Author: Lisa
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Athletics are often referred to as the great equalizer in that they bring people from all walks and life and backgrounds together. Many a professional athlete have overcome poverty and other hardships due to athletics. The Olympic games, for example, bring the entire world together in friendly yet fierce competition. So, what better to celebrate the unifying nature of athletics than to create custom sports gifts?
Custom gifts make for great sports gifts in that their personal touch adds an element of sentimentality that will always be appreciated but never forgotten. As the winter sports season slowly begins to wind down, and spring and summer athletes prepare for the opening of their seasons, customs gifts for athletes and fans are an excellent way to build on the anticipation and excitement for the season to come.
You don’t have to be a professional designer in order to create fun and unique custom sports gifts. While brainstorming ideas, it’s essential to keep the personal preferences of the gift’s recipient or recipients in mind. This will make the gift more personal and give it more meaning. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Custom tees
Customizable shirts are perhaps one of the most popular sports gifts for both athletes and fans. They can be worn during warm ups or practices, or while watching your favorite sporting event. You can incorporate the team’s colors or go bold by using patterns such as tie dye.
Posters and room signs
Similar to custom tees, posters and room signs such as basketball wall decals provide the perfect opportunity to flex your creative muscle. For example when designing basketball wall decals, you may want to incorporate a favorite song lyric or inspirational coat that resonates with the recipient. Or, try incorporating a candid photo.
Accessories
Personalized sports jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings or even anklets are a fashionable way to celebrate athletics off the playing field. Looking for a unique party favor or paperweight? Try gifting personalized hockey pucks, lacrosse balls, golf balls, etc., for a truly memorable gift.
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Running is one of the oldest, as well as the simplest, sports in human history. Running requires no equipment or gear (although having running shoes is a great help), nor does it need anything special for a venue. A flat or slanted surface is all a runner needs. Humans were known to have run competitively as early as the second millennium B.C.E. (the most famous event being, of course, the ancient Olympics). The “marathon” is in fact rooted in an ancient Greek legend of the Battle of Marathon, in which a “runner” for the Greek army sprinted 26 miles in order to tell the Athenians that they won the battle against the Persians. Since then, the marathon has been celebrated (and reenacted) countless times over.
Modern running, however, has evolved somewhat since that fateful battle in Antiquity. Running has turned into a highly-organized and popular competitive sport participated by people of all ages and skills. The marathon (and its variations) is still very popular, though no less daunting. Did you know, for example, that nearly 2,000 half-marathons (approximately 13 miles) are held every year in the US? Furthermore, nearly half a million Americans participate in some kind of marathon every year. In 2012, there were more than 15,000 “5k” events (five kilometers or 3.1 miles) in the US alone. With so many runners and races in this country, it comes to no surprise that running gear and accessories are popular athletic products.
There are a number of running gear products to choose from. From running decals and running shirts to running headbands and runners LED lights, running gear are useful for serious runners who want that extra edge when competing. There are even products like runners mugs and necklaces! So, if you are interested in participating in a marathon (or, if you want something more modest, a simple jog in the park), looking into running gear is one of the best investments you can make. The Athenians would agree.
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Holiday shoppers across the country are gearing up for highly anticipated Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday deals. While this is an exciting time of year, it can often be stressful and time consuming for shoppers who are in search of just the right gift for their loved ones.
Luckily, however, American is a nation of sports lovers. Athletics of all varieties are appreciated and loved, bringing people from different backgrounds together. If you’re struggling to find the right gift, why not give a personalized or custom gift, such as custom team shirts?
The t shirt and promotional products industry is on fire right now. People cannot get enough of custom shirts. Therefore, finding a t shirt printing service, while online or brick-and-mortar, who is offering holiday specials is easier than ever.
Americans love t shirts just as much as they love sports. What better way to get into the holiday spirit, celebrate your favorite team or sport, and rock an awesome t shirt than to give — or receive — custom team shirts? All in all, they’re great sports gifts!
The designs for customizable shirts and custom tees are endless. Enjoy the process of getting inspired. You can incorporate the recipients favorite team or personal colors, along with the team’s logo, or go bold with bright colors and a unique design. Browse the internet for ideas, and remember to add a personal touch. Custom team shirts are the perfect gift, whether the recipient has been naughty or nice! This is a great source for more. For more about this, go here.
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Whether you want to lose a bit of winter weight or you’d like to try something new, there is an option that many people turn to during or after the holidays that things beyond typical health and fitness clubs. Racquet and tennis clubs all across the country are about more than simply tennis. They offer sports like squash, as well, and they sometimes even have other amenities that can make the membership fee worth the price.
If you’re considering joining a tennis club, here are just a few of the membership services and perks that you could experience when you sign up:
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1. Shed seasonal weight gain. Did you know that just three to four hours of tennis per week can help a person lose up to half a pound in that time? Playing tennis and working out each week can significantly reduce a person’s risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions. That’s a great benefit for anyone, regardless of whether or not they’re looking to lose weight.
2. Hone your skills in tennis training camps and clinics. Many tennis clubs offer tennis training camps, clinics, and classes for members of all skill levels. Tennis training camps typically offer fitness drills, court time, and one-on-one advice from tennis pros. Clinics and classes may be in groups or even one-on-one trainings with world champion staffers or visiting pros. In addition to tennis clinics, squash clinics and classes also form in select clubs that offer this sport.
3. Relax at a luxury spa. Finally, many clubs are about more than just working out. They also offer members a way to unwind during their busy weeks. These clubs may offer massages, saunas, steam baths, and other relaxation methods designed to loosen muscles and prevent injury. In fact, even ten minutes of massage after a workout can significantly decrease the risk of injury and inflammation later on.
All tennis and racquet clubs vary, so it’s important to weigh the benefits of each one in your area. If you have questions, be sure to visit your local tennis clubs and leave a comment below with any general inquiries.
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As anyone looking to build a fish attractor will know, these fish habitat structures are designed to draw schools of sportfish by providing cover in open water and access to forage species like insects and crustaceans these fish depend on for food. As a result, fish attractors are extremely valuable to fishermen due to their ability to concentrate local species. Fish attractors can be placed in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and are typically used in private waters. However, due to their ability to recreate needed natural habitats, these artificial structures are increasingly being used by state and federal organizations looking to promote the fishing environment and help local species thrive.
Louisiana is one state that has been using artificial fish habitats to strengthen their fish populations and draw sportsmen to the area: since 1986, Louisiana has been running a program that allows oil companies to sink their decommissioned oil rigs in designated areas to be used as artificial reefs. The companies then donate half of the money they would have spent towing these structures to shore to a special fund that maintains these artificial fish habitats and creates additional fish habitats out of limestone, crushed concrete and other substance inshore.
In the wake of the BP oil spill and the harm it caused to a number of species in the Gulf area, it feels strange to learn that oil companies and oil rigs might actually be helping the Louisiana fishing industry in this way. However, according to the Times-Picayune of Greater New Orleans, fish might have more to fear from legislators than oil executives: in 2009, lawmakers allocated $46 million from the artificial fish structure fund to fill other budgetary shortfalls. Because of this, voters passed a law known as Amendment 8 in the November 2014 election, which gives the artificial reef fund constitutional protection to prevent similar raids on the money collected. If you’re looking to build a fish attractor, take a leaf out of Louisiana’s book and invest in an artificial fish habitat! Read this website for more information.
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When you think of the traditional family vacation, chances are you might think about a trip to Walt Disney World or to another famous theme park. For many, however, the first great American vacation, camping, is still the best way to go.
Camping today is markedly different than it was even just 25 years ago. In the past, it used to be that you would go hiking in the woods, set up a tent, start a fire, and sleep under the stars. Today, taking advantage of luxury log cabin rentals and enjoying nature without giving up the comforts of home is the best way to go, assuming, of course, you know what to look for to find the best lodge rentals for you and your family.
How to Choose a Lodge Rental for Your Next Getaway
- Pay Attention to Their Customer Service Skills from the Get-go
- Look for the Amenities You Want and Need
- Location, Location, Location
From the second you place your first phone call to a vacation lodge service to the moment you arrive to enjoy cabin life, you should expect the very best customer service. The quality of customer service you receive can either make or break your trip, after all. Pay attention to how quickly each company you’re considering responds to your emails, their tone on the phone, and any other interactions you have before you trip. This will allow you to gauge whether or not you really want to stay with a company.
As the online cabin booking service Cabin Connection writes, you really need to consider what amenities you want and need when looking for a lodge rental. Keep in mind, there are plenty of old school cabins that only have a bunk bed, a Benjamin Franklin stove, and an ax to split firewood. Luxury log cabins will have refrigerators, barbecue grills, and even hot tubs. Do your research ahead of time to make sure the option you choose has everything you could possibly want.
It goes without saying that you’ll be considering the location of your lodge rental before you book, but, as TripAdvisor details, you should go beyond the geographical area and consider the environment itself. If you have trouble with high altitudes, you probably shouldn’t book the highest cabin in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re older and have trouble getting around, you don’t want to book a rental on a steep incline. Location, as you can see, is extremely important to a healthy, enjoyable experience.
Do you enjoy renting luxury log cabins and other lodge rentals for your family excursions? What are some of the things you consider when narrowing down your choices? Let us know in the comments below. Great references here.
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The Christmas shopping season is almost upon us; if you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute, it’s time to start figuring out what your family might want. You’re in luck for many reasons if you have a child involved in athletics: Not only do kids who play sports get better test scores and go to better colleges, on average, than those who don’t, it’s also easy to figure out their favorite topics. If you have kids who seem to eat, breathe and live their favorite sports, than what could be better than sports gifts? While sports equipment might also be appreciated, there are plenty of gifts your children can use on and off the field. Here are a few ideas:
- Water Bottles
All athletes need to stay hydrated, so a water bottle is a functional and and a novelty gift. Water bottle designs can be customized with sports figures, ball silhouettes, team names and player names.
- Engraved Jewelry
Whether you’re looking for engraved gifts for softball, volleyball or soccer, customized jewelry is the perfect choice for a sporty daughter with a girly side.
- Customized Balls and Pucks
If your child ends the fall sports season with a particularly strong performance, then a display piece might be the best choice. Custom hockey pucks, basketballs and even golf balls can be personalized to commemorate the season, no matter how it ended.
- Sweatshirts and Hoodies
If your child play winter sports, a nice cozy hoodie might be appreciated; you can even have it personalized with your child’s name and number.
- Christmas Ornaments
Many families have traditions of giving each other new Christmas ornaments each year for the tree. You can combine your love of the holidays and of any given sport with a personalized ornament.
Which of these gifts would appeal most to your kids? What kind of water bottle designs would you choose? How about a more grown-up sports gift for dad, or team gifts for a coach at the end of the season? Share your ideas in the comments.
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Every year, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 35,000 Americans pack their rods and tackle and head to their favorite body of water to fish. For some, this means getting luxury lodge rentals in Alaska, and taking advantage of the pristine waters of the Kenai River to pull up some of the most beautiful salmon in the world. Others are a bit more casual, taking their friends and family to the local creek to pull up a few sunnies.
Whether you’re the type who spends hours researching river fishing techniques or fishing is more about tossing a bobber into the water and leaving it there for the day, the key to your success is your fishing rod. Your rod is the most essential entry on your fishing trip checklist, and if you make the wrong choice, choosing river fishing rods when you’re going deep sea fishing, for example, the likelihood that you’re going to catch anything plummets. Don’t let this happen to you. Help ensure a memorable, successful fishing trip, whether you’re gunning for the many types of fish in Alaska or those you can find right here at home, by following this simple guide.
Three Tips for Choosing the Right Fishing Rod
- Take the Action into Consideration
- Stay Away from Rods with “Won’t Break” Guarantees
- Choose Something That Feels Good
For About.com, one of the first things you should consider is the action of each rod. Rods with softer action are the way to go if you’re fishing with live bait, as the kick back is minimal enough to avoid tossing your bait off your hook. Rods with fast action give you a bit more oomph in your cast, but they come with a lot of kick. Consider the bait you’re going to use and your fishing location to choose something with the appropriate level of action.
The last few years have seen the release of many new rods that come with a “never breaks” guarantee. That sounds great at first — who doesn’t want to save money on replacing rods every year? — but, as the online fishing gear retailer Tackle Warehouse points out, rods that are built not to break are typically too stiff and too heavy. They might never break, but they’re also not going to catch you many fish.
Whether they’re looking at river fishing rods or something meant to fight a bull shark, too many anglers make the mistake of underestimating how important comfort is to a great rod. The last thing you need is to be sitting on a skiff in the hot sun for hours at a time with a rod that makes your hands hurt. Choose something comfortable to make the experience more enjoyable.
Are you an experienced angler? Do you have any tips for choosing the right ocean or river fishing rods? Let us know in the comments below. More.
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If you like jewelry, you know that you can never have enough. Whether you are looking for sterling silver bangles or lovely gold pieces, there are a number of great jewelers who have affordable high end jewelry. It can require shopping around, and sometimes you will need to shop in places that you didn’t associate with jewelry such as eBay or local jewelers. Finding affordable gold jewelry online can be easier than shopping in person, and you can often get great deals online.
If you are looking for affordable quality rings, you might also try pawn shops. Many people sell their jewelry to these stores, and it is then priced much below what it would be from affordable fine jewelry brands. This allows you to get excellent deals, as well as have a lot to choose from. If you are looking for other types of jewelry pawn shops can sometimes be good, and so can websites like eBay. Jewelry doesn’t have to be from a major designer in order to be high-end. It can be a unique piece made from high-end materials and serve as a high-end piece. When you have the jewelry you love, it’s always fun to accessorize.
Trying to come up with gift ideas for moms is a challenging task, especially since they never seem to want their children to get them anything in the first place (or at least pretend they don’t). What can kids do about their stubborn mothers? One great idea is to focus on a particular hobby of theirs and try to build off of that. For example, many mothers are fanatic runners and would likely enjoy anything running related. While some running gear seems a little boring, like socks, shirts, and shorts, there are other ways to get creative while sticking to this theme. Running necklaces are a good compromise between classic gift and gift ideas for runners. What are some good ideas for running necklaces?
- Running Shoe – A simple and traditional running shoe charm makes a great necklace. Many running gift stores that sell running jewelry for women have a wide variety of shoe charms, so it is easy to find one that your mom will love. Running shoe charms vary from a basic looking sneaker to track shoes with a small wing on the side (a classic track and field symbol.)
- Mile Marker – Another great idea for running necklaces is one with a special mile marker on it. These are a perfect gift for moms who have just completed their first long distance race, or ones who have accomplished a long distance running goal. Mile marker charms are abundant for half marathons (13.1) and full marathons (26.2), but they are also available for shorter distances, such as a 5k or a 10k. These necklaces are also a great opportunity to get engraved jewelry, as you can include the date of the race and their race time.
- Running Figure – For those moms who like something a little different, running figure necklaces are a good option. These charms are in the shape of a little women runner, and they are a nice alternative to the standard running shoe. Another great way to make these running figures even more unique is to add your mom’s birthstone to the piece.
All of these different running charms make great gifts for moms who love to run, and for those who can’t decide which one they like best, mixing and matching is always a good idea. The next time you get stumped trying to think of a gift for mom, consider a fun, classic piece of jewelry that shows off their favorite hobby.
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People around the world love soccer. Many are diehard fans that stick with their favorite club and international teams through the wins and the losses. Many of these fans are young players, aspiring to one day become professional soccer players themselves. The road to becoming a professional soccer player is a long and difficult one full of ups and downs. For those willing to fight for their dreams, here is a list of advice that can help you become the professional player you aspire to one day be:
- Motivation and Aspiration – Two of the most important characteristics that all professional players have, and all aspiring professionals need, are motivation and aspiration. Becoming a professional soccer player is a long, rough journey, and there are bound to be many disappoint Read more: “Dream of Becoming a Professional Soccer Player One Day? Follow This Advice”
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