Last-minute holiday shopping made easy for St. Louis Cardinals fans

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In the spirit of the holidays, baseball’s 30 general managers have been shopping for presents, essentially new players. Many have found new clubhouse pieces through trading or free agency, and while such transactions are pricey, they are giving teams the opportunity to shape next year’s plans.

But general managers shouldn’t be the only customers cashing in on baseball-related gifts in the season of giving.

While Christmas is just a few short days away, fans can still do some last minute shopping for St. Louis Cardinals-themed presents to surprise their close ones. Rather if buying online or at a store, there are several quick gifts that can hit a home run in a matter of a few days. Here are five reasonable options for anyone who still feels they may be behind on their holiday shopping.

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1. Bobbleheads

For the avid sports junkie in your family, bobbleheads make a great gift. These collectibles have rose so high in popularity across St. Louis that the Cardinals have even devoted seven bobblehead giveaways in their promotions schedule. Fans may check out options for bobble head ticket plans online, but other alternatives exist for those who want their possessions even sooner. Forever Collectibles just came out with a new series of Cardinal bobbleheads to local sports memorabilia stores, which includes fan favorites such Adam Wainwright, Matt Carpenter and Michael Wacha, in addition to Hall-Of-Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.

Price Range: Forever Collectibles manufactured bobbleheads can sell around $30, bobblehead pack plans vary.

Sellers: Local Collector Stores, Cardinals Clubhouse Stores or St. Louis Cardinals website.

2.Cardinals Clothing

Clothes are perhaps one of the most common Christmas commodities, as people’s taste in style and size can change on a yearly basis. So why not prepare for the next Cardinals season with something fresh and new? Many stores offer clearance prices on 2014 Cardinals Postseason apparel, but fans can expand horizons with Cardinals-themed shorts, flip flops, hats and more. The most popular choice tends to be player T-shirts, which feature current players and past legends. A good player to target is Yadier Molina, as the six-time All-Star is marketed so highly in St. Louis that he is featured on pair of socks from the brand For Bare Feet.

Price Range: Usually $25-40, based on brand, size and clothing article. Jerseys could exceed $100.

Sellers: Cardinals Clubhouse Stores or St. Louis Cardinals website.

3. Good Reads

In the past few years, there have been some pretty impressive stories written about St. Louis Cardinals history. St. Louis Post-Dispatch beat writer Derrick Goold published a book called “100 Things Cardinals Fans Should Know And Do Before They Die” with interesting ideas and facts for Redbird fans. Rob Rains is another beat writer who looks into the spiritual motives of the Cardinals in his work “Intentional Walk”. My personal favorite would have to be “One Last Strike”, which recreates vivid memories of the Cardinals 2011 World Series Championship run through the eyes of former manager Tony La Russa.

Price Range: Most books cost around $20-$50, based on authors, story, timeliness, etc.

Sellers: Local book stores, Cardinal Clubhouse Stores or St. Louis Cardinals website.

4. Winter Warm Up Pass

If you know a fan who likes to interact with players and get involved with Cardinals-related events, a Winter Warm-Up pass may be the perfect idea. The event takes place at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch from Saturday, January 17, 2015 to Monday, January 19, 2015. Although most autograph sessions, contests and auctions cost extra money, all proceeds are used to support the Cardinals Care foundation, which support Redbird Rookies and other baseball related organizations across the city. With several exhibits and interactive opportunities, Winter-Warm Up raises Cardinal spirit in the offseason.

Price Range: General admission pass costs $10 for kids 15 years of age and under, $40 for adults. May need to supplement anywhere from $20-$200 for autograph tickets.

Sellers: Cardinals Clubhouse Stores or St. Louis Cardinals website.

5. St. Louis Cardinal 2015 Ticket Packs

For those who can’t afford season tickets, you’re in luck. The team offers seven different 5-game packs and three 10-game packs that could be more priceworthy and make future games easier to attend. As mentioned before, the bobblehead pack receives a lot of popularity year after year. But there’s several other intriguing options as well, including the Ring Pack, Weekend Pack and 1985 NL Champions Pack. There’s even a five-game plan devoted to the team’s archrival Chicago Cubs. While fans may have to wait four months before regular season games in St. Louis, this is the one commodity that keeps on giving to true Cardinal fans.

Price Range: Anywhere from $100 to possibly $1000 based on seating and pack preferences.

Sellers: St. Louis Cardinals website.

Just like some baseball general managers, most people may not quite be done with their holiday shopping. But for those still looking to reward a special Cardinal fan in their life, look no further than these five easy options.