HbD’s Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

By JVDW
In Ally Koss
Dec 17th, 2015
1 Comment

XMas2015-636

by Allison Koss

Please Note: This post was originally posted in 2014, so while most of the links still work, we cannot guarantee it anymore. However, we have updated and released a new Top Ten Christmas Gifts list for 2020, which you can visit by clicking here

It may still be pushing 60° here in Boston, but despite what the weather outside may suggest, Christmas is right around the corner. When the temperatures are more spring-like than those of typical mid-December, it can be easy to forget that you actually need to purchase gifts for your family and friends, including the ones who like hockey!

Last year we gave you some gift ideas for the hockey fans on your list (I’m still waiting for a zamboni desk vacuum myself), but what if your hockey-loving gift recipients are more creatively inclined? Well, that’s probably why you’re here!

If you’re strapped for last minute ideas, these ten picks are sure to be a big hit with any hockey player or aesthetics-lover this holiday season.

Logo Heritage Banner

HeritageBannersFor a fan of any team with a rich history, a heritage banner allows them to proudly display the progress of their franchise’s branding over the years. Perfect for a dorm room, office or man cave (or living room, if that’s your style), Amazon sells varieties for many teams, including Detroit, Calgary, Ottawa, St. Louis and Edmonton.

Saving Face: The Art and History of the Goalie Mask, by Jim Hynes & Gary Smith

MaskBookAs a self-proclaimed goalie mask enthusiast, I recently bought this beauty of a book as a gift to myself, and it didn’t disappoint. Martin Brodeur himself applauded the book, saying “now someone has finally come out with a book about goalie masks and how they came to look like the one I wear in the NHL today. From the kids who love the colorful mask art of today to those who remember when goalies played without masks, generations of hockey fans will enjoy Saving Face,” so it’s hard to argue with one of the best goaltenders of all time.

With a foreword by mask art pioneer Gerry Cheevers, (that guy holding the top spot on our iconic mask ranking) this book is a must-have for any goalie or mask art appreciator. Pick one up on Amazon for a criminally-low price.

Anything from Violent Gentlemen

ViolentGentlemenPlayer shirseys, while staples in any hockey fan’s wardrobe, can get stale once you amass a sizable collection. At least speaking from personal experience… Introducing Violent Gentlemen, who make designer-approved apparel and accessories that any hockey fan will love. Athletes, musicians and fans alike sport their gear on the regular, plus they sell products for almost every NHL city. From throwback logo-inspired designs to their signature “enforce” t-shirts, their gear is perfect to mix up any stylish hockey fan’s wardrobe.

 Bonus! VG has special Christmas ornaments and sweaters special for the holiday season. I mean, if you have to go to an ugly sweater party, you might as well do it in style!

The Hockey Mug With A Net™

MugFor the coffee-loving hockey fan in your life, they’re sure to love Max’is Creations’ jumbo goal mug. Large enough to double as a bowl, snipe marshmallows, cereal, crackers or ice cream toppings into the net to make eating and drinking wayyyyyy more fun. Because when you have a hockey net attached to your mug, adults can play with their food too, right?

Game Used Puck Bottle Opener

bottleopenerClever bottle openers always seem to be popular gifts; people like drinking, so who wouldn’t like snazzy drinking accessories? The ultimate in hockey fan beer swag has to be a bottle opener made from an actual game-used NHL puck. Each puck is wrapped in athletic tape marked with the date used and comes in an authentic NHL gift-box. Pick one up from your favorite fan’s favorite team at Uncommon Goods.

Hockey by Design Posters

HbDIf you’re reading this site, you probably already know about the HbD store, full of vintage logo and play call posters that any hockey fan would be proud to display in their home. Even if your favorite team’s logo or game hasn’t been made into a poster (yet), fans of all teams who appreciate good ol’ vintage logo design will love any of these fun and dynamic prints.

Ed Note: Speaking of Beast from the Northeast, if you’re a Boston sports fan (or know a Boston sports fan), you gotta check out their merchandise as well! Visit their site here.

NHL Snuggie

SnuggieOk, so this is maybe one of the less “designer approved” items on the list this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less awesome or will be any less of a hit. I’m only mildly ashamed to admit that I too own an “NHL blanket with sleeves” of my own, (not to be confused with an authentic, brand name Snuggie™) and what it lacks in aesthetic appeal, it makes up for in cozyness. While it appears these beauties are currently out of stock on NHL.com, keep an eye out for when they go back on sale, and ensure a snug-as-a-bug hockey season for your lucky gift recipient.

Hockey Stick Decor

hockeystickFor the craftier hockey fans in your life, give them a gift that gives life to old twigs with a repurposed hockey stick home decor item. Depending on your budget, choose from coasters and picture frames to chairs and grilling tools, all made from repurposed hockey sticks; any of which would make a fine addition to a unique hockey lover’s home.

Hockey Hot Locker

HotLockerFor the more disorganized hockey player on your Christmas list, help them stay neat and smell-free with a hot locker. This unique storage unit dries, heats, organizes and deodorizes equipment in between or after games. It’ll help cut down on clutter and eliminate that lovely hockey gear smell in your basement or garage while keeping everything organized in the meantime! It even comes with two wireless remotes to let you to adjust the locker’s settings from afar.

2016 Animal Charity Calendars

CalendarsIf you want a holiday gift that will do some good while also making the recipient say “awwwwwww,” look no further than a charitable animal NHL calendar. Teams like the Bruins, Capitals, Penguins and Red Wings have all created calendars featuring pictures of players with their own pets or local shelter animals who are up for adoption. Proceeds from the calendars go to the teams’ respective animal charities, plus giving the gift of hockey players and cute dogs through all of 2016? Well, that’s priceless.


What hockey-themed gifts are on your 2015 Christmas list? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

One Response to “HbD’s Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide”

  1. […] year we included the Gents on our last-minute gift guide for their designer-approved apparel and badass ornaments, but this year they’ve added a cozy […]

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