under,” “Don’t be afraid to fade yourself“ and an everybody-can-agree-with-it “Fuck 2020“ ugly Christmas sweater.
Good taste and a good deed
No matter what you feel about Barstool’s outspoken “El Presidente” Dave Portnoy, you have to give Portnoy and Penn National props for helping raise money to save the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. Even the Grinch (before his heart grew three sizes) would have a soft spot for one of the largest and oldest public markets in the county that’s filled with mom-and-pop vendors.
The Reading Terminal still needs help, and there are a number of ways you can show support — and it makes for great gift ideas, too.
- Donate to Reading Terminal’s GoFundMe.
- Shop online.
Gifts for the Pittsburgh fan who has everything
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-0 and have the second-best odds behind the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. A Roethlisberger and JuJu jersey are likely already a part of the Pittsburgh fan’s rotation. So, aside from ordering a Chase Claypool jersey, what are your options?
Steel City has a selection of clothes inspired by the greatest moments in sports and pop culture.
Pittsburgh-inspired gifts add a dash of black and yellow to the holidays.
Some picks:
- Wish Yinz a Merry Christmas T-shirt
- Pittsburgh Won the Game Yesterday T-shirt
- Steel City Hockey pullover hoodie
Gifts for the Philadelphia fan who has everything
They have Vet stadium seats, a Dr. J throwback and a room full of Super Bowl LII commemoratives. Buying tickets is dicey because of COVID-19. Their closet has so many jerseys, it looks like a locker room. It’s time to get creative with the gift-giving, like Doug Pederson circa 2017.
Open House is a gift and housewares store that has some unique gifts for Philadelphia sports fans.
- Gritty Gear: Mugs, glasses, pillows, water bottles, T-shirts and more, like:
- Anatomy of the Philly Phanatic shirt
Philadelphia Eagles stuff that doesn’t have Carson Wentz on it:
- Marble tile Eagles coasters
- Cute Eagles shirts for women
Pittsburgh pride
Pittsburgh native brothers and co-founders started Shop412 in 2007 (412 is Pittsburgh’s area code). Since its inception, they have launched collaborations with athletes, artists and some of Instagram’s top influencers. They are also a partner of the Pittsburgh Pirates and most recently the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Here are some gift ideas for the Yinzer on your list:
Philadelphia pride
I don’t know about you, hon. But I’m tired of this friggin’ year. If you don’t send me a link with the jawn you want, you ain’t getting it.
South Fellini’s apparel and accessories capture the spirit, attitude and flavor of Philadelphia. Instead of a replica jersey, South Fellini has plenty more authentic options.
It’s hard to pick favorites at this shop, but here are some:
- Fuggin’ Stunod mug
- Jawn shirts
- So many perfectly Philly pins
- Tastykake and 7 fishes aprons
Soothe the sports bettor’s nerves
Sports bettors — and really everyone in 2020 — can use some soothing Jaya Kava brews Kava Kava, a beverage brewed from the resilient roots of a volcanic plant. It soothes your nervous system to relieve mild to moderate tension, allowing for mental and physical relaxation, mood uplift and feelings of euphoria — basically the opposite of the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles.
You can order Jaya Kava on Instagram, and they (and other vendors) will be at the Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-Up in Philadelphia, starting on Black Friday, for two weekends, Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 3-6, from 1 to 6 p.m.
September Farm Cheese
I used to drive to Harrisburg for Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board meetings (before they were moved to virtual due to the pandemic). On the way home, I discovered what can only be described as cheese heaven.
September Farm Cheese ships its products via UPS nationwide. Its Amish Butter (it’s a cheese) and cheddar are always in my cart when I visit — and they’re on my holiday wish list.
Workhorse Brewing Co.
Before Dan Hershberg, CEO and co-founder of Workhorse Brewing Co., opened a 70,000-square-foot facility in King of Prussia with a large taproom and separate event space, he worked as a production assistant for ESPN and founded the clothing company Philly Phaithful. You can still get the uniquely Philly T-shirts online or at Workhorse’s beautiful brewery. But the beer is the main event.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Workhorse Brewing Co.’s quality craft beer … even in a pandemic.
- At their socially distanced beer garden
- BYO tailgate
- At-home delivery
- Contactless pickup
- Indoor seating
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Justin Berl
