Stuck for what to give that sports fan in your life for Christmas? Here are some ideas:
What it is: NBA 2K15 videogame for XBox One and PlayStation 4 ($40)
Why your sports fan will love it: This is about the closest you can get to playing in an NBA game without being a player. The graphics, powered at 60 frames per second, are so realistic that houseguests may confuse it for a real NBA game on your TV. In the popular MyCareer mode, NBA veterans on each team mentor you as an undrafted rookie trying to make it; Al Horford represents the Hawks.
Why your sports fan may not: There have been complaints about the game's online experience, including lagging.
Good, bad, ugly: NBA 2K15's combination of stunning graphics and smooth gameplay are unmatched among sports games. But the online problems bother me, though I haven't personally experienced much of it.
Comment: If Santa forces me to pick only one video game for this year, this is it.
What it is: WWE 2K15 videogame for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 ($40)
Why your sports fan will love it: The ring entrances of the wrestlers and the face-captured images of them are better than ever. The actual wrestling competition is portrayed more realistically, but it comes at a cost by reducing entertainment value. The Showcase mode features two of the most intense rivalries in WWE history: Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H and John Cena vs. CM Punk. You alternate between film clips and your in-game moments.
Why your sports fan may not: There's a shrunken roster of competitors, less overall wrestling history and a limited creation suite. The "chain wrestling" at the beginning of matches slows down the action and can be annoying.
Good, bad, ugly: It's better visually than older wrestling games but takes a step back in some other areas.
Comment: A gift that only a die-hard WWE fan would enjoy.
What it is: Topgolf Alpharetta ($25-45 per hour for group, plus $5 one-time membership fee per person)
Why your sports fan will love it: This is like one of those fancy triple-deck golf driving ranges you see in Japan. There are 102 climate-controlled bays and you get unlimited golf balls — each containing a microchip to measure distance and accuracy — to compete against other members in your party. Each bay is decorated with sofas and HDTVs and offers full service for food and drinks.
Why your sports fan may not: You have to pay extra for reservations or to use high-end golf clubs (basic clubs are free). Drinks are pricey but clubhouse food is reasonable.
Good, bad, ugly: It's like going to the driving range and your favorite neighborhood hangout at the same time. There's live music on the third level on weekends.
Comment: Sweet deal if you can gather 4-6 people to split the costs.
What it is: College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience, downtown Atlanta ($19.99 for adults; $16 for kids 12-under)
Why your sports fan will love it: There's an overload of historical artifacts from college football for adults, along with interactive games to keep the kids interested. My favorite activity was sitting at the ESPN desk and taping a segment of College GameDay. I also liked virtual face-painting a picture of myself and trying to kick a 30-yard field goal.
Why your sports fan may not: Nearby parking can be expensive and hard to find on weekends.
Good, bad, ugly: It's a nice way to spend the day if you're already in Atlanta, love college football and have some time to burn.
Comment: Season tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for kids but I'd recommend visiting once before making a further investment.
What it is: Holiday ticket package to the PGA Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club on Sept. 23-27, 2015 ($115 or $215 until Jan. 5)
Why your sports fan will love it: Who cares about the Masters? You can get discounted tickets to see the PGA Tour's top 30 golfers up close and in person in Atlanta. The $215 deal is for the Championship Club ticket, which allows one adult to bring four kids 18-under for free. There's also complimentary parking at Turner Field with a shuttle to the course.
Why your sports fan may not: September weather in Atlanta can be rather unpredictable.
Good, bad, ugly: OK, it's not as glamorous as the Masters, but it's still high quality — a front-row seat to the PGA Tour's final tournament of the season.
Comment: It's probably only worth it if you can round up a few kids to take with you for free.
What it is: Pro Mini Hoop, an indoor mini-basketball goal ($23.99)
Why your sports fan will love it: Playing basketball at home has never looked this good. The miniature backboard is 18x12 inches (perfect for hanging over the door) and made of clear polycarbonate. The best part, of course, is the break-away rim, which allows you to host epic slam-dunk contests among friends in your home.
Why your sports fan may not: A quality ball is provided but you may want to purchase a softer one at a dollar store if you're worried about breaking stuff.
Good, bad, ugly: It's sleek-looking, easy to assemble and durable, three important qualities for an indoor mini-basketball court. Perfect to use at the office or at home.
Comment: Ideal gift for the basketball fan in your family and looks much more expensive than it costs.
What it is: Subscriptions to recruiting websites such as 247sports, Rivals, Scout and ESPN ($7-10 monthly)
Why your sports fan will love it: College football recruiting is called a "soap opera for men," and few things can get fans as excited in the offseason as landing your team's next potential superstar. The major recruiting websites provide detailed information on a year-round basis.
Why your sports fan may not: You can get a lot of the same information without paying for it on free websites.
Good, bad, ugly: ESPN is good for following mainstream recruiting stories, but it doesn't offer the depth of coverage on UGA and Georgia Tech as the other three websites. Dawgs247 (247sports) for UGA and JacketsOnline.com (Rivals) for Georgia Tech are among the best for hard-core recruiting fans.
Comment: Good gift for the football fan who sits in a front of a computer at work and needs to look busy.
What it is: Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, with locations in Roswell, Kennesaw and Suwanee (Starts at $10 for 30 minutes)
Why your sports fan will love it: An excellent alternative to video games. With help from trampolines, you can bounce 10 feet in the air and dunk a basketball like you see on video games. The park's most popular game is dodge ball; there are monthly tournaments and daily pick-up games.
Why your sports fan may not: It can get crowded with kids on the weekends. Advance online reservations are recommended.
Good, bad, ugly: The costs add up in a hurry when you're gathering a group for a few hours of jumping. There is also $2 per person charge for Sky Socks, the required footwear. Look for coupons.
Comment: Worth a try if you're trying to get the kids off the sofa to both have fun and exercise.
What it is: Eagles Nest Outfitters SingleNest Hammock ($60)
Why your sports fan will love it: This portable hammock, which can be rolled up and transported in a small bag, is ideal to carry along to football games, camping or other sporting events for when you need a nap. College students love them.
Why your sports fan may not: It may seem a little expensive (compared to the size of the product) on the front end, but the money will be well spent, provided you use it. You will also need straps to tie to into trees or poles, which cost an additional $25.
Good, bad, ugly: The hammock, made of parachute materials, only takes a couple of minutes to set up anywhere. And it's very comfortable.
Comment: This is one of this season's most popular sports-related gifts.
What it is: The official UGA cologne or perfume by Masik.com ($39.50 for 1.7 ounces)
Why your sports fan will love it: Twenty colleges, including most of the SEC, have released official colognes, perfumes and even air fresheners ($4.99) through Masik Collegiate Fragrances.
Why your sports fan may not: You may go years without wearing it if your team has some bad seasons.
Good, bad, ugly: The cologne and perfume are billed as "a signature scent exclusively created to capture the essence of … Modern, Sophisticated and Fierce." Does anything else need to be said?
Comment: This is what you get when you've run out of ideas for the college fan who seems to have everything else.
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