The Sport and Recreation Alliance knows that Christmas can be a stressful time and buying presents for loved ones can be a tricky task. But fear not, with not long until Christmas day, the Alliance has searched far and wide for our top ten gift ideas this yuletide. In no particular order, they are:

Rugby League World Cup tickets

The Rugby League World Cup hits these shores in autumn 2013, with 55% of tickets for all the matches available for as little as £20.

The pick of the matches would have to be the opening ceremony double header of Australia v England and Wales v Italy at the Millenium Stadium on 26 October for which tickets can still be had for as little as £30.

Visit the Rugby League World Cup website for more information.

Richer Than God: Manchester City, Modern Football and Growing Up (Quercus)

The excellent Guardian journalist David Conn uses the rise of his beloved Manchester City Football Club as the vehicle through which to discuss the financial changes football has seen over the recent past – specifically describing the club's ascent from relative obscurity to the top of the Premier League.

David Conn is famed for posing awkward questions and he pulls no punches in his assessment of the state of play to provide an insightful and thought-provoking read.

Ballet: The Nutcracker

Between now and 5 January 2013 journey back in time with English National Ballet to a frost-covered, gas-lit London and join Clara, her Nutcracker and the magician Drosselmeyer in this traditional festive tale for all the family.

Taking place at the London Coliseum this classic must be seen to be appreciated.

For more information visit the English National Ballet website.

Cricket equipment

Christmas is in winter. Cricket is a summer sport. However, this difference means you can pick up one of last season’s cricket bats for bargain basement prices.

You can get some great deals by going to your local county bat maker and taking a look at some of last season’s bats or buying some of last season’s pad designs with massive reductions online.

Thermal clothes

This year we’ve seen a freezing cold snap already and the Alliance wouldn’t bet against this occurring again in 2013. So get your loved ones prepared for the onslaught of goose bump-inducing weather and make sure they are kitted out with some thermal base layers.

Great for playing team sports, jogging or cycling, base layers will help people stay active even when the mercury fails to rise above zero.

Gliding experience

Want an experience day where you can experience flight without an engine or perhaps even have a go yourself? The British Gliding Association (BGA) offers two types of vouchers, (Trial Lesson and Go for Gliding) which can be used at over 30 different clubs throughout the UK.

The trial lesson costs £90 and consists of a session with a BGA instructor – a choice of one air tow or two winch launches, or 20 minutes in a motor glider.

The Go for Gliding voucher, which costs £180, is a half to full day course with a BGA instructor, with approximately three air tow or six winch launch flights. For more info visit the BGA website.

Scuba diving lesson

The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) offers Scuba4You, an ideal gift for anyone who has always wanted to learn to dive or is simply curious and has a sense of adventure. Costing just £29 for one of £45 for two people.

The lesson can be taken at any one of the nationwide BASC clubs and sessions typically last around two hours and include an introduction, demonstration of the scuba equipment, full poolside instruction and pool time.

For more information visit the BSAC website.

Walking boots

What better time for winter walks with the family is there than Christmas? Rousing yourself from in front of the fire and into the countryside or just around the park is the perfect way to work up an appetite for those homemade mince pies.

A pair of good-quality, good-fit, waterproof boots and some thermal socks would be the ideal Christmas present to ensure that you can make the most of your time off.

A gym subscription

Lots of us have that New Year’s Resolution to get more active or to train that little bit harder in preparation for our matches on Saturdays. But sometimes, things just crop up – and we never do get round to strapping on our trainers and joining the gym.

Well why not help your loved ones overcome those little hurdles by getting them (and yourself) a six-week gym subscription?

Caution: approach this gift with care as if broached the wrong way, could result in a spectacular backfire on the hoped for Christmas joy.

Board games

Board games are synonymous with Christmas and indeed can make (or break) the joy around the living room after a Boxing Day leftovers lunch. So why not try some of the lesser known or newer games to stop Uncle Nev jammily avoiding Mayfair every time.

We recommend trying out the Game of Life – no not our ground-breaking research, but this board game where you attempt to imitate real life, from school to retirement.
 

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