Buying gifts for the man in your life can sometimes seem like a daunting prospect. If you're in the dating stage of the relationship, you may be leery about buying him a gift that's either too personal or too expensive. If you've been in a committed relationship or have been married for several years, you run the risk of buying him a gift that's utilitarian but unimaginative. Even though he may want a new set of drill bits for his birthday, that kind of gift won't add sparks to your relationship. If you're mate is a sports fan, though, you can find a number of gifts that communicate your thoughtfulness - particularly if you don't share his enthusiasm for NASCAR, the NFL, or the NBA. Going to the mall and finding a sports-related gift will communicate that you recognize and respect that sports are important to him.

If he's a fan of a particular team, a leather jacket with his team's logo on it would make a perfect gift. While he may not appreciate tickets to the theater, he would certainly treasure tickets to a local major league game. There are also a number of gifts you could buy that would make him more comfortable while he watches the games at home. You could buy him a stadium blanket, a special bowl for his favorite half-time snacks, or a set of mugs so he and his buddies can toss back beverages while they watch the game.

If the man in your life is more of an outdoor sportsman, the range of potential gifts is virtually limitless. A GPS system can help him navigate through the wilderness or to his favorite fishing hole. Binoculars or other surveillance equipment would be welcomed by bird watchers and hunters alike. Although he's not about to take a stereo with him when he's roughing it, an MP3 player will keep him company while he's away. A sportsman also finds that quality pocket knives or hunting knives also come in handy. And whether his idea of outdoor fun is a wilderness adventure or a backyard barbecue, waterproof cameras are always a welcome gift.

When you get your sports fan or sportsman a gift that reflects his interests and hobbies, you're demonstrating that you understand and support him. Most men would never admit it, but that kind of validation makes him feel appreciated and loved.

While you're at the mall selecting his gift, you might also want to give some thought to picking up a few items to distract him from the Sunday games. A few pieces of lingerie, a bottle of nice perfume, and some jewelry - pearls, perhaps - might be just the thing to turn his attention to you!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Sports Website and Majon's Sports directory.