Holiday gift guide 2024: What to get the sports fan who already has everything
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this past year, and the Wave’s home kit is back in stock just in time for the holidays. The jersey’s striking design, featuring a wave pattern on the front, pays homage to the team’s coastal roots and has become a must-have for fans looking to support one of the league’s most exciting teams. —Meg Linehan, NWSL Senior Editor
GO DEEPER
Local designer creates San Diego Wave’s home jersey
“Tyreek Hill jersey” had a 1,400 percent increase in searches in June compared to the start of the NFL season when he set a record for receiving yards in a game.
“Kari Burton hat” had a 1,200 percent increase in searches in August compared to the start of the WNBA season when she had a triple double in her first career game.
And if you’re looking for something more lighthearted, the most searched fictional athlete merchandise included:
“Space Jam jersey” searches were up 450 percent in July compared to when the movie was released in theaters. The LeBron James movie made $130 million in ticket sales.
“Rocky Balboa trunks” were searched 300 percent more in August compared to the first release of the classic Sylvester Stallone film in 1976.
Other fun facts: the four most searched athletes on eBay throughout the year have been LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels). After being named NL Rookie of the Year, the demand for the Topps Debut Patch card of the talented player soared, with the Pittsburgh Pirates even offering a unique bounty for it. This player has truly become a hot commodity in the sports memorabilia world, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Following his incredible performance in Game 1 of the World Series, where he hit a walk-off grand slam to secure a victory for the LA Dodgers, searches for Freddie Freeman increased by almost 1,500 percent. His stellar performance throughout the series led to him being named the MVP, further solidifying his status as a top player in the league.
In the world of trading card collecting, searches for “PSA 10” increased by 30 percent in October compared to the previous year. This trend suggests a growing focus on cards that are deemed to be in gem-mint condition by the industry’s largest grading company, showcasing the evolving preferences of collectors in the market.
On a more offbeat note, the annual Masters garden gnome continues to gain popularity, with fans eager to get their hands on this exclusive item. The gnome, which is only available for purchase at the Masters tournament each year, has become a sought-after collectible, with the 2024 edition selling for significantly higher prices on eBay.
Vintage NFL gear also saw a spike in searches after Taylor Swift was spotted wearing an old Chiefs jacket that was purchased on eBay. This celebrity endorsement further fueled interest in vintage sports apparel, highlighting the impact that popular figures can have on the collectibles market.
One of the most coveted sports-related items of the year was the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobblehead giveaway. Following the giveaway, searches for Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads on eBay skyrocketed, with fans clamoring to get their hands on this adorable collectible. There is even a rare gold variation of the bobblehead, adding to the excitement surrounding this sought-after item.
Overall, the sports memorabilia and collectibles market continues to thrive, with collectors and enthusiasts alike seeking out unique and valuable items to add to their collections. Whether it’s a rare trading card, an exclusive garden gnome, or a cute bobblehead, there is no shortage of in-demand items for fans to enjoy. The Benefits of Yoga for Mental Health
Yoga has long been known for its physical benefits, such as increased flexibility, strength, and balance. But what many people may not realize is that yoga also has numerous mental health benefits. In fact, regular practice of yoga has been shown to improve mental well-being in a variety of ways.
One of the primary mental health benefits of yoga is stress reduction. The practice of yoga involves deep breathing, mindfulness, and physical movement, all of which can help calm the nervous system and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to decreased feelings of anxiety and overall improved mood.
Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep quality. Many people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders find that regular yoga practice helps them fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly throughout the night. This is likely due to the relaxation and stress-reducing effects of yoga, as well as the focus on mindfulness and present moment awareness.
Additionally, yoga can help improve symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that yoga can increase levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is often low in people with depression. Yoga can also help increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are key neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. The physical movement and mindfulness practices of yoga can also help individuals cope with negative thoughts and emotions, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
Moreover, yoga can improve overall mental well-being and resilience. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation. These skills can help individuals navigate life’s challenges with more ease and grace, and can lead to greater overall mental health and well-being.
In conclusion, the mental health benefits of yoga are vast and profound. By incorporating yoga into your regular routine, you can experience reduced stress, improved sleep, decreased symptoms of depression, and overall improved mental well-being. So next time you roll out your yoga mat, remember that you are not only benefiting your body, but also your mind. With the rise of technology and social media, the way we consume news and information has drastically changed. Gone are the days of waiting for the morning newspaper or the evening news broadcast to get updates on current events. Now, news is readily available at our fingertips 24/7 through various online platforms.
One of the biggest changes in news consumption has been the shift towards social media as a primary source of information. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become popular destinations for people to get their news. With the ability to follow news organizations and journalists, users can quickly access breaking news and updates on their feeds. This immediacy has revolutionized the way we stay informed about the world around us.
Additionally, the rise of online news websites and apps has made it easier than ever to access news from around the globe. With just a few clicks, readers can explore a wide range of topics and perspectives, giving them a more comprehensive understanding of current events. These platforms also offer the convenience of personalized news feeds, allowing users to tailor their news consumption to their interests and preferences.
Another significant change in news consumption is the decline of traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television news. With more people turning to digital sources for their news, print publications and broadcast news programs have seen a decrease in readership and viewership. This shift has forced many traditional media companies to adapt to the digital age by investing in online platforms and social media presence.
Despite these advancements in news consumption, there are also challenges that come with the digital age. The rise of fake news and misinformation has become a growing concern, as it can spread quickly and easily through social media. This has led to a greater emphasis on media literacy and critical thinking skills to help users discern between credible sources and unreliable information.
In conclusion, the way we consume news has changed significantly in recent years with the rise of technology and social media. While these advancements have made it easier than ever to stay informed, they have also brought new challenges that need to be addressed. As we continue to navigate this digital landscape, it is important to stay vigilant and discerning in our news consumption to ensure that we are getting accurate and reliable information. The rise of plant-based diets has been a hot topic in recent years, with more and more people choosing to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. There are many reasons why people are making the switch to plant-based diets, including health benefits, environmental concerns, and animal welfare.
One of the main reasons people choose to go plant-based is for the health benefits. Studies have shown that plant-based diets can help lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based diets are typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, and higher in fiber and antioxidants, which can help improve overall health and well-being.
Another reason people are choosing plant-based diets is for environmental reasons. The meat and dairy industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing plant-based foods, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the planet for future generations.
Animal welfare is also a driving force behind the rise of plant-based diets. Many people are becoming more aware of the ethical issues surrounding factory farming and are choosing to opt for plant-based alternatives to avoid contributing to animal suffering.
There are many delicious and nutritious plant-based options available, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Plant-based diets can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional diets, and there are endless possibilities for creating delicious and creative plant-based meals.
Whether you are considering going plant-based for health reasons, environmental concerns, or animal welfare, there are many resources available to help you make the transition. From cookbooks and online recipes to plant-based restaurants and grocery stores, there are plenty of options to help you embrace a plant-based lifestyle.
Overall, the rise of plant-based diets is a positive trend that can benefit both individuals and the planet. By choosing plant-based foods, we can improve our health, reduce our environmental impact, and help protect animals. So why not give plant-based eating a try and see the benefits for yourself?
