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They say opposites attract and this could not have been truer when you’re trying to watch your favorite team do their thing and you look over at your spouse, and they’re sleeping through all the action. You thought you had someone to share the joy of a touchdown or a goal, but your partner couldn’t care less. Such as the dilemma of getting together with someone who isn’t into any sports and would rather watch some reels or TikToks on their phone.
Watching the game and spending some quality time with your non-sports fan significant other might not be possible, or so you think. Making them watch the game and at least show a little interest in the team you support will need some, shall we say, game-changing gifts. Giving them gifts they can use while watching the game with you will hopefully make them sit still until the end (or the very least until half time).
Tips and Tricks in Finding the Right Game-Changing Gifts
Finding the right gift for your spouse who is not into sports can be a fun challenge. The key is to make the experience feel natural and enjoyable for them without trying too hard to encourage them to like the sports. Here are some tips you can follow:
1. Incorporate their Interests
One of the surefire ways of making sure they’re interested in your interests is by making it fun for them as well. If they love to cook, cook some gameday food with them. Not only will this be an opportunity for them to show their support for the team you support, but it can also bring out their creativity in cooking theme food for game day.
2. Comfort Items
Making the den or the TV room as comfortable as possible (but not too comfortable, or they will end up sleeping!). Think about plush throws, blankets, and cushions. With these comfort items available, they might even look forward to the next game.
3. Fashionable Gear
No one would say “no” to new clothes to get them in the spirit of the game, and buying them team merchandise might convert them into a fan. The trick is to find a piece of clothing or merchandise that they could still wear, even if it’s not game night.
4. Make it a Social Event
Invite your friends to watch the game with you and ask them to bring their non-sports fan partners as well to bond with your own. Social interaction with people who understand their plight can make the event more enjoyable for them.
5. Engage with the Game Creatively
Do an activity before the game that could pique their interest with the game such as trivia night or shop for sports paraphernalia that would make cheering for your team much more fun such as foam fingers, sports banner, etc.
6. Face to Face Experience with the Game, Players, and Other Fans
Perhaps they’d be more willing to watch the game live. Being in a stadium with all the other fans and seeing the players live has that electric buzz that even a non-fan couldn’t help but participate in. Or if this is not possible, go to a sports bar and watch the game there. Watch the game in a place where there are other fans for their enthusiasm and excitement to infect your partner.
7. Compromise
When all else fails, ask them for a tradeoff. They will watch the game with you, and you will do something with them too, be it a day of weaving baskets or shopping at Target.
Here are some gift ideas for the next game day.
Team USA T-Shirt
It might be easier to get your spouse to watch any sports-related event with you every two years during the Olympics, and gifting them this Team USA t-shirt might be just want they need. Watch the Olympics 2024 in its entirety with your spouse while wearing this shirt. It comes in different colors and sizes. It even comes in onesies for babies from 3 months to 24 months old.
Stanley Cup Snack Bowl
To make watching the game feel like a cinematic experience, you gotta have snacks and drinks. You wouldn’t want your partner to get hungry and thirsty while watching the game, wouldn’t you? This snack bowl is compatible with a Stanley Cup and will be able to hold various chips and fruits that your spouse loves. With four compartments, you wouldn’t have a hard time prepping your spouse’s snacks that will keep them satisfied during the game.
Mug with a Hoop
This novelty mug comes in various sports such as basketball, golf, baseball, hockey, etc. Imagine your spouse enjoying and shooting their marshmallows in this mug’s basketball hoop. If they’re having so much fun playing basketball with their marshmallows, they would be more than willing to give the actual sport a try! Next time that Stephen Curry is playing, your partner will be sitting beside you cheering for the Golden State Warriors.
Mini Foosball
Technically, they couldn’t use this mini foosball while watching the game per se, but like the mug with a hoop, this product might pique their interest about the real sport (aka soccer). This mini foosball can help you explain to them the mechanics of soccer. Spend hours playing this mini foosball table, and you’ll soon find your partner asking you to watch the World Cup with them.
Portable Cooler
Watching the game while drinking a cold beer is one of the finer things in life. If your significant other is not into the game, they might be a fan of drinking beer, right? If not, what are you doing with them? Kidding! Stack up on cold beers and your partner’s favorite drink using this portable cooler that’s guaranteed to keep your drinks cold during the game. This portable cooler from Coleman might be small but it can hold up to 11 cans with 8 lbs. of ice.
Throw Blanket
Any game can run for hours and if your partner gets cold easily, they might not sit still and might opt to hang out in another part of the house that’s toastier. To make sure, they can watch the game comfortably without their toes and lips turning blue, purchase this throw blanket for them before the game. It’s the perfect blanket to lounge around or even snuggle up when you yourself are feeling cold (or to wipe your tears away when your team’s performance is far from stellar).
Back Pillow
You can never have too many pillows and this back pillow from Nestl can make watching the game even more enjoyable. A sturdy, and supportive back pillow, your spouse will not have any back issues even if the game went into overtime and they need to sit with you for a few hours more. The good thing with this pillow is that it’s also perfect for when they’re reading a book or doing some work. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
