Ahh, it’s not been the best year on or off the field, has it? Nonetheless, if you are looking for that gift for the Michigan fan who seemingly has everything, here’s a collection my favorite things. Each selection is MVictors-certified in the field of excellence. Pro Tip: email this link to your spouse and tell them “anything or everything on this list!”
Encyclopedia of U-M Mancaves:
‘The Ultimate Michigan Football Memorabilia Collectors Guide‘, a 536+-page clinical-like guide and catalog of 20 categories of University of Michigan memorabilia. If you enjoy history or memorabilia or both (and if you read this site I’m guessing it’s both) you will love this. A perfect gift for a friend or family member – they will not be disappointed. My interview with author Brian Snider here along with a bunch of shots of the pages – check it out. P.S. It’s also now available at The M Den.
Old Ann Arbor Days:
My buds at Underground Printing have beautiful products from Ann Arbor’s iconic institutions with their Made in Ann Arbor collection. Rick’s, Scorekeepers (I actually worked there for 2-3 weeks), and of course the Brown Jug are favorites.
Related: If you like these check the mgoblog MGoStore – they are releasing limited edition local tees (currently Pretzel Bell) this fall. P.S. I gave Seth his PB shirt (fact)!
M Man Shelf Required:
To make this easy I created an Amazon page of the MVictors-certified classics. You know my favorites – Stagg vs. Yost, Natural Enemies, Bo’s Lasting Lessons, Bo, Big House, Blue Ice…. Each and all required reading.
Discount: My man John Kryk tells me his publisher Rowman & Littlefield is offering 35% discount if you order Stagg vs. Yost or Natural Enemies directly from their website and use code HOLIDAY20.
Hot off the shelves…
There’s new edition to the list, just released! COACH YOST: Michigan’s Tradition Maker.
It’s the second book from my friend John Behee, the man who arguably created the genre of revisionist sports history with his 1971 book, ‘Fielding Yost’s Legacy to the University of Michigan.’ Check his latest out at the M Den. Be one of the first to read it to impress your friends and make women swoon.
Michigan Stadium Redwood:
My friend Martin at Michigan Stadium Products had a very cool idea. How about a collection of classy items made from the original redwood bench seating from the Big House (1927)? Yes please.
And they’ve added a collection from the maple floor of Crisler Arena – included a few items signed by Cazzie Russell. These are no-brainer for the fan who has everything but doesn’t have this yet.
We Kept the Jug, Remind Everyone:
My friends at Rivalry Trophy did it right. In fact co-owner Brian McDonald admitted perusing Little Brown Jug Lore on these pages to dial in the dimensions of their wonderful replicas. If you don’t have a replica jug in your Man/Person Shrine I don’t want to talk to you.
Ballers Only:
It’s tough to beat the Michigan-themed items from Shinola including the formidable Wolverine Detrola 43MM (above). Or check out the wonderful Mara Watch collection of accessories from The M-Den.
Class and Sophistication…while chugging beer:
I’m fortunate to live near Ann Arbor. A common destination for me is the Nickels Arcade. I always start with a stroll through the Van Boven clothing shop. It’s been around since the Yost era (1921) and they have the classy-ass Michigan gear. Other than the ties and clothing, a stand-out: this awesome leather, needlepoint beer cooler. Side benefit: During games, you can pull it off and throw it at the TV.
Roundball, right?
Hoops is hot. UM Hoops has unequaled, wall-to-ball coverage. Merely a few bucks a month, Gift subscribe for yourself and/or a friend – I did.
Old Blue:
You can find some incredible deals on full vintage game programs on eBay, all the way back to Yost and earlier if you look hard enough. I always love these because they are such a time capsule – not only with coverage of the old football teams but also the old advertisements and athletic department messages and features. A wonderful “how did you think of that?”-like gift.
Free Stuff.
Finally a few priceless items for the budget-conscious. Follow MVictors on Twitter or the new YouTube channel, don’t cost a dime.
