For the college loyalist

In honor of my home state's (SC) big day today (Carolina vs. Clemson, generally referred to as "The Game" with no further explanation needed), I thought that gifts for your college loyalist recipient would be appropriate. Most of these items come in a wide variety of schools - check the links to see if your favorite school or team is available!

For the Carolina Gamecock:
As a holder of 3 degrees from the University of South Carolina, I am naturally biased toward the Gamecocks and that beautiful garnet and black. Here are some of my favorite USC products:

Game day pants (also available in black, red, and shorts) from Pennington and Bailes

Hot dog grill topper from Football Fanatics

The Coach's Shirt from Pennington and Bailes

Football purse from Football Fanatics

Game day skirt from Pennington and Bailes

Men's Bulova logo watch (other brands and women's styles available) from The Class Watch

For cheaper alternatives, visit Football Fanatics

Authentic full-size USC helmet from Football Fanatics

College desk box from Orvis

Plaid stadium blanket from The Stationery Studio

Locker room bedroom set from Football Fanatics

For the Clemson Tiger:
My grandfather played football (for Frank Howard), basketball, and baseball at Clemson and my grandmother was an IPTAY member and had season tickets to the football games for over 50 years, so I know a thing or two about Clemson. My grandmother even gave me issues of "Clemson World" my entire freshman year at USC, and several of my favorite Clemson fans reminded me (until my last semester of college) that it wasn't too late to transfer. Here is my ode to them:

Game day shorts (also available in khaki and long pants) from Pennington and Bailes

Women's classic button down from Pennington and Bailes

Ice cube tray from Football Fanatics

Monogrammed scarf in Clemson colors from Marley Lilly

iPhone cover from Game Time Geeks

Women's replica jersey from Football Fanatics

Campus word cloud framed print from Football Fanatics

BBQ steak brand from The Stationery Studio

Flat note cards from The Stationery Studio

Faux leather tote from McAuley's

For any college supporter:

• Autographed sports memorabilia is always a hit. Extra points if it is signed by the coach considered by fans to be "the great one" and/or the players of an extra-special season, preferably one that ended with a championship.
• Framed print depicting a campus landmark (such as a stadium, the library, or an academic building) or a special achievement for the university (a championship or some other milestone)

If your favorite fan isn't much for these types of gifts (or maybe already has them all!), you might want to consider giving a less-tangible present. Some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• A brick or other personalized item to be placed somewhere on campus (usually with the recipient's name and class year, and often their degree)
• A donation to the school's scholarship fund or a subdivision special to your recipient (such as a Greek or other extracurricular organization or their degree program). If you have lots of money burning a hole in your pocket (think $25k or more), you could even endow a scholarship in your recipient's name.
• A membership to the alumni association

Do you have your own favorite collegiate gifts? Please share them in the comments!

Go Gamecocks!