Sports Mama Tip: 2017 Holiday Gift Ideas!

Thanksgiving has come and gone! Our tree is up and all Fall décor has been replaced by Christmas décor.

And of course, the boys' wish lists have been made!


I didn't get to do any shopping at all on Black Friday, as I was still recovering from football hangover. (How about them Redskins?!?)

So, I'm hoping to snag some Cyber Monday deals! But first, I thought I'd share some of the sports related items on their lists with you all.

• Basketball knee pads

• Headbands

• "Cool" Socks   

• Compression pants

• Jerseys

• Madden 2K18







• Gift Cards- Foot Locker, Dick's, GameStop, Target, Visa, and Amazon are always a hit.

I hope this list gave you some ideas for the little (or big!) sports fanatic(s) in your life.


Happy shopping, mamas!!!



Weekend Snapshots: Football Ends & Basketball Begins!

This past weekend was a busy one. We had three football parties and five basketball games!


We kicked it off at a local bowling alley for Coach Hubby and No. 1's end of season party. Which by the way was completely covered by our touchdown jar! For one all inclusive price, each boy received two and a half hours of bowling, shoes, and his choice of pizza, chicken tenders, a hot dog, or mini corn dogs.

And you just can't have an end of season party without cake...

Or coaches gifts!

I purchased each coach a personalized beer glass with donations I received from our parents.

And a t-shirt in our colors with the entire team roster on the back of it!

Each player received one as well.

Along with a trophy provided by our club, for making it to the semifinals!

I loved how they took turns signing each others jerseys.


A great time was had by all; players, coaches, parents, and this team mama alike!

On Saturday, No. 1 jumped right into basketball. His team had their first tourney of the season.

Two games, two wins!


And then we were off to No. 2's football end of season party. His assistant coach was gracious (and brave!) enough to open his home to 15 tween boys and their families.

There were burgers, hotdogs, sides, and sweets galore. So much fun!


On Sunday, it was back to the hardwood.


Three games later, and No. 1 and his team were 5-0 and tournament CHAMPIONS!!! Woot woot!

But our Sunday didn't end there. After the tournament, I accompanied Coach Hubby to a football coaches party.


The end of football season is always so bittersweet. And although I'm sad to see it go, basketball season came in with a bang, and I'm ready for it!

Sports Mama Tip: Gift Ideas For Your Team Mom!

Team mamas are special. They are the team secretary, team cheerleader, team organizer, team party planner, team nurse, team counselor, team chauffeur, team photographer, amongst so many other things. In the words of my sweet friend Mindy, she is "the lady on the field that loves those boys just as much as their own mom".


Despite being all of these things, a fellow football mama brought to my attention recently that there aren't many resources out there with ideas for gifts for team moms. She asked me if I'd write a post with some, so here we go!

• Personalized apparel. Team mamas are full of team spirit, so you just can't go wrong with giving her something that she can wear proudly in the stands. Add a little bling if you can; because bleachers and bling, it's a sports mama thing!
• Meal prep service. I received a certificate for one of these a few seasons ago, and let me tell you- it came in handy! Your team mama spends more time at practices and games than she does at home, she'll take all the help she can get when it comes to cooking. Winner, winner, chicken (or whatever else she feels like eating!) dinner!
• Sports (spectating) gear. Because after all, that's what she does best. A cowbell, touchdown jar , stadium blanket, monopod; basically anything she can use on the sidelines is sure to have her smiling from ear to ear!
• Gift card. I don't think you can ever go wrong with this one. If you aren't exactly sure where to get her one to, a Visa is always your safest bet. This way she can buy herself whatever her little heart desires.
• Thank you card. This is hands down the gift that touches my heart the most. Your team mama doesn't do all that she does for the recognition. She does it because she loves it. A few kind words go a long way!
• Trophy! I've never received one, but I came across this one on Pinterest and thought it was the cutest thing EVER!!!

What gifts have you given your favorite team mamas? Let me know in the comment section below!






*** 11/6/18 No. 1's Freshman football team surprised me with this football signed by the entire team. I absolutely LOVE it!!! I'm sure your team mama would too!

And how cool is this?!?

Heather S., one of the awesomely creative Sports Mamas in our Facebook Group made it for her team mama!

Sports Mama Tip: End of Season Party Checklist

Fall Sports came to an end for us this weekend. No. 3 had his last soccer game of the season and both No. 1 and No. 2's football teams fell just one game short of the championship. Such a heartbreaker!


Though we don't have anymore practices or games, my job as team mama (for No. 1's team) is not yet done. I'm currently working on finalizing details for our end of season festivities.


Here is MY end of season party checklist to help make YOUR end of season party a breeze!

2 weeks before:

• Book your end of season party. Some of my favorite places include bowling alleys, laser tag, or local sports bars. You could also have a potluck at the field or even your home. Kids aren't picky, they'll be happy with whatever you decide!
• Collect money for coaches gifts. I never specify a numeric amount when collecting. I always let parents give what they want/can. Click HERE for 6 personalized gift ideas!
• Order trophies/players gifts. Some of my go-to non-trophy ideas include medals, photo books, and t-shirts.

1 week before:

• Send out invites. Don't wait until the last minute. You want the entire team to be able to make it!
• Collect party money. The cost should not all fall on you and coach. During football season, we have a touchdown jar which usually covers our parties in full. No need to ask for money at the end of the season!
• Order a cake. Photo cakes are always a big hit!

Day before:

• Send out a reminder email. Life gets busy. You don't want a player to miss the party, because their parent forgot to add the date to their calendar.
• Pack a party bag/box. I tend to forget things when I wait until the last minute. Be sure that you have your camera, coaches gifts, and player gifts packed and ready to go.

Day of:

• Pick up the cake. Schedule it to be ready several hours before the party, so that it's one less thing you have to worry about.
• Arrive about 15-20 minutes earlier than the team. This will give you time to get your self situated, decorate, and work out any last minute issues, should they arise.

During:

• Let others help you. You shouldn't have to do it all. Find volunteers to help you set-up, serve food, take pictures, and clean up.
• Enjoy yourself! Because you're the real MVP, mama!