For the globetrotter (basics)

To some people, travel is an activity - it's what happens on their annual two weeks of vacation and provides a nice break from everyday life. For others, travel is a passion. It's what gets their blood flowing, occupies their daydreams, and tempts them to quit their day jobs. If they aren't traveling, they are researching destinations and planning their next trip. Many of their conversations mention travel and they are the unofficial travel agent for their friends who are planning a trip. These hardcore globetrotters are easy to identify and even easier to buy for - that is, once you get inside their minds.

That's where the Gift Guru comes in. I am an unabashed travel-oholic and am here to help you shop for your recipients who share my disease. Rule #1: no matter what gadget or luggage you find, there is no better gift than travel itself. Travel is what we crave, and if you have the means to make it happen, please do. Travel is a great gift for a graduates (especially from college or post-graduate school), newlyweds, retirees, and those celebrating anniversaries. If you can't give a whole trip (which is very understandable), consider giving something toward their next adventure (see below for specific ideas).

When giving to globetrotters, there are a few things to be aware of. First, if you are giving all or part of a trip, make sure it is something your recipient will enjoy and can actually use. If she is planning a trip to a remote part of Africa, a voucher for a week at the Ritz won't help much. Second, assess your traveler's personal inclinations and habits when traveling. Does he follow his guidebook and stay on the tourist path or explore the area on his own to discover local gems? Does she spend time with locals and try signature dishes or find the most American food in town and sit alone at the bar? Does he party all night and sleep until noon, or rise at dawn and go for a run? Does she take hundreds of photographs a day or spend the afternoon reading in the park? Answering these kind of questions will help point you to the perfect gift and keep you away from a largely useless one. Finally, no matter how cool you think it would be to arrange all of her travel tickets and luggage tags into a collage, make sure you have her permission to use her stuff before you do anything with it. Travelers are very picky about their gear and mementos, and what you think would be a great surprise could turn out to be a gift fiasco for the ages. I don't say that to imply that travelers are hard to please (just the opposite actually), but to caution you against using your recipient's personal property without his permission (this is a good rule for all gift-giving, not just globetrotters).

Because there are so many great gifts for travelers, I will do several travel posts, each focused on different types of travel presents. Today we will look at basic travel gifts, followed later by gadgets, home mementos, and miscellaneous (but tres fabulous) items. Whether you are shopping for a twenty-something backpacker or a VIP octogenarian, here are some ideas to help you make their next trip unforgettable:

• Trip or credit: As I said, the best gift for a traveler is travel itself. If you can't give the whole trip, consider giving a gift certificate or voucher for a hotel or a booking site like Expedia or Travelocity. Frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards points that your recipient could use would also make a great gift. Another great gift is a nice meal or activity at their destination. Many major restaurants and museums allow you to buy entrance tickets or meal credit online. Just ask your recipient about his plans for his next trip or search for activities or restaurants for a known destination to get some ideas. Finally, if he is a first-time traveler or visiting a destination that requires additional entrance documents, you could give cash or a voucher to allow him to purchase a passport or visa.
• Luggage: Most seasoned travelers already have luggage but may be in the market for a new or replacement piece, and new travelers probably need some durable and reliable gear. The type of travel is key here - rolling suitcases are great for more stationary trips, whereas backpacks are better for younger travelers who frequently move around. I prefer Kelty bags, and own the Red Cloud 6650 and Kelty Hawkeye Pack (I swear by them both). If it's a carry-on suitcase you need, consider the Balanzza Truco Carry-on, which separates into 3 compartments to allow you to fit it into whatever space you have (specifically, into airplane carry-on compartments). For a traveler with lots of waiting time, take a look at Zuca Sport Wheeled Luggage that includes a seat on top capable of holding 300 pounds.



Balanzza Truco carry-on (photo courtesy of TechnaBob.com)



Zuca Sport Pro (photo courtesy of Overstock)

• Camera and/or accessories: A good camera is essential for documenting travels and preserving memories. Most travelers choose to go digital - instant pictures, no film to worry about, and much easier to carry around. If your recipient already has a camera she likes, you could get accessories like extra batteries or chargers, bigger memory cards, a carrying case, or a different lens (like wide-angle or fisheye). A tripod is also a great gift - you could get a traditional three-legged model, but there are also plenty of smaller, more travel-friendly options. Some of my favorites are the original Gorillapod, the magnetic Gorillapod, and the water bottle tripod. If your recipient likes to video her travels, consider a video camera or a digital camera with video capabilities (most have the capacity for short video, but quality and length of recording time vary).

Original Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (photo courtesy of Think Geek)

Water bottle tripod (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Guidebooks: Most travelers (except the most hardcore ones) usually consult a guidebook when visiting a new place, but guidebooks aren't cheap when you're buying ten a year. A print version like a Lonely Planet guide is useful for everyone, but travelers with smartphones or e-readers can also use electronic guides like apps or e-books. If you want to give a guidebook but don't know your traveler's personal preferences (or even her next destination), you can always give a gift card and let her buy her own.
• iPod touch: Some people might not consider this a travel basic, but I will never again leave home without mine. The iPod touch is essentially an iPhone without the phone or worldwide internet access. However, it has Wi-Fi, so you can use it anywhere there is an internet connection. It also has access to Apple apps (including many of the guidebooks mentioned above, city guides, and even subway and bus maps), a camera, a translator, a calculator, music, videos, and games. The new versions are capable of video chat, making a quick call home very simple and cheap. It comes in 8GB ($209.99), 32GB ($274.99), and 64GB ($364.95) models.
• Passport cover/travel wallet: Nice versions of these aren't cheap, but they are nowhere near as expensive as replacing a passport abroad. Leather versions are classic and provide the best combination of protection and style. But be aware that US passports and many new credit cards have RFID electronic chips in them, which thieves can skim through your wallet. Many new wallets and passport covers have incorporated RFID blockers to prevent skimming; make sure that any wallet you buy includes this protection.

Leather passport travel wallet that can be monogrammed (photo courtesy of Comfort House)

Basic RFID blocking leather passport case from Amazon (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Power source: In this electronic age, powering gadgets on the road is of great importance, third only to having a passport and currency. Your traveler needs the correct plug, voltage, and plug availability, and this is where you can help out. I love Belkin's surge protector that plugs into an outlet, providing three AC plugs and 2 USB connections (USB connections are especially important for travelers who don't take laptops with them but have devices, like iPods, that charge through USB plugs). Pair it with an international plug adapter and a voltage adapter (if necessary) and you have a great gift to keep your traveler at full power at all times.

Belkin Mini Surge 3OUT Wall Mount 75K 918J with USB Charger ($13.49) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug ($0.99) includes plugs for North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Travel wrap: Finally, every traveler needs a multifunctional item to keep her warm and cozy during her adventures. A great choice is something like White + Warren's cashmere travel wrap, supposedly a favorite of Angelina Jolie, which can be used as a scarf, a wrap, and a blanket. Look for an item that does double or triple duty, comes in a color that your traveler can combine with lots of outfits (but also won't be ruined if they spill something on it), and isn't too bulky. I would buy this for either a male or female, though I would choose a neutral color for a man.

Cashmere travel wrap by White + Warren (photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

Coupons

• Magellan's, one of my favorite sites for travel gear and products, is offering 25% off their adventure travel clothing until January 30, 2011.
• Samsonite will take $30 off every $150 you spend online through January 30, 2011 with this code.

Readers, what are your favorite travel-related gifts? What is your favorite destination and where have you always wanted to visit? (Mine are the iPod Touch, Paris, and Jerusalem, respectively.) Share your answers in the comments below!

For a wedding shower

Thanksgiving is long gone, Christmas has come and passed, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. That can only mean one thing . . . wedding season is imminent. Invest in Bed Bath & Beyond stock, make The Knot your home page, and block out every Saturday between February and August for a wedding or wedding-related event.

Wedding season brings its own unique gift challenges, but the Gift Guru is here to ensure that you enter this year's season of love prepared for any wedding, shower, or party your engaged recipients may throw at you. My brother, B, is getting married at the end of April to K, and I am very much looking forward to their wedding and all of the events preceding it. Rest assured that I will be taking much of my own advice when it comes to gift giving in the coming months.

Today, we will focus on the wedding shower (wedding gifts will be covered soon). Wedding showers used to be known exclusively as "bridal showers," presumably because they were only for the bride. You knew exactly what to expect (at least in the South) - a Sunday afternoon gathering in the church parlor with butter mints, Sprite-based punch, lots of lace, and gifts of towels, china, and linens. Nowadays, wedding showers know no bounds. There are couples showers, which both the bride and groom attend, in addition to the traditional bride-only showers (I'm sure that someone has thrown a groom-only shower, but I only know these gatherings in the form of bachelor parties, so I am omitting them here). There are linen showers, stock-the-bar showers, around-the-clock showers, entertainment showers, lawn and garden showers, gift card showers, book showers, lingerie showers, travel showers, culinary showers, spa/pampering showers - the sky is truly the limit. Regardless of the type of shower you are attending, here are some basic etiquette tips and gift suggestions to get you started.

According to The Knot, it is proper etiquette to give a gift both at the shower and at the wedding (see their full explanation here). You may choose to give a smaller gift at the shower and save a larger gift for the wedding, but the choice is yours. If you happen to be invited to multiple showers (which you shouldn't be), WedNet says that you need not give a gift at all of them, or even attend them all. Feel free to choose a gift for one shower and simply attend the others or bring a nice card with a warm message inside. You might also decide to bring smaller gifts to multiple showers rather than a larger gift to a single shower. One exception to the one-shower-gift rule is if you are a close relative of the bride or groom, such as a mother or aunt, in which case you may wish to give gifts at each shower. In this situation, you might want to buy a set or the entire quantity of a requested item (like plates or place settings) and give one or two pieces at each shower.

Most couples these days have registries at one or more stores, and these can greatly simplify your gift choices. But remember that registries are actually just "suggestions" for gifts, and you are not bound to them when choosing a present. If the shower invitation doesn't include registry information, search for it  at The Knot or Bed Bath & Beyond, or ask someone close to the couple where they are registered. Personally, I prefer to err on the side of caution by choosing something from the registry unless I am very close to the couple, know of something specific they would like that's not on their registry, have access to a gift they would like but can't get, or find a great gift that I just can't pass up. I try to avoid cutesy items, gifts that are only relevant to the wedding (such as a bag that says "Bride"), and items that are too personal (like sheets). My rule of thumb is that unless I know the recipient(s) well enough that we exchange gifts on other occasions like birthdays and holidays, I usually just stick to the registries.

If you have lots of events to attend for multiple people, you might want to choose a staple gift to make your life easier. If you go this route, make sure that the gift is something that almost everyone would appreciate and probably didn't register for. My mother regularly gives quesadilla makers as wedding gifts, and they seem to be a big hit - they are easy to use, work for people of all taste preferences, and most people haven't thought of registering for them (and probably didn't realize that they existed). Other gifts that might be appropriate staples are Nap blankets from Brookstone (which are buy one get one 50% off right now), a set of nice towels in a neutral color (getting them monogrammed is a nice touch), or candlesticks with candles. If you find them on sale, stock up and make your life easier the next time you need a wedding gift.
*A Gift Guru word of warning: always make sure that your recipient will enjoy the gift. If you usually give an engraved cocktail shaker and top-shelf liquor, for example, choose another gift for the teetotaler couple.

No matter what marital gathering you need a gift for, several websites are a great place to start.

• The Knot is wholly devoted to all things weddings. It is primarily a resource for brides, but also offers some great gift ideas and etiquette tips for guests. It allows couples to create their own wedding webpage with information about the ceremony, reception, and their registries, making it the most likely location for finding wedding registries for your recipients.
• The Wedding Channel Store is geared more toward those throwing the wedding, but also has some gift suggestions for guests.
• Bridal Shower Etc. offers tips for planning showers and giving thoughtful gifts.

In addition to the registries, here are some ideas for all of your wedding event needs:

• Anything with her/their new monogram: this could include a scarf/pashmina, towels or linens, doormat, coasters, ice bucket, serving tray, or placemats. Be sure that the bride is changing her name before you give this kind of gift. If not, consider using the couple's first names or initials instead.
• Stationery: in the same vein as monograms, every bride loves personalized items to take her into married life. You could give notecards, personalized stamps and stamp pads, notepads, or traditional stationery sheets, either with her new monogram or both their names. Choose something age appropriate that can be used for formal correspondence or a quick note to a friend.
• Drinkware: everyone needs nice glasses for special occasions or formal dinners. You can't go wrong with traditional wine or highball glasses. If the couple has registered for these items, you might choose something more specific, like martini or margarita glasses.
• Beverages: a nice bottle of wine/champagne or spirits is a thoughtful gift, especially for first-time homeowners or the newly independent couple. Combine with glasses or coasters for a sure hit.
• A massage or spa gift certificate: every bride (and non-bride, for that matter) could use a time of relaxation and pampering to have her stress lifted and energy renewed. If their honeymoon would accommodate it, you might even want to give them a couples massage for when they arrive.
• Group Gifts: if you can't afford the gift you want on your own, ask other attendees who you are close to if they want to go in with you to get a more expensive gift, such as fine china, expensive cookware, or a nice appliance.
• Gift Baskets: if you can't think of one big gift or narrow down your gift ideas, consider making a gift basket. Start with a nice basket the couple can use later, line it with fabric or tissue paper, and start filling. You might pick a theme (such as honeymoon, kitchen, or laundry) or just assemble various items you find interesting or helpful. You could also choose a favorite recipe and give the dishes and utensils used to make it, along with the recipe itself.
• Services: if you are especially good at something, give the gift of your talent. This might include calligraphy, sewing, drawing, painting, pet or house sitting, or gardening. If you can do it well, consider gifting it to the newlyweds. But remember: only give a gift that you think they will really appreciate, and not one that will potentially cause problems or hurt feelings (i.e. don't offer to take their wedding photos if they already have the perfect photographer booked).
• Books: a first edition of their favorite book, a book about their honeymoon destination or wedding location, or a quick and simple cookbook for a new chef can make a great present. Consider giving a bundle of books if you feel like one isn't enough, or choose one book and combine it with another gift (like a basket of goodies).
• Games: for a fun-loving couple or frequent entertainers, a game could be the perfect gift. Fun items are often overlooked as wedding gifts but are much-appreciated by couples. Consider games like Cranium, Apples to Apples, Jenga, or Banana Grams, or a card set with chips. Pair with a card table for an all-around gift of fun!
• Gift Cards: If everything left on the registry is out of your price range, you don't see anything you want to give, or you are simply at a loss, you can't go wrong with a gift card. They are less personal than a traditional gift but much more appreciated than a random present that is destined to gather dust. Pick up a gift card from a store where they are registered, a favorite restaurant or unique experience, or a home outfitter like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Pottery Barn, or Crate & Barrel.

As a special treat for Gift Giving Guru readers, here are some wedding-related discounts:

• Save 10% site-wide, 15% on orders of $80+, and 20% when you spend $125+ with this offer from Red Envelope, which offers unique and personalized products perfect for a wedding shower. Enter REDTIER at checkout.
• Take 20% off your order at Linens 'N Things through January 18 with the code WHITE20.
• Save 25% when you spend $250+ at Exclusively Weddings through March 31.
• Bed Bath & Beyond, where most couples seem to register, routinely sends coupons for 20% a single item to members of their mailing list. I often use these coupons to purchase wedding and shower gifts, and most cashiers will let you use them even if they have expired. Sign up here.

UPDATE: No matter what you decide to give, make sure you include a gift receipt in case the couple gets multiples of the item or there is a problem with the product. Thanks to Caitlin for the reminder!

What are your favorite shower gifts to give or receive?

For the unexpected holiday recipient

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is visiting with family and friends, many of whom I rarely get to see otherwise. Having unscheduled visitors or attending a last-minute rendezvous can be a wonderful treat, but it can also create an uncomfortable situation because these events often involve gifts. If a guest brings you a gift but you didn't have her on your list, or you need a gift for an impromptu party or meal, you could end up embarrassed if you don't have a present to offer.

To make sure you never face this problem, keep some all-purpose gifts on hand, wrapped and with a generic gift tag (e.g. "Happy holidays from the Smith family") with room to fill in the recipient's name at the last minute. Make sure your gift will work for both genders and a variety of ages. A Gift Guru tip: if you choose a gift that you like, you can enjoy any left-over presents when your gifting is done!

Here are some suggestions for all-purpose gifts to keep in stock this holiday season:

• Baked Goods: These are always a treat to receive and add a personal touch to the gift-giving process. You could make the food yourself or buy it from a bakery. Breads and desserts are a good choice that most people enjoy and are easy to package and keep on hand.
• Popcorn: The Christmas popcorn tin may be the classic all-purpose gift, and with good reason. The popcorn is yummy and the tin makes a great storage bin after the last kernel disappears. You could also pop your own and season it with your favorite toppings, such as butter, cinnamon sugar, or caramel, and put it in a bag tied with festive ribbon.
• Drinks: Your favorite bottle of wine or spirits makes an excellent gift and allows you to (honestly) tell your recipient that you love this gift and thought he would too. Other beverage gifts include spiced cider, Russian tea, or another specialty you enjoy. You may also want to consider a nice hot chocolate set or a bag of premium coffee or tea. But be careful: if you choose alcohol as a gift, make sure you don't have any possible recipients who are teetotalers (or keep an alternative gift on hand for them).
• Gift Cards: These are a wise choice if you need gifts for a diverse group of people. Either choose several vendors or stick with one, but make sure that your recipient can purchase something there with the amount you give them. You can't go wrong with cards for movie theaters, restaurants, or Charity Choice (which lets your recipients choose a cause to support with your gift). I recommend avoiding overly practical gift cards like gas and grocery cards, as these seem impersonal and may indicate a lack of effort on your part.
• Blankets: When the temperature drops and the power bills skyrocket, it seems like you can't have enough blankets. Everyone loves a comfy blanket, especially a fleece version. Wrap it up with a seasonal ribbon and you have a guaranteed hit.
• Books: Choose a favorite book that has universal appeal, such as a classic novel or a funny memoir. You could also buy several different books to match different personalities - just make sure to label them somehow after you wrap them so you don't get them mixed up!
• Candles: Most people spend a good deal of time indoors during the winter, and they appreciate when their home smells nice. Just make sure to choose a quality candle, like a Yankee Candle, or a pretty one suitable for display. A word of warning: pick a neutral or popular scent, such as clean linen or vanilla, rather than something your recipients might find unappealing or too strong.
• Ornaments: You can't have too many ornaments, and with all the choices available, chances are low that you will pick one your recipients already have. Add a personal touch with a message like "Happy Holidays from the Jones family" or "Merry Christmas from Matt and Sarah" and you have a gift that will serve as an annual reminder of your friendship. Ornaments also make great repeat gifts - just choose a new design each year and simplify your universal gift-giving. 

Although there are plenty of great gifts that will help you out in a pinch, there are also several you should avoid:

• Personalized Items: Don't choose a gift that you will need to personalize at the last minute or that you mark with something generic (like "Merry Christmas to our friends" without including their names).
• Anything Offensive or Partisan: Remember that you should avoid offensive items in all gift-giving, and all-purpose gifts are no exception. Keep the political books and fart machines out of your gift lineup.
• Sports Items: Even if you live and die by your school's success on the football field, your recipients may not feel the same way. Never give gifts that are more about you than your recipients, and this goes doubly for personal choices like sports teams.
• Fragrances and Lotions: Because these recipients weren't on your original gift list, you probably are not close enough to them for such a personal gift. Stick to something less intimate - many people have allergies or very specific preferences regarding these items.

What are your favorite gifts to keep on hand during the holidays?

For the record

Normally my posts are aimed at finding the perfect gift for a certain type of person, but there are a few items out there that I just have to mention before Christmas and I will run out of time to do so without this post. So, for the record, these are some of my favorite gifts this year (if anyone needs gift ideas for me, feel free to use this as a guide!):

I have been wanting to learn more French for awhile, and I think Rosetta Stone is the best choice to help me do just that (unless someone wants to send me to France, of course!). My father thinks I want to learn French so I can move to Paris... not a bad idea, pops!

I know these pink glitter Toms (available in more sizes at Nordstrom) are a bit self-indulgent, but I love them and don't care who knows it.

Apple's iPad (shown here in 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G model) is one of the hottest gadgets on the market this year; unfortunately, my MacBook uses an older operating system than the iPad requires for syncing, so this indulgence will have to wait...

...unless someone also wants to get me a new MacBook Pro! Mine has been through 3 years of law school (a miracle in itself) plus another year of miscellaneous use, which is quite impressive. It deserves a break.

The iPhone 4 has great new features like video and a 5 megapixel camera and is one of the best selling phones on the market. I have wanted an iPhone since I first heard rumors of its existence. Now that it seems a Verizon model is looming, maybe the time has come for me to take the plunge!

Sadly, my favorite show is over, but Lost will live on in the hearts and time-traveling minds of fans everywhere.

I recently discovered the show Lie to Me, about deception experts, and I am a bit obsessed. Telling Lies is the real-life inspiration for the series, and I can't wait to start reading it.

The Louis Vuitton Speedy is a classic - I prefer to think of it as an investment rather than a bag. Available from Louis Vuitton and LV boutiques in 4 sizes (25, 30, 35, 40), shown here in 35.

These rubber mocs from LL Bean are perfect for rainy days (or just because). I love the khaki/navy version, but there are also more colors to choose from.

The Trackstick Mini is a tiny, USB-like device that tracks your journeys and allows for geotagging photos, retracing your route, and marking favorite spots for easy return. Just turn it on and go on your merry way. When you get home, plug it into your computer and upload your travels. Perfect for travelers and outdoorsmen. There is also an iPhone app called Walkabout that does the same thing.

This sterling silver fingerprint signet ring is a unique gift that would be perfect for moms or even as an engagement or wedding ring. Submit your desired fingerprint and the artists will transform it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Also available in gold and platinum.

I don't usually get excited about furniture, but this map chair caught my attention. These made-to-order chairs feature the location of your choice in decoupage, ready for duty in your home or office.

Every worker needs a nameplate - and what better way to introduce yourself than a whimsical version you won't find elsewhere! The Scrabble letters nameplate is a great choice for a new hire or for a home office.

• Pink peacoat: I don't have a certain version in mind, but you can't go wrong with Gap!
• Nap blanket (or nap snuggie): this is seriously the most comfortable blanket you will ever feel. And right now, Brookstone has them buy 1, get 1 half off!
• Decision Points by former President George W. Bush: love him or hate him, this is a rare chance to see inside the mind of one of the world's most powerful people. In case anyone is concerned about partisanship, I also own Bill Clinton's My Life.
• Ireland: you can buy a square foot of Irish countryside for only $49.99. It comes with pictures and directions in case you want to visit your domain. I think I would like to be called "Queen Gift Guru" among my woodland subjects.
• T-shirt blanket: take old t-shirts and make them into a comfy blanket than you can use or display. This makes a great graduation gift. Available from multiple sellers around the web (Google "tshirt blanket") or make your own!
• The Book of Awesome: this book, from the author of 1000 Awesome Things blog, is a blend of childhood memories, witty observations, and general feel-good sentiments that would suit almost any recipient. 

What's on your list this year?

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!